KC Parent Magazine September 2015

FREE | Sept 2015 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

PARENT M A YE A R S

GA

30 KC

Z I NE

let’ s party!

8 pages of great birthday ideas from A to Z

25

tips for a

FUN FALL

85

19

For 30 years, bringing together families in Kansas City

–2 0

15

merits music the

of

for children

KC STYLE! time savers for

really!

uber-busy parents

why kids need

grandparents

physicians

lee’s

summit

group

Lee’s Summit Physicians 1425 N.W. Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.524.5600 LSPhysicians.com

We offer pediatric walk-in urgent care seven days a week, medical advice by phone, after-hours on-call physicians and online scheduling!

Raintree Pediatrics 995 SW 34th St. Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.525.4700 Raintree-Pediatrics.com Blue Springs Pediatrics 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, Missouri 816.554.6520 BlueSpringsPediatric.com

Sallie L. Veenstra, MD Barbara S. Trites, MD Lisa B. Fletcher, MD Deann E. DeWitt, MD Allison C. Henschel, MD Sarah J. Gladstone, MD Bryan L. Phillips, MD Daniel E. Gershon, DO Veronica Manka, MD Jeffrey P. Yannette, MD Jennifer M. Sauer, MD Ashley Campbell, DO

Urgent Care Blue Parkway office Mon-Thur 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Sat-Sun 8:00 -11:00 am Blue Springs & Raintree Mon-Fri 8:00 am -11:00 am

Danielle Leivian, MD Robin Dawson, MD Cynthia M. Dean, DO Anne Parkin-Cohen, MD Lauren Lee, C-PNP Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP Camille Lucitto, C-PNP Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP

Scheduled appointments Mon-Fri 10:00 -12:00 pm & 1:00 - 4:00 pm Free Prenatal Consults Mon-Fri 10:00 -12:00 pm & 1:00 - 4:00 pm

trust.

healthcare you can 2

kcparent.com september 2015

Angela Stott, C-PNP Kimberly McNerney, C-PNP Tiffany Vitt, C-PNP

95

BECAUSE THEY ARE COUNTING ON YOU Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning

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913–288–6327 800 – 407–5000

Parks Children’s dentistry

A family centered approach to children’s dentistry n

At Parks Children’s Dentistry we treat your child with the same kindness and compassion which we would treat our own children.

n

Routine cleanings with registered dental hygienists and at every visit parents meet with Dr. Parks to discuss each child’s unique needs, focusing on education and preventive care.

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Conveniently located off I-435 at Roe Avenue in the Foxhill Medical Building.

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Welcoming infants, children, teens and those with special needs.

4601 W 109th St #217, Overland Park, KS 66211 (913) 491-5044

parkschildrensdentistry.com

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kcparent.com september 2015

Most insurance plans accepted

Meet Pediatric Dentist Dr. Conrad Parks and his family

September 25-26 • Downtown Lee’s Summit

Oktoberfest...

Join more than 70,000 visitors for Lee’s Summit Chamber’s Oktoberfest, presented by Pinnacle Bank, on September 25 & 26 in historic Downtown Lee’s Summit. Enjoy German meals, three stages of entertainment, German dancers, carnival, Biergarten, free children’s activities, contests, arts & crafts booths and much more! The only German word you’ll need to know is Spaß…which is FUN in German!

Visit LSoktoberfest.com for additional festival information.

Yours Truly,

Bank of Kansas City • Central Bank of the Midwest • Central States Beverage Company • First Federal Bank • John Knox Village KCP&L • Lee’s Summit Medical Center • Tingle Flooring • University of Central Missouri Lee’s Summit • US Bank

SEPT

2015

DEPARTMENTS THE ARTS IN KANSAS CITY, PAGES 44-51

FEATURES

12

Craft Corner

14

Media Mix

30

Healthy Kids

33

Word from Dad

34

Women’s Health

35

Faith & Family

SPECIAL SECTIONS

18

40

18

Party Guide

44

The Arts in KC

56

Calendar of Events

52

Let’s Party!

Too Busy?

Fall Fun

Great places to host your next birthday party

Ways to connect when family dinners don’t work

Tips for enjoying a fabulous fall, KC style!

Our cover features Adysen from Lenexa. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com.

FREE | Sept 2015 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

PARENT M A YE A R S

GA

30 KC

Z I NE

ON THE COVER

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kcparent.com september 2015

Let’s Party! Birthday Party Guide

18

The Importance of Grandparents

28

Time Savers for Uber-Busy Parents

36

The Merits of Music for Kids

44

Fall Fun in Kansas City

52

let’s party!

8 pages of great birthday ideas from A to Z

25

tips for a

FUN FALL

85

19

For 30 years, bringing together families in Kansas City

–2 0

15

merits music the

of

for children

KC STYLE! time savers for

really!

uber-busy parents

why kids need

grandparents

EDITOR’SLETTER SEPT 2015 Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

A

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 Hawke Calendar@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

LOCAL CONTENT

Local Contributing Writers Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Melissa Bellach (Overland Park), Jamie Bosse (Overland Park), Karah Chapman (Kansas City), Tisha Foley (Belton), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Jessica Heine (Olathe), Christa Hines (Olathe), Karen Johnson (Olathe), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Laura McEachen (Overland Park), Jena Meyerpeter (Lenexa), Jessica Samuel (Kansas City), Tori Walker (Shawnee), Melanie Yunger (Shawnee)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | Sept 2015 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

kansas city’s #1 attraction guide KC

baby&

spring/summer 2015

PARENT M A YE A R S

30

Z I NE

For 30 years, bringing together families in Kansas City

let’s party!

8 pages of great birthday ideas from A to Z

25

tips for a

FUN FALL

85

19

One lucky reader will win a prize package valued at over $500!

See details on pg. 66.

Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

GA

–2 0

merits music the

of

kcgoingplaces.com

15

for children

500+

thrill seekers KC style

ways to explore

Kansas City

free fun

really!

FREE July-Sept 2015 KCParent.com Since 2002

maternity

financial planning

for new parents

month by month

KC adventure

memorable

midwest

hidden gems

time savers for

issue _ pregnancy

choose-your-own

discover KC’s

uber-busy parents

everything pregnancy map out your

for everyone

day trips

KC STYLE!

Where you find family, you will find us.

the

top 10 things KC moms Googled from the delivery room

life through the

eyes of a toddler

watch it

made in KC why kids need

grandparents

Mistakes

family favorite

new moms make

attractions

kcgoingplaces.com

1

.com

Enter to Win KC Parent’s NASCAR Giveaway!

h, school picture day. It happens every year, and every year it brings high stress in the Sarver home the night before. My girls wear a uniform to school, but for picture day they get to be out of uniform. (Side note: I think they should wear uniforms on picture day. I’d love to have photos of them progressing from year to year in the same/similar outfit. And it would lower my stress level for one day out of the year.) Even though they get to skip the uniform that day, the girls still must follow dress code rules, one of which is needing to cover the shoulders. (Side note #2: My girls own an awful lot of sleeveless summer outfits.) So between what to wear and how to style hair, there are many decisions to be made. Jessica Samuel offers some tips to help make picture day a success on pg. 54.

This September issue of KC Parent not only brings you our biannual party guide, but is also our arts issue. It is chock-full of great information every parent can use.

From tips on throwing the best party, to the best locations in Kansas City to host your next celebration, we’ve got you covered!

The arts are so important, and we are lucky in Kansas City to have so many options through which to expose our kids to the arts.

Tisha Foley takes a look at the Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College, celebrating 25 years of bringing the arts to our metro. Tori Walker provides great information on the importance of music in a child’s development, while Gina Klein gives tips on how to become a more creative family. As a non-creative individual, I certainly can use all the help I can get!

September brings the official arrival of fall to Kansas City, which means there are tons of fun festivals and activities every weekend!

Our calendar, both in this issue and at KCParent.com, has the scoop on what to do in KC this month!

Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Pinterest.com/KCParent @KCParent

Member of:

Circulation verified by:

Happy fall, Kansas City!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

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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kcparent.com september 2015

Care for the EntIrE FaMILy, Close to home Longtime Olathe doctors Michael Greenfield, MD, and Paul Moore, MD, have joined Shawnee Mission Internal Medicine & Pediatrics.

Located within Shawnee Mission Primary Care at 151st and Nall, Drs. Greenfield and Moore are Board-certified Michael Greenfield, MD Paul Moore, MD in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, which means they can care for your entire family in one location.

Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

5420 W. 151st street leawood, Ks 66224 ShawneeMission.org/PrimaryCare

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 913-632-9675.

to speak with a registered nurse or to schedule an appointment at any of our seven shawnee mission Primary Care locations, 24/7, call asK-a-NUrse at 913-676-7777. kcparent.com september 2015

11

CRAFTCORNER

spray-dyed canvas bags

Step One: Begin by placing the vinyl letters on the bag to create your word or phrase.

Step Two: Mix the dye with water in a spray bottle. Working on top of newspaper, spray the bag with dye, repeating with different colors.

Whip up these spray-dyed canvas bags for a fun weekend activity to do with kids of all ages! They are the perfect way to tote books back and forth from the library. The best part is that they can be customized to say any word or phrase that your child wants. Make some to keep and some to give away as gifts!

Materials needed: Canvas bags | Fabric dye | Spray bottles | Vinyl adhesive letters

Step Three: After the bag is dry, remove the vinyl letters to reveal your personalized dyed bag!

Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and three young daughters.

She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.

12

kcparent.com september 2015

Know what questions to ask.

Make a confident decision.

1

What exactly is advanced care?

Burleson Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry combines art, science and experience to provide your family with extraordinary orthodontic care. Get to know us and learn how our expertise can work for you. For a complimentary consultation and digital x-rays with one of our orthodontic specialists, go to burlesonortho.com/secondopinion or call (816) 912-0199 for free, friendly phone advice.

kcparent.com september 2015

13

MEDIAMIX

new schools. new friends. new fun. bookstores are loaded with great books for back to school

By McGeath Freeman

Ally-Saurus & the First Day of School

Mom School

Echo

By Rebecca Van Slyke

By Pam Munoz Ryan

By Richard Torrey

Illustrated by Priscilla Burris

Best for: Ages 3-7 Ally has a strong dino-personality and hopes to meet other dinosaur-crazy kids at her first day of school. She roars and eats her food in dino-style chomps. None of the other kids seem to act like her, and Ally isn’t sure where she fits in.

The illustrations reveal Ally as a typical kindergarten student, except for the crayon-like additions of a tail and spikes. It doesn’t take long before the other students begin expressing their personalities too—all brought to life with crayon-like additions to the illustrations.

By the afternoon, first day issues have disappeared and friendships are made. Ally-Saurus flies to space, saves princesses from pirates and stomps through jungles with a lion. This is a fun book for those preparing for their first day of school.

What’s good: Eye-catching illustrations highlight children’s imaginations.

What’s bad: Not much.

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kcparent.com september 2015

Best for: Ages 3-7 How do moms learn all the skills it takes to be a mom? How do they learn to talk on the phone and fix their daughter’s hair at the same time?

Where do they learn to bait fishhooks, build couch cushion forts and tuck children in properly? The main little girl is certain her mom must have gone to a Mom School to learn everything. The digital illustrations are rendered in a soft style that mimics the approachable humor throughout the story. This charming tale is a pat on the back for moms and perfect for mom and daughter bonding moments.

What’s good: Lessons on multitasking will make parents smile.

What’s bad: This book doesn’t stand out from the many picture book tributes to moms.

Best for: Ages 10-14 Echo is unlike any fairy tale most young readers have read. Told through interconnected stories, it follows the journey of a magical harmonica into the hands of three young heroes. Set just before and during WWII, Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania and Ivy in California each come into contact with the same instrument. The story is more about the young heroes’ embodiment of bravery, tolerance and kindness as they stand up to injustice, rather than the harmonica. But the harmonica plays a role as everything comes together in the final climactic section, where Friedrich, Mike and Ivy attempt to write their own happy ending through the power of music.

What’s good: A great blend of storytelling: magic, mystery and history.

What’s bad: Slowly paced. Plus some preteens may balk at reading a fairy tale.

A curriculum that’s as brilliant as your child. l

New School in North Olathe

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Exclusive Balanced Learning® Curriculum

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Educational Child Care for Infants through Private Kindergarten and After School

Primrose School of North Olathe – COMING SOON! 913.764.0018 | PrimroseNorthOlathe.com Primrose School of Overland Park 913.400.2435 | PrimroseOverlandPark.com Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2015 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

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15

Video Games in KC

A few of our favorite places to enjoy Paradise Park: 1021 NE Colbern Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO, 816.246.5224. Paradise Park is a family fun center in Lee’s Summit with video games, go karts, laser tag, a rock wall, mini golf and bowling.

Cool Crest: 10735 US-40, Independence, MO, 816.358.0088.

Cool Crest is one of the oldest fun centers in the metro. Known for their beautiful miniature golf courses, Cool Crest is also home to a large arcade and is open year-round.

Zonker’s Arcade: Oak Park Mall, 11149 W 95th St., Overland Park, KS, 913.894.6900. With a great collection non-violent arcade and skill based games for guests of all ages, Zonker’s Arcade has vintage classics enjoyed by generations and new games as well.

Power Play: 13110 W 62nd Terr., Shawnee, KS, 913.268.7200 and 509 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO, 816.268.4386. This family fun center has arcade games, go karts and more.

Dave & Buster’s: Legends Outlets Kansas City, 1865 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, KS, 913.981.6815. The familyfriendly restaurant is the place to play and eat. Enjoy delicious classic American fare and a huge selection of new arcade games and prizes.

Papa Keno’s Pizzeria: 7901 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS, 913.648.1313. Known for giant slices of delicious pizza, this pizzeria also houses a collection of retro arcade games and pinball machines for the vintage game enthusiast.

Screenland Crossroads: 1701 McGee, Suite 200, Kansas City, MO, 816.492.6577. A full restaurant, bar and movie theater with 40 vintage arcade machines all just $5 for all you can play.

Note Fridays and Saturdays after 9:00 are 18+.

NEW Experience an interactive game where you and your partner (or small group) collaborate to breakout from one of an interactive escape room while cracking codes and solving puzzles. Located in Downtown Kansas City, both of these venues require reservations: Breakout KC (BreakoutKC.com) and Escape Room (EscapeRoomKC.com).

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kcparent.com september 2015

Don’t let little things get in your child’s way…

Discover allergy at the cutting edge, and breathe easy.

Dr. Zachary Jacobs and The Center for Allergy & Immunology believe that patients should not have to learn to live with their allergies and asthma. Your experience as a patient matters. We will understand who you are and where you are coming from, and make decisions with you, not for you.

OUR PROMISES TO YOU:  Our goal is to treat and substantially improve the quality of life in kids and adults with allergies.  We pledge an open and honest discussion on allergies and their treatment.  We see you promptly and patients enjoy easy access. New patients can be seen within a week.

PLAZA: 4330 Wornall Suite 40 Kansas City, MO 64111 NORTHLAND: 9411 N Oak Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64155

Learn more at www.kcallergycenter.com or call us at 816.531.0930

Advanced Laser Tag

party

KC Parent’s biannual

guide

• fresh ideas • terrific themes • great venues

Have your next party at Kansas City’s original 2-story arena! In addition to laser tag, we have a 2000 sq. ft. high-tech video arcade with the latest, family-friendly video games. Packages available for hasslefree birthday parties, corporate team building & leadership training, church group lock-ins and private corporate events. The meeting area seats 150 people.

Fun for ages 7 to 77! See display ad on pg. 21. www.TagMe.net

Ceramic Café Celebrate your child’s birthday at Ceramic Café. All parties are scheduled for oneand-a-half hours, giving you time to open presents and serve cake and ice cream.

We have three different packages for kids parties, and another for mixed-age group celebrations. Call 913.383.0222 or visit www.CeramicCafeKC.com for more details. See display ad on pg. 22.

Cool Crest Celebrate an exciting birthday party at Cool Crest! We offer food and fun for

Party at Elite!

Gymnastics & Aquatics Treehouse & Rope Swings Inflatable & Zip-line!

4 different party packages to choose from.

Fun for kids and parents can relax while we do the work.

$25 OFF One PaRTy exp. 12/31/15

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kcparent.com september 2015

Parties sta rt at $18 5 for 10 kid s!

13600 W 108th St Lenexa, KS 66215 www.elitegymswim.com 913.469.5554

guests of all ages. We take care of all the details so you can have a blast without worrying about the clean-up. Cool Crest offers a number of affordable and flexible packages available for parties of just eight or more. Conveniently book online at www.CoolCrest.com. Create a memorable birthday experience that will last a lifetime!

See display ad on pg. 25.

Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics Let us help you plan a party to remember!

We have something for everyone. Choose from a tree house gym party, inflatable and zip-line or indoor pool party. Our parties will keep guests laughing, playing and wanting more. The party leaders will make sure you party is a hit. Parties start at $185 for 10 children. Bring in your own food and decoration and let us handle the rest.

See display ad on pg. 18 for a $25 coupon. www.EliteGymSwim.com

Gymboree Choose your child’s favorite theme and we’ll create a private, personalized party experience filled with kid-friendly activities

1 free

guaranteed to be 100% fun with zero clean up! We specialize in 1st birthday parties all the way to 5th birthday parties. Gymboree Play & Music parties are available to members and non-members. Call to find out more details. 913.262.3339 (Mission Farms), 816.505.3344 (Zona Rosa). See display ad on pg. 24. www.GymboreeClasses.com

optional pizza and soda package. Private play and party rooms. We do all the cleaning! All that’s left to do is show up and have fun! Little Monkey Bizness has full gourmet coffee bar and free Wi-Fi. Open 7 days a week for all your birthday and open play needs. See display ad on pg. 22 for money saving coupons.

913.631.7000. LittleMonkeyBizness.com

Integrity Gymnastics

Paint, Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House

Schedule your child’s next birthday party with Integrity Gymnastics. One of the greatest things about having two HUGE gyms within our facility is the opportunity to host many different fun activities. Visit our website to check out the many different party options ranging from short 60 minute sessions up to overnight parties! Let us host your child’s next birthday party and it’s sure to be unforgettable! See display ad on pg. 37. www.IngtegrityOP.com

Little Monkey Bizness Little Monkey Bizness takes the hassle out of party planning for parents. We provide the personalized invitations, balloons, party favors, plates, cups, forks, napkins and an

Paint, Glaze & Fire is PARTY CENTRAL & KC’s only paint-your-own pottery studio with a full service coffee bar. Creating beautiful ceramics is fun & easy for everyone from young children to experienced adults. Visit us for birthday parties, Scout outings, corporate team building, girls’ night out, bridal showers or “just because.” Only at 127th and Metcalf, 913.661.CLAY (2529). See display ad on pg. 19. www.PaintGlazeAndFire.net

Did you know? KCParent.com has an interactive party guide with maps, videos, photos and more! continued on page 24

Fall Hayride Birthday Parties Available!

PIZZA w/the purchase of any

birthday party

Receive a 14” one topping pizza with the purchase of any Birthday Paty.

Parties must book before 10/31/2015.

Coupon Code PIZZA15 Coupon code must be entered at the time of booking.

Party Central with peace of mind for mom!

All parties include

KEEPSAKE PiECE for birthday child!

Visit our website for list of party packages!

Keepsake piece custom painted by PGF staff.

TM

www.Paradise-Park.com

paintglazeandfire.net 127th & Metcalf • Overland Park, KS • 913-661-CLAY kcparent.com september 2015

19

PARTYGUIDE

A: A is for apple! Not every single

E: Equal opportunities for fun are

item on the table needs to have frosting or come in juice box form.

It’s okay to offer water or fruit alongside the cake.

Birthday Fun A TO Z

B: Bags of $1 goodies. Kids love

‘em. Moms often don’t. If you do plan on going the goodie-bag route, hit the Dollar Store!

C:

Cake! Whether homemade or store-bought, kids love cake.

If baking is your forte, go ahead with a three-tiered Elsa cake.

But remember that the kids are going to tear her head off in 4.5 seconds. Cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles are just as yummy in little tummies.

necessary. Inviting boys to a 100 percent princess party may not go over well. Consider adding a super hero theme to allow the boys to show up in capes and masks.

F: Frugal fun works! Make a few

homemade crafts and snacks, organize a game or two, blow up a handful of balloons and you have a party!

G:

D: Decorations. Hit up the Dollar

Store for balloons and streamers.

Want to add more flair? Craft stores provide lots of inspiration for party décor!

Gift ideas to consider: Ask your guests to bring a gently used unwrapped toy for donation. Or suggest guests bring a monetary gift that your child can split, keeping half for himself and donating the other half.

$15 OFF Everything you

need for your School Carnival!

YOUR PURCHASE OF $45 OR MORE* Valid 9/1/15 - 9/30/15

15DM26

*For in-store use at U.S. Toy Stores only with free Preferred Customer Card.

Cannot be combined with other offer or discount. Can't be used with a Teacher Rewards Card. Reduction taken at register.Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Not valid for purchase of gift cards. Not valid on sale or clearance items. Other restrictions may apply.

103RD STREET

2008 W. 103rd Terr.

Leawood, KS 66206 913-642-8247 ustoy.com

103RD TERRACE GATES BBQ

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI STATE LINE ROAD

LEAWOOD, KANSAS

435

M-F 9-8 • SAT 9-6 • SUN 11-5 20

kcparent.com september 2015

Your learning, party & toy destination!

H: Happy birthday to you…If the

loud singing and individualized attention causes your child to cry or become nervous, know that this is a normal reaction to such strong sensory overload. You may not get the perfect video of her blowing out candles, and that is okay.

We Have

FUN

Down to a Science!

Plan your special event today!

• Birthday Parties • Field Trips • Scavenger Hunts • Kid’s Night In • Overnight Camp-ins • Corporate Events

I: Ice cream is the perfect snack

for any party, any time of the year.

Whether it is Popsicles outside by the pool or a make-your-own-sundae bar, this snack is a surefire hit.

and more!

J:

Jumping. Yelling. Spilling. Get ready. It will all happen.

K:

Kids. Everywhere, around every corner, in every room. Yep, that too.

L:

Proud to be a

Smithsonian Affiliate

Book Now! y.com ScienceCit

Let it go. Whether you are hosting a Frozen-themed party or not, this is your mantra. Upon the arrival of the first guest, it is time to let it go. At this point, the party is starting. You’ve done the planning and preparation. Now let the kids play!

M:

Make it/take it crafts, such as ornaments, picture frames and Lego creations, are great party ideas for both boys and girls.

N: Not a competition! You will

not win an award for hosting party of the year, and chances are, all your child will see is a stressed-out mommy. Does he have a smile on his face? Then you win.

O: Organization is important,

but be sure to allow free play too.

Provide one or two games or crafts and then let them run!

kcparent.com september 2015

21

PARTYGUIDE

P:

Pinterest will save you if you need help!

Q:

Quick turnover from activity to activity is key. Don’t gather the kids around for a game and ask them to sit still on the floor for 15 minutes while you prepare.

R: RSVPs can be tricky. How do

and decorations if you need help brainstorming.

U:

Uniqueness to your child is important. If all of your daughter’s friends are into princesses, but she prefers dinosaurs, don’t feel pressured to host a princess party. It is her party! And dinosaurs are cool!

V:

you handle those who have not responded? It is appropriate to reach out and ask guests whether they are attending.

Volume will be high. You will relish the quiet of the after-party!

S:

the season you are in. For a January birthday, cut out snowflakes. In June, fill up water balloons. Any time of the year is a fun time for a birthday.

Sit you will not, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

T: Themes are fun if you have

a child in love with Thomas the Train or Sofia the First. Choosing a theme will also help direct your craft

Where kids come to play!

W: Water fun or winter fun? Use

great birthday parties and so much more...

$1.50 OFF

Open Play $50 OFF

Saturday Parties Little Monkey Bizness 12219 S.M. Pkwy Shawnee Mission, KS

913-631-7000

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kcparent.com september 2015

games are still enjoyable for kids.

Duck, duck goose while you are cutting the cake, or relay egg races in the backyard are winners!

Y: You’re the host, so you set the

rules. Are younger and older siblings allowed? Is it a drop-off party or do you expect parents to stay?

Z: Zzzzzs will be had by you and

your child post-party! Enjoy the party then get some rest afterward!

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

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birthday parties in the1980s

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arents, have your kids ever been invited to an over-the-top birthday party that looked like it was straight from Pinterest and might have cost more than your wedding?

Kids’ birthday parties have gotten more extravagant in the last few years and often resemble a competitive sport, with families trying to outdo one another with each soiree.

A simple cake-and-ice-cream party is hard to come by these days.

There was a time, though, when birthday parties were rather modest and didn’t cost an arm and a leg. Those of us who grew up in the 1980s probably remember the simplicity of yearly celebrations with friends and family. Let’s revisit that decade and take a look at a typical birthday party for a child back then.

location

Birthday parties were often at the child’s house, with a few friends and family members. Sleepovers were common, particularly for girls. If the party were outside the home, roller rinks, pizza restaurants and McDonald’s were popular locations.

cake

The favorite part of a celebration for most kids—and adults—was often baked

by Mom in the ’80s. Even when it was from a bakery, the cake was usually pretty basic, perhaps with a favorite character on top. My mom made a Pac-Man cake in the early ’80s by cutting a slice out of a round cake and slapping some yellow frosting on the rest.

That was as fancy as it got at our house!

gifts

Popular toys in the ’80s included Rubik’s Cube, Cabbage Patch Dolls, Rainbow Brite, Care Bears, Pogo Balls, Lite Brite, G.I. Joe, Atari and Nintendo games, Strawberry Shortcake, Star Wars items and Smurfs.

decorations

Long before Martha Stewart and Pinterest inspired parents to up the fancy factor for their kids’ parties, decorations were typically unassuming.

Parents hung a few crepe paper streamers and balloons and called it good. Neon colors, rainbows and polka dots were popular.

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15

music If some tunes were played at a birthday party (always at roller rinks, of course!), kids heard the hit singers of the time, including Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, the Bangles, Journey, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins and, in the latter part of the decade, New Kids on the Block. MTV was in its infancy, and cassette tapes were all the rage. Who didn’t have a mix tape or two of their favorite songs in the ’80s? food Full spreads of food are common at today’s birthday parties, but in the ’80s parents often served just cake and ice cream.

If snacks were provided, they were likely out of a bag and poured into serving bowls.

Popular snacks and drinks of the time were Fruit Roll-Ups, Doritos, Combos, Pop Rocks, Tab cola, Kool-Aid and Capri Sun. If parents wanted to go all-out, the paper plates might have had a theme, such as Smurfs or Transformers.

It’s interesting to note that many party supply stores now carry ’80s-themed goods, so if you missed the decade the first time around or want to relive that era, you’re in luck!

Tisha Foley grew up in the ’80s. Her favorite birthday memory is having a party at the park when she turned 7.

kcparent.com september 2015

23

PARTYGUIDE

Princess at My Party Have your child’s favorite princess come to her birthday party! Choose from Elsa, Anna, Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. Then watch the magic unfold as the birthday girl and guests go on an adventure that includes a story, games, music, a makeover or face painting and a treasure hunt.

913.558.3110. See display ad on pg. 24. www.PrincessAtMyParty.com

Science City Looking for an EPIC way to celebrate your child’s birthday? Choose Kansas City’s

Science Center, Science City! Select from a variety of birthday party packages to create an epic birthday blast full of science fun!

Experience a fun-filled day of hands-on science catered to your junior scientist on their special day. A private party room and Science City Educator will be available to make their birthday the best day ever! For more information, visit www.ScienceCity.com.

See display ad on pg. 21.

The Culture House The Culture House Academy of Performing and Visual Arts in Olathe is now offering birthday parties! Come celebrate your special day with us! Various themes include: 3 different art options, 3 dance options (Princess Ballet, Beautiful Ballerinas, Hip Hop Jam) and 4 theater options (Fairy Tales & Castles, Pirate Adventure, Snow Queen: A Frozen Fairy Tale, Superhero).

Call 913.393.3141 for pricing and more information! Located near 119th & Black Bob. See display ad on pg. 7. www.CultureHouse.com

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U.S. Toy Company You will find everything you need for your next birthday party at U.S. Toy! From party décor and balloons to goodie bag items, toys and gifts, the party will be one your little princess or pirate will never forget! Plus, ask us about our room that’s available for parties. Our store also offers novelty products, teaching and classroom materials, and seasonal party supplies, décor and attire. U.S. Toy is your learning, party and toy destination! 913.642.8247.

See display ad on pg. 20. www.USToy.com

Wonderscope Children’s Museum A wonder-filled place for young children to create, play, explore and discover their world. Our party includes all day play in the museum for 24 and 60 minutes in the special birthday party area, with the option to add on food, a host and more. Prices start at $150. 913.268.4176. See display ad on pg. 22. Wonderscope.org

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Kansas City’s premier party destination offers an incredible experience for the birthday child and easy, hassle-free party for mom and dad. We take care of it all!

Our parties offer wonderful memories for the whole family. Visit www.Paradise-Park. com for online booking. 816.246.5224. See display ad on pg. 19.

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local moms’ HOTparty tips Serve cupcakes rather than a cake. It eliminates the need for plates and forks.

It also takes care of squelching the arguing over who gets the icing rose or balloon decoration! Chris It can be time consuming to scoop the ice cream for all of the kids while they are standing there. A few hours before the party starts, I put scoops of ice cream in cupcake wrappers on a cookie sheet or in muffin pans. Slip these into the freezer and just pull them out when it’s time! Holly Plan ahead! I always begin planning my kiddos’ birthday parties about two months ahead of time. This gives me time to hit the local dollar stores for great bargains on party favors and supplies. Felicia When printing address labels for birthday invitations I always print two sets. One is for the invitation and one is for the thank you note. Staci

Packages Starting at $13.99!

Need ideas for perfect party favors? Head to KCParent.com for party favors sure to please!

Always have extra goodie bags or party favors, you never want to have an unexpected young guest in tears.

Through the years I’ve had little brothers or sisters attend unexpectedly. Stephanie

When planning a party at a location other than home, I always pack all my party items (favors, plates, drinks, notebook to write gifts on, camera, extra garbage sacks, baby wipes, etc) in a big plastic tub.

Many of the items get used up or given away at the party, leaving room to pack up the gift items to bring home. Michelle Enlist a friend or sibling to be in charge of taking photos since you’ll undoubtedly be busy throughout the festivities. Placing a photo in your child’s thank you cards adds a nice touch. Marcy Kids of all ages love balloons and it’s an inexpensive way to decorate the party area with a big splash of color! Sarah

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kcparent.com september 2015

25

all ears?

nine games to tune up listening skills

E

ver notice how kids tune us out just when we need them to listen the most?

While listening is critical in communication, the skill is one of the most difficult to master and the least taught. For toddlers to teens, make learning to listen

fun by playing games that will help your kids tune in.

sing together. Toddlers and preschoolers love to sing and imitate movements that go along with songs.

“Any opportunity for songs and finger plays promotes working on listening skills,” says Debra Burnett, Ph.D., assistant professor and speech-language pathologist in the College of Human Ecology at Kansas State University. “After they know the song, play with language by changing the lyrics or adding new original verses.”

Try it with songs like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” “If All the Raindrops” (or snowflakes), “Wheels on the Bus” and “Ten Little Ducks.”

20 questions. You can purchase this game or make up your own version by putting into a jar slips of paper that

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kcparent.com september 2015

feature categories like animals, famous people or objects. One player pulls a slip of paper, and the other players have to guess what is on it by asking questions to gather clues. The person who deduces the answer in 20 or fewer questions by carefully listening to clues gets to go next.

While listening is critical in communication, the skill is one of the most difficult to master and the least taught. shout-out. Read books with repetitive phrases like Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow; Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst; Brown Bear,

Brown Bear: What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle; and Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson. Whenever your toddler or preschooler hears the key word or phrase, she can shout it out.

“Reading together is critical. Starting early by looking at books and labeling pictures, then reading simple, repetitive stories will allow the child to learn and predict,” Burnett says. “Books are a great tool for sharing language.”

who am i? Gather your preschooler’s stuffed animals and have her turn her back. This game will probably get both of you giggling! Pretending to be one of her stuffies, use a silly voice and describe your characteristics. Can she figure out which one of her favorite loveys you are describing?

picture it. Give your child a blank piece of paper and a pencil. Using step-by-step instructions, tell him what to draw. How accurate is he? Then let him challenge you.

heads up! Fun for anyone to play and much like the retro game “Password,” Heads Up! is an inexpensive app inspired by the game Ellen DeGeneres plays with guests on her talk show. Players must guess the word on their head by listening to the clues the other players give before the time runs out. The game features 18 different categories for players to choose from. conversation starter games. Try out the Ungame, which is a non-competitive game that features an entertaining way for older kids to practice conversation and listening skills. This game is available on Amazon and comes in pocket or board formats with various themed editions tailored to all ages, including kids, teens and families. Chat Packs and TableTopics are other convenient options.

get “om” the mat. With playful names like gorilla, cat, happy baby and airplane, many of yoga’s poses appeal to kids’ imaginations. Practicing yoga

enhances concentration, focus and listening because you must listen to instructions while moving your body. For ideas, check out The Kids’ Yoga Deck: 50 Poses and Games by Annie Buckley, download kidfocused yoga videos on YouTube or visit Yogakids.com for a free pose of the week.

revisit the classics. Games like Simon says, red light-green light and Bingo Is His Name-O (an electronic board game available on Amazon) remain favorites among kids and can be played almost anywhere.

Outside of games, set aside time every day without the distractions of electronics to chat with your children. As Burnett says, “There is no substitute for personal interaction with young children.”

For more tips on listening, check out How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines is the mom of two boys who are selective listeners.

Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

how we derive meaning while listening:

55%

facial expressions

Source: Get in Front Communications

38% tone of voice

7% actual words

Head over to KCParent.com for a list of great books to read aloud to your child. kcparent.com september 2015

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Cary Klein Photography, carykleinphotography.com

t

why kids need grandparents

hey have many different names: Mimi, Papa, Nana, Gigi, Grandma, Grandmother, Gramps or Grandpa, just to name a few. All the names are chosen with love and acknowledge an exciting and important relationship. According to Arthur Kornhaber, author of The Grandparent Guide and founder and president of the Foundation for Grandparenting, the grandparent-grandchild bond is second in emotional importance only to the bond between parents and children. “I love it when my kids get to spend time with their grandparents. For me, it is when I can get the most rest. I know they are 100 percent cared for and loved and I don’t have to worry,” says Jackie Schuster, Kansas City, MO, mom.

Metro moms say there is a long list of reasons why it is great to have grandparents around, including help with managing schedules for multiple kids, date night babysitting, and worry-free outings for the kids.

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kcparent.com september 2015

Grandparents also say the bond they have with their grandkids is incredibly special. “I loved being a mom, but I might love being a grandmother more! It is amazing to not only be able to spend time with the kids, but to watch my daughter learn and grow as a mother at the same time—it’s priceless,” says Charlotte Paget, Kansas City, KS, grandmother.

Despite the evidence suggesting benefits for both the grandparents and grandchild in developing a healthy relationship, many moms and dads say constructing a bond between their child and someone else is difficult.

“I want my daughter to know her Grandma. But I worry sometimes about my mom’s questioning my parenting or not following my rules for my child,” Mona Holm, Lenexa mom, says. “Those are such sensitive things to talk about.”

So, how can you ensure your children develop a lasting and loving connection with their grandparents?

Here are a few steps to get started:

visit often. Finding time in busy schedules is

not always easy, but get a visit to see Grandma and Grandpa on the calendar as often as you can. If you have it planned, it is more likely to happen and not be postponed. “The kids are so young and they change so fast. If we go a month between visits, I feel like their grandparents have missed so much!” says Kaci Miller, Overland Park mom.

communicate. Don’t assume Grandma and Grandpa know what ground rules you set for your children. And if you have specific ideas about bedtimes, snacks and screen time, make sure the grandparents know ahead of time so you can approach those things as a team. Grandparents may be sensitive if your rules don’t align with the way they parented, but open and honest communication can get you past most hurdles. “When I was a kid, screen time wasn’t even a thing. Now, I want my dad to know exactly how much iPad time my son can have after school when he goes to Grandad’s house,” says Heather Morgan, Overland Park mom. be inclusive. Out of respect for the family you

and your spouse have built, many grandparents don’t invite themselves over for visits or to join in on family functions. Make sure they know they are welcome! Your children will love having extra people in their cheering section for games, dance recitals and the school play.

Holidays, birthday parties and even an afternoon trip to the park are also great ways to include Grandma and Grandpa in your child’s special experiences.

capture the moment. As moms, we love to take pictures of our kiddos! And spending time with

Grandma and Grandpa is a great time to get out the camera. This will capture special moments for your children and give their grandparents nice keepsakes.

Photo ornaments make wonderful holiday gifts for grandparents!

share the secrets. Grandparents are

fountains of information and wisdom. Tap into that to find ways for them to bond with your youngsters.

Do your kids enjoy crafts? Gardening? Baking? If Grandma or Grandpa have a special skill, this is something they can share. Not only will it create a connection and an opportunity to make something as a team, but the lessons learned can last a lifetime.

“My dad is a great woodworker. He made wooden toys for the kids when they were babies,” says Hillary Greene, Kansas City, KS, mom. “Now, I love it when my son goes out in the garage with Papa and I hear them planning the next toy they are going to make together. My son is learning a great skill, and my dad gets to pass on all his secrets.”

record your history. Children like to know where they came from, and grandparents are wonderful sources of family stories. Let them tell the kids about that crazy friend you had when you were a child, or tell them about their favorite aunt’s learning to ride a bike. This will foster a connection between all of you. Creating a family tree is also a great way to see how everyone is connected and to trace your family roots. You may discover some surprises along the way!

Melissa Bellach is a freelance writer and mom of two living in Overland Park.

As parents approach building relationships between their children and their parents, they often encounter barriers. We asked Kansas City parents what hurdles get in the way most often:

Distance. Parents say the hardest thing to overcome is living far away from grandparents, which leads to scheduling and financial challenges in visiting often.

Parenting philosophies. KC parents say a divide can grow between parents and grandparents when parenting philosophies are too different, especially when ground rules are not followed.

Family dynamics. Many parents say that after divorce or separation, it is hard to keep their child in contact with the parent of their former partner.

For ideas on taking a multigenerational trip with your family, visit KCParent.com.

kcparent.com september 2015

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HEALTHYKIDS

fter school you are going through your child’s backpack, signing off homework, filling out a permission slip, when you find the note that all parents dread: “Your child has been exposed to lice.” While you already have begun washing every article of laundry in your home, here are some tips and information about lice and how to treat them.

I think we all can agree that lice are gross. They are also contagious, annoying and at times can be tough to get rid of. Lice start out as eggs, called nits, and this is often the stage in which they are discovered. They are laid close to the scalp, where it’s warm, and remain there until they hatch. Nits look like dandruff. They are yellow, tan or brown dots that cannot be removed by brushing or shaking the hair out. Lice eggs hatch within one to two

weeks after they’re laid, and the shell remains attached to the shaft of the hair and moves away from the scalp as the hair grows (HealthyKids.org).

Lice are not considered dangerous and do not cause disease; however, they cause the scalp to itch and occasionally the resulting scratching can lead to infection (HealthyKids.org). While lice cannot jump or fly from one location to another (WebMD.com), they can live for a short time on surfaces such as a hairbrush or clothing.

The best way to prevent spreading of lice is to avoid head-to-head contact with others. Sharing hats, combs and batting helmets are common ways of transmission.

Doctors offices will conduct lice screening if a child is showing symptoms of infection. One of the easiest ways to diagnose at home

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is to wet the child’s hair and wash with conditioner. Wet hair may make it easier to see the lice and also may slow the lice from moving as much. The conditioner makes it easier to brush with a fine-tooth comb. Set the child under a bright light, separate the hair into sections and comb out, starting at the roots and working to the ends.

Lice can look like dandruff, but it does not comb out and often can be seen best at the nape of the neck and behind the ears (AAD.org).

Treating lice can be a time-consuming process. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are available. Read directions thoroughly, as medications differ in the amount of time it takes to kill the lice and when to reapply. While the shampoo medication does its job killing the lice, all articles of clothing, bedding and other linens that the infected person has touched in the last 48 hours need to be treated as well. Everything that is machine washable needs to be laundered and dried on the hot setting. Take dry clean only items to your selected provider. Place all other items in a plastic bag and seal it for a minimum of two weeks. Vacuum carpet, rugs and furniture and soak combs and brushes in hot water, place in a bag and freeze for two days (MedicineNet.com).

Lice do not prefer genders or socioeconomic classes. A little time and treatment is all it takes to remove lice from your household, and a little education on preventative measures helps keep the lice away.

Jessica Heine is a nurse from Olathe. She lives with her husband and three children.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

did you know?

• Head lice can only crawl with their claw like hands,

positioned on the upper part of their body. They do not jump or fly and they can’t move very quickly off the head.

• Head lice have no preference for clean or dirty hair, but clean hair allows them to move more freely.

• Head lice cannot survive off of the scalp for more

than 24 to 48 hours, so you do not need to bag items for any longer than 48 hours.

• The average louse can hold its breath for up to three hours!

• Most of the over the counter products contain an

extremely high amount of chemicals to which lice have built a resistance over the years, so they are not as effective.

• Coloring your hair does not rid you of lice. This only

colors the nits so you can’t see them as well. They are still there and will hatch within 14 days.

Provided by Combers KC, a lice treatment center in Overland Park. For more information, call 913.451.2662.

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kcparent.com 7/17/2015 12:25:06 PM september 2015

going overboard: when parents help too much Our children would be just fine if we could give ourselves (and them) some breathing room.

Chances are great that you are enough. You are irreplaceable to your child. Imperfections and all.

P

arents want their child to be successful and supported, and sometimes this results in overparenting. “There are several ways parents might over-parent without realizing they are actually doing so,” says Kimberly Levitan, Kansas City area clinical social worker, registered play therapist and owner of Playful Solutions LLC. Levitan notes that parents may overschedule, overprotect or assist to avoid hurt or failure, or overstimulate to avoid boredom.

Theresa Alcazar, Kansas City area mother of two, understands the struggle to find the parenting balance. “I left a corporate job to become a stay-at-home mother and so I approached motherhood thinking my job was to do everything I could for my family, even things they could—and should—do for themselves. So the biggest thing I’ve had to do to find the balance is to set boundaries for myself.”

Victoria Anderson, M.S., marriage and family therapist and co-founder of Water Street Family Counseling, notes that daily time limitations also can be a significant contributor to over-parenting. “It is not hard to end up rushed or overscheduled,” she says. “It sounded good when you signed up for these activities, but the reality can feel crushing at times, and I find myself tying my son’s shoes because I’m going to be late for work.”

Alcazar says, “If I’m in a hurry, I find myself caving and doing more things for my children and saying something like, ‘This

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is the last time I’m helping you with this, I swear!’ Then we both end up laughing while hustling out the door.”

In the daily rush, Anderson supports following your parental instincts and stepping in when it’s the best solution for the long game. “We (parents) have the responsibility to cut some things out just so we can thrive in our own day-to-day life.

Stepping in and emptying the dishwasher for them isn’t going overboard in this case.” But she encourages parents to allow room for natural consequences when it’s appropriate. “If he forgot his homework and the night before he heard his parents fighting or he was up late at a practice and it wasn’t his fault, then bringing it to him is supportive. However, if he was not listening and defiantly refusing to go along with your encouragement to prepare for the next day…then bringing his homework, in that case, would be going overboard.”

And when the time and space is there, the best option is to leave room for children to learn responsibility and independence by doing things themselves.

“I think it’s important to help my kids develop their own individual independent thinking and also to learn from their own mistakes, so if I see them doubting themselves, I’ll communicate with them to encourage or motivate them to keep trying,” says Cortney Moreno, Kansas City area mother of two, ages 7 and 5.

Alcazar has made environmental changes to encourage independence, “One of my sons had a developmental delay, and basic things

were extra work for him, such as zippers and tying shoes. So I made apparel choices that would make those tasks ones he could do on his own with success. I also put drinks and snacks in a lower cabinet to allow the kids to manage their own hunger needs.”

While giving children space will allow them to build capacity to handle things on their own, there will still be times when kids need their parents.

“Our children will need our guidance and there will be situations in which we have to make a choice for them (for safety or if they aren’t old enough to make the decision), but each situation should be assessed independently,” says Levitan. She adds that at times children will resist support, but that’s when parents need to let kids know they are available when the kids are ready.

Anderson agrees. “Let them experience a conversation with you where you just express your love, care and concern, without your pressuring them to share or answer or explain themselves. Sometimes it may not involve a conversation at all but simply an increase in your nurturing presence.”

Lastly, Anderson says parents should know they are good enough. “Our children would be just fine if we could give ourselves (and them) some breathing room. Chances are great that you are enough. You are irreplaceable to your child. Imperfections and all.”

Karah Chapman, is a school psychologist in the Kansas City area and encourages healthy boundaries and natural consequences.

WORDFROMDAD

brotherly love

“I

wish I never even had a brother!” James stormed into his room and slammed the door.

I knew the feeling. My older brother had teased and tormented me from my earliest memories. Almost 18 months my elder, Bob had an unbeatable advantage in size, strength and weight. Two grades ahead of me in school, he was always smarter than I was—and always pointing it out with glee.

But, he had another side too. He taught me how to swim. On vacations and time away from peers, he’d point out things that no one else would ever notice. He helped and mentored me as well, like the time I fell up to my biceps into a creek. He pulled me out and walked me home. I didn’t even get into trouble.

It might be just boys. Something about the little manlings, alternately tough and vulnerable, keeps them from expressing their true feelings, and it may be hard-wired into us. Talking about emotions is, well, just plain mushy.

So, we don’t. Instead, we tease, insult and badger one another.

This doesn’t stop at childhood either. Men do the same thing, but more gently and with a good-natured smile. The meaning is identical. I like you and I’m glad you’re in my life. As we matured, we learned to love and open our hearts. We discarded the viciousness of our childhood teases and taunts. Now, we use them to reinforce bonds and show affection.

Of course, it isn’t a smooth path to maturity with a brother in the house. But, it does progress, after a fashion. When the house seemed too quiet, I turned to Sandi. “Where’s Ian?” “You won’t believe it.”

I cracked open the door to James’ room. Both he and Ian watched a movie. Together and at peace.

It’s Time for Their First Library Cards!

Access Pass

They choose their own clothes. They choose their own friends. Help them choose a bright future with their own library cards!

If you live or work in Clay, Jackson, or Platte County, your child can sign up for their first library card at one of our 31 branches today!

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family. kcparent.com september 2015

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WOMENSHEALTH

national ovarian cancer awareness month

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varian cancer is a disease in which cancer is found in the ovaries. The ovaries, almond-shaped organs located on each side of the uterus, store eggs and also produce the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer accounts for about 3 percent of cancers among women, but it causes more deaths than any other cancer in the female reproductive system. Currently, about 20 percent of ovarian cancers are found at an early stage, and when found early, about 94 percent of patients can expect to live longer than five years. The difficulty in detecting ovarian cancer early lies in the vagueness of its symptoms and the fact that they may be associated with other issues.

Symptoms:

• • • •

Abdominal swelling or bloating.

Pelvic pressure or abdominal pain.

Feeling full after eating quickly.

Changes in urination: urgency or more often.

Often, by the time ovarian cancer is considered the cause of the above symptoms, it has already spread beyond the ovaries. Risk factors for ovarian cancer include aging, obesity, first pregnancy after the age of 35, women who have never used

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oral contraceptives, women who haven’t had a tubal ligation or hysterectomy, using fertility drugs such as Clomid longer than one year, use of androgens, family history of ovarian cancer or family history of colorectal cancer. Another risk factor is a history of applying talcum powder to the genitals. Several large studies are in progress to learn the best way to detect early. In the meantime, the following are ways you can help find ovarian cancer early:

• Regular women’s health exams, such as a pelvic exam.

• Seeing a doctor if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.

• Screening tests for ovarian cancer; transvaginal ultrasound may be used in high risk women.

The current best way to treat ovarian cancer is early detection. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or any other changes, it is important to follow up with your health care provider.

Melanie Yunger is a local wife, mother and nurse practitioner urging women everywhere to see their health care provider every year for a well-woman exam.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

FAITH&FAMILY

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Why Parents May Not Want to Have It All

as communities, as a generation, are looking for ways to find lasting here’s a common theme echoing through our culture these joy and authentic peace in a world made for more. days. Popular books and viral web articles of every length Jesus didn’t offer ideas on how to control our desire for more. He and angle tell a story of less is more. Minimal, classic offers the ultimate fulfillment of it. In Matthew 6:31 (MSG) Jesus wardrobes are in, simplified meal planning means more time spent says, “What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so out of the kitchen, and repurposing household items leaves more preoccupied with getting, so you can room in the budget. As backpacks fill respond to God’s giving.” His words in up and school year activities resume, Matthew Chapter 5 are as applicable families across the metro might be In Matthew 6:31 (MSG) Jesus says, today as they were two thousand asking themselves, is having it all “What I’m trying to do here is to get you years ago: “You’re blessed when you’re truly worth having it all? to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, content with just who you are—no As a mom, I see the consequences so you can respond to God’s giving.” more, no less. That’s the moment of too much—of even good things—in you find yourselves proud owners of ungrateful attitudes, temper tantrums everything that can’t be bought.” and discontent little people. How Jesus’ words speak right to my mothering heart. I want my many parents negotiate the ill effects of too much screen time? Have daughters to be content with the unique people God made them to you witnessed the sensory overload crash following a Chuck E. be and grateful stewards of God’s gifts in their lives. My hope for Cheese birthday party? How many times have you had one of these their future is that they embrace being a daughter of God and the thoughts?: “If I could just declutter and organize this play area, my freedoms attached to that relationship. As a parent, not “having it all” kids would enjoy it more.” “If our weekends weren’t so busy, we’d means I’m leaving space for God to work and move in our family. It’s have the energy to get up for church on Sunday mornings.” Why trusting Him to fill our blank spaces with eternal purpose. are we surprised when we, as adults, experience the same unwanted outcomes when we try to have it all? We as individuals, as families,

Faith & Family columnist Jena Meyerpeter is from Lenexa.

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time savers for uber-busy parents

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oday’s parents are busier than ever, meaning getting all those to-do items crossed off the list can often be at the expense of Mom’s or Dad’s sanity. Here are some proven ways to maximize your efforts so that you have time for what matters most in your life.

kids

The workload may increase with each additional member of the family, but with it comes an extra set of hands that can help lighten the load. Training children to join in family chores teaches them responsibility, the merit of hard work and allows them to see their value within the family unit.

Every contribution is valuable, from taking out trash to feeding the dog and folding washcloths. Doing chores doesn’t need to be a bore. Crank up the music and have a family dance party while cleaning up after dinner or set the timer for 10 minutes and have a competition to see who can clean the most within a designated space! Mix things up over time, ensuring that chores are rotated to everyone within the house.

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clothing

Avoid purchasing clothes that require dry cleaning or ironing. Wrinkled clothes?

Skip the ironing and simply throw them in the dryer with a lightly damp towel. If laundry piles seem to breed like rabbits in your house, enforce the 3x’s use rule: Each article must be worn at least three times before being thrown in the wash, provided it does not have stains or odors. Not only will this lighten the load, but it will help your clothing hold up better over time.

Olathe mom of three Leslie Smith has found the best way to stay ahead of the laundry pile is to wash one load a day. “I used to get swamped with laundry, and now I don’t even notice it because it doesn’t heap up,” she says.

Melissa Franzen, on the other hand, has found one-day laundry washing to not only be the most effective for her household, but it’s also a marriage booster. She says, “My husband does all the laundry from start to finish on Sundays, and in exchange for that, I let him watch as much sports as he likes while folding—without complaining!”

organizing

It’s a basic fact of life. The more stuff you have, the more time it will take to maintain it all.

Simple living isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a way of life that can drastically change your habits for the better. Start each season off flipping all of the hangers in your closet backwards. Every time you chose an article of clothing to wear, return the hanger to its normal position. By the end of the season, donate all the items that still remain on backwards hangers. Do a clean sweep, donating or selling unused toys, books, DVDs and video games before Christmas and birthdays. Not only will this allow more space for new items, but you can make a little extra money in the process, selling items on Ebay, Craiglist or Facebook buy/sell/trade sites (no need to go to the hassle of hosting a garage sale!).

meal prep

Kansas City mom Stephi Santos calls for reinforcements in her kitchen. “I get all my ‘household servants’ to work for me!” she says. “The dishwasher, the bread machine, the crockpot…I get them all started so that I can work on something else.” Nicole Blasor, a

Kansas City mother of five, finds meal planning essential, adding, “I make a dozen (or more) freezer meals for the crockpot at one time. It’s so easy to pull a meal out in the morning, put it in the crockpot and let it cook all day.”

In her effort to ward off endless snack requests, Leslie Smith has developed a snack box for each of her children. “The night before, I fill it with the snacks they can have during the day. For example, maybe a yogurt, spoon, granola bar, cheese and a beef stick,” she says.

“Now there is no need to ask me during the day. They know where their snack box is, and they are learning to ration their snacks so they don’t eat them all right after breakfast!”

from multiple sources. Set up healthy boundaries, not only for your kids but also for yourself. Set a timer when going online to ensure that time doesn’t slip away from you.

to look forward to and, by guarding that time, you send a message to your children and those outside your doors that time together is top priority.

Lastly, guard family time as sacred and devote an evening a week to it. A movie or board game night gives everyone something

Olathe writer Lauren Greenlee installed a command station so that she no longer loses her keys—her greatest time waster!

there’s an app for that

time management

While children get a bad rap for overindulging in screen time, evidence confirms that their parents are no better off. In fact, Nielson Company’s Council for Research Excellence discovered that the average adult views more than eight and a half hours of screen time a day. For many, busyness is greatly compounded by an overwhelming feeling of distraction, all thanks to a barrage of information coming

Groovebook: Subscribe for $2.99 and they will take up to a hundred of your uploaded photos each month and print them into a photo book.

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My Mini Wallet: For only 99 cents, you can store all of your gift cards, coupons, membership cards and receipts in one app.

Manilla: All the information you need to pay your bills and manage your accounts can be securely stored within Manilla (with the added perk of reminders for when bills are due!).

Mommy Nearest: From scouting out the closest restroom with a changing table to kid-friendly restaurant recommendations, this comprehensive resource is a go-to for any parent!

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video rewind Caution: The movies you loved as a kid may not be suitable for all audiences.

For a list of great family-friendly movies to watch with your kids, visit KCParent.com.

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ith the easy accessibility and wide variety of formats available for watching movies these days, your family viewing may include some movies you enjoyed as a child. Movies have changed over the decades, and while it’s fun to recall favorites, memory can be faulty. Movies you loved as a kid may be full of profanity like The Goonies (1985) and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), tainted by horror like Watership Down (1978) and The Dark Crystal (1982) and saturated with mature themes like Airplane! (1980) and Top Secret! (1984). Keep the good and the bad in mind as you consider revisiting films from the past.

Pros Special effects. They have improved a lot! I enjoy seeing the difference between what were, at the time, state-of-the art special effects and today’s cinematic spectaculars.

Showing “old” technology to your kids. My kids are fascinated by the “funny looking” big rotary phones with cords attached to the wall, giant computers and wood-paneled station wagons in some of the movies we have seen as a family. And so many situations that arise in old movies and shows simply would not occur today, thanks to the invention of cell phones and the Internet. See, for example, every episode of Three’s Company.

Seeing stars you enjoy now in their early acting days. For example, we just saw Sarah Hyland, who stars in the popular Modern Family television series, play adorable orphan Molly in the 1999 remake of Annie. Grandparents enjoy movies from prior decades because they often feature familiar actors. My in-laws particularly liked The Love Bug (1968) and knew most of the stars by name.

The best reason of all to watch old movies with your kids is to share with them the enjoyment of cinematic entertainment and to foster their love of creativity, imagination and movie magic.

Cons Changing ratings. Many movies that came out before 1984 may have a PG rating but would be rated PG-13 today. (See the historical note below). Usually, I would let my children watch most any movie rated PG without a lot of concern. This changed after showing my then 5-year-old daughter the 1982 release of Annie in preparation for the debut of the 2014 remake. (Yes, we have a big fan of Annie at our house.) I remember the 1982 Carol Burnett film fondly. What I did not remember was Daddy Warbucks’ foul language, the overt depiction of alcohol use and Miss Hannigan’s inappropriate overtures to any male in the vicinity.

Granted, a lot of this probably went right over my daughter’s head, however I still don’t like exposing her to too much profanity, sexuality, etc., in movies if I can help it. One way around this is to watch a television network airing of the movie, where offensive words will be bleeped or changed.

Stereotypes. Less obvious than profanity and sexuality in the older movies are the sexism and cultural stereotypes that were much more prevalent in movies (and society as a whole) in the 1970s and 1980s.

In our politically correct climate, the roles of women and minorities as depicted in

older movies can be shocking. Use this as an opportunity to discuss with your kids how society has changed. Some of the older movies and stories just don’t translate well to today’s kids (or adults). Disney’s Snow White (1937) moves at a very slow pace and simply does not hold my kids’ attention.

Even the music sounds strange to them.

The titular princess doesn’t have much personality and needs a prince to rescue her.

Disney princesses have come a long way since then!

Bad habits. Actors (sometimes kids) in older movies smoke and drink—a lot. If this is not something your kids have been exposed to, be prepared for questions.

Empty entertainment. I feel spoiled by the current plethora of well-made, educational, ethnically diverse, thoughtprovoking children’s shows that my kids actually like to watch. In revisiting the cartoons and animated features of my youth, I find there is very little (if any) educational, moral or other value in the shows. Even so, my kids still love Tom & Jerry cartoons! I guess some forms of entertainment are truly timeless.

situation as an opportunity to find out what your child thinks about the film or show and to emphasize to him what things in it you might prefer he not see and why.

I was horrified when my mom showed my son (he was 5 at the time) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. I thought he would have nightmares about bugs and never eat soup again. He never said a word about any of that. When pressed, he said the movie was “okay.”

Happy viewing—and if your flick takes a turn for the worse, you can always pause for a popcorn break.

Laura Miller McEachen is a part-time attorney and full-time mommy and can’t wait until her kids are old enough to watch the John Hughes movies from the ’80s.

*Historical Note: The first official MPAA ratings were implemented in 1968. We know these ratings as G, PG, R and X. The PG-13 rating did not come along until 1984 as a

How do you decide whether a movie is a good fit for your family movie night?

If you have time, watch the movie first without the kids. Often a quick sampling can give you an idea of whether it contains questionable elements. Ask friends whether they have viewed these movies as a family and what they thought. Read reviews or descriptions online. I really like the website CommonSenseMedia.org, which rates all types of media regarding suitability for children.

Recognize that parents’ opinions regarding what is appropriate for kids can differ widely. Only you can decide regarding your own children, and yes, they will likely see something at a friend’s house that you wouldn’t have shown to them. Don’t blame the child if this occurs. Rather, use the

result of several Stephen Spielberg films that were deemed to be too mature for the traditional PG rating.

The movement for a mid-range rating started with 1977’s Jaws, which has a PG rating despite its graphic violence. In 1984, the release of the PG-rated Indiana

Jones and the Temple of Doom and Gremlins drew criticism, and Spielberg himself moved for a new category of rating. The first PG-13 movie released to theaters was Red Dawn, which came out later in 1984.

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when family dinners don’t work:

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t seems the tradition of the nightly family dinner has long passed. And who can blame us? Soccer tournaments, dance lessons, late nights working at the office— they all add up to not enough time spent together in general, let alone around a dinner table. But that doesn’t make meals together any less important. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, kids and teens who share family dinners three or more times a week are less likely to be overweight, perform better academically and have better relationships with their parents. With all that potential goodness staring parents right in the face, it makes sense to put the nightly family meal back on the table.

But let’s be honest for a moment— traditional dinners are difficult. They take a lot of preparation and cleanup, and if no one is around to enjoy the meals, it’s all a lost cause anyway. Here are several ways you can incorporate that all-important family connectivity back into your routine, without necessarily having to fulfill the requirements of a sit-down dinner.

Breakfast Bounty

9 other ways to connect Family time is prime time for conversations to abound.

Encourage kids to talk about whatever is on their minds—no holds barred. This builds trust, which will be helpful as they grow older.

If a family dinner does work in your home, head to KCParent.com for a list of great games to play during dinner.

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Mornings are chaotic, especially during the academic year as various school and work times begin to collide. Consider choosing one day a week where everyone in the house agrees to get up 15 minutes earlier than usual for breakfast together.

Nothing overblown either. We’re talking pre-sliced fruit from the grocery store and some cereal at the very least. Everyone gets a full, healthy breakfast and a chance to connect with each other before the day gets too crazy.

Picture Party With the advent of the mobile phone, photographs are taken more frequently but developed less often. Print off several favorite pictures from each family member’s phone (or just 10-20 pictures if Mom and Dad are the only ones with phones) and grab a seat around the family table.

Go through the pictures and relive the memories of each one. Organize them by date and pop them into a family album. Do this once a month and you’ll soon have an album full of memories that can be accessed anytime.

Pick a Dish, Any Dish Here’s an easy way to get a home-cooked meal in without putting the prep on just one person. Each member of the family selects a dish (main dish, side dish, dessert and salad). That family member is responsible for making that contribution, all culminating with a family dinner at a specified time. The best conversations are those had when the meal is being prepared.

Backyard Picnic If the weather is decent, break out a blanket and have dinner in the backyard or a nearby park. Fancy dishes are unnecessary and way too cumbersome to put in a basket. Grab some fried chicken from the grocery store and dig in together. Play some Frisbee or baseball after the meal to burn it all off, then cool down as you watch the sun set.

Family Book Club Forget chicken or mashed potatoes. Brain food is essential for families as well.

Have each member of the family choose a book (at their reading level) and read for 30 minutes a few times each week.

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Come together after the timer goes off and individually share the books’ developments.

If a book per person is too difficult to manage, consider choosing a family book to read altogether (think Hunger Games or Where the Red Fern Grows). Take turns reading out loud to each other!

Team up!

With all this talk about food, it’d be great also to have an approach that centers on some activity. Try taking the whole

No phone zone. When the family is doing something together, no phones are allowed on the table or within reach. Everyone can survive for an hour or two. (That means you too, parents!)

No wrong answers or questions. Family time is prime time for conversations to abound. Encourage kids to talk about whatever is on their minds— no holds barred. This builds trust, which will be helpful as they grow older.

Everybody helps. Whether it’s cleaning up the dishes or folding up the blankets from movie night, each person pitches in. No exceptions!

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things that happen when you have a second child: You start to wonder whether your house (or car, or purse) will ever be clean again.

Your entire house is covered in boogers, spit-up residue and other unidentifiable sticky or oddly-colored substances. Your kitchen counter is covered in hand wash only breast pump parts, unopened mail and magazines you plan to read “someday.”

The amount of laundry generated in your household doubled when you had your first child, and now it has somehow quadrupled by adding one extra person. It amazes you how two tiny people can create so many things that require washing. You have no problem running the loads through the wash, but once they are clean, you find it somehow impossible to put them away. The laundry baskets fill up with clean clothes and soon you are choosing your daily attire from a basket or the dryer instead of from your closet. Your car is covered in crushed goldfish, melted fruit snacks, toys and chocolate milk drippings.

You have a sudden affinity for drive-thru.

You once viewed using the drive-thru as a lazy, frivolous treat. Now you wish that everything had a drive-thru or home delivery service. Running errands with multiple children under the age of 5 can be quite a feat. The thought of entering a Starbucks with an infant car seat slung over your forearm, dragging a restless toddler with your other hand, and actually making it out of there with a vanilla chai tea latte intact sounds more like a James Bond adventure than a relaxing coffee shop visit.

Even getting groceries can be a challenging task. If you must take multiple children on errands with you, follow these simple rules: 1.) Have a plan. Map out exactly what

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you need and do it as quickly as humanly possible. 2.) Know the escape routes. And 3.) Don’t let them smell your fear. It is also helpful to listen to “Eye of the Tiger” or the Mission Impossible theme song prior to departing for such adventures.

The thought of family travel ranks right up there with root canals or your annual “girl” appointment.

Your firstborn was on seven flights before his first birthday, but the thought of flying with two babies is utterly nauseating. The term “carry-on luggage” has a whole new meaning when flying with kids. Packing for a road trip is like a life-size game of old school Tetris. You can’t just grab your toothbrush, hop in the car and leave.

Packing for an overnight trip is like packing for a safari. Your car is filled to the brim with two car seats and two adults, not to mention a stroller, two sizes of diapers,

several changes of clothes for EVERYONE (because no one is safe anymore), blankets, binkies, snacks, books and toys. The console is overflowing with extra napkins, wipes and boxes of expired raisins. You thought you had a good-sized vehicle, but now you are seriously contemplating a 15-passenger van.

You wonder whether you are literally losing your mind.

It starts with a harmless act of putting laundry detergent in the refrigerator or leaving the water running after you have left the room. Then you leave groceries in the back of the car for hours, forget to feed the dog and walk into a room with no recollection of why you are there. You can’t remember whether you put on deodorant today, or whether you’ve worn it at all this week. You assume you brushed your teeth this morning, but who really knows?!? You finally get a lunch out with a girlfriend and

get to have an “adult” conversation. Then you literally lose your train of thought midsentence and have no idea what you were talking about.

EVERYTHING becomes an adventure.

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Getting through an hour-long church service is now a better workout than a P90X “legs and back” video. Between the nursing, shushing, wrangling, entertaining and cleanup, I’m in a full-on sweat by the time we get to communion. Trying to keep the slobber at bay when my tots are munching on hymnals, my skirt or each other is quite a feat. No paper product in a 10-foot radius will live to see another day. If you are really looking for a challenge, try unloading the dishwasher with your toddler around and then see how many things you can get out and put away before he gets them dirty again! You may think you successfully unloaded everything, but soon you will find Tupperware mysteriously placed in your nightstand and spoons in the doggie bowl.

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You start to question your parenting ability.

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the Arts in kansas city

Why Music?

the Merits of Music for Children It’s physical education. It’s art. Music can change and shape your life. Music is worth being actively involved in for a variety of reasons. Here are five:

academic acheivement

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In today’s society, we are exposed to music almost constantly, whether it’s a movie soundtrack, music in a store, attending a concert, singing in the shower or just listening while we fall asleep. In the KC metro area, most elementary school children experience music through general music classes, but what about going beyond that to more in-depth music study through private lessons or joining a musical group?

What is the value of that?

A Google search for “why should children study music?” yields 197 million results! Apparently, I am not the only one who realizes the immense value of music for children! Donald Hodges, UNC-Greensboro music professor, observes:

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Countless reputable studies demonstrate that music study correlates with increased academic abilities and physical skills.

Engagement in music boosts brain power and development, improves language abilities, assists with motor skills and coordination and results in higher grades and better test scores. Philosopher Plato said, “Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education. I would teach children music, physics and philosophy; but most importantly music, for the patterns in music and all the arts are the keys to learning.” The link between music involvement and success in school and life is indisputable.

character building

“Music provides unique and invaluable insights into the human condition.

Music allows us to know, discover, understand, experience, share or express such aspects of the human condition as feelings, aesthetic experiences, thoughts, structure, time and space, self-knowledge, self-identity, group identity and healing and wholeness. If the purpose of an education is to systematically develop the mind and capabilities of every child, it is clear that music has a unique and necessary role to play.”

Scientists have discovered that music is the only activity that stimulates and activates the entire brain. Music is a science.

It’s mathematics. It’s a foreign language.

Character building through active music participation is endless! Children develop discipline as they set aside regular practice time, patience as they wait on others to perfect their parts, diligence as they work on a piece repeatedly, craftsmanship as they gain mastery of their instrument, and self-confidence as they proudly present their musical performance.

The Herrera boys participate in Allegro Choir (AllegroKC.org). Jake shares how singing in front of audiences is a useful skill. It helps him gain confidence while performing on stage. Ben says singing in Allegro has helped him develop his vocal skills, which has proven useful during congregational singing at church. Eli likes how choir helps a person read music well, and how he can feel confident with the music he has learned. Christine, their mom, says, “I personally feel that choir helps kids

to develop discipline. They have to stay focused so they can learn their music well, as well as developing a love for different styles of music.”

self-expression

The great French writer Victor Hugo said, “Music expresses that which cannot be said and what is impossible to keep silent.” Music provides an unequaled opportunity to express individuality, creativity and emotion! As a music teacher, I have had great joy seeing students blossom as they have the opportunity to express themselves through music. As they receive basic technical instruction, the music becomes part of them, and the creativity that emerges is truly amazing. What makes a piece of music unique are the feelings, perspective and creativity that a performer or conductor brings to it from his or her own experience. Music is an incredible outlet for self-expression.

social skills

Numerous vital social skills are ingrained in musical training. As students persevere in private lessons and in musical groups,

Teaching children and adults the love of dance for 43 years.

they learn communication, problem solving, teamwork, individual responsibility, cooperation, connecting with others and greater cultural understanding.

One of my favorite former music students is Chris Dye, U.S. Army specialist.

He expresses the significance of music this way: “Music has been the most influential part of my life. Starting at a young age, I’ve been involved with music in some capacity.

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel abroad…and now I have the joy of serving my country as an Army bandsmen. I am training to be a musician and a soldier… and I am extremely honored and humbled.

I would not be where I am today without the bonds and relationships I have formed through music.”

lifelong impact

The fact that you don’t ever have to give up making music is one of the best things about it! It is an ongoing source of enjoyment in your life. You can start playing or singing when you’re 6 and still be playing and singing when you’re 96! Such was the case with my Great Uncle James and Aunt

Margaret who sang and played together for 70 years, blessing thousands of people.

Engagement in the arts creates productive citizens who are less stressed, better educated and more well-rounded.

Parker Daniels, manager of Funky Munky Music (FunkyMunkyMusic.com), says music entirely changed his life. “I grew up in a small town where there wasn’t much to do but get in trouble,” he says. “Simply put, music was my out. It was my anti-drug, my ticket to a nearly-free college education, the basis for my career and the source of all of the income I’ve ever made in my adult life.”

If you want your children to succeed academically, build strong character, creatively express themselves, have excellent social skills and develop a lifelong love of music that can be shared with others, why not sign them up for music lessons?! It will be well worth the time and money invested!

A certified elementary music teacher, Tori Walker writes from Shawnee where she teaches piano lessons, homeschools her three daughters and blogs at Mom-in-Progress.com.

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25 Years

the Arts in kansas city

of JCCC’s Performing Arts Series

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Nestled in the heart of Johnson County, KS, is what Emily Behrmann calls a “hidden gem” and Kansas City’s “best-kept secret.”

Behrmann is the general manager of the Performing Arts Series at Johnson County Community College. Since 1990, the college has presented a variety of shows each year ranging from Broadway to classical and everything in between.

“We provide something for everyone in the community,” Behrmann says. “If you’re a family with small kids, we have things that are appropriate for you. If you are a dance lover, we provide several different genres during the year. If you like theater, comedy, all kinds of music, we make all of that available to the community.”

The Performing Arts Series is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and has booked a wide array of productions guaranteed to appeal to diverse audiences.

So how did the Performing Arts Series get its start and become the success it is today?

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In the early 1980s, the trustees at the college did some strategic planning and identified long-range goals for the campus, one of which was to create a performing arts center that could host public and community events, as well as events for the students of the performing arts program at JCCC. In 1990, the Cultural Education Center opened, which was the realization of the goal the trustees had nearly a decade earlier.

Behrmann calls it “a marriage between the educational mission of the community college and the performing arts.”

In 1998, the Cultural Education Center was renamed the Carlsen Center in honor of the college’s third president, Charles J. Carlsen.

Now, 25 years after the center was built, the college is still acting upon the dreams and visions the trustees had so long ago, bringing performers from around the world to the performance halls at the Carlsen Center.

The center comprises four venues: 1,300seat Yardley Hall, 420-seat Polsky Theater, a 55-seat recital hall and Bodker Black Box Theater, which is used exclusively by the theater department students.

Behrmann has witnessed a lot of changes over the years, namely the number of performances the college hosts during a season. “We used to do nine or 10 performances a year, and now we do an average of 25 shows a year—and that doesn’t include our school performances and some of the daytime things we do,” she says.

However, the biggest change Behrmann and the performing arts department have seen is in the field of technology. “When this building opened in 1990, we really didn’t use computers regularly. We didn’t have email or digital technology,” she says. “Over the course of 25 years, we’ve seen the way we conduct business—as far as emails, texts, smartphones and laptops—change.”

The technological advances aren’t confined to the offices; they also apply to the equipment in the theater. Behrmann explains, “Everybody who comes in here now has digital soundboards, and they want special lighting instruments that are much more flexible and interesting than the ones we used 25 years ago.”

Many people work diligently behind the scenes to make each performance successful, including a technical director, audio engineer, master electrician, marketing coordinator, box office employees, event managers, arts education director and a team of volunteers. “I do want to say that without our volunteers, we couldn’t do what we do,” Behrmann says. “They make us shine, make us look great and they are such great ambassadors for this institution and for the Performing Arts Series.”

For the 25th season, the college is bringing back artists who have performed there in the past and have been popular with the audiences, such as Arlo Guthrie

and Jim Brickman, to pay tribute to past success. At the same time, Behrmann says the Performing Arts Series always strives to expand the kinds of programs they bring to the campus, and an anniversary year is the perfect time to do this.

Behrmann encourages KC Parent readers to come to a show or two. “I guarantee

you will find something on our schedule that will appeal to you that may be an old favorite or a brand-new experience. It may be a way to introduce your child to the arts or it may be a way to share a moment with your mom or dad.”

To view the complete list of this season’s shows and to purchase tickets, go to

JCCC.edu/performing-arts-series, call 913.469.4445 or visit the Carlsen Center lobby at JCCC (southwest corner of College Boulevard & Quivira Road).

Tisha Foley lives in Belton with her husband and two children.

PARENT M A YE A R S

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The Performing Arts Series at JCCC has been a frequent advertiser with 85 –2 0 KC Parent over the years, and we found 15 two ads from the mid-2000s highlighting family-oriented productions. In August 2005, the Carlsen Center advertised two upcoming shows appealing to children: Berenstain Bears on Stage! and Clifford the Big Red Dog Live!

Behrmann says, “Ten years ago, and those (characters) are still so popular today.”

In August 2006, JCCC placed an ad featuring two coming attractions: Tlacopan Aztec Fire Dancers from Mexico, promising elaborate costumes and real fire, and Rip Van Winkle, with 9-foot-tall puppets.

Two ads promoting a variety of shows…proof that the Performing Arts Series has always been dedicated to bringing in diverse talent for audiences.

kcparent.com september 2015

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the Arts

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in kansas city

Tips

Top

To find a live performance to attend with your kids, log onto KCParent.com and check out the online calendar.

for Fun at Live Performances

Our family loves to attend live shows! Unfortunately, what is meant to be great fun can be stressful and chaotic if you’re not prepared.

These are our favorite tips and tricks for fun at live shows with kids.

make a practice run:

Before shelling out the big bucks for concert and show tickets, take advantage of the free children’s concerts, puppet shows and performances at local libraries, parks and festivals. If your children do well in the auditorium at the library, chances are good they’ll enjoy a live show at the Sprint Center even more! If they are too fidgety and not quite ready to sit through an hour-long show, you might want to wait a year or more.

consider the fear factor: Many young children are frightened by costumed characters, exotic animals, loud noises and excitement. Before you take your child to a first live show, test the waters. Introduce tots to costumed characters at a free appearance at a local mall or story time. Visit the zoo and check out the lion keeper chat. Familiarity will increase the fun as they anticipate their favorite songs, scenes or acts and it will create an enjoyable evening for everyone.

light up the night: I purchase glow-in-the-dark necklaces and light-up toys in dollar bins or discount stores and bring them to the show. If you’re going to see a character or theme show, t-shirts, stuffed animals and toys are easy to find at local shops and cost a fraction of the price.

pack snacks: Always check the rules for the venue first, but if allowed, it’s always cheaper and healthier to bring your own snacks. If you allow sweets for a treat, candy, lollipops, cracker jacks and even cotton candy can be inexpensively purchased at the grocery store and brought to the show.

remember the camera: Be sure to follow the rules of the venue, but you can almost always take pictures before and after the show. For added fun, let the kids bring their own cameras.

dress the part: Let the children wear costumes or t-shirts for their favorite characters or the theme of the night. Have a fun clown nose or big bowtie in your dress up clothes? Do your girls love to pretend they

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are princesses? The kids will love the treat of wearing a costume too and it makes great photo memories of the occasion.

bring binoculars: Whether rooting for the Royals from the nosebleed section, watching favorite musicals at Starlight Theatre or enjoying family shows at the Sprint Center, children love packing their own binoculars so they can see the show more clearly.

bring well rested, well fed kids to the show: Many live shows begin in the evening. Make sure the kids are rested and well fed before the show begins. If possible, we try to have an active morning, nap in the afternoon, then attend shows in the evening. The kids end up having a great time.

don’t forget to have fun: That old saying—“If Mom’s not happy, no one is happy”—is true!

I love watching the excitement of my children at live shows, whether we’re rocking to a free children’s concert at the library, puppet show at the park or enjoying the special treat of a big show. If I enjoy the kids having fun, even though the show isn’t geared for me, the kids have a blast. If I am impatient, bored and anxious to leave, they won’t enjoy it either.

Kansas City mom Kristina Light is thankful for all of the opportunities provided in KC for her and her family to enjoy live performances.

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the Arts

C

in kansas city

Creativity

Encouraging

Creativity. You either have it or you don’t, right? Wrong. While some assume creativity is something you’re born with, it’s actually more skill than inborn talent. What’s more, it’s a skill that parents can help their children develop.

A key to success in most everything we do, creativity is a key component of health and happiness and a core skill to practice with children. It’s not limited to just the arts; it’s also important for science, math and even social/emotional intelligence. With creativity in our lives, we become more flexible and better problem solvers, and this helps us adapt to changes around us.

Researchers believe parents are ruining children’s creative expression by the overabundance of toys that take the place

at Home

of more creative ways of play. Remember when a simple stick from a tree served as a sword or magic wand? You can still bring back that creativity of the past. The trick?

Allowing your children the freedom to create. In doing so, you must give them time and space. Children need a lot of time for unstructured, child-directed, imaginative play (without adult direction). Children also need a safe place to play. Unless you don’t mind creative messes all over your home, designate an area for art work and a separate area for building toys.

Here are some more great ideas to help instill creativity in your home:

tell silly tales. Try changing the

endings to your child’s favorite stories and

poems. For example: “Little Blue Riding Hood” or “Goldilocks and the Three Llamas.” This will encourage your child’s language development and help him learn how to tell his own creative stories.

start up a band. Take out the pots, pans, whistles and spoons and get ready to jam! Play a wide variety of music and be sure to join in. Show your child how wonderful music and dance really are. make a silly soup. Anything in

the house is game for being an ingredient.

Let your child choose whatever she finds, anything that’s kid-friendly and will fit into the soup pot is fair game. When the soup is done, invite your child’s favorite stuffed animals or dolls to come taste the finished

We Cater to the Dance Enthusiast

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product. Using ordinary objects expands your child’s thinking about the world she lives in.

play make-believe games.

Pretend you’re a monkey or an elephant. Or pretend to be machines like lawn mowers, popcorn poppers or leaf blowers. Be silly and have fun!

make up stories as a family.

Have Dad start the storyline, and then the next person adds to it, then the next. The stranger the story, the more fun it will be!

You might even record it or write it down for memories.

watch the clouds. Lie on your

backs together, stare up at the sky and ask your child what she sees in the clouds.

For example, “The skinny one looks like a sewing needle” or “That puffy one looks like cotton candy.” This kind of daydreaming shows your child that even the most ordinary things can be interpreted in unusual ways.

who can be the silliest? Have a contest! Challenge your child to draw the strangest picture of a bird ever, dress up in the craziest costume or have him make up the goofiest dance he can think of. Activities such as these encourage creativity and also demonstrate that trying to be perfect isn’t necessarily a desirable goal.

Involving yourself in your child’s fantasy on a consistent basis is one of the best ways to nurture his creativity. As you’ve read, some of the most creative activities are the simplest. Have fun with the process, and before long the sparks of creativity will be lighting up your entire home right before your eyes.

Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein absolutely loves the creativity that flows throughout her home each day with her two daughters, 11 and 8.

do’s and don’ts for developing your child’s creativity: Don’t stifle creativity with too many manufactured toys or too much screen time. Resist buying your child every popular toy and accessory, and limit all screens.

Don’t shame or embarrass children who experiment through trial and error. Resist saying things such as “What in the world were you thinking?”

Do encourage curiosity and seeking answers. A good way to respond to a child’s questions is to say, “I don’t know. How could we find the answer?”

Do value varying ideas and opinions. To encourage brainstorming say, “What a great idea! I’ve never thought of it that way before. Let’s try it!”

Do encourage your child to explore.

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a fabulous fall

Kansas City style

Fall is the perfect time to create a family bucket list, your wish list of fun things for enjoying the season’s signatures.

Go camping! Missouri (MoStateParks.com) and Kansas state parks (KSOutdoors.com) are especially beautiful in the fall when the autumn leaves start to change. Camp at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, then enjoy nearby castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka. Or plan ahead and make reservations for a Halloween campout on Oct. 24 at Watkin’s Mill State Park (MoStateParks.com) or Elk City State Park (KSOutdoors.com), where the rangers plan special themed activities for the entire family.

Pick the perfect pumpkin at the perfect patch.

Kansas City’s pumpkin patches are all one-of-a-kind, each with a unique theme and special attractions. Giant jumping pillows, petting zoos, pumpkin chomping dinosaurs, tractor rides, pumpkin cannons, live entertainment and corn mazes are just a few of the fun attractions designed with the entire family in mind. Visit KCParent.com for your best local Pumpkin Patch Guide and tips for each local patch.

Take a hike or a scenic bike ride in Weston (WestonMo.org), where you can enjoy Weston Bend State Park with amazing autumn views. Follow your excursion with exploration of the boutiques and museums in Weston, including lunch at O’Malley’s Irish Pub and a visit to the Weston Red Barn Farm, a favorite autumn destination. The Apple Fest and Irish Fest each autumn are two favorite festivals to celebrate the season.

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Attend the American Royal Rodeo (AmericanRoyal.com), a Kansas City tradition. Watch bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, mutton busting and more. This year marks the 66th the rodeo has been held in Kansas City. Visit the American Royal Museum to learn more about the history of the Royal and its influence on Kansas City. Then, make plans to attend the American Royal barbecue competition in October, at Arrowhead Stadium for the first time ever.

Go chasin’ waterfalls

Pack a picnic and explore Waterfall Park (4501 S. Bass Dr., Independence, MO, 816.325.7375). The 18-acre park, near Bass Pro Shops, is nestled in a wooded area overlooking a lake and waterfalls and features a fantastic playground, small rock wall, small lake, walking trails, picnic tables and the scenic backdrop of a waterfall. After playing at the park, treat the family to some miniature golf at Cool Crest (10735 US 40 Hwy., Independence, MO, 816.358.0088).

Make the most of autumn weekends.

Kansas City’s arts, antiques and dining districts roll out the red carpet all month long, with special hours, sales and events on weekends. Some faves include First Fridays in the Crossroads (KCCrossroads.org), Second Saturday Sprint Family Fun Days (PowerAndLightDistrict. com), Third Thursday at the Nelson-Atkins (NelsonAtkins.org), Third Friday in Downtown Overland Park (DowntownOP.org), Third Saturday Wine Walk (April-Oct.) on Delaware (WineWalkOnDelaware.com) and Fourth Fridays in Downtown Lee’s Summit (DowntownLS.org

Watch the making of cider and donuts Nothing

Treat the kids to caramel apples

says autumn quite like a nice glass of apple cider or a warm cider donut! You can observe the process at the Louisburg Cider Mill (LouisburgCiderMill.com). Visitors watch as apples are washed, made into cider, and the delicious drink is bottled. Then some of the cider is used to make Louisburg’s famous apple cider donuts. The mill’s pumpkin patch, corn maze and the annual Louisburg CiderFest are some visitor favorites.

from Sweet Caroline’s (913.495.9993), one of the most decadent shops in the metro.

From your first step inside, you’ll savor the sweet scent of goodies, but the fall specialty is the candied apple! With large delicious apples, Sweet Caroline’s serves up many flavors and combinations of coatings for the fruit that are almost too pretty to eat!

Soup for lunch! Enjoy some at a local café where it’s made from scratch. Three win a special shoutout for their high quality homemade soups: Potpie (816.561.2702), where they serve fantastic soups and entrees; Great Day Café (913.642.9090), where the proprietors are known for offering live entertainment along with their delicious lunch menu; and Happy Gillis (816.471.3663), where they buy from local farms and businesses to create one-of-a-kind soup and sandwich combinations.

Ride in a covered wagon and learn local history with Pioneer Trails Adventures (PioneerTrailsAdventures. com) on the Square in Independence. Tours go into the heritage of Independence, beginning with the history of the California, Oregon and Santa Fe Trail, the role of Independence in the Civil War and, of course, Harry Truman and his life in the Midwest pre- and postpresidency. Search “Independence Day Trip” on KCParent.com for more ideas.

Enjoy farm fresh fall produce from a local farmers market. Yellow squash, zucchini, pumpkins, apples, nuts, farm fresh cheeses and other wares are available at more than 30 farmers markets. They range from small markets selling exclusively organic produce to the City Market with more than 140 local vendors. You can purchase fruits, vegetables, plants, herbs, homemade soaps, baked goods and even live animals. Discover Kansas City’s farmers markets on KCParent.com to find a new fave.

Buy tickets for the races at Kansas Speedway (KansasSpeedway.com). On Oct. 16-18 the races are the place to be. On Oct. 17, watch the up-and-coming stars of NASCAR Xfinity Series race, a great preview of the excitement you can expect during the next day’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race. Tip: Parking at Kansas Speedway is free, and fans can bring in a soft-sided cooler filled with their favorite food and beverages.

The Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo.org) is fun yearround but special events in the autumn make for some exceptional fun. The Sept. 20 Safari Party in the African Market features live music and cold beverages in the summer sun. Kids are invited to take a docent-led walking tour through Africa. Then in October, every Saturday and Sunday is Hoots and Howls with spooky, but not very scary, kid-friendly fun.

Enjoy fall fun in St. Joseph. Apple picking at Schweizer Orchard (SchweizerOrchards.com) is a scenic and delicious adventure as families select apples from over eighteen varieties. Round out the day trip with a visit to the Patee House Museum, the Pony Express Museum, or the Jesse James Home (PonyExpressJesseJames.com). Throughout September and October St. Joseph (StJoMo.com) hosts several music festivals and fall festivals on weekends.

Sample kettle corn at a local fall festival. Step back in time at a festival hosted by a local historic site like Missouri Town 1855, Watkin’s Mill or Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and experience hands-on history and pioneer living.

Or attend a Kansas City classic like the Plaza Art Fair or Santa-Cali-Gon Days. We have all of your local festivals featured in our online Fall Festival Guide on KCParent.com.

Kristina Light loves fall most of all! She can be found exploring Kansas City’s best autumn sites and attractions with her husband and four daughters.

kcparent.com september 2015

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Click!

Tips for a Picture Perfect Picture Day

L

ights… camera… action! The school year’s here, and so are school pictures, with their awkward poses, weird backdrops and even new wardrobes. Should we parents look forward to the occasion, or should we run to the nearest exit with our children cradled?

Picture day should never be a day of remorse for us or our children. Here are a few tips to make a day of pictures a day to remember!

Tip #1: Nothing too extravagant.

Now that we’ve talked about distractions, let’s keep in mind that our kids’ favorite cartoon characters can be a bit distracting too.

Steer clear of big, bold graphics—our kids love them, but the camera may not be so forgiving.

Tip #2: Cheese is better on pizza.

Cheese has been the go-to phrase for decades. No matter the occasion, if you step foot in a room and someone yells “Say cheese,” it’s engraved in our brains to give the biggest smiles our jaws can handle. But think, is that something we want our children to do? For picture day, think natural! What naturally tickles your child pink?

Encourage her to think about that when she’s in front of the camera.

Tip #3: Hair, blemishes and scars!

Light on the hair spray and easy with those clippers. Most photographers can fix a glare if your child wears glasses or can even spot check a small pimple or scrape when editing, but even the best will struggle with editing a bad haircut. For things like this, think of trims in advance. This will give your kid a bold fresh look on life and on his photos. For bumps and bruises, try calling the school or photographer to see what their editing capabilities are. It’s never a good idea to try to cover them up yourself; it‘ll only make matters worse.

Tip #4: Makeup.

Young adults can be hard to handle, especially teens wanting the “extra” touch. If your child has a thing for makeup, convince her to let you give her that touch. Use a sheer powder for a natural look.

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Reinforce that less is more and remind her how perfect she is makeup free.

Tip #5: Lunch.

There’s nothing like planning for pictures the week before, only to have your child spill breakfast or lunch on her clothes the day of. In cases like this, Tide to Go is a must-have! If your child is small and doesn’t know how to use it, send it to his or her teacher with a note marked “In case of emergency” and explaining what you want the teacher to do with it. If you pack your child’s lunch, ModernMom. com suggests that broccoli, spinach, celery, orange, corn on the cob, chips, chocolate anything, concord grape juice, popcorn and black bean soup are a huge no-no for picture day. Avoid packing things that easily stain or get stuck in teeth.

Tip #6 Attitude.

A bad attitude is hard to shake, and motivation to do good and have good behavior starts at home. If you show interest in the outcome of a good day, so will your child. This is particularly important for picture day because this memory will be captured.

Tip # 7: One year here, one year there…

Picture day comes annually! Children grow overnight. If the pictures don’t come out perfect this time, just think…there’s always next year!

Jessica Samuel is a St. Louis native and current Kansas City resident, Journalist, photographer, graduate student, ALLY.

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Oktoberfest in Downtown Lee’s Summit

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kcparent.com september 2015

explore

learn

plan

party

play

Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00, the Nelson-Atkins hosts art + family = fun. The event includes handson activities and conversations with museum guides in the galleries.

Nelson-Atkins.org

Teach kids to be safe during Super Safety Saturday at Wonderscope on Sept. 12 at 10:00.

During the event learn about bike, water, car seat, fire safety and much more!

913.287.8888

The KCParent.com virtual Pumpkin Patch Guide goes live Sept. 15. Over 62,000 people used it last year to plan the perfect day at the pumpkin patch!

KCParent.com

Bring the family to Family Tree Nursery in Shawnee for this year’s Fall Festival on Sept. 20 at 10:00.

Huge event with music, food, straw maze, petting zoo and more fall fun!

FamilyTreeNursery.com

Celebrate the arrival of fall at Oktoberfest in Downtown Lee’s Summit on Sept.

25 & 26. Enjoy German meals, entertainment, dancers, free kids’ activities, a carnival and more!

LSOktoberfest.com

1 Tuesday Pay-for-Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Kids explore 17 play sets and munch on snacks at the picnic tables. $2. 913.307.6023

Children’s Corner 10:00, Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. A fun, free morning of entertainment for little ones. Today’s performer is puppeteer Priscilla Howe. 913.895.6390

3 Thursday JBF Consignment Sale Thru Sept 6, Overland Park Convention Center. Save big on clothes, gear, toys and more. JBFSale.com

Visit the Museum 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. After a remodel, the museum is open and better than ever! $5. 816.235.8000

Animal Tales 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center.

A 30-minute program which includes stories, songs and a visit from an animal friend. Today’s animal: butterflies. $2. 913.764.7759

Nature Connects Thru Sept 7, Powell Gardens.

Built from more than 300,000 Lego bricks, this special exhibit features 25 amazing sculptures.

PowellGardens.org

Kids Concert 10:30, Downtown Overland Park (clock tower). Visit the market and hear the tunes of Rockin’ Rob in the free kids concert.

DowntownOP.org

Visit Science City 10:00, Science City (Union Station). New exhibits, hands-on activities for the entire family, workshops, demonstrations and more! UnionStation.org

White Glove Wednesday 11:00, Harry S Truman Library and Museum. Learn about rare artifacts housed at the presidential library.

816.268.8200

DeSoto Days Thru Saturday, Miller Memorial Park. This year’s theme is Fun in the Sun. Come for entertainment, carnival rides, great food and more! DeSotoDaysKS.com

2 Wednesday

Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. Pre-reg at IntegrityOP.com

Parent Information Meeting 7:00, Primrose School of Overland Park. Learn more about the new Primrose School coming to North Olathe.

PrimroseNorthOlathe.com

Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness.

Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $5 plus tax!

913.631.7000

Major League Improv 7:30, ComedyCity. A comedy sporting event where everything is based on suggestions from the audience. $9-$13. 816.842.2744

Farmers Market 7:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Shop for a variety of fresh produce, plants, meat, baked goods, crafts and more.

816.246.6598 Toddle Town on Tour 9:30, Santa Fe Park (Independence). Enjoy summer fun while exploring different playgrounds. Simple craft projects. ci.Independence.mo.us

Sensory Time 9:00, Johnson County Museum.

Kidscape can be loud; this special time is for kids with sensory integration and processing needs. 913.715.2575 Preschool Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl (Olathe).

Receive one game of bowling, shoes, ball and a soft drink for only $3. MissionBowl.com

Fly on over!

We’re open!

A collection that speaks for itself.

open daily: 10 aM – 4pM, CloSed TUeSdayS

5235 oak STreeT k anSaS CiT y, Mo 64112

816.235.80 0 0

ToyandMiniaTUreMUSeUM.org

kcparent.com september 2015

57

First Fridays Sept.4, Crossroads Art District. Galleries and shops remain open late the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org

4 Friday Story Time 10:30 & 11:15, Wonderscope. Join us in our ArtWorks Exhibit for story time. This is free with museum admission. Wonderscope.org

Linden Square Concert Series 7:00, Linden Square (Gladstone). Enjoy the tunes of Allied Sounds, a Kansas Citybased, vocally driven rock band.

LindenSquare.info

Story Time 11:00, Reader’s World Lee’s Summit.

Every Friday enjoy story time with a story, crafts and a snack. Free. 816.246.7323

Ice Cream Train 7:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Enjoy a train ride and an ice cream treat. A great summer evening! 816.331.6630

Santa-Cali-Gon Days Thru Monday, Independence Square. Features more than 400 crafters and vendors, country Western music, food and more. SantaCaliGon.com First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Art District.

Galleries and shops remain open late the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org Tween Night 6:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Don’t spend Friday night at home. Come for pizza, painting and fun. $25 includes pizza, drink and pottery (up to $18). 913.661.2529

5 Saturday Farmers Market 7:00, Shawnee City Hall.

Purchase locally grown produce along with fresh baked goods, handmade crafts and more.

913.248.2360

Kids and Clay 9:30, Ceramic Café. Kids learn basic skills such as hand building, slab work, pinch pots, etc., and create a fun masterpiece. $16. 913.383.0222

Hope Dash KC 7:30, Corporate Woods. A noncompetitive, family-friendly 5K run/walk to help the American Cancer Society save more lives from cancer. 816.218.7293

Superhero Weekend Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Meet and have your photo taken with your favorite superhero at the zoo! KansasCityZoo.org

Friends of the Library Book Sale 9:00, the City Market. Get great books at a great price.

Today’s focus is young adult and teen books.

816.701.3468

Kansas City Renaissance Festival Thru Oct 18, Bonner Springs. Join the revelry for a one-of-a-kind experience and relive history the fun way! $10-$30. KCRenFest.com My Desk Nameplate Easel 11:00,

Open Sept.19-Oct. 31 10:00am-7:00pm 7 days a week

Fabulous Fun on the Farm!!

Bring in this ad & receive $1 off single admission.

Cannot be combined with other offers.

58

kcparent.com september 2015

Lakeshore Learning. Decorate your homework station with this darling nameplate. Free.

LakeshoreLearning.com Open Gym 12:30, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics.

Run, jump and play in the foam pit, rope swings and more. EliteGymSwim.com Spectacular Spiders 1:00, Burr Oak Woods.

Learn about spiders and then head out on the trails to see who is hanging around.

816.228.3766 Waterbabies 1:30, Emler Swim School. A free class to introduce parents and babies to the joys of a typical Emler Waterbabies swim class.

913.451.7946 Parkville Cruise Night 4:00, Downtown Parkville Farmers Market. Take in a little shopping and grab a bite at an eatery while listening to the tunes of yesterday. ParkvilleMo.org Saturday Night Feeder Saturdays thru Oct, 4:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Watch the cats being fed. $5. 816.739.0363 Celestial Sampler: The Fall Sky 8:00, Powell Observatory. Enjoy a talk, tour of the observatory and (if skies are clear) viewing of the moon through various telescopes. $4-$6.

ASKC.org

Shop & SAVE BIG!!!

2 Great Sales - New Location!!!

Overland Park Convention Center

Don’t just SHOP, CONSIGN with us too!

Thur & Fri 9am-8pm | Sat & Sun 9am-5pm

jbfsale.com

September 3-6

Sunday is the AWESOME 50% off sale!

October 9-11

Fri 9am-8pm | Sat & Sun 9am-5pm Sunday is the AWESOME 50% off sale!

Questions: tmetzger@jbfsale.com | Facebook: JBFOverlandPark

• SHOP and get unbelievable deals on brand-name favorites!

• SELL your items as a consignor and earn up to 70%!

• SMART! There’s no better budget helper around!

Find all the details online!

Show this ad to get in FREE! not valid for Prime Time Pre-Sale Shopping

Admission $2 first day, all other days free admission!

Shoppers - we accept Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and Debit Cards.

North America’s Leading Children’s and Maternity Consignment Sales Event.™

family faves

We want to hear from you!

Saturday, September 19, 2015 • 8:30 a.m. – NOON eNgliSh laNdiNg park • parkville, mO

It’s time to vote!

Starting Sept. 8, log onto KCParent.com to vote for your favorite businesses.

Enjoy food, fun and incredible prizes and giveaways!

a fuN eveNt fOr dOgS aNd their OwNerS • Try the biscuit catching contest • Enter the best canine costume competition • Do the one-mile dog walk • Meet adoptable dogs • Watch the Frisbee catching canines from KC Disc Dogs

Benefits

regiSter at pawSiNpark.cOm kcparent.com september 2015

59

Chalk & Walk Festival Sept. 12-13, Crown Center. Empty squares of asphalt are transformed into magnificent pieces of artwork. Free admission. 816.274.8444

6 Sunday Gridiron Glory Thru Sept 6, Union Station.

Come experience the best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, only at Union Station. Last day!

UnionStation.org

Pops in the Park 7:00, Theatre in the Park. The Kansas City Symphony’s free Labor Day concert celebrates the holiday with familiar classics. 913.831.3355

8 Tuesday

KC Northern Railroad Rides Noon, Vaydik Line Creek Park. Restored trains run on a half-mile track. Cost is $0.75/ride. KCNRR.com

Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000

art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278

Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under. Inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys!

OverlandParkMOPS.com

7 Monday Labor Day Moms FREE Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 Last Beach Day 11:00, Longview Lake Beach.

Today is the last day to enjoy the beach for the 2015 season. $3-$5. JacksonGov.org

Token Tuesdays 10:00, Cool Crest. Buy $20 worth of tokens and receive $20 worth for free!

CoolCrest.com

Concordia Fall Festival Thru Sept 12, Concordia, MO. A great getaway with dancing, food, crafts, contests, parades and much more!

ConcordiaFallFestival.com Cirque Eloize iD Thru Sept 13, Starlight Theatre. The scene is set in the heart of a city and is a blend of circus acts and urban dance.

KCStarlight.com

Story Time for Preschoolers 10:30, MCPL (Liberty). A special time designed for preschoolers ages 3 through 5 with a caregiver.

Free. 816.781.9240

Come run or come watch!

third annual

Great Pumpkin Run A trail run.

A corn maze.

Apple cider.

Pumpkins.

Food.

Whether you choose the 5K run or add the Tough Pumpkin option, one thing will remain the same: this will be your favorite day of the fall this year!

20 Acre Cor

n Maze Incl

uded in Adm

15,000 Garden

17701 Holmes Road, Belton MO Mon.- Fri. 12 to 6 PM • Sat.-Sun. 9am to 6pm www.johnsonfarms.net • 816.331.1067

Admission:

ing Openy! a D ay d Satur 26 t p Se

2 and under FREE

Mon-Thur Fri-Sun

$11

$13

Adults 13-59 $9 Seniors 60+ $7

$11 $9

Kids 3-12

(includes jumping pillow)

ALL PRICING INCLUDES TAx

Small & Large Gr oup

17701 Holmes Rd., Belton, MO 64012

Details at thegreatpumpkinrun.com

60

kcparent.com september 2015

ties

Discounts

Birthday Party Pack

ages

U-Pick Pumpkin

s, Flowers and Ve

Lots of NEW ATTR ACTIONS Every Year

ggies

Our farm is “stroller friendly” having pavement throughout to every amenity.

Saturday & Sunday Oct. 17th & 18th at 9am Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins

ission

Mums in 70 Varie

$10 OFF FAMILY PASS*

(regular price $100) for families of up to 6 people, max. 2 adults * See website for details about our Special Discounts. No other discounts may be applied. Pass and offer expires 10/31/15

9 Wednesday Pop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum.

A drop-in program with age-appropriate activities for children 9 months to 3 years old.

913.715.2550 Stories for Ones 9:30, Waldo Library. Bring your 1-year-old to a story time geared toward this age group. 816.701.3486 What’s for Dinner? 3:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Watch as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast.

816.228.3766

10 Thursday Fall Homeschool Day 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Join with other homeschool families and participate in handson activities. $2-$5. 913.971.5111 Preschool Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl (Olathe).

Receive one game of bowling, shoes, ball and a soft drink for only $3. MissionBowl.com Quarter Horse Show Thru Sun, Hale Arena (American Royal). See the nation’s best quarter horses up close in their stalls, then watch them compete! 816.221.9800

TRAIN RIDES

g the Salutin erican Royal!

Am Kids under three FREE

Regular trains run Sat./Sun. at 2 pm all of Sept. and first weekend of Oct.

Grandparent’s Day Sept. 13, one grandparent rides FREE with a paid child’s admission

Pumpkin Express Train

Rides in October weekends of the 10th, 17th & 24th Trains depart at 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30

Prices of Regular and Pumpkin Express are $9.50 for anyone 3 and older

An amazing adventure filled with twists and turns!

Open Fri., Sat. and Sun. Sept 11 – Oct 31 Located between Liberty and Independence, MO off Highway 210

www.LibertyCornMaze.com

Charters • Field Trips • Birthday Parties Plan by appointment

Santa Train

Departures are 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm, Sat., Nov. 28 and Sat., Dec. 5, 2013 Check website for price.

Reservation required for this event.

Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad Co. 502 Walnut • Belton, Missouri 816-331-0630 • www.beltonrailroad.org Tickets go on sale one hour before train departure time. kcparent.com september 2015

61

Shawnee Fall Festival Sept. 19, Family Tree Nursery (Shawnee). A huge festival for the whole family with music, food and tons of activities for the kids. FamilyTreeNursery.com

Pooch Plunge 6:00, Spring Hill Aquatic Center. Grab your pooch and his favorite toy as the dogs enjoy time in the pool. $3/dog.

913.592.2214

Opening Night 5:00, Liberty Corn Maze.

The first night of visiting the maze. An amazing adventure filled with twists and turns! LibertyCornMaze.com

Major League Improv 7:30, ComedyCity. A comedy sporting event where everything is based on suggestions from the audience. $9-$13. 816.842.2744

Schoolhouse Rock Live! Thru Sept 27, Olathe Civic Theatre. The iconic 1970s Saturday morning cartoon comes to life! $13-$15. OlatheTheatre.org

11 Friday

Cirque Eloize iD Thru Sept 13, Starlight Theatre. The scene is set in the heart of a city and is a blend of circus acts and urban dance.

KCStarlight.com

Story Time 10:30 & 11:15, Wonderscope. Join us in our ArtWorks Exhibit for story time. This is free with museum admission. Wonderscope.org Belton Fall Festival Today (4:00) & tomorrow (9:00), Main Street Belton. Entertainment, food and craft vendors, Chris Cakes pancake breakfast and more. Belton.org Linden Square Concert Series 7:00, Linden Square (Gladstone). Enjoy the sounds of County Road 5, a band that has moved from KC to markets throughout the Midwest.

LindenSquare.info

12 Saturday

Zootastik Learning Fest 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Today is World Elephant Day! Learn all about these playful pachyderms.

KansasCityZoo.org

KID’S CLUB ACTIVITIES ALL

Lenexa Spinach Festival 9:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Join us at the festival for entertainment, food, music, kids activities and so much more!

Lenexa.com

Super Safety Saturday 10:00, Wonderscope.

Free health and safety fair for families. Learn about bike, water, car seat, fire safety and more!

913.287.8888

spring open house

Family Fun Walk 9:00, Macken Park (North Kansas City). All-ages walk is a national fundraiser for Easter Seals. $25/individual.

EasterSeals.com

Library in the Park 10:00, Big Eleven Lake (KCK). KCKPL’s first outdoor family festival featuring live music, food and lots of activities.

Free. KCKL.ent.sirsi.net

A Fun Day in the Greenhouse for the Family!

Display Gardens · Petting Zoo · Hands-On Activities

kcparent.com september 2015

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3 Days · E

5

62

h

Halloween Thriller 10:00, Children’s Orchard (Olathe, KCMO, Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs).The selection of costumes is thrilling, and the low prices are amazing. ChildrensOrchard.com

10-ACRE

Farmstead Safety Day 10:00, Deanna Rose Farmstead. Interact with members of the community’s emergency services, as well as hospital and safety organizations. $2.

913.897.2360 Wilma the Turtle’s Birthday Party 10:00.

Lakeside Nature Center. Educational displays, tattoos and a craft. Kids can make a birthday card for Wilma. LakesideNatureCenter.org Chick Event KC Today & tomorrow, Park Place.

Visit photographer Kia Bondurant’s booth for a free mini shoot and Instagram image!

KiaBondurant.com Big Shoal Country Fair 10:00, Atkins-Johnson Farm. Free event includes period craft demonstrations, live music, games and more!

Gladstone.Mo.Us Old Homes Tour Today & tomorrow, Lexington. Stroll through time and learn the history of Lexington. Tour five unique homes. $13-$15. 660.259.4711

Pumpkin Patch

14730 K68 Highway, Louisburg, KS 66053

CIDER MILL

®

kin Pump Maze & Patch Sept. 18 Open Nov.1 thru

SINCE 1977

Country Store Open Year Round Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 6 pm Sunday: 9 am to 6 pm

Kids have fun on our “Jump Pillow”!

www.louisburgcidermill.com • 913-837-5202 Amazing 10-Acre

Aerial view from 500 feet.

Headless Horseman • • • • • •

Corn Maze

Puzzling Clues • Jump Pillow Teepees • Hill Slide Farm Animals • Live Music Straw Fort & Bonfire Play Area on Selected Wagon Ride Evenings

Monday — Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm Friday & Saturday: 10 am to 10 pm Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm Friday & Saturday: 7 pm to 10 pm Bring a flashlight & go through the maze IN THE DARK!

If They’ve Got Homework,

You’ve Got Help!

If you live or work in Clay, Jackson, or Platte County and have a Mid-Continent Public Library card, you can start using FREE online resources for elementary, middle, and high school students today.

Visit mymcpl.org/homework

Access Insight

FREE! KC

F E ST

4 PM | NOONm-m 0 2 R E B unityM E o c SEPT d to this free

hole invite Bring your w s, Everyone is s! ie il m fa r ble l fo wide festiva of rides, gigantic inflata joy s n E re c a s. e r g a crew fo ities for all v ti c and a s e d d n a ri kiddie games , e n zo n e te Js, ill be music and D -friendly fun! Lunch w C. K ily lots of fam the best Food Trucks in m o fr le availab !

Don’t miss it

cff hurch.com/k c y il m fa e id wests ily church westside famia dr, lenexa son 8500 wood

kcparent.com september 2015

63

2016 SEASON PASSES ON SALE NOW

What a Hoot! Owl 11:00, Lakeshore Learning. Create an owl hand puppet and make it come to life with your own hoots and hollers! Free.

LakeshoreLearning.com Sprint Family Fun Days 11:00, KC Power & Light District. Bring your family out to Sprint Family Fun Days. Today’s theme is Superheroes and Princesses. PowerAndLightDistrict.com Chalk & Walk Festival Today & tomorrow, Crown Center. Empty squares of asphalt are transformed into magnificent pieces of artwork.

Free admission. 816.274.8444

LOWEST PRICE 2015!

PLUS! Use your 2016 Gold Pass Once in fall 2015!

Offer Ends 11-1-15

Musical Festival and Back Porch Jam Noon, Watkins Woolen Mill.

Come out to play or listen! Lawn chairs and picnic lunches are allowed.

816.580.3387 Independence Uncorked Winefest 1:00, Bingham-Waggoner Estate.

Enjoy wineries from all over Missouri, artisans, music and food. $25.

BWEState.net/events Prairie Village Jazz Festival 2:30, Harmon Park. Enjoy a free day of music, artistry, delectable food and drink and fun! PrairieVillageJazz.org Music on Main 3:00, Main Street (Grandview). Live bands, food and drink vendors and a Kidzone area. Free admission. 816.761.6505 Second Saturdays 4:00, Downtown Weston. Stroll into unique gift shops and galleries for late night shopping and in-store specials.

WestonMO.com Saturday Night Feeder Saturdays thru Oct, 4:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Watch the cats being fed. $5. 816.739.0363 Dance in the Park 6:30, Roanoke Park. The event starts with a free dance class and then showcases a variety of local dance companies.

KCParks.org

NEW IN 2016!

5 New Family Rides

2016 SEASON PASS EASY PAY! AS LOW AS 9 EASY PAYMENTS OF

10

$

50

2016 GOLD SEASON PASSES

WORLDS OF FUN + OCEANS OF FUN + FREE PARKING

Hurry offer ends November 1, 2015!

2015 Regular Gold Season Passes

Plus use your 2016 Gold Season Pass once during 2015 .

9900+ tax

Only $

Jr/Sr pricing available. Available online only at www.WorldsOfFun.com. Prices, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Easy Pay Option Online Only.

UNLIMITED FUN! UNLIMITED VISITS! 64

kcparent.com september 2015

Movie in the Park 8:30, Cornerstone Park (Gardner). Bring a blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy Despicable Me 2 under the stars. Free.

GardnerKansas.gov

13 Sunday Day in the Life 10:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Volunteers share stories of the Great War era and make history come to life! TheWorldWar.org Grandparents Day Noon, Mahaffie Stagecoach. Enjoy 1860s living history activities and fill out a family tree. One grandparent admitted free with each paid child. 913.971.5111 Dippin’ Dogs Swim Party Noon, the Bay Water Park. Bring your family and your dog for a special dip in the pool! $10/pooch. 816.965.9218 Family Day Noon, Flint Hills Discovery Center. Bring the family and enjoy free admission to all exhibits today. FlintHillsDiscovery.org Grandparents Day Concert Noon, Overland Park Arboretum. Bring the family for an afternoon of musical fun with Dino O’Dell. 913.685.3604 Boomerang Bash 1:30, Kansas City Zoo. Enjoy live music and cold beverages in the summer sun while the kids take a docent-led walking tour through Australia. KansasCityZoo.org

Story Time for Preschoolers 1:30, Nelson-Atkins Museum. Drop in for story time in the Creative Café. Free. Nelson-Atkins.org Grandparents Ride Free 2:00, Belton, Grandview & KC RR. One grandparent rides free with a paid child’s admission. 816.331.0630

14 Monday Story Time for Toddlers 9:30, MCPL (North Oak). Enjoy a fun and interactive story time just for toddlers and their caregivers. Free.

816.436.4385 All You Can Play Day 10:00, Cool Crest. For only $10.00, enjoy unlimited mini golf, two go-kart rides and 10 arcade tokens. CoolCrest.com Visit the Museum 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

After a remodel, the museum is open and better than ever! $5.

816.235.8000 Toddle Time 10:00, Community Center (Bonner Springs). Kids 9 months through 5 years will enjoy playing on the large assortment of toys. $2.

BonnerSprings.org

15 Tuesday Pay-for-Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Kids explore 17 play sets and munch on snacks at the picnic tables. $2. 913.307.6023 Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under. Inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys!

OverlandParkMOPS.com Tots on Tuesday 11:00, Kemper Museum. Bring in your preschooler for a fun and fashionable get-together every third Tuesday. 816.753.5784 Homeschool Bowling League 1:00, Mission Bowl (Olathe). A league for homeschoolers. Everyone bowls two games each week. $7/week.

913.782.0279 Parent Information Meeting 7:00, Primrose School of Overland Park.

Learn more about the new Primrose School coming to North Olathe.

PrimroseNorthOlathe.com

16 Wednesday Farmers Market 7:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Shop for a variety of fresh produce, plants, meat, baked goods, crafts and more.

816.246.6598 Stories for Ones 9:30, Waldo Library. Bring your 1-year-old to a story time geared toward this age group. 816.701.3486 Animal Tales 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. A 30-minute program which includes stories, songs and a visit from an animal friend. Today’s theme: Johnny Appleseed. $2. 913.764.7759

90th Annual American Royal Parade 1st Annual Cowtown Family Fun Fest World Series of Barbecue® October 3.|.Arrowhead Stadium Parade “A Star-Spangled Salute”....10 a.m.

FREE

Cowtown Family Fun Fest.................11:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Family 4 Pack of tickets $20, kids tickets $5 (walk-up only).

Individual tickets also available at ticketmaster.com.* In the Parade

At the Fun Fest

• Military salute

• Kids entertainment

• Huge floating inflatables

• Petting zoo and pony rides

• Bands and drill teams

• Celebrity autographs

• Saddle clubs

• Food court and beer garden

AmericanRoyal.com BBQ Sponsor

*All tickets subject

to applicable fees and restrictions.

Cowtown & Parade Sponsors

Rockin’ Ramblin’ Readers 10:30, Trails West Library. Bring your little ones for a story time with music and great books, followed by a fun activity for all to enjoy. Free. 816.701.3483 What’s for Dinner? 3:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Watch as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766

kcparent.com september 2015

65

Schoolhouse Rock Live!

Sept. 11- Sept 27, Olathe Civic Theatre. The iconic 1970s Saturday morning cartoon comes to life! $13-$15. OlatheTheatre.org

17 Thursday

18 Friday

Arabian Horse Show Today & tomorrow, Hale Arena. This show features horses and riders from all over the nation showcasing this proud breed. 816.221.9800

Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze and Fire. Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story.

Snack included. $13-$15. Pre-reg.

913.661.2529

Sensory Time 9:00, Johnson County Museum.

Kidscape can be loud; this special time is for kids with sensory integration and processing needs. 913.715.2575

Opening Day Louisburg Cider Mill.

The pumpkin patch and maze open for the season today through Nov 1!

LouisburgCiderMill.com

Garry Krinsky: Toying with Science 9:45, Yardley Hall (JCCC). A fun and informative show that brings a number of science-based toys to life. JCCC.edu/TheSeries

Food Truck Friday 11:00, Union Cemetery. Come enjoy a tasty and affordable lunch in downtown’s most peaceful park space. KCParks.org

Third Thursdays 5:00, Martin City. Shop and dine in Martin City while supporting local community organizations. MartinCity.org

3rd Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station Arts District. Tour the art galleries. View live performances and artists on the sidewalks in front of shops. EnglewoodStation.com

Jesse James Festival Thru Sun, Kearney, MO. Family-friendly event with a craft fair, food, rodeo, barbecue, carnival and more!

JesseJamesFestival.com

Schoolhouse Rock Live! Thru Sept 27, Olathe Civic Theatre. The iconic 1970s Saturday morning cartoon comes to life! $13-$15.

OlatheTheatre.org

Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival Thru Sun, Downtown Blue Springs. Come for the food and stay for the fun—but whatever you do, don’t miss it! 816.229.8558 Brush Creek Art Walk Thru Sunday, banks of Brush Creek. Enjoy art along Brush Creek while classical musicians play. BrushCreekArtWalk.org

19 Saturday Paws in the Park 8:30, English Landing Park.

10th annual event for dogs and their owners.

Food, fun, prizes and more! PawsInPark.com

FALL FUN IN DOWNTOWN OP!

Enter winKC KCParent’s Parent’s Enter to win

ENJOY FREE FAMILY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES SEPT 26 FALL FESTIVAL AND PARADE

DEC 5 HOLIDAY MARKET

OCT 31 TRICK-OR-TREATING

FARMERS’ MARKET WEDNESDAY MARKETS THROUGH SEPT 30 SATURDAY MARKETS THROUGH NOV 21

NOV 20 MAYOR’S TREE LIGHTING WITH SANTA Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

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WEST OF METCALF AVENUE AT 80TH STREET kcparent.com

OneOne lucky KC Parent reader will win lucky KC Parent reader willa family 4-pack to the NASCAR Race win a family 4-pack of tickets Weekend on April 20 & 21 at Kansas to the race receives on October 18, Speedway (winner tickets to BOTH along with track passes and RACES), FanWalk passes, a parkingapass preferredfor parking and vouchers scannerpass. rentals.

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DOPPad_KCParent_092015.indd 1 september 2015 66

ay!! eaWwAY NNAasSCcaARr GIGivVEA

8/13/2015 4:51:40 PM

Craft Fair 9:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Browse through nearly 100 craft booths and satisfy your cravings with our variety of food vendors.

913.248.2360

Oct. 1–31

OPEN

Opening Day Carolyn’s Country Cousins. Bring the family out to the pumpkin patch! First day of fun for the season. CarolynsCountryCousins.com

12.

11.

10. Hand-picked staff that are friendly, courteous, and well informed 9. Superior amenities like sidewalks, clean indoor restrooms, changing stations 8. Top quality pumpkins, gourds, squash, and fall decor

Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-astic” adventure! 816.753.5784 Shawnee Fall Festival 10:00, Family Tree Nursery (Shawnee). A huge festival for the whole family with music, food and tons of activities for the kids. FamilyTreeNursery.com

To view the complete list visit www.faulknerspumpkinfarm.com

Story Time in the Barn 10:00, AlexanderMajors Home. Enjoy storytelling about the Pony Express and then play a game. Ages 3-8.

816.444.1858

September 26 & 27

Top 10 Reasons KC Parents Prefer Faulkner’s Ranch Pumpkin Season Many More New Reasons to Visit!

Waldo Fall Festival 10:00, 75th & Wornall Road.

Welcome fall with lots of food and family fun at this annual event. WaldoKC.org

TAKE Foundation Self-Defense Class 10:00, Kauffman Stadium. Free self-defense class on the field. Pre-reg. 913.826.2960

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NEW Extended Halfy Hours!

Join us Monday–Thursday from 3pm–CLOSE (6pm) Half Price Admission — $4 per person plus tax includes the hayride, petting farm, field maze and more!

(816) 761-5055 | 10600 Raytown Road

In Kansas City, just 1/4 mile south of 470 on Raytown Rd.

RY UNGOTHERES H Y & IT VERILLAR AVOR E H F P T TER LE ks CA C CAR ch 10 oo b ERI rs. Mar :30am s e 1 ov t. 27 l Thu m & 1 THE g c a m o O 0 a , ON: F d day :30 1 S K s 1 HIE JAC Tue m & 1 r CY NING T the R E 10a o P HTE & . 28 LIG day, Apr 5am guys y s 4 : l r f 11 Thu rie 13 THE AD 10am & sto ay, Nov. :30am & 1 1 AN LRO Frid m& UBM D RAI T 10a T N RIE OU HARDERGR b. 9 UN ay, Fe 0am

KIDS

3 sd 11: Tue m& a 0 1

www.follytheater.org

816.474.4444

Oppenstein Brothers Foundation, Commerce Bank Trustee R.A. Long Foundation, Theatre League, McDonnell Foundation kcparent.com september 2015

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take note: september ’15 Sept. 7, National Salami Day: Bichelmeyer Meats (913.342.5945) serving Kansas City since 1945, sells the best meat from local producers including top quality salami.

Sept. 5-7, Labor Day Weekend: This holiday traditionally marks the end of summer, and that means closing day/weekend for area pools and waterparks. Treat the family to one more swim!

Sept. 9, Teddy Bear Day: Visit the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (816.235.8000), where exhibits celebrate all favorite childhood playthings. Among them you’ll find teddy bears throughout the museum–even in miniature in dollhouses.

Sept. 12, National Chocolate Milkshake Day: Winstead’s (WinsteadsSteakburger.com) features an authentic 1940s feel with juke boxes, neon lights and a signature teal and pink décor. They also serve handmade milkshakes best enjoyed when you order a Skyscraper, a gigantic shake meant for sharing.

Sept. 14, National Cream Filled Donut Day: Treat Sept. 5, Cheese Pizza Day: Treat

yourself to a donut at LaMar’s (LaMars.com), serving Kansas City since 1960.

the family to some of the best pizza in town. When we poll our readers for their favorite pizza places, these five always make the cut: Minsky’s, d’Bronx, Waldo Pizza, Avelluto’s Italian Delight and Pizza Shoppe.

Sept. 16, Play-Doh Day: Make homemade play dough and create the day away. Ingredients: 2 c. flour, 2 c. warm water, 1 c. salt, 2 T. vegetable oil, 1 T. cream of tartar. Optional: Food coloring (for color only) or dry Kool-Aid powder (for color and scent).

Instructions: Mix all of the ingredients together in a saucepan and stir over low heat. The dough will begin to thicken and become lumpy quickly. Keep stirring and cooking until the consistency is smooth and the dough forms a ball. Cool completely and play!

Sept. 19, Talk Like a Pirate Day: Kansas City boasts several pirate themed playgrounds, and we can’t think of a better place to talk like a pirate. Check out Frontier Park (15501 Indian Pkwy., Olathe, KS), Listowel Park (71st & Quivira, Shawnee, KS) and Williams-Grant Park (401 SE Howard St., Lee’s Summit, MO).

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Sept. 22, Elephant Appreciation Day: Visit Kansas City’s resident pachyderms at the Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo.org), where they offer elephant keeper chats daily (see zoo schedule for details).

Sept. 26, Pancake Day: Search “Best Pancakes in Kansas City” on KCParent.com for our top picks.

Sept. 30, National Chewing Gum Day: Treat the kids to pink bubblegum ice cream courtesy of Baskin-Robbins (BaskinRobbins.com).

Sept. 8 Vote for Your Faves: Log onto KCParent.com and vote for your favorite businesses in KC Parent’s annual Family Faves contest.

New Dance Partners Sept. 25 & 26, Yardley Hall (JCCC). The Performing Arts Series commissions choreographers to create original works for local dance companies. JCCC.edu/TheSeries

Fall Family Festival 10:00, Beanstalk Children’s Garden. Garden crafts, face painting, horseback riding, scavenger hunt and much more.

KCParks.org

Train Rides 2:00, Belton, Grandview & Kansas City RR. Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride Saturdays and Sundays through October. 816.331.0630

Great Catch Game 11:00, Lakeshore Learning.

Make a fun game and then challenge yourself to see how many you can catch in a row. Free.

LakeshoreLearning.com

21 Monday

KC Games for Good Noon, National World War I Museum and Memorial. Participate in games and activities and enjoy live music and food.

KCGamesForGood.org Open Gym 12:30, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics.

Run, jump and play in the foam pit, rope swings and more. EliteGymSwim.com Kids Night Out at the Y 5:00, North Kansas City YMCA. Children ages 2-11 will enjoy a fun night at the Y while parents get a night out. $15-$25.

816.300.0531 Major League Improv 7:30, ComedyCity. A comedy sporting event where everything is based on suggestions from the audience. $9-$13. 816.842.2744 Gods of Sea & Sky: Neptune 7:30, Powell Observatory. Enjoy a talk, tour of the observatory and (if skies are clear) viewing of the moon through various telescopes. $4-$6. ASKC.org

20 Sunday Farmers Market 6:00, the City Market. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries, flowers and gift items from nearby farms. TheCityMarket.org Strutt with Your Mutt 7:00, 63rd & Brookside Plaza. 5K race & 3K walk for homeless pets in beautiful Brookside. WaysideWaifs.org/strutt 60th Anniversary Celebration 11:00, Theatre in the Park. Celebrate 60 years of Johnson County Parks and Rec with live music, hayrides, kids activities, concessions and more! JCPRD.com KC Family Fest Noon, Westside Family Church.

Bring your whole crew for acres of rides, gigantic inflatables, games and activities for all ages. WestsideFamilyChurch.com KC Northern Railroad Rides Noon, Vaydik Line Creek Park. Restored trains run on a half-mile track. Cost is $0.75/ride. KCNRR.com

Visit the Museum 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. After a remodel, the museum is open and better than ever! $5.

816.235.8000 Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness.

Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $5 plus tax!

913.631.7000 Owl Prowl 7:00, MCPL (Colbern Road). Meet Swoop, the largest type of owl, and be amazed as he glides over your head. Ages 7+. Pre-reg at MYMCPL.org.

22 Tuesday Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 American Royal Youth Rodeo Thru Friday, Hale Arena. These top-notch rodeo contestants are selected from all over the Midwest.

816.569.4013 The Miracle Worker 9:45, the Coterie. This story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, shows us that even the most overwhelming obstacles can be overcome.

23 Wednesday Farmers Market 7:30, Downtown Overland Park. Shop for fresh produce, flowers and more.

Free. 913.642.2222 Stories for Ones 9:30, Waldo Library. Bring your 1-year-old to a story time geared toward this age group. 816.701.3486 White Glove Wednesday 11:00, Harry S Truman Library and Museum. Learn about rare artifacts housed at the presidential library.

816.268.8200 Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. Pre-reg at IntegrityOP.com

24 Thursday Hoffman International Men’s Course Thru Oct 15, Hoffman International. Modeling, acting and self-improvement class for males 9 and older. 913.642.1060 Festival in the Park Thru Saturday, Memorial Park (Raymore). Baking contest, parade, kids activities, car show, barbecue contest and more.

RaymoreFestival.com Evening Wagon Ride & Swales Walk 6:00, Nat’l Frontier Trails Museum. Learn about the Santa Fe Trail in this program that includes a wagon tour. Pre-reg at 816.325.7575.

Jammin’ on the Green 7:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Kansas City Ukesters perfrom their renditions of popular music of the ’20s. Light refreshments provided. ShawneeTown.org

25 Friday Story Time 11:00, Reader’s World (Lee’s Summit). Every Friday morning enjoy story time with a story, crafts and a snack. Free.

816.246.7323 American Royal Pro Rodeo Today & tomorrow, Hale Arena. It’s KC’s only PRCA rodeo—and the most action-packed show of the American Royal season. Ticketmaster.com The 84th Annual Plaza Art Fair Thru Sun, 5:00, Country Club Plaza. Stroll the streets of the Plaza as artists display their work.

CountryClubPlaza.com Oktoberfest Today & tomorrow, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Enjoy German meals, three stages of entertainment, kids’ activities, arts and crafts and more! LSOktoberfest.com

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Pro Rodeo Sept. 25 & 26, Hale Arena. It’s KC’s only PRCA rodeo—and the most action-packed show of the American Royal season. Ticketmaster.com

Schoolhouse Rock Live! Thru Sept 27, Olathe Civic Theatre. The iconic 1970s Saturday morning cartoon comes to life! $13-$15.

OlatheTheatre.org Kids Night Out 6:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Leave the kids with us to paint and have pizza while you enjoy a night out! Pre-reg at 913.661.2529.

New Dance Partners Today & tomorrow, Yardley Hall (JCCC). The Performing Arts Series commissions choreographers to create original works for local dance companies.

JCCC.edu/TheSeries Fall Fest Thru Sunday, Downtown Liberty.

Entertainment, parade, carnival, music, dancing and more in this three-day festival.

LibertyFallFest.com Full Moon Walk 7:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Gaze into the night sky and wonder at the sights and sounds at this nighttime event. Bring a flashlight. 913.685.3604

Apple Picking in Kansas City

26 Saturday Fall Festival 6:30 Downtown Overland Park. Farmers market, free music performances, the annual Arts and Crafts Fair and plenty of food vendors.

OPKansas.org Run for the Orangutans 7:00, Kansas City Zoo. Run through the zoo in support of our orangutans. Enjoy a hot breakfast at the finish line. Pre-reg at KansasCityZooRun.org.

Cars in the Park 9:00, Shawnee Mission Park Marina. Shine up your car, truck or specialty vehicle for this sixth annual show! 913.831.3355 Wild West Days Today & tomorrow, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Hands-on activities and fun for the entire family. 913.971.5111 Grand Festival of Chez Les Canses 9:00, Fort Osage. Reenactors help visitors explore how French settlers lived. Artisans display custom made wares. $3-$7. 816.503.4860

I

t’s apple picking season! Each of the u-pick Apple Farms on our list is a locally owned family operation designed to provide the best in healthy produce and a great family outing. So, grab the camera and the cooler and take the kids on a trip they won’t forget!

Apple Picking Season: Mid-Aug. through Oct. Apple Picking Tips: • Call the farm for a picking report before you leave to make sure apples are ready for picking. Some farms have limited availability and it can vary even within a few hours. It is VERY important that you call first, we have encountered farms having apples in the morning and running out before the afternoon.

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

• Bring bottled water and snacks for the kids.

• Don’t forget your camera… apple picking makes great photos for the scrapbook.

• Check out KC Going Places magazine for fun places to visit near the orchard of your choice!

Alldredge Orchards 10455 Highway N Platte City, MO, AlldredgeOrchards.com Tucked in the foothills of the Missouri River you’ll find the picturesque Alldredge Orchards. The century-old barn welcomes guests with beautiful hardy mums, fresh fruit, and autumn treats.

Children enjoy riding pedal go-kart and feeding the chickens and ducks that roam the farm and welcome visitors.

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Opening Day Johnson Farms. Today is the first day of pumpkin season! Fun for the whole family! See KC Parent ad for buy-1-get-1-free admission. 816.331.1067 Species Spotlight 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Activities in the main lobby highlighting a different animal every month. Today’s animal: elephants! KansasCityZoo.org Ciderfest Today & tomorrow & Oct 3-4, Louisburg Cider Mill. Enjoy some good oldfashioned apple cider fun. Free admission; cost for some activities. LouisburgCiderMill.com

Cider Hill Family Orchard 3341 N. 139 St., Kansas City, KS U-Pick Apple Orchard and Event Barn. Pack a picnic, bring a fishing pole, and enjoy a day of apple picking and apple cider slushes at Cider Hill.

Fieldstone Orchard 7049 E 149th St., Overbrook, KS. FieldstoneOrchard.com U-pick organic apple orchard featuring 32 varieties of apples.

Schweizer Orchards S Hwy 169 & FF St. Joseph, MO, SchweizerOrchards.com Nestled in the bluffs overlooking the Mighty Mo is one of the largest u-pick apple orchards in the area. The orchard features Early Jonathan, Jonathan, Jonagold, Gala, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Fuji, HoneyCrisp and Winesap Apples.

Wagon Wheel Orchard 15380 Edgerton Rd, Gardner, KS, WagonWheelOrchard.com The Wagon Wheel Orchard is one of the newer u-pick farms in the area, but they already boast 133 varieties of apples.

Louisburg Cider Mill 14730 Hwy 68, Louisburg, KS, LouisburgCiderMill.com At the mill, watch cider making and apple cider donut making. Lost Trail Root Beer and Soda is manufactured there as well and all is for sale in the gift shop.

Kansas City Renaissance Festival Thru Oct 13, Bonner Springs. Join the revelry for a one-of-akind experience and relive history the fun way! $10-$30. KCRenFest.com

Join us at the Plaza Art Fair

5 Star Arts Festival Today & tomorrow, Downtown Abilene. Event features artists in local businesses and tents. Enjoy live entertainment and kids activities.

AbileneKansas.org Hallmarket: A Hallmark Art Fair 10:00, Crown Center Square. Browse watercolor paintings, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, photography and more. Art for sale. 816.274.5745

In Celebration of

Lights!

Camera!

Art!

Kids in the Kitchen 10:00, K-State Research and Extension. Learn the basics of grilling foods, along with food safety. Ages 7-12. $10.

913.715.7000 Hands-on History 11:00, Nat’l World War l Museum. History is brought to life in this program for kids of all ages. Free with admission. TheWorldWar.org Family Day at the Farm 11:00, Shatto Milk Company. Enjoy the annual customer appreciation event and help us celebrate the 12th anniversary of Shatto Milk Company.

ShattoMilk.com Welcome Autumn Crown 11:00, Lakeshore Learning. Welcome the fall season with this crown you make using pipe cleaner and collage flowers. Free. LakeshoreLearning.com

OPENING October 10 45th & Oak | nelson-atkins.org The Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts, organized this exhibition in collaboration with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art.

Love at first bite!

Nelson-Atkins_Benton_KC Parent_Sept2015.indd 1

Open Gym 12:30, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics.

Run, jump and play in the foam pit, rope swings and more. EliteGymSwim.com

Let us support You

Major League Improv 7:30, ComedyCity. A comedy sporting event where everything is based on suggestions from the audience. $9-$13. 816.842.2744 Mars: Where Rovers Live & Work 7:30, Powell Observatory. Enjoy a talk, tour of the observatory and (if skies are clear) viewing of the moon through various telescopes. $4-$6. ASKC.org

27 Sunday Farmers Market 6:00, the City Market. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries, flowers and gift items from nearby farms. TheCityMarket.org Hedge Apple Day Noon, Overland Park Arboretum. Come to the Leatherwood Depot at the arboretum for crafts, food and fun!

913.685.3604

8/6/15 12:41 PM

10% OF PROCEEDS TO SUPPORT YOUR CAUSE n ZAGAT RATED ToP 1000 ITALIAN RESTAuRANTS

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New t-shirts for the soccer team?

Media for the library?

You decide, but let’s have a party and raise some money for you at Cupini’s.

1809 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO

816.753.7662

www.cupinis.com

WE CATER OFFICE PARTIES & WEDDINGS

kcparent.com september 2015

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Football Fundays Noon, Paradise Park. With 15 TVs, Paradise Park is the best place for football fans to watch the big game each week!

816.246.5224 art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278 Train Rides 2:00, Belton, Grandview & Kansas City RR. Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride Saturdays and Sundays through October.

816.331.0630 Hayrides 2:30, Oak Ridge at Shawnee Mission Park. Enjoy the crisp autumn air from a tractordrawn hay wagon. Pre-reg at 913.831.3355. $6.50/person.

28 Monday National Family Day Let Dream Dinners help get your family around the table not only today, but every day! DreamDinners.com Story Time for Toddlers 9:30, MCPL (North Oak). Enjoy a fun and interactive story time just for toddlers and their caregivers. Free.

816.436.4385

All You Can Play Day 10:00, Cool Crest. For only $10.00, enjoy unlimited mini golf, two go-kart rides and 10 arcade tokens. CoolCrest.com Fall Homeschool Week Thru Oct 2, Crown Center District. Enjoy all the Crown Center District has to offer during Fall Homeschool Week. Special offers and deals.

CrownCenterDistrict.com

30 Wednesday Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center.

Open play time with lots of toys including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2. 913.895.6350 The Miracle Worker 9:45 & 11:45, the Coterie.

This story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, shows us that even the most overwhelming obstacles can be overcome.

29 Tuesday Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Pay-for-Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Kids explore 17 play sets and munch on snacks at the picnic tables. $2. 913.307.6023 Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under. Inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys!

OverlandParkMOPS.com Family Feast Pizza Shoppe. Every Tuesday enjoy a king-size single topping pizza, two house salads and garlic cheese bread for only $18.99. PizzaShoppe.com

Story Time for Families 10:00, MCPL (Blue Springs North). Hear stories, sing songs and more.

Fun for the whole family! Free. MYMCPL.org Rockin’ Ramblin’ Readers 10:30, Trails West Library. Bring your little ones for a story time with music and great books, followed by a fun activity for all to enjoy. Free. 816.701.3483

Look for KC Parent’s BIG pumpkin patch guide in the October issue.

National Family Day

is September 28, a day set aside to celebrate having dinner as a family.

Let Dream Dinners help make every day Family Day in your home.

INTRODUCTORY OFFER! 6 MEALS FOR $74.95, WANT TO LEARN MORE?

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www.dreamdinners.com OverlandParkKS@dreamdinners.com 913.491.6733

®

OCT. 9-18, 2015

Dancer: Charles Martin. Photograhpy: Kenny Johnson.

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13496 S. Arapaho Drive • Olathe, KS 66062 913.782.2207 • 913.489.0028 Fax

www.KIDZDENTIST.com

find us on facebook kcparent.com september 2015

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JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 2015 – 2016 PERFORMING ARTS SERIES

NEW DANCE PARTNERS THE ULTIMATE COLLABORATION 8 p.m., Fri.-Sat., Sept. 25-26 JCCC Performing Arts Series commissions new works in dance between choreographers Gregory Dawson, Brian Enos and Kate Skarpetowska and Kansas City-based Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance and Owen/Cox Dance. This year’s special guest - the Oklahoma City Ballet!

Sponsored in part by the Richard J. Stern Foundation, Commerce Bank, Trustee and George H. Langworthy, Sr.

Tickets on sale now! jccc.edu/TheSeries 913-469-4445 NO ONLINE FEES | FREE PARKING WINE & BEER AVAILABLE

Fall Into Fun at the Kansas City Zoo! Sept 5 & 6

Superhero Weekend

Sept 12 Sept 12

KC Chiefs Day at the Zoo

Sept 13 Sept 19 Sept 20 Sept 26 Sept 26

Boomerang Bash

(meet Ant-Man, Spider-Man, Hulk and Black Widow)

Zootastik Learning Fest – World Elephant Day Barrels of Love for Nikita Safari Party Zoo Run for the Orangutans Species Spotlight — Hippos, Rhinos, Elephants

kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234 The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

At 200mph, They’re

ALLIN SUNDAY

OCT 18

The stakes are high; the pressure’s on for the biggest stars in NASCAR. See them burn up the track in the Chase for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup.

866-460-RACE kansasspeedway.com

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