KC Parent Magazine January 2014

Where you find family, you will find us.

FREE Jan. 2014 KCParent.com Since 1985

announcing the

WINNERS

family faves Plus...

e birthday party guid babysitter basics riments e p x e r e h t a e w r e t win kcparent.com january 2014

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physicians

lee’s

summit

group

Lee’s Summit Physicians 1425 N.W. Blue Parkway Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.524.5600 LSPhysicians.com Raintree Pediatrics 995 SW 34th St. Lee’s Summit, Missouri 816.525.4700 Raintree-Pediatrics.com Blue Springs Pediatrics 1600 NW South Outer Road Blue Springs, Missouri 816.554.6520 BlueSpringsPediatric.com

trust.

healthcare you can

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

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

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2013 WINNER

family faves

Lauren Lee, C-PNP Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP Julie Kirkpatrick, C-PNP Camille Lucitto, C-PNP Cindy Fieser, C-PNP Sarah Dedrick, C-PNP Angela Stott, C-PNP Kimberly McNerney, C-PNP

Kansas City’s #1 Hit Music Station

Free skate rental

with paid admission See our website for hours and additional information.

Limit two per coupon Offer good January – mid-March 2014

ICE TERRACE

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crowncenter.com

More than 40 years of fun

Code:1402

There’s something magical about gliding around and around in the crisp winter air at Crown Center Ice Terrace. Enjoy the only public outdoor rink in Kansas City – now through mid-March 2014.

Admission: $6

Children 4 and under & adults over 60: FREE

Skate rental: $3

COURSES FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-18

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TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS! I-3

THE ACADEMY

WATCH THEM ACHIEVE, GROW & DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS

Broadway

Photographer Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios

• Creative Movement ages 3-5 • Pre-Ballet Kindergarten-3rd grade

SPACE IS LIMITED. . .ENROLL TODAY!

816-931-2299 | www.kcballet.org/school for a complete list of classes

kcparent.com january 2014

3

Healthy Smiles, Healthy Child Ask us about our kids camp for ages 4-11!

DR. HEMBERGER

Why choose us?

Our Expertise...

• American Board Certified Pediatric Dentists.

• Recipient of the prestigious Kansas Dentist of the Year 2010 Award.

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We are excited and privileged to provide comprehensive dental and orthodontic care for children and teens including those with special needs.

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kcparent.com january 2014

• Served as Secretary, Vice President and President of the Kansas Dental Association.

• Recipient of the Humanitarian Award from the Kansas Fifth District Dental Society.

• Pediatric Dental Coordinator for the Kansas Mission of Mercy since 2002.

• Appointed by the Governor to serve as a member of the Kansas Dental Board

ADHD? Learning Disability?

We don’t address address the Don’t the symptoms.

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• ADHD • Social issues

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“We are beginning our third month at Brain Balance, and what a mind-blowing journey it has been! My son is more alert, more energetic, more confident. My husband and I now have a child who wants to swim, bike and have play dates--all activities he shied away from in the past. We can’t wait to see what this school year holds!”

-Annette, Olathe Mom

Call 913.627.9400 ©2012 Brain Balance Centers

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kcparent.com january 2014

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JAN 2014

DEPARTMENTS THE BEST DAY FOR..., PG. 36

FEATURES

18

30

Snowflake Craft

Party Awesome

A fun craft idea for you and your kids!

A-Z guide to the perfect birthday party

40

12

Media Mix

13

Women’s Health

15

Word from Dad

16

Healthy Kids

18

Craft Corner

39

Faith & Family

43

Blog Bits

SPECIAL SECTIONS 30

Party Guide

46

Calendar of Events

Our cover girl is Amina from Kansas City. Cover model provided by Hoffman International Model & Talent Agency. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com

Boys vs. Girls How to raise kids to be good brothers and sisters

Where you find family, you will find us.

FREE Jan. 2014 KCParent.com Since 1985

ON THE COVER Babysitter Basics

10

Family Faves Winners

24

Birthday Party Guide

30

Winter Weather Experiments

43

announcing the

WINNERS

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kcparent.com january 2014

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EDITOR’SLETTER JAN 2014

Check out the ALL NEW KCBaby.com!

It’s THE site for local pregnant & new moms!

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kcparent.com january 2014

Margaret Sarver, Editor

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com 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 Susan Hawke Calendar@KCParent.com Proofreader Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

100% LOCAL

Local Contributing Writers Brett Anthony (Olathe), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Wendy Connelly (Overland Park), Jennifer Duxbury (Olathe), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Jessica Heine (Olathe), Jennifer Higgins (Kearney), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Stephanie Loux (Olathe), Jane Martin (Overland Park), Jena Meyerpeter (Lenexa), Kelsey Neth (Liberty), Tiffany Owens (Kansas City), Melanie Yunger (Shawnee) Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS Where you find family, you will find us.

kansas city’s #1 attraction guide

fall/winter 2013-14

FREE Jan. 2014 KCParent.com Since 1985

FREE Jan-March 2014 KCParent.com Since 2002 Where you find family, you will find us.

KC LOVES FUN!

our newest arrival is here:

ANNOUNCING THE ALL-NEW KCBABY.COM!

the

everything

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announcing the WORTH A DETOUR « GETAWAY ST. LOUIS & OMAHA « BEST SLICE OF PIZZA

WINNERS

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birthday party guide babysitter basics winter weather experiments KCGOINGPLACES.COM

kcparent.com january 2014

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great weight debate

nurture your nesting

bye bye naps kcparent.com jan-march 2014

1

1

.com

H

appy 2014! I trust you and your families had a wonderful holiday and are now ready for things to slow down a bit. I know that we are looking forward to a less busy calendar for January in the Sarver home!

When planning editorial for the magazines, I am always on the lookout for a fresh take on age-old topics. I was discussing an article on mom pressure and competition between moms with a writer who suggested an article titled “What I Am Doing Right.” Instead of focusing on the negative, we could turn the topic around and focus on the positive. I loved it! And, I ended up loving the article itself even more than I loved the idea. So in the spirit of focusing on the positive, here are a few things I am doing right: I get up early and make breakfast each morning for my family. The last thing I say to my girls every night is “I love you.” My husband and I still read to the girls each night before bed. Take time to read Stephanie Loux’s article on pg. 28 and let me know what you are doing right. I’d love to hear from you!

In addition to looking for different article angles, I am constantly looking for ways to improve the magazine so that it is the best it can be.

I’m thrilled to announce the addition of a “Faith and Family” column each month in 2014. Overland Park mom Wendy Connelly will share a Christian viewpoint on parenting topics that we all deal with.

Local mom Jessica Heine will share with you small changes she’s making to her family’s diet in our Healthy Kids column.Within the calendar we’ve added a monthly planner page. I hope you’ll enjoy all of the fun holidays we’ve highlighted and how you and your family can celebrate those days, Kansas City style!

Wishing you and your families a healthy and happy New Year!

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

Member of:

Circulation verified by:

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.

Go online.

Why? To get a quote.

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9

babysitter basics F

what to leave for your sitter: • At least two good phone numbers for reaching guardians.

• Your home address.

• Kids’ routines and bedtimes.

• Ways to get back in the house if locked out. This can happen to even the most responsible sitters, so leave garage codes or hidden key locations.

• Names and/or contact numbers of other adults you are having the sitter work with.

• Medication locations and instructions, including list of allergies.

• Money for meals or activities you are having them do. * Instructions for how to work your TV. * Estimated time of return.

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kcparent.com january 2014

inding and keeping a good babysitter can be challenging at times.

As an experienced sitter myself, let me give you some tips on how to successfully navigate this tricky business.

Finding a babysitter: Get recommendations for babysitters from family members or friends. These sitters will most likely be more trustworthy than someone you do not have a personal connection to. Also, if your regular sitter is unavailable, ask for a recommendation of any friends who are also experienced babysitters.

Requesting: Use social media, phone numbers or texting to get hold of babysitting candidates. When requesting a sitter, comfort is key. Always make sure your sitter is completely aware of what will be going on. You never want to put this person in an uncomfortable situation.

Before babysitters agree to take on a job, make sure they know things like: • Your kids’ ages.

• Special needs or medical issues.

• Whether your kids are sick.

• Your home’s location.

• Your pets’ types, sizes and needs.

• Homework or sports/music.

• Transportation responsibilities.

These all can be big deciding factors when a babysitter is determining whether to accept or decline jobs.

Food: Make it clear whether you are going to feed the kids before you leave so that your sitter can be prepared. If the babysitter will be feeding your children while you are gone, it is respectful to leave enough ingredients for the sitter to eat, as well. Also, make sure the sitter knows exactly what and how much the kids can eat, especially when it comes to desserts and snacks.

Discipline: Your babysitter needs to have a rough idea of your discipline policies. Some homes are stricter and have specific procedures for punishment, but other homes can be very laid back when it comes to what is acceptable behavior. Make the rules on friends very clear. If you allow your children to have friends over while you are away, make sure sitters are okay with that, because sometimes they can get stuck watching many more kids than they are being paid for.

Activities: Leaving ideas or options for things to do can be very helpful, especially with new sitters, in order to avoid boredom and to aid the process of getting acquainted. Also, recognize that your babysitter is not your maid. The core responsibility is to make sure no harm comes to your children—that is it. If you want your home vacuumed or your toilets cleaned, leave those as chores for your children to do.

Transportation: If your babysitter cannot drive to and from your house, common courtesy dictates you offer at least a ride home, especially if you get back at a late or unpredictable hour. If your sitter can drive, still make sure to know her limits—personal ones and ones set by the law.

Payment: Most sitters will have set rates based purely on the length of the job and the number of kids. However, do not always be limited by these. When considering how much to compensate your babysitter, you may want to pay more if: • Your children’s behavior was bad while you were away.

• The sitter worked on a holiday.

• You came back much later than what you originally expressed.

• The sitter drove especially far or took your kids places (gas money).

• The sitter stayed overnight.

• Pets had to be dealt with just as much as kids.

• The sitter went above and beyond, like cleaning up any messes made or doing an activity that your kids really loved.

Kelsey Neth lives in Liberty with her parents and younger brother.When she is not in school, she works as a babysitter and a nanny.

I am ... … a husband and a father. … a Vietnam Veteran. … a business owner. … a hard worker. … a volunteer. … a blood donor. … a friend to many. man … a downhill skier. … dedicated. … energetic. … a golfer.

Harlan loves life. He also loves his community; he gives his time as a Board member with Olathe Schools and as a volunteer with Kids TLC. When he is not helping others, you can find him on the links chasing a golf ball. This community leader also loves giving back in the most basic of ways.

Harlan is also a loyal and dedicated blood donor who takes 60 minutes of his time every 56 days to help save a life in his community.

Who are you?

savealifenow.org kcparent.com january 2014

11

MEDIAMIX

who are you?

New Books Teach Kids to Be Themselves

By McGeath Freeman

The Invisible Boy

By Trudy Ludwig Illustrated by Patrice Barton Best for: Ages 4-8

What do we do when we don’t fit in?

We cope. The words and illustrations blend so perfectly together in The Invisible Boy that it’s easy to understand and feel exactly what Brian is going through.

We quickly learn that simple acts of kindness and friendship can go a long way.

Ludwig shows Brian’s isolation with black and white illustrations and muted colors. By the end of the book, Brian is in full color and letting his personality shine through. The Invisible Boy is great for schools to help children understand what their actions do—and what their friendships can do.

Although Brian is not included in playground or classroom activities, he finds a way to let his personality and talents shine. He befriends the new student, and before long Brian’s talents are helping him succeed.

What’s good: The illustrations tell the story as well as the words themselves.

What’s bad: The illustrations are sophisticated and may appeal to adults more than children.

The Girl Who Wouldn’t Brush Hair

By Kate Bernheimer Illustrated by Jake Parker Best for: Ages 4-8

What do you do with children who challenge the status quo and must do things their own way? So long as they are safe, and within reason, you let them do it. At least, that is the moral behind this humorous story. When the little girl decides that her way is to just leave her hair alone, she soon finds talking mice living in the tangled mass on her head. This is fine in the beginning, but they tell poor knockknock jokes, eat all her lunch and won’t let her take a bath.

In time, the girl finds her way, tells the mice they have to go and finally combs her hair. It would have been nice to have more conflict to resolve, but this is a child’s picture book, so I won’t complain that the ending was a little too easy. Still, it was a fun read and may inspire kids and their parents to talk about being true to oneself.

What’s good: A good moral for both children and their parents.

What’s bad: The ending comes far too easily.

Mister Max: The Book of Lost Things

By Cynthia Voigt Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno Best for: Ages 9-13

Set in the early 1900s in a city that could be in America or Europe, this tale is a mystery that delivers good humor and adventure in equal parts. Mister Max is kind of like a young Sherlock Holmes, without the ego and propensity to explain how he solves the mystery. He is not a detective; Mister Max is a 12-yearold solutioneer. He does not find things; he provides solutions. Throughout the

story, Mister Max provides solutions for all of the problems that come his way, except for one. He doesn’t have a solution for how to bring his mother and father home safely. You see, they are missing, and he is trying to run a household on his own.

What’s good: Wonderfully developed characters with mysteries that are not too tough for young readers, yet advanced enough to provide a challenge.

What’s bad: The bad guys don’t provide much to fear in this story.

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kcparent.com january 2014

WOMEN’SHEALTH

S

Beating the Sugar Monster

ugar is everywhere. It is in most of the food-like products found within the aisles of the grocery store. When reading labels, one may find more than 35 different code words for sugar, but our bodies’ response to all those ingredients is the same. Look for terms like syrup, sweetener or anything ending in -ose.

Stress, dehydration and lack of sleep tend to drive the sugar cravings. We then reach for sugary foods, thinking they will keep us going. In reality, they do the opposite, but we tend to continue to reach for those same sugar boosts. Healthy habits and a few lifestyle changes can help minimize the sugar cravings.

Stay hydrated: Even a small amount of dehydration can trigger your brain to feel hungry and thirsty. We need at least 64 ounces of water each day. When you feel a sugar craving, drink an entire glass of water first, to try to combat it.

Eat more fruits and vegetables: Most of your carbohydrates should come from fruits and vegetables—lower glycemic load, but full of nutrients. Try to eat a wide variety of colors.

Avoid boredom: Keep your mind active. Do puzzles or read a book. Keep

your body active, too. When you feel a craving coming on, get up and move your body. Go for a walk.

Plan ahead: Low blood sugar can cause a sugar craving. Reach for something good for you instead. If you plan ahead, bringing good snacks to work or having good snacks at the ready, you will be more likely to eat them. Each time you eat, try to eat a plant (fruit or vegetable) with protein (peanut butter, nuts, eggs).

Get plenty of rest: Lack of sleep increases body fat and your appetite. It impairs awareness, alertness, concentration, reasoning and attention. Getting plenty of rest and eating right will encourage better sleep.

Taking care of our bodies is our responsibility. We have but one life, one body and no second chances. Treat your body kindly, and it will be kind back.

Melanie Yunger is a local wife, mother and nurse practitioner who fights the Sugar Monster daily!

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

Surprising Sugar

Some snacks that appear healthy may actually be loaded with sugar.

Dried apples

3.5 oz

81.1 g of sugar

3.5 oz

59.2 g of sugar

Choc. Chip Clif Bar

1 bar

23 g of sugar

Strawberry yogurt

6 oz

27 g of sugar

Canned peaches

3 oz

18.8 g of sugar

Nutri-Grain Bars

1 bar

12 g of sugar

Golden raisins

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

now enrolling!

recreation & competitive levels ages 2 & up

913.764.4146 135th St. & South Arapaho Dr. www.leighsschoolofdance.com kcparent.com january 2014

13

&

get off the couch

get moving

A

Benefits of Staying Active • Builds strong muscles and bones • Helps with weight control • Decreases risk of developing Type 2 diabetes • Enforces better sleep habits • Fosters a positive outlook on life

Visit KCParent.com for a list of great indoor play places all over the Metro!

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kcparent.com january 2014

s we head into the longest months of winter, with the temperatures still dropping and the days still short, keeping the kiddos active might become a challenge. In these cold months, families tend to spend more time stationary and inactive. Before you know it, your home has turned into a madhouse sheltering bored, hyper, stir crazy kids with no outlet to burn off that extra energy.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education recommend that children should not sit still for more than 60 minutes at a time and should engage in physical play daily.

Over the course of a day, toddlers require a total of 30 minutes of active time and preschoolers 60 minutes.

Even though weather conditions might hinder the ability to be active, keeping kids moving throughout the year is extremely important in encouraging and instilling healthy development and habits. Here are a few simple and creative ways to get off the couch this winter and keep the entire family active!

Indoor Activity Area

This can be anywhere in your house—basement, garage or spare bedroom—where you feel comfortable letting your kids be kids. Set up a basketball hoop over the door, a beanbag toss and hopscotch squares on the floor. Provide a sheet to use as a parachute. Stock the area with other items like beach balls, balloons, foam noodles, jump ropes and Hula-Hoops; let children’s imaginations take over.

“I like to pull the cushions off the couch, and the kids pretend that they are rocks while the floor is hot lava,” says Michelle Rivers from Roeland Park.

Out & About

Check your local community center and churches for organized sporting classes and open gym playtimes. Set a day each week to go out and enjoy a different activity, like bowling, ice or roller skating, indoor bounce houses, rock climbing walls or laser tag. This will help break up your week and give everyone something to look forward to.

“The KC Parent calendar is a huge resource that I use throughout the winter season,” Meghan Bishop, Lee’s Summit, says. “It’s a great place to pull ideas to keep us active.”

Get Moving!

Incorporate into your daily routine time for your kids to be active by organizing games to play with them, such as red light/green light, Simon says and follow the leader. Put on a dance party, host a marching band parade with makebelieve instruments or put on an ageappropriate exercise DVD the kids can groove to. Set up an obstacle course or scavenger hunt, let them race down the hall or, if you are feeling extra brave one day, turn off the lights for hide-and-seek in the dark or flashlight tag.

Outdoor Play

Don’t be afraid of the cold! If temperatures are below freezing, bundle the kids up and just limit their exposure to 20-30 minutes. “I try to not let the weather intimidate us from having fun and staying active during the dead of winter,” says Stephanie Price, Parkville. Your options are endless when it comes to outdoor play, especially in the snow. There are sledding and ice skating, making snowmen, snow angels, forts and mazes and engaging in snowball fights. Get creative and paint the snow with colored water or freeze water in different sized containers to make ice sculptures. Treat everyone to hot chocolate when they head back inside.

Jennifer Duxbury is a SAHM from Olathe who finds keeping active in the winter a challenge sometimes!

WORDFROMDAD

Snow Days

I

got up early and peered out the window. Instead of less than an inch of forecast snow, it covered my tires up to the rims, a good three—maybe four— inches. I squinted through the window.

Tiny flakes still fell, driven by the wind.

I went to the Internet to confirm my fears. No school. Snow all day, tapering off after dark, then clearing skies and plummeting temperatures with strong, northerly winds. I got dressed. I had to clear the drive so I could leave for work an hour early, but the boys would have a snow day, probably two, and end up with a four-day weekend.

James woke first and came running out of his room. “Dad! Dad! It snowed! Is there school today?”

“Nope.”

He gave a whoop and ran to wake his brother. I heard Ian yelp and jump from his bed and I smiled, remembering the excitement of my own snow days.

By Sunday, everything had changed.

No longer an unbroken blanket of pure white, the snow looked a mess, trodden and dirty. Nobody wanted to play outside under gloomy skies and in subfreezing temperatures.

Even worse, the boys were bored and snapping at one another. Video games, DVDs and tablet computers weren’t enough. I had TV, only three channels with game shows in the mornings and soap operas in the afternoons. I’d never admit it, but I loved going back to school.

Ian moped into the room on Sunday night. “Will there be school tomorrow?”

“I haven’t heard, but I think so. The roads are clear, and it should be warmer.

Probably yes.”

“Rats.”

I heard his speech. I saw his mouth form the word. I know what he said. But I saw his eyes, too, and a flash of joy.

Quickly hidden.

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family. kcparent.com january 2014

15

HEALTHYKIDS

make over your moo juice

2014

Log onto KCParent.com for a list of healthy lunches to pack for your kids in the new year.

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kcparent.com january 2014

is my year. I am committed to making changes in my family’s diet. I know I am not alone when I say that my children would be happy eating the same three things every day.

Their favorite foods also seem to be filled with fat and are often fried. The saying “you are what you eat” is repeated in my head daily, and I want to provide the best start I can for my children. This year is our new start; follow my journey as I make changes that will affect my children, husband and myself forever! Bimonthly I will write about one of the changes that I have made.

First up - finding the right milk for us. While it may seem like an easy task, all of the options on the shelf (organic and non-organic) make the decision a bit tricky. Milk is a necessity in my house; my children love it. My husband and I grew up with the thought that if a little bit of milk is good for you, a lot of milk is even better. The National Institutes of Health says three servings (1 cup/ serving) is all a child 3 years old and up needs. Children ages 1-2 should consume whole milk, but those at age 2 and up can switch to reduced fat or skim if their doctor recommends. Milk is the number one source of calcium and is also fortified with vitamin D, which is essential for bone development. Plus, the fat content helps with brain and nerve development. Too much milk, however, may increase the

likelihood that the child may fill up and not consume other nutrient-dense foods.

A surprising number of options confront the consumer when it comes to milk. While organic is all the rage, is the extra $3-ish/gallon really worth the extra hit to the budget? Options abound when it comes to cow’s milk: traditional milk, no-hormone-added milk and organic.

• Our typical/traditional milk contains steroids, antibiotics and hormones that are given to the cows to increase growth and development, which in turn increases their milk production.

While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that these additives are safe for consumption and cause no harm to children or adults, many studies offer conflicting reports.

• Organic milk is from cows that are allowed to graze on pasture, fed organic certified feed and not treated with drugs. To be organic, the milk also must be treated and processed according to specific standards.

• Many brands found on the shelves of our local grocery store also offer options of non-organic milk with a pledge that states the cows used were not treated with hormones or antibiotics.

After my research, I have decided this last option is for us. Yes, the research is still out on the effects of the hormones and antibiotics on our children’s little bodies, but I do not want to take the risk.

Not only does this choice benefit our health, but it is also the kindest to our wallets. This change was easy to make, and there has been no sacrifice!

Jessica Heine is a labor and delivery nurse who is making small changes to take her family’s already healthy lifestyle to the next level.

Celebrate with a valuable resource for your family!

For the first 97 KC Families, claim a FREE copy of Dr. Burleson’s latest book “Stop Hiding Your Smile!” (regularly $14.95)

Visit www.FreeBracesBook.com to claim your copy today!

4135 N. Mulberry Drive Kansas City, MO 64116

816.533.7566 Four Area Metro Locations: Kansas City • Liberty • Excelsior Springs • Raymore

kcparent.com january 2014

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CRAFTCORNER

colorful chalk snowflakes This is a new and colorful twist on those typical snowflake cutout crafts that come with the frosty weather. With just a few materials, a child of any age can create a beautiful wintry work of art worth framing!

Materials Needed: Snowflake template (download the template at KCParent.com) Chalk pastels Tissues Cardstock White paper Hairspray (optional) Step One: Print the snowflake template on cardstock and cut out. A parent may need to assist small children with this step.

Step Two: Use bright-colored chalk pastels to color on the outside edge of the snowflake. You may want to do this on top of a scrap piece of paper, as it tends to get messy.

Step Three: Place your colored snowflake on top of a white piece of paper and hold it in place with one hand.

With the other hand, rub a tissue over the chalk, smearing it onto the paper underneath. When you lift the template, you will have a beautiful and colorful snowflake outline.

Step Four: Repeat the process until the paper is full of snowflakes. Once the artwork is finished, you can spray some hairspray on the paper to prevent any further smearing of the chalk.

Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and three young daughters. She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.

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kcparent.com january 2014

I am ... … brave. … a super hero. … a book lover. … full of energy. … a happy two-year old. … a blood recipient. … a little brother. brothe … full of smiles. … courageous. … strong. … funny.

Nathan is a super hero who loves dinosaurs, trucks and reading books. He also loves learning and mimicking his older brother.

Nathan is also a blood recipient who has battled Severe Combined Immunodeficiency.

He has undergone a bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy and many blood transfusions. He is thankful for blood donors who took just 60 minutes of their time to help save his life.

Who are you?

savealifenow.org kcparent.com january 2014

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MAKING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS WITH YOUR CHILD

A

Need help making your own personal resolutions?

Visit KCParent.com and search “resolutions” to see resolutions other local parents have made.

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hhhh, it’s the new year. A time for a fresh start, a time when we can dream about doing things differently. It’s no secret that most resolutions aren’t kept, but with a little effort, you can make them stick in your family.

Sharing the resolution-making process with others gives you a much better chance of success. Who better to hold you accountable on a daily basis than your kids when you’ve resolved to eat fewer sweets? What’s more, teaching your kids the art of resolution making— and keeping!—can be a good lesson for them.

“Setting resolutions together as a family is an excellent idea. This is a great way to teach goal-setting and to model making healthy changes in your life, whether it involves changing your eating habits or setting aside 30 minutes for

yourself each day,” says Wendy Petricoff, an Overland Park native who is now an independent Love and Logic Parenting expert in Charlotte, NC.

MAKING RESOLUTIONS

“Choose a resolution for each family member and one as a group. Let kids bring their ideas to the table. Encourage them to come up with something that is attainable,” Petricoff says. “Their buy-in is key. Let kids know what you want to work on, too!”

Sitting down and talking with your kids about what they want to achieve with their resolutions is important, too. Does your son want to learn a new song on his guitar? Suggest a renewed commitment to practicing each day. Be on hand to listen, discuss and provide a little guidance.

Make sure your timing is right. If the

GET (AND STAY) HEALTHY Whether it’s weight loss, eating healthier or exercising more, the majority of resolutions involve taking better care of ourselves. Here are some tips to get the job done. beginning of the new year is hectic for your family, find another time to make resolutions. Gina Lobaugh, Leawood mother of two, helps her kids make their resolutions at the beginning of each school year.

“We tell them they can push the reset button and be whoever they want to be. The prior school year is behind them, and it is now time for them to start over,” says Lobaugh.

Finally, enjoy the light-hearted side of resolutions. Consider making a fun family resolution: Learn more about Kansas City through visits to local attractions, or try a new ethnic food each month. Resolutions don’t always have to be about depriving yourselves!

...AND STICKING TO THEM

Follow-up is essential. Add reminders to your calendar—or just make Sunday dinner the set time to review the resolution’s process.

“We usually discuss New Year’s resolutions the week leading up to January 1,” says Joy Ginsburg, Leawood mother of one and senior director of program integration for the American Cancer Society. “Then, we write them down on a little slip of paper (like from a fortune cookie) and revisit them midyear.”

Another benefit to weekly progress reports: You get to celebrate the successes and the failures. Learning that no one can stay on track all the time is an important lesson, especially if you have a perfectionist in the family.

“It’s okay to let your kids know that you messed up and that you have a plan to do better next week. That’s how kids can learn to be resilient, and learn from their own mistakes,” Petricoff says.

Above all, have a good time.

Resolutions are supposed to improve or enhance your life. If the resolution is causing more harm than good, know when to make on-the-fly adjustments or even bail out entirely…you can always resolve to pick better resolutions next year.

Says Ginsburg: “Sometimes it’s more fun breaking the resolutions than keeping them!”

Jane Blumenthal Martin lives in Overland Park with her husband and two children. Read Jane’s blog for working parents at ArtOfEqualParenting.com.

Eating Healthier: Get everyone involved in the weekly shopping list. Each family member is required to come up with one idea for a healthy snack to add to the list each week, and each reserves the right to delete a junk food item on the list.

This helps lighten the load for Mom and Dad and opens the door to continued conversation with your kids about healthy choices.

Making Exercise Easy: Divide and conquer to achieve your exercise goals. While some members of the family are kicking the soccer ball around in the backyard, others are cooking dinner. Later, the cooks can take an after-dinner bike ride while the soccer fanatics do the dishes.

PACE

UMKC’s degree program for working adults

The Program for Adult College Education (PACE) enables full-time working adults to earn bachelor’s degrees. Classes meet in flexible weeknight, weekend and independent study formats.

The degree programs offered through PACE will help prepare you for a number of professional career fields or graduate studies in areas such as:

Education Law Allied health and medical programs Commercial economics and business-related areas

Classes begin soon.

Call the PACE office today.

816-235-1588 www.umkc.edu/PACE Ask about UMKC financial aid and scholarships opportunities. an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution Relay Missouri: 1-800-735-2966 (TT), 1-800-735-2466 (voice)

THE UNIVERSIT Y OF MISSOURI-K ANSAS CIT Y: A UNIVERSE OF KNOWLEDGE IN A CIT Y OF OPPORTUNIT Y.

w w w. u m k c . e d u kcparent.com january 2014

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4. Evaluate your insurance plans.

FINANCIAL NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS: TOP 5 FINANCIAL TO-DO’S FOR THE NEW YEAR

helps to ensure your loved ones are secure—emotionally and financially— even after you are gone. Without making suitable arrangements in advance, your estate may potentially end up in the wrong hands or may decrease in value significantly, both problems that can be avoided. Speak to your financial professional to strategize your estate plan and have all your documents in one place. If you currently have an estate plan, review it regularly to make sure it is in line with current laws and regulations, while still expressing your goals.

3. Set up a trust.

A

s a parent, you may juggle 10 balls in the air at any one time: home work, carpooling, housekeeping, laundry, groceries, play dates—the responsibilities go on. This year, take time to add financial planning to your to-do list. Planning for the long term is important so you and your family will be financially secure in the future.

Start by reevaluating your finances and setting up key financial to-do’s regularly. With 2014 here, make family finances one of your top New Year’s resolutions, making sure that your money is being appropriately distributed to help meet each family member’s individual needs. To get started, follow these top five financial to-do’s: 1. Assess your 2014 financial goals.

Look at the year ahead and plan out your personal goals that will have an effect on your finances. Perhaps you’re considering having another child, staying home with the kids, purchasing a new home or taking everyone to Disney. Lay out your 2014 objectives and the budget you’ll need to accomplish them.

By planning appropriately, you can cross each goal off your todo list.

2. Check up on your estate plan.

Preparing for your own death is uncomfortable, but planning properly

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The most popular reasons cited for not using a trust are simple procrastination and a belief that a will precludes the need for a trust, according to U.S. Trust’s Wealth and Worth survey.[1] Trusts are designed to help you protect your wealth today and maximize your legacy for your children. They are best for individuals and families that will be making consistent contributions to a fund that is expected to accumulate into a substantial amount. Each trust is unique and designed to address individual situations.

Trusts also can be incorporated into your wealth management plan to reduce taxes, increase control over the distribution of your assets and assist loved ones while an estate is in probate.

Make sure your family has adequate medical, disability and life insurance.

Confirm your medical insurance provides coverage for your whole family and, if it does not, consider switching to a plan that does. If you and your spouse are both eligible for coverage through your employers, carefully compare plans. Make sure your current disability insurance will replace at least 75 percent of your income; otherwise, you’ll need to purchase additional coverage either through your employer or on your own.

Appropriate life insurance depends on your age, income and number of children. Choosing the right insurance policy is a personal decision and should be made after extensive research.[2] Additionally, always keep an emergency fund set aside, just in case.

5. Invest and save for college.

Providing for a college education may be the single biggest expense you have in raising your child. It is never too early to establish a college fund for your child.[3] Be consistent by regularly setting some funds aside in advance or investing funds on your children’s behalf. There are a number of investment platforms for college.

Though starting the new year with these financial to-do’s won’t offload your day-to-day juggling act, they can create a brighter future for you and your family. Seek a financial professional to help build a financial plan that aligns with your family’s goals for 2014 and beyond.

By being prepared for the long term, you can enjoy every precious moment in the short term.

Tiffany Owens is a senior trust officer with U.S. Trust Bank of America Private Wealth Management in Kansas City, in addition to being a mother of two. She assists clients in financial planning for their families.

[1] 2013 U.S. Trust Insights on Wealth and Worth Survey [2]“Starting a Family – The Financial Aspects” U.S. Trust, 2010. [3] “Starting a Family – The Financial Aspects” U.S. Trust, 2010.

This article is designed to provide general information about ideas and strategies. It is for discussion purposes only since the availability and effectiveness of any strategy is dependent upon your individual facts and circumstances.

Always consult with your independent attorney, tax advisor, investment manager, and insurance agent for final recommendations and before changing or implementing any financial, tax, or estate planning strategy.

U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management operates through Bank of America, N.A. and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC.

We care about the little things.

Just Ask a Mom.® “Since our daughter first started, I have never felt more comfortable with her environment and the care given.

Each day is filled with love, learning and new activities.

She truly loves her teachers, and to be honest, so do I.” Tiffany, Primrose Mom

Primrose School of Overland Park 12100 W 135th St, Overland Park, KS 66221 913.400.2435 | PrimroseOverlandPark.com Primrose School of Leawood 4820 W 137th St, Leawood, KS 66224 913.897.8900 | PrimroseLeawood.com

Now Enrolling!

Educational Child Care for Infants through Private Kindergarten and After School

Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2014 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

kcparent.com january 2014

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S

NNER 2013 WI

famil y faves

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kcparent.com january 2014

YOU PICKED YOUR FAVES, KANSAS CITY! Building on our rich heritage of serving Kansas City for 28 years, we conducted a Family Favorites Poll as a service to our readers. Thank you for your overwhelming response as we tabulated 8,000 votes to determine the winners in 31 different categories.

In addition, we implemented specific restrictions to prevent ballot stuffing in order to ensure accurate results. Congratulations to all of our winners! You make Kansas City a great, familyfriendly place to live!

And the winners are...

Favorite OB/GYN Practice

Favorite Allergy Center

KC Women’s Clinic Northland Women’s Health Care Women’s Health Associates

Allergy and Asthma Specialists of KC College Park Family Care Kansas City Allergy & Asthma

Favorite KS Pediatric Practice

Favorite Place to Have a Baby in KS

Johnson County Pediatrics Leawood Pediatrics Pediatric Associates of Olathe

Favorite MO Pediatric Practice Lee’s Summit Physicians Group Pediatric Care North Priority Care Pediatrics

Olathe Medical Center Overland Park Regional Medical Center Shawnee Mission Medical Center

Favorite Place to Have a Baby in MO

Favorite Family Practice

Liberty Hospital North Kansas City Hospital St. Luke’s Hospital

Favorite ER Facility

College Park Family Care Leawood Family Care Midwest Family Care

After Hours Pediatrics Children’s Mercy Shawnee Mission Medical Urgent Care

Favorite Vision Care Center

Favorite Medical Staff

Discover Vision Center Northland Eye Associates Pediatric Eye Care

Children’s Mercy Fales Pediatric Dentistry Leawood Pediatrics

Favorite KS Dental Practice Glenn Hemberger Dentistry Jenkins & LeBlanc Smiles Dentistry for Kids

Favorite MO Dental Practice Michael P. Berry Dentistry Pediatric Dental Specialists Shoal Creek Pediatric Dentistry

Favorite KS Orthodontic Practice Bulleigh Orthodontics Fry Orthodontics Hechler Orthodontics

Favorite MO Orthodontic Practice Braces by Dr. Hansen Burleson Orthodontics Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics

Favorite Free Fun

Crown Center Kaleidoscope Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Favorite Place to Burn Energy Deanna Rose Farmstead Kansas City Zoo Monkey Bizness

Favorite Outdoor Venue Kansas City Zoo Schlitterbahn Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun

Favorite Indoor Venue Crown Center Great Wolf Lodge Power Play

Favorite Birthday Venue Legoland/Sea Life Paint, Glaze & Fire Paradise Park

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Best Kept Secret in KS

Overland Park Farmers’ Market Theatre in the Park Wild West Days at Mahaffie

Best Kept Secret in MO

Favorite Gymnastics Center

Emerald City McCracken’s Gymnastics Pinnacle Gymnastics

Congratulations to all of our winners!

You make Kansas City a great, family-friendly place to live!

Powell Gardens Festival of Butterflies Shatto Dairy Farm Union Station Model Train Exhibit

Favorite Night Out for Parents Country Club Plaza New Theatre Restaurant Starlight Theatre

Favorite Martial Arts Studio Amerikick Ko’s Black Belt Tiger Rock

Favorite Animal Attraction Deanna Rose Farmstead Kansas City Zoo Sea Life Aquarium

P L AY B I L L Favorite Dance Studio The Culture House KC Ballet School Miller Marley

Favorite Drama Studio Christian Youth Theatre The Coterie The Culture House

Favorite Music Studio The Culture House Meyer Music Music House

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kcparent.com january 2014

Favorite Garden & Nature Center

Ernie Miller Nature Center Overland Park Arboretum Powell Gardens

Favorite Museum

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Science City Wonderscope Children’s Museum

Favorite Fair/Festival American Royal Old Settlers Days Plaza Art Fair

2013 WINNER

family faves

Thanks, Kansas City... for voting After-Hours Pediatrics Favorite ER Facility!

WE’RE IN, WHEN YOUR DOCTOR IS OUT...

14300 METCALF • OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS • 913.825.4700

AFTER-HOURSPEDIATRICS.COM

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what i’m doing

right

“When people encourage me by saying I am a good mom, I answer with ‘Thanks, I think so too.’”

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T

here are times when I get in a mothering funk and feel like no matter how hard I try to do the right things and act the right way, I’m just grumpy and not the mom I wish to be for my kids. It’s during these times that it’s all too easy to fall into the parenting comparison trap. I wish I fed my family healthier meals…I wish I could decorate my house better…I wish I could travel with my husband more…I wish I could spend more time at the gym…

I wish I had a hobby that provided income…I wish, I wish, I wish.

Now as we’ve made it through the holidays and all that comes with them, let’s regroup and pat ourselves on the backs. Let’s high five ourselves and one another at how truly amazing we are at being mothers! Because we are. We all are. We have off days, off weeks, maybe off months, but in the end we are doing the best we possibly can for these little beings we’ve created. And for that, let’s celebrate! Let’s put down our modesty and our pride at the same time and realize what we bring to the mothering table. What are we good at? What comes naturally to us? What areas are we NOT worried about in our mothering role? I took to the streets, so to speak, to ask local moms these questions to help raise our morale as we enter this new year of 2014. I caution you to be careful and check your heart before you read to make sure you’re in a place to high five rather than criticize yourself or others. Okay? Here we go!

Lindsay R., Overland Park mother of three, seems to have a positive perspective on her role as a stay-at-home mom based on previous experience as a working mom. “When people encourage me by saying I am a good mom, I answer with ‘Thanks, I think so too.’ I know I am not perfect, but I appreciate what I do as a mother because I work hard at being the parent I aspire to be. I try to give myself props for what I do for my family and community in comparison to my previous workplace experience.”

Missy Landis, Olathe mother of two, also shares some thoughts on what makes her the great mom she is to her two children. “I think that as a mom of two, I feel like I do treat them really well as individuals and try very hard not to make comparisons between the two.

I generally refrain from talking about what one did as opposed to the other at a certain stage. I also like to think that by playing and reading with both of my kids, I am setting the initial stage for their education and development. Daddy does not like to read as much, so this is an area where I tend to shine. I don’t mind getting the house dirty for them to make believe with their toys, and generally no art medium or food is off limits for them to experiment with.”

Personally, I pat myself on the back for focusing on feeding my kids healthy foods, having outdoor playtime as much as possible, maintaining a pretty routine schedule for them and dating my kids. I enjoy taking them to different parks and playgrounds near us, such as Black Bob Park and Frontier Park. I look forward to reading to them before bed, and I also enjoy taking pictures of my kids and trying to keep up with photo books for our family.

I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what areas you are proud of in your personal parenting arena. What makes you a good mom? Are you a patient listener? Do you discipline calmly?

What mothering moments do you enjoy?

Do you relish extra snuggles before starting or ending your day? What things do you and your children enjoy doing together? Do you enjoy visits to your local library? Do you take them on fun field trips to the Johnson County Museum or Wonderscope Children’s Museum? There is a plethora of things we could think of if we pause and focus on the good we are bringing to our children’s lives.

As for what we as moms struggle with, I think having open and honest dialogue about this is important, too. It’s vital that we know we are not the only ones who struggle in a particular area.

But we have to be cautious to encourage one another during these times and offer support, helpful advice or simply a listening ear. This support is yet another reason having a community of moms you can turn to during this life season is so important. I recently attended a moms group Bunco Night, and it was refreshing to vent and to hear I wasn’t the only one feeling a particular way. Times like that free me to laugh about things and move on to the next parenting challenge that I will undoubtedly face.

Lindsay R. concludes by saying, “In our family, I believe that my role is vital to the health and functioning of the ‘company,’ as I like to think of it. And at the end of the day, to me family matters the most.

As a parent, I like to think I am doing a whole lot right. I am being true to myself, believing that family comes first and that our investment in the ones we care about is the most important investment we can make. I have chosen a life of love and feel privileged and proud that I can see the opportunity of being a parent for what it is.”

Stephanie Loux is an Olathe mommy who is continually attempting to be the best mommy she can be to both of her young children.

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Special Advertising Section

Exotic Animals R Us We can bring a little bit of the wild to you! Our animals have been featured on such television shows as Rachel Ray, David Letterman, The Early Show, Martha Stewart and more! Call us to talk about the exotic animals your child would like to see at their birthday party! 816.985.2901. See display ad on pg. 32 for a $10 coupon. www.ExoticAnimalsRUs.com

fresh ideas + terrific themes + great venues

A Fairytale Ballet

party guide KC Parent’s

Your little ballerina can choose her favorite fairytale and we’ll bring it to life! The magic starts with bubbles, ribbons and dances in tutus. Each child is dressed in a matching costume and with a ballerina hostess, the story comes to life with props, dances, and music! Parties available at our Prairie Village studio or in your home. Ages 2-8.

913.671.7944. See display ad on pg. 15. www.AFairytaleBallet.com

Faulkner’s Ranch

Amazing Play Amazing Play Fun Center is the best place in KC for your child’s birthday party. Enjoy the huge SkyMaze playground, Laser Tag in the Labyrinth, breaking into the Vault Laser Maze or a Cloud Jumper ride. Arcade games, good food and lots of room to party. Whether you are looking for a

stress free party or a more economical alternative, you’ll receive the best service in town. We bring the fun, the memories are yours to keep!

See display ad on pg. 31. www.AmazingPlayFunCenter.com

Faulkner’s Ranch Pony Parties are easy to plan and fun to enjoy! Indoor pony parties take place year round in our climate controlled adorably decorated pony party facility. 90 minute parties include a professional cowpoke hostess to facilitate the 1st hour of activities.Your little buckaroos will enjoy

TWO GREAT NEW WAYS TO CELEBRATE A BIRTHDAY!

www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com

www.visitsealife.com

Win an Your Ultimate Birthday to LEGOLAND Center SEA LIFE! Host Birthday Party atParty LEGOLAND DiscoveryDiscovery Center or SEA LIFEorAquarium!

Premium Party for 15 includes: Party packages starting at $25 perpeople child (min 10 guests) include:

• Admission for each guest guest • Private • Private LEGO build/aquarium tour Birthday • Beverages • Admission for each party room • Personalized Cake • Beverages • Private party roomVisit for 75 • Personalized Birthday Cake816.471.4FUN•(4386) Papa Murphy’s Pizza us minutes online for more information or call

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Register for a chance to win: legolanddiscoverycenter.com/kansascity/kcstarbirthday

kcparent.com january 2014

rocking ropers, cow milking contest, pin the tail on the donkey, a miniature petting farm and of course, PONY RIDES! Reserve today at http://www.faulknersranch.com/birthdays.html or call 816.761.1234. See display ad on pg. 33.

Gymboree Choose your child’s favorite theme and we’ll create a private, personalized party experience filled with kid friendly activities guaranteed to be 100% fun with zero clean up! We specialize in 1st birthday parties all the way through to 5th birthday parties. Gymboree Play & Music Parties are available to members and non-members. Call to find out more details. 913.393.0203 (Prairie Village), 913.393.0203 (Olathe), 816.505.3344 (Parkville) or 816.525.7529 (Lee’s Summit). See display ad on pg. 33 for a coupon. www.GymboreeClasses.com

KU Athletics Celebrate your child’s special day with the Jayhawks by hosting his or her birthday party at a Kansas Athletics home event! Receive Jayhawk Birthday invitations, food, drinks, cake and more! For questions or to book your party call 785.864.7988 or log onto www.kuathletics.com

and select Birthday Program under the Fan Central tab. See display ad on pg. 53.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center At LEGOLAND Discovery Center, it’s like you’ve stepped into the world’s largest box of LEGO bricks! Celebrate the special day of your little Lego fan with one of our birthday packages. A standard party includes a personalized birthday cake, an hour in the party room, and unlimited play time in the attraction. The premium package includes the addition of pizza and a private model building workshop. Party guests can keep the custom model they build! See display ad pg. 30. www.LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com

Liberty Meadows Have a horse-loving little girl or a future cowboy in your family? A horse birthday party is exactly what you are looking for! Liberty Meadows Training Center offers several options for birthday events. Come ride horses, spend time grooming and feeding treats and also enjoy space provided for presents and cake! Indoor, heated arena or outside arena available for parties anytime of the year! 816.547.0602. See display ad on pg. 50. www.Liberty-Meadows.com

Plan a SUPER party!

Both Boy and Girl Super Heroes available!

Book a SUPER HERO party in January and receive

15

% off

Party must be held before 3/31/14.

Minimum 8 painters required.

paintglazeandfire.net

127th & Metcalf • Overland Park, KS • 913-661-CLAY kcparent.com january 2014

31

PARTYGUIDE

DID YOU KNOW?

party awesome from A-Z age. Make or purchase a shirt for the birthday child. You can find custommade duds to go with any birthday theme on Etsy and more generic birthday shirts at retail stores like Gymboree. Or you can make your own by printing off your child’s age onto ironon transfer paper and adhering it to a plain T-shirt.

bounce house. Sometimes the

best fun is found in burning off some energy in a bounce house. Letting the kiddos get their wiggles out gives the hostess a break...and unlike arts, crafts or games, requires no major assembly or cleanup.

craigslist. Whether you’re

Where kids come to play!

10% OFF Weekend Party Olathe location

$8.00, $1.50 OFF 2(reg. per group)

Open Play Both locations

$50 OFF Saturday Parties Jan. Only Shawnee Only $249 & up

Hours and Prices are Subject to Change at Anytime

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

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

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kcparent.com january 2014

tryingto be resourceful or you’re looking for a discontinued party supply item, check Craigslist. You never know what you might find. And if you find that you have leftover party supplies post-event, consider selling your extras there, as well.

dollar stores.

Dollar stores are excellent places to stock up on party supplies for a fraction of the price.

Many sell Mylar balloons for—you guessed it—only a dollar and even include filling them with helium in the price!

e-vites. Long gone are the days

when you have to handwrite invitations, mail them out and await RSVPs.

KC Parent has both a comprehensive party guide and coupons on its website!

Now you can whip up free electronic invitations that sync with your child’s birthday party theme and let the website do the work for you.

favors.

Keep it simple. A few pieces of candy, maybe a small toy.

Let the party be the main event.

gift registry. If family and

friends ask for some gift ideas for the birthday boy or girl, consider setting up a registry. Target offers a wish list registry option, as does the web’s largest superstore, Amazon. With some guidance, kids can have a blast with a scan gun (or a mouse) in hand.

holiday sales. Many holiday-

ice cream cake. I scream, you

scream, we all scream for… ice cream cake! Ice cream is always the best part of the birthday dessert, so why not let it be the star attraction? Ice cream parlors like Dairy Queen and Culver’s provide pre-made ice cream cakes that can be customized...or you can always make your own.

juice boxes. It’s inevitable at

any party with little ones: Someone is bound to spill a cup by accident.

Avoid the mess of open cups; stick to juice boxes, which are a healthier alternative to Kool-Aid and soda anyway.

camera close by. Don’t for-

get to document your child’s special day! If you know you’ll find yourself busy doling out snacks and favors during the party, consider asking a family member or friend in advance to help you photograph the event.

lighting. Christmas lights or bat-

tery-operated candles can instantly take a party from drab to fab.

music. Nothing takes a party

over the top more than having its own soundtrack. Outer space party?

Need a Different Birthday Party Idea?

Reserve an Indoor Pony Party!

For more details, visit faulknersranch.com/birthdays.php

Stream the 2001: A Space Odyssey theme! Gotta a girl that loves Disney princesses? Build a Spotify channel including favorites like Ariel’s Part of Your World and Repunzel’s I’ve Got a Dream.

naptime.

Be cautious to avoid scheduling your party around the time of your child’s (and her guests’) nap.

Nothing is worse than going to the trouble of trying to knock her socks off with a fabulous party, only to have a major meltdown ensue because she needs a bit more rest.

overestimate. Plates. Napkins.

Streamers. Snacks. It all adds up! Budget more than you think you’ll need so that any additional expenses don’t catch you off guard.

pinterest.

Say no more—am I right? This resource can make any creatively challenged parent a party planning extraordinaire!

themes.

What’s a really big deal for your child this year? Barbie? Dump trucks? Farm animals? Find something that’s indicative of your little one and let it take center stage at the party.

u.s. toy. This store has you cov-

ered for party supplies and favors, but the sweetest deal is their sidewalk sale held multiple times throughout the year.

video log.

Record your guests giving well wishes to the birthday child and put them on DVD.

wrapping paper. Think table

runner, placemats or a mat for a frame and you’ve got one cool multipurpose tool!

xacto knife.

queue.

recycle. By going generic on party

Write a letter to your child including his stats and favorite things.

Reserve books or media related to your party theme from the library to aid in planning your event.

supplies, you can repurpose items that are already on hand. Burlap can be used for a shabby chic tea party and later for a rootin’ tootin’ cowboy party. Primary colored paper goods will cover any theme from Angry Birds to Lego.

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items lend themselves to a broader range of festivities. Fourth of July tablecloths lend themselves perfectly to a patriotic “Red, White and 2” birthday theme, while Valentine’s Day candy heart plates and napkins go splendidly with a little girl’s heart-themed party.

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PARTYGUIDE Monkey Bizness & Little Monkey Bizness Monkey Bizness & Little Monkey Bizness takes the hassle out of party planning for parents. We provide personalized invitations, balloons, party favors plates, cups, forks, napkins and an optional pizza and soda package. Private play and party rooms. We do all the cleaning! All that’s left to do is show up and have fun! Little Monkey Bizness has full gourmet coffee bar and free Wi-Fi. See display ad on pg. 32 for money saving coupons. www.MonkeyBizness.com

Paint, Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House Paint Glaze & Fire is PARTY CENTRAL & KC’s only paint-your-own pottery studio with a full service coffee bar. Creating beautiful ceramics is fun & easy for everyone from young children to the young at heart. Visit us for birthday parties, Scout/ Brownie outings, corporate team building, girls’ night out or “just because.” Visit one of KC Parent’s Family Fave winners at 127th & Metcalf, 913.661.

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Paradise Park Kansas City’s premier party destination offers an incredible experience for the birthday child and easy, hassle-free party for Mom and Dad. We take care of it all! Choose from 4 different awesome party packages, starting at $189. Visit www.Paradise-Park.com for online booking.

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SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium will transport you into the amazing underwater world. With over 5,000 creatures in 30 different displays, it’s the perfect location to celebrate the birthday of any young ocean enthusiast! A standard party

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Tiger Rock Tae Kwon Do Tired of the same old birthday parties? Kick, jump, tumble at a Super Fantastic Tae Kwon Do Birthday Party at Tiger Rock. Our hassle-free parties include a mini Tae Kwon Do lesson by a Black Belt Instructor, fun games and more. No fuss or mess for you to deal with...the kids will have a ball! 913.829.8818 See display ad on pg. 15. www.KCTigerRock.com

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kcparent.com january 2014

Read. Read to your kids. Read with your kids. Listen to your kids read. Talk about what you’re reading. Ask about their books.

Eager Learners T

he way learning is approached at home (or not) will carry forward with kids into the classroom. Regardless of whether your child is in elementary school or high school, there are things you can do at home to foster eagerness in your learner.

Reading at home is an important part of creating eager learners.

“Not only should you read to them, but you should read yourself. They will do what you do. If they see you modeling this practice, they will want to do it, too.

If you can’t get them away from the TV, have them read the books that go with the TV shows,” Ronna Sparks-Woodward, teacher and Kansas City mother of two, says.

A local elementary guidance counselor agrees that reading is central to building creative learners.

“Read. Read to your kids. Read with your kids. Listen to your kids read. Talk about what you’re reading. Ask about their books,” Beth Dusin, guidance counselor and Liberty mother of two, says.

Not just reading, but making an effort to be involved in your child’s life is a key element, as well. Your children’s feeling like you care about them and their school can translate to their feeling more involved in school.

“Prioritize school,” Dusin says.

“Make time to attend school events. Volunteer in the classroom or complete volunteer jobs at home.”

Parent involvement goes beyond just going to school events and volun-

teering, though.

“Parents need to communicate with their kids. So many parents don’t know what their kids are doing, who their friends are. Or they are so concerned with their own lives that they don’t want to be involved with their kids,” Ann Bertoldie, teacher and Liberty mother of two, says.

Dusin also says that trying new things is another way to build curious learners.

“Encourage effort. Research shows that grit—passion plus persistence over time—is key to success,” Dusin says.

“Emphasize hard work and effort. Encourage your kids to try new things, even things that aren’t easy for them to do.”

Working on skills at home that are taught at school can help, as well.

“Check with the teacher to see what you can do at home to support the classroom experience, or pay attention to the daily note of what they did that day,” Sparks-Woodward says. “Maybe a small thing at dinnertime will enhance the learning at school. Something simple like watching leaves might enhance the lesson the teacher taught that day.”

Above all, the best thing you can do is just encourage learning.

“Value learning. Talk about learning as a process. Pay more attention to what they learn than their grades,” Dusin says.

“Talk about what you are learning. Emphasize life-long learning.”

Jennifer Higgins is a teacher, mother and freelance writer from Kearney.

Being involved in your kids’ lives is important to their success, but how many times have you asked, “What happened at school today?” and received, “Nothing,” as the standard response? Try asking these questions to get a better response.

1. Who did you sit by at lunch?

2. What color was your teacher wearing?

3. Name one good thing and one bad or sad thing that happened today.

4. What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

5. Who did you play with at recess?

6. Tell me one new thing you learned at school today, and I’ll tell you one thing I learned at work.

7. What was the most interesting thing your teacher said today?

8. Did any of your classmates do anything funny?

9. Who did you sit with on the bus?

10. Did Mrs./Mr. Teacher call on you today? kcparent.com january 2014

35

the best day for…. scope kaleido

science city

Savvy parents need to have a few tricks up their sleeves to make the most of the long days of winter. This is your “What-toDo-Today Planner” for Kansas City’s winter months—your guide to beat cabin fever with fun and creative solutions.

um joco muse

5 ideas for indoor fun: Get those creative juices flowing at these great locations for imaginative play, creating and learning.

1. Science City at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.460.2020, UnionStation.org) is Kansas City’s own hands-on science center with permanent and traveling exhibits to educate and engage children.

2. Kaleidoscope (2500 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.274.8301. Visit HallmarkKaleidoscope.com

for a complete schedule.) offers free walk-in sessions in the winter throughout the day during school holidays and in the afternoons when school is in session. Children love Kaleidoscope, a magical hands-on world of creativity and imagination

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kcparent.com january 2014

lil monke y biz

where they create masterpieces with super cool, super fun supplies in a super amazing art center, all thanks to Hallmark.

3. Johnson County Museum (6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS, 913.715.25550. Admission: FREE. Hours: Tue.-Sat., 10:00-4:30; Sun., 1:00-4:30) is home to KidScape, a delightful educational and handson exhibit for kids ages 3-9 (but our younger-than-3 children love it, too!). Youngsters escape into a childsized suburban streetscape, where they role-play as community figures in educational environments: bookstore, park, city hall, hospital, fashion boutique, farm and theater.

4. Little Monkey Bizness (12219 Shawnee Mission

Pkwy., Shawnee, KS, 913.631.7000, ShawneeMission.

MonkeyBizness. com). Little Monkey Bizness is an indoor play facility with soft play, tunnels and Little Tykes toys for little ones, and a great art room to make art projects.

Parents may sit in the snack bar area overlooking the play area and visit or work using free Wi-Fi. The facility is kept clean and sanitary by staff, it is well supervised, and the toys and play equipment are ideal for little ones!

5. Parkside Coffeehouse at Cedar Ridge Christian Church (8835 Lackman Rd., Lenexa, KS, 913.393.3000.

Hours: Tue.-Thu., 8:00-8:00; Fri., 8:00-4:00; Sat.-Sun., 9:00-Noon.) is a free indoor playground with toys for children and a coffeehouse.

your winter what-to-do-today planner kc zoo

park plac e

snow c reek

mahaffie

5 ideas for outdoor winter fun: Take advantage of the cold and enjoy winter’s finest sports and outdoor venues.

1. The Kansas City Zoo (6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO, KansasCityZoo.org) is open year-round and it is never crowded in the winter! At the zoo’s polar regions, you can enjoy the polar bears of the North Pole and the penguins of the South Pole. The zoo’s tropics exhibit features animals native to warmer climates.

Enjoy watching all of them at play!

2. Ski at Snow Creek (1 Snow Creek Dr., Weston, MO, 816.640.2200, SkiSnowCreek. com), the region’s nearest ski and

snow board facility.

They offer lessons for beginners and group packages.

3. Ice Skate at one of Kansas City’s outdoor rinks. The Ice at Park Place (11565 Ash St., Leawood, KS, DestinationParkPlace.com, Crown Center Ice Terrace (Crown Center, 2500 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, CrownCenter.com), Linden Square (NE 70th & N. Cherry, Gladstone, MO, Gladstone.mo.us) and The Rink at Burlington Square (6109 NW 63rd Ter., Kansas City, MO, 816.249.2600, KCIce.net) offer lots of frosty fun!

4. On a snowy weekend, enjoy sleigh rides at Ma-

haffie Stagecoach Stop (1200 E. Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS, 913.971.5111, Mahaffie.org). Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop is one of our favorite historic sites in the Metro, with wonderful interpretive programs throughout the year. A favorite tradition historically, a horse-drawn sleigh ride on snowy weekends is great fun for the whole family (snow required, so this is dependent on the weather).

5. Sledding, another weather dependent activity, is a favorite on one of Kansas City’s best sledding hills, all listed on KCParent.com.

kcparent.com january 2014

37

nd legola

sea life

kins nelson-at

cosmic j ump

5 ideas for a fun family night: These attractions are open a little later than you might expect and are especially fun to visit in the evenings when they are less crowded and your family can enjoy more time with each exhibit or asking the expert staff members questions!

kansas city’s #1 attraction

guide

1. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas City (2475 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO. Hours: Sun.-Thu., 10:00-7:00 (final admission at

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detours for when you are out and about. Also, be sure to check out the digital version at KCParent.com.

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kcparent.com january 2014

5:00); and Fri.-Sat., 10:00-9:00 (final admission at 7:00).

Kids love building, creating and playing in the indoor Lego-themed play land. With two rides, a 4D cinema, a mini Lego replica of Kansas City and a variety of play areas where children can create their own LEGO models, this is a favorite family destination.

were starfish, but learned on a recent visit that they are actually sea stars—the animal isn’t a fish at all! The stingrays, sharks, turtles, fish, seahorses, octopi and other sea creatures are fascinating to observe, and the staff at Sea Life are passionate about what they do and sharing that passion with visitors.

2. Sea Life Aquarium (2475 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO. Hours: Sun.Thu., 10:00- 7:00 (final admission at 5:00) and Fri.-Sat., 10:00-9:00 (final admission at 7:00).

Every time we visit, we learn something we didn’t know before! The touch pool is a fave for our family, where we enjoy exploring sea creatures with our fingers and learning all about them. For instance, I grew up thinking those celestial-looking sea creatures

3. The NelsonAtkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO, 816.751.1278, Nelson-Atkins.org.

Hours: Wed., 10:004:00; Thu.-Fri., 10:009:00; Sat., 10:005:00; and Sun., Noon-5:00. Admission: FREE) is open late on Thursday and Friday. Kansas City’s art gallery is one destination where you will discover something new with each visit.

Families enjoy the FUN Spot, located in Bloch Lobby,

where visitors with children learn what activities are available for them that day to maximize their fun. Tip: Use our “Nelson Scavenger Hunt” on KCParent.com to add to your fun.

4. Burn off energy at an indoor trampoline park! I don’t know about you, but my girls are bouncing off the walls after too many days inside.

Get some exercise at one of Kansas City’s indoor trampoline attractions. The hours of operation vary for each location, but they are open many evenings through the week.

Check out Sky Zone (6495 Quivira Rd., Shawnee, KS, 913.213.5900, SkyZone.com/ KansasCity) or Cosmic Jump (12025 S. Strang Line Rd., Olathe KS, 913.397.7700, CosmicJump.com).

5. Catch a movie. I remember growing up in an era when most movie theaters were “alike”— the differences from one theater to the next were so subtle it really didn’t warrant going to the other side of the city—so we all frequented the local theater. Now, movie theaters are competitive.

In-theater dining, gigantic leather seats, 100+ soda selections, bigger, better, bolder screens and sound systems.... the competition is on!

Search “5 Coolest Theaters” on KCParent.com to discover our favorite movie theaters in Kansas City.

In January, when Kristina Light isn’t enjoying a winter picnic at the zoo watching penguins and polar bears, she can be found sledding with her kids at their favorite nearby hill.

FAITH&FAMILY

question

when children

“W

hat do you think?” –Matthew 17:25 Children possess insatiable curiosity.

Their questions about God often plumb the very depths of truth and leave us, their parents, scratching our heads.

“How big is God?” “Does the Tooth Fairy know God?” “Where is heaven, and what’s it like?”

Saint Augustine said, “If you understand, that isn’t God.” And yet, how we respond to our children’s spiritual questions is crucial to their faith development: Dismiss their questions, and we only postpone them.

Shame their questions, and we teach them to fear examination and attach guilt to doubt.

If we answer with a dissatisfying cliché of bumper sticker theology—

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“The Bible says it, and that settles it”— we place belief and intellect at odds, denying our children the rich faith that emerges from wrestling with the Great Mystery.

An honest “I don’t know” is a better answer, yet only constructive when met with a further gesture: “…but let’s explore this together.” Jesus’ own rabbinic method of teaching hinged on exploring parables and questions, endless questions. Eighty-seven are recorded in the gospel of Matthew alone. Among them: “But who do you say that I am?”

(Matthew 16:15), and “What do you think…?” (Matthew 17:25, Matthew 18:12, Matthew 22:42-45).

Emory theologian James Fowler has spent a career studying spiritual growth.

According to Fowler’s research, young children see the world as a commingling

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Wendy Connelly is a mother of two and a host on the Alpha Course—where no question is too hostile or too simple—at her home church in Olathe.

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of fantasy and reality. Their basic ideas about God, in these early years, are often confused with Santa Claus and wily garden gnomes. They then progress, as with an abrupt pendulum swing, out of fantasy to a very concrete, black-and-white concept of reality, which also informs their view of God. If we don’t encourage our children to explore their beliefs—including the ideas they have adopted from us or from the religious institutions in which we raise them—we risk their settling for an unexamined faith that lacks the firm foundation necessary to sustain them through life’s trials.

What are the catalysts to progress our children—and ourselves—toward a more mature and examined faith? Curiosity. Questions. Yes, even doubts.

Like Jesus with his disciples, we are wise to teach our children it’s okay to wrestle with God and explore the tough questions. There is no harm in the asking, only the risk of humbly discovering that God is an infinitely Greater Mystery than our minds, at any age or stage, can comprehend.

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39

D

raising boys:

teaching them to be good brothers Additional resources: Siblings Without Rivalry by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish The Kazdin Method for Parenting the Defiant Child by Allan Kazdin (for more about creating token systems) The Family Conservancy, TheFamilyConservancy.org

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kcparent.com january 2014

o your boys prefer to duke it out rather than talk it out? Raising brothers to work out conflict respectfully despite wildly different personalities or fierce competitive streaks can prove challenging. But set a positive example, and you’ll find that nurturing brotherly love isn’t impossible!

Nurture healthy competition. The good news is sibling rivalry is normal. To keep competition good natured, avoid labeling and comparing one child to the other. Encourage your sons to compete against themselves instead of each other.

“Teach them that it’s not about whether you are better than anyone else.

It’s whether you are doing better than you were at the beginning of the year or at the beginning of the season,” says child psychologist Dr. Jane Sosland, University of Kansas Medical Center, and mom to three children, twin sons, 18, and a daughter, 15.

If your son expresses sadness or frustration over a loss, acknowledge the disappointment. “We all feel disappointment. Validate how he feels without trying to convince him that the way he feels is wrong,” Sosland says.

Encourage cooperation. “Parenting boys is a lot of fun,” says Jenny Brandt, director of Quality Initiatives of Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas and Western Missouri, a program of the Family Conservancy, and a mom of two boys, 3-1/2 and 2.

“Whether they are wrestling in the living room or helping me cook dinner, they bring a different perspective to my life, which I greatly appreciate.”

Brandt says she and her husband started early teaching their sons to cooperate by defining how to play nicely.

“We encourage them to use their words, offer another toy to use and take turns,” she says.

Build empathy. Brandt fosters empathy between her boys by teaching them to acknowledge each other’s feelings. She might tell her older son, Rhett, that Hank looks sad and involve him in finding ways to make his brother feel better.

“Rhett, now on his own, notices that Hank is sad, and he’ll say, ‘Hank, do you want me to sing your favorite song?’” she says.

Positive reinforcement. Describe what respectful behavior looks like. For example, if one child answers a question from his brother with a grunt, explain that to show respect he must answer the question.

“You can say, ‘I don’t want to talk about it right now.’ Just as long as the response is something civil,” Sosland says.

Identify times when your children are most likely to squabble, such as when they are tired and hungry. When the car ride home from school became a sibling continued on pg. 42

“I

t’s another girl!” The ultrasound technician smiled at the blurry revelation of our third child’s gender. As someone raised as an only girl among brothers, I was ecstatic to know my three girls would have something that I always envied in others: sisters. I had spent years pining over that mysterious bond rooted deeper than friendship where giggles, whispers and sharing life seemed to come naturally.

Now as the mom of three young girls, I’m learning that raising respectful, loving daughters who also desire to be close friends takes a good measure of intentionality mixed with lots of listening and heaps of love.

One method for fostering close sibling bonds is creating shared experiences. Children can learn a sense of camaraderie with even the most diverse sibling personalities. An age gap of nearly six years between our first and second daughters makes creating shared experiences that are agreeable to all three girls challenging, but not impossible. After dinner games of whiffle ball in the backyard, laundry folding parties while watching a favorite movie and kid-led cookie bakings (kitchen cleanup included!) are a few special experiences our daughters enjoy together.

Leawood mom and grandma Debbie Walker shares her wisdom in raising her three, now grown, daughters: “Teach them to make family fun and exciting with just siblings, and they will grow into the habit of wanting to be together as they grow older. This will give everyone opportunities to learn how to treat others, as well as supporting one another, as friends would, which minimizes sibling rivalry and creates strong bonds that last a lifetime.” Walker also speaks to the idea of creating shared experiences where the joys and adventures of life, even the seemingly mundane tasks, are bonding moments for building future relationships.

Local mom Sarah Wolfswinkel describes a particular shared experience between her 2- and 8-year-old daughters. “Follow the giggles to the clearance aisle at the shoe store. There you’ll see my girls amongst pairs and pairs of too big, too high, high heels walking the fake runway,” she says. “Onlookers see utter chaos. To me it is laughter, it is joy and it is innocent love. To my girls it is shoe heaven, carefree bliss and memories being made. It’s complete happiness for them; to me it is beautiful!”

raising girls:

teaching them to be good sisters

Good books to read: Clementine by Sara Pennypacker The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall Sheila Rae the Brave by Kevin Henkes The Chicken of the Family by Mary Amato What Sisters Do Best by Laura Numeroff

kcparent.com january 2014

41

boys:

battleground, Sosland started a program where her kids earned a poker chip for mutual respect and cooperation. In order to attain the reward of a special outing, her kids had to work as a team to compile an equal number of chips.

Stop bullying behavior. While it is important to give your children space to solve conflicts, intervene if one child is hurting the other, physically or emotionally. Separate your kids and tell the offender that he can rejoin the family when he agrees to treat his brother kindly.

Role model. Many of us share the funny or frustrating things our kids do with friends and extended family members. But Brandt says this behavior may inadvertently teach our kids that it’s acceptable to portray family members in a negative light in front of others.

Make a family rule that you won’t embarrass or say negative things about each other in front of people outside of the family. Instead, make it a habit to point out the positive things each person does.

You and your partner also can model a respectful relationship to your children through your treatment of each other.

Over time, your sons will learn that their brotherhood is unlike any other bond. By honoring and respecting each other’s differences, their friendship will last a lifetime.

Freelance writer Christa Melnyk Hines is raising two close-knit brothers, 6 and 8, who are exhibiting a recent exuberance for aggravating each other (and their parents). Christa and her family reside in Olathe.

girls:

I’m learning that raising respectful, loving daughters who also desire to be close friends takes a good measure of intentionality mixed with lots of listening and heaps of love.

Make a family rule that you won’t embarrass or say negative things about each other in front of people outside of the family.

Think about hobbies your children enjoy or any upcoming events you have on the calendar. How can those be turned into shared experiences for your children? The good news about shared experiences is that you don’t have to always fabricate them, because being intentional about the daily ins and outs of real life are great places to begin. And remember that you’re creating memories that they’ll share for a lifetime.

If I ever had an image of sisters locked hand-in-hand with matching pigtails swinging freely in unison and feet skipping from one blissful moment to the next, it’s been replaced by reality. Of course, we have sweet, lovely moments of sibling unity and cooperation, but the flip side is also true.

In those moments of harsh words, accusations and physical unruliness, I find myself in two battles, both having to do with listening. First, as Mom, I need to really stop and listen to not just the words of the problem, but the hearts of the children involved, as well.

Secondly, I need to train my daughters to do the same. Equipping our children to empathize with others, even when they disagree with each other, starts at home. Our daughters tend to use a lot of words, especially when they feel angry, so modeling for them to not speak out of anger and acknowledge the feelings of others is a painstaking process, but one that will prove worthy of every moment in the long run.

Jena Meyerpeter writes and raises her three daughters, 3, 5 and 10, in Lenexa.

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BLOGBITS

winter weather

experiments

J

anuary brings cold temps our way in Kansas City, so I came up with a few experiments you can try at home the next time it’s really cold—but remember to bundle up first.

The first experiment: Does a hot liquid freeze before a cold liquid, or do they freeze at the same rate? We took a glass container of hot coffee and a cool container of water. I hypothesized the hot coffee would freeze first because it would lose heat at a faster rate. I reasoned that if the hot liquid evaporates faster, then it will have less mass and thus could freeze more quickly. But the other question to ask is, “Will the cooler liquid freeze first because it doesn’t have to cool as much to reach the freezing point of 32°?” After an hour and a half, I found both liquids frozen. It appears they froze at the same rate, but the cool liquid was frozen more than the hot coffee. Try it yourself and see what happens.

psst...

Here is another fun experiment.

Soak a t-shirt in water, then hang it outside. See how long it takes for the shirt to freeze! Our shirt took less than 15 minutes!

I saved the best experiment for last, and it really is the coolest. Get a bottle of “Miracle Bubbles” and start blowing bubbles in the frigid air. Catch one of the bubbles on the wand and watch it freeze. It won’t last long, but you will have a frozen sphere for about 10 seconds. By that time, all the air inside the bubble will escape through the thin film and the bubble will literally implode on itself.

Pretty cool stuff for some of the coldest temperatures of the year—just don’t forget the hat and gloves!

Brett Anthony is a meteorologist with KSHB and a father of two.Visit the KCParent.com blogs all winter long for great ideas and activities.

Did you know: • Statistically, Kansas City’s coldest days of the year are in January.

• The average high is 39° and the low is 22°.

• The coldest temperature ever recorded in January: -25 degrees on Jan. 12,1974.

• While cold, January is not the snowiest month. It only averages 1.14 inches of snow.

• The most snow to fall in one day in January was on Jan. 8, 1930 when KC received 12.8 inches.

Do you want to see your house here?

we’re busy whipping up a juicy new issue for

february winter olympics kc style teens who give back camp guide sweet treats

List with me.

When you list your home with me, I will advertise it here, giving you exposure to 130,000 households of upper income buyers.

And, of course I will help you find the home of your dreams, making the process easy and fun, too!

Tim Sikpi Real Estate Agent 816.892.0548 tim@gladheartrealty.com

SPECIALIZING IN JOHNSON COUNTY

GLAD HEART REALTY www.gladheartrealty.com

since 2001

kcparent.com january 2014

43

don’t skip the suds

this cold & flu season T he importance of hand washing has long been advised by health professionals, especially during the cold and flu season. However, a recent study found that only 95 percent of Americans admit it is important to wash their hands after using a public restroom. This is particularly true with women compared to men.

What’s even more interesting is that a growing number of consumers admit to simply rinsing their hands with water without using soap in public washrooms.

In fact, this number has increased from 54 percent to 70 percent on the national level over the past two years. And just how long are they “washing” their hands?

Suds or no suds, a majority of Americans do not wash their hands long enough. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recommended time to wash one’s hands with soap and water in order to kill bacteria is at least 20 seconds.

These findings are part of the fifth annual Healthy Hand Washing Survey conducted by Bradley Corporation, a Milwaukee-based manufacturer of commercial plumbing fixtures and washroom accessories. Bradley is dedicated to innovating products that create more efficient washroom environments and promote healthy hand washing.

Positive responses to media

Log onto KCParent.com for a list of ways to boost your child’s immune system during cold & flu season.

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The survey also revealed that increased media coverage or stories about food-borne or airborne illnesses have an impact on hand washing habits.

More than half of consumers, 57 percent, claimed they wash their hands more often and more thoroughly in response to news coverage. Sixty-six percent also reported washing their hands more frequently in response to news about seasonal flu outbreaks.

“These findings underscore the need for consumers to be mindful of good hand hygiene,” says Jon Dommisse, director of global marketing and strategic development for Bradley. “Everyone

can play their part in preventing the spread of viruses such as influenza during the winter months. Always remember, it takes less than a minute to effectively wash your hands.”

Stay healthy all year long

To keep you and your family healthy, Bradley recommends five simple steps to effective hand washing: 1. Wash More Frequently – It’s important to wash your hands not only after using the washroom, but before and after preparing and eating food; before and after treating a wound; after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing; and after touching the garbage.

2. Count to 20 – Proper hand washing means scrubbing with water and soap for at least 20 seconds or the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.

Be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.

3. Don’t Forget to Dry – Smart hand hygiene should not only include washing, but thoroughly drying hands as well. The most hygienic and sustainable method is using an energy-efficient dryer, such as the one found on the all-inone touchless Advocate Lavatory System.

4. Hand Sanitizers Aren’t Enough – While 29 percent of consumers surveyed use a hand sanitizer, it may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty. Anti-bacterial gel is not a substitute for soap and water, and should only be relied upon if hand washing facilities are not available.

5. Clean Hands Mean Healthy Kids – Hand washing among school-age children is especially important because nearly 2.2 million children under the age of 5 die each year from diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, according to a 2011 study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Kids should be taught healthy routines like hand washing at an early age.

(Family Features)

rowhead Ave. in Independence Jan. 8 from 3-7 p.m. at First Baptist Raytown, 10500 Missouri 350 in Kansas City Johnson County (Kan.) Jan. 8 from 3-7 p.m. at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, 9300 Nall Ave. in Overland Park Jan. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at AIG, 17200 W. 119th St. in Olathe Jan. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kansas City Church of Christ, 10250 Quivira Road in Lenexa Jan. 14 from 2:30-6:30 p.m. at Rosehill Point Apartments, 12701 W. 88th St. Circle in Lenexa Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Compass Minerals, 9900 W. 109th St. in Overland Park Jan. 15 from 12:30-6:30 p.m. at Monticello Trails Middle School, 6100 Monticello Road in Shawnee

HELP SAVE A LIFE January is National Blood Donor Month, and the American Red Cross invites those who are eligible to join the millions of blood donors across the country in helping ensure a stable blood supply for patients in need

Upcoming blood donation opportunities: Jackson County Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grandview Community Center, 13500 Byars Road in Grandview Jan. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bass Pro Shop, 18001 Bass Pro Drive in Independence Jan. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at National American University, 3620 Ar-

Johnson County (Mo.) Jan. 10 from 2-6:30 p.m. at Chilhowee R-V School, 101 SW Highway 2 in Chilhowee Wyandotte County Jan. 2 from 3-7 p.m. at Elm Grove Baptist Church, 15774 Linwood Road in Bonner Springs

Dentistry That Will Make Kids

Board Certified Pediatric Dentists

Smile • Prompt, friendly care • Professional dental cleanings • Fun, interactive environment • Specialized dentistry just for kids!

kcparent.com january 2014

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january

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

CALENDAR

LAKESHORE LEARNING

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

46

kcparent.com january 2014

skate

create

learn

watch

celebrate

Head to Kansas City’s only outdoor skating rink, the Crown Center Ice Terrace! After skating, warm up with hot chocolate across the street in the food court.

CrownCenter.com

Visit the new Lakeshore Learning store every Saturday for free crafts for kids! From party masks to skydivers to bongos, there’s always something fun to create!

913.432.3998

Jan. 11 visit Grinter Place State Historic Site at 11:00 to Learn about Kansas City-area history. Then, stay for lunch prepared on the wood stove.

Food and fun!

913.299.0373

Run, cheetahs, run!

Watch as the fastest mammals on Earth race around a track at top speed at the Kansas City Zoo on Jan. 18 at 10:30.

816.513.5800

Visit the NelsonAtkins Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 to celebrate Chinese New Year. Many familyfriendly activities are planned throughout the museum. Don’t miss the fun! Free.

Nelson-Atkins.org

1 wednesday

Open Play 9:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Bring the kids in out of the cold and play all day. $5-$8.

913.631.7000 First Day Hike 9:00, Battle of Lexington Historic Site. Take a .25-mile walk on Battlefield Trail to learn about what happened. 660.259.4654 Ice Skating 11:00, The Ice at Park Place. Ring in the New Year with the family at Johnson County’s only outdoor skating rink. 913.663.2070 Open Gym Noon, Harris Park Community Center (Lee’s Summit). Kick off the new year with fitness and run off some energy during open gym time. $4-$5. 816.969.1540

2 thursday

Never Too Late 6:00, New Theatre Restaurant.

George Wendt from Cheers stars with his real-life wife in this domestic comedy. 913.649.SHOW (7469)

3 friday

Daddy & Daughter Dance Feb 7 & 8, Providence Community Church. Purchase your tickets now for this fun night for girls and their dads.

913.307.0710 Ice Skating 10:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace. Bring the family to Crown Center for a fun filled day of ice skating at Kansas City’s only outdoor rink!

816.274.8411 Story Time 10:30 & 11:30, Shawnee Books & Toys.

Bring in the kids to participate in our weekly story time, craft and a snack. 913.962.1428

Nature Nuts Story Time 10:00 & 1:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Hear nature stories and participate in hands-on activities. 816.759.7300 Engineering Extravaganza 10:00, Pierson Auditorium (UMKC). Join LEARN Science & Math Club for a fun-filled day of learning disguised as play. $10. 816.914.3115 Party Mask 11:00, Lakeshore Learning. Celebrate with an enchanting mask kids make themselves and decorate it with super cool collage materials.

Free. 913.432.3998 Simple Strings 1:00 & 2:30, Toy & Miniature Museum. Relax after the holiday hustle and bustle with a concert in the museum. Jan 5 is the last day to visit before renovations. 816.235.8000

5 sunday

Real Pirates 9:30, Union Station. See artifacts recovered from the first authenticated pirate ship found in US waters. Hurry! Exhibit ends Jan 5.

UnionStation.org

Friday Family Night 6:00, Cool Crest. Every Friday for only $21.99, enjoy unlimited soft play (four guests), 100 arcade tokens, large pizza and four drinks. 816.358.0088

A Very Fifties Christmas 1:00, All-Electric House at the Johnson County Museum. Last few days to see the 1950s All-Electric House decorated for the holidays. Rock around the aluminum tree!

JoCoMusuem.org

Friday Night Family Fun 6:30, Plaza Library. Join us every Friday night for fun activities the whole family can enjoy! 816.701.3481

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

4 saturday

Birds of Prey 2:00, Ernie Miller Nature Sanctuary.

Watching live birds, participants will see up close examples of these magnificent raptors and their special adaptations. $3. 913.764.7759

The Wiz 2:00 & 4:00, Coterie Theatre. Watch Dorothy and her three friends ease on down a fabulous yellow brick road. $12-$17.

TheCoterie.org

Home Depot Kids Workshop 9:00, Home Depot stores. Bring in the kids for a free hands-on workshop and build something together.

HomeDepot.com

Visit the Zoo 9:30, Kansas City Zoo. The Kansas City Zoo is open year-round. Bundle up and visit with the animals! KansasCityZoo.org

Get creative at the

Nerman Museum!

Contemporary Creations classes (ages 8-11) and Early Explorations classes (ages 5-7) combine engaging, interactive tours with hands-on studio projects, and students explore different topics each week.

Pre-registration is required.

Saturdays, Jan. 25-March 15 10 a.m. – noon or 2 p.m.-4 p.m. $15 / $10 for Museum Members Register through JCCC Continuing Education.

913-469-2323 • www.jccc.edu/youth

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art Johnson County Community College kcparent.com january 2014

47

BEST DAY TO...

Especially on Mondays

Moms FREE Monday in the Children’s EduTainment Center at Paradise Park, Paradise-Park.com.

Power Hour at Little Monkey Bizness, 913.631.7000. Special $5 admission 1:00-3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Especially on Tuesdays

Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café, 913.383.0222.

Paint pottery and enjoy a story. $9.50/child.

Tots on Tuesday 3rd Tuesday of each month, 11:00, Kemper Museum, 816.753.5784. Explore bright colors and bold patterns. Dress up, play color matching games, try on crazy hats and read stories with a trendy twist.

Especially on Wednesdays

Power Hour at Little Monkey Bizness, 913.631.7000. Special $5 admission 1:00-3:00 on Mondays & Wednesdays.

Pop ‘n Play on Alternating Wednesdays 9:00-11:00, Johnson County Museum, 913.715.2552. Activities designed especially for your 9-month- to 3-year-olds. Fee: $1/child, members FREE. Tiny Tot Skate 9:30-11:00, Skate City, 913.888.6668. Bring your little one out to the rink! $5/child.

Especially on Thursdays

Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl (Olathe & Mission), 913.432.7000. Moms and tots enjoy bowling. Cost of $3/ each includes one game, shoes and small drink.

Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00, George Owens Nature Park, 816.352.7115. Children are invited to participate in a nature focused story time and craft.

Especially on Fridays

Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café, 913.383.0222.

Paint pottery and enjoy a story. $9.50/child.

Story Time 10:30 or 11:30, Shawnee Books & Toys, 913.962.1428. Free stories, craft and a snack!

Paint Me a Story on alternating Fridays at 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire, 913.661.2529. Paint a ceramic piece, listen to story and enjoy a snack. $15/child.

Our editor picks the best of kc for each day of the week!

Family Fun Night 4:00-9:00, Little Monkey Bizness, 913.631.7000. Admission is only $6 for kids to climb and bounce the evening away.

Especially on Saturdays

Lowe’s Build ’n Grow FREE kids building workshops at Lowe’s stores across the Metro where kids make their own mini construction projects to enjoy and take home. Visit LowesBuildAndGrow.com for a complete schedule.

Home Depot Kids Workshops Free workshops for children at Home Depot stores across the Metro. Kids build wooden projects to keep. Visit Workshops.HomeDepot.com for a complete schedule.

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6 monday Moms FREE Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium (Crown Center). Come nose to nose with sharks and prepare for close views of everything from starfish and seahorses to rays. VisitSeaLife.com Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. Bring your kids for an hour to our recreational gymnastics facility for fun play! 913.707.3756 Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Arrive between 1:00 & 3:00 on Monday and Wednesday and admission is just $5 plus tax! 913.631.7000

7 tuesday Indoor Playground 9:30-11:30, Sylvester Powell Comm Ctr. Children 6 and under can play on developmentally appropriate toys for just $2.

913.722.8200 Kidscape 10:00, Johnson County Museum. A daily hands-on exhibit that immerses young children in a colorful, exciting environment.

913.715.2552 Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222 2-for-1 Tuesday 5:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace.

After 5:00, pay one full price admission and receive a second for free. 816.274.8444

8 wednesday

Pixie Class 9:30, Skate City (Overland Park). Bring kids 2-6 to learn to skate safely while having fun.

Snack included. $5. 913.888.6668 Little Acorns 10:00 & 1:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Come to the nature center to learn all about squirrels. Pre-reg. 816.228.3766 Science City 10:00, Union Station. With the cold temps outside, spend the day learning and playing at Science City. $11.50-$13.50. 816.460.2020 Animal Tales 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center.

Visit the nature center for stories, songs and surprises. Meet a special animal friend every time. $2. 913.764.7759

9 thursday Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Indoor Playground 9:30-11:30, Sylvester Powell Comm Ctr. Children 6 and under can play on developmentally appropriate toys for just $2.

913.722.8200 Preschool Playtime 9:30, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. Join us for an open gym with various toys and equipment. Snack and drink

We Welcome your children to our Warm, fun environment, Where every child is treated With personalized care.

Dentistry for infants, children, teens and all those with special needs

• Comprehensive pediatric dental care including orthodontics • Low radiation digital x-rays • Individualized oral health education

Dr. John T. Fales, Jr.

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

www.KIDZDENTIST.com

find us on facebook

Ballet Memphis Wizard of Oz 8 p.m., Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1 Youth under 18 half price.

Click your heels together and follow the yellow brick road to Yardley Hall.

See the familiar story told through classical ballet. Great for the whole family!

jccc.edu/TheSeries | 913-469-4445 Performing Arts Series Johnson County Community College NO ONLINE FEES | FREE PARKING

kcparent.com january 2014

49

provided. 913.579.6867

• Horseback Riding Lessons (Beginner to Advanced)

• Birthday Parties • Summer Day Camps • Lesson Packages Available

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Roger T Sermon Center (Independence). Three actors perform all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in less than two hours. $11-$12. 816.325.7367

10 friday Sign with Toddlers 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. A six-week session that teaches signing through songs, books and activities. Pre-reg.

913.477.7100 Friday Playgroup 10:30, Turner Community Library. Little ones have fun listening to stories and joining in on crafts and songs. 913.596.1404

LIBERTY MEADOWS TRAINING CENTER 21000 Switzer Rd. Bucyrus, KS 66013 Ryan Strand & Elise Worman 816.547.0602 | info@liberty-meadows.com

Ice Skating 11:00, The Ice at Park Place. Enjoy a day of ice skating at Johnson County’s only outdoor skating rink. 913.663.2070 Story Time 11:00, Reader’s World Lee’s Summit.

Every Friday enjoy story time with a story, crafts and a snack. Free. 816.246.7323 Friday Family Night 6:00, Cool Crest. Every Friday for only $21.99, enjoy unlimited soft play (four guests), 100 arcade tokens, large pizza and four drinks. 816.358.0088

11 saturday Bird Banding 10:00, Burroughs Audubon Nature Center and Bird Sanctuary. See our resident winter songbirds up close and personal.

816.795.8177 Baby Buck Sale 10:00, Children’s Orchard (KCMO, Olathe & Indep). Get infant (NB-12 mos) clothing for only $1! ChildOrch.com Build-Your-Own Bongos 11:00, Lakeshore Learning. Boppin’ beats are at kids’ fingertips as they make, decorate and play these bongos!

913.432.3998 Second Saturdays 11:00, Grinter Place State Historic Site. Learn about Kansas City-area history and stay for lunch prepared on the wood stove.

913.299.0373 Meet Me at the Museum 1:00, Kemper Museum.

Join a Kemper Museum docent for a lively discussion and tour of the museum’s current exhibitions. Free. 816.753.5784 Second Saturdays 4:00, Historic Downtown Weston. Stroll into unique shops & galleries for late night shopping and in-store specials.

WestonMO.com Allen Toussaint Concert 8:00, Folly Theater. Allen Toussaint returns to the Folly stage for another amazing evening of entertainment. 816.474.4444

12 sunday

Daddy & Daughter Dance Feb 7 & 8, Providence Community Church. Purchase your tickets now for this fun night for girls and their dads.

913.307.0710

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Story Time for Preschoolers 1:30, Nelson-Atkins Museum. Young ones will enjoy stories the second Sunday of each month in Noguchi Court.

816.751.1278

13 monday

Visit the Zoo 9:30, Kansas City Zoo. The Kansas City Zoo is open year-round. Bundle up the family and visit with the animals! KansasCityZoo.org Toddler Takeover 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. Bring your little ones under 4 to run and play in the gym. $1. 816.784.6100 Toddle Time 10:00, Bonner Springs Community Center. Bring your kids to play on the large assortment of toys in the gym. $2. 913.422.7010 Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Arrive between 1:00 & 3:00 on Monday and Wednesday and admission is just $5 plus tax! 913.631.7000

14 tuesday Young Explorers: Snowy Footprints 9:30, Lenexa Community Center. Explore a child’s world through songs, games, hands-on activities and art projects. $12. 913.477.7100 Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Community Center (Merriam). Kids will enjoy inflatable bouncers, Little Tykes riding toys and MORE! $2. 913.322.5550 Indoor Playground 9:30-11:30, Sylvester Powell Comm Ctr. Children 6 and under can play on developmentally appropriate toys for just $2.

913.722.8200 Babes in the Woods: Hope for Snow 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Join naturalist Kathleen for some outdoor fun. If there is snow, bring your sled! Pre-reg. 816.228.3766 Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic CafĂŠ. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222

15 wednesday

Jo Ho Storyteller 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Kids will enjoy tales of winter animals told

by JoHo. Pre-reg. JoCoMuseum.org Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center.

Spend the day creating with Legos. Be sure to visit the newly remodeled Lego Friends area.

816.471.4386 Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. Bring your kids for an hour to our recreational gymnastics facility for fun play! 913.707.3756

16 thursday

Tales for Tiny Tykes 9:30 & 10:30, Plaza Library.

Toddlers ages 18-36 months can listen to a 20-minute story time followed with a craft.

816.701.3481 Indoor Playground 9:30-11:30, Sylvester Powell Comm Ctr. Children 6 and under can play on kcparent.com january 2014

51

take note: january ’14 Jan 5: National Bird Day Lakeside Nature Center (4701 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, 816.513.8960) rescues and cares for injured native animals, and it is home to wonderful bird exhibits where children can watch birds of prey.

Jan. 3: National Hat Day Play dress up with a variety of cool hats!

Stock up on funny, unique hats and caps at U.S. Toy (2008 W. 103rd Ter., Leawood, 913.642.8247).

Jan. 8: Elvis Presley’s Birthday Dine at the Big Biscuit (BigBiscuitRestaurant.com for five area locations), where you can enjoy an Elvis, “the King of Burgers,” made with bacon, American cheese and peanut butter.

Jan. 15: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday This month, make a point to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement.

The Black Archives of Mid-America (2033 Vine, Kansas City, MO, 816.483.1300) is home to collections featuring paintings, sculptures and writings by black artists.

National Soup Month: Grab lunch at Best Regards Bakery & Café (6759 W. 119th St., Overland Park, 913.782.1505, MakeThemSmile.com), where everything is made from scratch. In addition to great soups, the grilled cheese is something that has everyone talking.

Jan. 19: National Popcorn Day For more than 50 years, Topsy’s has been serving delicious popcorn to Kansas Citians!

Topsy’s boasts more than a dozen KC-area locations. Visit TopsysPopcorn.com for more information.

Jan. 29: National Puzzle Day Head over to Kaleidoscope (HallmarkKaleidoscope.com), Kansas City’s favorite FREE destination for children to create, imagine and design their very own jigsaw puzzles.

Jan. 31: Chinese New Year Celebrate the year of the horse at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO, 816.751.1278) with FREE activities, entertainment and demonstrations for all ages. Tip: Some events may require online ticket reservations at Nelson-Atkins.org.

National Blood Donor Month: Contact the Community Blood Center (SaveALifeNow.org) to find a nearby location or event where you can donate blood to help save lives and make a difference.

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2-for-1 Tuesdays

5:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace. After 5:00, pay one full price admission and receive a second for free. 816.274.8444 developmentally appropriate toys for just $2.

913.722.8200 A Midsummer Night’s Dream 7:00, St Teresa’s Academy (KCYA). A Heart of America Shakespeare Festival and Kansas City Young Audiences collaborative project. $5. 816.531.4022

17 friday

Story Time 10:30 & 11:30, Shawnee Books & Toys.

Bring in the kids to participate in our weekly story time, craft and a snack. 913.962.1428 3rd Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station.

The galleries open their doors to art lovers every third Friday of the month. EnglewoodStation.com Friday Family Night 6:00, Cool Crest. Every Friday for only $21.99, enjoy unlimited soft play (four guests), 100 arcade tokens, large pizza and four drinks. 816.358.0088 I Can and I Will 6:30, OP Convention Center.

Fundraising event for foster children to benefit the new Darol Rodrock Foundation. 913.238.6370 The Complete works of William Shakespeare 8:00, Roger T Sermon Center (Independence).

Three actors perform all 37 of Shakespeare’s

plays in less than two hours. $11-$12.

816.325.7367

18 saturday

Parent Summit 9:00, The Summit Church (Lee’s Summit). Dr. Scott Sells presents this one-day summit on parenting toddlers through teens. 816.524.4966 Beginning Archery 9:00, Lake City Outdoor Education Center. Learn more about the fundamentals of shooting archery. Ages 12-17. Pre-reg.

816.249.3194 Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-astic” adventure!

816.753.5784 Gardening for Wildlife 10:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Learn more about designing a butterfly garden. Have fun making seed balls you can plant at home. 816.759.7300 Cheetah Run 10:30, Kansas City Zoo. Run, cheetahs, run! Witness the fastest mammals on Earth race around a track at top speed. 816.513.5800 Science Fair 11:00, Lakeshore Learning.

Stop by and enjoy our science fair with lots of

experiments. Free. 913.432.3998 Ice Skating 11:00, The Ice at Park Place. Enjoy a day of ice skating at Johnson County’s only outdoor skating rink. 913.663.2070 Rainforest Crunch 11:00, Lee’s Summit Branch Mid-Continent Public Library. StoneLion Puppets presents a rainforest show your family will love.

Free. MyMCPL.org Tribute to Dr Martin Luther King Jr Noon, Garrison Community Center. Come celebrate the accomplishments of the civil rights leader Dr

“From Toddler Temper Tantrums to Turbulent Teens” Presented By Dr. Scott Sells Clinical Director of the Kansas City Child Guidance Center (kcchild.com) and Best Selling Author of “Treating the Tough Adolescent”

DATE: Sat., Jan. 18, 2014 TIME: 9am-3pm LOCATION: The Summit Church (Lee’s Summit United Methodist Church) 114 SE Douglas, Lee’s Summit

FEE: $10/person TO REGISTER VISIT: reachingthesummit.com QUESTIONS: 816-524-4966, Laura Murphy

kcparent.com january 2014

53

Ballet Memphis: Wizard of Oz

Jan. 31, 8:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC). Click your heels together and follow the yellow brick road—there’s no place like home for outstanding ballet! JCCC.edu Martin Luther King Jr. 816.784.1140 Shrek the Musical Thru Jan 26, the Barn Players (Mission). Based on the film that started it all, this musical brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre to life on the stage. $10. 913.432.9100 Wassailing the Apple Trees and Dinner 5:00, Powell Gardens. Date night! Learn about the tradition of wassailing and feast on a country dinner. $45/person. 816.697.2600 x209

19 sunday Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium (Crown Center). Come nose to nose with sharks and prepare for close views of everything from starfish and seahorses to rays. VisitSeaLife.com Dr Seuss’ Green Eggs & Ham, Plus Mozart’s Toy Symphony 2:30, Helzberg Hall. The ensemble Really Inventive Stuff joins the KC Symphony for two storytelling classics. $10-$40. 816.471.0400 Daddy & Daughter Dance Feb 7 & 8, Providence Community Church. Purchase your tickets now for this fun night for girls and their dads.

913.307.0710

20 monday: martin luther king jr day Moms FREE Monday 9:30, Paradise Park.

Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission.

816.246.5224 Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness.

Arrive between 1:00 & 3:00 on Monday and Wednesday and admission is just $5 plus tax! 913.631.7000

21 tuesday

The Toughest Kid in the World 10:00, Theatre for Young America (Union Station). A play that follows TK, a child dealing with issues of anger, conflict and violence. 816.460.2083 Science City 10:00, Union Station. With the cold temps outside, spend the day learning and playing at Science City. $11.50-$13.50. 816.460.2020 Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222

Tots on Tuesday 11:00, Kemper Museum. Bring in your preschooler for a fun and fashionable gettogether every third Tuesday. 816.753.5784 2-for-1 Tuesday 5:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace.

After 5:00, pay one full price admission and receive a second for free. 816.274.8444 Brush Creek: Tale of Two Cities 7:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Hear Don Wilkison of the US Geological Survey tell some unique stories of Brush Creek. 14+.

816.759.7300

panoply of penguin inspiration The popularity of penguins in Kansas City has exploded with the recent opening of the state-of-the-art Helzberg Penguin Plaza at the Kansas City Zoo! January is the perfect time to celebrate our favorite feathered friends from Antarctica .

First up, the Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo.org) is one of our favorite year-round attractions, and with the Penguin Exhibit, Polar Bear Passage, Tropics and Discovery Barn all near the entrance and all with indoor exhibits, a January outing to the zoo is more fun than ever!

On Jan. 15 at 10:00, Jo Ho the Storyteller will be presenting at the Johnson County Museum (JoCoMuseum.org, 6305 Lackman Rd., Shawnee, KS, 913.715.2550). The theme Little Polar Bear and Friends includes a tale of a young bear’s meeting a lost penguin.

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Outdoor play isn’t entirely out of the question with the variety of temps the Midwest experiences in winter months. One of our all-time favorite parks. Penguin Park located at the intersection of N. Vivian Road & N. Norton Avenue in Kansas City, MO, is the park a child would design if asked to create a dream playground. Gigantic friendly animals are the centerpiece of the park, where you can climb up through a kangaroo’s pocket, slide down a penguin and bounce and slide on frogs, ducks and more.

If you’re looking to snuggle up in the warmth of the indoors, consider watching one of these five penguin-themed flicks: Mr. Popper’s Penguins: Jim Carey stars in the film about a man who finds himself owning and living with penguins in a New York apartment. This is one the entire family will enjoy.

Happy Feet: The animated film about an emperor penguin who cannot sing is artfully drawn.

The Pebble and the Penguin: The 1995 animated film is a fictitious tale of an introverted penguin named Hubie.

Madagascar: Okay, this one is about a group of animals escaping the New York City Zoo to return to their home in Africa, but along the way some incompetent penguins become some of the most memorable and hysterical characters in the entire film.

Explore Explore Explore

22 wednesday

Pop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. A drop-in program with age-appropriate activities for children 9 months to 3 years old. 913.715.2550 Animal Tales 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center.

Visit the nature center for stories, songs and surprises. Meet a special animal friend every time. $2. 913.764.7759 Family Night 4:00, Monkey Bizness (Olathe).

Open play is only $6, and pizza is available for purchase. 913.780.2500

Explore

Offering dance, tumbling tumbling andOffering privatedance, music lessons and private music lessons Offering dance, tumbling and all ages!tumbling Offeringfor dance, private music for all ages! for lessons all ages!

WE ARE OPEN

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day & President’s Day!

and private music lessons The Magical World of Dance 6:30, St Teresa’s Academy Auditorium. Community School of the for all ages!

Arts students perform ballet, hip hop and jazz. $5.

KCYA.org

23 thursday

Preschool Playtime 9:30, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. Join us for an open gym with various toys and equipment. Snack and drink provided. 913.579.6867

Now Enrolling!

913.327.4612 Now Enrolling!

Now Enrolling! jcckc.org/encore

Photo by: J. Smith Photography.

Kansas City Boat and Sport Show Thru Saturday, Bartle Hall Convention Center. Aannual event offers the opportunity to shop deals on hundreds of boats. $10. KansasCitySportShow.com Highlights Tour 2:00, Nat’l Frontier Trails Museum. See aspects of Western settlement through a 30-minute guided tour. 816.325.7575

24 friday

Story Time 10:30 & 11:30, Shawnee Books & Toys.

Bring in the kids to participate in our weekly story time, craft and a snack. 913.962.1428 Family Night 4:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Let your little ones monkey around in our indoor play area at a discount. 913.631.7000 Shrek the Musical Thru Jan 26, the Barn Players (Mission). Based on the film that started it all, this musical brings to life on stage the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre. $10. 913.432.9100

913.327.4612 913.327.4612 Jewish Community Center of Kansas City 5801 W. 115th Street jcckc.org/encore jcckc.org/encore Overland Park, KS 66211

Named one of the country’s 25 best science centers by Parents Magazine

You Don’t To Be Jewish ToKansas Join! City JewishHave Community Center of

5801 W. 115th Street Overland Park, KS 66211

Now Enrolling!

913.327.4612 jcckc.org/encore

www.ScienceCity.com

You Don’t Have To Be Jewish To Join!

Jewish Community Center of Kansas City

5801 W. 115th Street Overland Park, KS 66211

You Don’t Have To Be Jewish To Join!

Friday Family Night 6:00, Cool Crest. Every Friday for only $21.99, enjoy unlimited soft play (four guests), 100 arcade tokens, large pizza and four drinks. 816.358.0088 Friday Night Family Fun 6:30, Plaza Library. Join us every Friday night for fun activities the whole family can enjoy! 816.701.3481

25 satuday

Zoo Tales 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Education volunteers and docents will be on hand at select exhibits to provide info and answer questions.

816.513.5800 Winter on the Farm 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Bundle up and enjoy winter on the farm! Stagecoach rides offered, weather permitting. $4-$6. 913.971.5111

kcparent.com january 2014

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Big Brand Event 10:00, Children’s Orchard (KCMO, Olathe & Indep). Find big name fashions at low prices. ChildOrch.com Rockin’ & Readin’ Nature Tales 11:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Join us for a story hour as we go on fantastic nature adventures!

816.228.3766

It’s frosty outside, but warm up with great deals from

U.S. Toy

15% OFF

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE*

*For in-store use at U.S. Toy Stores only with free Preferred Customer Card. Reduction taken at register. Limit one

2008 W. 103rd Terr. coupon per customer per visit. Cannot be combined with other offer or discount. Excludes Lego, Playmobil & Thomas Leawood, KS 66206 the Train 60 product.

Not validofforHoliday purchase of gift cards. Other restrictions may apply. Can't be Celebrating Years Memories used in combination with the Teacher Rewards Card. In store only. EXPIRES 1/31/14.

913-642-8247 14DM01

Dance daddy & daughter

Friday, February 7, 2014, 6-9 pm and saturday, february 8, 2014, 6-9 pm Providence Community Church 10113 Lenexa Drive 913.307.0710 www.sovgracekc.org/dance

all inclusive:

price includes jack stack dinner for dads and chick-fil-a for the girls. $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.

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Chinese New Year Dragon Puppet 11:00, Lakeshore Learning. Children celebrate the Chinese New Year by making a dazzling dragon puppet.

Free. 913.432.3998 Winter Carnival 1:00, Garrison Community Center. Come try your luck at a variety of games of chance. Take a chance to win a small prize or a bag of candy. 816.784.1140 Music in the Galleries 1:30 & 2:30, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The museum partners with UMKC Conservatory to offer gallery performances for audiences of all ages. Free. 816.751.1278

26 sunday

Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center.

Spend the day creating with Legos. Be sure to visit the newly remodeled Lego Friends area.

816.471.4386 Ice Skating Noon, The Ice at Park Place. Enjoy a day of ice skating at Johnson County’s only outdoor skating rink. 913.663.2070 art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278

27 monday

Moms FREE Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 Toddler Time 10:00, Bonner Springs Community Center. Bring your toddler in to jump and have some fun! 913.422.7010 Open Gym Noon, 360 Gymnastics. Bring your kids for an hour to our recreational gymnastics facility for fun play! 913.707.3756

28 tuesday Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while you enjoy a coffee break. 913.393.3000 Toddle Time Tue & Wed, 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Fun and enriching open playtime for ages 5 and under. $1-$2/child.

913.895.6390 Indoor Playground 9:30-11:30, Sylvester Powell Comm Ctr. Children 6 and under can play on developmentally appropriate toys for just $2.

913.722.8200 Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under.

Inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys!

OverlandParkMops.blogspot.com

29 wednesday Enjoying MO Birds in Winter 9:00, Parma Woods Outdoor Education Center. Learn how to identify birds. A field experience is part of the fun, so dress for the weather. Pre-reg. 816.891.9941 Stories for Ones 9:30, Waldo Library. Bring your 1-year-old to a story time geared toward this age group. 816.701.3486 Mommy and Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. Bumper bowling for moms & tots! $3/ea includes game, shoe rental and drink.

816.524.3322

30 thursday

Tales for Tiny Tykes 9:30 & 10:30, Plaza Library.

Toddlers ages 18-36 months can listen to a 20-minute story time followed with a craft.

816.701.3481

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

Lee’s Summit • Feb. 21-23

Overland Park • Feb 27-Mar 2

Friday-Sunday • 10am-7pm

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

The Pavilion at John Knox Village Sunday 50% off SALE* leessummit@jbfsale.com

Sunday 50% off SALE* tmetzger@jbfsale.com

Bring this ad to get in FREE!

Ice Skating 10:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace. Bring the family to Crown Center for a fun-filled day of ice skating at Kansas City’s only outdoor rink!

816.274.8411

not good for Prime Time Pre-Sale Shopping

Admission $2 first day, all other days free!

31 friday

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

Every Friday enjoy story time that also includes crafts and a snack. Free. 816.246.7323

Overland Park International Trade Center

shop. sell. save. smart!™

Are you in North Kansas City, Shawnee or Lawrence?

We’ve got sales there too! Look for details on our website! * Many items reduced, items with a star on their tag remain full price.

jbfsale.com Helping our neighbors in need, this sale benefits, in part, local charitable organizations.

Friday Playgroup 10:30, Turner Community Library. Little ones have fun listening to stories and joining in on crafts and songs. 913.596.1404 Chinese New Year Celebration 5:00, NelsonAtkins Museum of Art. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with activities throughout the museum.

816.751.1ART Father/Daughter Dance 6:00, Gamber Center.

Girls ages 3-12 and their fathers are invited to a red carpet event including dancing, dinner and games. Pre-reg. 816.969.1500 Winter Princess Formal 6:30, North Kansas City Community Center. Make memories that will last a lifetime during this evening for fathers and daughters. $40/couple. 816.300.0545 Funky Mama Show 6:30, Plaza Branch: KC Public Library. Come rock out with Funky Mama and her band in the beautiful Plaza Library! Free.

KCLibrary.org/Plaza Winter Jam 7:00, Sprint Center. Christian music spectacular features the Newsboys, Lecrae, New Song and more. $10 at door. JamTour.com Ballet Memphis: Wizard of Oz 8:00, Yardley Hall (JCCC). Click your heels together and follow the yellow brick road—there’s no place like home for outstanding ballet! JCCC.edu

Check out KC Parent’s Olympic issue coming in February! kcparent.com january 2014

57

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kcparent.com january 2014

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

Our sports medicine specialists are solely dedicated to the unique needs of adolescents, so student athletes can go from rehab to ribbon collecting in record time. The transformative care of Children’s Mercy is now available in South Overland Park.

Dislocation

District Champion

Visit our Center for Sports Medicine, featuring a state-of-the-art gym, at the new Children’s Mercy Blue Valley location.

6750 West 135th St. (just east of Metcalf) 816-701-HURT (4878) Childrensmercy.org/BlueValley

kcparent.com january 2014

59

EXPLORE KANSAS

CITY ZOO Watch Polar Bears Flip and Splash at Polar Bear Passage, Penguins Waddle and dive at Helzberg Penguin Plaza and much, much more!

Always a new adventure!

2014 FOTZ Memberships NOW AVAILABLE! kansascityzoo.org 816.513.5800

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