KC Parent Magazine February 2012

FREE Feb. 2012 KCParent.com 27 years of connecting with kansas city families

FUN WITH

FOOD

No Meat for Me!

what to do when your child wants to be a vegetarian

why kids belong IN the kitchen DIY restaurants in Kansas City surviving the checkout lane

also, don’t miss… little ways to say I love you Y getting tweens to open up decoding your child’s learning style

kcparent.com february 2012

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healthcare you can trust.

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 Cynthia M. Dean, DO Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP Camille Lucitto, C-PNP Heather Williams, C-PNP Cindy Fieser, C-PNP Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP Angela Stott, C-PNP

LEE’S SUMMIT Lee’s Summit Physicians 1425 N.W. Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.524.5600 Raintree Pediatrics

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

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

LSPhysicians.com • Raintree-Pediatrics.com • BlueSpringsPediatric.com kcparent.com 2 february 2012

hib t E nteractive Ex i EE rE fr Af er at Crown Cent

Feb 4 - April 29

Animal Tales & Trails will let kids see what it’s like to prowl in a wild animal’s world. Climb up to an eagle’s nest. Slide down an iceberg like a penguin. Discover a bear with her cubs in a cave.

And hang out with many more wild animals and insects.

Saturday, March 3. REP-TAILS — An exciting and educational adventure. Meet and learn about some of Earth's most unique creatures, alligators, chinchillas, snakes and tortoises.

FREE Atrium shows at Noon & 2pm.

Saturday, April 14. AWESOME BIRDS —Delight in the playful antics of tropical birds, parrots, toucans, cockatoos, and more, presented by Wings of Love. FREE Atrium shows at Noon & 2pm.

Don’t miss Animal Tales & Trails. It’s fun. It's wildly popular.

And all activities are FREE. Crown CenTer ShowplACe – level 1 Exhibit Hours: Mon – Wed & Sat, 10am to 6pm; Thurs & Fri, 10am to 9pm; Sunday, Noon to 5pm. Closed Easter Sunday, April 8.

Three hours of free parking with validation.

Free weekend parking.

2450 Grand Blvd. • Kansas City, MO • 816-274-8444 www.crowncenter.com • Entertain the possibilities.

Connect with us on Facebook.

Follow @crowncenter on Twitter.

kcparent.com february 2012

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REDEFINING PEDIATRIC HEART CARE

ONE CHILD AT A TIME

At Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, our extraordinary approach is helping kids with heart conditions lead ordinary, active lives. As one of the highest-volume pediatric heart centers in the country, our technologically advanced facilities—including state-of-the-art operating suites and cardiovascular labs—allow us to do more procedures less invasively. And our groundbreaking cardiovascular research on the effects of cholesterol and childhood obesity is giving physicians a better picture of how to prevent and treat heart disease. To learn more, visit childrensmercy.org/redefine.

Ranked one of the “Best Children’s Hospitals” in cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

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kcparent.com february 2012

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Know a Child with Behavior, Social or Academic Issues?

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Call 913.627.9400 For More Information and our Current Special

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It’s early in the school year, and we still (of course) have some issues, but imagine my surprise and pleasure when D’s first fifth grade midterm grade card reflected No areas of concern! Oh happy day!! And that’s without the benefit of the nearly full-time aide assistance he received until up to this year! Thank you Brain Balance!

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Last night we had the second of two very civil and serious conversations! The first one was a couple weeks ago. It gave me happy tears to tell my husband about the conversation. We are seeing and hearing much more positive behaviors from “D”. Thank you Brain Balance!

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Hundreds of children have become more focused, improved social and behavioral skills, and enhanced academic performance.

913-627-9400 6406 COLLEGE BLVD. (BETWEEN NALL & METCALF) OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS WWW.BRAINBALANCECENTERS.COM kcparent.com february 2012

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FEBRUARY 2012 CONTENTS

] i love you little ways to say

15

38 features

DIY Restaurants Find a list of great restaurants in KC where you are the chef

23

No Meat for Me! Tips on how to handle your child’s wanting to become a vegetarian

29

Can We Talk?

Ideas for getting teens and tweens to open up

38

48 departments A Word from Dad Blog Bits What’s New Women’s Health Healthy Kids Media Mix Out & About in KC

special sections

on the cover Little Ways to Say I Love You Decode Your Child’s Learning Style Kids in the Kitchen DIY Restaurants in KC No Meat for Me Survivng the Checkout Lane Getting Tweens to Open Up

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kcparent.com february 2012

15 18 22 23 29 35 38

9 11 13 14 21 28 51

FREE Feb. 2012 KCParent.com 27 years of connecting with kansas city families

FUN WITH

FOOD

Party Guide

No Meat for Me!

what to do when your child wants to be a vegetarian

Camp Guide Calendar of Events

why kids belong IN the kitchen DIY restaurants in Kansas City surviving the checkout lane

also, don’t miss… little ways to say I love you Y getting tweens to open up decoding your child’s learning style

Education Guide

kcparent.com february 2012

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16 26 30 40

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HIP HOP WEEK

Revue A Musical ) (Ages 4-14

Musical 2-Week +) (ages 13

Summer Family M usical (All ages, 4-adult)

2-Week Musical (ages 7-13)

l ages Art Programs for al ges 4-7) Creative Kingdom (A

itty-bitty

ballerina Dance Camps for all ages, levels , and a variety of styles

ive nce Intens Summer Da rn-Jazz e Ballet-Mod ore ! dM Hip Hop an

and many more programs to choose from in our Schools of DANCE - THEATER - MUSIC - ART

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professional artists committed to excellent training and building confidence in every child

Friendly.

Family Values.

For all opportunities, go to www.culturehouse.com or call us at 913.393.3141 today!

kcparent.com february 2012

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editor’s letter FEBRUARY 2012

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com

I

At KCParent.com Valentine Traditions Find a list of new traditions to start with your family.

Date Night Get ideas for a night out with your honey.

Sweets & Treats Tips on setting real-life sugar limits for your kids.

have vivid memories of my older daughter’s first tooth erupting. It was a cold January morning and we were in St. Louis visiting my folks. As I changed her out of her pajamas, she smiled and I saw a tiny little speck of white poking through her gums. I was so thrilled—another milestone met. I actually naively thought to myself, “This teething business wasn’t so bad.” Of course, many more months of teething followed, with new teeth arriving on time, or even a bit early.

Through the years, we’ve had our share of mouth issues: Tori’s falling and hitting her two front teeth on the concrete patio, her being pushed into a bench face first and having a tooth fall out while at the mall, enduring the palate separator & braces, the loss of baby teeth and visits from the tooth fairy. This past summer, while at a routine dental appointment, we were informed that Tori only had two baby teeth left in her mouth. Shortly after the appointment, both were gone. I have to admit, I was caught off guard at how sad I felt when the last baby tooth fell out. Although it was simply the loss of her last baby tooth, it signified so much more to me. One more step toward independence, toward no longer being my “baby girl.” Inching closer and closer to not needing me as much and becoming ever more grown up. As we celebrate dental health during February, you’ll enjoy Christa Hines’s article “Time to Tango with the Tooth Fairy?” on pg. 36.

My girls love to cook and I enjoy cooking with them, but I don’t always enjoy the mess and clean up that accompanies our cooking. Kristina Light has scoured our city and found some unique restaurants where you (or your kids) can be the chef! Learn all about these fun eateries on pg. 23.

Art Director Lauren Goldman Lauren@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Lynn Hawkins Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Marisa Frymire Calendar@KCParent.com Proofreader Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution LOCAL To be added to our distribution list, CONTENT e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers Bill Bartlett (Belton), Wendy Connelly (Overland Park), Marisa Frymire (Overland Park), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Stacey Hatton (Overland Park), Jennifer Higgins (Kearney), Christa Hines (Olathe), Julie Hubble (Leawood), Sara Keenan (Kansas City), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Victoria Pressley (Leavenworth), Hallie Sawyer (Overland Park), Melanie Yunger (Shawnee) Our cover kid is Ankita from Raymore. Cover and select interior photos by Antisdels.

Antisdels.com Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335 Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/KansasCityParent Follow us on Twitter: @KCParent

Find us on Foursquare: foursquare.com/kcparent Member of:

Circulation verified by:

Happy Valentine’s Day, Kansas City!

Subscribe to the KCParent.com weekly eNewsletter for your most current, familyfriendly weekend planner!

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kcparent.com february 2012

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.

word from dad

Back to Back

“I

f you like them, Sandi made them.

If you don’t like them, I made them,” I told my friends at church as I handed out my spicy chocolate chip cookies. Of course, I made them, but I like to put Sandi in the best light. Giving her credit is just another way that I cover her back.

Many people today don’t do this. In fact, there are so many ways for a spouse to show disrespect for their mate that they have become clichés. Hidden behind a thin veil of humor, the culture of the day encourages a basic disregard for the spouse.

Sitcoms where the conflict and ridicule between a husband and wife hides a (supposedly) deeper affection are commonplace as are greeting cards that ridicule one spouse or another.

I refuse to share this negative view of my wife. Sandi is my counselor and best friend. I treasure our time together and greedily seek more. I want everyone to know that she inspires any successes I achieve. Whenever I speak of my wife, it’s easy to speak in glowing terms because they are so evident to me. Even more than that, I find that the better I speak of Sandi, the easier it is to speak and think better of her. Because I choose to focus on her very best, the minor irritations, frictions of modern day-to-day life, are simply swept away and ignored.

As I hovered near the door with another tray, I heard Sandi say, “Bill made these, but I came up with the idea of adding the spices. Have you tried his broiled chocolate chip cookies, though? They are wonderful!

I don’t know how he thought of them.”

This is how it’s supposed to work, I thought with a smile. We have one another’s back.

Strega Nona:

Through Feb. 19

Buy one adult ticket and get one child ticket FREE! Valid for daytime performances only.

Exp 2-19-12. Must redeem at box office.

photo credit: gettheumbrella.com

Bill Bartlett has Sandi’s back at their home in Belton.

Paul Mesner Puppet Studio • 1006 E. Linwood Blvd., • Kansas City, MO 64109 PaulMesnerPuppets.org • Central Ticket Office, 816-235-6222 kcparent.com february 2012

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LEAP INTO FUN! T

he earth travels around the sun once every 365 and ¼ days which, in bygone times, gave calendar makers a real headache. Julius Caesar solved this problem by creating a 365-day year, adding one extra day every fourth year, Leap Day, which makes a rare appearance in 2012. Before your bonus day leaps away from you, fill up your Leap Day with family fun.

Leap Day makes a rare appearance in 2012.

LEAP DAY TUNES Create a holiday CD of the #1 song on the Billboard charts over decades of Leap Days. Use this to leap into a discussion with the kids of how musical trends change and, sometimes, endure (note the emphasis on relationships in each song). In the mix of Leap Day top songs: 1932: “All of Me,” by Louis Armstrong 1964: “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” by the Beatles 1976: “Love Machine,” by the Miracles 1980: “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,”

by Queen 1992: “To Be With You,” by Mr. Big 2000: “Amazed,” by Lonestar

THE DOOMSDAY RULE

Fill up the bathtub with water, water weeds (leafy artificial plants) and green and blue glow sticks... Turn out the lights and let your tadpoles splash around in the bathtub bog.

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kcparent.com february 2012

Teach older kids how to wow their friends and teachers by mentally calculating the day of the week given any date in 2012.

This method, called the “Doomsday Rule,” bases the Doomsday—a specific day of the week used as a reference point throughout the particular year—on the last day of February. Since February 29 is a Wednesday, Wednesday is the Doomsday for 2012. Now, to calculate where the Doomsday (a Wednesday) falls throughout 2012, memorize that: • On even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October, December), Doomsday is the number of the month. This means that 2/2, 4/4, 6/6, 8/8, 10/10, 12/12 all fall on Doomsday (Wednesday).

• Excluding January (due to the Leap Year), for odd-numbered months of 31 days (March, May, July), Doomsday is the number of the month plus 4. For example, March’s Doomsday (3 + 4 = 7) falls on Wednesday, March 7. May’s Doomsday (5 + 4 = 9) falls on Wednesday, May 9.

• For odd-numbered months of 30 days, Doomsday is the number of the month minus 4. For example, September’s Doomsday (9 - 4 = 5) falls on Wednesday, Sept. 5. November’s Doomsday (11 - 4 = 7) is Wednesday, Nov. 7.

Once you’ve established the Doomsday for any given month, the day on which any date falls requires little more than basic counting (but your friends might just think you’re a genius).

FROG FUN To celebrate a day of leaping, have a frog-themed party.

Food: In the morning, serve lily pad pancakes made of green batter (a few drops of food coloring will do the trick).

Games: Using your Leap Day Tunes mixed CD, play a game of musical toad stools, like musical chairs.

Movie: Be a toad on a log and watch Disney’s The Princess and the Frog or an educational Leap Frog DVD. Leap and Bounce: Visit one of Kansas City’s kid-friendly bounce houses. Jumping Jax, Leaping Lizards, Monkey Bizness and Pump It Up are local favorites.

Photo Op: Line up your kids and, on your count, tell them to jump and kick up their feet. Freeze your family mid-air in a whimsical leaping photograph.

Clean-Up: At night, turn the bathroom into a swamp with green streamers and croaking frogs (download swampy sounds on your I-Pod). Fill up the bathtub with water, water weeds (leafy artificial plants) and frogs (look for frog loofahs and water toys) and place green and blue glow sticks under the water. Turn out the lights and let your tadpoles splash around in the bathtub bog.

Wendy Connelly is an author and mother of two little tadpoles in Overland Park.

blog bits

Stepping Back to Step Out

B

eing a stay-at-home mom is what I’ve always wanted to do with my life. Of course, I have other goals unrelated to children, but there is something special and sacred about having children and spending your days with them. Climbing the ladder with my kids up into their swing set has always seemed more appealing than slowly attempting to climb the corporate ladder.

Our days at home are full, I can tell you that much! Caring for a 1-year-old, keeping up with the creativity and imagination of a 3-year-old, fixing lunches and snacks, playing outside, working on various preschool skills, and so many more tasks keep a mom busy! And with a very highly emotionally attached 1-year-old who seems to want only me, and a 3-year-old who also desires to be close to Mom, it was time for me to take a step back for some breathing room. I joined a Bible study that meets once a week on Monday nights.

The first night I attended, I had a handful of reasons why I shouldn’t be going.

Dinner wasn’t quite ready. My husband was working late and would barely make it home for me just to leave. The kids would be crying because they were sad Mom was leaving. I felt tired. Excuses, excuses, excuses.

My husband tenderly looked at me as my mind raced and said, “Turn off your brain, open your heart and get going. I’ve got this.”

So I kissed the crying kids and headed out the door to get some time of refreshment and fellowship.

Oftentimes, the thing that needs to happen is the very thing we don’t want to do. Leaving to do a Bible study (or fill in the blank for you) gives a SAHM some much needed time away from the kids to clear her head, fill her mind and feel refreshed.

Marisa Frymire lives in Overland Park with her family. She and other moms (and dads) blog daily at KCParent.com. Join the conversation today!

We’re looking for healthy women who want to help infertile couples. If you’re between 21 and 29 years old and have had at least one child, consider participating in our egg donation program.

Compensation is provided and all donors are anonymous.

For information call: (913) 894-2323

Dr. Michael Kemmling

Dental care for the entire family Up-to-date, paperless office: digital x-rays, laser technology, free WiFi Many in-house procedures: Same day Cerec crowns Perio Root Canals Pedo Oral surgery Implants We accept most major insurances

Accepting new patients 17214 Midland Drive, Shawnee, KS 66217 • Telephone: (913) 396-4800 www.capstonedentistry.com • contact@capstonedentistry.com kcparent.com february 2012

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valentine braid

What You’ll Need: Wide-tooth comb Fine-tooth comb Hair clip Ponytail holders Time: 15 minutes Step 1: Starting with damp hair (either towel-dried or misted), use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair. Then, using a fine-tooth comb, part the hair down the middle of the head. Clip one side up right above the ear.

Step 2: On the other side of the part, use the fine comb to gather a thin section of hair from the crown. This section should measure about 2 inches from the hairline to the top of the head.

Step 3: Divide this section into three, and begin a French braid starting at the crown and curving toward the temple, then toward the back of the head, like the top lobe of a heart.

You will be lifting hair into the braid only from this side of the part. Leave no loose hair in front of the ears.

Step 4: When you reach the center part at the back of the head, secure the braid with a ponytail holder. If the hair is very long, end the braid about midear; the ends will hang down the back.

Step 5: Unclip the hair on the other side of the part and repeat the process. Secure with a ponytail holder.

You’re sure to get lots of compliments on this darling look, perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Step 6: Join the ends of the braids together in the back with a ponytail holder to form the bottom point of the heart.

Create Great ‘Dos at Home Little girls love to have pretty hair, and parents and grandparents can spend hours trying to achieve the best styles for their daughters. This book gives an insider’s look at how to make the task trouble-free and fun for both girls and their caretakers. An expert on hair care—with a chain of children’s hair salons and a nationwide line of hair products for kids—Cozy Friedman shares her years of training to give each girl the best look to fit her style and personality. Starting with a hair identification guide, the book recommends the products, methods, and tools for each hair type from curly to straight. Expert advice includes step-by-step instructions for how to cut hair at home and how to fix bad hair days. Best of all, there are wonderful styles (with clear directions on how to achieve them) for girls’ everyday hair, dress-up dos, and fantasy looks, and even suggested styles for babies, too. Amazon.com

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kcparent.com february 2012

what’s new

27

years of

CONNECTING Cute and Creative Valentine Cards Looking for some different and innovative Valentine’s Day cards? Peaceable Kingdom offers their new Super Valentine Fun Packs that come with 28 Valentines. Kids can choose from 12 styles, including scratch-and-sniff styles, like Stinky Bug or Chocolate, or choose activityfilled packs, including fold-up paper airplanes or temporary tattoos. They’re sure to be a hit in the classroom! PeaceableKingdom.com

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KC Parent contributing writer Erin Davis has written a darling eBook featuring two lively and loveable penguins. In The Pete and Sneakers Bath and Bedtime Show the penguins use their distinct personalities to show readers that similar tasks can be completed different ways.

Instead of competing, Pete and Sneakers embrace their differences while still having fun together. iTunes.com

ion baby separat keeping

baby, UNITE meet fido

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New eBook from Contributing Writer

2002

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super helpful black friday shopping tips

GIFT GUIDE

FALL INTO FUN

fall/winter 2011-12

pumpkins | myste ries | day trips

fall/winter 2010-11

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&imaginary

Soothe Tooth Pain with Buddy Buddy Bear is the latest in a long series of ThermaTherapy® products from Bed Buddy that provides comfort to little ones with a toothache. Buddy Bear’s warm feet, warm paws and a warm heart provide deep penetrating moist heat. Simply place the bear in the microwave for comforting heat, which will last for up to an hour, or place Buddy in the freezer, creating a cold pack. Available at select retailers and drug stores.

New Urgent Care Facility Opens Children’s Mercy offers urgent care hours seven days a week, 365 days a year at its new Urgent Care Center in Overland Park. The facility provides care for children with minor injuries or illnesses that are not considered life threatening, but require prompt attention.

Typical conditions seen in urgent care may include abdominal complaints, allergic reactions, minor cuts and burns, respiratory conditions, simple fractures, strains and sprains, seasonal illnesses and more.

11 20

fun in KC

CARE KC ADOPT to family fun inION the ultimate guide

101

IN KANSAS CITY

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KCP Nov 2011.indd 1 10/20/11 9:14 AM

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Check out our newest magazine, KC Going Places. It showcases the best in family fun all around KC, plus it features a digital edition! Go to KCParent.com and click on KC Going Places to access it. kcparent.com february 2012

13

women’s health

Heart to Heart Talk Heart disease risk factors include: • An increase in abdominal fat • High triglycerides • Mental stress • Depression • Smoking • Low levels of estrogen, especially after menopause

F

ebruary is a month to talk seriously about your heart health and was designated several years ago to be American Heart Month. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, approximately 1.1 million Americans experience a heart attack each year, with an estimated 460,000 of those being fatal. One-half of the deaths that occur each year happen within the first hour of the heart attack. Heart disease is the leading killer among both men and women.

If you’re a woman, you might believe that you are less likely to experience a heart attack, but think again. Women account for nearly half of all heart attack deaths. Women are also more likely to have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, a fact that makes seeking help fast more important.

What’s a girl to do?

As women, there are several lifestyle modifications we can all make to aid in decreasing our risk for heart disease.

• Exercise 30-60 minutes per day, most days of the week.

• Maintain a healthy weight—sometimes just losing 10-15 pounds lowers your blood pressure and reduces risks for diabetes.

• Quit or don’t start smoking.

• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• Know the warning signs.

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kcparent.com february 2012

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Warning signs of a heart attack Having a heart attack doesn’t look like it does in the movies. Oftentimes the feelings are subtle and one may be unsure of what is happening. Men are more likely to experience the classic chest pain. Women are more likely to experience other warning signs: • Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest • Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body: arms, jaw, back, stomach, neck • Other symptoms might be shortness of breath, cold sweat, dizziness, nausea.

If you battle some of these symptoms, do not delay. Hesitating a few minutes before calling for help may endanger your life. Call 9-1-1.Your family will benefit the most from your call. Besides, we all want to be around for another February to tell each other how much we love each other and to share a chocolate heart—or maybe a celery stick!

Melanie Yunger is a wife, mother, nurse practitioner and freelance writer in Shawnee.

T

his time of year, we often find ourselves in a winter slumber waiting for something to warm us up. Cue the month of February, and you’ve got a formal month to express your love to those around you! While Valentine’s Day has typically been synonymous with romantic love, it is also a day set aside for expressing our love to our children. Celebrate the love you have for your children with these simple ideas that will win big hearts:

] i love you little ways to say

Leave Love Notes Throughout the Day

Leaving sticky notes, cards or pieces of colored paper with encouraging words for kids to see is a great way to remind them that they are loved. Noting specific characteristics you love will give them a great boost of self-esteem.

Start the Day Off Right

Create a Valentine’s Day breakfast that will leave their tummies and their hearts feeling full! Adorn the menu with pink and red heart-shaped treats (waffles or pancakes), fresh fruit, strawberry smoothies and pink milk. Special name-card holders let each child know there is a special spot reserved just for them!

Mail a Love Letter to Each Child

Say Cheese! Print off some of your favorite pictures with your kids and write corresponding notes letting them know why the picture is special to you.

Schedule a Date

This one’s not for your spouse; it’s for your kids! Take each child on a special “date” with just Mommy or Daddy. Let your youngster pick where to go and what to do. If your son suggests eating with dinos at T-Rex followed by a game of bowling, enjoy it just as much as he will.

Siblings Can Also Get in on the Fun!

Instead of handing them a Valentine’s Day card, why not send it in the mail instead?

Leave off your name and address in the return spot of the envelope to build the suspense for your child.

At the beginning of the month, families draw names for “secret Valentines.”

Each child decorates a brown bag with his or her name on it, and your “secret Valentine” will daily leave a special note, favorite piece of candy, an offer to take on a chore, etc. Do the big reveal on Valentine’s Day!

Younger children will be ecstatic to see you in the cafeteria waiting with their favorite lunch from Chick-Fil-A or Wendy’s. For older kids, meeting them in the office with their favorite take-out food is sure to make them feel special and thought of.

Siblings can also spread the love by making a Sibling Love Chain. Designate a color to each child and cut up strips of paper from that color. Siblings can finish the sentence for one another, “I love you because….” Glue each link together and display the colorful chain in the house for the month of February. At the end of the month, read each link aloud.

Surprise Them for Lunch at School

] For even more great parent/child date ideas, visit KCParent.com.

Make a Love Photo Album

Let Little Ones Be Special Helpers

Inviting young children to help you in the kitchen, at the grocery store or with the laundry is a simple way to make a deposit in their love bank. Let them tear up the salad, carry the clean clothes and set the table.

Affirm them for their efforts no matter what it looks like!

Whether it’s enjoying an idea mentioned above or one you’ve thought of on your own, children love to be loved. No matter what you do, remember to say those three special words that mean so much…

I love you!

Marisa Frymire lives in Overland Park with her family.

kcparent.com february 2012

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Special Advertising Section

Building Blocks Interactive Education Guide available at KCParent.com

Building Blocks is a privately owned and operated child development center for children ages 2½ - pre-kindergarten. At Building Blocks our goal is to enable your child to learn and experience life though a hands-on approach in an atmosphere where they feel good about themselves and the world around them. Field trips, computer classes and summer swimming lessons are also offered at an additional fee.

Building Blocks is located at College & Lackman in Southlake Technology Park. 913.888.7244. See display ad on pg. 18. www.BuildingBlocksCDC.com

Special Beginnings Early Learning

KC Parent’s

Education Guide

Early Childhood

All 4 KIDS Christian Day Care & Preschool Offering full- and part-time daycare and preschool for ages 1-5, our focus is to provide a Christian learning environment while helping parents to grow the whole child both spiritu-

Special Beginnings Early Learning Center

ally and intellectually. Our age based Christian curriculum will promote the love of reading, the world of numbers, values and character building.

Quality teachers will sing, read, talk and listen, and your child will feel secure in their home away from home. 913.764.0300. See display ad on pg. 19.

Summit

Christian Academy

PT or FT schedule now open at 6:00 am

M-F 6 am to 6 pm

Infants to 12 years Serving Over 660 Preschool-12th Grade Students

Quality Christian early care and education for over 20 years!

OLATHE

Infants-Prekindergarten 14169 Murlen Rd 913.393.2223

OVERLAND PARK Infants-School Age 8205 W 108th Terr 913-378-1075

College Preparatory • College Credit Courses International Program • Athletics • Fine Arts Biblical Worldview • 13:1 Student/Teacher Ratio 36-Acre Campus Located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri Member-Missouri State High School Activities Association

For a personalized tour of our campus, call 816.525.1480.

LENEXA

10216 Pflumm Rd, 913-894-0131 Register TODAY & receive $100 credit upon enrollment!

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kcparent.com february 2012

realschoolspirit.org SCA admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

Serving the community for over 20 years, Special Beginnings has 4 JOCO locations in Lenexa, Olathe and Overland Park. Special Beginnings provides a quality program within a safe, loving, Christian environment. The programs have earned NAC national accreditation. Well-balanced, pre-academic curriculum includes art, music, cooking, and an innovative early wellness program. Serving infant through school age children. Open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. M-F. See display ad to receive a $100 tuition credit. See display ad on pg. 16. www.SpecialBeginningsOnline.com

St. Paul’s Preschool Serving children 2-5 yrs., our caring staff is dedicated to early childhood education and family relationships, highlighting all the “basics” needed for a successful entry to kindergarten while offering so much more! Unique components include, the “Art Studio” introduction to master artists,” Jesus and Me” Montessori curriculum, “Nature Adventures” outdoor exploration, “GrandFriends” intergenerational program, and “Music Instruction.” The Learning Center environment is nestled in a wooded park-like setting. 913.631.0101. See display ad on pg. 19. www.StPaulsLenexa.org

Wee Workshop Wee Workshop has been serving Southern Johnson County for nearly twenty-two years as a family owned business. Full time childcare is offered for ages two weeks to five years. After school and full time summer care is also provided.

Additional programs offered include part-time Preschool for ages three to five during the school year, and Mother’s Day Out for ages one and two.

We’re open year round, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Call 913.681.2190 (OP) or 913.681.2191 (Stilwell) for more information. See KC Parent ad on pg. 18 for a money saving coupon. www.WeeWorkshopChildCare.com

education guide Elementary - High School

Brookridge Day School We believe that the secret to learning is within the child rather than the method. We offer an education with positive, enriching experiences inside a loving environment. Our goal is to create a classroom where the child is exposed to as many different ways to learn as possible, enhancing the probability of successful learning for every learner. Ballet, tap, gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do offered on campus. Before & after school care included. Tours: 913.649.2228. See display ad on pg. 17. www.BrookridgeDaySchool.com

Faith Academy Committed to training up leaders through educating students in a Christ-centered environment, Faith Academy delivers a quality Christian and college preparatory education. Our pre-school has an enriched curriculum focusing on phonics, reading and math. Students enjoy a state-of-theart basketball and volleyball facility. Our after school program consists of computer classes taught in our technology center, dance, drama, art and music. Enrolling students age 6 weekshigh school. 816.455.2847. See display ad on pg.

18. www.FaithAcademyKC.org

Heritage Christian Academy Heritage Christian Academy is a Christ-centered Pre-K to 12th grade college preparatory school in south Johnson County. Heritage integrates academic excellence with a Biblical worldview in a nurturing environment. The School’s goal is to develop the God-given potential of each unique student by educating the whole person. In addition to the commitment to academic excellence, Heritage offers a dynamic fine arts and athletic program. For more information contact the central office at 913.681.7622. See display ad on pg.

20. www.HCAKC.org

Maranatha Academy Those who believe a quality education should include an emphasis on the development of Christian character, wisdom beyond the accumulation of information and knowledge, and a lifestyle of service and responsible citizenship would feel right at home at Maranatha Academy. Besides a rigorous academic curriculum, students have many avenues in which to excel, including athletics, visual or performing arts, National Honor Society, Scholar Bowl, student council, community service, yearbook, journalism, and more. 913.631.0637. See display ad on pg. 17. www.MA-KC.org

Accredited Kindergarten thru 3rd Grade Recognized as a Kansas School of Excellence Parent Friendly Hours - 6:45 am to 6:00 pm Full-time/Part-time Preschool Available Minutes from 69 Hwy., I-35 & I-435 Tuesday, February 7th “Grader Scholarly Scoop” 7 P.M. Open Enrollment begins Monday, February 13th kcparent.com february 2012

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education guide

A

uditory, kinesthetic, visual—you’ve probably heard these terms before.

They are the three main types of learning styles and can influence how your child does in school and at home. Most people usually fall into one category, with a little overlap occasionally. Sometimes your child doesn’t learn like you at all. Maybe you are a kinesthetic learner, and he or she is a visual learner. Learning what style your child prefers can help in many areas and is important for their long-term success.

“It is important for parents and teachers to know and respect each student’s learning styles, because those are the tools they will use to learn throughout the rest of their lives,” Susan Lynn, mother of three and Spanish teacher at Liberty North High School, says. “It is our job to help them get the most out of how their brains work.”

your child’s learning style what it is and why it’s important to know

Wee Workshop

Child Development Center Ages Two weeks to Twelve Years Part Time Preschool Mom’s Day Out Two Convenient Locations: 127th Antioch & 162nd Metcalf Ave 913.681.2190 913.681.2191 weeworkshopchildcare.com Locally Owned and Operated!

FREE

Enjoy one week of FREE child care after 3 weeks at either location!

“I try to cover all of the types of learning in my classroom. I lecture for those that need to hear it as well as review it at the beginning and end of every day. I provide handouts, notes on Blackboard and an online textbook for those that need to read it; I show video clips, act things out, do hand gestures and other activities and labs for those that are visual and kinesthetic,” Misty Black, mother of two and science teacher at Liberty North High School, says.

Lynn also mentions that sometimes it is good to challenge a child to learn outside his comfort zone. “Current brain research seems to show that we also benefit a lot from things we struggle to learn. Easily learned things are also easily forgotten, but if learning it was a challenge, it sticks with us better,” Lynn says.

Studies also have shown that boys and girls learn differently. Recognizing early on the differences between your children can help you in assisting them with their schoolwork and chores at home.

Once you have determined the learning styles of your children, here are some tips to help them learn the best way possible:

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“The Building Blocks for your Child’s Future”

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4300 N. CORRINGTON AVE, KANSAS CITY MO 64117

816-455-2847 • www.faithacademykc.org Our programs include Performing Arts, Sports, Leadership Academy, and Bible Institute.

Child Development Center • Preschool, Pre-kindergarten & Child Care • Starting at age 2 1/2 • Open 7:00 am - 6:00 pm • Located at College & Lackman in Southlake Technology Park • Privately owned & operated

913.888.7244

New families only. Limited time only. One coupon per customer. Not valid with any other offer. Coupon void if altered. Part-time preschool program excluded. Exp. 3.31.12.

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www.buildingblockscdc.com

ENROLLING NOW!

U Auditory: • Listen to audio books, or have someone read the textbook to them.

• Have them explain answers to you.

• Create mnemonic devices that they say out loud for memorization.

• Watch You Tube videos or listen to podcasts on a particular lesson.

• Participate in group discussions where they have to explain their answers.

I

Kinsethic: • Do hands-on activities, such as sculpting, building, playing.

• Create a song, rap or a dance to help review a certain idea.

• Study in short breaks; don’t try to sit still too long.

• Use flash cards to help memorize concepts.

• Use objects to help with math: If you have 6 cookies and take away 4, how many are left?

N

Visual: • Ask for handouts and notes in paper form; most teachers are happy to share notes.

• Make charts, graphs, timelines, etc. to help remember information.

• Use flash cards so that information is presented visually.

• Draw a picture to represent a concept.

• Use color-coded highlighters for notes in class.

Take this quick quiz to discover your child’s learning style 1. You want to spend quality time with your child, so you ask her what type of game she’d like to play with you. She’s most likely to recommend: a) A fun word game. b) An active game. c) A video game.

2. You’re having an important conversation with your child about the importance of not getting into the car with strangers. While you’re talking, your child is most likely to: a) Listen to you without budging. b) Not be able to give you her full attention. c) Watch your lips moving and your gesticulations.

3. Your child is learning the alphabet. During this crucial learning phase, he is most likely to practice his ABCs by: a) Singing the alphabet b) Playing with letter-shaped blocks. c) Writing the alphabet.

4. Your child has just solved a jigsaw puzzle and is very proud of herself. She is most likely to: a) Run and tell you about it. b) Take the puzzle apart so that you can watch her put it back together again. c) Call you in to show you the finished product.

5. During your child’s alone time, he is most likely to: a) Watch TV. b) Play a game. c) Read a book or write a story.

Mostly A answers: You’ve got an auditory learner.

Mostly B answers: You’ve got a kinesthetic learner.

Mostly C answers: You’ve got a visual learner.

Quiz from Parenting.Quiz.kAboose.com

Jennifer Higgins is a free-lance writer, mother and teacher from Kearney, MO. She is primarily a visual learner.

Partnering with families to develop confident, balanced children with a desire for life long learning and spiritual growth.

Music

Art

Nature

Jesus

NOW ENROLLING FOR 2012-13 7740 Lackman Rd. Lenexa, KS 66217 913-631-0101 www.stpaulslenexa.org kcparent.com february 2012

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education guide Missouri Military Academy Missouri Military Academy is one of the premier all-boy private military boarding schools in the country. Educating young men in grades 6-12 for more than 120 years. MMA has an impressive record of college admission and thousands of accomplished alumni who have assumed positions of authority in business, finance, law, education, the arts and the military. Located in Mexico, Mo., MMA’s boarding and activities programs offer 11 varsity sports, marching band, drama, Army JROTC, Cadet Chorus, drill team and Boy Scouts. For more information see our website. 573.581.1776. See display ad on pg. 32. www.MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org

Summit Christian Academy (SCA) South Johnson County’s Largest Christ-Centered

Pre K-12th Gr ade College Prepar atory School Currently Serving more than 475 students • Nurturing Environment • Limited Class Size • Dynamic Fine Arts Program • Athletics/Band beginning in 5th grade • College Prep Curriculum • Honors & Dual Credits Kindergarten Round Up February 9th – 9:45-11:15 am Elementary Open House February 16, 9-11 am March 8, 9-11 am April 12, 9-11 am Junior/Senior High Campus Tours are available upon request.

east campus (Elementary/Central Office) 9333 West 159th Street Overland Park, KS 66221 P 913.681.7622

west campus (Junior/Senior High) 16000 Blackbob Road Olathe, KS 66062 P 913.782.3262

Visit

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hcakc.org

kcparent.com february 2012

for more information.

SCA is a college-preparatory, nondenominational Christian school in the Kansas City, Missouri, area. Serving over 660 students from preschool through 12th grade, SCA is fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and the North Central Association. The 36-acre campus includes both an elementary and secondary facility. SCA offers extensive extracurricular activities including fine arts, athletics, and academic groups. Teachers are fully certified and are chosen for their ability to inspire students. Call 816.525.1480 or email scoats@sca-kc.org to schedule a private tour or appointment. See display ad on pg. 16. www.Summit-Christian-Academy.org

Enrichment

Rapid Road to Reading The Rapid Road to Reading learning center provides one-to-one interactive instruction for students K- 6th grade. Our program incorporates a variety of instructional methods that result in high rates of literacy achievement. While learning to recognize the sounds of letter combinations and sight words, students master skills needed to crack the code of reading. The emphasis on expanding our students’ vocabulary and teaching them to associate nouns with images and verbs with actions is integral to improving reading comprehension. 913.317.5515. See display ad on pg. 19. www.RapidRoadToReading.com

Parent/Teacher Conference Tips

February is the month when many area schools hold parent/teacher conferences. Conference time can be stressful for parents, students and teachers, but it’s important to just RELAX! Everyone at the conference has the same goal: working together to ensure the best school experience for your child.

Be Prepared. Write down any questions or concerns you or your child may have. Think about your child’s areas of strength and areas where improvement is needed. Take notes during your conference.

Communicate With Kids. Children worry and wonder about what their parents and teachers say at conferences. Alleviate their fears by sharing with them what you and the teacher discussed.

Talk as Well as Listen. After all, no one knows your child better than you!

healthy kids

my children wouldn’t steal … would they?

O

h, Jules…I would just DIE if any of my kids ever stole…SOPHIE!!! WHERE DID YOU GET THIS POLLY POCKET! From birth you begin teaching your children right from wrong with hopes they will listen to a smidge of your advice; however, there are various developmental stages where kids just can’t grasp the difference between what’s theirs and carpe latoy (seize the toy).

Toddlers/Preschoolers Let’s face it…kiddos are clueless about money or what belongs to whom. Explaining how they should pay for something sets an educational foundation for them, but if your toddler is sitting in the “fire truck” cart at the grocery store, within easy reach of the bright shiny tube of M&M’s, you’d better check his mitts before you exit— unless you want to return with your screaming child.

Grade-schoolers Most children by this age should know they aren’t to take something without paying for it. If they do steal, there could be a lack of self-control issue or other underlying problems which need to be addressed—especially if behaviors are repeated.

Preteens and Adolescents Older youths know it’s wrong to steal, but peer pressure can play a role in their actions, or they may be thrill seekers testing limits. This age of experimenting with independence from parents and rebelling often can be confused by teens as fun behavior.

Other adolescents may not have money, so they steal to keep up with their peers in fashion, music, events and recreational habits, including drinking, smoking and drugs. Other teens just crave attention because of stressors at home or school.

What’s a Parent to Do? It’s the parents’ responsibility to teach young children that stealing is wrong. The child must be deeply impressed with the lesson that she hurts someone if she doesn’t pay for an item, ask if she can borrow it or have it.

When a toddler takes something from a store, parents are advised to take the child and item back to the store. Make sure the child apologizes to the cashier or manager and then either return the item or pay for it if it has been consumed. This makes a huge impact on the child and further punishment is not usually warranted.

The Nemours Foundation says, “By the first and second grades, kids should know stealing is wrong. But they may need a better understanding of the consequences.”

What do you tell parents if grade-schoolers or preteens are stealing? Dr. Jason Wichman, a pediatrician at Pediatric Care Specialists in Overland Park, says, “If it’s once or twice, I usually have the child apologize and then write a letter admitting they were wrong. If it’s an ongoing problem, there probably is something else more significant going on. I talk to Mom or Dad and see how school and home life are going and get a psychologist involved.You have to find out if the stealing is a cry for help, abuse or something else occurring.”

Older youths know it’s wrong to steal, but peer pressure can play a role in their actions, or they may be thrill seekers testing limits.

Repeated Behavior (Nemours Foundation) One third of juveniles who’ve been caught shoplifting have difficulty quitting. It’s important to help youth understand they may face serious consequences if they continue to steal.

Stacey Hatton is a pediatric RN, freelance writer and mom of two fabulous girls who would rather eat worms than apologize to a store clerk.

Here are additional resources for parents, if stealing becomes a serious problem: • family therapist/counselor • primary physician • minister, priest or rabbi • school counselor

National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (ShopliftingPrevention.org) Kleptomaniacs and Shoplifters Anonymous (KleptomaniacsAnonymous.com) kcparent.com february 2012

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T

oday’s family is crazy busy as we hustle off to every activity under the sun, so trying to find quality family time can be really challenging. However, you may be overlooking an easy opportunity to spend time with your children each and every day. Cooking with your children has many benefits, besides an extra pair of helpful hands— a benefit that can last your kids a lifetime. Sure, the extra prep time, patience and messes might not sound very appealing, but consider all the benefits you will be giving your child.

why kids belong

in the kitchen together and showing them what goes into a healthy meal, you will be teaching them great life-long eating habits.

Real life lessons.

The no-brainer here is that they are learning how to cook. Gender doesn’t dictate who belongs behind the stove anymore, and both sons and daughters need to learn this essential skill. An added benefit is that your future sons- or daughtersin-law will love you for it.

Bonding time.

I find some of the best conversations with my kids are in the car on the way home from school or practices. The same can happen while cooking. The more one-on-one time we give our kids, the more they tend to open up. Also,

if you have more than one child, cooking is a great way to give each one some quality time. Perhaps you could designate a special day for each child to have with Mom and/or Dad in the kitchen.

More peas, please!

This is a great opportunity to introduce some healthy choices in your meals. If kids help prepare items such as vegetables, as well as help you shop for them, they are more likely to try them during mealtime.

And kids that learn to eat well are more likely to eat well as adults. Also, they will less likely snack on junk food when you are preparing a healthy meal. By reading labels

A side of self-confidence.

By letting your children help in the kitchen and try their hand at cooking, you are providing them with a healthy dose of self-esteem. Maybe they have been struggling in math. Maybe they’ve been striking out lately in Little League. Why not provide an opportunity for them to feel good about themselves?

Building traditions.

Wouldn’t Grandma be tickled that her grandchildren were being taught the old family recipes? Pulling out the family recipe book together is a great way to share important family traditions as well as build a good foundation for starting your own. It will also give you an opportunity to share some of your fondest memories with your children.

Have fun with your food! Get him his own apron, oven mitt or even chef’s hat. • Give her a special box to store favorite recipes. • Spend time looking through family recipes and share some of your childhood memories. • Take pictures of your kids while in the kitchen, especially with their “creations.” • Put the music on and dance around while cleaning up. • Eat by candlelight when your child helps with the meal.

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Scrapping the screen time.

Kids that are in the kitchen cooking will spend less time parked in front of the computer or television screen. Engaging in a more productive activity, they are actually contributing something to the household. Genius!

Think about all the arguments you won’t be having!

Foster their creativity.

As they become more confident in their way around the kitchen, cooking can give them an opportunity to flex their creative muscles. By fostering a creative spirit, you are giving your child another opportunity to explore who they are.

Teaching moments.

Kids get to see how things change through various processes in the kitchen: chopping, mixing, heating, freezing. Won’t their teachers be impressed when they come back to school with hands-on knowledge of their latest science lesson?

Showing a little love.

Not that saying “I love you” doesn’t matter—it does, but sometimes actions do speak louder than words. What professes your love to your kids more than inviting them to completely make a mess in the kitchen? I don’t know about you, but whoever is willing to help cook a meal at my house gets lots of kisses and hugs.

Hallie Sawyer is a freelance writer based in Overland Park and a mom to three promising sous chefs. Someday she hopes to hand over the spatula on a regular basis.

go ah ea

food! ur

Reducing their risk to use drugs.

This may seem farfetched but it’s true. A report from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University says that kids who have open lines of communication with their parents, a strong bond and the support, praise, and acceptance by their parents decrease their chances of becoming drug abusers. Son, here’s your spatula.

ay with y l p o d,

DO IT YOURSELF DINING IN KC Playing with your food is an art form at these restaurants, where customers enjoy DIY dining & one-of-a-kind experiences!

Kids Make Their Own Pizza Next Door Pizza: 3385 SW Fascination Dr., Lee’s Summit, 816.763.1200, NextDoorPizza.com Kids love to make pizza, but let’s face it… this is almost always a messy endeavor.

At Next Door Pizza, you can have the fun and leave the mess behind! Children are provided ingredients to make their own pizzas: raw dough, sauce, cheese and toppings. Once the masterpiece is ready, it is taken to the ovens. Even the wait is fun. The game room features a train table and arcades, but more than that, the entire restaurant is a great game of “I Spy” just waiting to happen. The menu features a signature Chicagostyle deep dish pizza and thin crust pizza. They also offer wings, salads and sandwiches, including some topped with American Royal award-winning sauces. The dessert menu includes cupcakes or, for the ultimate sweet tooth, fried Snickers. Kids give it two enthusiastic thumbs up!

Price Range: Typical pizzeria & deli prices with sandwiches ranging from $6 to $8 and pizza ranging from $13 to $20.

Tip: Monday is Kids Eat Free Night (up to 3 children with paying adults). (continued on pg. 24) kcparent.com february 2012

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DIY DINING, CONT. Design Your Own Cupcake Cupcake Construction Company: 727 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, 785.856.9222, CupcakeConstructionCompany.com Perhaps you’ve noticed cupcake shops popping up everywhere, but the Cupcake Construction Company “takes the cake” for uniqueness as Kansas’ only interactive cupcake bar. Customers select from a variety of cake flavors, then choose a pudding or cream filling, one of 18 frostings, and finally adorn it all with a selection from more than 20 toppings. Once all selections are made, the “construction crew” creates while guests watch the process step by step, then savor their own individual dream cupcakes. If you’d like to make your own cupcakes, you can order a DIY kit from Cupcake Construction Company for parties. This is a must stop on Mass Street… truly can you think of another place where you can design your own cake and eat it too?

Price Range: $1-3/cupcake (sizes vary).

Tip: Read our Lawrence Day Trip Guide on KCParent.com for more family fun ideas.

Create Your Own Stir-fry Genghis Khan: 3906 Bell St., KCMO, 816.753.3600 or 8634 N. Boardwalk, KCMO, 816.587.8883 GKBBQ.com If you love to experiment with ingredients, you’ll love Genghis Khan, Kansas City’s original Mongolian BBQ. Patrons of all ages create their own bowls of stir-fry from a buffet of more than 20 vegetables, 12 meats and seafood, noodles and 15 spices and oils. Suggested recipes are posted, and the buffet is all-you-can-eat, so you may try a variety of combinations. The final step is handing over your bowl of stir-fry where the meal is cooked right before your eyes on a sizzling hot grill in the ancient Mongolian tradition. What better way to explore new flavors and have fun with food?

Price Range: $8-15/person.

Tip: Make small portions to enjoy multiple trips through the buffet and more than one combination.

Don’t have time to make your cupcakes? There are many great cupcake bakeries all over Kansas City like Gigi’s Cupcakes in Overland Park.

For a list of more cupcake spots, visit KCParent.com.

Roll Your Own Sushi RA Sushi: 11638 Ash, Leawood, 913.850.6260, RASushi.com Sushi is undeniably popular for sophisticated teens, tweens and adults. Take it up a notch with RA Sushi’s crash course in sushi, offered throughout the year including February 5 at 2:00. The class includes sushi rolling lessons, a beverage, edamame, miso soup and a card good for a complimentary lunch.

Price Range: Call for class prices. Meals range from $12 to $20/person.

Tip: You must make reservations for the class, a fun and unforgettable experience.

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KCP FACEBOOK FAN COOKING TIP:

Instead of keeping salt and pepper on the table, your kids would enjoy exploring new ways to enhance their meals with spices such as paprika, oregano, cumin and more. Linda Nelson, Lee’s Summit

Celebrate Special Occasions with DIY Fondue The Melting Pot: 450 Ward Pkwy., KCMO, 816.931.6358, MeltingPot.com The Melting Pot fondue restaurant offers an interactive dining experience, perfect for date nights, celebrations and special occasions. Fondue is the process of cooking by dipping food in a heated pot of sauce, cheese, broth or oil. This is a delicious meal you’ll savor one bite at a time.

Price Range: $8/ea for chocolate fondue only; meals range from $40 to $50/person.

Tip: You may choose the entire 4-course experience or enjoy chocolate or cheese fondue only after a night on the Plaza.

Watch the Chefs at Work Buca di Beppo: 310 W. 47th St., KCMO, 816.931.6548 Okay, so you don’t want to cook… that’s the reason you’re eating out, but you would love to see how it’s done. Buca di Beppo, a favorite Italian eatery on the Plaza, is one of the only restaurants in town to offer patrons the chance to dine in the restaurant kitchen for a behind-the-scenes view of the action. Buca’s bustling kitchen allows guests at the kitchen table a firsthand experience as chefs prepare food before the wait staff parades it by with an explanation of each menu item. This is a delight for the senses and a true treat for a family or group.

Price Range: Buca serves “family-style” portions meant for sharing. Portions for 3 range from $15 to $20/entrée; Portions for 6 range from $20 to $30/entrée.

Tip: For this experience, you must reserve the kitchen table in advance—but is it ever worth it!

Before heading out to eat, be sure to check out the Kids Eat Free Section at KCParent.com.

KCP FACEBOOK FAN COOKING TIP:

Have the kids use cookie cutters to make fun shapes with cheese, sandwiches and pancakes. Jackie Perrin, Gladstone

DIY Cooking on the Road

Tip: On your next vacation, look for a DIY restaurant on the road. These are a few faves:

Customized Frozen Yogurt & Ice Cream Self-serve frozen yogurt shops and ice cream parlors are popular across the country, but Chicago customizes the experience even more at iCream (iCreamCafe.com), where customers create their own ice cream, frozen yogurt, pudding or shake from scratch! Mix the ingredients, including add-ins, then pour the concoction into a rapid-freezing, super sweet liquid nitrogen machine where the dessert is instantly frozen on the spot.

Make Your Own Pancakes Kids love “Create-a-Face” pancakes at IHOP, but Pfunky Griddle (ThePfunkyGriddle.com) in Nashville and Slappy Cakes (SlappyCakes.com) in Portland, OR, have created completely interactive experiences for customers of all ages! They provide the batter, you select add-ins, then they heat up the griddle at your table where you pour and flip your very own flapjacks!

Kristina Light loves to experiment with food with her family—whether at home or at favorite restaurants. kcparent.com february 2012

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GamE KaRT Mobile Video Game Theater From $169.95 Call For Details

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party guide

KC Parent’s

Add 100 tokens & receive 100 tokens FREE with any Birthday Party purchase.

Valid on any party booked before February 29, 2012 Book online with coupon code: GLD11 1021 NE Colbern Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 816.246.5224

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Kansas City Premier Birthday Party Starting at $189.

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fresh ideas + terrific themes + great venues

Water Slide $5 off your order PLUS Slide Combos Obstacle Course FREE Delivery & Set-Up Character Themes $5 off with ad Water Slide Slide Combos Obstacle Course Character Themes

$5 off with ad

The MagiComedy of Reggie Gray

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Indoor Pony Parties

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Where kids come to play!

10% OFF Weekend Party

Olathe location ($199 & up) (reg. $7.50;

$2 OFF 2 per group) Open Play Both locations

Monkey Bizness 20800 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS 66061 913-780-2500

Specializing in childrens & family entertainment for all occasions!

MAGIC • JUGGLING • LIVE ANIMALS Kids love balloons, and it’s an inexpensive way to decorate the party area with a big splash of color.

Sarah Bowman, Lenexa

Feb Only Shawnee Only $249 & up

Litttle Monkey Bizness 12219 S.M. Pkwy Shawnee Mission, KS 913-631-7000

monkeybizness.com | littlemonkeybizness.com Visit us on facebook: Little Monkey Bizness Shawnee & Monkey Bizness Olathe

www.DiscoverTheMagicInYou.com

KC MOM PARTY TIPS

$50 OFF Saturday Parties

Take lots of photos of the party!

Putting a photo or two in your child’s thank you cards adds a nice touch.

Marcy O’Connor, Independence

$50 off

any weekday (Mon-Thur) party or event Ends 2-29-12

Now offering inflatables, too! kcparent.com february 2012

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media mix

Food Fun

Delightful and delicious, these ideas will get your appetites going!

The Edible Schoolyard Project ChezPanisseFoundation.org. Alice Waters founded the Chez Panisse Foundation in 1996 that provides an educational program that uses food to nurture, educate and empower youth.

With names on the board like Michael Pollan and Robert Redford, they have taken a model school lunch program in Berkley, CA, and are providing materials to create garden and kitchen programs on the grounds of public schools nationwide. Students learn the connections between food, health and the environment.

Twist It Up by Jack Witherspoon (Chronicle). A portion of the proceeds from each book sold is donated to the Beckstrand Cancer Foundation and the Miller’s Children’s Hospital in California, because the 11-year-old author of this recipe collection is a leukemia survivor. He “twists” each recipe up by adding a measure of comfort and individuality to these kid favorites.

Eat This Not That! for Kids!: Be the Leanest, Fittest Family on the Block by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding (Rodale Books). This is a great book to start the discussion about the choices we make every day about what we eat. Twenty-two percent of all advertisements geared toward children are food ads.

Vivid pictures and brand name labels are held to the microscope for all to see. Popular restaurants, school lunches and the 20 worst kids’ meals in America are on display. The last chapter? Exercise.

What Chefs Feed Their Kids: Recipes and Techniques for Cultivating a Love of Good Food by Fanae Aaron (Lyons Press). Interviewing 20 award-winning chefs who also happen to be parents, Aaron has created the perfect start to turning picky eaters into helping hands in the kitchen. Filled with encouraging solutions & kid-friendly recipes, this volume will have kids trying new ideas in a flash. Provides guidelines on each age and stage of eating, even if the parent is not at ease in the kitchen.

Fruit Ninja App (Halfbrick Studios). Fruits are sliced, diced, squirted and smashed into explosions of juicy goodness. At each new level, new fruit facts appear – did you know that apples are grown on every continent except Antarctica?

A juicy way to delight your kids with lipsmaking fun. Available for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android.

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Ratatouille (Walt Disney Videos) Remy is a French rat with a gourmet palate who somehow becomes the head chef at a Paris restaurant. A delightful feast with a “Cyrano de Bergerac” feel. Remy creates havoc while trying to live his dream in the kitchen.

In Leawood, Julie Hubble’s favorite food to make with her family is Korean dumplings.

no meat for me! when your child wants to be a vegetarian

A

t the ripe ol’ age of 9, I made the very mature choice to become vegetarian. At least I felt very grown up. The grown-ups in my family disagreed. What we all-knowing grown-ups tend to forget is that there’s usually some reasoning behind our child’s decision. How we react to and deal with their choice could have a major impact on how they handle future decisions, including whether they learn to respect other people’s choices. It is certainly your prerogative to stomp your foot and declare this “idiocy” (as my dad called vegetarianism) outlawed in your home. I guarantee you – that will make your kid more determined.

If you’re choosing to let your kid try it out, then this article is for you.

why? Vegetarians come in all shapes and sizes, from various professional fields and with different motives. According to a 2008 Vegetarian Times survey, “Over half (53%) of current vegetarians eat a vegetarian diet to improve their overall health. Environmental concerns were cited by 47 percent; 39 percent cited natural approaches to wellness; 31 percent cited food-safety concerns; 54 percent cited animal welfare; 25 percent cited weight loss; and 24 percent weight maintenance.” (TheTravellingVegetarian.com).

Adults often assume a kid’s reasoning is flawed without giving their motivations much thought. Sure, there’s the chance that your kid has succumbed to peer pressure or maybe they think going veggie equals getting skinny, but preteens and teens are pretty darn smart.

They often have strong opinions about concepts like world hunger, environmental issues and animal cruelty. them’s fightin’ words I confess – my reasons were less noble. After some utterly disgusting chicken liver, I decided the best way to avoid eating it again would be to swear off all meat forever. My dad thought I would “come to my senses.” His reaction to my vegetarian conversion was to force feed me meat. Not the best way to engender a trusting and loving relationship. My mum took another approach by asking questions about why and how I planned to get the nutrition I needed.

It’s likely your child’s done some research before making this decision. She’ll probably be armed with comebacks, expecting a fight. Try holding off your immediate reaction. Give yourself time to do some research. (See below for resources). but you’ll starve

If you’re still imagining that vegetarians are pale sickly folk with no muscle tone, rest assured there is no evidence proving that vegetarianism causes eating disorders. However, vegetarians, like anyone else, can develop eating disorders or junk food addictions. Typical vegetarians eat eggs and dairy products, whereas vegans are stricter with their diets, staying away from all animal products and by-products. Some vegetarians eat poultry and/or seafood.

Exactly what does your child intend to eliminate from his diet? Take your kid to a nutritionist. But treat it like a counseling session – an opportunity for both you and your child to learn how to make this new veggie gig work.

solving the protein problem

I know what you are thinking –“It’s enough effort making one family dinner, now I have to make two!” Or how about “When my kid learns to cook, she can eat what she wants. Until then….”

First: neither of these comments is totally wrong. Encouraging your kid to take on some responsibility for this decision by learning to cook is an outstanding idea. If your kid’s not getting her protein from meat, she needs to get it from nuts, legumes, eggs and cheese. Make it your child’s job to do some nutritional research to come up with meat substitution ideas.

Protein-rich meals and side dishes are easily accessible on the web. These can be easily substituted for meat mains without too much effort, especially if made ahead and frozen.

Now that you’ve thought about protein, also consider calcium, iron, zinc and an alphabet of other vitamins. For example, vitamin B12 is only absorbed from animal products, so your child will need to take supplements or eat foods that are fortified with Vitamin B12 (check nutrition labels), including fortified soy milk, nutritional yeast and some meat substitutes.

The Teen’s Vegetarian Cookbook has a great nutritional chart that shows what your kid needs and offers a variety of possible substitutes. I used this book to help my fussy 18-year-old vitamin deficient vegetarian sister improve her eating habits.

And that’s basically the gist of it. On the whole, your big (almost grown) baby could be making worse decisions than going meat-free. Really, it’s his way of saying that he loves and respects himself and the world he lives in.

Victoria Pressley is an ex-vegetarian with a vegan teenage sister in a family of otherwise rabid carnivores.

Check out sites like …

TheHappyCow.net VegFamily.com TheVeggieTable.com

And books like….

The Vegetarian Teen’s Cookbook by Judy Krizmaniac The Essential Vegetarian, Murdock books. kcparent.com february 2012

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Special Advertising Section

B’nai Jehudah Early Childhood Education Center

Using Jewish values and culture as our foundation, our preschool provides hands on experiences that enables children to prosper and grow.

With small classes, a warm, nurturing environment and individualized care and attention, your child will gain a passion for life-long learning.

Join us this summer for Camp Chaverim, June 11 – August 3, 2012. Summer fun includes water play, karate and HappyFeet Soccer. Camp enrollment begins Feb. 1 and fall preschool registration begins Feb. 13. 913.663.4050. See display ad on pg. 34. preschool@bnaijehudah.org

Interactive Education Guide available at KCParent.com

Ceramics and Coffee House at Paint, Glaze & Fire

KC Parent’s

Camp ARTRAGEOUS! Ceramics & Coffee House at Paint, Glaze & Fire is offering summer camp for its 14th season! Your child will learn new techniques and have fun creating art in our multi-medium camps. Check it out online and get more information as well as a registration form at www.PaintGlazeAndFire.net. All supplies and a daily snack are included. Sibling and early registration discounts are available. For more information on these and many other fun and creative programs, visit the website. See display ad on pg. 33. 913.661.CLAY (2529).

Camp Guide

Animal Camp - Cub Creek Science Camp

No other summer program offers as many face to face, hands-on encounters with exotic animals. Imagine spending a week feeding monkeys, walking llamas, grooming miniature horses, petting ferrets and chinchillas, playing with puppies and parrots. Our campers don’t

“rough it” unless they want to. Choose from over 100 activities, sleep comfortably in spacious, air-conditioned cabins, enjoy an outstanding selection of delicious meals, and learn from some of the best staff anywhere. Ask for free brochure 573.458.2125. See display ad on pg. 32. www.MyAnimalCamp.com

The Culture House

Spend your summer at The Culture House! A whole new selection of summer programs includes dance, theater, music and art. 2-Week continued on pg. 32

Plan ahead with our summer programs for ages 3 to 13!

Summer Programs 2012

Photographer Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios

Classes are designed to provide your child with excellent dance training and superior attention from our top teachers, all while having fun.

Classes begin June 4.

Programs Include: • • •

Creative Movement (ages 3-5) Fairy Tale Dance Workshops featuring Cinderella, Peter Pan, Superheroes and more (ages 5-8) Mini Ballet Intensive 2-4 Week Camps (ages 10-13)

W. Pershing Rd.

Johnson County 5359 W. 94th Terr.

Prairie Village, KS (95th & Nall)

W. 95th St.

W. 97th St.

Nall Ave.

I-35

W. Pennway

Downtown Bolender Center 500 W. Pershing Rd. Kansas City, MO

Broadway

Two Convenient Locations!

Enroll TODAY to secure your child’s spot!

Call 816-931-2299 or visit www.kcballet.org/school for a complete list of summer courses.

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kcparent.com february 2012

camp guide

Top Five Things You Never Knew About Camp Camp has become a staple of the summer season. Each year, millions of children, youth and adults head to the hills, lakes, valleys and parks to participate in the time-honored tradition of camp. And, while most people easily conjure up images of campfires and canoes, there is a lot more to the camp experience. Here are five of the things you may not have known about the camp experience.

Green is “zen.”

Try this on for size!

Research shows that first-hand experiences with nature, like those at camp, reduce stress in children and help them better handle stress in the future.

In addition to teaching children how to be good stewards of the environment, camps are teaching children how to enjoy the world around them and take a minute to breathe deep and feel the nature, which ultimately teaches them how to de-stress the natural way.

Camp is a great place to try new activities and hobbies. Afraid of rock walls?

According to ACA research, 74 percent of campers reported that they tried new activities at camp that they were afraid to do at first. And, those activities often leave lasting impressions. In the same survey, 63 percent of parents reported that their child continued new activities from camp after returning home.

Manners matter and often linger.

The camp experience teaches more than just archery or lanyard making. The entire experience is made of teachable moments, and perhaps one of the biggest is how to live with a group of people.

Campers learn to pick up after themselves, respect each other’s property, and to say “Please” and “Thank You.”

Veggies taste better with friends.

Hollywood and fictional novels may have given camp food a bad reputation, but in truth, camps are constantly exploring healthy food options, and often are at the forefront of things like allergy specific diets, healthy snack options and vegetarian meals. According to ACA’s 2011 Emerging Issues survey, 90.7 percent of responding camps indicated that healthy eating and physical activity were important or very important issues.

Camp gets those neurons pumping!

Education reform debate and concern over summer learning loss have pushed academic achievement into the spotlight. Research shows that participation in intentional programs, like camp, during summer months helps stem summer learning loss. In addition, camp provides ample opportunity for developmental growth, which is a precursor to academic achievement. And, because of the “hands-on” nature of camp, often children who struggle in traditional education settings do well at camp.

For more information on preparing your child for an independent, fun-filled summer, visit ACA’s family resource page at CampParents.org. Or, follow ACA on Facebook and Twitter for helpful hints and camp information. kcparent.com february 2012

31

lar! Openings limited, call today. (14808 W 117th St, Olathe) 913.393.3141. See display ad on pg. 7.

Enroll online: www.CultureHouse.com.

camp guide Musical Intensives, Godspell and Jungle Book, Stuntman Stage and Film Combat Camp, Enchanted Princess Ballet, Animation Nation, Creative Kingdom Art Camp, Annie Musical Revue, Broadway Starz, Beat Bounce Hip Hop Workshop & END OF SUMMER CELEBRATION: The Ridiculously Entertaining Talent Spectacu-

Summer Program June 4 to August 3 (No camps week of July 2)

Ages 3 to 13 For Information:

816-931-8614 www.speds.org

4041 Main Street Kansas City, MO 64111

Johnson County Park & Recreation District

From Just for Fun to Outdoor Discovery, JCPRD offers kids of all ages and interests over 40 professionally programmed and supervised camps and clinics to choose from. Conveniently located throughout Johnson County, the choices include recreation, sports, arts and crafts, science, nature and environment, music, theater, dance, leadership development, community service and special needs. For details call 913.831.3359 or visit www.JCPRD.com. See display ad on pg. 33.

KC Young Audiences

The KCYA Community School of the Arts (CSA) offers children performing and visual arts classes, camps and private instruction on the campus of St. Teresa’s Academy. Spring music, dance, drama and visual art classes begin the week of January 30, 2012. Our fabulous performance based Spring Break Camps will be available March 12 – 16, 2012 and culminate with a delightful show for family and friends. Summer Camps begin in June. Scholarships are available.

816.531.4022. See display ad on pg. 33. www.KCYA.org.

Kansas City Ballet School elevating Education.

One Student at a Time.

Kansas City Ballet School Summer Programs include once-a-week Creative Movement classes (ages 3-5) to special one-day Fairytale Dance

REACH NEW HEIGHTS THIS SUMMER Summer opportunities abound at MMA! Summer Leadership Camp - Boys ages 13-17 learn basic leadership and military skills from experienced mentors at this military-style leadership camp. July 8-20.

New ERA Summer School - Students in grades 7-12 can recover lost credits or gain extra credits in just four weeks at our structured academic summer school program. Co-ed day and all-boy boarding options available. A full schedule of fun activities is included.

June 24-July 21.

Visit www.missourimilitaryacademy.org/summer

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kcparent.com february 2012

camp guide Workshops featuring Peter Pan, Cinderella, Superheroes and more (ages 5-8) to 2- to 4-week Mini Ballet Intensive Camps (ages 10-13). Your child will enjoy excellent training and superior attention while having fun. Classes begin June 4th. Enroll today to guarantee your child’s spot.

Two convenient locations: Downtown and Johnson County 816.931.2299. See display ad on pg.

30. www.KCBallet.org

Missouri Military Academy

The New ERA Summer School - Enrichment & Recovery Academy offers students in grades 7-12 an opportunity to gain extra credit or recover lost credits. New ERA offers boarding and day options for boys and day options for girls. Fun activities are incorporated into the daily schedule. June 24-July 21. Summer Leadership Camp - Boys ages 13-17 can learn basic leadership skills at this military-style boarding camp. Campers will enjoy adventures while learning how to tap into their inner leader. July 8-20. 573.581.1776. See display ad on pg. 32. www.MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org

swimming, indoor gyms, parks, movies and many others. Lunch is included! We are open all summer! Space is limited, 913.381.4743 or OPChildcare.com for details. See display ad on pg. 34.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School

Have fun this summer at St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School! We have morning and afternoon classes in art, music, theatre, sports, academics, cooking, nature and more. Extended day is also

CREATIVE • EASY • FUN Available for • Team Building Events • Birthday Parties • Girls Night Out & Much More!

CAMP

ARTRAGEOUS 2012 Call for details

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/PaintGlazeFire.KS Locally Ow ned & Operate d

Sky’s the Limit

Join us this summer at Sky’s the Limit! We serve K-6 at our two locations, 10001 W 88th Terr and 8301 Lamar in OP. Spend the summer engaging with a great staff in activities including mad science, fort building, crafts, music and much more. We take a field trip everyday including

127th & Metcalf • 913-661-CLAY (2529) www.paintglazeandfire.net

IN JUNE

12-16, 2012

kcparent.com february 2012

33

camp guide

R

Want to reach 100,000 KC moms each month who shop for camps? Call today to reserve a spot in KC Parent’s March Camp Guide, 913.782.3238.

available. Summer program dates: Monday through Friday, June 4 to 29 & July 9 to August 3.

For more information, contact: Christina Lenon, Director of Enrichment Programs, 816.268.6536 Embracing the principles and practices of Judaism as ouror clenon@speds.org. See display ad on pg. 32. foundation, the mission of B’nai Jehudah Preschool is: www.SPEDS.org

MONDAY

with miss megan Yoga and Pilates Moves for Kids of the Imagination to create an environment that TheatreYoga Performing week camps runwith It’sarts. time forOne calm!and Let’s two find our balance, fill our lungs enhances self-esteem, supports Mon-Fri, May air, stand up straight and get for some 31-Aug. 12and at tall 6100 W.ready 127th, OP, fun. We will learn basic yoga poses and Pilates exercises that will KS. Open Pre-K -10th grades. Half-day or full-day, social conscience and competence, help to develop alignment, core strength and flexibility. Let’s (8 a.m.-6 p.m.), available. get strong together! Shows spoof Clones, creates a passion for learning, Divas, Vampires, Princesses, Video Games and more. No auditions and no experience required. and empowers each child to reach Free costumes, shows & snacks. Enroll by 3/31 his/her full potential by creating get 15% off. Multiple child discount 10%. Flexbookworms with miss janet make your own. Specials: $54 half hands-on learning experiences ible schedule, Bookworms aims have to teachone your child the camps love of books! day, $99 full day. Also week in Books are selected with great purpose: to create a giggle, give that are relevant, DEVELOPMENTALLY comfort, gain knowledge, showcase artwork and much more.

Four classes will be rotated throughout the school year: appropriate, challenging, and dynamic.

1 Stories for Me: Books are read with an interactive approach.

tuesday

Showcasing with theme, artwork, characters or lesson is the main objective. An art project will accompany the story where self -expression and confidence are finely crafted. The children chat about the book, learn and watch one another and go for it!

EXTENDED DAY PROGRAMS EARLY BIRDS LUNCH BUNCH FUN WITH FRIENDS

8:00 – 9:25

2 Cooking with Books: Not just your average cookbook ! We choose books that can be adapted for cooking. If our story has a “meaty “at opportunity, presented and now the Summer Sky’sa recipe the isLimit fun continues, measuring, and more as we make our Crafts and fortmixing, building delicious treat.

Fieldtrips every week Swimming, parks, movies and more!

3 Number Noodlers:

Certain books are magical when it comes 12:00 – 1:00 to making numbers and counting fun. After our book is read 8301 your Lamar & their 10001 W 88th Stand more. child willAve then have math skills challenged 1:00-2:00 Overland • the 913.381.4743 A fun mathPark, “booklet”KS ( I use term loosely ) will be proudly For our friends under 3 years old. brought home to share.

Includes Lunch Bunch

CLUB CHAVERIM

1:00 – 2:00 For our friends 3 years old and up.

Includes Lunch Bunch and the following activities.

PIZZA FRIDAY

12:00 – 1:00

Same Great Prices as Last Year!

NKC, LS and Plaza, 816.561.2787 or tiarts@hotmail.com. See display ad on pg. 34 for $20 coupon. www.DramaKC.com

Trilogy Performing Arts Summer Camps

wednesday

Make GREAT FRIENDS! Sing, Dance Act, and mr.GREAT matt SHOWS! Glee Club 2, Stagekarate Fight!with Be in OnceJoin Upon a Time,with Hakuna Matata, Belieber Matt McDaniel AKKA for basic Karate skills. AKKA KarateHop, Academies teach the fundamentals of the Martial Pop/Hip Entangled 2, Galactic Training, Arts by combining the time-tested Eastern Philosophy of Academy 2, Cowboys vs. Ninjas 2, Peter Pan, Martial Arts with the modern approach of Western teaching Westside Sharks and Jets, Zombie Camp and philosophy.

Our academies offer a well-balanced program children that emphasizes self-esteem, fitness LOmore!forExperience a statepride, of the art GREAT and integrity CATION! Day Camps located in Olathe. Half Day (3-5) $90, Full Day (6-16) $135. NEW! Week long Overnight Camps with Narnia inspired facility (8-18) $350. 913.254.4444. See display ad on pg.

34. www.TrilogyCulturalArts.com dance with miss maggie

thursday

Join Miss Maggie for a twirling good time. The session will be a combination of gymnastics and a special movement class. Students will work on stretching, balancing, and learn some basic dance moves. Maggie is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s BFA program in Dance, and also one of 18 to receive UMKC’s Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Honor Award.

friday

LIFELONG LEARNING BEGINS HERE happy feet with coach daniel

preschool + summer camps for children 18 months through pre-k call today for more information A great introduction to the game of soccer! Each child has a soccer ball. Incorporates stories, songs, nursery rhymes & fun games! Your child will learn advanced physical skills in the most fun way. A HappyFeet head start gives joy, confidence and self-concept! The benefits of HappyFeet carry over to other sports and life.

4 Drama: There are so many wonderful fairytales, myths and classics which we will bring to the “stage”. Your children will paint the scenery and help with props and costumes. Lines and songs will be learned with great fun. Parents are invited to be the audience at our performance on the final day of the session! This activity will be second semester and run for 2 months. www.opchildcare.com

12320 Nall Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66209 913-663-4050 preschool@bnaijehudah.org

SPEND YOUR SUMMER WITH US!

Half Day Camps (ages 3-5) $90.00 Full Day Camps (ages 6-16) $135.00 OverNite Camps (ages 8-18) $350.00 WeekEnd Retreats $100.00

GREAT CAMPS, GREAT FRIENDS, and GREAT LOCATIONS!!!

Even more camps, detailed camp descriptions, and information is available at

www.trilogyculturalarts.org or call 913.254.4444 to register!

12480 S Blackbob Rd. Olathe KS, 66062

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         

   



surviving the

checkout lane

Y

ou made it to the grocery store and are almost done with your shopping when you are confronted with the most daunting obstacle: the checkout lane.

A bad experience in the checkout lane, accompanied by whining, dirty looks and disorganization, can derail an otherwise successful grocery shopping trip in a matter of seconds. Here are a few tips to get through those last few minutes of your shopping trip!

Kid Chaos Let’s be honest here. Most of what makes grocery shopping unpleasant is having to bring your kids along. Just getting through the store can be enough of a challenge, and then you have to face all of the candy and trinkets at the checkout lane that are conveniently placed right at their eye level.

To avoid an “I WANT CANDY!” meltdown, keep them busy! Have them help load all of the groceries onto the belt, let them hold the coupons, let them hand the frequent shopper card to the cashier. Older kids can even help bag the groceries. Distract them from the tempting goodies and make them feel like they are being helpers.

Impulse Buys Grocery stores are laid out by professionals who are trying to get you to spend more money. They know that people are prone to impulse buys and that is why they have an array of wonderful items sitting right there at the point of purchase.You throw them on the belt and don’t have time to reconsider. So how do you avoid buying junk you don’t need? Make your grocery list ahead of time and stick to it! If it’s not on the list, it’s not in the cart. Force yourself to never buy anything from the checkout lane…if you think you really need the item, go back to the regular aisles to get it. If it’s not worth that hassle, then it’s not worth buying.

Forgotten Items There is nothing worse than holding up the line while you have to run all the

Quick! Should you pick the line of two people with full carts or the line of three people with fewer items? Answer: Always get in the line with the fewest people, even if their carts are slightly fuller than the line with more people. Research shows it is almost always faster because the payment process takes so long for each customer.

way to the back of the store for a gallon of milk that you forgot. One way to avoid this is to have an organized grocery list. I make my lists according to my Price Chopper’s aisles so that I can just check off each item in order as I shop.You could even create a master grocery list on the computer, designed according to the store layout, and checkmark the items you need each week. Whatever works for you…just keep that list organized!

And taking one minute before you get in line to double check the list will save you the embarrassment of running through the store while everyone waits.

Long Lines Knowing when to hit the store is a big part of surviving the checkout lanes.

The best time to go to avoid crowds is midweek in the morning. However, if you don’t have the luxury of shopping during the day, shopping later in the evening is your next best bet (go after 9:00 p.m. for the shortest lines). Next, watch out for the chatty or slow checkers. Get to know your cashiers so you know who to go to when you need to get out fast and whose line to get in if you are in the mood for a chat.

Coupon Crazies You are guaranteed to be the recipient of dirty looks if you get to the

checkout lane and don’t have your coupons organized and ready to hand over. To avoid digging through your purse for that one coupon you thought you had, make sure you get organized before you go to the store.

When you make your list, put your coupons in order and separate them from the rest of your coupon stash. I use a coupon organizer that has a pocket for my next shopping trip, but you may want to use a separate envelope or even just a paperclip to keep the coupons together. As you shop, make sure that you are purchasing the correct items for each coupon so you can avoid the dreaded “beep” and set aside any coupons you decide not to use. That way you can hand over the whole stack and be confident that you will sail through the checkout.

Sara Keenan shops at her Brookside Price Chopper where her favorite way to avoid checkout line drama is to get to know the cashiers…they distract the kids with questions and conversation and make it all easier with their helpful smiles!

Follow Sara’s MOM BLOG each week at KCParent.com for great money saving shopping tips.

kcparent.com february 2012

35

time to

tango

tooth fairy? with the

I

tooth tales

Local dentists share some of the tooth fairy stories they’ve heard from patients.

I’ve had children do interesting things to get their loose teeth out so the tooth fairy would visit them sooner. One little girl ask her dad to tie a piece of floss to her tooth and the other end to a remote control car to help get the tooth out.

Apparently it worked like a charm!

Dr. Matt Hillman, Smiles Dentistry for Kids A patient told the story of when her oldest daughter, Kylar, had lost her third tooth: The tooth fairy had left a dollar under her pillow, but she had been sleeping on the floor for a few days. In the morning she ran downstairs yelling, “The tooth fairy left me a credit card!” I looked up to see her bounding down the stairs with my work credit card that I had been missing for the past three days. It must have fallen out of my pocket when I said good night at some point!

Dr. Michael Kemmling, Capstone Dentistry One morning my oldest told me he had a dream about the tooth fairy. He dreamt that the tooth fairy was a good friend of the family. To this day, we refer to our friend not by his name, but as “the tooth fairy”.

Susan, a patient of Dr. Hemberger, Pediatric Dentist

t seems like just days ago when I waited patiently for my son’s first little biters to erupt in his infant mouth. Those days somehow melted magically into years, and before I knew it, I could hear the Tooth Fairy fluttering about. So I wondered: what is developmentally normal when it comes to baby tooth loss, how does the toothobsessed fairy collect her pearly prizes, and what is the paying pixie’s going rate for a baby tooth these days?

Losing Baby Teeth

As with other stages of development, pediatric dentist Dr. Jill Jenkins of Jenkins & LeBlanc children’s dentistry in Johnson and Wyandotte counties, says it varies when a child begins to lose baby teeth. Generally, children lose their first tooth between the ages of 4 and 7, with teeth falling out in the order in which they first came in.

Should you yank a loose tooth? “Usually, the best policy is to let it come out on its own,” Jenkins says. “If the other tooth is coming in, parents can have their child suck on a popsicle to numb the gums and eat pizza crust, carrots or apples. If a tooth is wiggly and we’re not seeing the new tooth, letting your child work through it on his own is usually the easiest way and the least stressful way to go about it.”

Be sure to consult your child’s dentist if you have any concerns.

Enter the Tooth Fairy

That first loose tooth can cause anxiety for some children. Often, anxiety turns to excitement as children listen to tooth-loss stories exchanged among classmates and

In a 2011 survey conducted by VISA, the Tooth Fairy paid an average of $2.60 per tooth, down

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kcparent.com february 2012

40 cents from 2010.

anticipate the reward the Tooth Fairy leaves behind.

While the exact origin of the enigmatic Tooth Fairy is steeped in mystery, historically the loss of baby teeth is an important rite of passage.

The earliest known written records regarding baby teeth date from northern Europe and describe a tann-fe, or tooth fee, in which money was paid for a baby tooth. In the Middle Ages, Europeans fearing that witches could curse their children if they acquired their baby teeth, buried the teeth in the ground. The Vikings wore baby teeth as jewelry, considering them good luck talismans in battle. Other cultures fed the teeth to animals, believing the adult tooth would resemble the animal’s powerful, strong teeth.

Today, countries all over the world continue to mark the loss of baby teeth with various customs. In Spain, France, Italy and Mexico, for example, the Tooth Fairy appears as a small white mouse or rat, symbolic because rodents have strong teeth that never stop growing. In Sweden, the baby tooth is placed in a glass of water where it is mysteriously replaced overnight with coins. It is customary in much of the Middle East for baby teeth to be thrown toward the sun, and in Asia, onto the roof.

The Tooth Fairy as many of us know her, appeared in the United States in the early 1900s.

Cups, Pillows, Pockets and Doors

The Tooth Fairy isn’t picky about how she collects baby teeth. Lori Poland, Olathe, grew up placing her baby teeth in a clear glass of water on her nightstand. She says she loved fishing a wet $2 bill out of the cup the next morning, setting it out to dry and storing it in her memory box.

Although a tooth placed in a plastic zip-lock bag or envelope tucked under the pillow should do the trick, many parents opt for a Tooth Fairy pillow or pouch for their youngster.

Retailers offer an assortment of pillows, or you can try making your own.

Scrapbook extraordinaire Monica Bradford, Lee’s Summit, designed a Tooth Fairy pocket for her 6-year-old son when he lost his first tooth. “He placed his tooth in the pocket, hung it on his bedpost and woke up to find $2 for his first tooth,” she says. For instructions on making your own Tooth Fairy pocket, visit Bradford’s blog at ScrapInspired.com.

Cathy Green, Olathe mom of three, says the Tooth Fairy enters their home through a small ceramic door that Green’s step-mother designed. The door is outside the kids’ bedrooms. After collecting the tooth from a small box under the child’s pillow, the Tooth Fairy replaces the tooth with her reward and leaves the box next to the tiny door.

book review Throw Your Tooth on the Roof: Tooth Traditions from Around the World Travel around the world and discover the surprising things children do when they lose a tooth. Selby B. Beeler spent years collecting traditions from every corner of the globe for this whimsical book, and G. Brian Karas adds to the fun, filling every page with humorous detail. He perfectly captures the excitement and pride that children experience when a tooth falls out. Amazon.com

The Going Rate

Evidently, the economy impacts the Tooth Fairy’s pocketbook, too. In a 2011 survey conducted by VISA, the Tooth Fairy paid an average of $2.60 per tooth, down 40 cents from 2010.

Nicole Wohlgemuth, Kansas City, MO, says that the Tooth Fairy left her daughter a toy for her first tooth and a dollar for each additional tooth. “I think the dollar would have been more exciting,” Wohlgemuth says. “I don’t think she even knows where that toy is anymore.”

Beth Foster, Olathe, also reported that the Tooth Fairy typically pays $1 per tooth, although her lucky daughter Logan, 6, discovered a $5 payout under her pillow for her fifth tooth. “This is a Foster tradition and I’ve been assured the good old fairy does not leave $10 for the tenth,” Foster says.

What Does the Tooth Fairy Do with Those Teeth?

Legend says that the Tooth Fairy tosses the teeth up to the sky and they become stars.

Naturally, many theories exist. Foster’s daughter Logan says, “The fairy uses her wand to shrink the teeth to a very small size so she can carry them in a bag with her from house to house. She then takes the teeth to Santa so he can use them to make toys.”

Whatever she does with them, the Tooth Fairy marks each tooth lost and adulthood’s growing footholds on our kids. It’s no wonder that through the ages we’ve found ways to mark this stage in our kids’ lives, which seems as fleeting as the Tooth Fairy herself.

Somewhat saddened by the loss of her son’s first tooth, writer Christa Melnyk Hines cheered upon seeing the gold coin glittering with fairy dust placed neatly under her son’s pillow.

We asked KC Parent’s Facebook Fans, what’s the going rate for the Tooth Fairy in your home?

78%

$1 or less

14% $2-$5

8%

Forget the cash, the Tooth Fairy brings presents! kcparent.com february 2012

37

getting your tween (and teen) to talk LISTEN. This is the single most important part of helping your kids open up. Don’t talk, listen. Reflect back what they’re saying so they know you understand, and then stay silent so they can talk more.

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R

emember those toddler and preschool days when your child began talking your ear off and asking questions nonstop? Or the days when you wished you had earplugs in order to get a few minutes of peace and quiet? Now, as a parent to a tween or pretween, you probably wish you had a little bit of that back. Right?

Somewhere during the elementary school years, our children begin to talk less, and those who were already quiet to begin with may become complete introverts. Why? Because the pretween and tween years, like all of the earlier years, come with stages. This is the stage in your child’s life when talking to Mom or Dad might be the last thing on her mind. The good news is there are strategies to get your child talking again, and the more they get used to it, the more natural it will become.

When your child is 8 or older, listen for their conversation openers. When you hear one, drop everything you’re doing and respond. It’s hard to do sometimes, but experts say it’s a very

important step in letting your child know that he can count on you to talk when he needs you.

Teens who feel that other things are more important to their parents tend to look elsewhere when they’re emotionally needy.

Olathe mom Torie Clarke says if you start early, you’re off to a good start. “From my perspective, you start talking to your kids when they’re newborn about everything and anything.

Start early, and you’re good to go. Both of my teens talk to me a lot,” she says.

Ask nonjudgmental questions. Ask questions such as “Who did you sit with at lunch today?” or “What was the best thing about school today?” Avoid the “Why?” questions, which make kids defensive. Instead of “Why are you wearing that?” ask “What do you think your friends will wear to the game tonight?”

Don’t give immediate solutions or advice. Your child needs a chance to vent and figure out his own solutions. This is how he develops confidence and competence. By jumping in with your own solutions, you make him feel incompetent. As a parent, it’s hard, but by helping him brainstorm solutions instead, you’ll be more useful for talking to and he will much more likely seek you out when he has a problem.

“I’ve always been super open about everything – appropriate information at appropriate ages – but I never really allowed the drama,” Clarke says. “If one of my daughters would throw a hissy fit about something, I’d listen for a while, but I’d tell her to go to her room until she could talk to me. And then we could find a solution together. Let them vent; then get rational. It works every time.”

Connect with your child alone every day. And do this with each one of your children! Whether you’re hanging out on the couch snuggling and sharing about your day or sitting at the kitchen table sipping hot cocoa, be sure to chat. Don’t expect your son or daughter to invite closeness and personal topics each time you’re together. But with regular time together like this, it will happen.

For Liberty stepmom Reagan Tesar, getting her tween stepson to open up to her hasn’t always been easy, but opening up to his father has never been a problem.

“My stepson, Joe, has always been quiet and reserved. He’s always talked more to his dad than to me since I’m the stepmom, but lately he’s really opened up to me,” she says. “He used to have times where he was very quiet. We learned he had a conflict between liking me and hurting his mom. He was afraid that if he liked me, he’d upset his mom. He never wanted to discuss it with me around, so I would either leave to run errands or encourage my husband to take him out for father-son time so they could talk openly.”

Whether it’s father-son, father-daughter, mother-son or mother-daughter time, be sure to take advantage of this “special time” together often. Dad might take his daughter to lunch on Saturdays or play basketball with his son every Wednesday. Mom might spend her special time with her son during drives to band practice in the evenings or take her daughter out shopping every Sunday. Whatever the “special time” might be, make sure you do this with each child individually. It’s one-on-one times like these when your children look forward to bringing up what might be bothering them.

Stay available. Young children have no trouble talking, so try asking questions while in the car together or while they’re working on an art project or building a block tower. In fact, join in on the fun! Add blocks to the tower or color in the coloring book with them. This creates more connection and more likelihood they’ll open up to you. With older kids, nothing will make them clam up faster than pressing them to talk. Just being there in proximity will help, as will stating your availability. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me” or “I’m running to the store, but please call my cell phone if you need me.”

“Have patience and don’t give up. It’s been a long road, but Joe and I have a really good relationship now,” Tesar says. “I let him know that I’m just another person in his life to love him and be there for him. Time truly does make it all better.”

5 Tips to Getting Tweens to Talk a Ask nonjudgmental questions. a Don’t give immediate solutions or advice. a Connect with your child alone every day. a Take advantage of “special time” together. a Stay available.

Kansas City mom Gina Klein is a writer and photographer who is blessed with two little girls and hopes that they’ll always feel comfortable confiding in her. kcparent.com february 2012

39

february

Over 200 events and thousands more at

CALENDAR

KCPare

nt.com

11.

Laura’s Legacy Feb. 11, 10:00-Noon Ernie Miller Nature Center Celebrate the birthday of Laura Ingalls Wilder, early Kansas pioneer. Participants will make a rag doll, experience lessons from an 1800’s school and hear music from the time period. Ages 5 and up.

Pre-reg. at 913.764.7759. $7-$8/person.

ErnieMiller.com

24.

Kids Team Up for Art Feb. 18, 9:30-2:30 Westport Presbyterian Church Children in kindergarten through eighth grade are encouraged to tap their creative energies and create masterpieces at the Westport Center for the Arts Team Up for Art event. FREE. Pre-reg. at WestportCenterForTheArts.org.

The Fresh Beat Band Feb. 24, 5:00 The Midland Dance and sing along with the band you love when they perform live in concert! Marina, Kiki, Twist and Shout are the Fresh Beats--four best friends in a band who love to sing and dance. Tickets are $29.50-$37.50.

1.800.745.3000

Find out how much more winter we’ll have on Groundhog Day.

February is the time to...

Clean out your computer on Feb. 13, Nat’l Clean Your Computer Day. Do a good deed on Feb. 17, Random Acts of Kindness Day. Enjoy citrus while in season during Nat’l Grapefruit Month.

Head to the zoo to visit Nikita on Feb. 27, Polar Bear Day.

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

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kcparent.com february 2012

!

1

WEDNESDAY

Dinosaurs and Fossils Thru Feb 29, 9:00, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Step back in time at the traveling paleontology exhibit.

816.781.8598 Open Play Area 9:30, Stanley Presbyterian Church. Every Wednesday is open play! Enjoy many fun toys to play with, and feel free to bring your own as well. 913.681.8180 Stories for Ones 9:30, Waldo Library. Bring your 1-year-old to a story time geared toward this age group. 816.701.3486 Tiny Tot Skate 9:30, Skate City. Kids ages 2-6 can skate for just $5 from 9:30 to 11:00. Includes skates, snack and a drink. 913.888.6668 The Wrestling Season Thru Feb 19, 10:00, Coterie Theater, Crown Center. Eight teens struggle with how others see them and with the destructive power of rumors. 816.474.6552 Doo Dad Mike 10:00, Johnson County Museum.

Enjoy family entertainment in this high-energy rock concert. $3/child, $2/members. 913.715.2552 Family Story Time 10:00, Edgerton Library. All ages are welcome in this family-friendly story time.

Hear a story and make a craft. 816.790.3569 Strega Nona Puppet Show Thru Feb 19, 10:00, Paul Mesner Puppet Studio. A hilarious Italian folk tale your kids won’t soon forget. Use KCP’s exclusive ‘buy 1 adult get 1 child free’ coupon on pg 13. 816.756.3500 Animal Tales 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center.

Join us for this listen and learn activity for children ages 2-6 as we learn about birds. 913.764.7759 Groundhog Day 2:30, Boardwalk Library.

Homeschoolers are invited to look at the history and fun behind a strange American holiday.

816.741.9011

Dance daddy & daughter

with special guest cinderella

ONLY A FEW TICKETS AVAILABLE for 2/17 & 2/18!

Friday, February 17, 2012, 6-9 pm and saturday, february 18, 2012, 6-9 pm Providence Community Church 10113 Lenexa Drive 913.307.0710 www.providencecommunitychurch.net

all inclusive:

price includes jack stack dinner for dads and chick-fil-a for the girls, photo with cinderella and flower. $60 per couple ($10 for each additional child). no tickets will be sold at the door.

All net proceeds will be donated to Providence Community Church’s partnership with the Forest Avenue Family Shelter in Kansas City.

space is limited. tickets must be purchased in advance.

Miller Marley School of Dance & Voice

Black History Month Kick Off 6:00, Garrison Community Center. Join us for a quiz show and test your knowledge on events during and after slavery.

816.784.1140 Family Fun Night Skate 6:30, Landmark Skate.

Every Wednesday evening, skate for only $3.75.

Family of 4 is only $12. 816.524.2000

2

THURSDAY

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Community Center. Kids ages 4 and under can climb, ride and bounce for $2 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 913.322.5550 Groundhog Day Celebration 10:00, George Owens Nature Park. Celebrate the end of winter by participating in fun groundhog activities.

816.325.7843

ce a l p at ent e l r a g t A ur o y w o r g to

10448 Mastin Overland Park, Kansas 66212 913-492-0004 www.millermarley.com kcparent.com february 2012

41

Starlight presents Aladdin at The Kauffman Center Feb. 3-5

African Americans on the trails in mid-19th century America. 816.325.7575

4

Family Science Night 5:30, KC Zoo. This night of family fun features a kaleidoscope of colors! Free for the whole family. 816.513.5800

Kid’s Workshop: Keepsake Box 9:00, Home Depot. Free workshop for kids 5-12! Come join the fun and create something unique!

HomeImproverClub.com

Tom Sawyer Thru Feb 12, 7:00, Spencer Theatre.

The KC Repertory presents this classic coming-ofage story that will fire the imaginations of young and old alike. 816.235.2700 All in the Timing Thru Sat, 7:30, Rose Theatre at Rockhurst High School. View a collection of one-act plays which employ word plays. 816.363.2036

3

FRIDAY

Toddler Takeover 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring your little ones under age 4 to run and play in the gym Mon, Wed & Fri. $1.

816.784.6100 Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Every Thursday, preschoolers can bowl for just $3. Includes shoe rental and a small drink.

913.432.7000 Heartland Winter Games Today & tomorrow, Snow Creek. The Special Olympics Winter Games are here! Come out for some great skiing fun!

SkiSnowCreek.com

Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint Glaze & Fire. Kids can listen to a story while painting a piece of pottery. Staff will be on hand to help. 913.661.2529 Kaplan ACT Practice Test 2:00, Riverside Library.

Offering a free 3 ½-hour practice ACT test covering math, English, reading and science reasoning.

816.741.6288

5.10.15

African Americans in the West 2:00, National FEB Trails 2012 Proof Frontier Museum.

Explore the lives of several

Disney’s Aladdin 7:00 Thru Sun, 4:30, Kauffman Center. Enjoy this Disney hit filled with magic, mayhem and flying carpet rides. 816.363.7827.

5% 10% 15% SALE from February 1 - February 12, 2012 purchase up to $499 save 5% on your furniture

$500-$1499 save 10% on furniture

over $1500 save 15% 2012 Cutest Nursery Contest!

See our USA Baby Kansas City Facebook page to find out how to win a $100 USA Baby gift card!

7275 W 105th Street • OP, KS 66212 • 913.962.1503 • usababyks.com

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kcparent.com february 2012

SATURDAY

Free Family Sessions 9:40, Hallmark’s Kaleidoscope. Children choose from the wide variety of art materials in these 40-minute art sessions. 816.274.8300 Breakfast with the Beasts 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Eat breakfast with the beasts, do crafts and enjoy face painting. 816.513.8960 Cupid’s Gems 10:00, Lenexa Conference Center. The annual Cupid’s Gems jewelry show is sponsored by Lenexa Parks and Recreation Department. 913.477.7100 Winter on the Farm 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Help with winter farm activities such as soap and sausage making and much more.

913.971.5111 Animal Tales & Trails Grand Opening Thru April 29, 10:00, Crown Center. Enter an interactive habitat where children learn about the most interesting creatures. 816.274.8444 Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Each Saturday morning, children hear a story, do a craft and learn about the animal of the month. 816.513.8960

Show-Me Critters 10:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Learn about critters during the coldest time of the year. 816.759.7300 The Roasterie Factory Tour 10:00, the Roasterie.

Learn all about our cupping, roasting and blending process. 816.931.4000 Disney’s Aladdin 1:00, 3:30 & 7:00, The Kauffman Center. Enjoy this Disney hit filled with magic and flying carpet rides. 816.363.7827 Special Needs Parents’ Night Out 5:30, Legacy Christian Church. A free monthly PNO with fun activities and one-on-one care. Olathe and OP locations. 913.962.5271 Missouri Rhythm Basketball Game vs NE Ark 7:00, First Baptist Church of Raytown. Support Kansas City’s professional basketball team tonight!

RhythmNationHoops.com

5

You can donate to the Children’s Trust Fund through your tax form to help children and families all over Missouri.

SUNDAY

First Sunday Family Fun Day 10:00, KC Museum. Families can have fun while also enjoying an exceptional learning experience together.

816.483.8300 ’50s Skate Night 7:00, B&D Skating Rink.

“Oldies” skate sessions only cost 50 cents to get in, and only 50 cents to rent skates! 816.252.1084 Gospel Skate 7:00, Skate World. First Sunday of every month, skate to Gospel music. $6/skater, $1.50/skate rental. 913.262.0711

6

MONDAY

Online Registration LSGSA provides softball for girls pre-k through high school. Sign up your athlete online today! Deadline is Feb 25. LSGSA.org Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while you enjoy a coffee break. 913.393.3000 Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center.

Children ages 5 and under are invited to run, ride and play while making new friends every Mon and Wed! 913.541.0209 Toddler Time 10:00, RFCC in Leavenworth. The gym is available for kids to experience some exercise while making new friends. 913.651.2132 Moms Free Monday 10:00, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission every Monday!

816.246.5224 Preschool Story Time 11:00, Blue Springs South Library. Children ages 3-6 can come for stories, crafts and games. 816.229.3571

7

TUESDAY

Toddle Time 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community kcparent.com february 2012

43

Fancy Nancy Heart to Heart on Feb. 11

Story Time 10:00, Plaza Library. Every Tuesday, enjoy stories, games, songs, crafts and simple puzzles for young children. 816.701.3481 Book Club 11:00, Pottery Barn Kids (Country Club Plaza). Every Tuesday, join us for reading, coloring and snacks. 816.561.8140 Preschoolers Story Time 11:00, Bonner Springs Library. Our story times feature a letter from the alphabet, stories, songs and craft. 913.441.2665

Stories for Ones 9:30, Waldo Library. Bring your 1-year-old to a story time geared toward this age group. 816.701.3486

Breastfeeding Support Group 1:00, Olathe Medical Center. Our lactation consultant will be on hand to answer questions and provide support.

913.791.4200

Tiny Tot Skate 9:30, Skate City. Every Wednesday, children ages 2-6 can skate for just $5. Includes skates, snack and drink. 913.888.6668

Family Night Roller Skating 6:30, River Roll Skating Rink. Every Tuesday night, skating is just $4. Bring the whole family! 816.587.0131

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Community Center. Bring your little ones to play with riding toys, balls, scooters and more!

913.322.5550

Conservation Kids Club 6:30, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Learn about the scientific method and unlock amazing scientific mysteries. Ages 7-13. Pre-reg. 816.228.2766 Grader Scholarly Scoop 7:00, Brookridge Day School. Learn about the grade school program, curricula and meet the faculty. 913.649.2228

JUST WHAT YOU WANT THE BEST WEEKEND PLANNER FOR FAMILY FUN IN KC! Join the 14,000 people who already enjoy our FREE weekly eNews. Subscribe today at KCParent.com.

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kcparent.com february 2012

WEDNESDAY

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

Join us for activities designed especially for your 9-month- to 3-year-olds. $1/child, members free.

913.715.2552

Family Night 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Enjoy indoor play especially for little ones on Tuesdays & Fridays. $6/child, $4/crawler. 913.631.7000

Center. Fun and enriching open playtime for ages 5 and under. $1-$2/child. 913.895.6390

8

Story Time 10:00, Barnes & Noble (Oak Park Mall). Children can hear a story and sing songs.

913.492.8187 Little Acorns 10:00 & 1:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Learn about nature and make your own work of art to display in the nature center.

816.228.2766 Strega Nona Puppet Show! Thru Sun, 10:00, Paul Mesner Puppet Studio. A hilarious Italian folk tale your kids won’t soon forget. Use KCP’s exclusive ‘buy 1 adult get 1 child free’ coupon on pg 13. 816.756.3500 Breastfeeding Support Group 1:00, Liberty Hospital Education Center. Hosted by a lactation consultant who can support and guide you.

816.781.7200

Manners Please 2:30, Maple Room (Leawood Community Center). Your preschooler will learn common courtesies and basic manners in a fun and creative way. Leawood.org

FREE | 1–4 p.m.

Everything Is Green Painting 4:00, Paint Glaze & Fire. Enjoy an afternoon with helpful staff, step-bystep instructions and time to create! 913.661.2529

9

THURSDAY

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Community Center. Kids ages 4 and under can climb, ride and bounce for $2 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 913.322.5550 Kindergarten Round-Up 9:45, Heritage Christian Academy. Meet our teachers, see the school and classroom and ask questions you might have. Prereg. 913.681.7622 Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Every Thursday, preschoolers can bowl for just $3. Includes shoe rental and a small drink.

913.432.7000 African Americans in the West 2:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. Explore the lives of several African Americans on the trails in mid-19th century America. 816.325.7575 Friends and Family Night 4:00, Paradise Park.

With a special invite or as a Facebook fan, receive discount or free attractions on this exclusive night.

816.246.5224 Home Alone Basics 5:30, Maple Room (Leawood Comm Ctr). Feel confident and safe when staying at home by yourself. Ages 9-13. Leawood.org Alice: A Wonderfull New Musical Thru Sun, 7:00, YouthFront Auditorium. Crazy characters and special effects give this show a taste like no other.

CYT presents. 913.681.3318 Mulan Thru Sun, 7:00, MidAmerica Nazarene Bell Cultural Events Center. Travel to ancient China with this action-packed stage adaptation of Disney’s Mulan. CYT presents. 913.681.3318

10

FRIDAY

Animal Valentines 10:00, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Learn about the types of Valentines animals give each other!

816.781.8598 Pint-Size Valentine 10:00, Harris Park Community Center. Dress in red and join us for games, crafts and snacks. 816.969.1540 Fun Friday Book & Cook 11:00, Bonner Springs Library. Join us for a special Valentine’s Day story and make a sweetheart snack. 913.441.2665 YMCA Kids’ Night Out 5:00 (Paul Henson) & 6:00 (Atchison and Blue Springs). Kids enjoy dinner, games, swimming and more while you have a night out! KansasCityYMCA.org

Feb 11 & 12 Learn about dragons in the newly re-installed Ancient Chinese galleries

Feb 25 & 26 Beadwork demonstrations

by Haskell Indian Nations University students 45th & Oak, Kansas City, Missouri | 816.751.1ART | nelson-atkins.org NelsonAtkins KC parent Feb12.FIN.indd 1

1/12/12 4:47 PM

Does your child have a language delay?

Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar Development in Preschoolers with Specific Language Delay

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does the way children learn grammar depend on how adults talk to them?

BENEFITS

Caregivers receive a summary of all testing for their child and are Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar Developmen compensated for costs of each trip to KUMC. Children receiveLanguage a gift in Preschoolers with Specific Delay card good for new books.

PURPOSE

BENEFITS

Caregivers receive a summary of WHO QUALIFIES?

To study the effects of adult speech on grammatical development of Children 4 and preschoolers with language delay.

testing for their child, whether or n 5 years old with the child qualifies for the study. developmental delays that appear to WHO QUALIFIES? be specific to language. CAREGIVER Children 4 and 5 years old with RESPONSIBILITIES

developmental delays that appear to be specific to language.

Bring your child to KUMC for up

evaluations of you CAREGIVER 4 preliminary child’s communication skills.

Attend 10 sessions RESPONSIBILITIESat KUMCstudy or at home.

Bring your child to KUMC for up to 5 preliminary of yourDevelopment Effects of Adult Speech evaluations on Grammar child’sContact: communication skills.

Dr. Marc E. Fey Attend 10 & study sessions KUMC or atCenter Hearing Speech Dept. •atKU Medical (913) home.588-0574 • mfey@kumc.edu

or visit our website alliedhealth.kumc.edu/school/research/fey Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar Development

Contact: Dr. Marc E. Fey Hearing & Speech Dept. • KU Medical Center (913) 588-0574 • mfey@kumc.edu or visit our website alliedhealth.kumc.edu/school/research/fey kcparent.com february 2012

45

Daddy & Daughter Dance on Feb. 17 & 18

for dinner, activities and fun while you and your Valentine have a night out! 913.764.7759 Mother/Son/Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s Dance 6:00, Brush Creek Community Center. Bring your daughter or son for a special night out with games and activities. 816.784.4009 Parents’ Night Out 6:30, Paint Glaze & Fire. Drop the kids off for paint, pottery, pizza and fun while you have a night out! 913.661.2529 CYT Presents Mulan Thru Sun, 7:00, Bell Cultural Events Center. Travel back to ancient China with our adaptation of Disney’s Mulan. A CYT performance.

913.681.3318 The Color Purple 8:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC). This talent-filled production is about hope and the healing power of love. 913.469.8500

11

SATURDAY

Red, Black and Green Ball 6:00, Garrison Community Center. Wear one of these colors to our formal event celebrating Black History Month.

816.784.1140

Valentine’s Day 9:00, Paradise Park. The Children’s Edutainment Center will feature a full week of Valentine’s themed fun. 816.246.5224

Father Daughter Valentine’s Dance 6:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Enjoy dinner and dancing with your special princess. $25-30/couple.

913.895.6390

Valentine’s Day Treats 9:30, Shawnee Civic Centre. Create a painting on a quality canvas board, which is easily framed to be treasured forever.

913.631.5200

Kids’ Night In, Parents’ Night Out 6:00, Roeland Park Community Center. Drop the kids off

Babysitter Safety Class 9:30, Olathe. For ages 11-15, this class is about home safety, caring for

infants and children and first aid. 913.791.4312 Free Family Sessions 9:40, Hallmark’s Kaleidoscope. Children choose from the wide variety of art materials in this 40-minute art experience. 816.274.8300 Let’s Meet in Leavenworth & Fall in Love 10:00, Historic Downtown Leavenworth. Valentine’s Day activities and special shopping! 913.682.3924 Laura’s Legacy 10:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Celebrate Laura’s birthday with time period activities, stories, refreshments and music.

913.764.7759 Fancy Nancy Heart to Heart 10:00, Riverside Library. Join Dawnna Morris as we follow the clues to find out who is Fancy Nancy’s Valentine.

816.741.6288 Naturally from the Heart 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Make your own Valentine’s card with beautiful nature materials we provide.

816.228.2766 Second Saturdays 10:00, Grinter Place. Honor the Grinter Place heritage of cooking on the wood stove through traditional recipes and demonstrations.

913.299.0373 Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Children of all ages can hear a story, learn about the animal of the month and make a craft.

816.513.8960

BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN KC Museum Exhibits Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art 4525 Oak St., KCMO 816.751.1ART (816.751.1278) Nelson-Atkins.org African Art Collection: The African collection comprises approximately 300 objects that are diverse in form and in media.

Black Archives of Mid-America 2033 Vine, KCMO 816.483.1300 BlackArchives.org Collections featuring paintings, sculptures and writings by black artists. Archive of information on local writers, musicians and leaders in Kansas City.

Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center 3700 Blue Pkwy., KCMO 816.513.0700 KCMO.org This museum is a tribute to the legacy of Kansas City’s early African-American pioneers, portraying the artistic, cultural and social history of the AfricanAmerican experience.

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kcparent.com february 2012

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum 1616 E. 18th St., KCMO 816.221.1920 NLBM.com Museum dedicated to the history of Negro Leagues Baseball, with interactive exhibits for all ages.

important role in our nation’s history. These fun and informative stories tell about the obstacles the inventors faced and their determination to never give up on their dreams. MyMCPL.org

Black History Month Events: 2012

Black Cowboy in the Old West: Feb. 18-25 at Theatre for Young America Danny Cox joins with TYA artistic director Gene Mackey to create a new musical about the colorful late nineteenth century black cowboys of the United States. This play commemorates their history and celebrates their contributions to the Old West.

George Washington Carver Display: Feb. 2012 at the Red Bridge Library This display is made up of documents from the holdings of both the Central Plains Region and D.C. National Archives.

MyMCPL.org Songs of the Black Pioneers: Feb. 9, 7:00-9:00, at the Platte City Library Through this interactive and musical event, explore the significant contributions of individuals the likes of the first African American female to fly in space, the first explorer to the top of the world, the 44th President of the United States and many more. MyMCPL.org African American Inventors: Feb. 11, 2:00-3:00, at the Blue Ridge Library From Elijah McCoy to Madam C.J. Walker to George Washington Carver, African American inventors have played an

Celebrating Black History: Feb. 25, 2:00-3:00, at the Red Bridge Library Black History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions African Americans have made to our country’s culture. Make a craft to learn that although we may be different shapes and colors, we are all important.

Family Fun Day Today & tomorrow, 1:00, NelsonAtkins Museum of Art. Enjoy informal looking and hands-on activities in the galleries. 816.751.1278

Win four tickets to Disney on Ice Treasure Trove March 21-25 ($100 value!) See pg. 49 for details.

Frozen Charlotte 2:00, the Barn at Alexander 1 child free’ coupon. 816.756.3500 Majors House. The Toy and Miniature Museum partners up with this interactive family program.

CYT Presents Alice and Mulan 2:00, 913.322.9498 Win four YouthFront tickets toAuditorium Disney’s newest (Alice) & Bell Cultural Events Ctr (Mulan).

Two great show opportunities! skating spectacular on March 21-25 YMCA Kids’ Night Out 5:00 (Independence, Platte 913.681.3318 at the Sprint Center featuring your County North and South, Prov/Ball), 5:30 (Miami County) & 6:00 (Richard C Green, Sr). Kids enjoy favorite princesses plus special Coterie Theatre: Dramatic Story Time 2:00, dinner, games, swimming and more while you haveguests Rapunzel & Flynn.

Plaza Library. The Coterie presents a monthly a night out! KansasCityYMCA.org Contest ends March 9. interactive story time. 816.701.3481

12

SUNDAY

Enter at KCParent.com

Teddy Bear Clinic and “Leap Year” 10:00, KC Zoo. Our clinic is ready to fluff, stuff and stitch your beloved fuzzy friends back to good condition!

816.513.5800 Family Fun Hike 1:00, Powell Gardens. Ages 5+ can get outside and get moving for fun and fitness on our 1-mile hike. No strollers or wheelchairs.

816.697.2600 x209 Teddy Bear Tea 1:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Dress in your best and bring your favorite doll or stuffed animal to enjoy tea and activities. 913.971.5111 Strega Nona Puppet Show 2:00, Paul Mesner Puppet Studio. Use KCP’s exclusive ‘buy 1 adult get

13 MONDAY Stroller Time! 9:00, Harris Park Community Center. Every other Monday thru April, bring your stroller and kiddos to walk off the winter chills. $3/ person. 816.969.1540 Moms Free Monday 10:00, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 Kidscape 10:00, Johnson County Museum. A hands-on suburban streetscape for kids to explore community. 913.715.2550 The Ice 11:00, Park Place. This is the last day of the season to enjoy skating at Park Place. Grab your friends and head out to The Ice. 913.663.2070

Valentine Workshop 1:00, Prairie Village Community Center. Create special Valentine presents that loved ones will cherish. $7-8.

913.826.3163

14

TUESDAY: VALENTINE’S DAY

Toddle Time 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Fun and enriching open playtime for ages 5 and under. $1-$2/child. 913.895.6390 Story Time 10:00, Plaza Library. Every Tuesday, enjoy stories, games, songs, crafts and simple puzzles for young children. 816.701.3481 Book Club at Pottery Barn Kids 11:00, Pottery Barn Kids. Join us every Tuesday for reading, coloring and snacks! 816.561.8140 Family Night 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Enjoy indoor play especially for little ones on Tuesdays & Fridays. $6/child, $4/crawler. 913.631.7000 Two-For-One Tuesday 5:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace. Pay one full price admission and get a second for free! 816.274.8411 Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Dance 6:00,

kcparent.com february 2012

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Garrison Community Center. Ages 7-17 can attend a free dance with music, fun, games and refreshments. 816.784.1140 Family Night Roller Skating 6:30, River Roll Skating Rink. Every Tuesday night, bring the whole family to skate for just $4! 816.587.0131

15

WEDNESDAY

Tiny Tot Skate 9:30, Skate City. Join us for our special time designated for tots ages 2-6 every Wednesday. $5/child includes skates, snack and a drink. 913.888.6668 Jo Ho Storyteller 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Today’s theme is “PJs and Plushables!”

Drop in for a free story time today! 913.715.2552 Strega Nona Puppet Show Thru Feb 19, 10:00, Paul Mesner Puppet Studio. A hilarious Italian folk tale your kids won’t soon forget. Use KCP’s exclusive ‘buy 1 adult get 1 child free’ coupon on pg 13. 816.756.3500 Weekly Children’s Story Time 10:00, Barnes & Noble (Oak Park). We’ll read new release picture books and the classics! Suitable for ages 2 to 5.

913.492.8187 Animal Tales 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center.

Join us for our listen and learn activity about bugs for children ages 2 to 6. $2/person. 913.764.7759

Breastfeeding Support Group 1:00, Liberty Hospital Education Center. Hosted by a lactation consultant who can support and guide you.

816.781.7200 First Aid Class 6:00, Harris Park Community Center. Ages 15+ can learn skills such as management of bleeding, shock, burns, head/neck and medical emergencies. 816.969.1500 Family Fun Night Skate! 6:30, Landmark Skate.

Every Wednesday evening, skating fun is just $3.75 with free skate rentals! 816.524.2000

16

THURSDAY

Activity Day 9:00, McCracken’s Gymnastics.

Activity-based program for preschoolers while you run some errands or just enjoy some alone time.

913.782.8555 Elementary Open House 9:00, Heritage Christian Academy. Take a tour of the school, see our classrooms and meet your child’s teachers. Prereg. 913.681.7622 Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Community Center. Kids ages 4 and under can climb, ride and bounce for $2 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 913.322.5550 Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while you enjoy a coffee break. 913.393.3000

Preschool Story Time 10:30, Boardwalk Library.

Join our staff for this special time of reading and story time. 816.741.9011 Toddler Story Time 11:00, Lee’s Summit Library.

Stories, music and movement are all different facets in this free story time. 816.524.0567 Fiddlers, Singers and Pickers 6:00, Heritage Center (Leavenworth). Hear fantastic and talented musicians as they entertain you with their abilities.

913.682.4113 Baby Basics Class 6:30, OP Regional Medical Ctr. This class is designed to help Mom and Dad feel comfortable bringing home the newest addition.

HealthyArrivals.org

17 FRIDAY Toddler Takeover 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring your little ones under age 4 to run and play in the gym Mon, Wed & Fri. $1.

816.784.6100 Open Basketball 4:00-6:00, Garrison Community Center. Youth ages 17 and under can play pick-up basketball games for free. 816.784.1140 Englewood Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Shopping District. Seven galleries of art to see!

Refreshments served at Stone Bridge Coffee House. 816.252.3372

HISTORIC MUSEUMS IN KC

Modern museum curators have come to realize that no one will ever discover the treasures behind their doors if they fail to create a place that is engaging and inviting. As a result, today’s museums are interactive, imaginative, educational AND entertaining… but many families are still missing out because they haven’t imagined the many exciting secrets that lie within. Kansas City is home to many marvelous museums that engage visitors of all ages with hands-on exhibits and interpretive programs. Our area is so rich with fantastic historic sites that it is simply impossible to mention them all, but these are a few of our favorites that you might consider for your next family adventure!

Missouri Town 1855 (8010 E. Park Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO, 816.503.4860). Missouri Town is an 1850s village comprising homes, businesses and buildings from the towns of western Missouri, all situated on 30 acres of land.

Shoal Creek Mahaffie Stagecoach John Wornall House Living History Museum Stop and Farm (1200 Museum (6115 Wornall Kansas City Rd., Olathe, Rd., KCMO, 816.444.1858). (7000 NE Barry Rd., KCMO, 816.792.2655). This small KS, 913.971.5111). MaSee firsthand how Kansas village and living hishaffie offers wonderful City’s wealthiest founding tory museum showcase interpretive programs all citizens lived and discover life of the 1800s through year, with activities rang- the history of the 1850s on ing from blacksmithing to a Touch & Feel Tour. Check programs at a one-room school where children concerts and cooking. the calendar for hearth participate in pioneer But our favorites are the cooking demonstrations lessons, a working mill, stagecoach rides and where ladies prepare sleigh rides offered on authentic 1850s meals over a historic jail, blacksmith shop & doctor’s office. snow days! a wood-burning fire.

Truman Presidential Museum & Library (500 W. US Hwy. 24, Independence, MO, 816.268.8200). Our area is home to one of only 10 U.S. presidential libraries. Two exhibits on the Truman presidency will help you learn about this amazing man who became our 33rd president.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. For MANY more museums to visit in KC, visit KCGoingPlaces.com

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3rd Friday Open Play Gym 5:30, Gymboree Play and Music (Parkville). Children birth-5 years old. $7 and $5 siblings. 816.505.3344 Daddy & Daughter Dance Today & tomorrow, 6:00, Providence Community Church. Evening includes Jack Stack for dads and Chick-Fil-A for daughters. 913.307.0710 The Doo Dads Perform 6:00, the Record Bar. Kidfriendly rock & roll at KC’s coolest rock & roll venue.

Kids free, $5/adults. TheDooDads.com Parents’ Night Out 6:30, McCracken’s Gymnastics. Children will participate in group games and fitness activities in the gym. Pizza and drink included. 913.782.8555 Winter Jam 7:00, Sprint Center. Get your tickets to attend Christian music’s largest annual tour.

SprintCenter.com Romeo & Juliet: A Ballet Thru Sun, 7:30, Muriel Kauffman Theatre. See one of the most popular ballets in history on our stage. 816.931.2232

18 SATURDAY Great Backyard Bird Count 9:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Assist biologists and researchers in this free event as we count birds and contribute to a worthy cause. 913.764.7759

Enter to win tickets!

A Bird in Hand 9:00, Powell Gardens. We’ll be netting, identifying, banding and releasing winter songbirds found around Powell Gardens.

816.697.2600 x209

Pre-Teen Preparatory Modeling Course on Feb. 21 at Hoffman Modeling Agency

Free Family Sessions 9:40, Kaleidoscope.

Children choose from the wide variety of art materials in this free 40-minute art experience.

816.274.8300 Community Day Linwood YMCA. Anyone from the community is invited to enjoy games and activities at the Y. 816.923.5675 Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Hear a story, learn cool facts about the animal of the month and make a fun craft!

816.513.8960 Just Between Friends Sale Thru Monday, 10:00, the Pavilion at John Knox Village. Save at the nation’s leading children’s and maternity consignment sales event!

LeesSummit.JBFSale.com

Maple Sugaring 10:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. See a demonstration on boiling sap down to maple syrup.

Every hour from 10:00 to 2:00. 816.759.7300 Team Up for Art 10:30, Plaza Library. Children K-8th grade are encouraged to create masterpieces of art in this workshop. 855.201.9922

Scavenger Saturdays for Families 10:00, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Pick up a self-guided activity and follow the clues on this “ART-astic” adventure. 816.457.6134 Snakes: Our Reptile Friends 10:00, Prairie Oak Nature Center. A basic reptile class explaining the characteristics and benefits of our slithery friends.

913.681.0902 x10

The Doll’s Story of Little Red Riding Hood 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Wit and Whimsy Puppets presents a Czech-style marionette puppet show. 816.833.9777 Nature Is Waking Up 1:00, Burr Oak Woods

Who needs to be the popular girl?

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Win four tickets to Disney’s newest skating spectacular on March 21-25 at the Sprint Center, featuring your favorite princesses plus special guests Rapunzel & Flynn.

Runs Feb. 15 - March 9.

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(913) 829-8818 kcparent.com february 2012

49

Babysitting Class 9:00, Paul Henson YMCA. The American Red Cross sponsors this event for kids ages 10+. 913.642.6800

KCPT Skate with Clifford at Crown Center on Feb. 25

Moms Free Monday at Paradise Park 10:00, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s Edutainment Center with a paid child’s admission every Monday! 816.246.5224 Toddler Time 10:00, RFCC in Leavenworth. The gym is available for kids to experience some exercise while making new friends. 913.651.2132 Toddler Story Time 10:00, Parkville, Blue Springs South and Colbern Road libraries. Stories, music and movement are all included in this story time.

MyMCPL.org

Nature Center. Learn about hibernating animals, then head outside to enjoy late winter in Missouri.

Pre-reg. 816.228.2766 Daddy & Daughter Dance 6:00, Providence Community Church. Evening includes Jack Stack for dads and Chick-Fil-A for daughters.

913.307.0710

19 SUNDAY Hard Hat Tour 12:30, KC Museum. Take an extended hard hat tour of Corinthian Hall. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 816.483.8300

20 MONDAY:

Masterworks: Unfinished 6:30, Liberty Performing Arts Center. Liberty Symphony Orchestra, featuring William Jewell College Artist Competition winners. 816.439.4362

PRESIDENTS’ DAY

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center.

Children ages 5 and under are invited to run & play with friends every Mon & Wed! 913.541.0209

President’s Day Skate 11:00, Skate World.

School’s out for President’s Day! Enjoy all day skating with your friends. 913.262.0711 The Ice 11:00, Park Place. This is the last day of the season to enjoy skating at Park Place. Grab your friends and head out to The Ice. 913.663.2070 Family Story Time 6:00, Excelsior Springs Library.

Bring the whole family to hear stories read and told, sing songs and make a craft. 816.630.6721

21 TUESDAY Pre-Teen Preparatory Modeling Course 10week class, Hoffman Modeling & Talent Agency.

Calling all girls ages 7-12. Learn manners, poise, nutrition & hair care. Pre-Reg. 913.642.1060.

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Community Center. Every Tuesday and Thursday, bring your little ones to play with riding toys, balls, scooters and more! 913.322.5550

WE KNOW HOW MUCH YOU ALWAYS

Furry Winter Fun 10:00, Burr Oak Woods. Learn about animals that stay active throughout winter in this hands-on learning experience. Birth to 3 years old. 816.228.2766

LOVE

KC PARENT MAGAZINE...

Breastfeeding Support Group 1:00, Olathe Medical Center. Our lactation consultant will be on hand to answer questions and provide support.

913.791.4200 Tumbling Tots 2:00, Shawnee Civic Centre.

Improve balance, agility, coordination and flexibility through basic tumbling skills. Runs through March 27. 913.631.5200

...AND NOW YOU NEVER HAVE TO LIVE WITHOUT IT. KC Parent is still FREE in over 1,000 locations throughout the Metro. But now you can also get each and every issue delivered right to your home!

Only $18 for 14 issues. Visit KCParent.com to subscribe today.

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kcparent.com february 2012

A Taste of the Season 6:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Camping season is right around the corner! Learn all about foil pack cooking! 816.759.7300 Art Fair & Contest 6:00, Garrison Community Center. Calling all artists! Showcase your best and work in this friendly competition. 816.784.1140 CPR for Family and Friends 7:00, Harris Park Community Center. Ages 10+ can learn skills to respond to an emergency at home, work or in the community. 816.969.1500

out & about

Jazz Museum It’s said that jazz’s birthplace is New Orleans, but it grew up in Kansas City. Why not take some time this February to discover one of our city’s greatest contributions to the music world?

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American Jazz Museum 1616 E. 18th St. Kansas City, MO 816.474.8463 AmericanJazzMuseum.com

R

Hours of Operation: Tue.-Sat., 9:00-6:00; Sun., Noon-6:00; Mon., Closed Admission: $8/Adults, $3/Children under 12. Combination tickets available for both the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum for $10/Adults, $5/Children under 12. Discounts available for groups of 25+. Admission to the Horace M. Peterson III Visitor’s Center & the Changing Gallery is free of charge.

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Before You Go

Experience the wonder of jazz within your own home. Ken Burns’ PBS documentary Jazz provides a full genealogy of jazz. Most libraries also offer a comprehensive collection of jazz favorites to get you swingin’.

The American Jazz Museum recommends allotting at least one hour for a full tour; however, one could easily spend a full morning or afternoon. If planning a day trip, consider purchasing combination tickets for the Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (only an additional $2). Also, call ahead to check the times and availability of Jazz Storytelling, provided on alternate Fridays for young children.

While You’re There

Begin your visit with the Horace M. Peterson III Visitor’s Center, where a 20-minute documentary outlines the racial segregation that existed within our city just a few generations ago. You’ll come to have a greater understanding of what made 18th & Vine such an iconic place. Upon exiting the theater, take some time to enjoy the artifacts in and around the visitor’s center.

Within the museum, guests will marvel at legendary jazz musicians’ memorabilia. Young and old alike will appreciate the myriad of interactive exhibits, featuring touch screens, listening stations and a Jazz Discovery area where instruments can be made.

After Your Visit

The ’30s and ’40s may have ushered in the jazz era, but Kansas City’s jazz community continues, very much alive and well. Check out the Blue Room (right next door) for live jazz several nights a week. Several local eateries boast live jazz such as Jardines (on the Plaza) and Gaslight Grille (in Leawood). Jazz in the Woods, the largest local jazz festival, held annually in June, provides summer fun free of charge. Many local high schools & colleges also provide free jazz band concerts, giving you year-round exposure to the genre that calls Kansas City home. fall/winter 2011-12

Lauren Greenlee lives in Olathe with her family.

the ultimate guide

For hundreds of more great family-friendly places to visit in KC, pick up a copy of KC Going Places.

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

Join us for activities designed especially for your 9-month- to 3-year-olds. 913.715.2552 Toddle Time 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Fun and enriching open playtime for ages 5 and under. $1-$2/child. 913.895.6390 Story Time for Ones 9:30, Waldo Library. We provide stories and activities for children ages 1224 months. 816.701.3486 Puss in Boots Puppet Show 10:00, Liberty Performing Arts Center. The Paul Mesner Puppets present the family-friendly tale. 816.439.4362 Weekly Children’s Story Time 10:00, Barnes & Noble (Oak Park). We’ll read new release picture books and the classics! Suitable for ages 2 to 5.

913.492.8187

to family fun in KC

LET’S PLAY, KANSAS CIT Y! 500+ Top Kid-Frie

ndly Adven

tures

KCGOINGPLAC

ES.COM

Freedom Sisters Thru March 4, 10:00, Coterie Theater at Crown Center. Set in 1950s America, this performance teaches about freedom fighters of slavery. 816.474.6552 Story Time for Preschoolers 10:30, Kearney Library. Literacy-rich books and stories are shared to assist in developing pre-reading skills.

816.630.6721 Winter Trout Program 2:30 (Heritage Park) & 3:45 (SM Park). Come watch as 3,000 lbs of trout are stocked in the lakes. 913.888.4713

1

Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while you enjoy a coffee break. 913.393.3000 CYT Presents Seussical Jr Thru Sun, 7:00, YouthFront Auditorium. Explore the witty, wild and whimsical world of Dr Seuss as you’ve never seen it before. 913.681.3318

24 FRIDAY

23 THURSDAY

Pint-Size Playtime 10:00 & 1:00, Harris Park Community Center. Bring your preschoolers to the gym and run some of their energy out each month!

816.969.1540

Activity Day 9:00, McCracken’s Gymnastics.

Activity-based program for preschoolers while you run some errands or just enjoy some alone time.

913.782.8555

Toddler Takeover 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring your little ones under age 4 to run and play in the gym Mon, Wed & Fri. $1.

816.784.6100 kcparent.com february 2012

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Open Basketball 4:00-6:00, Garrison Community Center. Youth ages 17 and under can play pick-up basketball games for free. 816.784.1140 Spring Break Mardi Gras Party 6:00, Garrison Community Center. Celebrate Mardi Gras with a carnival atmosphere! Free event. 816.784.1140 Family Movie Night 6:00, Vivion Road YMCA. Bring the whole family to the Y to enjoy a familyappropriate movie. 816.453.6600 Romeo & Juliet: A Ballet Thru Sun, 7:30, Muriel Kauffman Theatre. See one of the most popular ballets in history on our stage. 816.931.2232

25 SATURDAY Onsite Registration Today, 10:00, Lee’s Summit Hospital. LSGSA provides softball for girls pre-k through high school. Sign up today! LSGSA.org Lee’s Summit Baseball Sign-Ups Sign up your athlete today for baseball in Lee’s Summit. View website for times and locations. LSBaseball.com Winter on the Farm 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Winter activities are here! Help us make soap and sausage, smoke meat and cook on the stove. 913.971.5111 The Roasterie Factory Tour 10:00, the Roasterie.

Learn all about our cupping, roasting and blending process. 816.931.4000

KCPT Skate with Clifford 10:00-1:00, Crown Center. Skate with Clifford the Big Red Dog. $6 admission, free for kids 4 and under and adults 60+. 816.274.8444 Family Fun Day 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Enjoy informal looking and hands-on activities in the galleries. 816.751.1278 Campfire Building for Dummies 1:00, Prairie Oak Nature Center. Ages 12+ can learn to make their own fire starter from common household items. 913.681.0902 x10 Mother-Son Dodgeball Tournament 1:00, Miami County YMCA. Here’s a special activity for moms and sons to enjoy together! 913.755.3622

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MONDAY

The Money Museum Federal Reserve Bank of KC. Free guided & self-guided tours. See a wall of money, 200 years of coins, money shredder & more! 800.333.1010 x 2683 Stroller Time! 9:00, Harris Park Community Center. Every other Monday thru April, bring your kids and stroller to work off the winter chills! $3/ each. 816.969.1540 Kidscape 10:00, Johnson County Museum. A hands-on suburban streetscape for kids to explore community. 913.715.2550 Preschool Story Time 11:00, Blue Springs South Library. Children ages 3-6 can come for stories, crafts and games. 816.229.3571

Family Fun Day Today & tomorrow, 1:00, NelsonAtkins Museum of Art. Enjoy informal looking and hands-on activities in the galleries. 816.751.1278

Skating at the Ice Terrace Noon, Crown Center.

Enjoy the only public outdoor rink in Kansas City now through mid-March! 816.274.8411

CYT Presents Seussical Jr 2:00, YouthFront Auditorium. Explore the witty, wild and whimsical world of Dr Seuss at this last performance!

913.681.3318

American Girl Book Club 7:00, Colbern Road Library. We’ll meet new friends, chat about books and share ideas for other great reads!

816.525.9924

Concerto Showcase 3:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC).

The Kansas City Youth Symphony performs the Concerto Showcase! 913.469.8500

28 TUESDAY Story Time 10:00, Plaza Library. Every Tuesday, enjoy stories, games, songs, crafts and simple puzzles for young children. 816.701.3481 Book Club 11:00, Pottery Barn Kids (County Club Plaza). Join us every Tuesday morning for stories, coloring and snacks. 816.561.8140 Family Night 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Enjoy indoor play especially for little ones on Tuesdays & Fridays. $6/child, $4/crawler. 913.631.7000

2012-- Make it a musical year!

Private piano lessons Private instructor with over 10 years experience seeks student’s unique dreams.

Ages 4+: Beginner, Intermediate, and Katherine Sarris

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call today - 913-735-9773.

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WEDNESDAY

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center.

Children ages 5 and under are invited to run, ride and play while making new friends every Mon & Wed! 913.541.0209 Tiny Tot Skate 9:30, Skate City. Tiny tots ages 2-6 can roller skate every Wednesday for just $5.

Includes skates, snack and a drink. 913.888.6668 Story Time 10:00, Barnes & Noble (Oak Park Mall). Children can hear a story and sing songs.

913.492.8187 Open Play 10:00-Noon, Shawnee Civic Centre.

Climbing toys, toddler sports and ride-on toys.

Every Wednesday. $2/child. 913.631.5200 Family Story Time 11:00, Bonner Springs Library.

Our story times feature a letter from the alphabet, stories, songs and craft. 913.441.2665 Breastfeeding Support Group 1:00, Liberty Hospital Education Center. Hosted by a lactation consultant who can support you. 816.781.7200

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GIVE YOUR SWEETHEART THE ULTIMATE VALENTINE.

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Creamy Thai Shrimp with Coconut Rice • Pesto Cheese Ravioli with Chicken & Walnuts • Choice Cut Raspberry XOXO Chicken over Rice • Slow Cooked BBQ Beef with Baby Bakers • Steak Caprese • Old Fashioned Meatloaf with Twice Baked Potatoes kcparent.com february 2012

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Before he goes to the moon tomorrow, he needs to see a doctor today.

See our pediatric locations.

Expert doctors with The University of Kansas Physicians want to make sure your child is healthy and happy. We understand that when kids are sick, they need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Our pediatricians and specialists are available to meet with you and your child, in many cases, the same day.

So contact us the next time your little space traveler isn’t feeling well or needs care for something more serious.

Schedule an appointment. Call 913.588.1227.

kumed.com/pediatrics AC5201111

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