1216 ic issuu

{DECEMBER 2016}

free

twelve days of

Holiday giveaways YOUR CHANCE TO WIN GREAT FAMILY GIFTS

FAMILY HOLIDAY traditions Simple ideas to make the season extra special

BREAKFAST

WITH SANTA GUIDE FIND THE JOLLY OLD ELF ALL OVER TOWN!

WHY PRESCHOOL MATTERS SIX REASONS NOT TO SKIP THIS FIRST SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

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I N EV E RY I S SU E

contents {DECEMBER 2016}

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22

34

{ F EATURES}

{AROUND TOWN}

{RESOURCES & CALENDARS}

20 // Holiday Stress Pitfalls

12 ENCOUR AGING EMPATHY,

COMPASSION AND PHIL ANTHROPY WITHIN CHILDREN

10 B R E A K FAST W I TH SANTA

Situations that make the season less than joyful

22 // Family Holiday Traditions Simple ideas to make the season extra special

23 // Twelve Days of Holiday Giveaways Your chance to win great family gifts!

34 // Why Preschool Matters Six reasons not to skip this first school experience

36 // Learning to Lead

Local school directors describe their educational philosophies

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14 MAKE HOLIDAY MEMORIES AT CHRISTMAS AT THE ZOO 16 WINTER WATER SAFETY

42 EDUCAT I ON & C H I LDCAR E GU I DE 46 DA I LY E VENTS 48 ONGO I NG E VENTS 50 M AR K E TP L AC E 51 FUN & WAC K Y CA LEN DAR

{WOMEN'S HEALTH} 18 SKIN TO SKIN CARE

{COMMENTARY & PARENTING}

{SPECIAL NEEDS} 28 SENSORY FRIENDLY HOLIDAY EVENTS

40 AS K TH E TE AC H ER

30 ON TH E M OVE

44 A DAD I N F LUENC E

32 S PEC I A L N EEDS GU I DE 33 S PEC I A L N EEDS E VENTS

{IN EVERY ISSUE} 06 ED I TOR 'S NOTE 08 C O M M UN I T Y SP OT LIGHT

DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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E D ITO R ' S N OT E WORDS BY // SUSAN BRYANT

M ee t t h e Sta f f FOUNDING PUBLISHER Barbara Wynne // barbara@indyschild.com

PUBLISHER Mary Wynne Cox // mary@indyschild.com

EDITOR Susan Bryant // susan@indyschild.com

SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jennica Zalewski // jennica@indyschild.com

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Karen Ring // karen@indyschild.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie Clark // katie@indyschild.com

Joy. Three little letters. Simple concept.

And what December is all about.

But what words often symbolize this month for busy families? Holiday Frenzy! Family Stress! And (yikes) Maxed Credit Cards!

How can we get our holiday mojo back?

Those feelings of wonder and magic that our kids seem to effortlessly tap into? (This is a rhetorical question, because I don’t know either!)

I think it starts with a general “lowering of the bar” for what this season is supposed to be.

I’m a slow learner on this one myself, having aspired to create the picture-perfect holiday experience for my children over the years, but there are a few lessons that have sunk in: • Kids love the fun of baking and decorating Christmas cookies, not how perfect they turn out. So embrace the experience, not the final product.

(A philosophy that can be applied to many situations.)

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DIGITAL PUBLISHER + EVENTS Wendy Hasser // wendy@indyschild.com

• Kids rarely remember the toy from last year that they just had to have. So don't drive yourself crazy shopping for “must have” presents.

• Kids do remember every single holiday tradition or ritual your family has ever done. So invest the time in making those memories.

• Kids get a little further away from believing in Santa every year. So slow down and be in the moment. Their childhood is passing more quickly than you know.

The joy we’re looking for this time of year? It really is all around us. Just like it is every day when we take the time to revel in the small funny, crazy, sweet and hair-raising moments that children fill our lives with. This holiday season, we hope you embrace all the joy this time of year brings – and appreciate how it reveals itself in your family life all year long.

GR APHICS ASSISTANT Maria Tancredi // maria@indyschild.com

BUSINESS MANAGER Roxanne Burns // roxanne@indyschild.com

INTERN Meg Wynne // meg@indyschild.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Maggie Loiselle, Andrea Limke, Lauren Lawson, Deb Krupowicz, Pete Gilbert, Kelly Blewett and Kate Emmert

CONTACT US 6340 Westfield Blvd., Ste 200, Indianapolis, IN 46220 PHONE: 317.722.8500 | FAX: 317.722.8510 EMAIL: info@indyschild.com

COPYRIGHT Indy’s Child Parenting 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.indyschild.com.

our cover kid {MEET CAROLINE} Age: 5 years

{FavoriteS} Color // Green Food // Cucumbers and tomatoes SPORT // Soccer ICE CREAM FLAVOR // Cake batter TV SHOW // Winx SCHOOL SUBJECT // P.E. class!

RESTAURANT // Jimmy John's BOOK // Magic School Bus MOVIE // Inside Out SUPER HERO // Wonder Woman TOY // Princesses CANDY BAR // Kit Kat bar

{FUN FACT} I've kissed a dolphin! And when I grow up, I want to be a technology teacher!

DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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I N EV E RY I S SU E

community {SPOTLIGHT}

Check out the newest addition to Jingle Rails

Take in a holiday performance (or two or three)

The Eiteljorg Museum’s Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure has become a holiday favorite for many area families – and for good reason. Where else can you watch in awe as nine working model trains weave past local and national treasures like the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Lucas Oil Stadium, Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon, all intricately rendered out of natural materials like twigs and moss? As an added bonus this year, enjoy a unique photo op when you pose your family for a picture next to the near-life-size train engine model, made of the same all-natural materials used to create the exhibit.

The holiday season is the perfect time to introduce children to the vibrant performing arts scene in Indianapolis. From timeless theater productions to festive holiday sing-alongs, there is truly something to entertain the entire family this time of year.

November 19, 2016 through January 16, 2017 Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Indianapolis eiteljorg.org/

A Christmas Carol This timeless tale of loss and redemption has returned to the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s snow-covered stage once again. If this performance is not already a holiday tradition in your household, there’s no time like the present. Catch A Christmas Carol now through December 24. You’ll be glad you did!

Indiana Repertory Theatre main stage, Indianapolis irtlive.com

This fast-paced, entertaining cabaret of handcrafted marionettes is back by popular demand. Children and adults will delight in the marionettes’ hilarious antics brought to life by skilled puppeteers. And, of course, everyone is encouraged to sing along with the show’s classic holiday songs.

Saturday, December 17 at 10:30 am Center for the Performing Arts Robert Adam Room, Carmel

The Elves and the Shoemaker: A Musical Holiday Fable

thecenterfortheperformingarts.org

Enjoy a unique twist on this classic, heartwarming fable at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ Lilly Theater. Packed with sing-a-longs, dance-a-longs and lots of audience participation, The Elves and the Shoemaker is sure to delight children of all ages (and their grown-ups). This performance is included with museum admission. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10 am at the Lower Level ticket booth.

A Beef & Boards Christmas

Nov. 25–27, Dec. 3–4, 10–11, 17–18, 20–23, 27–31, 2016 and Jan. 1, 2017 at 1 and 3pm

If you are looking for show-stopping performances brimming with holiday cheer, A Beef & Boards Christmas has you covered.

This annual crowd pleaser is jam-packed with a glittering array of song and dance numbers that are sure to get your toes tapping. As an added bonus, this holiday performance comes complete with its own mouthwatering dinner buffet.

Tuesdays through Sundays, November 25-December 23

Christmas Eve at 11:30 am

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, Indianapolis

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ Lilly Theatre

beefandboards.com/

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Melchior Marionettes Holiday Cabaret on Strings

Shop local at area winter farmers markets Summer lives on (well, in spirit anyway) thanks to these area farmers markets that have taken up residence indoors for the winter months.

Indy Winter Farmers Market

Fishers Farmers Market

Shop for fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, baked goods, herbs and natural products – all sourced locally.

Find meat, poultry, produce, specialty items, baked goods and more at this newly launched winter market.

Saturdays, 9 am – 12:30 pm

Saturdays, 9 am – noon

November 12, 2016 through April 29, 2017 (closed 12/24 and 12/31)

November 5 through March 18

Circle City Industrial Complex 1125 E Brookside Ave., Indianapolis, IN

Billericay Park building 12690 Promise Road, Fishers fishers.in.us/

growingplacesindy.org/indy-winterfarmers-market/

The JCC Farmers Market Broad Ripple Farmers Market Join Midtown’s neighborhoods of Broad Ripple, Butler-Tarkington, Mapleton-Fall Creek and Meridian-Kessler in celebrating great food, life and buying local. The market is held within a local brewery, but is open to all ages.

Saturdays, 9 am – noon Dec 3, 2016 through April 15, 2017 Bent Rail Brewery 5301 Winthrop Ave., Indianapolis broadripplefarmersmarket.org/winter/

Carmel Farmers Market This market, hosted in partnership with the Carmel Clay Parks Department, offers an outstanding selection of seasonal goods and produce.

Saturdays, 9 am – noon November 19, 2016 through March 11, 2017 (closed 12/24 and 12/31) Wilfong Pavilion at Founders Park 11675 Hazel Dell Pkwy, Carmel

Find kosher baked goods, local honey, organic vegetables, chocolate, tea, apples and more at the only regularly scheduled Sunday market in the city. JCC reusable Farmers Market shopping bags are available for a suggested $5 donation.

Third Sunday of the month, 10 am – 1:30 pm Jewish Community Center 6701 Hoover Rd, Indianapolis jccindy.org/community/ farmers-market/

Go on a cosmic adventure with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Take a break from the holiday action and prepare to blast off on an intergalactic adventure with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Out Of This World™, December 1-4 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Out Of This World transports the entire family on an unforgettable outer space journey as Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson and “Circus Star Seeker” Paulo battle evil forces, the Intergalactic Circus Queen Tatiana and her bumbling henchman Davis, to return the most talented circus performers in the universe back to Earth. Be sure to arrive early for fun-filled interactive elements before the show that are included with every ticket purchase.

Dec. 1-4 Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis Tickets available at www.Ringling.com, by phone at Ticketmaster, 800-745-3000, or in person at Bankers Life Fieldhouse box office.

Get the scoop on all the holiday fun Looking for family-friendly holiday fun? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve got the scoop on all of the holiday action in Indy – from the best holiday light displays to the go-to spots for Santa sightings, you can find it all in our HUGE section of holiday fun at IndysChild.com. Stay up to speed on your favorite holiday traditions and discover new places to make memories this season.

Visit indyschild.com/holiday-fun to get started.

carmelfarmersmarket.com/ the-market/ DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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The Brickyard Crossing Date: Dec. 3 Time: 9-11 am Address: 4400 W. 16th Street, Indianapolis Don’t miss this extra special opportunity to visit up close and personal with the one and only Santa Claus. Reserve your family’s spot at Breakfast with Santa, catered by Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Enjoy a breakfast buffet, including waffle station. $15 per adult and $7.50 for children 12 and under. Make your reservations by emailing Karen Darnaby at karend@ ruthschris.us.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Dates: Dec. 3-4, 11, 17 Time: 8-10 am Address: 3000 N Meridian St., Indianapolis

What could be better than meeting Santa?

How about sharing a big plate of pancakes together? The jolly old elf is popping up all over town to have breakfast with good little girls and boys.

Here’s a few places to sit down with the big guy.

Enjoy a breakfast of scrambled eggs, potatoes, french toast, fruit salad, coffee, juice, hot cocoa and tea – and visit with Santa! Participate in holiday activities and make your very own slide bag to ride down the Yule Slide. Visit childrensmuseum.org/visit to make reservation.

Indiana State Museum Dates: Nov. 26-27, Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24 Time: Saturday seating times: 8, 8:30 and 9 am Address: 650 W Washington St., Indianapolis Sunday seating times: 9, 9:30 and 10 am Guests start their mornings off with a delicious holiday breakfast in the L. S. Ayres Tea Room and Café as several holiday characters entertain children.

After breakfast, visit Santa in his house and take a ride on the Santa Claus Express. For reservations call (317) 232-1637.

Maggiano's Little Italy Date: Dec. 17

The Sycamore at Mallow Run Date: Dec. 17 Time: Breakfast from 9 am-11 am and Brunch from 12 pm-2 pm Address: 7070 W Whiteland Rd., Bargersville, IN Kids of all ages are invited to enjoy a morning with Jolly Old Saint Nick as he makes an appearance at The Sycamore the weekend before his big night! There will be fun Christmas crafts for the kiddos, music, a visit from the horses, and, of course, an appearance from Santa Claus! Both breakfast and brunch feature a delicious breakfast buffet by Ralph & Ava’s Catering, including biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, hash brown casserole and a pancake bar! Tickets may be purchased at bit.ly/ sycamorepancakeswithsanta.

The VILLE Restaurant Date: Dec. 3 Time: 9 am-11 am Location: 101 N 10th Street, Indianapolis Enjoy pancakes, breakfast potatoes, eggs, bacon and sausage with Santa, his elves and even the Grinch! For more info and reservations visit bit.ly/ santaatville or call (317) 900-6505.

Time: Breakfast will start at 8:30 am, Santa Arrives at 9:00 am

Conner Prairie

Address: 3550 E 86th St., Indianapolis

Dates: Nov. 26-27, Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 and Sundays, Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11, 18

Children can enjoy a meet & greet with Santa as well as an opportunity to create two holiday crafts. Breakfast buffet will include muffins, fresh fruit, croissants, zuccini bread, cinnamon streusel coffee cake, fran's potatoes, scrambled eggs, french toast, italian sausage and pancakes. For reservation go to bit.ly/breakfastmaggianos.

Time: 9-11 am on Saturdays, 10 am-noon on Sundays Address: 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers Have breakfast, decorate cookies and visit with Mr. Claus. New this year, join Santa in song and listen to his beloved

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rendition of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Make a day of it and head outdoors for Holiday Adventures where you’ll find Prairietown preparing for the holidays. Non-members save $3 on admission to Holiday Adventures with your Breakfast with Santa tickets; members get in free. Find the full menu at connerprairie.org. Reservations are required online at connerprairie.org or by calling (317) 776-6000.

Want to make sure Santa knows what you want for Christmas? Sidle up to him over breakfast and make your last request! (Just be certain your name will be on his “nice” list!)

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A R O U N D TOW N WORDS BY // Kate Emmert, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Encouraging Empathy, Compassion and Philanthropy Within Children What do your children think when they hear the word philanthropy? Some think the word is code for “give me money.” But Webster’s dictionary defines it as “the practice of giving money and time to help make life better for other people.” Learning the true meaning of the word can be one of the most valuable lessons you teach your child. Here’s how you can help your children create a charitable project to better understand this meaning.

First, educate them about the power they have to make a real difference in the world even though they’re young. A good starting point might be The Power of Children exhibit at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. It focuses on three children who shaped history because of their courage, perseverance and tolerance. The exhibit explores the lives of Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges and Ryan White.

The Power of Children Awards (POCA) was created to highlight modern day world-changers in grades 6-11. The award celebrates youths from across the country who have created a community-changing philanthropic

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project. The winners are awarded scholarships and grant money to invest in their projects.

The Power of Children: Ordinary Youth Making Extraordinary Differences, is a book inspired by 50 real kids who have done extraordinary things and been honored with The Power of Children award.

Contemplate the “Questions to Think About” section at the end of each story, which prompts children to think about what changes they can make in the world and discuss these changes with you in a thoughtful manner.

Dive into deeper brainstorming with the "10 Tips for Making a Difference" section that will motivate children to create projects. This book provides you with the inspiration and tools needed to prepare the future generation of leaders, your children, in philanthropy.

Try out this Super Caring Superhero project with your child. Read through the stories in The Power of Children: Ordinary Youth Making Extraordinary Differences book. Your child can create

a superhero that uses his/her powers to give back (For example, Captain Blankets who delivers blankets to the homeless.) Encourage your child to draw a comic strip about the new superhero! Creating a makeshift costume out of materials at home is super easy and what fun it is to explore the world through a philanthropic lens!

This activity opens the door to starting serious philanthropic projects.

The book is available at your local library, the museum’s store, and online.

For more information about the Power of Children Awards and the 2016 POCA winners go to childrensmuseum.org.

PHOTO CREDIT // The CHILDREN'S

MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS

DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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A R O U N D TOW N

Make Holiday Memories at Christmas at the Zoo The best of the holiday season comes together with a “wild” twist during Christmas at the Zoo presented by Teachers Credit Union and Donatos.

Now entering its 48th year, guests can experience the beauty and wonder of the Zoo in wintertime Nov. 25-27, 30; Dec. 1-4, 7-11, 14-23 and 26-30.

The Zoo opens at noon, and guests are encouraged to come early to visit some of their favorite animals before enjoying the holiday festivities from 5-9 pm. The Zoo’s more robust animals will be out late to enjoy the cooler weather, including the tigers, red panda, brown bears, walrus and many others. Plus, the

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Zoo’s indoor exhibits offer a perfect place to go when guests’ cheeks get rosy. Throughout the evening, visitors can also enjoy special animal keeper chats.

As the sun sets, the glow of twinkling lights can be seen all over the Zoo, creating a magical nighttime experience.

The 100-percent LED holiday lights are presented by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent. Several special lights displays add to the festive atmosphere, including the All-A-Glow Light Show and We Three Trees presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers. While taking in the lights,

guests can warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, sample some delicious holiday treats and enjoy the sounds of carolers singing near the fireside.

Plus, lots of family-friendly activities await in White River Gardens inside Santa’s Workshop presented by Chick-fil-A, where the little ones will love decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus, writing letters to Santa and meeting Kris Kringle himself!

Christmas at the Zoo is free for Zoo members and included with regular Zoo admission. Discount tickets are available at participating Donatos and Teachers

PHOTO CREDIT // CARLA KNAPP

Credit Union locations and guests can save when they purchase tickets at indianapoliszoo.com.

DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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A R O U N D TOW N – B R AN DED CON T ENT

Winter Water Safety Freezing temperatures bring water safety risks for young children. Andrew Joseph, area manager for Goldfish Swim School and Indianapolis water safety expert, shares important tips to keep your family safer this winter.

Stay off unfamiliar ice.

Unless a lake or pond is certified for thickness and safety, stay off the ice.

Remember that ice thickness can change on different parts of the water, and can change over night.

Have an emergency plan.

Teach children not to panic if they fall through the ice; slow, calm movement helps retain body heat. Call

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paramedics immediately even if the child appears okay. Learn infant and child CPR. Ensure adult supervision is present A drowning child usually cannot cry or shout for help, so never turn your back on your child around water or ice.

Assign a designated adult responsible for watching a child.

Make swim lessons a priority.

Enroll children in swim lessons as young as four months old. Teach children water acclimation and aquatic survival skills designed to help them survive should they reach the water alone.

Have conversations with caretakers and kids.

If your child is under another adult’s supervision, ensure the adult knows the importance of water/ice supervision, keeping gates closed and locking doors. Talk with your kids

about water safety and make certain they know what to do if they fall into water.

DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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HEA LTH & W E L L N ES S − BRANDED CON T ENT

Skin-to-Skin Care: Giving Mom & Baby an Early Advantage In simpler times, before the birth experience involved scads of high-tech instruments, babies were placed on their mama’s chest as they came into the world. As technology evolved, babies were whisked away for health assessments, at times sent to recover in artificial warmers before mom had a chance to hold her newborn.

It turns out, studies tell us, the ancient practice of skin-to-skin contact following delivery is more than a good idea: It’s also a rich source of short and long-term benefits, for both mom and baby.

To be clear, skin-to-skin care entails placing the baby naked against mom’s bare chest. Its benefits are highest when practiced for 60-90 minutes immediately following delivery, a period health professionals call transition time.

Benefits reported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other health authorities include: • Better stabilization of baby’s temperature, heart rate, breathing and blood sugars • Enhanced bonding • Improved milk production and breastfeeding • Better, longer sleep

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• Less crying for baby, reduced anxiety and stress in mother • Decreased pain perception during procedures • Mother becomes more attuned and responsive to baby’s cues • Renders artificial warmers unnecessary • Potentially better protection against allergies as baby’s skin is colonized with the friendly bacteria from mom’s skin (a possible benefit still being studied) While skin-to-skin contact should continue after mother and child return home, effects from immediate, post-delivery contact can last up to three months—“sort of the fourth trimester of pregnancy,” says Kat Tatum, an education specialist with St. Vincent. And, if mom isn’t able to provide immediate skin-to-skin contact? “We’ll ask dad or another care partner to participate until mom can do so,” says Tatum.

“Moms are coming in more educated, asking specifically about skin-to-skin contact,” adds Jill Lancaster, manager of perinatal services and lactation at St. Vincent. Lancaster says those conversations begin when expectant mothers meet with their nurse navigator as part of Monogram Maternity—an early education and custom birth design program at St. Vincent.

While mothers are quick to recognize skin-to-skin benefits, it’s also important to educate extended families, says Lancaster. “Often, relatives crowd around and want to pass the baby to each other shortly after birth,” she explains. “We help them understand this is a vital time for uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact that mom and baby don’t get back.”

During that time, nurses guide baby’s first breastfeeding session and perform health checks in a way that doesn’t interrupt the skin-to-skin care.

For returning mothers who’ve experienced watching their newborn from afar in the past, immediate skin-to-skin care is an eye-opener. “It seems to make such a big difference in their bonding,” says Lancaster, “being able to touch, hold, and learn their baby right away.”

The evidence is clear: post-delivery, skin-to-skin contact is a once-in-alifetime experience with long-lasting advantages.

To learn more, visit

MonogramMaternity.com.

DECEMBER MAY 2016 2016 // // INDYSCHILD.COM INDYSCHILD.COM

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Holiday Stress

Pitfalls

Situations that make the season less than joyful WORDS BY // LAUREN LAWSON

You’ve made a list and checked it twice (make that three times) and still your holiday todo’s are growing. From family gatherings to cookie exchanges and all the wrapping in between, the stress of preparing for the holidays can sometimes take the reason right out of the season. The most difficult part often comes from the interactions we have with the people we love most. Read on for tips on handling a few challenging holiday scenarios from local experts well-versed in managing tricky family dynamics.

SCENARIO #1 Your 8-year-old daughter has really been looking forward to seeing her long distance cousins at your family’s holiday get-together. It doesn’t take long, however, for you to notice that your brother’s children are not being very nice to her. Their teasing and name-calling are upsetting your daughter – and upsetting you too. These behaviors are happening in front of your brother, but he is not addressing it.

Should you?

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SCENARIO #2 This year you are hosting all the festivities around Christmas for your extended family. You’re happy to do this, until your in-laws announce that they are planning to stay with you for a full week. You consider three to four days to be your maximum in terms of being a gracious host. How do you broach this subject with them?

This is a very difficult situation, since you cannot predict how others will react. Redirecting the kids would be a good way to refocus their thoughts in a more positive direction. Maybe suggest a game or other activity that will help your nephew transition out of the negative behavior he was demonstrating. Prior to the next family gathering, it might be a good idea to work to empower your daughter to deal with teasing, should it happen again. Work to validate her feelings about how she feels when her

cousin is teasing her. It can be helpful to let your daughter brainstorm ways to potentially handle the situation if it occurs again. Additionally, mentioning this situation to your brother is not a bad idea if you think he will respond appropriately. Keep it simple, while reducing comments that could be perceived as blame towards him. Create a plan that you could both follow if either of you notice the teasing is continuing in the future.

Parenting other people’s children is not always the best option, due to the wide spectrum of parenting styles that exists.

Colleenia Korapatti, MA, LMHC Private Practice, Groff And Associates

The Christmas holiday is a magical, fun time of year filled with family, fun and togetherness. It can also be riddled with stress, anxiety and the pressure to make things perfect – especially when you are the host.

Staying focused on your own personal values for the holiday can help you avoid holiday stress pitfalls and maintain your Christmas cheer composure.

We all strive to be gracious and courteous hosts, particularly with our in-laws. However, being a gracious host should absolutely come with identifying your own personal boundaries and limits. If you know that a three to four day stay is your maximum level of comfort in hosting, then communicate that to your in-laws directly. Or better yet, have your spouse/partner communicate that directly to their parents.

There are ways to communicate your boundaries directly while also being mindful of your in-laws’ feelings. It’s important to acknowledge the positives within your in-laws’ desire to stay with you (they enjoy your company, love your children, appreciate your cooking, want to support you, etc.). There are certainly good intentions and your in-laws may appreciate your acknowledgement of those intentions. In addition, it is equally important to be direct about your boundaries and communicate them clearly. Having personal boundaries is a sign of good self-esteem and maintaining them will ensure that the relationships in your life are mutually respectful and caring.

Kristen Pastrick, LCSW, LCAC Psychotherapist and Owner of KAP Counseling, LLC in Broad Ripple

SCENARIO #3 This holiday is the first one you are spending as a blended family. Your stepdaughter has been obvious in her desire to spend as much time as possible with her mother – and not you. This is upsetting your husband, who had high hopes for your family’s first holiday together to be more festive. What’s the best way for you to handle the situation?

It’s the holidays again – only this one is very special. More than anything else you want everyone together and happy. Holidays can be a stressful time for anyone, but the blended family takes on even more challenges.

The best thing to do as a stepparent is to plan, plan and plan. Begin your planning long before the holiday season. Make plans with the other

parent so your daughter knows she will be spending time with each parent. Other suggestions include: 1. Plan special one on one time with your stepdaughter and her dad. Perhaps a special game or activity that she has always enjoyed.

2. Give permission to your stepdaughter to visit with her mother. Let her know that you really do care about her feelings.

3. Create a new tradition with your stepdaughter’s likes in mind and get her advice on the planning aspect.

Be sure to take time to destress yourself. Go for a walk, get a massage or talk to a friend. If you need extra support, consider counseling.

Dr. Marcia Compton, D.Min, LMHC, LAC AAA Hope Counseling

Although spending time with family can be a highlight of the holiday, it can also have its share of uncomfortable situations. Try to stay focused on the positive moments of the season that make it special for your family and do your best to keep the unpleasant ones from turning you into a Grinch.

New Year’s is just around the corner, which might be the perfect time to make a few resolutions about how to handle next year’s holiday!

DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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WORDS BY // ANDRea LIMKE

What are the holidays without the cherished traditions we look forward to every year?

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, preparing for the New Year or just making the most of the winter season, there are dozens of ways to start fun new traditions with your family.

Need some ideas? Here’s a few to consider for the upcoming holidays.

Start a snowman breakfast When the temperatures drop and the first flakes fall, snowmen start to make their reappearance!

Why not have a frosty festivity devoted just to them? Invite your family, friends or neighbors over for a snowman-inspired breakfast. Think snowman donuts, snowman pancakes, hot chocolate, and Frosty the Snowman on TV. On the invitation make sure to request that everyone wear their pajamas!

Make a personalized Christmas tree skirt Turn a plain store bought tree skirt into a treasured memento by painting your children’s hands and having them press them onto the fabric. Start on the inside of the skirt and work your way around the circle. Each year, add their handprints and the year.

As your kids bring out the tree skirt each Christmas, they can marvel at how much they’ve grown.

Get sneaky with your neighbors Have you heard of the “You’ve Been Socked” game? Fill a stocking with little prizes and goodies to leave on your neighbor’s front porch – but be anonymous! Make sure to include a note that says they have to continue the fun and “sock” someone else.

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Create a visual menorah The menorah is an important symbol of Hanukkah and the center of family reflection and togetherness. This year, start a new family tradition and create a photo menorah on your wall. Print several family pictures, some vertical and some horizontal, to add to construction paper candles. Have your children “light” a new candle each evening with a photo.

Establish eight nights of kindness During your evening Hanukkah celebration, have each family member write down an idea of how they can be kind to someone the next day. The following night, share your experience and brainstorm ideas for the next day.

Celebrate the colors of Kwanzaa Red, green and black are the traditional colors associated with Kwanzaa. Have kids decorate the house in these colors, and even find outfits to match, for the Kwanzaa feast which is held on the sixth day of the celebration.

Give back as a family The holidays are the perfect time to think of others. Decide on something your family can do together that symbolizes the season. Make a tradition of doing the same activity or event every year, or make it your tradition to come up with a new idea each year.

Conduct a New Year’s Eve interview Instead of making resolutions that don’t make it to February, try a new tradition and hold a family interview on the last day of the year. Grab your video camera and have each family member talk about their favorite memories from the year and what they’re looking forward to in the year ahead.

Next New Year’s Eve, make some popcorn and watch this year’s video!

Scrapbook the year together How many times have you said you needed to organize your family photos? This year turn the project into a family affair by getting everyone involved in making a scrapbook. Print out favorite pictures from the entire year and have your scrapbook supplies on hand. Assign everyone a month and get working! Not only will you have this project completed, but you’ll have a good time reminiscing about all the fun you had this last year.

Ask a child what their favorite present was last holiday season and they probably can’t remember. Ask him what his favorite holiday tradition is and we bet you get an enthusiastic answer! Kids (and adults) love the continuity that cherished traditions bring – so pick a meaningful tradition that your family enjoys and see what memories it makes!

INDY'S CHILD 2016

TWELVE DAYS Of

holiday giveaways

*Make sure to like us on Facebook for your chance to win! Beginning Dec. 1, we will post a daily contest and include instructions on how to enter.

Find us at facebook.com/IndysChildMagazine.

DAY 1: DECEMBER 1st AURORA WORLD — Plush Baby Gifts set Precious Moments – Known worldwide for its heart warming figurines of teardrop-eyed children, created to convey messages of loving, caring & sharing, Precious Moments characters are now available in a broad assortment of Aurora World plush toys.

Polly Progess Highchair

DockATot One lucky winner will receive the DockATot multifunctional baby lounger, which gives parents a safe, snug spot for little ones to comfortably relax, play, and get in tummy time and sleep. Featuring a unique shape and design, the DockATot is highly portable and can go anywhere at anytime so baby can get the rest he or she needs while at home, on vacation, or on the go. (www.dockatot.com)

The Polly® Progres5™ is a multi-chair with five unique configurations for every age and stage.

DAY 2: DECEMBER 2nd Janiebee — Personalized Nap Mats Little ones can snuggle into their incredibly soft, luxe nap mat from Janiebee at naptime - at school, Grandma's house or at home! Made with gorgeous details, including a fabric tie closure and an extra think minky pillowcase, Janiebee Nap Mats offer children a clean and cozy place to rest, and once naptime is over, simply roll up & tie closed! (www.janiebee.com/)

SCHLEICH = Perfect Pl aysets giveaway

DAY 3: DECEMBER 5th $100 Svan Toy Bundle

Ollie Swaddle

The SVAN Wooden Toy Collection encourages sensory skill development through interactive play. Let imagination soar! Bundle includes three different SVAN wooden Toys. (svan.com)

One lucky winner will receive the awardwinning Ollie Swaddle, which is a totally unique swaddle that’s made better, feels better, and helps improve quality and duration of sleep for all babies (including preemies and high risk). The Ollie is named after and invented for a baby boy named Oliver—a foster baby that wasn’t thriving until Ollie Swaddle founder (and his foster mom) Hindi developed it. (www.theollieworld.com)

Schleich’s hand painted playsets and figurines encourage creative, imaginative play and feature popular animals like horses. Explore all Schleich has to offer at www.schleich-s.com.

$100 Gift Card to Finn + Emma Eco-Friendly Baby Gear and Toys

Finn + Emma manufactures organic, ecofriendly, non-toxic, and fair trade baby clothes, toys, and gear that feature modern prints and colors. The winner will receive a code for $100 to use at FinnandEmma.com

BubbleBum One lucky winner will receive a prize pack featuring BubbleBum's award-winning inflatable car booster seat that has made carpooling and family travel easier than ever, as well as one BubbleBumJunkie incar organizer and two BubbleBum Sneck backseat pillows. (www.bubblebum.us)

Pebbles Toy Gift Basket Environmentally and ethically conscious, Pebble makes beautiful, hand crocheted toys that are safe for infants to play with. Designed by Samantha Morshed, Pebble has a unique European style and aesthetic. Each Pebble toy is hand crocheted and made with love and care.

Gift bundle will include: an Organic Blue Granny Square Blanket $64.95, an Organic Knit/ Embroidered Bunny Cushion $41.95 & an Organic Rainbow Bunny Rattle $24.95 DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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DAY 5: DECEMBER 7th Lionel Mega Tracks Corkscrew Chaos Master Set

DAY 4: DECEMBER 6th MULTIWEAR moms wear set The Cardimom® a 10-in-1 nursing essential that allows moms to wear their nursing cover as a stylish cardigan! Made from 100% cotton knit. Works amazing as a travel sweater: cardigan, poncho, hood! patent pending

Ebby Diaper Bag The Ebby Diaper Bag from JustFab is a minimal but functional design that makes this diaper bag the perfect carryall for you and your baby. With multiple exterior pockets and a sturdy construction, you can carry everything you need with both style and ease.

$100 Gift Card to Isabelle Grace Jewelry Isabelle Grace Jewelry offers fashionable and personalized jewelry to celebrate life’s most special moments, hand crafted in the USA by local artisans using recycled metals whenever possible.

Duo Diary Duo Diary is a unique journal to help moms track their health alongside their baby’s.

Monitor baby’s feedings, diapers, & sleep on one side; on the other, track your food & water intake, exercise, and notes on your postpartum mental and physical wellness. Easily monitor your health and your baby’s in one place!

This unique building system will challenge kids as they control the action – they can start with easier builds and work their way up to more extreme layouts. Mega Tracks Corkscrew Chaos Master Set includes 20 feet of TwisTrack™, 55 construction pieces to build customized track layouts (including track clamps and connectors), Rail Racer vehicle and charger, handheld RC controller

Crosley Cruiser Deluxe The Cruiser Deluxe features the beloved suitcase-style shell for which Crosley is known, in addition to a wireless Bluetooth® connection to allow for easy streaming through both iOS and Android devices. Available in a rainbow of colors, the new CruiserDeluxe is lightweight and stylish. Built-in speakers allow for quick access to listeners’ favorite vinyl records, and a headphone jack encourages more personal listening. The three-speed turntable plays 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM vinyl records.

CogniToys — The Dino CogniToys™ are the award-winning next generation of Internet-connected smart toys that learn and grow alongside your child, bringing a new gateway of smart, fun and interactive learning to children in the digital age without the need for a screen! The Dino is Cloud-based and Wi-Fi-enabled, allowing children to engage in intelligent conversation unlike any other toys on the market today.

DAY 7: DECEMBER 9th DAY 6: DECEMBER 8th

$100 Liam & Isl a Gift Card

Sweet Grey + White Baby Gift Set

GOLD CIRCLE PENDANT

by Tiny Tags

Boll & Branch's new baby gift set with two crib sheets and a cable knit throw is made of ethically sourced 100% organic cotton and exacting design, offering unparalleled softness, quality and comfort to newborns and parents alike. Available for $100 at BollAndBranch. com, the gift set comes wrapped in Boll & Branch's signature box and ready to be gifted.

Gold circle pendant perfect voted the #1 Mommy Necklace. The pendant is 1" in diameter, 24k gold plated (sterling silver base), and hangs on 14k gold filled diamond cut chain. Personalize this necklace with up to two names.

Pello Luxe Floor Pillows Surround your child with comfort and luxury! Designed with both parents and baby in mind, Pello Luxe Floor Pillow is the ultimate multi-use floor pillow and play mat to keep a baby comforted, safe and secure.

The unique design and materials make this a comforting cloud for a babies to rest.

BABY JOGGER Weekend road trips, far-away flights and daily adventures with little ones just became easier with the new Baby Jogger City Tour.

This stroller is compact, lightweight and equipped with features that help parents navigate a variety of travel situations.

Available at BabyJogger.com; $199.99

Outfit your toddler's wardrobe with stylish, fashion-forward cardigans and jackets from the Liam & Isla collection! Made of a blend of super-soft cotton and polyester, the pieces add warmth and can be layered easily, without the bulk! Trendy tots will love the fashion forward look of the line, which successfully mixes style with comfort for your snappy dresser. (www.liamandisla.com/)

Lorena Canals MachineWashable Rugs

Lorena Canals rugs are non-toxic, natural, hygienic, machine-washable, hypoallergenic, and eco chic. Not only are Lorena Canals machine-washable rugs exceptionally made, but they are also functional, convenient, and environmentally-friendly. www.lorenacanals.us

$100 Gift Card to Feltman Brothers Feltman Brothers' new Pima cotton layette collection, made of the most durable cotton from Peru, features the brand's beautiful smocked and embroidered trademarks executed in their signature classic designs and baby-friendly functionality for everyday comfort and enjoyment.

DAY 8: DECEMBER 12th

26” Kent Terra 2.6 21-Speed Mountain Bike Adventure begins where the pavement ends thanks to the Terra 2.6 21-speed mountain bike’s Vitesse suspension that makes even the bumpiest ride a smooth and comfortable experience. This bike also features a Shimano drive train with twist shifting, smooth linear pull brakes, alloy wheels and an easy adjust seat post.

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3 Month Chococurb Box Subscription

$125 Green BEAN Delivery Gift Card

Each Chococurb box offers an assortment of five to seven real, high-quality, and extraordinary chocolate items. With treats from small chocolatiers to large chocolate makers alike, you're bound to find some new favorites you'll absolutely love!

Green BEAN delivery offers online grocery shopping and home deliveries featuring thousands of curated local and organic foods from a network of sustainable farmers and artisans. The family-owned company strives to make fresh foods more accessible in the communities they serve.

DAY 9: DECEMBER 13th

DAY 10: DECEMBER 14th

Lux The Principle Block Lux The Principle Block, a snap and lock hinge system that allows kids (and parents) to use their imagination by creating structures that curve, bend, flex, twist, turn and move while retaining strength and stability. Now builders and innovators of all ages can use Lux Blox to model machines, biological organisms, architecture — or whatever structures they can imagine!

Shape Mags Magnetic Stick N Stack 154 pc's Engineer Set Little builders love creating castles, cars, and more out of Shape Mags magnetic tile building sets. Shape Mags enhance your child’s cognitive development, stimulate right side brain training, promote creativity, and assists your child with spatial problem-solving tasks.

DIY Gamer Kit The Gamer Kit is a games console that kids build and code themselves to learn about electronics and programming.

Out of the box, kids can play and hack classic games, such as snake and flappy birds. Then, learn how to code your own games following step-by-step tutorials.

FandangoNOW Gift Card From the big screen to your T V screen !

FandangoNOW offers over 40,000 movies and T V shows ready to stream or download on just about any device, with no subscription needed. From new releases to classic favorites - watch what you want, when you want.

6 month Blue Moon Box Subscription

Y Flyer from Y volution

Blue Moon Box is a monthly subscription box and best new way to get kids excited about science! This box is challenging the way kids think about science with interactive projects that are designed to inspire future scientists!

Lift off with the unique Y Flyer Kids Scooter by Yvolution ! Featuring super grip foot plates for ultimate comfort and control and unique forward propelling motion, the Flyer is the ultimate wheeled toy. The Y Flyer is built with a strong steel frame that's easily foldable for quick storage and travel. Ages 7+ ; M SR P $149.99 ; Max Weight : 220 lbs

DAY 11: DECEMBER 15th 10 Tickets to Disney on Ice: Disney on Ice presents Let's Celebrate!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cit y Sewer L air Pl ayset

It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends at Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! Presented by YoKids Organic Yogurt. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; a Royal Valentine’s Day Ball with your favorite Disney Princesses, including Cinderella, Ariel, Belle and Tiana; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo & Stitch; a whole new world with Jasmine and Aladdin; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear; a Halloween haunt with the Disney villains and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivities from around the globe. Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! skates into Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Jan. 2024. Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, or at the box office.

Standing over 40-inches tall, this playset is packed full of Turtle adventures. With over 15 features and multi-levels to play, kids can recreate all of the Turtles’ best adventures from the recent movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, such as battling the Foot Clan on the street level and then escaping back to the Sewer Lair via the awesome water slide.

DAY 12: DECEMBER 16th Kaloo Les Amis Rocking Donkey by ALEX Toys

The Cassiopeia Luxe Down Pillow

Kaloo Les Amis Rocking donkey part of a line of silky, plush animal friends that can be trusty companions to your little ones. As adorable and soft as it is safe and sturdy, this donkey is made with super soft plush constructed over a solid wood frame and has a built in saddle. Ages 18-30 months; MSRP $159.99

The Cassiopeia Luxe Down Pillow ($225) from Slumbr's Pillow Menu is luxuriously plump and soft – especially great for side and back sleepers. Generously loaded with the loftiest and plushest European goose down, this pillow cradles your head in billowy softness, without flattening out.

DigiArt Creative Easel™

Cloud Nursery Package

Learn to draw, write and more with the interactive DigiArt Creative Easel™ by VTech®! This fun, interactive easel can be transformed from a light-up dry-erase board to a chalkboard and drawing table for more ways to play, combining learning and creativity.

Explore the learning activities and learn to draw more than 100 objects and shapes stepby-step by following the lights using the magic pen. Then learn letter and number stroke order for uppercase letters A-Z and numbers 1-20 stroke-by-stroke. Children can also explore their creativity and draw anything they want while listening to 10 classic songs.

This darling shelf is a must-have for a modern nursery and creates an eyecatching display for books and small toys. Pair it with the matching caddy for the complete look.

Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Treasure Mountain Train Adventure™ It’s a gold rush at the Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Treasure Mountain Train Adventure™ by VTech.

Turn on the motorized freight train and watch as it chugs around the tracks, through the tunnels and up hills on its own! The freight train responds to the playset's nine SmartPoint® locations with fun phrases, music and more. The gold mine also includes rotating gears, a crane to move the shape pieces around and a mine shaft where you can pretend to mine for gold. Press the toy freight train’s light-up button to hear three sing-along songs and learn the letter “F” and the name of the vehicle.

DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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S P EC IAL N E E DS S ECT I ON WORDS BY // MAGGIE LOISELLE

Sensory-Friendly Holiday Events Festive seasonal fun for everyone The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be overwhelming for kids with sensory sensitivities, including many on the autism spectrum. But there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the season. Here are some of our favorite sensory-friendly holiday activities:

Visit with Santa Simon Malls’ Caring Santa events offer a subdued alternative to the typical mall meet-and-greet with Mr. Claus. Held before the malls open, lights are dimmed and music is turned off. Families can register for free, time-specific tickets at the links below: Castleton Square Mall: November 20, 9 to 10:30 am www.eventbrite.com/e/caring-santa- tickets-27047519860?aff= erellivmlt

“Stay in your car” fun Avoid crowds and cold temperatures by taking in holiday lights from the comfort of your car.

New this year, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host Lights at the Brickyard , a 1.7-mile drive around the grounds featuring more than 40 holiday and racing-themed scenes, along with a pass over the famous yard of bricks. Families looking to avoid lines can pre-order an Auto Speedy Pass. Details at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/ events/lights Other popular holiday light drive-thrus include the free Reynolds Farm Equipment Display in Fishers; the Winterland Light Show in Danville (facebook.com/DanvilleWinterland); and the computer-controlled, set-to-music Lights on Lancaster show in Avon (lolweb.org).

Space to move Greenwood Park Mall: December 4, 8 to 10:30 am www.eventbrite.com/e/caring-santa- tickets-29084716169?aff= erellivmlt The Fashion Mall at Keystone: December 4, 10 am to noon www.eventbrite.com/e/caring-santa- tickets-27079020078?aff= erelexpmlt In Johnson County, families of children with autism are invited to a Breakfast with Santa on December 10 from 9 to 11 am at Mt. Auburn UMC in Greenwood, put on by the Johnson County Autism Support Group. The pancake breakfast includes crafts, games and carriage rides for $10. Families are asked to RSVP by December 5 to jcasg@jcasg.com.

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Both Christmas at the Zoo and holiday events at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park give kids plenty of space to run while families explore at their own pace. Conner Prairie is calmest in the mornings as soon as the park opens, and families can access quiet spaces with sensory kits that include a weighted blanket, sensory toys, lotion and books.

Avoid the crowds Families of kids with sensory sensitivities who want to experience some of the holiday events in town, like Jolly Days Winter Wonderland at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis or

Celebration Crossing at the Indiana State Museum , would be wise to visit on a weekday afternoon early in the season for the quietest experience. The Children’s Museum also offers

sensory maps at the Concierge Desk or online at www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/accessibility/ sensory-maps

Head to the movies A family outing to the movies can be a fun holiday treat, and several area theaters feature special showings for those with sensory sensitivities.

Noblesville’s Hamilton 16 + IMAX runs Lights Up, Sound Down movies once a month on Saturday mornings, and will show Moana on December 3 at 10 am. (Families of children with special needs can RSVP with sponsor WestPoint Financial Group to get free tickets at www. westpointfinancialgroup.com.)

AMC Theaters shows Sensory Friendly Films four times a month at both Castleton Square 14 and Indianapolis 17. For younger kids, check out Moana the morning of December 10, while older kids will appreciate Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them from J.K. Rowling the evening of December 13 and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story the evening of December 27 (check theater listings for showtimes).

Studio Movie Grill’s once-a-month Special Needs Screenings will include Moana on December 3; Rogue One: A Star Wars Story on December 24; and Sing on December 31. Each showing starts at 11 am, and children with special needs and their siblings are free.

Want more sensory-friendly events?

Check out our Special Needs Calendar!

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S P EC IAL N E E DS S ECT I ON WORDS BY // MAGGIE LOISELLE

On the Move

Nothing stops – or even slows down – this pint-sized athlete Basketball. Swimming. Dance. Distance running. At only 6 years old, Miana Catahay is already quite the energetic, determined athlete.

“I like to move around and play with the other kids. I really like shooting the (basketball),” the Westfield first-grader says. “I play basketball. I do swimming. I joined the running club, and I’m in a dance group.

There is so much for me to do!”

The fact that Miana also has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair to get around hasn’t dampened her athletic ambitions one bit, her family says.

“It’s been through sports that she’s really found her passion,” says Miana’s mom, Anna Catahay. “We’ve always told her to get involved. We tell her, ‘You can still do the things you want to do; you just may have to do them differently.’”

It was Miana’s care that prompted the family, dad Jonathan, mom Anna and Miana, to relocate to Indiana from Guam just more than a year ago.

They’d visited family here before, so when Miana needed more specialized care, the Catahays found Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health and made the move.

A successful surgery and a week-long stay at Riley this summer, Miana is thriving in her new environment, making friends at Shamrock Springs Elementary School, experiencing snow for the first time and becoming a Girl Scout Daisy.

“I like everything about Indiana!” she gushes. “I like my doctors. I like my teachers. It’s nice.”

Of course, Miana also spends a lot of time on the court and on the track. The Catahay family is involved with both the Spina Bifida Association of 30 INDYSCHILD.COM // DECEMBER 2016

Indiana and the Joseph Maley Foundation, which, through the JMFitness program, offers an array of adaptive athletic options. For each sport, the athletes work with a mentor who makes adaptations while teaching basic rules, technique and safety.

“She’s really thriving in these programs, and she’s also able to see kids who are like her,” Anna says.

“One of her good friends she met (through the Spina Bifida Association) there after they noticed they both had the same wheelchair with the same bag.”

While distance running may not seem a likely sport for a 6-year-old who uses a wheelchair, it’s one of Miana’s favorites. She’s already completed a marathon, a half-marathon and a 5K race thanks to experienced runners who volunteer to train and race while pushing children with special needs.

“It’s really amazing to see these awesome kids so happy to participate and to cross that finish line,” says Anna, who is also training to run and push her daughter in upcoming races.

Besides the athletic aspect of taking part in sports, Miana’s family says they’ve also watched their daughter grow socially, engaging others and making sure everyone is treated fairly. “Miana wants everyone to be comfortable and to be part of the group. She’s kind of a harmonizer,” Anna says.

“She’s also very sensitive to being mistreated, so she will try to talk to the child who is not being very nice or talk to me about how she could help make it better.”

Miana has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.

She has another race on the calendar before the end of the year, and she’ll stay active this winter with indoor sports. “I like all the sports,” Miana says. “You have to wait for the opportunity to come, but then it’s there and you just take it.”

The JMFitness program includes adaptive basketball, cheerleading, swimming, t-ball, yoga and running, along with the run2gether program. For registration information, visit the website at www. josephmaley.org or contact JMFitness Director Cory Hernandez at coryh@josephmaley.org.

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S P EC IAL N E E DS S ECT I ON

Special Needs Guide ABA Autism Services

by Damar

Children's Therapy Connection

ABA provides proven research-based treatments and interventions for children with Autism and their families, ensuring that children learn, gain confidence and purpose, and engage in meaningful interactions in their everyday lives. 9905 Fall

We’ve grown! Come check out our brand new location, now with more resources than ever to help connect your child with their potential. Services include: First Steps, PT, OT, and Speech/Feeding Therapy, Social Work/ Counseling, Social Skills/ Communication/Feeding Groups, Kindermusik, Hanen Programs, and Therapeutic Yoga for Kids. We strive to be the provider of choice in central Indiana for quality, comprehensive, and family-centered pediatric therapy services for families of children with disabilities. Visit our website or follow us on Facebook to see how we have grown!

Creek Road, Indianapolis, IN 46256, Contact: Kristin Dovenmuehle, Director, Phone: 317-813-4690, Email: info@ damar.org, www.DamarABA.org

Applied Behavior Center for Autism The Applied Behavior Center for Autism is Indiana’s largest ABA therapy provider with 7 different facilities throughout the state. Each our centers offers unique attributes that allow us to provide high quality treatment to children and teens with autism. With nearly 20 years in the industry, ABC is truly building brighter futures every day. In addition to two Indianapolis locations, we have locations in Carmel, Greenwood, Richmond and Terre Haute. 7901 E. 88th St., Indianapolis, IN 46256.

Phone: 317-849-5437 x 238; E-mail: missingpiece@ appliedbehaviorcenter.org; http://applied behaviorcenter.org

BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS CENTER FOR AUTISM BACA uses the principles and procedures of ABA to teach language, social, self-help, academic, daily living and life skills to individuals with autism and related disorders. BACA was established in 2009 by Carl Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA-D, and a group of highly trained BCBAs. Located in Fishers, Zionsville and Elkhart, IN. 9929 East 126th Street,

Fishers, IN, United States, Phone: 317-436-8961, Contact: Colin Clayton, Email: cclayton@thebaca.com, http://thebaca. com/

BEHAVIORWORKS ABA We work with you! BehaviorWorks provides Early Intervention for Autism and Indiana Medicaid Waiver Behavior Support Services. BehaviorWorks is a team you can grow with. We use the evidence-based strategies of ABA to create effective behavioral solutions. Are you looking for a fresh perspective? Take action for positive change with BehaviorWorks. ​2680 E. Main Street Suite 127,

Plainfield, IN 46234​, Contact: Ann Baloski, Executive Director, Phone: 317-436-0037, Email: info@behaviorworksaba.com, www.behaviorworksaba.com

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7478 Shadeland Station Way, Indianapolis, IN 46256, Phone: 317-288-7606, Email: infochildrenstherapy connection.com, http://childrenstherapyconnection.com

Disability & Autism Services of Indiana (DASI) DASI has proudly served Indiana families since 2008. Our mission is to provide the highest quality ABA Therapy and supporting Speech Therapy to children with Autism in their natural environments. DASI specializes in outreach ABA Therapy services for children ages two to twenty-two. We utilize the most effective researchbased 1:1 behavioral interventions and specialize in maximizing learning opportunities and outcomes. With over 75 years of combined experience, our families choose DASI because of the care and specialized services we provide. With Fishers & Greensburg, Indiana locations; we offer in home, school, clinic and community based ABA Therapy. 9780 Lantern Rd. Suite 130 Fishers, IN 46037, Phone: (317) 863-8110;

www.dasikids.com

Easter Seals Crossroads Offering comprehensive disability services for people of all ages. Early Intervention, Autism Services, PT, OT, Speech Therapy, Feeding/Swallowing issues, Augmentative Communication, Assistive Technology, Multi-sensory Therapy Rooms, Summer Camps, Life/ Social Skills Groups, Deaf Community Services, Autism Family Resource Center, 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205, Phone: 317-466-1000, Email: info@easterseals crossroads. org, http://www.eastersealscrossroads.org

LITTLE STAR CENTER Little Star Center is Indiana’s first center-based, therapeutic applied behavior analysis (ABA) service provider serving children, teens and young adults with autism. Since 2002, this professional team has impacted the lives of hundreds of learners affected by autism by building skills and helping them achieve milestones once believed impossible. Little Star's statewide centers are located in Carmel, Lafayette and Bloomington, with the newest center now open in West Lafayette. Little Star Center also provide in-home ABA services. 12650

Hamilton Crossing Blvd, Carmel, IN, United States 46032, Phone: 317-249-2242, info@littlestarcenter.org, www.littlestarcenter.org

St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf (SJI) is Indiana's only full-time school dedicated to helping young children (birth to age 8) who are deaf or hard of hearing develop spoken language and literacy skills with the focus of transitioning into their local, community school. Dramatic advances in technology, including sophisticated hearing aids and cochlear implants, give children with significant hearing loss access to sound. With appropriate speech therapy, auditory rehabilitation and language training, children are able to develop spoken language skills. St. Joseph Institute offers a variety of Listening and Spoken Language programs including: early intervention services, internet therapy, full-time preschool program, mainstream support, ongoing consultation, and comprehensive educational training opportunities for families and professionals. With over 175 years of experience, we are

professional leaders in the field of Listening and Spoken Language education. Visit our website for more information. 9192 Waldemar Road, Indianapolis, IN

46268, Phone: 317-471-8560, www.sjid.org

Unlocking the Spectrum Unlocking The Spectrum was created with the mission of making ABA Therapy accessible to ALL children with autism by providing high quality ABA Therapy services throughout Indiana. Unlocking The Spectrum specializes in bringing the therapy to the client--in their home and in their community. Clients receive services in a wide variety of settings including their home, school, Unlocking The Spectrum's Centers, and the community to ensure that skills are generalized across all environments.

Intensive parent training and collaboration with all members of a client's team are an essential part of every individualized program developed. Contact us for a free initial consultation. Indianapolis: 8646 Guion Rd.,

Indianapolis, IN 46268; Columbus: 1015 3rd St Suite C, Columbus, IN 47201; Terre Haute: 3464 South 4th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47802; Bloomington: 417 S Clarizz Boulevard, Bloomington, IN 47401, Phone: (855) INFO-UTS; e-mail: info@unlockingthespectrum.com;

www.unlockingthespectrum.com/

B E I N C LU D E D I N O U R M O N T H LY G U I D E //

EMAIL JENNICA@INDYSCHILD.com

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December Special Needs Events SAT 03

MON 05 – TUES 06

SAT 10

Location: Hamilton 16 + IMAX, Time: 10 am, westpointfinancialgroup.com

Location: Westin Hotel; Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; http://www.indiana disabilityawareness.org/conference/

Location: Strides to Success, Inc., Time: 4-9 pm, stridestosuccess.org

Sensory-Friendly Movies: Moana

The Lights Up, Sound Down program is open to everyone, but specifically gives families and children with autism and sensory issues the opportunity to enjoy their favorite movies in a comfortable, sensory-friendly setting with the lights turned up and volume turned down in the auditorium. RSVP with sponsor WestPoint Financial for free tickets.

SUN 04

Nutcracker: Short & Suite Location: The Monon Center, Time: 1 pm and 3 pm., carmelclayparks.com Come as you are to a short dance performance of excerpts from this classic holiday ballet for families and children of all abilities. This performance is a partnership event with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Adaptive Program and Village Dance Studio.

The house lights will be raised, sound will be lowered and dance space will be open for those who want to dance along!

Indiana Conference on Disability

Join fellow advocates and professionals at the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities 22nd annual conference on December 5-6, 2016! This year’s conference, themed “Creating a Culture of Change” will take place at the Westin Hotel in Downtown Indianapolis.

WEDS 07

Joseph Maley Foundation Holiday Open House Location: Joseph Maley Enrichment Center, Time: 6-8 pm, josephmaley.org/event/ holiday-open-house/ Kick off the holiday season at the Joseph Maley Enrichment Center with light hors d’ouevres, desserts, coffee and hot chocolate while touring the main hub for serving children of all abilities. Meet JMF staff, Board and Junior Board members and engage with like-minded supporters.

Sensory-Friendly Santa Locations: Fashion Mall at Keystone; Time: 10am-12pm; https://www.eventbrite. com/e/caring-santa-tickets27079020078?aff=es2

FRI 09

Caring Santa provides a subdued and welcoming environment for children with special needs and their families.

This webinar discusses the ABLE Act, which allows people with disabilities and their families to set up a special savings account for disability-related expenses. Earnings on an ABLE account would not be taxed, and account funds would generally not be considered for the supplemental security income (SSI) program, Medicaid and other federal means-tested benefits. Sara Weir, president of the National Down Syndrome Society, will present. No registration is required. Go to www.ustream.com and search “ASK ABLE Act”.

MON 05

FUSE Parent Meeting Location: Greenfield Intermediate School, Time: 6:30-8:30 pm, fuseinc.org/ FUSE — Families United for Support and Encouragement — will host an opendiscussion parent meeting. Childcare available.

Webinar: ABLE Act Time: 10 am, ustream.com

Christmas with Santa and the Ponies

Strides to Success is a not-for-profit organization, which provides Equine Assisted Learning and Equine Assisted Therapy as a resource for children, adults, families, business groups, military veterans, schools and organizations toward achievement of educational, behavioral and therapeutic goals!

Family donation of $25 will be used to support programs at Strides to Success.

TUES 13

Arts As Inclusion: Holding Ourselves Accountable in Reaching Students with Disabilities fifthfreedom.org/l/cm VSA (Very Special Arts) will present an informative webinar about teaching art to students with disabilities. Learn about frameworks for designing accessible arts lessons, tools to evaluate student learning and how art educators can be powerful advocates for the inclusion of students with disabilities throughout the school day. Register here: fifthfreedom.org/l/cm

SAT 17

more! Siblings are encouraged to join this integrated experience. We welcome everyone ages 2-11! $5 per child; space is limited; no walk-ins accepted. For more information, contact Rachel Kesner, Program Director by phone at 317-259-6822, Ext. 2 or via email at rkesner@JFGI.org.

TUES 20

Playback Workshops With The Roundabout Playback Troupe Location: Monon Community Center, Time: 10 am-12 pm, carmelclayparks.com Join us for an inclusive workshop led by The Roundabout Playback Troupe! This is an exciting opportunity to learn about Playback Theatre. Teens ages 13-17. $10. Register here: carmelclayparks.com

SAT 24

Special Needs Screenings: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Location: Studio Movie Grill, Time: 11 am, studiomoviegrill.com/Movie/Film-Series/ Special-Needs-Screenings Special Needs Screenings are free for children with special needs and their siblings, with adult tickets available for before-noon price. Films are shown with the lights up and the volume lowered and children are free to move around, talk or even dance in the aisles during the movie.

Sensory Santa Location: Avon-Washington Township Parks and Recreation Department, Time: 9am-12pm, washingtontwpparks.org Sensory Santa gives children with special needs the opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa in a calm, less intimidation environment. $10 per family for a 15 minute time slot. For more information please contact Alisha at 317-745-0785 ext.3 or email Agibboney@avonfd.org.

Parents Night Out! An Evening for Children with Special Needs

SAT 31

Special Needs Screenings: Sing Location: Studio Movie Grill, Time: 11 am, studiomoviegrill.com/Movie/Film-Series/ Special-Needs-Screenings Special Needs Screenings are free for children with special needs and their siblings, with adult tickets available for before-noon price. Films are shown with the lights up and the volume lowered and children are free to move around, talk or even dance in the aisles during the movie.

Location: Arthur M Glick JCC, Time: 6-10 pm Ready for a night out? Enjoy the evening knowing your kids are happy, safe and engaged in meaningful ways with our dedicated staff team, offering a wide range of activities catered to your children’s needs, with sensory play, music, gym activities, crafts and

DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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Why Preschool Matters six reasons not to skip this first school experience

WORDS BY // ANDREA LIMKE

When thinking about your child’s education, preschool is typically the first step. Not all children attend preschool however, making some parents wonder if it is even necessary.

Don’t kids just play, color and sing songs all day? The short answer is an overwhelming “no.” Educators strongly believe that not only is preschool necessary, it helps lay the foundation for a successful school experience later on. Here are six reasons why enrolling your children in a quality preschool is a great investment in their future.

1. Preschool promotes social and emotional development.

An important aspect of going to school is learning how to interact with others. “Research studies have found that kindergarten teachers rated social emotional skills as more important to kindergarten success than knowing how to read and write,” says Karen Ruprecht, PhD., Director of Innovation in Early Education at Early Learning Indiana.

Preschool offers children opportunities to make friends, deal with conflict, manage difficult emotions and show respect and restraint. Children can practice these skills with their peers while experienced teachers help model appropriate behaviors along the way.

34 INDYSCHILD.COM // DECEMBER 2016

2. Preschool makes the transition to kindergarten smoother.

The structure, expectations and unfamiliarity of a kindergarten classroom can be a big adjustment for any child. Not only is the environment new, but children may be asked to learn in a way that is new to them as well. Having been to preschool however, young learners have some experience navigating new territories.

“A high quality preschool helps prepare children for kindergarten by exposing them to structured play environments that are designed around their interests,” says Ruprecht. “In addition, it can expose children in a developmentally appropriate way to new information, such as letters, numbers and shapes.”

3. Preschool encourages independence and trust.

Many preschool age children are understandably dependent on their parents as the primary trusted adults in their lives. In a quality preschool program however, young children will learn to rely on other adults as well.

Tammy Clark, Director of Polly Panda Preschool, says, “Independence and trust are developed when children are given the chance to make their own choices and to feel confident about their choices.” In the safety of the preschool environment, children can learn to take chances and trust themselves, their peers and their teachers.

4. Preschool exposes children to early math and literacy skills.

6. Preschool offers experiences not always available at home. And preschool is fun !

A quality preschool program sets the stage for academic growth and gets kids excited about learning. Good preschools know how to introduce concepts in a developmentally appropriate way that stimulates children’s natural curiosity without overwhelming them. Julie Bowman, owner of several area Primrose Schools, says her program places a high value on weaving literacy throughout their curriculum as well as taking basic counting and number recognition skills further by introducing measurement, geometry and patterning.

The ability to explore and experiment with new objects or materials in a way that may not be practical at home is another benefit to enrolling a child in preschool. Many preschools also offer opportunities for exposure to art, science, history or language in ways that are developmentally appropriate for young learners.

5. Preschool develops fine and gross motor skills.

Just as children are expanding their cognitive skills at preschool, so are they enhancing their physical skills.

From gaining the precise muscle movement to hold a pencil or use scissors to developing the coordination to run and jump with kids on the playground, preschool provides multiple opportunities to develop physical skills in an enjoyable way.

So, while playing, coloring and singing may indeed be a big part of a typical preschool day, it’s important to recognize that valuable skills are being encouraged in the process. As Bowman says, “When you first walk into the classroom, you may hear noise, but when you listen carefully,

what you are really

hearing is the joy

of exploring

and learning

with friends.”

DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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LEARNING TO LEAD Local school directors describe their educational philosophies

Indianapolis is home to a number of quality educational options representing a variety of different learning styles and philosophies. The one thing they all have in common is that they are led by individuals with a passion for learning – individuals who were once students themselves.

We reached out TO the directors at several area schools and asked:

“How did your own education as a child influence the way you lead your school today?”

36 INDYSCHILD.COM // DECEMBER 2016

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN School

CATHEDRAL HIGH School

GEIST MONTESSORI ACADEMY

JEFF FREEMAN

ROB BRIDGES

KAREN SWAN

CEO

President

3-6 Directress

As the leader of Heritage Christian School I think back to all the ways that God prepared me to lead.

Growing up I attended Warren Township schools. In those days I recall going to Week Day Religious Education classes in Elementary and then going to the Warren Central chapter of Youth for Christ in high school. I remember Christian teachers that spoke into my life and influenced me in my decision to follow Christ. I attended Anderson University, a Christian college and my experiences there helped shape me and grow in my faith. These experiences impacted me tremendously then and still impact me today as I/we carry out our vision to… train-up the next generation of leaders to impact the world for Christ.

My education as a child was in the Catholic Schools in Traverse City Michigan. The emphasis on faith in all aspects of the school environment and the inclusion of all of God's children in the life of the school are two main areas I see as connecting.

Obviously, the emphasis on creative and rigorous academics and hard working and successful athletic and fine arts programs are there as well, but I definitely lead with my faith and always with an eye out for those who need a little nudge to get involved in the life of the school.

Unlike my school experience, Montessori is based upon respect, sees the child as a whole person, encourages the older children to help the younger, allows the child to follow his interests, and excel in the areas in which he is gifted. I strive to provide children the opportunities to learn in an environment that meets their individual needs. But most importantly, I want to create a learning environment that is based on respect – respect for the child, respect for others, and respect for the environment. This type of classroom allows each person to feel valued, lets him contribute and helps them to learn to solve conflicts peacefully. It teaches children that we are all different, all special and each has talents and strengths. So rather than being singled out for being different, each child is encouraged and given the freedom to become who he is meant to be.

DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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Sycamore School

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF INDIANA

BREBEUF JESUIT PREPARATORY School

HOOSIER ACADEMIES NETWORK OF SCHOOLS

Diane Borgmann

DAVID GARNER

FR. JACK DENNIS, S.J.

Dr. Byron L. Ernest

Head of School

Head of School

President

Head of Schools

When I was a child, I considered school a happy place to learn, one filled with kids and adults whose company I enjoyed. My school experience, although pedagogically different from schooling today, created feelings in me that I hope kids in my school have:

My first school was a one-room building in Dublin, Ireland, with mixed age students. It was like a big warm family. Primary school back in England wasn’t so much fun. Discipline was strict, the work was repetitive and there wasn’t much joy. One of my teachers hit us with a leather whip. My secondary school experience was much happier. I avoided the headmaster’s cane and I received a balanced and, for those days, remarkably international education. I had great teachers who made working with kids outside the classroom their hobby. I learned German and spent a semester at school in Germany. I want my school today to have a true spirit of inquiry and a love of learning, an embracing of differences, sound character development and broad, international horizons. I want my school to be a happy place with great teachers where students feel welcome and are excited to learn.

I was blessed to be able to attend Mt. Washington Country School for Boys—a private, Catholic, military-grade school, run by the Sisters of Mercy—and I loved every minute of it! In grades one through eight, I was taught exclusively by the Sisters and learned more than I probably ever wanted to know at that age about self-discipline, the Baltimore Catechism, standing in lines, marching with play guns and towing the line. Yet, for all of their contrived strictness, I learned to read, write as a left-hander, create art, and solve math problems with ease. I learned to love Catholicism with all of its intricate trappings, and it was at M.W.C.S. that I first realized my vocation to the priesthood. I can remember more than fifty years ago, knowing in my heart that I would someday become a priest, and I credit the Sisters who carried me through grade school with my love for Catholic education and my vocation to serve God and others through the Jesuit Priesthood.

I’ve learned we are all teachers and students, and a life touches a life that touches a life. My teaching career did not begin like many teachers or school leaders share. I did not have an epiphany when I said to myself, “I want to be a teacher.” My journey as an educator began during my sophomore year at Purdue when Professor Dr. Hobart Jones pulled me into his office and asked if I had ever considered teaching. When I said, “no,” he explained that he saw a talent in me and wanted me to double major in Animal Science and Agricultural Education. His inspiration and personal interest helped me to deal with the challenges of a double major, making my 31 year educational career possible. It is his example of true caring and following through on a personal commitment that I strive to emulate every day of my teaching career and as an educational leader.

1. Engagement: I want kids to love coming to school and look forward to varied experiences each day. I love to see them eager to burst through the doors in the morning and approach their daily tasks with excitement in their eyes and on their faces.

2. Stimulation: I want school to be a place that challenges kids and causes them to ask questions that they may not have even considered before, and then I want them to seek answers to those questions.

3. Fun: Learning and fun need not be antithetical. When you’re doing activities you love, you work harder and produce more because you are having fun!

38 INDYSCHILD.COM // DECEMBER 2016

THE ORCHARD SCHOOL

ST. RICHARD' S EPISCOPAL School

Tom Rosenbluth

PETER HARDING

Head of School

Head of School

Thinking back about experiences that I had as a student that inform my educational practice today makes me smile as I recall some seminal moments. For example, in fourth grade, we studied ancient Greece by reading a young person’s version of the Odyssey. In an interdisciplinary celebration, we performed several myths in costumes from a script we wrote and adapted with a set we built in art classes, performing music appropriate to the times learned in our music class. We all felt like experts in Ancient Greek culture and because the teachers creatively found connections between the different disciplines, the study had a depth and power I have never forgotten. Somewhere in my attic I still have my Poseidon costume; more importantly, I have never forgotten the fun and pride of delving deeply into a topic, exploring it from many perspectives and the joy of active learning. I want my Orchard School students to feel the same way about their studies at our school.

My own education was considered to be a ‘good’ education in post-war England. I attended a strict school with high academic expectations. I later attended an ivy league university followed by an Anglican teacher training college.

I began my teaching career in a multi-ethnic, inner city elementary school and quickly realized that my whole view of the educational process needed to change. In those early days I formulated the approach I used as a school leader of eleven schools in different countries all over the world.

They have had global awareness, community commitment and tolerance as crucial philosophical beliefs. Learning is invigorating, not a chore.

My experiences as a student and teacher made me try to create schools that were challenging, inclusive, caring and respectful of all students. It has been a great gift to come to St. Richard’s and lead a vibrant community already fully committed to these ideals.

DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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COMM E NTARY + PA R E N TING WORDS BY // DEB KRUPOWICZ

Ask the Teacher

Dealing with cheating, paying for grades, helping kids who overreact

Q:

When our sixth grade daughter and some of her friends cheated on an assignment, they got in trouble. Some of the children’s parents claimed that the teacher was unfair. My daughter understood that she was at fault, not the teacher.

What explanation can I give that will help her understand how the adults reacted?

A:

Your daughter has apparently demonstrated mature integrity in acknowledging her own fault and in accepting the consequence the teacher rendered.

Unfortunately, she is also learning a very difficult lesson beyond the consequences of her poor decision.

Adults do not always behave with integrity.

Focus first and foremost on her offense, its consequences and her response. Her cheating should have a serious consequence from you in addition to the one from the teacher. If she does not receive a consequence from you, it sends the message that cheating is just not that big of a deal as far as you are concerned. Cheating is risky, and its costs become more and more significant as we get older.

The consequence you give should certainly be appropriate in light of the personal responsibility she has shown through her honesty.

40 INDYSCHILD.COM // DECEMBER 2016

Discuss carefully the reaction of the other parents. Were her friends honest with their parents? If they were not, she has learned something about her friends. Did the parents blame the teacher in spite of knowing the truth?

Talk over some parents’ need to respond as a friend to their child rather than from a clear understanding of what is right.

Together examine the cultural shift that focuses on success at any cost.

This is an opportunity to make your own position and goals as parents understood and your expectations very clear. A calm tone that is a genuine discussion will set a positive atmosphere for the tougher topics that are bound to emerge in your daughter’s future.

Q:

After hearing that some classmates are being paid for good grades, our fourth grader is asking for us to do the same. Is paying for grades a good idea?

A:

Paying for grades comes from the desire to reward and motivate children, but this strategy does not take several things into consideration. First, is the child mature enough to understand exactly where the grade came from? Does he understand that the grade is something he earned rather than something the teacher randomly assigned to him? Can he conceptually understand the average and weighting of some assignments as

more valuable than others? Secondly, is there a direct correlation between the work expended and the grade received?

A child may be a strong math student and easily grasp new concepts without having to expend a great deal of energy to achieve mastery and earn an “A.” That same child may struggle as a writer, agonizing over each assignment.

A “B” in English may demonstrate much harder work and much greater growth than the “A” in math.

Rather than reward good grades with money, praise attributes that lead to long-term success: hard work, organization, timely completion of assignments and commitment to quality.

Celebrate the end of the quarter with a special family dinner or an outing for ice cream and discuss goals centered on qualities and behaviors rather than grades for the next quarter.

Q:

My first grade son tends to overreact to unimportant things. He loses it when someone cuts in front of him in line or checks out a library book he wants.

How can I help him to put things in better perspective?

A:

When your son is calm, discuss the specific situations with him in which he has lost control. Rather than dispute his feelings, explain the various emotions that we all feel and the degrees to which we feel them.

Include anger, frustration, disappointment, embarrassment and sadness. Talk about scenarios that lead to those emotions. Be careful not to overwhelm your son; plan several short talks rather than one long, drawn-out lecture.

Speculate together about the messages others receive from the way we express our emotions. Go over a variety of situations, the emotions that result and socially appropriate ways to show feelings. Role play with him. Provide him with words and phrases that allow him to make his feelings known.

Emotional intensity can simply be a sign of immaturity or of not having a toolbox of effective responses, but it can also be a sign of a greater challenge in understanding social norms or be indicative of an anxiety disorder. Look for indicators of growth that, even if small, show improvement. If the strong reactions persist, involve the school counselor, who is a great resource for students in their social struggles.

Do not think that consulting with a child psychologist is too strong of a reaction on your part. An expert in childhood behavior can offer strategies for you to use in parenting your child through this struggle or can coach your child by providing alternative ways to handle his emotions.

Ask t h e Te ac h er // 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@indyschild.com.

DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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E D U CAT I O N R ES O U R C ES

Education & Childcare Guide // SCHOO LS + EDUCATIO N carme l Carmel Montessori Schools, Inc. Carmel Montessori School is located on the NE corner of Main St. and Meridian in Carmel. Our directress is American Montessori Certified with 18 years head-teaching experience and we a a full member of the American Montessori Society. We offer a beautiful, peaceful and positive Montessori learning environment. Extended days available. 1402 W. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Emily & Scott Rudicel, Phone: 317-580-0699, Email: info@carmelmontessori.com, carmelmontessori.com

Clay Montessori A Montessori school offering morning, afternoon, and full-day programs. Available for ages 3-6 years old. Call for more information.

(Affiliated with Fisher’s Montessori) 463 East Main St., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Peggy White, 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850

Midwest Academy Midwest Academy inspires and equips students to achieve their potential by providing a progressive educational environment that fosters academic achievement, self-acceptance, personal growth, and individual accountability. We serve students in grades 4-12 in need of a small classroom environment, those living with school anxiety, students with ADD/ADHD, high functioning autism and learning differences. 1420 Chase Court, Carmel, IN, United States 46032, Phone: (317) 843-9500; e-mail: kfoster@mymidwestacademy.org, http://www.mymidwestacademy.org

Starting Line Preschool The Right Start for A Lifelong Love of Learning! Our strong academic-based curriculum prepares and encourages your child to succeed in school while discovering learning is fun! All of our classes focus on an introduction to colors, number and letters with exciting art and science projects. Math, social studies and sight words are taught in the older classes.Develop Social Awareness & Friendships, Build Confidence and Master Academic Skills for Kindergarten. 110 Third Ave NE, Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Diane Atkins, Phone: 317-753-9397, Email: dkatkins22@msn.com, http://www.starting linepreschool.com

DOWNTOWN KIPP Indy Public Schools KIPP Indy is a network of free, college preparatory, public charter schools that prepares students for college and beyond!

Transportation available. 1740 E 30th St, Indianapolis; Phone: (317) 547-5477; e-mail: fjohnson@kippindy.org; Contact: Fatima Johnson, http://kippindy.org/

42 INDYSCHILD.COM // DECEMBER 2016

Paramount School of Excellence

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

Paramount School of Excellence is a tuition-free K-8 charter school that educates students in an innovative environment that instills high expectations for success. Paramount accomplishes its mission and teaches the mastery of Indiana State Standards through an emphasis on rigorous academics, technology and the environment.

Integral to the school’s approach to education is school-wide use of computer technology, a green initiative, project-based investigations, community partnerships and three on-site Discovery Centers – an indoor Eco Center, Time and Space Center with a planetarium and an urban farm. 3020 Nowland Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46201 Contact: Peggy Purvis, 317.775.6660, school@paramountindy.org, www.paramountindy.org

You are invited to visit the only Catholic Jesuit school in the state of Indiana that has been educating students in the Jesuit tradition for more than 50 years. Brebeuf Jesuit’s Mission Statement: Brebeuf Jesuit, a Catholic and Jesuit school, provides an excellent college preparatory education for a lifetime of service by forming leaders who are intellectually competent, open to growth, loving, religious and committed to promoting justice. Fostering a culture of understanding and dialogue, Brebeuf Jesuit seeks and welcomes students from diverse religious, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Students at Brebeuf Jesuit are called to discover and cultivate the fullness of their God-given talents as a responsibility and as an act of worship. CORE VALUES: Education of the Whole Person, A Caring and Diverse Community, The Greater Glory of God. 2801 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Contact: Liz Otteson, Director of Admissions. Phone: 317-524-7090. Email: admissions@ brebeuf.org, www.brebeuf.org

fishers Fishers Montessori A quality learning environment offering preschool, kindergarten and elementary. Certification through American Montessori Society.

12806 Ford Rd and 131st and Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN 46038, Contact: Peggy White, 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850

indianapolis – north ACE Prep ACE Prep is a brand new, tuition free, public elementary charter school currently enrolling students in Kindergarten and First Grade for the 2016 school year. With a strong focus on literacy, numeracy and character development, ACE Prep offers a longer school day, small group instruction, enrichment opportunities, and an unwavering commitment to the families and community we serve.

5326 Hillside Avenue, Indianapolis, IN; Phone: (317) 759-1315; e-mail: ashults@ aceprepacademy.org; www.aceprepacademy.org

Apogee School for Gifted Children The Apogee School for Gifted Children is an affordable private school for students in grades K-12 where every detail was designed to be an ideal learning environment for gifted children. The focus is to serve the social, emotional, academic, and physical needs of gifted students and be exceptional at it.​Contact: David Bonner, info@ ApogeeSchool.com, ApogeeSchool.com

Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Full Academic Curriculum and Innovative ArtsEnrichment. Our Program recognizes that intellectual, social, emotional and physical development are interwoven. Our children will thrive on exploration, creativity, curiosity, discovery, spontaneity and more important, lots of love! Type of School: Early Childhood Cost/Tuition: Please call or email for full brochure Hours/Dates: Flexible Hours. Full Time/Part-Time available. Ages/Grades: 12 months old+, 18 months old+, 2s+, 3s+, 4s+, Pre-Kindergarten (Kindergarten Readiness Class)(3 day or 5 day option) Before/After School Care: Before and After School Care always available as needed. Early drop off as early as 7:30 am and late pick up anytime up until 6:00pm/5:30 pm on Fridays. 600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Joanie Waldman, Phone: 317-259-6854, Fax: 317-259-6849, Email: jwaldman@bez613.org, www.bez613.org

Children’s Circle Preschool at Second Presbyterian Church Children’s Circle Preschool is a developmentally appropriate, activity based, Christian preschool. We offer classes for children ages 9 months to 5 years old. We meet the needs of the whole child in a creative and loving environment. Our experienced staff embraces excellence in education by nurturing the whole childphysically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. Please call for more information or to set up a tour. 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Cara Paul, Director, 317-252-5517, cpaul@secondchurch.org, www.childrenscircle.org

Children’s Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool

Children's Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool is a fully inclusive early childhood program with an emphasis on Christian values and learning through play. It is designed to offer children ages 9 months to 5 years a positive and developmentally appropriate first school experience in the care of experienced and loving caregivers. We play and learn! Classes are offered weekdays from 9 am to 2:30 pm. For the older kids, our program includes weekly Christian Life Skills, Music class taught by Indianapolis Children’s Choir instructors and Book Club. Please call, E-mail or visit for further information and registration forms.

Tours are individually set up at your convenience! 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, Contact: Christy Whaley, Phone: 317-253-0472, cwhaley@meridianstreet.org, www.meridianstreet.org/cdi.

The Children's House, INC The Children's House was founded in 1971 to provide a classical education through individual instruction. In an atmosphere free of competition, the child can discover her or his own unique talents on the way to becoming a self-actualized person. 2404 W. 62nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46268, Contact: Mary Sexson, Phone: 317-253-3033, Email: childrenshouse08@gmail.com, www.thechildrenshouseindianapolis. com, Hours/Dates: 9 am to 3 pm (Extended care available), School Year: September through May, Ages/Grades: Preschool through 8th Grade

Early Childhood Center, The Church at the Crossing Our Mothers Day Out (16-35 mos) and Preschool (3 yrs-PreK5) programs provide relaxed, playful, secure environments that nurture creativity and encourage the exploration of God’s world, with a wide variety of learning materials & readiness skills woven through each unit. Need longer hours? Try our child care ministry, The Neighborhood designed for 16 mos - Pre K5. 9111 N. Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: John Drake, Whitney Carriger, or Robin Crum, Phone: 317-575-6508, Fax: 317-575-6509, Email: jdrake@golove.org or wcarriger@golove.org

Fall Creek Montessori Offering the highest quality of early-childhood education based on the Montessori method. Our traditional Montessori academic program is offered in multiple formats to fit your families needs.

7770 E. 88th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46256; info@fallcreekmontessori.com; www.fallcreekmontessori.com/

Heritage Christian School Established in 1965, accredited through ACSI and NCA, HCS is the choice in college preparatory discipleship Christian education for 1,400 students each year grades Preschool-12.

Advanced, Honors and AP classes. Full Fine Arts and 2A IHSAA ATHLETICS. HCS is training up the next generation of Christian leaders through challenging, Biblically taught curriculum including internships and service to others. Bus transportation available. Schedule a tour today! 6401 E. 75th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250. Contact: Admissions Department, 317-849-3441, Admissions@ heritagechristian.net, www.heritagechristian.net

The Orchard School The Orchard School, an independent, non-sectarian, progressive school, emphasizing experiential learning. Orchard teachers engage the natural curiosity of children, develop academic excellence, and provide leadership experience through well-rounded education. Orchard’s diverse community and commitment to multicultural education inspires responsible, global citizenship. Founded in 1922. NAIS, ISACS, NAEYS accredited. 615 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Kristen Hein, Director of Admissions, Phone: 317-713-5705, Fax: 317-254-8454, Email: khein@ orchard.org, www.orchard.org

Sycamore School

westfie ld

At Sycamore, teachers trained in gifted education deliver a curriculum designed to challenge and engage gifted learners.

Art, music, Spanish, PE and technology are taught at all levels.

Extensive field trips, athletics, child care, financial aid, and a wide variety of after school activities are offered. 1750 W. 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Dr. Susan Karpicke, Director of Admissions.

317-202-2500, Fax: 317-202-2501, skarpicke@sycamoreschool.org, www. sycamoreschool.org

Montessori School of Westfield, Inc.

indianapolis – northeast Polly Panda Preschool

Polly Panda provides a safe and healthy environment which enhances each child’s total growth. Our theme-based hands-on preschool program provides a wide-range of experiences that foster learning, creativity and problem solving in all areas. A child’s sense of self-worth, independence and growth in social skills are developed through positive interaction with peers and our well-qualified and loving staff. 2944 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220, Contact: Gail Hacker and Tammy Clark, Phone: 317-257-9127, Email: thepanda@pollypanda.com, www.pollypanda.com

Located on 3 wooded acres in Central Indiana, the Montessori School of Westfield adheres to the academic traditions of Montessori while serving the present day child. The Montessori School of Westfield serves children from Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, Sheridan, Noblesville, Cicero and Tipton. We serve children ages 18 months to 15 years. 800 E. Sycamore Street, Westfield, IN 46074, Contact: Mary Lyman, Directress, Phone: 317-867-0158, Fax: 317-896-5945, Email: montessori westfield@gmail.com, www.montessorischoolofwestfield.com

// AfTER SCHOO L EN RICH M ENT FOX HILL DANCE ACADEMY, INC. Ballet, tap, hiphop. Adults and children. Walk in registration Mon. & Fri. 1-5 and Weds. 2-6. 2255 Fox Hill Drive, Indianapolis, IN, Phone: 317-255-0173, e-mail: Bjzwdancer@gmail.com, www. foxhilldanceacademy.com

B E I N CLU D ED I N OU R MO NTH LY GU I D E // EMAIL JENNICA@INDYSCHILD.com

indianapolis – SOUTH Center Grove Montessori and Indiana Montessori Community School Center Grove Montessori Program offers: Hands-on learning, multi-aged students learning together, a key element to the Montessori philosophy, a focus on the intrinsic motivation of children, carefully prepared classrooms balancing children's choice with structure, large blocks of uninterrupted time for learning and building concentration, peace education through global awareness, structured, self-directed learning. 1674 West Smith Valley Rd., Greenwood, IN 46142 and 531 US 31 S, White land, IN 46184, Contact: Brenda Enderle, Phone: 317-833-0335, Email: office@ centergrovemontessori.com;info@centergrove montessori.com, http:// www.centergrovemontessori.com

DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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COMM E NTARY + PA R E N TING WORDS BY // PETE GILBERT

A Dad Influence A Bitter Pill to Swallow

“Would you like your antibiotic as a liquid or in pill form?” the pediatrician asked my ten-year-old daughter. “A pill please,” she said matter-of-factly. After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I gently reminded her she didn’t know how to take pills. In fact, oftentimes she choked while drinking water – by itself. Her response? “Nah, a pill is fine.”

Third, we let her empty the contents of the pill into a drink, watching her retch and gag repeatedly while she tried to drink it until we were all about to dry heave. This method was a total disaster. Finally, we had her drop her pill in 4 ounces of water and offered her $1 if she could swallow it in 30 seconds.

That worked.

After getting the prescription we realized that not only were these pills large, they were also plastic looking coated caplets – I guess to make it “easier” to swallow. In my daughter’s case, it just made her more nervous. She’s listened to me tell her younger siblings, time and time again, to stop putting tiny pieces of plastic like Legos in their mouths. Now I’m making her put this plastic looking pill in her mouth.

No wonder she was anxious.

She had to take these pills twice a day for two weeks. My wife and I tried to help her in several ways. First, we had her place the pill on the back of her tongue and swallow. This resulted in a lot of looking upward and blinking. No luck. Second, we gave her juice to drink with the pill hoping that would help. All that amounted to was her chugging her favorite drinks. Strike two.

44 INDYSCHILD.COM // DECEMBER 2016

Whoever said money can’t buy happiness was completely wrong. Another parenting win solved with creativity, a little bit of patience, teamwork and cold hard cash.

Follow Pete on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates and links to all his current blog posts for Indy’s Child at @adadinfluence.

DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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DA I LY EV E NTS

daily calendar {DECEMBER 2016}

THURS 01 – SUN 04

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – Out of This World Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse; www.ringling.com/out-of-this-world/ Prepare to blast off on an intergalactic adventure for space-age family fun! Launch into the future with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Out Of This World™. Children of all ages can take the helm to join the Circus Space Fleet on a heroic quest of good versus evil that will let imaginations run wild with unexpected surprises and thrills at every turn.

FRI 02 – SAT 03

Christmast at The Skyline!

Location: The Skyline Drive-In; Time: 5pm-10pm; theskylinedrivein.com Visit Skyline Drive-in for two free movies plus a visit from Santa Claus. This year Christmas at the Skyline will benefit Rupert’s Kids. You can catch Elf at 7pm and Christmas Vacation at 9pm.

Noblesville Main Street Holiday Market Location: Hamilton County Fairgrounds; Time: 9am-2pm; noblesvillemainstreet.org Vendors of original art, quality crafts, holiday decorations, vintage collectibles, homemade food favorites, and gifts galore, all under one roof.

SAT 03

Eiteljorg’s Winter Market Location: Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art; Time: 10am-5pm; eiteljorg.org/explore/festivals-andevents/2016/12/03/default-calendar/ winter-market2016 Shop the season’s best regional art market with handmade art from more than 30 artists. Winter Market features activities for the whole family, including Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure, a locomotive wonderland featuring trains racing past astonishingly detailed local and Western landmarks made of natural materials.

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Holiday Author Fair Location: Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center; Time: 12pm-4pm; indianahistory.org/events/holiday- author-fair

MON 05 – WEDS 07

SAT 10

Author Fair has something for everyone on your shopping list – and for you, too! More than 60 Indiana authors pack Eli Lilly hall at the History Center every year for a fun-filled day of mixing, mingling and book signing.

The MEGA HOLIDAY SALE is an amazing opportunity to clean out clutter and stock up on holiday deals at a fraction of retail price!

Shop gift giving toys, bikes, kitchens, dollhouses, books, games/puzzles/crafts, sporting goods, equipment, boutique clothing for kids and women, coats, boots, snow gear, designer handbags and more!

Be part of the largest holiday-themed 5K race series anywhere – and join the movement to conquer arthritis! Wear a holiday-themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Show off your ugly Christmas sweater. Complete a 5-kilometer run or walk with your team members, spreading smiles, good cheer and a winning spirit.

THURS 08

Candy Cane Hunt Location: Natural Valley Ranch; Time: 10am-2:30pm; naturalvalleyranch.com/ events.html

BROAD RIPPLE Lights Up! Location: Broad Ripple Village; Time: 3pm-7pm; broadripplelightsup.org BROAD RIPPLE Lights Up!, features visits with Santa, holiday crafts, live entertainment, food and drink, Indianapolis’ only twilight parade, and a holiday light display lighting ceremony at the fire house. Bring the kids to the Kid’s Wonderland Village located in the lot at 6320 Guilford Avenue. You’ll find all sorts of fun activities, entertainment, and food and drink. All the fantastic offerings at the Kids Wonderland are FREE!

Greenfield Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Location: James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home; Time: 6pm-9pm; Greenfieldmainstreet.org Join us for horse-drawn carriage rides behind the Riley House in Greenfield, Indiana. $10.00 per person. Enjoy Treats from Elizabeth Ann’s Kitchen and stroll through the Christmas Lights in the Riley Gardens. Sponsored by: Hancock Regional Hospital NineStar Connect Greenfield Banking Company

Mega Holiday Sale Location: Five Seasons Sports Club; Time: 4pm-8pm; whale-sale.com

Ladies Night Out at Kiln Creations Location: Kiln Creations; Time: 6pm-9pm; kilncreations.net Join Kiln Creations for some fun and pottery painting! The price for the evening will be your selected pottery or mosaic piece plus the $8 Adult Studio Fee. You are welcome to bring in your own food and drink for the evening.

Brand New Event! Santa seems to have dropped some candy canes when he was here for Cookies & Cocoa. Come out for the great Candy Cane Hunt!

Visit with Santa Claus, time to visit

the animals at the petting zoo

and enjoy a snack from the

popcorn bar.

Yelp’s Totally Bazaar 2016 Location: Central Library; Time: 6:30pm-10pm; yelp. com/events/indianapolis- yelps-totally-bazaar-6

Dancing Pottery is thrilled to be part of Yelp’s annual FREE Holiday Shopping Party featuring over 150 local businesses.

FRI 09 – SUN 11 SUN 04

Pet Photos with Santa Location: Clay Terrace; Time: 6-8pm; clayterrace.com Don’t furr-get your favorite pets! Capture fetching photo moments with your faithful companions during Pet Photos. Pet Photos are hosted after regular mall hours and the set gets an extensive cleaning following the event to remove any potential risk to allergy sufferers.

Jingle Bell Run Indy Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse; Time: 9am; jbr.org

'The Nutcracker’ Presented

by Central Indiana Dance Ensemble Location: Zionsville Performing Arts Center; cidedance.org Come see Central Indiana’s longest running pre-professional ballet company in their 17th Anniversary season! Spend the Holidays with the Stahlbaum family and witness Clara’s dreamlike journey with her Nutcracker Prince while being enchanted by Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score.

Cookies with Mrs. Claus Location: Clay Terrace; Time: 11am-2pm; clayterrace.com Clay Terrace invites all of Santa’s little helpers to celebrate the fun and joy of the holidays during Cookies with Mrs. Claus at Whole Foods. Kids will enjoy spending time with Mrs. Claus, which will include treats from Whole Foods and story time with Mrs. Claus.

SUN 11

Holliday Park Create and Decorate: Natural Garlands Location: Holliday Park Nature Center; Time: 1:30pm-2:30pm; hollidaypark.org Make unique art crafts and discover interesting new techniques and ideas! All materials are provided during these hands-on workshops. All ages, preregistration required by calling 327-7180 or visiting www.hollidaypark.org

TUES 13

Santa’s Elf and His Live Reindeer Location: Carmel Clay Public Library Program Room; Time: 5-5:45 pm and 7-7:45pm; carmel.lib.in.us/child/ Join the Silly Safaris Reindeer Reserve at the library and meet Santa’s Elf and his live reindeer, plus other animals of the North Pole!

THURS 15

Holiday Cheers at Conner Prairie Location: Conner Prairie; Time: 6:30-10pm; connerprairie.org/things-to-do/events/ winter/holiday-cheers Enjoy an adults-only evening of hors d’oeuvres, wine, craft beer and spirits hosted by Conner Prairie Horizon’s Council as you take a candlelight stroll through 1836 Prairietown. Participate in historical sausagemaking demonstrations, visit Dr. Campbell’s soiree, sample a historic German Glühwein and explore multicultural 19th-century holiday traditions.

FRI 16

“‘Twas the Night Before…”

Presented by Candlelight Theatre Location: Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site; Time: 6pm; bhpsite.org/events/ signature-events/candlelight-theatre Gather your family close and join the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in creating new holiday memories at a special Candlelight Theatre event! “Twas the Night Before…”, written by James Trofatter, offers a heartwarming interactive theatre experience for all ages in the historic Harrison mansion. Sip on hot cider, enjoy complimentary treats, and be delighted by holiday figures from tradition and folklore, as well as new jolly friends.

FRI 16 – SAT 17

Christkindl Village Location: Georgia Street; Time: 5-9pm on Dec. 16 & 12-9pm on Dec. 17; stjohnsindy. org/christkindl-village.html The Christkindl Village is a celebration of the holiday with a traditional Christmas Market, presented by St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. This event, that attracts thousands, is in its 5th year and is a lasting tradition for the people of Indianapolis and visitors to the city. The festival includes a canopy of lights, live animal Nativity, kids’ and teen activities, photos with St. Nick, German foods, beer and wine garden, musical performances including caroling and the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas.

FRI 16 – SUN 18

The Nutcracker with Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Location: The Murat at The Old National Centre; Indianapolissymphony.org For the first time in its history, the Indianapolis School of Ballet will perform with the world-renowned Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra when it presents its tenth-anniversary production of The Nutcracker.

SAT 17

17th Annual Bleed Blue Blood Drive and Holiday Fest Location: Lucas Oil Stadium; Time: 8am-3pm; colts.com/bleedblue Similar to previous years, the 2016 event will include free family-friendly activities to create a fun experience for all who attend. There will be opportunities to tour the field and the Colts locker room, chances to win prizes and appearances by Colts Cheerleaders and Blue, the official mascot of the Colts.

New to this year’s Bleed Blue Blood Drive and Holiday Fest will be a family-friendly holiday movie viewing!

Rowdie Claus Location: Victory Field; Time: 10am-3pm Get FREE photos taken with the Indianapolis Indians mascot, Rowdie! Rowdie will make his annual appearance as Rowdie Claus in the Victory Field suite lounge. Create arts and crafts and enjoy free hot chocolate and snacks.

SUN 18

Santa Hustle Indy 5K & Half Marathon Location: Lucas Oil Stadium; Time: 9am; SantaHustle.com/indy Be a part of one of the largest growing races as thousands of Santas will hit the streets of Indianapolis at the Sixth Annual Santa Hustle 5k and Half Marathon at Lucas Oil Stadium.

THURS 22

Winter Solstice Celebration Location: Indianapolis Museum of Art; Time: 5pm-8:30pm; imamuseum.org/specialevent/winter-solstice-1 Bundle up for the annual Winter Solstice celebration! Snap pictures next to Karl Unnasch’s 50 foot “tree” of toys, sing along with carolers, create winter art, meet arctic creatures and watch as blocks of ice are expertly transformed into sculpture.

Warm up with sweet and savory treats by the fire, or visit Lilly House to experience Christmas traditions of the past and live music.

TUES 27

Playing with Robots: Free Play with Our Tech Toys!

Location: Carmel Clay Public Library Storytime Room; Time: 4-4:45pm; carmel.lib. in.us/child/ It’s winter vacation! Come explore our cool tech toys and robots: ozobots, spheros, osmos, Dot&Dash, and more! Children age 5 must be accompanied by an adult, and all children present must be at least 5 years old, including siblings.

FRI 30 – SAT 31

PAW Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue Location: Murat Theatre @ Old National Centre It’s the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found.

PAW Patrol to the rescue!

SAT 31

Countdown to Noon Location: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis; Time: 10am-3pm; childrensmuseum.org This allows you and your family to experience the excitement of a countdown at a reasonable hour! Receive festive favors for the big moment (while supplies last). Happy New Year’s Eve!

Family New Year’s Eve Location: Indiana State Museum; Time: 6-9pm; indianamuseum.org End the year with a bang with a familyfriendly, alcohol-free celebration in the Governor Frank and Judy O’Bannon Great Hall. Face painting, stilt walkers, clowns and music will highlight the evening.

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O N G O I N G EV E NTS

ongoing calendar {DECEMBER 2016}

Santa’s Mailbox November 14-December 12, 2016 City Hall or Fishers Parks and Recreation, Fishers, Fishers.IN.us/PARKS Let Fishers Parks and Recreation deliver some magic from the holiday straight to your mailbox! Children in 4th grade and younger are invited to write a letter filled with their precious holiday wishes and drop it off at Santa’s Mailbox. Letters need to be dropped off by December 12 at 4:30pm to ensure Santa has enough time to reply! Please include a self addressed, stamped envelope with letters.

Celebration Crossing November 25-January 1, 2017 Indiana State Museum, downtown Indianapolis, www.indianamuseum.org/ The wonder of Christmas arrives to the Indiana State Museum with the annual Celebration Crossing excitement. Families will enjoy seeing the showroom-style Santa’s House, live holiday music, holiday meals in the L.S. Ayres Tea Room, rides aboard the sweet L.S. Ayres train, and cheerful activities on the lawn of Santa’s home.

Festival of Trees Runs through December 30, 2016 Location: Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, Indianapolis, indianahistory.org/ Indulge in a winter wonderland at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center’s Festival of Trees.

This year, the building will be filled with 72 elaborately themed trees – 22 more than last year! Weekend programming includes visits from a vintage Santa, craft-making and more. Additional after-hours adult programming adds a different twist to the holidays.

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Jingle Rails November 19-January 16, 2017 Eiteljorg Museum, downtown Indianapolis, eiteljorg.org/explore/exhibitions/ jingle-rails-the-great-westernadventure- %282016%29 Now in its eighth year, the Eiteljorg Museum’s Jingle Rails is a journey to the Great American West – the real West and the West of the imagination. Watch nine trains wind past the local treasures of downtown Indianapolis, including the Eiteljorg Museum, Monument Circle, Union Station, the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Lucas Oil Stadium, where you will hear veteran Colts radio announcer Bob Lamey call a game. The trains then head through the national parks of the American West, passing legendary sites, including grand railway lodges, Northwest Coast Native villages, and wonders both natural and humanmade—Mt. Rushmore, Grand Canyon, Yosemite Falls, Old Faithful, the Las Vegas Strip, Hoover Dam and much more.

Christmas At The Zoo November 25-December 30, 2016 Indianapolis Zoo, downtown Indianapolis, indianapoliszoo.com/events-andgroups/zoo-events/christmas-atthe-zoo Surround yourself with the magic and beauty of the holiday season as the Indianapolis Zoo hosts annual holiday tradition, Christmas at the Zoo presented by Teachers Credit Union and Donatos, with an extra weekend of fun added this year! The Zoo is open from noon to 9pm Wednesday to Sunday, with event activities starting at 5pm. Come out early to grab a great parking spot, see some animals and watch as the lights come on to transform the Zoo into a winter wonderland. You'll see some changes happening near the front of the Zoo this year due to the exciting work on our Bicentennial Pavilion project, so make sure to check your map to find all your favorite festivities!

Conservatory Crossing November 25-January 1, 2017 Garfield Conservatory and Sunken Gardens, Indianapolis, garfieldgardens conservatory.org/programsevents Come enjoy the winter wonderland at Garfield Conservatory! See the Conservatory decked out in its holiday best with a brilliant display of poinsettias and enjoy model trains, train village and thousands of twinkling lights. Special evening hours until 8pm December 16, 17, 21, 22, 23. Display done with support from The Indiana Rail Road Company.

The Elves and the Shoemaker: A musical holiday fable November 25-December 30, 2016 Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, childrensmuseum.org/content/ lilly-theater This fun-filled musical holiday tale retells the traditional story with a unique twist. Written with singalongs, dancealongs, and lots of audience participation, The Elves and the Shoemaker will delight children of all ages. Mr. Twinkle dreams of opening a cobble shop. The problem is that he doesn’t know how to make shoes! Enter elves who make midnight visits to Mr. Twinkle’s shop, creating the most wonderful shoes ever seen. But business goes well only as long the elves make their secret visits. In the end, the elves find out that the best gift for Mr. and Mrs. Twinkle is something else entirely.

A Christmas Carol November 19-December 24, 2016 Indiana Repertory Theatre, downtown Indianapolis, irtlive.com/plays-and-events/201617-season/a-christmas-carol-2016 The spirits of Christmas bring new life to Ebenezer Scrooge in his journey from dark night of the soul to bright joyous morning. Celebrate the season with Indianapolis’s favorite holiday tradition. God bless us, every one!

Jolly Days November 25-January 8, 2017 Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Childrensmuseum.org It’s cold outside... but it’s FUN (and warm) in here! See the sparkling lights, experience the warm traditions, and enjoy all the fun of winter weather without the soggy socks! You can even become an elf in training and earn elf ears by participating in winter activities in Jolly Days, including skating in socks on an indoor “pond,” climbing and sliding on the Snow Castle, “ice” fishing, pretend-baking holiday goodies in the Tradition Kitchen and indoor snowball fights. For many visitors, a highlight of their trip to Jolly Days includes a visit and photo with Santa who will be waiting to hear what’s on the wish lists of young museum visitors.

Beyond Spaceship Earth Location: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Childrensmuseum.org This all-new, immersive exhibit will tell the dynamic story of space exploration from NASA’s Project Mercury program, which sent the first Americans into space, to the International Space Station (ISS).

Experience the real scientific work of ISS astronauts, both inside the space station and outside the airlock!

Discover the future of space exploration that is being developed

by NASA and partners like SpaceX, and don’t miss the Indiana Astronaut Hall of Fame, celebrating the many astronauts and engineers connected to Indiana. Exit the ISS into the all-new Schaefer Planetarium and Space Object Theater featuring the NASA space capsule Liberty Bell 7—which was piloted by astronaut and Indiana native Gus Grissom in 1961 on America’s second manned space flight.

Outdoor Holiday Adventure at Conner Prairie Runs through December 30, 2016 Location: Conner Prairie, Fishers, connerprairie.org/ Discover things that may surprise you about the season in 1836 with the new Holiday Adventure card, giving you the opportunity to seek, find and learn as you visit Prairietown. You will also have a chance to find out who marks Dec. 25 as a holiday and who doesn’t. And be sure to head indoors to checkout the always-popular Gingerbread Village!

Christmas at the Puppet Studio December 6-28, 2016 Location: Peewinkle's Puppet Studio at the Indiana State Museum, peewinklespuppets.com/ This music filled variety Christmas show will put the entire family into the holiday spirit. Mozart and Ludmilla, the ritzy resident mice, will host the many marionettes, singing and dancing to your favorite music.

Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker December 1-4, 2016 Location: Clowes Hall, Indianapolis, butlerartscenter.org/event/ tchaikovskys-nutcracker The grand holiday tradition continues as Butler Ballet proudly presents the only fully staged production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker in central Indiana. Be dazzled and delighted by spectacular dancing, beautiful costumes, glorious scenery, and pyrotechnical magic as the brilliance of Tchaikovsky’s music is brought to life by the Butler Ballet Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir under the direction of Richard Auldon Clark.

Drive-thru Light Display at Reynolds Farm Equipment Runs through Jan. 1, 2017 Location: Reynolds Farm Equipment, Fishers, facebook.com/pages/ReynoldsFarm-Equipment-Inc/118118790849 This drive-through light experience has become a holiday tradition for many families. Enjoy beautiful figures made of lights, including tractors, snowmen, nativity scenes, and more.

This event is free, but on certain nights, donations are accepted for area charities. Open dusk to dawn through Jan. 1.

Doc McStuffins The Exhibit Now through January 31, 2017 Location: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Childrensmuseum.org Doc McStuffins has checked in to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis with the first-ever collaboration the Museum has hosted with Disney. Fans of the show will be delighted by the large interactive experience where children can explore health care in a fun environment. Children are invited to help Doc perform check-ups and diagnose toy patients, while learning about healthy habits, compassion and nurturing care.

Sullivan Santa Express December 1-23, 2016 Location: Sullivan Hardware & Garden’s, Indianapolis, sullivanhardware.com/ pages/train-tickets-for-santa Have you been dreaming of a family trip to the North Pole? Well look no further! Climb aboard the Sullivan Santa Express for a memorable trip to the North Pole to see Kris Kringle himself. Check in at Central Station located in the greenhouse at Sullivan Hardware & Garden’s 71st & N Keystone Ave store in Indianapolis.

While you wait for your reserved departure time, let the kids frolic in the play area. When the train arrives, your family will be seated together in one car. The short train ride is open-air so be sure to bundle up for the ride.

A Beef & Boards Christmas November 25-December 23, 2016 Location: Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, Indianapolis, beefandboards.com/ This annual holiday favorite is jampacked with song and dance numbers that will delight the whole family. And, of course, you can enjoy Beef & Boards mouthwatering dinner buffet!

Bongo Boy Music School Family Drum Circle Saturdays Time: 10:15-11 am, Location: Bongo Boy Music School, Indianapolis, bongoboymusic. com/RMC/Programs/Kids.aspx Imagine a community where music, rhythm, movement, and drumming have become a weekly outlet for socializing and living a happier, healthier lifestyle. At the weekly Bongo Boy Family Drum Circle you’ll enjoy recreational music making through rhythm, movement and rhythm based games. Older kids and parents play supportive rhythms from the circle while younger kids explore the various instruments in the center of the circle. Parents are highly encouraged to participate and must stay with their kids.

[P L E A S E N O T E] At Indy's Child, 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.

DECEMBER 2016 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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MAR K ET P LAC E

Indy's Child Marketplace ENTERTAINMENT + S ER V ICE S + CHILDCARE + S T U DIE S + CLA S S E S . . .

A N D M ORE

CHILDCARE

FA M I LY R E C R E AT IO N

50 INDYSCHILD.COM // DECEMBER 2016

FOOD

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

CO N TAC T U S

P U P P E T S T U D IO

L O C A L A R T I S T: C A R IC AT U R E S

december 2016

FUN & WACKY {INDY'S CHILD}

sun

mon

tues

weds

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

thurs

fri sat

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