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Experience the wonders of science through indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits, as well as hands-on, educator-led programs. Younger guests will practice their social and cognitive skills in the play area and learning lab. With new monthly themed programming, there is always something new to explore!
Endless Discovery & FUN
SCAN HERE FOR TICKETS Visit ScienceCity.com for full details
KCPARENT.COM
SPOTLIGHT SUMMER FUN IN KANSAS CITY
Outdoor concerts, summer festivals, park fun, Olympic celebrations, day trips and vacations, exploring nature and enjoying water fun—find more fun to experience this summer with great ideas at KCParent.com.
PARK JAUNTS
Looking for a new park to explore? Whether you need to get out of the house with your little one(s) or your fur baby, check out our Park Jaunts feature on KCParent.com for some outing inspiration!
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Happy summer, parents! I don’t know where you may be on your parenting journey, but wherever you are, give yourself loads of grace for the process. I found it seemed to take about three months for me to feel like I could juggle all the pieces of life again after a baby arrived. By then, I could make it to Target without having a feeding crisis or a meltdown—of the little one or my own! It’s hard to adjust expectations and keep things moving along.
Perhaps you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, and now it’s time to choose a doctor. First of all, congratulations! Next, read the insights Marie Rodriguez (pg. 12) and Sarah Lyons (pg. 18) share about choosing doctors for yourself and your new baby. I hope you find the information helpful as the process can feel overwhelming.
Be sure to peek at a couple of our new features this issue: “Rattle On” brings you some of the things we simply must continue to rave about. Maybe you’ll find something that resonates with you too! Additionally, “A Reading Recess” brings you some of our most winsome reads. You may find a classic you want to reach for or a new title that’s worth your time. I absolutely loved reading with my kids. If I could get them to embrace listening to a story together—like an after-dinner scene from Pride and Prejudice—we would still be reading aloud to one another! Take advantage of these days when children willingly curl up next to you and share a story. I promise that you will miss these days sooner than you think. Additionally, the power of reading aloud at any age simply cannot be overstated, so give yourself permission for a reading recess. You will treasure it!
Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com
Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com
Editor Lauri Clapper Lauri@FamilyMediaGroup.com
Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design TappanDesign@Gmail.com
Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com
Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com
Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com
Distribution
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Here’s a nutrient-dense snack for any time of day! These faces can be built by your kid for a fun activity, and they are easily customizable to whatever toppings you have on hand!
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients are customizable
• 6 rice cakes
• 1 can Safe Catch tuna
• 3 T. mayo
• Salt to taste
• Parsley and micro greens for hair
• Blueberries and green olives for eyes
• Carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers for nose
• Cucumbers, cashews and blueberries for mouth
TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
• Mixing dish
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spoon
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Add your undrained can of tuna to a mixing dish and use a fork to flake it up.
2. Add mayo, salt or any preferred seasonings and combine evenly.
3. Scoop the tuna salad onto each rice cake.
4. Use veggies and other ingredients to build your silly face.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
• Best eaten right away.
• Pack ingredients separately if for school or on the go.
Interestingly, a recent study indicates that despite stricter mercury pollution regulations since the 1970s, the levels of mercury in tuna have not gone down at all; therefore, the mercury testing Safe Catch does can bring even more peace of mind!
Recipe credit by Kayla Perrett with @kitchenandkay on Instagram at SafeCatch.com.
First Years Sunset Soother
Establishing sleep routines is a worthy endeavor—for the little ones as well as for you! The science behind this light won me over. The red light more naturally supports the production of melatonin and also keeps either of you from fully waking up. Additionally, it’s a white noise sound machine that helps create an ideal sleep environment. TheFirstYears.com
Lansinoh Breastfeeding Essentials
Ceramic Cafe
Perhaps a little known secret is that Ceramic Cafe welcomes you and your wee one to create a precious heirloom. Whether you keep it yourself or gift it to Grandma (wink, wink), it is sure to be a priceless treasure. Make a free footprint tile at any time. While you’re there, consider making gifts remembering your baby’s tiny hands and feet! They grow up faster than you can fathom! CeramicCafe.com
FIVE THINGS WE
RATTLE ON ABOUT CURRENTLY
Compiled by Lauri Clapper
Zutano
I came to trust Lansinoh implicitly as a nursing mom—especially at the beginning. They already had winning products and solutions I didn’t even realize I needed. This kit includes everything you need to start breastfeeding (with confidence, no less!), from soothing nipple cream and hot and cold therapy packs to a silicone breast pump and more. Lansinoh.com
Peter Rabbit Mini Plush
If you aren’t familiar with their baby booties, you may want to put them at the top of your wish list for your little one. The booties have proved impossible for little feet to kick off! Their entire product line is simple and classic. As a mom who passed things through several kiddos, I find the quality is exceptional. Other favorite items include the elf suit and adorable hats! Zutano.com
Peter Rabbit has long been a beloved character, his adventures drawing in readers of all ages. This precious interactive plush toy was the perfect complement to a Peter Rabbit board book for my sister’s firstborn at a baby shower. It is minky soft and adorably winsome as Peter hides and peeks from his carrot. Don’t let Peter Rabbit be limited to springtime play! Gund.com
nourishingnotes
skin-to-skin significance
let’s start with an overview that looks at what skin-to-skin is.
According to the Oxford dictionary, skin-to-skin is “holding the naked or partially dressed child against the bare skin of a parent.” When a baby is born, in most cases as soon as the little one takes that first breath, he is placed naked or in a diaper on Mom’s bare chest. It’s the first moment when a mom and baby are reconnected heart-to-heart. After the umbilical cord is cut, two souls that were one for 9 months are separated. The separation is very emotional for Mom and Baby. When the baby is on the mom’s chest, the connection is renewed, and they are reunited, a reminder that the mother-child bond is strong.
Babies rely on their parents to keep them warm, keep them fed and keep them clean. There’s no better way to provide those needs than to keep baby skin-to-skin with Mom. According to Shourangiz Beiranvand, et al., in an International Journal of Pediatrics article, Mom’s hormones are highly in tune with her baby’s needs. As soon as Baby is on Mom’s breast, her body increases her temperature to provide warmth for her baby. Of course, dads and other loved ones can do skin-to-skin as well, but their bodies will not provide the same hormonal response as a mother.
Babies can burn their own calories to stay warm, but they don’t have to when on Mom’s chest. Mom’s body temperature will be regulating the baby’s temperature, and the baby will be burning many fewer calories than if separated. Those extra calories help infants to not lose too much weight and to grow adequately. Mom’s milk does not usually come in until a few days after birth. Baby relies on her colostrum, which comes in very small amounts and high concentration. When a baby burns fewer calories during skin-to-skin with Mom, it’s very possible that he will be less hungry and less demanding of a larger milk volume.
According to Dr. Nils Bergman, specialist in perinatal neuroscience and a promoter of skin-to-skin contact, skin-to-skin provides the optimal space for establishing and regulating all sensations needed for proper development. He says that when babies experience uninterrupted skin-to-skin with Mom after birth, they can smell her odor, hear her voice and can crawl from her abdomen to breast, initiating breastfeeding independently. Basically, all sensory skills and reflexes are activated naturally.
When Baby is skin-to-skin with Mom, the two will look into each other’s eyes, at the perfect distance that Baby can see Mom’s face and Mom can immediately fall in love with her little one. Mothers can feed their baby skin-to-skin, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s from a breast or a bottle. Love and connection are the important things!
Petra Saidi, RN, IBCLC, works to empower moms to breastfeed with confidence. Check out MidwestLactation.com for quality lactation support with personalized care.
Resources
guide to bonding with baby
becoming a parent is such a special time in your life. You’ve been anxiously awaiting your new arrival, and when the time finally comes, you are bursting at the seams with joy. Now is the time to do everything you can to bond with your child.
Bonding is when a parent and child feel attachment to each other and develop feelings of unconditional love. The quality of bonding is a powerful predictor of a child’s later social and emotional outcomes. Bonding with your child creates a sense of security for him, boosts his self-esteem, affects his social relationships and impacts cognitive development. It also fosters hormones and chemicals in the brain that help Baby’s brain to grow and make connections between brain cells.
Bonding does not always happen immediately for parents. It can be a process, but there are many ways to help you bond with your baby from the newborn stage and into the first year.
Newborn to 3 Months:
One of the first things you can do to bond with your baby is skin-to-skin contact, also known as “kangaroo care.” Experts recommend this take place immediately after a child is born for the first hour after birth or until after the first feeding. The parent holds the naked baby against the parent’s bare chest while under a warm blanket. Skin-to-skin contact has many benefits. It’s known to relax both the baby and mother, regulate body temperature, stimulate the release of hormones for breastfeeding and regulate the baby’s heart rate and breathing. I found skin-to-skin contact to be extremely powerful in assisting with bonding with both of my children. Fathers can also participate in skin-to-skin contact for bonding.
Feeding is another special time to bond with your baby. Whether you breastfeed or bottle feed, responding to Baby’s hunger helps build her trust in you. Tending to her other needs, such as cries or dirty diapers, creates an attachment to you. You can also use this time for focusing on eye contact, singing to your child or cradling and rocking her. Other ways to strengthen the connection with your newborn include consistent cuddling, singing lullabies or giving an infant massage. If you’re interested in infant massage, try out an infant massage class with your local Parents as Teachers. They will teach you the proper ways to massage your child. Babywearing is also a great technique for developing an attachment to your child. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, wearing your baby helps prevent crying, encourages attachment and closeness, and promotes your child’s development. There are many baby carriers, slings and wraps that allow you to keep your baby close to you, even when you’re doing chores around the house or out and about. Try out several to see what works best for you and your little one. Overall, the most important thing is that you’re stopping to spend one-on-one time with your child. Remember, bonding is not always immediate. Many parents need time to create that special bond with their child. However, postnatal depression could also interfere with bonding. If you think you could be experiencing postnatal depression, reach out to your doctor.
4 to 8 Months
As your baby continues to grow and develop, he will soon begin learning how to play and explore his surroundings. The best way to bond with him is to join in the fun and play and explore with him! This is the perfect time to talk to your baby, sing silly songs, read books and play peekaboo, pat-a-cake or other silly games with him. Responding to your baby’s noises, movements, coos and giggles will help form a bond. You can also give him a toy to interact with. As he plays, interact with him and give him encouragement to continue learning about his environment through play.
As in the newborn stage, snuggling and eye contact are important to the bonding process. You can also continue babywearing to stay close to your child as you’re moving. This closeness to you will bring your baby comfort and relaxation.
Consistent routines are also important to the bonding process. Children will pick up your cues and learn to expect what is coming next. My husband and I gave our children soothing bedtime routines that included baths, a nighttime story and rocking them to sleep every night. We alternated who did what each night, so we both got special bonding time. Looking back now, those moments are some of my favorite memories with them during the infant stage.
9 to 12 Months
Around the 9-month mark, your baby will have the ability to remember you even when she can’t see you. This often leads to separation anxiety. This stage can leave babies and their parents in tears at daycare drop-offs. Consistency is key in this phase. Your baby needs to trust that you will always come back. If you have a consistent pattern, and she knows you will be back and her needs are being met while you’re away, she will become less anxious about being away from you. However, inconsistent cues can lead to worse separation anxiety and have a negative effect on bonding.
Other ways to bond with babies in this stage include comforting them when they’re in distress, responding to their sounds, physical touch like snuggling or massaging, giving them a bath or reading a story before bed, talking to them, singing and playing with them.
the spoiling myth
You may have heard the saying, “You’re going to spoil that baby if you keep holding them all the time.”
Contrary to once-popular beliefs, responding quickly to your baby’s needs or spending extra time cuddling will not spoil your child. Instead, your responsiveness will build trust, security and strengthen the bond you have with your child.
Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband, Cale, and daughters, Atley, 10, and Ensley, 4, in St. Joseph.
Provider
choosing the that is best for you
When it comes to having your first baby, choosing your provider can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to produce anxiety. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind when you begin looking for the provider best for you.
Pregnancy and birth are normal human experiences.
Keep in mind that pregnancy is not a sickness, and even though you may be seeking a health care provider, this does not mean you are sick! Some families enter into pregnancy knowing there are conditions that may make pregnancy more complicated, but for the vast majority, pregnancy will be completely normal and uncomplicated.
Where you birth matters.
A lot of people focus on who they choose as their provider and don’t ever consider where they are planning to give birth. There are three general places where birth happens: at home, at a birth center or in a hospital. Wherever you are planning to deliver, know the expectations, benefits, risks, policies and common procedures involved with that particular birth setting. It may be beneficial to pick your birth setting before looking for a provider, because certain types of providers only practice in certain settings.
Medical doctors are not the only option for your prenatal care and delivery.
In Kansas City, births are attended by one of two trained professionals: a doctor or a midwife. Medical doctors (obstetrician/gynecologists known as OB/GYNs) are wonderful and plentiful in the Kansas City metro, but they are not the only type of professional that can provide your prenatal care and attend your delivery. Plenty of educated, trained, competent midwives in the area can provide expert care to you and your family too. Though there are different types of midwives, a midwife is available for every birth setting. Most midwives in Kansas City have collaborating hospitals or collaborating physicians with whom they work and to whom they can refer you if a higher level of care is needed. Here are a few basic distinctions between doctors and midwives:
Doctor (MD, DO)
• Usually only manage and attend birth in hospitals.
• Are specialists, experts in pregnancy and birth complications.
• Actively manage pregnancy and birth with interventions.
Midwife (CNM, CM)
• Can attend births in hospitals, birth centers or home.
• Are primary care providers, experts of normal.
• Allow for the natural process of pregnancy and birth to occur and only intervene if medically necessary.
Continuous “bedside” support has the best benefit for birth.
Right after choosing your birth facility and your provider comes choosing someone who will provide you with continuous bedside support during your labor. This can be a partner, family member or close friend. It is usually best if the supporter has had some type of
childbirth training. A trained doula who is familiar with your chosen birth setting and with your provider is usually the best option for families having their first baby. Research has consistently shown there are better outcomes for mamas and babies when doulas are a part of their care team. There are several amazing doula organizations in the Kansas City area, and they are definitely worth considering.
If you don’t like the provider you have chosen, you can always transfer care.
Your level of comfort with your doctor or midwife is of high priority. If you find that after a few prenatal visits, you actually do not feel safe, connected, heard or that your concerns are not being addressed, find a new provider. The majority of providers are going to have your care well documented, and those documents can easily be transferred to a new provider. If you want to keep your birth setting or hospital the same, you just need to remember to find a new provider that attends births at your chosen setting.
For more information, or if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your local labor and delivery nurse at NurseMarieKC@gmail.com.
Additional information and sourcing: “My Birth Matters,” CMQCC.org/my-birth-matters “Evidence Based Birth,” EvidenceBasedBirth.com
“Doulas of North America – DONA,” DONA.org
Marie Rodriguez, BSN, RN, University of Kansas School of Nursing, Doctorate of Nursing Practice – Nurse Midwifery Student.
getting a good night’s sleep
As much as some of us parents may initially balk at it, children thrive on routines. At times I feel held captive by my children’s meal and sleep schedules. I miss being able to go wherever I want, whenever I want, for as long as I want! However, when I follow my whims, I pay the price with fussy kids. Anyone who has experienced a baby’s overtired wailing or a toddler’s going berserk about something trivial soon realizes that sticking to the same plan daily is worth it! (Then, on special occasions, tots will be well rested and can handle missing a nap or going to bed late.)
For the first few weeks after their arrival, babies are such sleepyheads that you can’t really screw up and start bad habits. Take it easy on yourself and just survive! But soon, though, you should be intentional about fostering healthy sleep habits.
One of the best gifts you can give to your baby—and to yourself—is creating a bedtime routine. This routine tells your baby that it is time for nighttime mode sleep, as opposed to daytime mode napping. Babies sleep on and off all day long with alert periods between naps. In contrast, at night they should wake and then go immediately back to sleep after having their needs met. For me, this generally means nursing the baby back to sleep and changing
the baby’s diaper if it is poopy. If your baby will tolerate a wet diaper, you can leave her in it all night. You can try using a larger diaper size at night for more absorbency. Fewer diaper changes make for less disruption during nighttime sleep.
Telling your baby that it is time for nighttime mode is a simple matter of conditioning. Remember the Pavlov’s dog experiment you learned in Psychology 101? Pavlov rang a bell every time the dogs were fed, and they naturally salivated when they ate. Eventually, they became conditioned so that they started salivating as soon as they heard the bell, even if no food was presented. They were trained to associate the bell with mealtime. Pavlov proved that animals (and humans) could be trained to respond in a certain way to a stimulus. That’s what we do with babies—simply create a consistent routine that tells them when it’s time for nighttime sleep.
So do you want the good news or the bad news first? OK—the bad news is that it could take your baby a year or more to sleep through the night without any awakenings, especially if you don’t want to do any age-appropriate only crying it out. Just be patient and remember he’s a baby and he’ll only be little for a little while! The good news is that even newborns should get the idea of nighttime mode. So if/when they do
wake up, it shouldn’t be for long.
Each family has different circumstances and values, but let me share what our family’s routine looks like as an example. Some nights the baby gets a nice relaxing bath. Every night, the baby gets a fresh overnightstyle diaper, gets changed into pajamas and swaddled in a Woombie or Halo Sleep Sack. The white noise machine goes on, the lights go off, blackout curtains are closed, and the baby is rocked and nursed until asleep or mostly asleep. (At several months of age, a baby can anticipate what’s next in the routine. As soon as the baby gets swaddled, she starts whimpering to nurse. Some people avoid the nursing-to-sleep association like the plague, but it has been the easiest and most natural way for me to get our babies to sleep.) By 6 months of age, we add in books and prayers. Once the kids get older, we add into the routine things like taking vitamins, brushing teeth, going potty, sharing hugs and “I love you,” and sleeping with the same special stuffed animals every night. We believe in early bedtimes to give our kids 11 to 12 hours of nighttime mode sleep. It’s great for their brain development!
While I am taking care of the baby in the middle of the night, I do my best to keep myself in nighttime mode too! I do everything I can to preserve
my fragile sleepy state. I use an Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper so I don’t even have to get out of bed to care for the baby. I don’t look at my phone while I’m nursing or even at my bright alarm clock numbers! I try to stay drowsy and relaxed. I definitely don’t turn on lights or talk to the baby because she would want to wake up more to enjoy the pleasure of my company!
If you have trouble going back to sleep in the middle of the night after your baby wakes, try relaxation techniques. My favorite is to lightly close my lips and relax my jaw. This helps relax your face and thus your whole body.
I also love my cozy mattress. My husband and I own a mattress store
featuring many top brands, so please reach out if you’re in the market for one. Mention this article and we will be sure to make you an extra good deal!
With a wise and consistent approach to nighttime sleep, your whole family will be well rested and able to live each day to the fullest!
Adrienne Doring lives in Prairie Village with her husband, Gregory. They have five children, ages 14 and younger. They own Factory Direct Mattress of Overland Park, which can be found online at FDMattressOverlandPark.com.
Our Favorite Bedtime Stories
Time for Bed by Mem Fox
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman
I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
A Good Day by Kevin Henkes
One of the best gifts you can give to your baby—and to yourself— is creating a bedtime routine.
What Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral infection that most often affects children under 5 years old but can happen to anyone. This infection can cause a lot of misery during the week or so that symptoms are present, but it usually resolves without specific treatment or interventions.
Symptoms and Cause
The cause of this miserable fever and rash is a virus known as the coxsackievirus. Symptoms are usually mild and include: Rash: Small, red spots with blisters appear around or in the mouth. Blisters also occur often on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, as well as arms and legs. Fever: HFMD often begins with a mild fever, which usually only lasts a few days before resolving.
Sore throat: This often leads to excessive drooling.
Decreased appetite: Painful mouth sores can reduce a child’s appetite or even lead to refusal to eat or drink. Behavior changes: Children may be more fussy or irritable than usual.
Supportive Care and Treatment
HFMD is a viral illness, and there are no specific medications to improve symptoms faster.
• Cold and frozen food and drinks help soothe and numb the mouth sores. Smoothies and Popsicles are great options!
• Offer cold beverages frequently throughout the day to decrease the risk of dehydration.
• After bathing, pat the blisters dry. Don’t rub or scratch at them.
• Cover the blisters or use mittens/gloves if your child can’t stop scratching.
• Avoid foods and beverages that may worsen discomfort:
o Warm or carbonated beverages
o Acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes
When
to
Seek
Medical Attention While HFMD is usually mild, some symptoms do require further medical evaluation.
Dehydration is the biggest concern. Some children simply refuse to eat or drink due to the painful sores. Signs of dehydration in young children include:
• Dry mouth
• Sunken eyes
• Crying without tears
• Fewer wet diapers
• Extreme fatigue or difficulty waking from sleep
The second concern is a fever that lasts more than three days.
As always, call your doctor’s office if you have concerns about your child’s symptoms or behavior.
Returning to School, Daycare and Activities
HFMD is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily in schools, daycares and among family members. The virus is present in mucus (snot), feces (poop) and blister fluid.
People infected with HFMD are contagious before the rash appears, which makes it challenging to control the spread. Most children feel better within a week of symptom onset, even if they still have blisters.
Most schools and daycares follow guidelines for return similar to those for other viral illnesses. Children should be fever-free for at least 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medication). The rash should be improving but does not have to be completely gone.
Prevention Measures
Hand hygiene: Teach your kids to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet or playing with other kids. This is the best way to prevent spread.
Surface cleaning: The virus that causes HFMD can live on surfaces for several days. Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces, toys and play areas to reduce this transmission risk.
Teach your kids to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet or playing with other kids. This is the best way to prevent spread.
Avoid close contact: Encourage children to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of HFMD. This includes hugging, kissing and sharing utensils or cups.
Respiratory hygiene: Teach children to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Provide tissues and encourage proper disposal.
Joleen Sams is a family nurse practitioner who lives in Shawnee with her family.
References: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Nemours Kids Health.
Bouncing Bubbles
When you need to mix things up a bit, try this super simple craft you can easily put together out of supplies you have in your cabinet. Encourage your children to help make the bubbles. For older kids, double or triple the recipe and have them help with the conversion math! Store the bubbles in an airtight container and they will last even longer!
SUPPLIES:
• 1 T. Dawn dish soap
• 2 T. sugar
• 4 T. water
• Mixing bowel
• Spoon
• Bubble wands
(We used leftover ones from bubble sticks from the dollar store)
• Soft winter gloves or mittens
(Not ones with waterproof material for actually playing in the snow)
DIRECTIONS:
Step one: Measure dish soap, sugar and water into bowl and stir.
Step two: Using bubble wands, gently blow bubbles.
Step three: Using your gloves, gently catch and bounce your bubbles!
Pro tip: Ideally, make and play with these bubbles outdoors. They can be done inside on a tile floor for easy cleanup, or you can try this out in the bathtub.
Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Manhattan, Kansas, with her husband, three children, two dogs, eight fish and a frog. Janelle is the owner of Flint Hills Mediation LLC and loves to focus on learning throug h play and getting messy with crafts.
Tips for Choosing a Pediatrician
Your child’s doctor plays an important role in her life, so you will need to find one that is a good fit for both the parents and the child. You will visit the pediatrician often. In the first year, your baby will have seven well visits. Studies show that first-time parents may visit their child’s pediatrician up to 16 times before the baby’s first birthday (FitPregnancy.com). Finding the right pediatrician for your family can be challenging. Here are some tips to get you started on your search:
Ask for recommendations
As a first-time parent or a family that has just relocated, you may wonder where to begin your search for a pediatrician. “I asked other moms for recommendations. It’s a great way to see what names come up repeatedly,” says Jill Miller, mom of two. Stacy Cook, Olathe nurse and mom of three, suggests asking your OB/GYN for a recommendation. “I figured if they were good enough for my doctor’s kids, then they were good enough for mine.” Some parents, like Nathan and Wendy Hladky of Overland Park, choose the same primary care doctor for the whole family. “All four of us use the same doctor. It is super convenient,” says Nathan.
Another great way to narrow your search in a new area is to call the local NICU and
ask the nurses who they would recommend. “The nurses are more likely to give unbiased feedback,” says Rodganna Avery, mom of four.
Do your research
First, you must compare your list of candidates with your insurance policy. “I look to see what providers are in our network then start looking for reviews of those doctors online,” says Stephanie Beaudry, a Nebraska mom of two.
Check whether the doctor is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. This means the doctor has passed a specialized test in pediatrics. If you choose a family doctor, ask whether the doctor is certified in the American Board of Family Medicine. Family doctors are trained to treat patients of all ages, including children, but they do not have a specialty in pediatrics.
Next consider the basic office information that can be found online or with a quick phone call. What are the office hours? Do they have walk-in hours? Will the doctor visit the hospital where you will deliver your baby? What hospital will your child be admitted to if needed? Is the office location convenient to your home, work, school and daycare? Take these things into consideration as you narrow down your list.
Visit the office
To find out whether you feel comfortable in the pediatrician’s office, you will have to take a tour. Call the office and ask whether they have times set up for potential patients to come and visit the office or whether you would need to make an appointment. Ask whether you can interview the doctor at the same time. Remember to ask whether there is a charge for visiting. Verify with your insurance company to see whether the cost would be covered or you would be responsible for the fees.
When visiting the office, be aware of what the overall environment feels like. Take into consideration whether the office staff is courteous, polite and willing to help. Is the office clean and inviting? Was parking convenient? Do they have separate sick and well waiting areas? Take all these things into consideration in making your decision. If you plan to visit more than one office, be sure to take notes for later consideration.
Ask some questions
After you have decided that the office environment is a good fit, you will need to interview the pediatrician. Darcy and Phil King, Olathe pharmacists and parents of two, say, “After collecting recommendations, we scoured their websites, set up appointments
and interviewed them. After the visits, it was very clear which was a good fit.”
Start by asking how sick appointments work. How long would it take for a sick child to be seen? Is there a good chance the child will be seen by his own doctor? Do you have similar views on health and wellness such as circumcision, breastfeeding and immunizations? It is also important to consider what your preferences are. BabyCenter.com puts it this way: “Do you want a doctor who offers choices and lets you decide which one works best for you? Or would you be more comfortable with one who gives a lot of directions?” Overall, does the doctor seem genuinely interested in your child or seem distracted or rushed? Take your overall impression into account when making your decision.
Bedside manner
How the doctor interacts with your child will have a lot of impact on the decision about which pediatrician to choose. Do you feel comfortable around the doctor? Does your child? Is the physician willing to take the
When is it time to find a new pediatrician?
• If your child cries the whole time, that alone is not cause to switch. However, if the doctor doesn’t seem to care or make an effort to soothe your child, you may have a problem.
• If you’re unclear why a certain medication is prescribed or why a test is done.
• If you can’t come to an agreement, or at least a middle ground, on most issues.
• If the location and hours no longer work for your family.
• If the doctor often seems inaccessible when your child is sick.
• If the doctor is making you feel bad or consistently reproaching you for parenting choices.
• If you feel the doctor is not listening to your concerns.
• Before switching, discuss your concerns with the doctor. If a compromise cannot be made, it’s time to look elsewhere. Your child’s health is top priority.
time to listen to your questions and concerns?
A good bedside manner can go a long way in making you and your child feel comfortable. Finding the right pediatrician can be overwhelming, but realize your decision does not have to be permanent. “It’s important to recognize you are not stuck with your decision. You see your pediatrician a lot in those first months, and if there is something really bothering you,
it’s OK to switch,” says Becky Baldridge, Olathe mom of two. The parent’s goal is the same as the pediatrician’s: a happy and healthy child. When you find a doctor that is a good fit for your family, you can all work together to reach this goal.
Sarah Lyons is a mother of six children, including 9-year-old triplets. With a full house, they visit the pediatrician often.
navigating and understanding and ways to nip it in the bud!
when your cat bites you or a friend, you know she is agitated, startled or feeling scared. That is exactly why children bite! They do not have the coping skills to understand why they have strong emotions nor how to respond when situations seem out of their control.
When babies bite, it is usually because they are in pain and teething. They do it to relieve those swollen gums. And when they are very young, they use their mouths to explore the world, so everything winds up in the oral cavity! They can’t keep themselves from biting objects within reach. Another reason children bite is to get attention. Toddlers will experiment by biting a friend or sibling to hear the cry or other reaction, not realizing it actually hurts the person. When a child feels ignored, doing something that elicits discipline— whether positive or negative—is a way of getting noticed. Biting, like hitting, is a way children can assert themselves when they are still too young to express their feelings through words. To young children, biting is a way of getting back at a favorite toy, letting you know they are unhappy or letting other children know they want to be left alone.
A simple fix for teething babies is a cool teething ring or frozen washcloth. Try to avoid situations that make children irritable enough to bite. Make sure little ones have a set eating and napping schedule and stick to it. This way, when you take them out to play, they will be better equipped. Goldfish crackers and veggie sticks can soothe
biting
A simple fix for teething babies is a cool teething ring or frozen washcloth. Try to avoid situations that make children irritable enough to bite.
your child’s crankiness when you’re out at a park or another activity.
As soon as you feel your child is old enough, encourage the use of words. Practice at home when it is quiet and safe. Help your child learn to identify and name the big feelings that lead to lashing out, just like you teach colors, animals and shapes. This will give your child the vocabulary to express those big emotions. Guide her to say, “That’s my toy,” or “I’m mad at you,” instead of biting. Keep in mind that, at this early age, sometimes going ahead and shortening activities to give your child a break can prevent the rising frustration that can lead to biting and other bad behaviors.
Extra attention, such as reading or playing together, is important when children are going through big life events, such as moving or welcoming a new baby brother or sister to the family. If your child still bites, keep an eye on playmates and step in when the tension starts rising.
Never underestimate the power of distraction! When you see the bite coming, step in quickly with a toy, game, coloring book or other interesting activity. Make sure to respond immediately. If your little one bites before you can step in, remove your child from the person he bit so he can
calm down and to prevent the situation from escalating out of hand.
Remember, young children have short attention spans, so if you don’t act quickly, they may not connect your response with what they did. If your child is throwing a tantrum, hold her arms firmly but gently, pick her up and let her cool down in silence. Make sure to supervise at all times. Try not to react with anger. Yelling lets your child know her biting causes a big reaction, which unintentionally reinforces the behavior.
Tell your child that biting is not OK and that we do not bite people. Clear instruction is crucial: “Stop, no biting. Biting hurts.” Avoid being vague, saying something like, “Be nice to Sally.” Keep your response short and clearly name the specific bad behavior, biting, so your child understands your point.
Another technique is to turn the situation around. Instead of paying so much attention to your child, pay attention to the child who was bitten. Once again, giving attention to the biter makes your child think he will be the star of the show the next time it happens. Tell the child who was bitten, “I’m sorry this happened. I know biting really hurts, but I’ll help you feel better.” When you apologize, your
child will understand that he hurt someone. Help him develop empathy and learn how to say, “I’m sorry.”
As the parent, you know your child better than anybody else does. Often, you will recognize why he suddenly lashes out. A good way to keep track is to start a journal and write down times and situations when biting occurs. For example, every time you go to the park, your child may bite a person on the slide, or when he goes to play group he bites during snack time. Then, make teaching moments. Discuss specific situations with your child and put it in his court. This way, you will plant the thought in his mind so next time he is on the slide, or sharing snacks, he will be more apt to wait his turn!
Always remember this, too, shall pass.
An avid outdoors girl, Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.
Sources: WebMD.com, WikiHow.life
PRODUCT REVIEWS
By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards
JOOLZ AER+
This stroller is designed to make traveling with your little one as smooth and comfortable as possible. Features one-hand onesecond fold, a reclining seat and UPF 50+ sun hood with ventilation. $449, birth-4 years, Joolz.com
NOVA NATURE BABY SWING
Features five levels of gentle swaying and 10 preset melodies and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming from your smartphone. Equipped with a remote control and touch panel to adjust settings. Lightweight, portable and stylish. $190, birth to 20 lbs., JoolBaby.com
SWIMWAYS INFANT FLOAT SPRING FLOAT WITH SUN CANOPY
Features a soft seat with an adjustable three-point harness and wide base to ensure young infants can enjoy the water safely. $45.99, 3-9 months, SwimWays.com
HAAKAA LADYBUG SILICONE BREAST MILK COLLECTOR
The ultimate breast pad alternative. Provides a secure, comfortable and discreet fit in a variety of bras. This passive milk collector is designed to save every precious drop of leakage and let-down. Wear on the opposite side while nursing or on each breast to collect leakage whenever let-down occurs— even when sleeping. $33.49, Amazon.com
MUNCHKIN’S FLOAT FOLDABLE HIGH CHAIR
Equal parts modern and compact, this sleek space saver requires no tools for setup and folds down for easy storage. The adjustable footrest and five-point harness maximize safety while wooden legs and neutral colors blend in with any decor. $169.99, suitable for children under 33 lbs., Amazon.com
BELIEVE BOTTOMS UP
This training underwear is blowout-proof, super absorbent, sensitive skin safe, eco-friendly and nontoxic. Company donates diapers to families in need in the United States. $24.99, 12 months+, BelieveBaby.com
SENSE & GROW ROCK & PLAY SHAPE SORTER
Differentiate shapes, recognize colors and work on fine-motor skills. This toy lets kids create their own openings to get the shapes into the sorter and teaches kids that sometimes it’s OK not to fit into a preestablished mold. $24.99, 5 months+, Amazon.com
THE COTERIE DIAPER
A faster wicking, highly absorbent diaper with cleaner, more sustainable ingredients. Hypoallergenic and soft-as-cashmere, it is designed to minimize leaks, blowouts and diaper rash, so babies can enjoy dry, comfortable and uninterrupted sleep. Free of fragrance, lotion, latex and 200-plus chemicals. $90/month, birth+, Coterie.com
NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 34 years. For more product reviews and gift ideas, visit NAPPAAwards.com.
readingrecess
Settle down with these fabulous sports-themed stories from Little Golden Books. Talk about the summer Olympics and these legendary athletes.
I’m a Figure Skater!
By Sue Fliess; illustrated by Nina Mata. Best for ages 2-5.
A rhyming Little Golden Book introducing young readers to the joy of figure skating. First I wobble, hold the wall. Coach says it’s okay to fall. Though I’m still a bit unsteady, I let go. I’m feeling ready.
So begins a young girl’s love of figure skating. This rhyming Little Golden Book is a delightful introduction to skating lessons and a first skating competition. Perfect for young skaters or fans who enjoy watching Olympic skating events.
I’m a Gymnast!
By Sue Fliess; illustrated by Daniela Sosa. Best for ages 2-5.
This rhyming Little Golden Book is a delightful introduction to the excitement of taking gymnastics lessons and being in the gym doing headstands, cartwheels, rhythmic gymnastics and more!
I’m a Ballerina!
By Sue Fliess; illustrated by Joey Chou. Best for ages 2-5.
A little girl invites readers into her ballet class and later performs onstage (gulp!) in her first recital. Young readers will enjoy seeing what happens in a class, and young ballerinas will envision themselves in this book.
Lionel Messi: A Little Golden Book Biography
By Roberta Ludlow; illustrated by Nomar Perez. Best for ages 4-8.
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. This Little Golden Book Biography about the record-smashing star forward for Argentina, FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami is an inspiring read-aloud for youngsters.
Katie Ledecky: A Little Golden Book Biography
By Shana Corey; illustrated by Jen Bricking. Best for ages 4-8.
Young readers will be inspired by Katie Ledecky—the world record-breaking American swimmer and two-time winner of the AP Female Athlete of the Year Award—as they read her Little Golden Book Biography!
Compiled by Lauri Clapper
DO I STAY OR DO I GO NOW?
After maternity leave is up, the decision to stay home or return to work can be a difficult one to make. Hopefully, you’ve had discussions throughout your pregnancy or even before, but when the parental leave ends, are you prepared to make that decision? Stereotypes and opinions abound, both supporting and dismissing either choice. So how do you decide and how do you embrace your choice? Here are a few things to consider.
Past and Future
Many decisions in our lives are affected by how we were raised, what was modeled to us and what we would like to mimic or shy away from in our own futures. If you were raised by a stay-at-home parent, perhaps you loved having your mom greet you when you got home from school to hear all about your day, or maybe you felt stifled and wondered what she did all day. If you were raised by parents who both worked outside the home, maybe you wished you could see them more often, or maybe you were proud of their work.
Your partner may have had a different experience growing up and different expectations now that vary from yours. Now you get to decide together what will be best for your own family and the future you plan together. This is a decision with many variables. Personally, I was always excited to become a mom, and I just assumed I would be a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) until my hypothetical children went to school. I’m not exactly sure why because this wasn’t exactly modeled for me. Both of my grandmas were working mothers, and my own mom worked outside the home until my younger brother was born and she decided to run an in-home daycare. But having my mom home (but still working—can you imagine taking on more kids while adjusting to life with your own second baby?) was such a comforting part of my childhood, and that’s what I wanted for my future family.
Child Care Cost and Availability
One crucial variable is simply the cost and availability of child care. Depending on your jobs, your salaries may not cover, or barely be enough to afford, child care. If it’s a job you love and a career you’re committed to, it still may be worth it, but if it’s a job that doesn’t satisfy you, maybe this is an opportunity to provide your own child care while you figure out your next step. Consider the perspectives of some experienced moms:
Shannon Metcalf, mother of one, simply states, “Easy. No choice. Life is too expensive to not have both of us working.”
Lori Tate, mother of three, says, “For us, daycare for two kids was just as much as I was bringing home. I loved my job, so that was OK, but I felt like I was constantly doing both my job and parenting poorly and constantly running on empty. Staying home was an option, so we went that route.”
RaeLynn Kelso, mother of three, says, “I worked two to three days a week for a couple of years because I wanted to see my kids’ ‘firsts.’ When I had my third baby, I stayed home full time because I could not find a babysitter. My town is seriously lacking babysitters.”
Location
Where you live in the world can also be a factor in whether cost and availability make child care doable or not. There may be more options in a suburban area versus a more rural location, but then again, there may be more competition for availability as well. Depending on which type of child care you’re looking for, you may find more in-home daycares in a smaller city, but if you’d rather have a daycare center, that may not be an option in your current town. Location can also affect your lifestyle and
expectations on how to raise a family. Keeping up with the Joneses can mean that you both want to work outside the home to afford better vehicles or go on more elaborate vacations, or it could mean that you want to be able to raise your children alongside nearby families and form a community within your neighborhood.
Benefits
On top of the cost of child care, benefits like health insurance factor in as well. Raising a family and “adulting” are challenging, and benefits can make a world of difference. Laura Loeffert, mother of three, says, “I had to go back to teaching when my first was 5 months old. I accepted it because I had to work for insurance. After insurance and child care, I made next to nothing. Then there was the feeling of not being a good mom, wife, teacher, co-worker—all of it. In April of that year, my husband switched jobs, and I was able to become a SAHM that May. I do not regret a second of it. I think because going back was so incredibly hard it made it easier to know I was making the right decision for me and my family.”
Careers
Many people have had their sights set on amazing careers on top of raising a family, so staying at home is never really even a consideration. If you have worked your tail off to get where you are, have ambitions on getting even further ahead in your field, or have studied far too long to not become what you set out to be, then returning to the workforce after welcoming a baby into your family isn’t going to stop you. There are plenty of wonderful daycares, babysitters and nannies that would love to help you care for your children because that is something they are passionate about, so it’s a win-win.
Jenny Berry, mother of three, says, “I decided to go back to work part time because I truly love my job and worked really hard at it. And it was important for me to have some part of myself still, something that drove me. Now, as my kids are getting older, it is important for me to show them balance, work ethic, determination and how to chase your dreams. And even though I struggle with guilt, I know that working outside the home makes me a better mom.”
Berry’s last statement is all that matters in the end, isn’t it?
Identity and Self-Worth
A big factor in motherhood is your sense of identity. The stereotypes for both SAHMs and working moms are unhelpful but can still linger in the backs of our minds regardless of how strongly we feel about either decision we make. Are we missing out on raising our children if we return to work? Are we wasting our education and careers if we stay at home? In the end, I believe we need to decide what makes us feel most like ourselves and who we want to become and helps us be the best version of ourselves for our children and families. If we love working, we should love that we love working. If we would love the chance to stay home and be with our children 24/7, then we should enjoy doing so if we are able to.
Personally, identity and self-worth have always been the hardest aspects of my more than a decade of experience as a SAHM. I used to loathe being asked, “What do you do?” at my husband’s office parties or just in general. I didn’t feel like I was doing enough. That may just be my personality because I like to accomplish things, but our culture often leans into messaging that makes it painful to think that I may have just “wasted” these last few years by being home and allowing for a stark break in my resume.
It was also challenging to not have any external recognition for what I was contributing to our family. There are no raises or advancements because you’re doing a good job, and sometimes the mundaneness is daunting. But this is where I strongly believe hobbies, support groups and side hustles come in for SAHMs so that we have interests to discuss besides our beloved cherubs. Running and exercise, writing, reading, photography, home projects and my dog all helped me feel like more than “just a mom.”
Amy Ferrera, mother of four, has a similar experience: “Now having four kids, I stay home because it’s what I know as my normal, financially works better for us (the human services field I would work in wouldn’t cover our child care costs), and before COVID, my husband’s travel schedule was all over the place, and his schedule didn’t allow for flexibility—making it easier for me to stay home while he worked. I won’t lie, I always have a
back-of-the-mind thought of ‘Is this all I’m supposed to do? Did I go to college for nothing? Will my kids think I did anything?’ Sometimes I feel unaccomplished, jealous of my husband’s work recognition, or I find myself wanting a little slice of doing something for me outside of being a mom. But at the end of the day, for my family, I know being a stay-at-home mom has been a blessing for us even on the thankless days, and I wouldn’t change it if I could go back.”
Volunteering is another great way to feel fulfilled during your time as a SAHM. Volunteers are needed in many places and often invaluable for many organizations. Even small things like helping in your school-aged children’s classrooms is a great way to feel and be useful as well as find community with the staff at the school.
Work/Life Balance
We all know there are two sides to each coin and that the grass isn’t really always greener on the other side. There were many days I longed for office friendships, work lunches, grabbing a coffee and drinking it while hot, getting dressed up and completing projects and maybe even traveling for work. But then there were days I was thankful to be able to get a run in on a beautiful day with my kids, take them on field trips and watch them experience things for the first time. It seems like you can’t have your cake and eat it too, doesn’t it?
But I think we often end up where we are supposed to be, and we are all teaching our children what it means to be a woman and to have choices. It also takes a lot of teamwork and coordination to make a family work well. While I was home, my husband was able to further his education and move on to greater opportunities in his career because I was in charge of our home and children. He has maybe taken one day off work because I was too sick to care for the kids, but he’s never had to take a day off because one of the kids was sick. I have always been there. He also doesn’t have to worry about housework or meals after work because I take care of that, and then we have more family time during nights and weekends.
“We made the decision before getting pregnant. We planned for me to stay home, bought our house knowing we would pay for it with only one income (saved my salary while I was working to prepare), and that was hugely helpful,” says Heidi Murray, mother of four.
Similarly, my husband and I got married when I was 21 years old and had our first baby when I was 24. We were babies ourselves, but we were up-front on how we wanted to raise our future family. I think because we had grown up together and started our lives together early on and had already been living off one income (saving mine for a down payment for a house), that made the decision easier for me to stay home with our first baby. Then we moved out of state, and my husband traveled often, so it made me feel better knowing I was the stability of home and family for our kids while he was away. I was also able to care for them without having to juggle daycare, work and inevitable sick days on my own.
I know we have been so fortunate to experience this lifestyle, and not everyone has this opportunity. But I also know people
have different lifestyles and values and spend money on different things that matter to them. I also know that the baby stage is not everyone’s favorite part of parenthood, as it was for me. If babies, toddlers and preschoolers aren’t your jam, being with them constantly may not be the best fit for you. There are daycares and teachers that actually do love being with children those ages!
Fast forward to today, and my children are all older. I have done photography on the side, written articles and, for the past three years, have been a substitute teacher. It’s helpful to have my own things on top of being a mom, even if I am extremely grateful to have been able to accomplish my dream of being a SAHM. Our family also just runs better having me be the primary parent due to my husband’s extensive work travel. Even with all three of my kids in school, I’m responsible for drop-offs, pickups, doctor/dentist/orthodontist appointments, all the extracurricular practices and lessons, and sick days because my husband is often unable to help with these parenting tasks. It’s definitely a different kind of hard when I work a few days in a row and feel like I’m running around with my head cut off, but I think it’s also important for our kids to see that when Mom is busy working outside the home, they have to help pitch in more at home to make our family run efficiently.
Each family’s dynamic and activity levels are different too. Some families enjoy doing their own daily thing at work and school and have the rest of the evening and weekends for relaxing and
catching up on household chores. Because our family enjoys being involved in various activities, running from sunrise to sunset (or later) many days, having a few hours built into my day at home to get the housework done and meals prepared benefits our family. For example, this Saturday, we have five games among our three kids! We enjoy all the games, but that takes away the weekends for picking up groceries and getting laundry done. Also, next year, I will have three separate schools for which to figure out drop-off and pickup logistics. Parenting in general is just a busy time of life!
“As I’ve met many moms throughout the last nine years of being a mom, I’ve realized that no one situation is the same. I’ve looked up to and admired so many perspectives of motherhood through the lenses of working moms, stay-at-home moms and work-from-home moms. Not one job is harder—being a mom is hard, period,” says Ferrera.
In the end, think of what will work best for your family, know that things can change and, as with all things in parenthood, trust your gut and enjoy!
Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 14, Mason, 12, and Slade, 9, and has happily been a SAHM since bringing her first baby home. Nowadays, she’s primarily a content SAHM but adds in substitute teaching, photography and writing—between her Mommy Uber trips for her active kids—to help pay for all her kids’ activities.
family faves
KC Parent is all about being your No. 1 parenting resource, and we want to hear about your favorite places around the metro! Scan to go to KCParent.com to vote for your favorite business. Come back to vote in July. Details online. Winning businesses will be featured in our September issue.
Multigenerational Memories
What’s more fun than a family outing?
A family outing with Grandma and Grandpa, of course! KC bustles with an array of high quality museums and star-studded attractions that are sure to appeal to everyone in your crew from oldest to youngest alike. Don’t believe me? Check these out!
Museums
Museums are a great way to stir up conversation among your party, particularly if they highlight an aspect of life that the older members of your crew experienced firsthand. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures in Kansas City, Missouri, is one such place, providing the perfect opportunity for multiple generations to bond over one very common household item: toys! As the world’s largest collection of miniatures (as well as one of the largest collections of toys), the museum allows families to ooh and ah over rare finds as well as decades of nostalgic favorites. Avid adult collectors as well as young guests will find common ground at this local attraction. Tip: Consider getting a famous Skyscraper shake or soda at Winstead’s nearby as an after-visit treat!
Another nearby gem is the World War I Museum and Memorial, the world’s most comprehensive WWI collection. Voted Trip Advisor’s No. 1 attraction in Kansas City, the museum invites guests of all ages to walk through interactive exhibits, view immersive films and observe firsthand accounts of the “war to end all wars.” HandsOn History programming on Saturdays affords even the youngest of guests the chance to handle Great War artifacts, and a highlighted attraction, “The Little War,” exposes the impact the war had on children. The experience is a masterful way to engage in meaningful conversation over an incredibly transformative period with your whole crew. Note: World War I Museum is wheelchair accessible and offers audio guide players for blind or visually impaired guests.
The crown jewel of Kansas City is the free Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. In addition to galleries featuring art from around the world in this Missouri museum, visitors enjoy the lawn’s attractions. The most iconic sculptures in the city, the Shuttlecocks adorn the museum grounds in the sculpture garden stretching 17 feet in height and weighing in at 5,000 pounds each. In the summer, you may enjoy outdoor miniature golf as well.
Hands-On Activities
There is something for everyone at a u-pick farm. Traditionally, families enjoy picking pumpkins and apples in the fall, but many local farms offer seasonal fare beyond autumn’s harvest season. Consider picking strawberries in May at Gieringers Family Farm in Edgerton, Kansas, or Wohletz Farm Fresh in Lawrence, gather blueberries in June or July at the Berry Patch in Cleveland, Missouri, and on Labor Day weekend, pick sunflowers at Grinter Farms in Lawrence. Guests can also indulge in decadent treats like local honey, seasonal fruit baked goods or freshly made slushies. Berry bushes like blueberries or blackberries are among our personal favorites because the bush spans the heights of both toddlers and towering adults, meaning everyone can contribute without exceeding their limitations. Bring a camera, comfy shoes, sunglasses and a water bottle. For those less inclined to hit the fields, guests can also purchase pre-harvested items on-site at a u-pick farm, or they can make the trek to one of Kansas City’s myriad farmers markets instead. At farmers markets, not only do guests support the local economy, but they also get to enjoy local impromptu concerts by a variety of musicians and artisans. City Market in Kansas City, Missouri, and the Overland Park Farmers Market are bustling with options ranging from fresh spices and grass-fed meat to honey, flowers and standard fruits and veggies. For a comprehensive listing of farmers markets throughout the city, check out KCParent.com.
If you’re artistically inclined, KC has your outing covered! Guests of all ages can make custom ceramic and fused glass creations at Ceramic Cafe in Overland Park, pour custom-scented candles at Embers Candle Bar in Lee’s Summit, or make artistic masterpieces out of Hallmark’s remnant materials at Kaleidoscope in Downtown KC (free but reservations are encouraged).
Entertainment Attractions
KC boasts world-class theater options for the whole family. Check out Crown Center’s Coterie Theatre in Downtown Kansas City for a line-up of professional programs geared for the youngest members of your crew, take in a high quality Broadway-style show at KC’s premier outdoor theater experience, Starlight Theatre in KCMO’s Swope Park, or pack a picnic blanket and lawn chairs for a relaxed and family-friendly Theatre in the Park show in Shawnee.
Union Station is an entertainment powerhouse downtown: home to Science City (Kansas City’s premier science attraction with over 20 exhibits), the Gottlieb Planetarium and the Extreme Screen Theatre, making for a day or even a full weekend of family fun.
Pennway Point is adding its own new spin on the downtown KC skyline—literally! This brand new family-friendly 6-acre district is home to a 50-meter-tall Ferris wheel that provides sweeping downtown views, miniature golf course, temperature-controlled gondolas, a winter ice-skating rink, outdoor volleyball, two live performance stages and a slew of enticing restaurants. Guests can take a walk through memory lane as they observe Neon Alley, a showcase of nostalgic KC business signs. Pennway Point seeks to relish KC’s unique past while embracing its exciting future and ensures guests an incredible place to gather together to enjoy both. Better yet, Pennway Point will soon have walkable access from the Crossroads and Union Station through the upcoming Greenline trailhead.
Lauren Greenlee is a mom of four who loves nothing more than exploring her beloved KC with her extended family in tow. She writes from her Olathe home.
Point
Pennway
parents night out
Summertime Music Series Every Friday thru Aug. 9, 6:30-9:30, Holy-Field Winery. Enjoy a live concert, food trucks and wine tasting. HolyFieldWinery.com
Jazz at the Garrison July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2, 6:00, Corbin Theatre. Enjoy a night of relaxing jazz performed by local musicians on the first Monday of every month (except holidays). CorbinTheatre.org
Star-Spangled Night at Worlds of Fun July 4, Worlds of Fun. Kansas City’s premier patriotic fireworks show. Experience an unforgettable fireworks display synchronized to the stirring tunes of patriotic music. Perfect for all ages, this fireworks event celebrates the spirit of our nation. WorldsOfFun.com
Disney’s Newsies July 5-Sept. 8, New Theatre & Restaurant. When the unscrupulous newspaper tycoon Joseph Pulitzer raises prices at the newsboys’ expense, the downtrodden “newsies” stand up and fight for what’s right! NewTheatre.com
KC Nights Saturdays and Sundays July 13-28, Worlds of Fun. Immerse yourself in a summer celebration filled with the adrenaline rush of twilight rides on our exhilarating coasters. Savor the flavors of Kansas City food along with refreshing beverages and let the live entertainment captivate you. WorldsOfFun.com
Outdoor Vendor Fair July 13, Peculiar Winery. Join us as 30-plus vendors sell their wares at the Peculiar Winery! Vendors will be set up outside, selling food, spices, clothing, crafts, outdoor art and more! PeculiarWinery.com
The Great Car Show July 14, National World War I Museum and Memorial. Join the Kansas City Automotive Museum and the National WWI Museum and Memorial for a day of music, educational displays, food trucks, demonstrations, ride-alongs and … cars! TheGreatCarShow.com
Festival of Butterflies July 18-Aug. 4, Powell Gardens. Spend a day outdoors exploring tropical and native butterflies alongside stunning botanical displays. PowellGardens.org
Beauty & the Beast July 19-20, Kaufmann Center for the Performing Arts. Disney’s beloved musical, Beauty and the Beast, comes to the the stage presented by The Culture House! CultureHouse.com
Kansas City’s Lawn Party July 21, NelsonAtkins Museum of Art. In celebration of the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park and National Parks and Recreation Month, the museum teams up with Kansas City Parks and Rec to create a giant lawn party full of activities, music, food and more. Nelson-Atkins.org
Johnson County Fair July 28-Aug. 4, Johnson County Fairgrounds. Preserving the agricultural heritage of the community since 1939, the Johnson County Fair is a free fair except for the carnival and nightly arena events. JoCoKansasFair.com
The Great Car Show at the National World War I Museum and Memorial
Miami String Quartet July 31, Midwest Trust Center. For more than 30 years, their diversity in programming, poise in performance, keen sense of ensemble and impeccable musicality have made the Miami String Quartet one of the most sought-after quartets in chamber music today.
JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center/events
Missouri State Fair Aug. 8-18, Missouri State Fairgrounds. Enjoy the 2024 Missouri State Fair featuring an impressive line-up of fun family entertainment for all ages included in your price of admission! MoStateFair.com
India Fest Aug. 11, Overland Park Convention Center. India Fest is an allday event to experience the tastes, sounds and sights of India. Admission and parking to the event are completely free. IAKC.org/india-fest-2024
Ethnic Enrichment Festival Aug. 16-18, Swope Park. The Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City is proud to present one of the largest gatherings
of multiculturalism—focusing on the traditional cultures found in the Kansas City metro. EECKC.org
Light Up the Lawn: The Freedom Affair Aug. 23, Midwest Trust Center. Experience the 2024 Light Up the Lawn Concert Series, featuring some of the best live music Kansas City has to offer. No reservations required.
JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center/events
Deaf Cultural Festival Aug. 24, NelsonAtkins Museum of Art. A festival honoring the rich history of Deaf and hard of hearing. Encounter and learn about American Sign Language through hands-on art activities and entertainment from distinctly Deaf perspectives. Nelson-Atkins.org
Light Up the Lawn: Marty Bush Aug. 30 at Midwest Trust Center. Enjoy the 2024 Light Up the Lawn Concert Series, featuring some of the best live music Kansas City has to offer. No reservations required. JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center/events
Old Settlers Days Sept. 5-7, Downtown Olathe. Musical entertainment, a huge carnival, arts and crafts vendors, more than 20 excellent food booths operated by local nonprofit organizations and much, much more. JohnsonCountyOldSettlers.com
Malevo Sept. 26, Midwest Trust Center. This thrilling all-male group specializes in malambo, a traditional Argentine folk dance of great virility and dexterity. The group also merges malambo with other dance styles like flamenco and urban percussion.
JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center/events
Tick Tock Escape Games 6398 College Blvd., Overland Park. Quality and creativity are what separate Tick Tock from the crowd. They use sound, technology and other special effects to bring your game to life in an immersive experience you won’t soon forget.
TickTockEscapeRoom.com
SUMMER 2024 CALENDAR
DAILY
Story Time Visit MyMCPL.org or JoCoLibrary.org to find a complete list of story times.
Inspired Play Inspired Play Cafe. Attend a two-hour play session in this fun, educational and nurturing environment where little ones explore and caregivers may enjoy the calming cafe. InspiredPlayCafe.com
Indoor Play 9:00, Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter. Enjoy hours of running, climbing, jumping and sliding through incredible play spaces. Kids 3 and under can enjoy the dedicated toddler play area, while the bigger kids can explore the 7,200-squarefoot, multilevel playscape. Independence.KangasPlaycenter.com
Visit the Zoo 10:00, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. The zoo is open year-round. Pack a picnic and enjoy your favorite animals all year long. KansasCityZoo.org
Visit the KCParent.com calendar for over 1,000 more events!
WEEKLY
playdates
MONDAY
RoKC Play Lounge 8:00, RoKC Olathe. Children 6 months to 6 years are invited to enjoy a two-hour session in the play lounge while parents participate in rock wall climbing.
Mom or Dad & Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3 per person, you get a game, shoe rental and drink on Mondays and Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com
Open Gym Mon.-Thu., 9:30-Noon, Kaw Prairie Community Church (Lenexa). Grab a coffee from the coffee shop and hang out with friends while your kiddos get their energy out on steamy days! KawPrairie.org/info
TUESDAY
Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Merriam Community Center. Drive, pull or push your favorite Little Tikes vehicles. Parents must supervise their children. $2/child. Punch cards available: $10 for 10 visits.
Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Bring the kids to see the Doodle Reef, the touch pool, Stingray Bay and more! Purchase tickets online at VisitSeaLife.com.
Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at our amazing outdoor showroom. BackyardSpecialists.com/pay-for-play
Time for Tots 10:30, Kemper Museum. Sing songs, read books, explore art and make your own art with a Kemper Museum educator and Kansas City librarian. Facebook.com/ KemperMuseum/events
WEDNESDAY
Retro Story Time Second Wednesday of the month, 10:00-10:45, Johnson County Museum. Preschoolers love stories from long ago, read by a special guest from the 1950s All-Electric House! Craft activity included. Register at 913.831.3359.
Preschool Story Time First and third Wednesday of the month, 10:30-11:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. For ages 2-6. $2/person, including adults. Visit the nature center for stories, songs and surprises geared to preschool children. Register at JCPRD.com.
THURSDAY
Jumperoo Toddler Time 9:00, Urban Air Lenexa. Jumpers 5 and under and their guardian are invited to jump, bounce crawl around safely. UrbanAirLenexa.com
Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at our amazing outdoor showroom. BackyardSpecialists.com/pay-for-play
Toddler Time 10:00-2:00, Ceramic Cafe. On Thursdays, toddlers 5 and under can paint a selected item. CeramicCafeKC.com
Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. Take the kids to the ultimate indoor playground for the biggest fans of Lego. Purchase tickets at LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com.
FRIDAY
Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park Overland Park. Children 5 and under and their parent/guardian can jump, bounce and crawl around safely. UrbanAirOP.com
Toddler Time 10:00, Blue Springs Fieldhouse. On the first and third Friday of the month, children ages 6 months to 5 years old play inside on cars, scooters, slides, playhouse, books, mats and more! BlueSpringsGov.com
SATURDAY
Jumperoo Toddler Time 8:00, Urban Air (Overland Park and Lenexa). Little ones 5 and under and their guardian are invited to jump, bounce and crawl around safely. UrbanAir.com
Little Acorns 10:00, Anita Gorman Discovery Center. Join volunteer naturalists for a fantastic journey through forests, streams and other magical places as they read select books. Register at 816.759.7300.
Susan L. Storm MD Laurie D. Riddell MD
Ermalyn Kubart MD
Stephanie A Marx MD
Kathyrn Hauptmann MD
Melissa J. Beard MD
Stephanie R. Bays DO
Heather J. Malone MD
Kathleen
Veda Donner PNP
Dee McGuire FNP
mom favorites
At the Babies & Bumps Fair, we recently asked moms for their favorite baby accessory …
Sleep sack – Christine M.
Wraps and carriers – Jessica B.
Sound machines – Alisha S., Madison H.
Adorable baby towels – Stephanie G.
Anthem all-terrain wagon stroller – Kaylene B.
Keababies wrap carrier – Sarah K.
Swaddles – Katherine J., Shawn M.
Bottle dryer, swing and portable sound machine – William I.
Cute little baby socks – Rylie S.
Musical toys and books – Michelle H.
Hats – Katie S.
Kibou fanny pack diaper bag – Kari M.
Bassinet – Jessica P., Nellie M.
First baby, so I’m not sure yet! – Adam K., Helen C.
