5 Things

Live Shows Women’s Soccer

I’ll admit, I’m not the world’s biggest soccer fan. I mean there are people out there that LOVE that sport. A friend recently invited me to attend a Kansas City NWSL game, KC’s professional women’s soccer team. It was so much fun! While I’ll never understand all the rules and what offsides means, the game was so fast paced that even with my lack of understanding it was very enjoyable! The team plays at Legends Field, and a game makes for a fun night out! Score a win by taking the family to dinner at Legends Outlets and then to a game! KCWOSO.com

If you’ve been a KC Parent reader for any length of time, you know of my affinity for live musical performances. While around in 2020, they weren’t as plentiful and required some seeking out. But the curtain has lifted and our fair city is humming again with live shows, almost nightly! My husband and I are regulars at Lenexa’s Friday Night Sound Bites (live bands and a food truck) and have several upcoming shows at Midwest Trust Center (formerly Carlsen Center at JCCC) on the calendar. There’s no better way to spend an evening then with live music, libations and loved ones!

5THINGS WE LOVE RIGHT NOW

Compiled by Margaret Sarver

Word Game

I’m a word nerd and love word games. My current fave is 25 Words or Less (Airs in KC from 2:00-3:00 weekdays. You’re welcome!) and while I don’t think my dream of being a contestant will come true, I can now play in my own home! My rule of thumb for this column is to write only about things I have personally tried and tested, and while I haven’t played this board game yet, I can already tell you it will be a winner. I just need to find someone to play with! TheOP.games

Firework Cake Blasts Coffee

One of the smells and sounds of our home each morning is that of the coffee pot. We make a pot daily and all have different ways we enjoy our morning cup of Joe. For years we tried many different brands of coffee, before settling on Chock Full o’Nuts. A brand out of New York that began as nut roasters (hence the name), it’s got a smooth, not bitter taste that can be enjoyed warm or cold. I was more excited than I should be when Hy-Vee began carrying the larger sized containers. Available at local retailers.

Ok, how fun and cute are these?!? Since my girls are older, we don’t often get the chance to take part in fun, themed activities, but I couldn’t pass up trying out the Firework Cake Blasts. While my endeavors rarely turn out as cute as pictured (case in point, my bunny cake pops resemble pigs), that doesn’t mean the process isn’t fun. If looking for a creative and yummy way to spend quality time in the kitchen, check out I’m the Chef Too! monthly boxes and their limited-edition kits. ImTheChefToo.com

I adopted a kitten and a friend of mine told me that cats love catnip, but my cat does not seem to really like it. First, is catnip okay for cats? And second, is there anything else like catnip that my cat might like?

– Brielle Chavez

You probably will not know if your kitten will enjoy catnip until they are between three to six months of age. Many kittens do not have a response to it until they are a little older. Many cats enjoy catnip and it can cause euphoric side effects for them, but it usually only lasts about 10 minutes. Some cats become very calm, while others may participate in aggressive playfulness. Catnip is non-addictive and safe to eat. You may want to try cat grass, also known as wheat grass, for your kitten. This is a grass you can grow quickly in your window.

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

to feed him leftovers frequently. Does human food cause dogs to beg?

– Martha Jensen

Human food does not cause dogs to beg but feeding a dog at every meal can certainly create begging behaviors. I recommend having the dog go to their “place” or “bed” while you eat to avoid them staring and guilting you for food. You can even put your pet in another room during mealtimes if it is too tempting for you at the table. Some owners give leftover food to the pet after the meal to avoid begging. Many vets say that it is okay to give them a little left-over food here and there, but moderation is key for their health. Just a reminder to avoid dangerous, overly fatty, or sugary foods.

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

animals at the shelter during the heat. Get a kiddie pool and put some dog toys in there for him to play with. They also have some fun water toys for dogs such as a doggy fountains and doggy sprinklers that many dogs enjoy. You can also give your dog plenty of cool treats like ice cubes. Some other tips that we practice are playing in the morning or evening and avoiding the middle of the day. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of cold water and keep your dog off hot roads and sidewalks in the summer to avoid burning his paws. I hope you have a fun and cool summer!

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

FEATURED PETs

Athens & Boston

My husband and I are constantly arguing about what our dog can or cannot have for table scraps. I am worried that my dog will beg for food at the table. However, my husband wants We got a new dog from your shelter in November and he really enjoys daily walks, but recently it has been too hot for us to take him, so we are assuming it is also too hot for him. What are some alternative exercises we can do for him in the sweltering summer months?

– Bernard and Rosella Lampton

Thank you so much for adopting! We use water during our play for the When Athens and Boston rst arrived at Great Plains SPCA, they were extremely shut down and terri ed, but they have made incredible strides in a Foster home! They are happy to show o their silly side, are very food motivated and love to receive gentle petting. They are ve and seven year old retriever beagle mixes who will thrive in a low tra c home. Athens and Boston thrive on a routine and are ready to be with their forever family, surrounded by love. Contact foster@greatplainsspca.org to learn more!

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here in KC Parent magazine.

Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Director of Animal Behavior & Training at Great Plains SPCA. Ashley has more than 16 years of experience in animal training and behavior.

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 4,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County. kcparent.com july 2021 15

10 EASY WAYS

TO CUT KIDS’ SCREEN TIME

Tablets, smartphones, television and video games play a major role in our daily lives. Technology can be a positive thing, but when it dominates our kids’ free time, we have to begin limiting it. With these easy tips, even reluctant kids may not notice they are cutting down the time they spend with technology.

STEP OUTSIDE

The easiest way to cut down on screen time is to play outside. Kids can ride bikes, use sidewalk chalk, take a walk, play catch or play in the sprinkler. When kids are preoccupied outdoors, they are less likely to think about TV or video games.

SET LIMITS

Set clear boundaries for your kids when it comes to electronics. Olathe mom of three Amy Cameron says, “Zero screen time is allowed in the morning before school.” Many other parents don’t allow any phones or television during meals. Setting limits on how much screen time is allowed and at what times of day is a good strategy.

JOIN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Kids who are busy with sports or the arts have less time to play on electronics because they spend their time practicing and at games and performances.

SET A GOOD EXAMPLE

When attempting to limit screen time for your kids, take a look at how much time you spend on screens yourself. Good or bad, our kids learn from our actions and we can set a good example about when it’s appropriate to look at our phone and when it’s time to focus on other things.

EARN IT

“Screen time checklists need to be completed before kids get their devices,” says Anna Schuster, Olathe mom of five. Many parents find a helpful strategy is to give kids a checklist of items to complete before they are allowed to use their screens. This may include school work, chores, instrument practice or reading time.

HOST A PLAYDATE

One way to cut down on time for screens is to host a no-electronics playdate. With friends over, kids can occupy themselves playing and socializing with their pals.

GET COOKING

Distract your kids from electronics by keeping them busy in the kitchen. They can help cook and bake and have fun sampling the things they have made themselves.

EXPLORE THE CITY

Visit the Kansas City Zoo, Deanna Rose, Union Station, the pool, local parks or the Plaza with your kids. If they are busy exploring our great city, they won’t even miss their screens. DO A PROJECT

Come up with a family project for the day to keep the kids screen-free. This could be a big chore like cleaning up the backyard or something fun like an art project or science experiments.

PLAY A GAME

Declare a family game day and choose a few board games to play together. You also could try an outdoor game like hopscotch, foursquare or kickball, or break into teams and have a water balloon fight.

Filling our time with screens comes easily because they are enjoyable and take little effort. However, a little bit of planning for some other activities to distract us from our phones and tablets pays off. You’ll create great memories your kids will remember far longer than the video games they’ve played.

Mom of six Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe with her family.