KC Parent Magazine February 2017 by KC Parent Magazine

FREE | February 2017 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

daycare vs. preschool

10 Reasons

WE LOVE KANSAS CITY!

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THE RIGHT CHOICE?

Date Night

ENJOY A GREAT ONE AT HOME (REALLY!)

summer camp guide time to start planning!

TIPS TO TAME THE

SUGAR MONSTER

Dancers: Tempe Ostergren and Lamin Pereira dos Santos. Photography: Kenny Johnson.

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kcparent.com february 2017

WHEN YOU JOIN THE Y, you’re committing to more than simply becoming healthier. You’re supporting the values and programs that strengthen your community. At the Y, children learn what they can achieve, families spend quality time together, and we all build relationships that deepen our sense of belonging. Joining is now easier than ever. Become a member online at KansasCityYMCA.org/ Join. ™

SUMMER DAY CAMP REGISTRATION BEGINS IN FEBRUARY! Summer break from school doesn’t mean kids’ development has to be on vacation, too. Summertime at the Y focuses on achievement, relationships and belonging — three important drivers of healthy youth development. Register online at KansasCityYMCA.org/Camp.

OUR MISSION The YMCA of Greater Kansas City, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental and physical well-being. A UNITED WAY AGENCY

KansasCityYMCA.org

Here For Your Family’s Health, On and Off the Field.

Convenient LocationsThroughout Johnson County Overland Park 135th & Grandview Lenexa 91st & Quivira Olathe (NOW OPEN) 119th & Blackbob Shawnee (COMING EARLY 2017) Shawnee Mission Parkway & Nieman

Make an online reservation today at CentraCareKC.com. There’s never a good time to be sick or injured. That’s why when it comes to the health of your family, it’s important to have quick access to health care you can trust. Introducing Centra Care Shawnee Mission Urgent Care. Just walk in or make an online reservation at CentraCareKC.com to see a Board-certified, Centra Care doctor. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Foster parents needed! Help children who have experienced abuse, neglect or other family challenges Do I qualify to be a foster parent? All kinds of people can qualify to foster a child. Whether you are single or married, own or rent your home, have children already or don’t, work full-time or stay home, you may be eligible.

How will I handle saying goodbye to the child if and when it’s safe for them to go home? This is no doubt difficult, but any sadness is outweighed by the safety and love you will give to a child during a time of crisis. Plus, you’re encouraged to maintain life-long connections with the child and family. Thousands of children in the Kansas City area are in need of caring foster families. If not you, then who?

(888) 655-5500 | www.kvckansas.org

kcparent.com february 2017

11/15/16 10:04 AM

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FEB 2017

DEPARTMENTS 11 Word from Dad 12 Media Mix 13 Faith & Family 19 Craft Corner

12-PAGE SUMMER CAMP GUIDE, PG. 36

22 Women’s Health 23 Healthy Kids

SPECIAL SECTIONS

FEATURES

16 Party Guide 36 Camp Guide 54 Calendar of Events

Crafty Jars

An Okay Mom

Unplug

Dress up jars for Valentine’s Day

Why it’s fine to be an okay mom at times

How unstructured time fosters communication skills

Our cover features Lyla from Kansas City. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com. FREE | February 2017 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

ON THE COVER

kcparent.com february 2017

10 Reasons We Love KC

Date Night at Home

Daycare vs. Preschool

Tame the Sugar Monster

Camp Guide

daycare vs. preschool

10 Reasons

WE LOVE KANSAS CITY!

WHAT’S THE RIGHT CHOICE?

Date Night

ENJOY A GREAT ONE AT HOME (REALLY!)

summer camp guide time to start planning!

TIPS TO TAME THE

SUGAR MONSTER

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EDITOR’SLETTER FEBRUARY 2017

More than 40,000 subscribe to our weekly eNews.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Kansas City!

Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Susan Lynn Calendar@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers

LOCAL CONTENT

Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Jessica Heine (Olathe), Christa Hines (Olathe), Karen Johnson (Olathe), Erin Jones (Overland Park), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Laura Miller McEachen (Overland Park), C. Alex Merrill (Lawrence), Jena Meyerpeter (Lenexa), Katie Newell (Shawnee)

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daycare vs. preschool

10 Reasons

WE LOVE KANSAS CITY!

WHAT’S THE RIGHT CHOICE?

JAN-MARCH 2017 | KCPARENT.COM

What Makes

Kc cOOL? 500+ WaYS

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ENJOY A GREAT ONE AT HOME (REALLY!)

everything pregnancy issue

Streetcar

Scavenger Hunt

Date Night

the

summer camp guide

best apps

it’s our birthday! CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF KC BABY & MATERNITY!

why full term matters healthy eating tips

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time to start planning!

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G A Z I NE MA

DID YOU KNOW?

he illusion of needing to be a great, Pinterestperfect mom exerts a lot of pressure these days. I’ll admit it’s easy to get swept up into feeling that to be a great mom, I need to provide my kids a perfectly themed birthday party; cute, homemade valentines; a well-balanced, handpacked lunch every day (with clever notes or jokes); etc., etc. It’s also easy to spread yourself too thin and get to the point where you decide enough is enough. I will have to say, when I personally reached that point, it was a relief. Now I do my best to be an okay mom. As an okay mom, I sometimes don’t home-bake school treats, but buy them from Costco and place them on a platter so they look homemade (I sprinkle some powdered sugar on top to add to that homemade look). I grab clothes out of the laundry hamper and spot clean before handing them to my daughter and telling her they’re clean. I stopped decorating for every holiday. I purchase gifts for birthday parties on the way to the party and drop them in a gift bag. Throughout every day, I’ve found there are moments when I’m a great mom, a bad mom, an okay mom and a lazy mom. I asked Liberty mom Kim Antisdel to write an article on being an okay mom. Check out pg. 28 for a few ways to tell whether you’re an okay mom. And if you are, that’s okay! Kansas City is a great place to raise kids! In the spirit of Valentine’s Day and celebrating love, Kristina Light takes a look at why we love KC on pg. 14.

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Kansas City Parent Magazine is published 12 times a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Parent’s opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication. However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.

Postmaster, please send changes to KC Parent, 8691 W. 96th St, Ste 1B, Overland Park, KS 66212.

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TIMELY PARENTING RESEARCH:

The Lowdown on Parents’ Posts, Processed Foods and Outdoor Play What does the latest research say about the potential harm of parents’ online sharing, the concerns about prepackaged, processed meals and the benefits of outdoor family time? Take a look:

PARENTS’ POSTS

What parents share with others about their children in today’s digital age presents new and often unanticipated risks, according to new research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) 2016 National Conference & Exhibition. Based on their findings, pediatrician Bahareh Keith, DO, MHSc, FAAP, and law professor Stacey Steinberg, JD, encourage pediatricians to give parents healthy rules of thumb about online disclosures related to their children. Parents often create their children’s first digital footprints. Previous research has shown that 92 percent of 2-yearolds in the United States have an online presence, and about one third make their first appearance on social media sites within their first 24 hours of life. “The amount of information placed in the digital universe about our children in just a few short years is staggering,” says Keith, director of the pediatric global health track and an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Florida College of Medicine. “Parents often consider how to best protect children while the child is using the internet. However, parents—including myself, initially—don’t always consider how their own use of social media may affect their children’s well-being.”

kcparent.com february 2017

PROCESSED FOODS

Plenty of research shows that processed foods contain more calories, sugar, sodium and saturated fat than whole foods. Yet parents often opt for prepackaged, processed meals and frozen dinners because they save time. But processed convenience foods can contribute to a poor diet, which led researchers from the University of Minnesota and Duke University to study underlying reasons why parents purchase them. Although saving time is an obvious reason for buying these already-prepared meals, researchers wondered what else might be motivating parents to purchase lesserquality nutrition options for their family. According to the findings published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, nearly half (49 percent) of parents bought prepackaged meals because their families really liked them, one third of respondents purchased ready meals because their kids could help prepare them, and roughly one quarter (27 percent) favored the moneysaving aspect of frozen dinners. These research findings raise concerns that choosing ready-made, processed meals means decreased availability of fruits and vegetables, increased availability of less nutritious foods and less self-sufficiency in cooking and meal-planning skills.

OUTDOOR PLAY

We all know the value of unplugging from our electronics, but new research from the University of Illinois highlights that families who spend time together outside are happier, healthier and get along better. Previous research has proven that spending time in nature boosts attention, restores social cues and improves mood for individuals. But this new research focused on whether outdoor time had the same effect if it’s a family activity. “When your attention is restored, you’re able to pick up on social cues more easily, you feel less irritable and you have more self-control. All of these are variables that can help you get along better with others,” explains Dina Izenstark, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at University of Illinois, and lead author of a recent study published in the Journal of Family Theory and Review.

Lisa Beach is a freelance journalist, copywriter and humor blogger. Check out her writer’s website at LisaBeachWrites.com and visit her humor blog at TweeniorMoments.com. As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

WORDFROMDAD

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“h

i, Sweetheart. I’m off work and heading out the door.” Sandi’s voice always puts a smile on my face. “OK, Love. I’ll see you soon.” Nearly half past six on a Saturday morning and the boys were sound asleep. It happens so slowly, we’re not aware of it as it occurs. We bring home our little bundles of joy from the hospital and they become the center of our lives. We note the milestones, the first teeth, the first steps and the first day at school. Almost before we know it, we’re looking them in the eye. They’re tall and look like adults. They’ve matured, too, after a fashion. Sure, they still squabble now and then, but we don’t have to dress them. They can do their own laundry, although reminding them when they need to and retraining them each time is a challenge. And they can prepare a meal. They know to stay inside, not to play with fire and are no hazard to themselves or others. They can be left alone. Sandi and I can shop, run errands and spend time together. We can even have a date. I’d prepared them for this. The night before, I’d told them that Mom and I wouldn’t be home when they woke, but that it was all right. We’d be home soon. Then, I played my trump card. I let them stay up as late as they wanted. I think I heard their last noises sometime around three. My tummy growled when I heard Sandi arrive. I left them my phone, locked the door and joined her at the car. I opened her door. “Hungry?” “You bet!” “Breakfast buffet? “Sounds heavenly.” Once behind the wheel and buckled, I started the engine and shifted into gear. I took her hand in mine.

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William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family. kcparent.com february 2017

MEDIAMIX

folk tales and farmyards new titles offer lessons and laughter for kids of all ages By McGeath Freeman

By Aaron Blabey

The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet!

The Homework Strike

Best for: Ages 3-6

By Carmen Agra Deedy

By Greg Pincus

Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

Best for: Ages 8-12

Pig the Pug

Best for: Ages 4-8 Learning to share can be tough for everyone. Pig the Pug is a cautionary tale of the dangers that can befall those who are greedy and selfish. Even though Pig lives with Trevor, a delightfully friendly wiener dog, he keeps all the fun items, chew toys and bones for himself. Pig gleefully barks, “You won’t get my loot!” Blabey appears to revel in Pig’s antics as much as he does the twistedly humorous outcome. The rhyming text and exaggerated caricature-like illustrations will keep young readers listening and giggling. Though learning to share is a tried and true children’s book trope, Blabey’s version is entertaining and effective. Young children will enjoy this Pug’s tale—and they may even learn a lesson.

Be careful what you wish for. La Paz is a very happy and very loud village. In fact, there is so much noise the townspeople decide some peace and quiet would be nice. So they elect a new mayor that promises change. And change is what they get. Soon, a little peace and quiet turns into laws prohibiting all noise. Seven years later, a vibrant rooster enters the city and refuses to quit singing his song. The mayor takes the rooster’s house, food and family, but the rooster refuses to quit. Told in the style of classic folk tales, The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet! illustrates the idea that one voice can make a difference. The illustrations are bright and vibrant, adding a wellspring of energy to the tale. This book is good for read-aloud story time.

Gregory K. is back in a new book. When last we heard from Gregory he was struggling with math and hoping to go to author camp for the summer. He was dealing with friends and family while discovering how the Fibonacci sequence could inspire a new style of poetry. This time around, Gregory is trudging through middle school, trying to find his place in the world and spending all his time on way too much homework. Gregory finds his voice and begins expressing civil disobedience in hopes of changing his homework situation. One thing leads to another and a movement begins. Middle grade readers will explore civic involvement, middle school relationships, the power of media and plenty of humor.

What’s good: Character development

What’s good: Pig the Pug will make

What’s good: High energy folk tale with vibrant illustrations.

and humor.

What’s bad: Young children may misunderstand the message about speaking out.

What’s bad: Driven by dialogue and character development, the pacing seems to come in fits and starts.

children and adults giggle.

What’s bad: The rhyming text is a bit forced.

kcparent.com february 2017

FAITH&FAMILY

A PricelessWork of Art

ne of my favorite places in all of Kansas City is the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. As a preschooler in the ’80s I walked those gray marble halls to my first art class in the museum’s lower level and still, to this day, wonder whether that waxy security guard just might be real. A trip to the museum isn’t complete until I stand face to canvas before my favorite painting, Claude Monet’s Boulevard des Capucines (1873-74). It depicts a city view of wintry Paris done in Monet’s famous Impressionistic style. In short, it’s a breathtaking masterpiece. However, my three daughters disagree with me. They love the knight and armored horse and stare in amazed disbelief at the Egyptian mummy. Their differing opinions and preferences don’t lessen the value of Monet’s masterpiece, and that may be one of the most important lessons history and art museums teach us: to value a masterpiece simply because it was created in beauty with purpose. Ephesians 2:10 describes us that

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” EPHESIANS 2:10 NLT

way: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Learning to appreciate a fine oil painting may seem like a far stretch to valuing people (God’s masterpieces), but building a character of understanding applies to all aspects of life. When my daughters face a differing viewpoint or perspective, I hope they can see beyond their preferences and into God’s handiwork. After all, when God signs His name on a piece of work, it’s permanent, and when He assigns a purpose, it’s perfected in Jesus. We don’t have to like something to know it’s worth and value. Our opinions may

change with exposure, time and experience, but the inherent worth of people created in the image of God, by God and for a purpose established by Him does not. If you haven’t taken your family to the museum, plan a trip soon. Winter is a great time to explore the vast exhibits (but don’t miss tulip season this spring!). Go find your favorite masterpieces, then celebrate and discuss opposing opinions. I highly recommend a museum scavenger hunt to keep kids engaged (find a Nelson scavenger hunt at KCParent.com) and a cookie at Roselle Court, because everyone needs to visit a replicated 15th-century Italian courtyard in the middle of America as often as possible. On your drive home, share Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) with your family and tell them of their invaluable worth as masterpieces of God. Faith & Family writer Jena Meyerpeter counts it a privilege to enjoy Yelp’s #1 ranked U.S. museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

The starting point for a healthy smile. Starting Point Dental offers both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics in one location. Our dental services are provided by specialists who received additional training after dental school. By offering these specialties together, we can give busy families convenience and comprehensive care. Locations: Overland Park 14465 Metcalf Ave Overland Park KS 66223 913-553-2492

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kcparent.com february 2017

10 Reasons

we love kc

“I

loved Kansas City before it was cool,” the expression goes, but I politely beg to differ. I’d say, “I loved Kansas City because I always knew it was cool!” Our city has caught the fever and these are just a few reasons we love KC!

Lots of creative spaces to celebrate your KC love! Local artists have decorated downtown with one-of-a-kind murals on some of our oldest buildings

kcparent.com february 2017

to depict true KC love. These walls aren’t just new local landmarks, but also great backgrounds for photos. Three of our favorites and where to find them: • Kansas City I’m So in Love mural in the Crossroads at 1919 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO • Crafted in Kansas City mural on Urban Provisions General Store, 2616 Guinotte Ave., Kansas City, MO • #KC Loves mural on top of a parking garage at 1720 Main, Kansas City, MO

KC is the City of Fountains. With more than 200 documented fountains, Kansas City is outstripped only by Rome in the count of watery works of art. Popular as backdrops for proposals, weddings and family photos, our fountains have become a symbol of love for locals. The fountains create a beautiful landscape while appropriately reminding us that the town where the rivers meet was the launching point for western expansion. In the winter, the

Northland Fountain and the Concourse Fountain at Gladstone Boulevard freeze over, creating majestic outdoor ice sculptures. Take a tour with maps and info from KCFountains.com.

Gotta love our skyscrapers! Kansas City is not home to the world’s tallest skyscraper, but we do have the world’s tastiest! The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, at 160 floors and 2,717 feet tall, is currently the world’s tallest building. One Kansas City Place, our tallest building (1200 Main), pales in comparison, at a mere 42 floors and 623 feet in height. Our skyline may not impress world travelers or New Yorkers like my friend who said, while driving through downtown, “You call that a skyscraper?!?” But Kansas City’s most famous skyscrapers will impress! Served in gigantic glasses with extra-long straws, Skyscrapers have been dished up by Winstead’s since their opening on the Plaza in 1940. Savor one of these classic four-spoon ice cream sodas or shakes with your family.

It’s cool to show your KC love! One of our faves is the Charlie Hustle (CharlieHustleShop.com) shirt emblazoned with a huge heart and the letters “KC” (as shown on the cover of KC Parent). The style became extra popular during the 2014 World Series, when Paul Rudd was photographed sporting the tee, and enjoyed a resurgence with the 2015 Kansas City Royals’ World Series championship. This is one shirt that will always be in style in our book.

You can commemorate your love with a love lock on the Old Red Bridge in Minor Park (KCParks.org/attraction/ old-red-bridge-love-locks/). “The placing of love locks is a custom whereby couples affix a padlock to a bridge, fence, gate or similar fixture, so pronouncing their unbreakable and everlasting love. The Old Red Bridge is adjacent to the new bridge located on Red Bridge Road

between Holmes and Blue River Road in south Kansas City,” says KC Parks.

We have world-class art right in our own backyard! The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Nelson-Atkins.org) is the largest art gallery west of the Mississippi and is truly one of our greatest treasures. In the heart of the city, visitors enjoy the works of Monet, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, O’Keefe, Degas and van Gogh, not to mention an impressive collection of Asian art, ancient and modern art and the all-new American Indian gallery. The Nelson is just one extraordinary gallery in the city. For modern art, visit the Nerman or the Kemper galleries. Enjoy local artists at First Fridays in the Crossroads or one of the annual art fairs at the Plaza, Brookside, Town Center, Prairie Village and Westport.

Kids spell love T-I-M-E, and KC is overflowing with awesome attractions for families. From unique places like Puppetry Arts Institute (Hazelle.org) in Independence where you can make your own puppet and watch shows or professional puppet shows by Mesner Puppets (MesnerPuppets. org), to traditional choices like ice skating at Silverstein Arena (SilversteinEyeCentersArena.com) or Crown Center (CrownCenter.com), to all the latest trends in entertainment from trampoline parks like Sky Zone (SkyZone.com) and Urban Air (UrbanAirOP.com), to Escape Rooms— there are many great ways to enjoy family time. Click “Going Places” on KCParent.com for a searchable guide to local attractions.

expanding. Changes are coming to Worlds of Fun (WorldsOfFun.com) in 2017 with a new entrance, new rides and Winterfest celebration. In May, the Johnson County Museum (JoCoGov.org) will reopen in its new home that will provide the museum with with more space and great visibility.

The performing arts in Kansas City are incredible and affordable for families. Our children are able to experience the talents of professional performers at our top-notch theaters. The Coterie (TheCoterie.org) produces professional children’s theater that is truly worldclass. The Kansas City Repertory Theatre (KCRep.org) brings new and classic performances to the stage. Kansas City Ballet (KCBallet.org) is amazing, and the JCCC Performing Arts Series (JCCC.edu/theseries) presents an incredible variety of touring productions. Add in the Sprint Center (SprintCenter.com), Music Hall (KCConvention.com), the Folly (FollyTheater.org) and Kauffman Center for Performing Arts (KauffmanCenter.org) and you always can find something to enjoy, from music, to opera, to ballet and theater.

No list would be complete without tipping our hat to our reputation as the Barbecue Capital of the World! Kansas City has more barbecue restaurants per capita than any other city—and the best too! Kansas City-style barbecue is slathered in sweet and tangy sauces, and every local has a favorite. If you celebrate summer holidays and special occasions here, chances are strong you’re also enjoying juicy ribs or burnt ends with a side of slaw and pit beans.

KC just keeps getting better! Our sports teams and attractions keep improving, and that means our city is a great place for families. One of our favorite attractions, the Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo.org) just keeps

Kristina Light has a lifelong reputation for loving her hometown, and her friends find it contagious.

For 25 ways to say “I Love You” KC style, visit KCParent.com. kcparent.com february 2017

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party guide

party

FAVORS sure to please By Margaret Sarver

oms and dads don’t need any more stuff to clutter their homes. With that in mind, here are some party favors that kids will love and parents will love as well!

get crafty

As one of the party activities, have the kids create a craft. The completed craft goes home as the party favor. Voila! A party two-for-one!

play a game

Card games or puzzles are the perfect cost and size for a favor and can easily be added to your existing stash. Often you can find games or puzzles to match your theme at the dollar store.

plant a memory

Send kids home with a pack of seeds and a small shovel. They will love planting and watching the seeds grow and will think of the party when the flowers bloom.

color and create

We go through sidewalk chalk rather quickly in our home. Purchase each child a pack of sidewalk chalk to let him color and create at home.

drink up

sweet treat

Kids love to make s’mores so send them home with an individual s’mores kit. Include a marshmallow or two, a graham cracker and a mini chocolate bar. Yum!

whip up a treat

My daughter had a cooking party. For a favor, we sent the kids home with her favorite cookie recipe, along with ingredients to make the cookies.

For a fall or winter birthday, send each child home with a packet of hot cocoa or apple cider mix. A yummy treat kids are sure to enjoy!

movie night

One year we hosted an outdoor movie party. For favors we sent each child home with a bag of microwave popcorn and a box of candy for their own at-home movie night.

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CRAFTCORNER “These yarn wrapped jars would look so festive grouped together as a centerpiece or filled with candy.”

Materials Needed: a Mason jars or vases a Yarn a Felt a Scissors a Tape

yarn wrapped jars

Step One: Tie the yarn onto the jar and begin wrapping it tightly. When a good section of the jar has been wrapped, tie off the yarn with another knot and trim off the ends.

Dress up some mason jars or vases for Valentine’s Day with just a few simple supplies. These would look so festive grouped together as a centerpiece or filled with candy. Help your kids make these jars to give out as teacher or grandparent gifts for love day this year! Get creative with bright colors or stick to the traditional red and pink. Either way, these yarn wrapped jars will brighten a cold winter day!

Step Two: Cut hearts out of felt and attach to the yarn section of the jars with double sided tape. Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO where she lives with her husband and four children. She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at www.homemadeginger.com.

Step Three: Fill with flowers, candy, pens or anything you choose to display or give in your festive jar!

kcparent.com february 2017

Date Night at home

et’s be honest. Having kids can make date nights hard to come by. There are sitters to book and schedules to coordinate and bedtimes to consider. And romance? That thing you reminisce about with your partner while you fold laundry in your jammies? Romance as a parent is too frequently a chaste kiss goodnight before falling into an exhausted sleep for a couple of hours before the first kid awakens you. Keeping the spark alive is hard when it takes all you’ve got to keep the kids alive. But staying connected to the one who loves you without makeup and smelling like spit-up is so important. Best-selling author Brene Brown says this about connection: “I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” When connected to your partner, you can conquer the school drop-off line. You can wipe all the butts. You can make mac-n-cheese like a boss. You can take away screens and actually stick to it. So in support of a strong and connected parental team, we’ve come up with a few romantic at-home date nights—ideas for reconnecting while the kids are away at Grandma’s or maybe just tucked into their own beds for the night.

Dinner and Movie Theme Night I know what you’re thinking because I’m thinking it, too. You’ll fall asleep 10 minutes into the movie. But have a coffee and give it a shot, because this is a fun one. Pick a favorite movie to rent and then cook a meal—together—that goes along with it. Italian for The Godfather, Ballpark hot dogs and nachos for Major League, a chocolatey dessert for Chocolat… the possibilities are endless. Plus, this approach is a new twist on the usual “watch part of a movie and fall asleep” routine you are familiar with.

kcparent.com february 2017

Moonlit Walk Around the Neighborhood Obviously, your kids need to be old enough to be left home alone for this one, if they are home. But if you can make it happen, there is something intimate and peaceful about walking hand-in-hand on quiet streets. Even if the weather isn’t perfect, bundle up. Get some fresh air under the stars and enjoy the serenity that nighttime brings. And who knows, the chill outside might just make it necessary for your beloved to warm you up when you get home. Wink, wink.

Backyard Fire Pit (with s’mores of course!) Something about sitting around a fire brings out great conversation. Whether it’s an outdoor fire pit or an indoor fireplace, the warm fire creates a mood that can be just what the love doctor ordered. It’s a perfect opportunity to put aside the phones (after your date night selfie, of course) and talk. If talking is hard, because sometimes it is when you’ve been speaking toddler for 10 straight hours, keep a list of ideas handy. Making a list sounds silly, but it will jog a tired brain and remind you of how to converse with an adult.

Puzzle Night(s) I know. A night of jigsaw puzzling doesn’t exactly sound thrilling and romantic, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. If you add a little wine, some music that isn’t Kidz Bop and your honey, a puzzle is a great way to bond with one another. It’s nice to have something else to focus on besides life and kids and all of the things you should be doing. I’ll admit, I was a reluctant puzzler, but once we got started I was hooked. And I can tell you that putting in that last piece on a 1,000-piece puzzle is cause for serious celebration.

Board or Card Games

esearch shows that playfulness has significant benefits for adults. In her book, Overwhelmed: Work, Love and Play When No One Has the Time, Brigid Schulte examines the science of play. She believes that “play empowers people to be flexible thinkers, creative, young-at-heart and free-spirited. It provides an opportunity for pure enjoyment…” With that in mind, the next few suggestions invite you to take a lighter approach to date night and recapture some of the joy that child-like innocence can bring.

This world has two kinds of people in it: those who love games and those who don’t. I love them, mostly because I love a little friendly competition. When we play a game, there is heckling and yelling and so much laughing. Games for two can be tricky to find, but our current go-to favorites are Quiddler and Trivial Pursuit, because we are word and trivia geeks. You also can walk down memory lane and play one of your childhood favorites. Monopoly and Life are good ones, along with Battleship and Risk.

Lego Night

Date nights at home are my favorites these days. They are every bit as special and memorable as a fancy night out, without the expensive dinner, crowds and hassle of a sitter. With some creativity and planning, carving out the vital one-on-one time that every couple needs is possible in the comfort of your own space. No matter how you choose to spend your date, the most important thing is just to do it. Make it happen, even though you’re tired. It is so worth it.

I’m willing to bet that if you have kids over the age of 3, you have Legos. Pour a nice glass of your favorite adult beverage, make some grownup food and build something with your person. You don’t have to share with your kids or break up any fights or spend two hours looking for the microscopic piece that fell on the floor. No Legos? Play-doh is also lots of fun. It’s your time to play, and you can do it with the one you love.

Erin Jones works at the Kansas City Art Institute and is also a freelance writer and professional photographer. She is working on her first book – part memoir and part single parenting survival guide.

For great ideas for a cheap date night in KC, log onto KCParent.com.

kcparent.com february 2017

WOMEN’SHEALTH

SAVE UP, GO ELECTRIC!

because your teeth deserve better

sk anyone and they’ll tell you I have a major sweet tooth; my dentist knows first-hand. Personal hygiene is a very simple process: Wake up, wash face, brush teeth and repeat daily (hard to mess up). And yet, turn the clock back three weeks and you’d find me in a dentist’s chair having six achy cavities prodded by strangers. When I left the office I realized something. I had some issues to work out. My first thought was whether I should chase the pain with Tylenol or wine. The second was wondering which I consider more important: my junk diet or my smile? Nearing my cul-de-sac, a final thought occurred. Where had I gone so terribly, terribly wrong? Electric toothbrushes have been around a very long time. And even though people in my own home use them, I often pass the spread at CVS and give them zero consideration. I was content with the standard method I’d been using since preschool. Why should I change now? Overwhelmed by the events of the day, I did

kcparent.com february 2017

some research. To my surprise, I learned I might be better off switching approaches after all. I browsed through countless reviews, curious as to the medical value of going electric. Mayo Clinic’s online resource “Adult Health” offers some insight. In that column’s “Is an Electric Toothbrush Better Than a Manual Toothbrush?” Dr. Thomas Salinas, DDS, of their medical education department, notes there is nothing inherently wrong with a manual toothbrush, but an electric version can be a great alternative. He argues in favor of the bristle movement’s helping to remove more plaque. The following day I returned to the dentist’s office for a consult. Dr. Kali Nalamachu of Smiles 4 U in Overland Park approached me, explaining the many benefits of the Oral-B 5000 ProHealth kit on display. She said, “It’s really nice… like getting your teeth cleaned at home. And you’d be getting an added benefit from the changeable [brush] heads. It gets all

the little spaces that you aren’t getting. So you wouldn’t have to brush so hard.” It’s “day 20” now, and I’m still very impressed with this product. If you’re curious, I highly recommend trying out an electric toothbrush. Maybe start with a less expensive version from your local pharmacy. If you like it, start saving up. Though worth it, the higher quality ones are pricey. C. Alex Merrill is a freelance writer and habitual traveler from the Lawrence area. Weekend free time is dedicated to family, Moo Shu takeout, and the calamitous booms of Doctor Who chase music. As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

HEALTHYKIDS

FLUORIDE FACTS:

what it is and why it’s important

ental health is crucial, and most of us have heard from a young age about the importance of brushing and flossing. However, one equally important element of oral hygiene is a little less known: fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral found in water. You may have had your dentist ask you about your source of water before, and this element is the precise reason for that. Tap water is the best source of natural fluoride. Tooth decay happens when plaque builds up on teeth, breaks down sugars in our food and breaks through the enamel. If tooth decay is not stopped or treated, it leads to cavities. Fluoride works against tooth decay in two ways. First, it builds up teeth when it is ingested. And second, it protects teeth when plaque attacks the surface of the tooth (KidsHealth,org). According to a 2012 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60 percent of the U.S. population receives fluoridated water through their taps at home. Some

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communities have naturally occurring fluoride, and others add it at their water processing plants. If you have any questions regarding your community, ask your dentist. Kids rarely have trouble reaching the proper level of fluoride, but occasionally a doctor or dentist might prescribe fluoride drops or supplementation. As soon as a child’s teeth come in, the parent or caregiver

should start brushing the teeth with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. For young kids, the amount should be a smear the size of a grain of rice. After age 3, the amount of toothpaste can increase to the size of a pea. Teeth should be brushed twice daily and, after the age of 6, the child may start using fluoride mouth rinse (ADA.org). Because some fluoride is good, a lot of fluoride must be even better, right? Actually, this is not the case. Too much fluoride can lead to discoloring of the teeth, and the mineral is potentially hazardous in high doses (WebMD.com). Reaching toxic levels is very difficult, and while it is possible, it is unlikely. Always discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor or dentist. Jessica Heine is a labor and delivery nurse. She lives in Olathe with her family. As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

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day c

which is better for your family?

f you have a 3- to 4-year-old, deciding to enroll her in a day care or preschool can be a difficult choice to make. Are you more focused on teacher training and background or your child’s forming a close bond with the caregiver? Is it more important that your child learn social skills or academics? Do you need full-time or part-time hours? A number of questions loom as you investigate the better choice for your child: day care or preschool. The primary difference between traditional day care facilities and preschools is hours of operation. Day care hours cater to working parents and often open early in the morning before rush hour for parents to drop their kids off before going to work. Likewise, they may stay open into the late afternoon or early evening to allow parents

ool ch

. s p v r es e r a

kcparent.com february 2017

to pick up their kids on their way home. Preschools, on the other hand, have shorter hours—sometimes mornings only or two or three days a week. Also, preschools are exactly what their name suggests: schools. The children usually range in age between 3 and 5 and learn in more of a traditional classroom setting. Classrooms often have tables where kids sit and do lessons, as well as various learning centers around the room, such as sensory tables, building areas and craft supplies. Also, certified teachers lead the class with an organized curriculum. In contrast, day cares may include academics throughout the day, but provide more playtime or free time because the kids are in the building for more hours. For example, all three of my children attended Lenexa United Methodist Church

Preschool (LUMC), run by Lori Campbell. When asked what differentiates LUMC from day care facilities, Campbell said, “LUMC is a part-time, part-day program, designed specifically as a place for discovery, exploration and education instead of child care. Also, the majority of my staff have extensive experience and a long tenure, having been teaching here 10 to 15-plus years.” Day cares also may include academic curriculums in their day, but they are designated as childcare facilities that are open full time. Remember the distinctions between in-home day cares and day care centers. One positive to using a center is reliability. A center will not close if a faculty member is ill or on vacation, because a substitute teacher can be called. An in-home

provider may have to close her day care due to illness or vacation. A negative side to centers is that some have high employee turnover rates, leaving your child little time to bond with teachers. At an in-home day care, however, one or two adults are with your child all day, every day, forming a more secure relationship. Also, in-home day cares typically have smaller groups of children, which exposes them to fewer germs and fosters close-knit friendships. A well-known day care center in the Johnson County area is Special Beginnings Early Learning Center. Director Mary Hornbeck says, “My centers are officially early care and education programs, meaning we provide childcare services while educating the children and preparing them for elementary school. We start lesson plans with even our infants (4 months and older).” On the other hand, Miss Angel, owner of Miss Angel’s Family Home Day Care, describes her program, run out of her house, as more flexible. Angel may spontaneously take all the children to the park, go outside to look for worms or do a craft at her kitchen table. She uses a less rigid method

for planning her lessons, choosing the day’s activities based on weather, events around town and the children’s temperament. Angel says her in-home day care kids become “like a family” to one another.

The primary difference between traditional day care facilities and preschools is hours of operation. Finally, another concern parents often have regarding day cares and preschools is licensure. Preschools and day care centers all must be licensed in the state of Kansas. In-home day care centers that operate more than 20 hours per week must be licensed as well. If licensure is concerning to you, ask the director of the facility you are interested in to see a copy. You also can check out Kansas Child Care

Licensing at KDHEKS.gov and Missouri at Health.mo.gov/safety/childcare. Choosing a child care center or preschool is not easy for parents. If you work full time and are looking for more of a structured environment where the faculty has early childhood training, a center is probably your best fit. If you work and are more interested in a more flexible program where your son or daughter is likely to bond closely with the caregiver, check out in-home day cares. And finally, if you do not need full-time child care and would like to enroll your child in a school environment, preschools will help him learn social skills and foster his academic progress, readying him for kindergarten. Regardless of where your child ends up, you can take comfort in knowing that he is having fun, making friends and learning something new every day.

Olathe mom Karen Johnson has three children, ages 6, 4 and 2. She writes at The21stCenturySAHM.com.

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GOOD WORK ETHIC how to teach children a

“I love doing chores!” said no one ever.

kay. Maybe someone out there has said this, but most of us probably would rather be doing other things. Chores, however, are a part of life, and they are a big part of what helps teach children a good work ethic, one that will help them succeed not only in their future careers, but in their daily lives as well. Thinking children just naturally grow up demonstrating perseverance, self-discipline or good frustration tolerance is unrealistic. These character traits are learned, and they’re learned from parents. Want to be sure your child will develop a good work ethic and the ability to tough it out when things get difficult? Here are some great tips on how to lead her into becoming a responsible, self-sufficient adult. n Don’t use bribes. When your child is lazing around rather than getting his chore done, hold back on your frustration and desire to bribe him. Telling him, “If you finish within 30 minutes, we’ll go to the park,” will only make him work for the end result, not learn the value of hard work. Instead of bribing with food or other rewards, talk to him about why he’s doing the work. “We need to pick up the toys so no one trips over them and gets hurt.” Helping your child understand the real-life reasons for work will inspire him to get it done.

n Start chores at a young age. It’s so much easier to introduce a good habit with a preschooler than to break a bad habit with a tween. When teaching young children to work, you’ll find they typically need a lot of practice before they get it. Show them how to do a chore a few times and then work alongside them and help them do the chore. When you know they’ve gotten it, allow them to do it on their own—and be sure to inspect their work. n Model hard work in front of them. Remember: “More is caught than taught.” You can’t expect your child to work hard if he doesn’t see you working hard. So, be a good role model. Show pride in your accomplishments. Children are always watching and listening. n Make work fun and routine. Kids love to work when you make it fun! Play upbeat music that motivates everyone and make work part of your regular routine. For example, if your child knows she must make her bed before breakfast every morning, it becomes

kcparent.com february 2017

much less of a fight to get her to do it. So instead of being a casual happening, work becomes an expectation rather than a chore. n Give them praise. Don’t focus on pointing out the things your child does wrong or needs to improve on. Instead, focus on praising what she did well. Encouragement goes a long way. Your words of praise will build your child up. She’ll be motivated and inspired to work hard and diligently. n Treat school like a job. That’s right. Schoolwork and homework are a big part of the foundation for a good work ethic. The teacher is the boss, and your child’s “job” is to keep up with schoolwork and do his best. School offers a huge opportunity to developing a work ethic. Maybe your son doesn’t enjoy his math homework, but he should do it without a fight, in a timely manner and with good effort. When you create clear rules and consequences around schoolwork completion and effort, you help start your child on the right path to understanding the value and reward of hard work.

n Encourage volunteering. Get your child(ren) out there to help in the community–reading to or playing games with the elderly in a nursing home, serving food at a local soup kitchen or spending time with the cats and dogs in an animal shelter. Studies confirm this not only benefits others but develops a sense of pride in the volunteer. Research shows that children who persist and excel recognize that success comes from hard work and practice. While some kids are naturally more hardworking than others, that doesn’t mean a strong work ethic can’t be taught. When you put value in teamwork, cooperation and finishing tasks at home, your kids eventually will grow to be hardworking teens and adults. Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein always has made chores a daily routine for her two homeschooled daughters, and she’s happy to report that the initial whining quickly turned into a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.

“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.” ~ Thomas A. Edison

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you might be an okay mom...

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Balancing kids and bills and play dates and holidays is no walk in the park. Throw in raising multiple kids or balancing a career and you’re just asking for a few things to fall through the cracks. No one is perfect, and mediocrity is bound to work its way into your parenting. But don’t sweat it; every mom has been there. Here’s proof:

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less than stellar bottle service: Baby bottles should be taken apart, placed in boiling water and thoroughly sterilized. Never mind that your son is eating dog food out of a bowl on the floor. Truthfully, a quick rinse in warm-ish water will more than suffice for bottles every now and again. And who wrote that “throw out any unused mixed formula after one hour” suggestion? Whoever it was must not know the cost of formula. Surely 48 hours is still in the safe zone.

cuisine is a four-letter word: Hot dogs and mac ‘n cheese are part of the food pyramid, right? Well, they should be. And no need to look at the cooking instructions. You can estimate a quarter cup of milk with your eyes closed while pouring a glass of wine with the other hand. Because you’re a pro at this mom-ing thing.

the short, short story time: Why yes, of course you read the entire 52-page book that was requested at bedtime. So sorry it seemed shorter than usual, kiddos. Maybe you fell asleep during the part where the girl finds her missing dog? Better pay closer attention tomorrow…night-night, sleep tight!

the great coat debate: Kids should be bundled up when it’s cold outside. Be sure to remember hats, gloves, earmuffs, extra socks, moisture-resistant shoes. Forget it—jeans and a sweater will be fine. Mom is too tired to care today.

Leigh’s School of Dance

van gogh in the trash: Who knew as a mom you could add art critic to your resume? As much as you’d love to keep every colored picture and literary masterpiece your child creates, you only have so much room in the filing cabinet. So that drawing of what looked like a decapitated Easter Bunny magically made its way into the recycle bin. That’s life, kids. Accidents happen. promises are made to be broken with bribes: You promised to take the kids to the zoo after their basketball game this weekend. But your feet hurt and the last episode from your latest Netflix binge is calling. A quick stop for a 2,000-calorie milkshake is just the ticket to earn forgiveness for skipping a visit with Fluffy the rare panda.

the bake sale bluff: Yes, the cookies you brought to the carnival are full of gluten, sugar, GMOs and probably a litany of ingredients that are illegal in Europe. But they look homemade thanks to this fancy monogrammed platter you got at Target for $4.99. Score another point for Okay Mom! Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for Kansas City. She lives in Liberty with her husband, two stepdaughters and son. Editor’s note: And she is a great mom!

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can still remember vividly a day when I was about 9 years old and I entered the living room, completely caught off guard by my mom’s unusual countenance. She was looking out the window, still as a

statue. Warm sunshine flooded the room, yet her eyes met a dreary scene, causing her delicate shoulders to droop. A tear careened down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away to hide evidence of being upset when she noticed she was no longer alone.

helping kids navigate

TOUGH FRIENDSHIPS Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future. – John Kuebler

kcparent.com february 2017

Perplexed, I walked up beside her to see what was the matter. It took only a second to find the source of heartbreak. On our long driveway, a handful of neighbor boys recklessly careened my brother’s bikes and scooters over a homemade ramp my dad recently had made. This was yet another time my younger brother had offered to share his outdoor toys, hoping to make some friends in the neighborhood to which we had recently moved. Sadly, while his Huffy and Radio Flyer were hot commodities, he found himself resigned to the curb while the crew blazed around him, only to then race off down the block with his gear. His mutterings were inaudible from indoors, but it was obvious he requested they come back and include him in the fun. When the boys finally did return, they threw the bikes in the yard and ran off together, leaving my brother alone to clean up the mess. How my mom later handled the situation I don’t recall, but as a mom of three boys myself, I now look upon that experience with new eyes. I see how my mom grieved to see my brother hurt by others. The desire to fix the problem yet not to overbear were at war with one another, immobilizing her racing mama’s heart. No parent wants to see her child suffer. We aim to protect, nurture and shelter our children from pain. It’s why we rush to retrieve Neosporin and Band-Aids at the first sight of a small cut or scrape and run to the rescue at the sight of a more serious injury. But a hurting heart? No tool in the medicine cabinet is able to cure that.

be quick to listen, slow to speak

The natural instinct most parents have when they discover their child has been hurt by another is to automatically try to fix things themselves. While some situations may require immediate intervention, many do not—and even may be compromised by our meddling. Julie Metzger, cofounder of Great Conversations (a forum

providing courses on topics such as parenting, puberty and friendship), says children between third and fifth grades are developing their primary relationships and with them, the term “best friend” begins to take on a life of its own. “Those friendships are your own choice for the first time; your parents haven’t done this work for you. There is an opportunity to be disappointed and hurt,” she says. Around this age, children also begin to form their identity and will gravitate toward friends with varying personalities to confirm it. NYU professor of child and adolescent psychiatry Kristin Cullen Sharma, PsD, explains that experiences with all kinds of people will establish a child’s identity and clarify the kind of person he wants to become. It’s a very normal reaction, then, when a friend gets mad that another friend is hanging out with someone else. Some kids are quick to unload their frustrations and hurt onto their parents, while others may choose to withhold or simply blow up later. Regardless of your child’s tendencies, one of the most important things you can do is listen. Bethany Juhl affirms this, both as a mom of three and a student counselor within the St. Joseph School District. “Friendships become increasingly important during childhood and can influence a child’s behavior and attitude,” Juhl says. “Children respond better and tend to make a more positive choice when they feel like they are heard, understood and gently guided to make a positive choice. As a school counselor, I help students solve their interpersonal dilemmas not by telling them what I think they should do, but by asking them questions and helping them find a solution to their problem.”

to process solutions, even if they might not be the ones you would choose. Questions like, “What have you tried?”, “What was the result?” and “What else could you do?” help children view themselves as participants in conflict resolution instead of depending on Mom and Dad to win their battles for them.

model being a good friend

Don’t underestimate your role in the process. One of the great disservices we do to our children is to make their relational problems seem small, implying that friendships will be smooth sailing in adulthood. The reality is relationships are hard work and all require time and energy to thrive, no matter how old you are. The best way we can teach our children how to handle tough friendships is to model being a good friend ourselves. When you argue with another adult, display kindness, graciousness and forgiveness. Show your child that more than likely, friendships are worth fighting for, not ending over petty disagreements.

define forgiveness

Kids need to know that being quick to forgive has more to do with themselves than the other person. Too often forgiveness is confused as passivity. Forbidding bitterness to take root doesn’t mean healthy boundaries can’t be laid. In the event a child’s friend continues in harmful behavior or contrary values, it may be necessary for him to walk away from the relationship. But children are freed from destructive emotions when they know how to healthfully release anger and extend grace to those who have hurt them.

who, what, where, when, why?

Asking the right questions is key. Part of helping children navigate the bumpy roads of relational strife is allowing them

Lauren Greenlee is a freelance writer and mom of three from Olathe.

kcparent.com february 2017

taming the

Sugar Monster

hen it comes to Valentine’s Day, there are two types of people. Those who love it, and those who hate it. Personally, I love it. I love spending time with family and friends. I love making homemade valentines with my girls, and I love decorating my home with sparkly pink hearts. I believe Valentine’s Day, and every holiday, should be incredibly fun and celebrated to the fullest. However, what I don’t love about Valentine’s Day is how sugar has taken over another holiday. According to the American Heart Association, the average American child now consumes 20 teaspoons of added sugar every day. For optimal health, our kiddos should be getting no more than six teaspoons a day. Excess sugar consumption weakens the immune system and has been linked to an

increased chance of type 2 diabetes, respiratory issues and obesity. Instead of simple valentines, our kids are coming home with goody bags filled with sugary sweets. At the classroom party, two or more snacks are usually served in just a 30-minute window. And, for many children, this is after they started their day with sugar sweetened cereal, granola bars or yogurt. Add the chocolate milk served at lunch and a mid-morning snack of sweet crackers or mini-muffins, and you can see how our sugar consumption is so out of control. “But it’s a holiday! We need to celebrate!” I completely agree. Holidays are a wonderful time. However, we are constantly celebrating something. What if we took the focus away from the treats and put it on other things? Becky Weir, owner of A Shear Thing salon and Shawnee mom, loves to give out goody bags. But, she

Some foods you think are healthy are actually loaded with sugar, salt and other things. For a list of eight surprisingly unhealthy foods, visit KCParent.com.

kcparent.com february 2017

Excess sugar consumption weakens the immune system and has been linked to an increased chance of type 2 diabetes, respiratory issues and obesity. has made a commitment to fill them with things other than food. Mini yo-yos, Slinkies, stickers and gel pens are all great alternatives. They are still inexpensive, and Becky says the kids in her daughter’s class are actually more excited about the trinkets than the treats. Even teachers agree it’s become excessive. Karly Roush, a second grade teacher in the DeSoto school district and mama to two, agrees. “Treats and sugar in the classroom have increased greatly over the years that I’ve been a teacher. We celebrate everything and it does often include sweets. As a parent, I know it’s fun to send your kid in with a treat to celebrate a holiday or occasion. But, from the teacher perspective, I also see how much they’re consuming each week or each day, and sometimes it seems excessive. There is truth to the sugar hangover following holidays and school parties. Students are very tired and have a hard time focusing. As teachers, we know this can be a problem.” Roush works hard to teach her students to not overindulge on treats, and puts an emphasis on bringing in healthy snacks to balance treats out. If an item has a ton of frosting or is large, she reminds students they do not have to eat the whole thing. When it comes to post-game snacks, Amy Schwindt, a busy sports mom in western Shawnee, encourages parents to keep snacks simple. “A piece of fruit is really all that’s needed. Our kids don’t need the equivalent of a full meal after every game. At the end of

the season, instead of going out for ice cream, have your team party at a place like Pizza West. The food is fresh and everyone has fun.” So what are we supposed to do? We need to start with education. Kids love to learn. Explain to your children that our sugar consumption has gotten out of control. Sit down at the computer together to read about the risks associated with too much sugar. Make up a little reward chest with trinkets. When your child does something that should be rewarded, let your kid visit the chest instead of eating a treat. As a team, review a typical day of eating. If your child is currently eating a snack cake, fruit snacks and flavored milk at lunch, decide which one is the favorite and then replace the other two with healthier options. Finally, read labels. You will be shocked at how much sugar is in foods we consider healthy. Parents, defaulting to just giving our kids what they want is easy. Sugar tastes good. We all get that. But our nation is out of control. We’ve got to pull in the reigns to protect our children now and in their future. Let’s tame that sugar monster! Katie Newell is a certified nutrition coach with a passion for helping families become better. She is also a culinary instructor, cookbook author and mama to two sweet girls, ages 7 and 8. You can order her cookbook, Feeding our Families, and check out her real food recipes at HealthnutFoodie.com.

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numbers, and shapes and signs– oh my! One of the most important things parents can do at home is to have a good attitude about math themselves and relate real world applications of math skills to their child.

kcparent.com february 2017

f you have a child in school, you likely have encountered fights and moments of frustration over homework, specifically math homework. Maybe it’s not necessarily the homework itself, but rather your uncertainty about how to help your kids with it. You learned one way; they are learning a different way. You didn’t, and still don’t, like it; they do. Maybe you think you aren’t even very good at it and thus simply can’t help your child. While math certainly has changed since “back in the day,” the general concepts haven’t. The reality is your child is going to have homework and will need your help at some point. So what in the world do you do when you don’t know what to do?! First of all, when it comes to homework, remember you are not alone if you are unsure how to help your child. Many parents are in the same situation. Also important to know is that no more than 20 to 30 minutes should be spent on homework you and your child are struggling with. Otherwise,

everyone ends up frustrated, which doesn’t do either of you any good. Secondly, look at what your child brought home and try to find an example of what he is doing from class. If you can’t find one, perhaps searching on Google might come in handy. You can type in the actual problem, a title or term if there is one available. You even may need to search through a couple of sites to find what is most helpful. Thirdly, ask your child some guiding questions such as “Where do we begin?” or “What question are we trying to answer?” Sometimes all kids need is a little jog of their memory. Lastly, be patient, supportive and encouraging. Try not to nag a child about it, accuse him of not paying attention or scold him for lack of understanding. I distinctly remember how the math assignment made perfect sense as I watched the teacher flawlessly show us how to do it in class, but by the time I got to my homework, it didn’t make as much sense anymore!

Here are a few other tried and true, everyday math tips from Olathe teachers, who also happen to double as parents:

• Kari, a second grade teacher in Olathe,

says, “Practice math facts…whether that be with old school flash cards or an app like Xtra math ($4.99 for iOS). Learning addition, subtraction and multiplication facts will help your child succeed in math. Also taking time to learn the new way we do math so your language is the same is helpful. Many districts have websites that you can utilize to see how and what the kids are learning.”

numbers everywhere, so there is plenty of opportunity to talk about it—even on menus at restaurants. It’s a great way to introduce numbers and show that math is a very important part of our world, no matter what job you will have later in life. One of our favorite games to play in the car is “I Spy” with numbers! Math can be fun…and you literally can use any object at home to teach it!”

• “We like to practice multiplication facts

while we’re riding in the car. At home, the girls have their own mini whiteboards. They STUDY SKILLS M AT H S AT / AC T P R E P WRITING READING OMEWORK HELP love to have usHwrite problems on the boards Tiffany, also a second grade teacher in for them to solve. Brightly-colored markers Olathe, comments, “I help my child, age add an extra bit of fun too!” says Mindy, a 5, with math by finding everyday things fourth grade teacher in Olathe. to relate to. I make sure she understands terminology (quarter, penny, nickel, dime, “I personally feel one of the most dollar, o’clock, more, less, add, subtract, important things parents can do at home etc.). Then, we relate it to something we is to have a good attitude about math see or do. For example, if we see that I themselves and relate real world applications AGE 13 Now I sit in theand front Ioftake the class. have eight pennies, away three, of math skills to their child,” says Tiffany, a Thanks Sylvan! how many do we have now? She sees fourth grade teacher in Olathe.

I’m sure you feel fully equipped to knuckle down for tonight’s math exercises, but just in case you still aren’t confident, remember this joke (and even share it with your child): Why did the boy eat his math homework? Because his teacher said it would be a piece of cake! Now that you’ve had a giggle, get in there and get cracking on that math homework! Good luck! Julie Collett writes from Overland Park, where she still enjoys helping her children with math, since they are only 5, 4 and 2!

•

Nate G.

quiz What are good ways to help your kids with math? a. Don’t. b. Look for similar examples. c. Ask for help from a teacher or tutor. d. Work through it together. e. B, C, and D

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those are just some of ways your child can spend the summer. See display ad on pg. 46. www.Cosmo.org

Interactive Education Guide available at KCParent.com

KC Parent’s

Camp Guide

The Culture House Spend your summer at The Culture House! Our 2017 summer programs include dance, theatre, music and art ... all taught by professionally trained adults. “Footloose” (ages 13-19), “Madagascar” (ages 9-13), “Jungle Book Kids” (ages 6-11), Jazz (instrumental) Camp, Painting, Sculpture, Drawing, Disney Revue, Broadway Hits, Songs from Matilda, Songs from Moana, Perfectly Princess, Force Wars, Lion King Revue, Itty Bitty Ballerina, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Tap & more! Openings limited! See display ad on pg. 41. 913.393.3141. Enroll online: www.CultureHouse.com

Accelerated Schools

Christian Youth Theater

iD Tech Camps

Accelerated Schools of Overland Park offers two summer programs from June 5 through July 28. High School students can earn credit for courses such as math, science, English, Spanish and social studies. Students entering 4 to 8 grade can attend the Academics & Arts Summer Camp, focusing on individualized academic tutoring as well as creative expression. Call 913.341.6666 for further information. See display ad on pg. 47. www.AcceleratedAchoolsOP.org

ACT. SING. DANCE. LIVE! CYT Kansas City offers a variety of fantastic summer theatre camps all across the KC metro area. Day camp themes include “Disney Around the World” and “Disney on Broadway” for half-day (ages 4-5 & 5-7) and full-day (ages 7-12) campers. Non-musical Xtreme camps (ages 10-16) include “Star Wars,” “Lord of the Rings,” and “Comic Books.” An all-new High School Master Drama Camp features “The Crucible.” Overnight camps include “High School Musical Jr” (ages 12-14) and “Big Fish” (ages 14-19), with full-length performances. Visit www.CYTKC.org or call 913.681.3318. See display ad on pg. 42.

iD Tech Camps held at UMKC, Wash U, Northwestern, MIT & More Code, game, and create at the world’s #1 summer technology camp! Students ages 7–18 will learn to code apps, design video games, mod Minecraft, engineer robots, discover cyber security, build websites, print 3D models, and more. Join 275,000+ alumni and learn from top instructors! Register at www.idtech.com/kc. Save $50 with promo code KC17. See display ad on pg. 43

Animal Camp-Cub Creek Science Camp Imagine spending a week feeding lemurs, walking llamas, grooming miniature horses, and playing with puppies and parrots! Choose from over 100 activities, sleep comfortably in spacious, airconditioned cabins, enjoy a variety of delicious meals, and learn from some of the friendliest and fun staff around! www. MoScienceCamp.com. If you’re looking for more adventure, check out our teen travel and adventure program on the island of Jamaica! AnimalCampJamaica.com . See display ad on pg. 45. Ask for free brochure! 573.458.2125.

kcparent.com february 2017

Cosmosphere From second graders through high school seniors, Cosmosphere campers spread their wings, expand their minds, and have fun they won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Camps include Space 101501, Mars Academy, Forces of Flight, and Space Medicine. Building robots and rockets, SCUBA training like astronauts, interplanetary missions to solve a crisis, learning to fly, understanding the medical demands of long duration space travel…

J Camp J Camp is Summer! Open to everyone, Jewish Community Center offers the best day Camp experience in Greater KC for ages 2-13. For youth entering 1st through 8th grade, you’ll find 11 Premiere and Specialty Camps that provide variety all summer long. The Child Development Center (CDC) Camp offers unique activities for children ages 2 – 5 years. Conveniently located at 117th and Nall, our unparalleled facilities include an on-site pool. Campers learn new skills with structured recreational and educational activities while enjoying art, sports, swimming, archery + more. See display ad on pg. 38.

CAMPGUIDE Johnson County Park & Recreation District From Outdoor Discovery to Just for Fun, we offer over 75 different and well-supervised

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Kanakuk Camps Kanakuk is a premier summer camp experience for boys and girls age 6–18 located in Branson and Lampe, MO. Our 5 Overnight Kids camps provide children with age-appropriate, fun, safe and professional outdoor youth camping experiences that grow them spiritually, physically, emotionally and socially. Kids have fun with friends participating in more than 70 activities, sports and amazing themed parties. Our full-time and summer staff are committed to our mission to develop

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Looking for something fun to do this summer? Quest is a week full of adventure for only $50! Kansas City Zoo

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Kansas City Ballet

Roller Skating

Kansas City Ballet School Summer Programs include once-a-week classes and four-day ballet camps for children ages 2-7. Camp themes include Beauty and the Beast and Island Adventures. Additional courses and workshops available for ages 8-18. Classes begin June 5th. Enroll today to

kcparent.com february 2017

guarantee your child’s spot. Two convenient

This summer, imaginations take ffl light.

locations: Downtown and Johnson County. See display ad on pg. 43. For more information visit www.KCBallet.org or call 816.931.2299.

Mesner Puppet Theater Mesner Puppet Theater camps let you explore favorite children’s stories, songs and rhymes through a range of puppet activities. The camps are designed for

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children pre-K through sixth grades and offer a variety of exciting titles such as Outer Space Adventures, Superheroes, and the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The weeklong camps will keep kids excited and engaged and create memories they won’t soon forget. All camps are held at the MPT studio, 1006 E. Linwood Blvd. in Kansas City’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood. See display ad on pg. 39. www.MesnerPuppets.org

Experience the excitement of our Summer Adventure Club where imaginations are free to run wild. Get ready for engineering design challenges, discoveries, outdoor exploration and more. It’s going to be one epic summer. Fun for ages 5 – 10.* Learn more at PrimroseSummer.com. Flexible Schedules • Exciting Adventures Space is Limited – Call Today! Primrose School of North Olathe PrimroseNorthOlathe.com • 913.764.0018 Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a trademark of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2017 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. *Ages for Summer Adventure Club programs vary by location.

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enroll please visit ndsion.edu/summer. Grade School Campus: 3823 Locust, KC MO. High School Campus: 10631 Wornall Rd., KC MO. See display ad on pg. 46.

ENROLL TODAY! Contact Alex Espy at 816-756-3500 or alex@mesnerpuppets.org

I’m a Superhero July 17-21, 2017 FOURTH-SIXTH GRADE It’s Our Oz June 19-23, 2017 Robot Invasion! July 17-21, 2017 kcparent.com february 2017

CAMPGUIDE Paint, Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House Camp ARTRAGEOUS! Paint Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House is offering summer camp for its 20th season! Your child will learn new techniques and have fun creating art in our multi-medium camps (ceramics, clay, canvas & glass fusion). Class size is limited—sign up early! Check it out online and find more information as well as a registration form at www.PaintGlazeAndFire.net. For more information on these and many other fun and creative programs, visit the website. See display ad on pg. 44. 913.661.CLAY (2529).

Primrose School of North Olathe Participating in this kind of high-quality, balanced program doesn’t have to stop at the end of the school year. At the Primrose Summer Adventure Club, children enjoy

exploring interesting topics AND continue learning through purposeful play. The Primrose Summer Adventure Club builds Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts®. In addition to having fun activities and learning we will be taking field trips weekly during the day. Call us to learn more! See display ad on pg. 39. www.PrimroseSummer.com

Quest June 5-9. Roller blading, water parks, a visit to the zoo, human foosball, these are just a few of the activities you can experience at QUEST. Quest is a summer day camp for students entering 6th-9th grade. Registration is only $50 and covers all activities and snacks. Registration fills up quickly. For more information and to reserve your spot today, visit www.vcc.church. See display ad on pg. 38.

Summer at Barstow Give your child a summer adventure filled with lasting memories. Summer at Barstow offers a spectacular experience for children ages 3–14 in academics, sports, arts and enrichment. Imaginations soar and campers stay active with over 400 engaging camp options—including visual and performing arts, science and technology. Summer at Barstow 2017 runs Tuesday, May 30 through Friday, August 4, with extended care options available to all campers. Our catalog is available online at www.barstowschool.org/summer. See display ad on pg. 40.

VCamp June 26-30. Looking for a low-cost, fun, summer day camp for your kids? At Vcamp, kids will explore what it means

continued on page 42

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kcparent.com february 2017

CAMPGUIDE to be created by God, built for a purpose. Vcamp is for kids entering 1st-5th grade and runs from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm daily. Students bring a lunch each day. $40 for the week includes snacks, supplies, and wraparound care is available at no additional charge. Register online at www.vcc.church. See display ad on pg. 47.

Youth-Archdiocese of KCK Camp Tekakwitha offers horseback riding, high rope challenges, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, basketball, soccer, swimming, mountain boarding, archery, volleyball, mountain biking, outdoor camping, Bible studies, numerous Catholic prayer experiences and other outdoor camp activities. Camp Tekakwitha is a powerful spiritual experience that leaves the campers excited to return year after year. Camp

kcparent.com february 2017

Tekakwitha is operated by the Archdiocese of KC in Kansas. Full information is available at our website under youth. 785.746.5693. See display ad on pg. 44. www.ArchKCK.org

Youthfront Youthfront Camps offer 74 years of camp experience for students of all ages at two great locations. All camp programming holds time for swimming, theme nights, solitude and amazing attractions like Splash Parks, Nerf Wars, Climbing Walls and more! We provide an authentic community where students grow in their relationship with God and make strong friendships that last a lifetime. Registration is now open at www.Youthfront.com! Contact us at info@youthfront.com to learn more. See display ad on pg. 45.

YMCA Is your child ready to have their best summer ever? Y Summer Day Camps are full of learning, adventure, active play and friendship! Traditional camps offer exciting themes weekly. Specialty camps include outdoor, art, sports, engineering and community service. And our Adventure Camp keeps teens excited and engaged throughout the summer. Locations include Blue Valley, Center, Olathe, Platte County, Shawnee Mission and Spring Hill School Districts; Camp Naish; North Kansas City; and Riverside. Ages 3-18. Learn more and register at KansasCityYMCA.org/camp. See display ad on pg. 3.

Visit the virtual Camp Guide at KCParent.com for photos, videos and more!

PLAN AHEAD WITH OUR SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR AGES 3-18 SUMMER PROGRAMS 2017 Classes are designed to provide your child with excellent ballet training and superior attention from our professional teachers, all while having fun. Classes begin June 5.

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kcparent.com february 2017

CAMPGUIDE

current camp trends

amp has been an American tradition for more than 150 years. Some things at camp—forming friendships, having fun, practicing new skills and making summer learning gains— will never change. But what are the camp trends today?

Who goes to camp? The American Camp Association (ACA) estimates that there are 12,000 traditional organized camps in the United States. Each year more than 11.5 million children, youth and adults attend camp. Today we see a wide range of ages participating

Camp Tekakwitha A Catholic Adventure Camp

Camp Tekakwitha offers horseback riding, high rope challenges, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, basketball, soccer, swimming, mountain boarding, archery, volleyball, mountain biking, 3 story The camps offerwaterslide, horseback riding, highBible ropestudies, challenges, numerous canoeing, hiking, rockCatholic climbing, prayer experiences repelling, basketball, soccer, andultimate other outdoor swimming, frisbee, camp activities. group party games, mountain boarding, archery, volleyball, Camp Tekakwitha mountainisbiking, outdoor a powerful camping,spiritual softball, experience bible studies, numerous catholic that leavesprayer the experiences and other outdoor campers excited camp activities. Camp to return yearis a powerful spiritual experience after year.

that leaves the campers excited to return year after year.

kcparent.com february 2017

Camp

CAMP Tekakwitha TEKAKWITHA Prairie Star Ranch Prairie Star Ranch 1124 California Road Williamsburg, KS Road 66095 1124 California

Williamsburg, KS 66095 (785) 746-5693 (785) 746-5693

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Mix & match sessions to fit YOUR summer schedule!! • Canvas • Clay • Glass Fusion • Ceramics

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in the camp experience, from children as young as 3 participating in day camp programs to senior adults participating in family camps and senior camps. The ACA has a vision that by the year 2020, more than 20 million children and youth will have a camp experience each year.

What types of camps are most popular? Traditional camps are still very popularâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;maybe more popular today than even a decade agoâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;as young people are very concerned about the environment, global awareness, mentorship and getting along with one another. The camp community embraces those values. There also has also been a rise in the popularity of specialty camps,

continued on page 47

camp guide

{by the numbers}

54,179

unique visitors to the virtual camp guide in 2016

104,000

readers each issue of KC Parent Magazine

A unique web + print package that increases exposure and leverages multimedia platforms!

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913.782.3235 .com

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kcparent.com february 2017

CAMPGUIDE day camps and family camps, as camps constantly adapt to meet changing needs of families. Many young people like to use the camp experience to sharpen a special skill or develop new ones. Even traditional camps are offering year-round camp experiences, as well as any number of specialty programs. This exciting diversification is an example of how the camp community is meeting the needs of today’s families.

and technology programs. More than four in five ACA-accredited residential camps offer at least one environmental education program for campers. Whatever the activity, camp gets kids moving! While at camp, campers are typically active three to five hours per day. This exceeds the recommended daily amount of physical activity from the Centers for Disease Control (one hour per day).

What activities are popular?

With so many options, how do I find the right camp?

The most popular activities at camps today are swimming, arts/ crafts, challenge/ropes courses, archery and aquatic activities. In addition, ACA research shows 52 percent of day camps and 50 percent of resident camps offer one or more academic/science

There is a camp for every child, every interest and every budget! The ACA’s Find a Camp database helps families find the perfect camp experience—whether it’s a traditional, day, specialty, family or even trip or travel camp. Visit CampParents.org to start your

search, and be sure to check out the expert advice, packing tips and more.

About ACA The American Camp Association® (ACA) works to preserve, promote and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACAAccredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. There are more than 2,400 ACA-accredited camps that meet up to 300 health and safety standards. For more information, visit CampParents.org. Reprinted from ACAcamps.org by permission of the American Camp Association; copyright 2013 by the American Camping Association, Inc.

If your child is facing challenges in school, “excelling” may seem out of reach. We specialize If your child is facing challenges in school, “excelling” may seem outinofworking reach. with students whostudents don’t always “fit into We specialize in working with the who don’t always “fit into thebox.” box.” For more than will 30 years, Summer programs be heldconcerned parents from June 5 until JulyAccelerated 28, 2017 Schools for have turned to the High School students in grades individualized learning programs that help 9-12 can complete up to students of all academic levels with unique 1 full credit in subjects including educational needs overcome math, science, social studies, challenges and excel English,academically. Spanish and art. All courses are accredited by the State4of- Kansas • Full Day School - Grades 12 and AdvancED. Middle school students, grades 4-8, can Schooland Tutoring - Grades 1-12 attend•theAfter Academics Arts Camp. They can spend•2.5Accredited hours in individualized tutoring•and thenStudent-Teacher ratio Low participate in 1.5Report hours Cards of creative expression. • Daily • Transportation Available Vineyard Community Church All programs are from 9 am until 1 pm, Monday • Effective Reward System • Free Academic Testing 8301 Lamar Ave | (913) 381-5577 | vcc.church through Friday. Individualized tutoring is also available.

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FOR STUDENTS GOING INTO 1ST - 5TH GRADE FALL OF 2017 Don’t know what to do with those long summer days? VCamp is a week full of fun and safe activities for only $40! kcparent.com february 2017

20 WAYS for moms to recharge in 20 MINUTES W

ith all the current talk about the importance of self-care for parents (mothers in particular), a mom easily could disregard this as just another impossible task that can’t be squeezed into an already full schedule. I know we all want to be good

parents; however, if you don’t take the time to care for yourself, you will not have the energy (mental or physical) to parent. Here are 20 things you can do for yourself to revitalize in a short amount of time. 1. PET THERAPY. Studies have proven that just being around animals reduces your blood pressure. This doesn’t mean you have to play with a dog (although this is my preferred method). Even watching fish in an aquarium or horses in a field has a beneficial effect.

2. HUMOR YOURSELF. Most 30-minute television shows only last about 22 minutes without the commercials. Have a mini-binge of your favorite comedy or listen to a comedian. Look at funny YouTube videos.

3. PAINT YOUR TOENAILS. I feel worse after making my toes look pretty. Said no one ever. If you are careful, you still can walk around while they dry.

kcparent.com february 2017

4. CALL A FRIEND. Long chats on the phone have declined with the prevalence of texting and social media, but there’s something special about hearing a good friend’s voice in real time. This is an easy one to fit in while you are waiting for children to get out of school or lessons.

5. WATER. A bath doesn’t have to take an hour and be surrounded with lit candles in order to refresh you. Fill the tub while you do something else and soak for 10 minutes. Use lavender bath salts for a calming effect or spearmint to refresh.

6. A WALK. It can be brisk or leisurely. Just being outside in the fresh air can invigorate you. Bring earphones and play your own tunes as loud as you want as you walk laps around the playground while still keeping an eye on the kids.

7. DRINK. No, not that kind of drinking. Dehydration is a common cause of fatigue and headaches. Fill a real glass with ice water (add lemon or cucumber if you are feeling fancy). Sit down and drink a glass or two.

8. STRETCH OUT. Lie down on the floor and stretch or find stretching exercises you can do in an office chair while at work.

9. BAKE. This might sound like a chore and a diet-wrecker, but if you enjoy baking there is something very rewarding about watching the raw ingredients morph into something yummy. With store-bought or premade cookie dough, you can have cookies in and out of the oven quickly. Don’t want the calories? Give them away. Being kind is a sure mood-lifter.

10. GET NOSTALGIC. View old videos or photos of your kids. Don’t feel obligated to scrapbook or edit. Just look. You will be reminded of all the different stages of parenting you have gone through and relish the fact that some of the more challenging ones are in the past!

14. READ. Reading doesn’t always have to be to your children or something edifying. Catch up on celebrity gossip if that’s your thing. If you prefer listening to books, play an audio installment of a beach-read type of novel.

11. SNACK. Our bodies can’t function without fuel, and going for more than four hours without eating can make a mom “hangry.” When was the last time you actually made a snack for yourself? Eating chips out of the bag doesn’t count. Protein-rich foods can provide an energy boost. Take a few minutes to choose something delicious and healthy for yourself the next time you grocery shop.

15. DRESS IT UP. Looking like a frump can make you feel like a frump. Changing into clean clothes and real shoes (even if you aren’t going out) can make you feel less sluggish.

12. WRITE. We all have heard that writing is cathartic. Writing things down can help get them out of your brain. You don’t have to write daily in an actual diary or journal to get the benefits. Blog, write a newsy e-mail to a faraway friend or make a “done” list (much more fun than a to-do list.).

16. GET SOME VITAMIN D. Vitamin D (either produced by your body with exposure to sunlight or taken as a supplement) is crucial to supporting your immune system. Fish and eggs are good sources as well. In fact, a shortage of vitamin D can cause fatigue and restless sleep. Moms don’t need that!

13. CANCEL SOMETHING. Most families today have a whole lot going on. Just canceling one thing in your future that is not a necessity can boost your mood.

17. PLAN SOMETHING FUN. It may never happen, but planning an activity (or, just imagine it, an entire “me day”) can be half the fun. Imagine what your ideal “me day” would look like and research the details.

18. COLOR. Coloring books for adults are a thing. Really. According to mental health professionals, coloring allows us to slow down our thoughts and focus only on the moment, helping to combat anxiety.

19. DISCONNECT. Facebook can live without you for 20 minutes. Put your phone on the charger and turn off the ringer. Move away from the computer or tablet. Turning off social media can help you find happiness in the moment and reduce feelings of envy or FOMO (fear of missing out).

20. PLANT A SEED. The history of humanity has been a life connected to nature. Too many of us are well removed from the outdoors in our daily lives. Being near other living things, like plants, is an easy way to reduce stress and reinvigorate. I have the opposite of a green thumb, but even I can keep a succulent or two alive for a few months. Add non-demanding plant life to the areas where you spend time.

DON’T YOU FEEL RECHARGED ALREADY? Laura Miller McEachen is a part-time attorney and a full-time mommy. She likes to recharge by writing things down to get them out of her brain. kcparent.com february 2017

hether you want to become a stronger, more intuitive communicator or you’re trying to raise one, free time spent unplugged can make a big difference. Here’s why:

paying attention is critical for relationships.

how unstructured time fosters better connection

kcparent.com february 2017

Increased self-awareness. Time alone or unplugged helps us pursue personal interests and develop more clarity about who and what we want in our lives. That sense of self-reliance, confidence and independence comes through in how we interact with others. We’re better able to advocate for our needs and for others because we’ve taken time to contemplate and clearly understand those needs.

Better sleep. We can’t focus on others when we’re sleep deprived. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 72 percent of children ages 6 to 17 sleep with electronics in their bedroom. The lights and sounds these devices emit disrupt quality sleep and can result in up to an hour of sleep lost per night. Remove electronics from your bedroom and your children’s bedrooms.

More attentive connection. A 2013

study in the journal Environment and Behavior suggests that by simply having your phone sitting on the table or in your hand during a conversation, you reduce the quality of your interaction. Stash your phone away during face-to-face conversation. And consider choosing one day a week where the whole family takes a “digital Sabbath,” a 24hour break from technology. “The Sabbath increases your ability to concentrate on cool intricate tasks, to experience and appreciate the uniqueness of particular moments, to focus more on the people around you,” writes Alex SoojungKim Pang in his book The Distraction Addiction: Getting the Information You Need and the Communication You Want Without Enraging Your Family, Annoying Your Colleagues and Destroying Your Soul. “Paying attention is critical for relationships.”

Improved mental health. Attempting to address text messages, online interactions, phone calls and emails in the midst of family demands can cause stress and anxiety. “Chronic distractions erode your sense of having control of your life,” Pang says. Increase your sense of calm by focusing on one task or person at a time. And occasionally play hooky from extracurricular activities, which teaches kids that it’s okay to honor their individual needs for rest and disengagement. More playtime. Free, unplugged play

gives kids a chance to put their imaginations to work and try new ideas. Instead of telling them something won’t work or supplying answers to their questions, let them investigate, research ideas and experiment with materials on their own. Multiple studies show that kids who receive regular, unstructured time to play, develop creativity, self-confidence, problemsolving skills and independence. With these skills, they‘ll believe they’re good enough

without having to seek external approval, which is rampant in a “like me” culture

Enhanced curiosity. Researchers from

Brown University recently found that the more time kids spend watching TV, using their smartphones or playing video games, the less likely they are to show initiative and complete tasks like homework. Even more worrisome, they exhibit less curiosity and interest in learning overall. Screen-free time gives us all a chance to consider worthwhile questions. What am I curious about? How can I solve a problem I’m dealing with? What brings me joy? Whom could I talk to about this? How can I learn more?

Richer conversations. For many young adults, spontaneous conversation, where they can’t control the message in a text or email, feels too intense or risky. According to Sherry Turkle in her book Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age, some employers vet job candidates based on their ability to converse face-to-face and over the phone. Play conversation games like “What if…” or “Would you rather…” to make impromptu conversation fun and interesting. Establish sacred, unplugged spaces, like around the dinner table and in the car, to allow for spontaneous conversation. Side-by-side conversation feels less intense and gives kids the courage to broach issues that are bugging or worrying them. Grab the crayons and color together. Go on a walk. With space and uninterrupted conversation opportunities, you can listen to each other better and grow closer as a family. Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents to two digitally charmed children. Christa is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

Creative Subscription Services that Support Learning

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Tech Hacks That Can Help You Unplug

• Break Free (BreakFree-App.

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• Offtime (Offtime.co): App

that helps you control your connectivity so you can better concentrate on work, family or personal time.

• Spire (Spire.io): Wearable

mindfulness and activity tracker that tracks breathing patterns, alerting you to anxiety and tension triggers.

QUIZ Q: Which gender checks its phones more often per hour? A: Men (43 percent compared to 38 percent of women) Q: Do iPhone users or Android users check in more frequently? A: iPhone users (44 percent compared to 39 percent of Android users) Q: What percentage of Americans keep their phone with them at all times during waking hours? A. 53 B. 33 C. 81 Answer: 81 Source: Gallup.com kcparent.com february 2017

45 fun and fascinating facts about our presidents

executive exposé

hich president married his teacher? Who modeled for a magazine during college? Which president liked to skinny dip in the Potomac? To celebrate Presidents Day, here are 45 fun and fascinating facts about our commanders-in-chief.

kcparent.com february 2017

1. First president George Washington had teeth that were made, not from wood, but from hippopotamus ivory, bone and human teeth. 2. When John Adams, the second president, died on July 4, 1826, he said, “Thomas Jefferson survives.” He didn’t know that Jefferson had died hours earlier that same day–the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

10. The 10th president, John Tyler, was born in 1790. Unbelievably, two of Tyler’s grandsons are still alive today. 11. James Knox Polk, the 11th president, was nicknamed “Young Hickory” after President Andrew Jackson, whose nickname was “Old Hickory.” 12. The 12th president, Zachary Taylor, died suddenly in office. His body was exhumed in 1991 to prove he hadn’t been poisoned with arsenic. 13. Had a crush on a teacher? You’re not alone. Millard Fillmore, the 13th president, married his teacher, Abigail Powers.

3. Thomas Jefferson, the third president, designed his own tombstone. The epitaph makes no mention of his presidency.

14. The 14th president, Franklin Pierce, was good friends with the writer Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter.

4. The fourth president, James Madison, was known as “the Father of the Constitution.” He was the last surviving original signer of the document.

15. James Buchanan, the 15th president, bought slaves in Washington, D.C., and freed them in Pennsylvania.

5. James Monroe, the fifth president, is the only one to have a foreign capital named for him. Monrovia, Liberia, was a colony established in Africa in 1821 for freed black Americans. 6. John Quincy Adams, the sixth president, frequently skinny-dipped in the Potomac.

16. In 1860, 11-year-old Grace Bedell wrote to Abraham Lincoln and advised him he had a better chance of winning the election if he grew “whiskers.” He followed her suggestion and became the 16th president. 17. Andrew Johnson, the 17th president, was the first to be impeached and then acquitted.

7. Andrew Jackson, the seventh president, killed a man in a duel over an argument that started when the man insulted Jackson’s wife, Rachel.

18. Broke and dying of cancer, 18th president Ulysses S. Grant wrote his memoirs. Mark Twain published them after Grant’s death, earning $450,000 for his family.

8. Martin Van Buren, the eighth president, was the first to be born a U.S. citizen. The presidents before him were considered British subjects.

19. Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th president, was first to install a phone at the White House. He called Alexander Graham Bell first.

9. William Henry Harrison, the ninth president, died only a month after taking office, making his the shortest presidency in history.

20. Multilingual and ambidextrous James Garfield, the 20th president, could write Latin with one hand while writing in Greek with the other.

Whose line is it? 21. Chester Arthur, the 21st president, was a clothes horse, reportedly owning 80 pairs of pants. 22. Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th president, was the only president to be married at the White House. 23. Electricity was installed at the White House under Benjamin Harrison, our 23rd president, but the Harrisons wouldn’t operate the switches for fear of getting shocked. 24. Grover Cleveland, the 24th president (also the 22nd president) was the only president in American history to serve two non-consecutive terms. 25. Minutes after the 25th president, William McKinley was shot by an assassin, he said, “Let no one hurt him,” speaking of his shooter. McKinley died eight days later. 26. Teddy Bears are named for Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president, because he once refused to shoot a bear his hunting companions tied to a tree. 27. It’s probably a myth that William Howard Taft, the 27th president, got stuck in a White House tub, although Taft did have a large bathtub installed at the White House to fit his size.

triumphant Truman was photographed holding the front page of the Chicago Daily Tribune with this headline: “Dewey Defeats Truman.” 34. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th president, was the first to be picked up on the White House lawn by a helicopter. 35. John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, donated his presidential salary to charity. 36. Everyone in 36th President Lyndon B. Johnson’s family had the initials “LBJ.” 37. The 37th president, Richard Nixon, is the only president to resign. 38. Gerald Ford, the 38th president, modeled during college, appearing in Look Magazine. 39. James Earl “Jimmy” Carter, the 39th president, was the first president to be born in a hospital. 40. Ronald Reagan, the 40th president, is credited with saving 77 lives during the seven summers he worked as a river lifeguard. 41. George H. W. Bush, the 41st president, celebrated his 80th, 85th and 90th birthdays by skydiving.

28. Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president, loved golf so much he painted golf balls black to play in the snow.

42. When William Jefferson “Bill” Clinton, the 42nd president, was a high school senior, he met and shook hands with President Kennedy.

29. The 29th president, Warren Harding, was the first president to speak on the radio.

43. George W. Bush, the 43rd president, was head cheerleader when he was in high school.

30. The 30th president, Calvin Coolidge, was the only president born on the Fourth of July.

44. Barack Obama, the 44th president, won Grammys in the Spoken Word Album for two of his books.

31. Herbert Hoover, the 31st president, let his son Allan’s two pet alligators roam around the White House grounds.

45. Donald Trump, the 45th president, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his reality show The Apprentice.

32. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd president, was related to 11 other presidents by either blood or marriage. 33. Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president, was expected to lose the 1948 election. A

Janeen Lewis is a freelance writer with a degree in journalism from Eastern Kentucky University and has been published in several books and magazines.

Quiz your knowledge on some of the presidents’ most memorable quotes. Who said each of the following? 1. “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.” 2. “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” 3. “I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency–even if I’m in a cabinet meeting.” 4. “Read my lips: no new taxes.” 5. “Ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country.” 6. “…That this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom–and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.” 7. “I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical.” 8. “I would rather belong to a poor nation that was free than to a rich nation that had ceased to be in love with liberty.” 9. “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” 10. “As a man is said to have a right to his property, he may be equally said to have a property in his rights.” Answers: 1. Franklin Delano Roosevelt 2. Theodore Roosevelt 3. Ronald Reagan 4. George H.W. Bush 5. John F. Kennedy 6. Abraham Lincoln 7. Thomas Jefferson 8. Woodrow Wilson 9. George Washington 10. James Madison kcparent.com february 2017

february CALENDAR

THE KCPARENT.COM CALENDAR FEATURES OVER 1,000 EVENTS EACH MONTH!

Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Other Treasured Stories

see

watch

learn

play

eat

Bring the family to see Underground Feb. 3 & 4 at the Kauffman Center. Storling Dance presents a powerful and inspiring portrayal of the Underground Railroad. StorlingDance.org

Watch Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Other Treasured Stories Feb. 7 at Yardley Hall. The show highlights three of Eric Carleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beloved tales. JCCC.edu/theseries

Take the kids ages 6 and under to the Kauffman Center Feb. 11 for a Percussion Party presented by the KC Symphony, where children learn about the orchestra. KCSymphony.org

School is out and Science City is open on Feb. 20. Bring the kids for a day of learning and fun! Enjoy huge new exhibits! UnionStation.org

Enjoy Pancakes with the Presidents on Feb. 25 at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Eat pancakes and make crafts with George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Pre-reg at Mahaffie.org.

No part of this calendar may be reproduced in print or web format.

kcparent.com february 2017

1 Wednesday Toddler Town 10:00, Roger T Sermon Center. Kids can run and play at the indoor play area for ages 5 and under. $1/child. ci.Independence.mo.us Toddler Time 10:00, Sky Zone Lee’s Summit. The main court, Foam Zone and Sky Slam are open just for the younger set, 5 and under. SkyZone.com/leessummit Animal Tales 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. A 30-minute program that includes stories, songs and a visit from an animal friend. Today’s theme: Furry Friends. $2. 913.764.7759 Homework Help 4:00, Jo Co Library (Central Resource). Homework coaches help students work on a specific project or use library resources. JoCoLibrary.org Happy Hour Concert 6:00, Kauffman Center. Join your friends for a drink, followed by a performance by members of the Symphony. Free. KCSymphony.org

2 Thursday Daddy Daughter Dance Feb 10 & 11, Providence Community Church. Last chance for tickets! SovGraceKC.org/Dance

! N! ’ Day E P ts

O den i

es Pr

Hana’s Suitcase 9:45 & 11:45, the Coterie Theatre. Past and present mysteries come together in a true story spanning 70 years. TheCoterie.org

First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Art District. Galleries and shops remain open the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org

Open Play 10:00, Rainbow Play Systems (Olathe). Bring the kids to run and play on the play sets. $5/child. SwingsetsKansas.com

Underground Today & tomorrow, Kauffman Center. Storling Dance presents a powerful and inspiring portrayal of the Underground Railroad. Tickets.KauffmanCenter.org

Groundhog Day Play 6:30, MCPL (Blue Springs). Listen to a silly story about groundhogs and make something cool. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org. Side by Side by Sondheim 7:00, Spencer Theatre. A glittering evening of music, comedy, and song, the show features beloved hits. KCRep.org

Monster Jam Thru Sunday, Sprint Center. See more trucks, more racing, more freestyle, more donuts, more wheelies and more action! MonsterJam.com

3 Friday

Richter Uzur Duo 8:00, Polsky Theatre. This unique program combines elements of classical music, rock and Eastern European folk music. JCCC.edu/theseries

Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Pre-reg at 913.661.2529.

Screenland at the Symphony 8:00, Kauffman Center. Watch E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial while the Kansas City Symphony performs the score.

Story Time 11:00, Reader’s World (Lee’s Summit). Join us for stories, a snack and a craft. Free; all ages welcome! 816.246.7323 Pool Instead of School 1:00, Roeland Park Aquatic Center. A half-hour of pool games followed by 90 minutes of free play. $8-$10. 913.432.1377

4 Saturday Pre-Spring Flea Market 8:00, Riverfront Community Center (Leavenworth). Get ready for spring by shopping the flea market! VisitLeavenworthKS.com

A Volcano Awakens A City Vanishes

Internationally Awarded

Kansas City’s Science Center

at Union Station

Huge New Exhibits & Open Year-Round • Fun, hands-on activities for the whole family • Educator-led workshops & demos • New science-themed activities every month

Don’t Miss the Exhibition

EVERYONE is Talking About Buy Tickets at UnionStation.org

Members Visit for FREE! Spend a few hours or an entire day at Kansas City’s Science Center!

ScienceCity.com

Proud to be a

Smithsonian Affiliate