KC Parent magazine February 2019

FREE | February 2019 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

share the VITAMINS

does your child need them? a crafts & treats a kind acts

kindergarten ready what children should learn in preschool

a date night

tips to teach kids about

MONEY

at every age

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913.387.3500 Overland Park 913.764.5600 Olathe 913.299.3300 Kansas City

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ADVENT HEALTH AD NEW FULL PAGE

FEBRUARY

2019

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Craft Corner 12 Mojo for Moms 14 Date Night 15 Word from Dad

THINGS KIDS SHOULD LEARN IN PRESCHOOL, PG. 22

20 Insta-Worthy 25 Nutrition Nuggets

SPECIAL SECTIONS

FEATURES

18 Party Guide 38 Camp Guide 54 Calendar of Events

10

34

38

Heart Garland

Vitamins for Kids

Camp Guide

Create a cute, no-mess craft for Valentine’s Day

Do children need to take vitamin supplements?

It’s time to start planning for summer camp

Our cover features Sienna from Leawood. Cover and select interior photos by BondurantStudios.com.

FREE | February 2019 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

ON THE COVER Heart Garland Craft Grocery Store Dates Preparing for Kindergarten Sweet Treats Teach Kids About Money Do Kids Need Vitamins?

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10 14 22 25 28 34

share the VITAMINS

does your child need them? a crafts & treats a kind acts

kindergarten ready what children should learn in preschool

a date night

tips to teach kids about

MONEY

at every age

“Mom, I hab a stuffy dose.”

Convenient care. For families on the go.

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See all our locations, hours, providers and more at olathehealth.org/convenientcare

913-782-2224

EDITOR’SLETTER FEBRUARY 2019

M

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, KC Parent is giving away $300 to

Happy Valentine’s Day, KC!

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Debbie Clark Debbie@KCParent.com Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Susan Lynn Calendar@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers

LOCAL CONTENT

Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Melissa Bellach (Overland Park), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Megan Coffey (Overland Park), Wendy Connelly (Overland Park), Lauren Cook (Spring Hill), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Alexandra Hombs (Riverside), Amy Hundley (Olathe), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Sarah Lyons (Olathe)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | February 2019 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

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y husband and I don’t get out for dates often enough.

I know you can relate. Work, kids, responsibilities—they all add up, and then by the end of the week I’m exhausted. But date nights are so valuable!

To take time away from the everyday and spend time reconnecting and enjoying each other’s company are so important. If you haven’t yet checked out our new monthly “Date Night” column, I challenge you to read it and commit to doing at least one of the three dates listed each month. I’ll take the same pledge with you! Plus, many of the ideas work not only for a date with a spouse, but also for a parent-child date. This month’s column brings such creative ideas for spending quality time together and having fun. Shoot me an email and let me know which date you did and the results. Go out and have fun!

If you have little ones that are almost school age, you probably have preschool on your mind.

Starting school is such a big milestone for kids, and preschool is a great way to get them ready for “big kid” school. Lee’s Summit mom Allison Gibeson, who will have a kindergartner next year, looks at some of the important things children learn in preschool to prepare for kindergarten. Check it out on pg. 22.

The dragging part of winter is upon us, and summer may seem a far way off, but it will be here before we know it! You’ll find our annual Camp Guide in print starting this month, along with an extensive guide online with photos, videos and more at KCParent.com. Enjoy thinking ahead to warmer, longer days and start planning out your child’s summer!

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

Member of:

Circulation verified by:

Charleston’s Restaurant.

Six winners will receive a $50 gift card.

Details at KCParent.com.

Hurry! Enter today!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

Kansas City Parent Magazine is published 12 times a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Parent’s opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication. However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.

Postmaster, please send changes to KC Parent, 8691 W. 96th St, Ste 1B, Overland Park, KS 66212

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kcparent.com february 2019

KCPARENTWEBSITE

KCParent.com Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Surprises

SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE WINTER FUN IDEAS: 1. Presidents Day 2. Kids Eat Free 3. Valentine Fun Guide

4. Complete KC Calendar of Events 5. Best of February 6. Cabin Fever Busters A-Z

SPOTLIGHT

SUMMER FUN IN WINTER Winter got you down? Never fear, we’ve got you covered! For summer fun ideas to keep the winter blahs at bay, head to KCParent.com.

7. Favorite FREE Field Trips 8. Best Sled Hills

LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE Choosing the best hospital for the arrival of your baby is an important decision. Use the KCParent.com Labor & Delivery Hospital Guide to find the perfect location for you and your child.

9. Hot Cocoa Recipes 10. Coupons and Giveaways

4 MORE WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/KansasCityParent Repin us on Pinterest // Follow us on Twitter @KCParent // Subscribe to our FREE e-newsletter at KCParent.com

kcparent.com february 2019

9

CRAFTCORNER

Materials needed:

l

no-mess heart garland ove the idea of doing a craft involving paint with your kids but not crazy about the mess? This Valentine’s Day activity is for you! This easy and festive heart garland has all the fun of paint without the cleanup.

Step one: Cut your card stock to fit your jar.

Step two: Add a few drops of paint to the bottom of your jar. Carefully slide the paper inside and wrap it around the sides. Add a few of your marbles, beans—or candy hearts would be fun! Close the lid securely. Let your kids shake it until their hearts are content! Kids can experiment with using more or fewer marbles or beans inside, as well as more or less shaking, to create various designs.

Step three: Carefully pull out your paper and let it dry. Repeat steps one and two as many times as you’d like, depending on how many hearts you want for your garland.

Step four: Once your papers are completely dry, cut out heart shapes in any size you’d like.

Step five: Punch two holes in each heart and string together with your yarn, string or ribbon to create your garland.

Step six: Find the perfect festive spot to hang in your home!

Megan Coffey is a former kindergarten teacher who lives in Overland Park with her husband and two kids. She loves encouraging creativity with her children through art and play.

String Heart Valentines

Cotton Swab Flowers

Eraser Stamped Hearts

For TONS more great craft projects, log onto KCParent.com!

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kcparent.com february 2019

• Cardstock paper • Scissors • Clean, empty jar with a secure lid

(peanut butter jar, Mason jar, etc.)

• Washable paint • Beans or marbles • Yarn, string or ribbon • Hole punch

kid-mergency for those dino-Sized emergencies.

Waiting long in the emergency room is ancient history. Our ERs are faster and exceed the national benchmark for treating pediatric emergencies. We’ll get your kids back to their roaring good times.

Learn more at KCkidsER.com.

Text “ER” to 32222 to view current average ER wait times.*

* Message and data rates may apply. For more information visit texterhelp.com. ER wait times are approximate and provided for informational purposes only. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

ER CARE FOR KIDS & ADULTS

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Kansas City Research Medical Center Hwy 71 & Meyer Blvd.

Independence Centerpoint Medical Center 39th St. & Little Blue Pkwy

ER of Brookside Rockhill Rd. & Holmes Rd.

Lee’s Summit Lee’s Summit Medical Center Northeast of Hwy 50 & Todd George Rd. Lexington Lafayette Regional Health Center 15th St. & State St.

Olathe ER of Olathe East of Black Bob Rd. on 135th St. Overland Park Menorah Medical Center 119th St. & Nall Ave.

Overland Park Regional Medical Center • Main ER • Dedicated Pediatric ER I-435 & Quivira Rd. Shawnee ER of Shawnee West of I-35 on Shawnee Mission Pkwy

MOJOFORMOMS mōjō: 1. influence, especially magic power 2. mom joy

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE THE POWER OF “AND”

We often talk about loving our children unconditionally, but how does this align with our role and responsibility as mothers?

How do we guide and raise our kids to be successful in life and love them when they mess up? The secret is found in our words.

1

2

3

IF-AND-WHEN...

SHOULD...

AND...

The reason unconditional love is so powerful is because it affirms to others that they are lovable just as they are. It’s a no-matter-what kind of love, a love without self-interest, preconditions or strings attached.

When we communicate to our kids that we’ll love them if-and-when instead of no-matter-what, our love becomes conditional. Conditional “love” seeks to manipulate, control and change other people, leaving everyone feeling frustrated and grouchy. “I’ll love you if you obey me.” “I’ll love you when you deserve it.” These conditions communicate that love is something our kids have to earn. Unconditional love is freely given. It doesn’t come with if-andwhen attached. It is just love for the sake of love, and because it’s based in radical acceptance, it teaches our kids to bloom into their most healthy and authentic selves.

Sometimes we believe our kids should behave a certain way.

It’s as if they come with a silent “user’s guide” we keep inside our heads that tells us they should always put away their coats, obey us immediately or love baseball because it’s something we love.

Sometimes our user’s guides are really thick and full of rules. But kids don’t come with user’s guides.

They’re not appliances; they’re people. Just because your kids don’t always operate the way you think they should doesn’t mean they’re wrong; sometimes it simply means they’re different, still growing and learning, or that your expectations don’t fit their developmental stage.

As parents, we can guide and shape our kids and communicate how we wish for them to behave, but we need to be mindful of our own unspoken expectations.

Unconditional love gets tricky, however, when we’re trying to raise our kids to be healthy, contributing, independent and joyful human beings. This is where it’s important to separate out loving who they are from loving how they behave.

Our duty as parents is to raise them up and prepare them for life, which of course requires guidance, boundaries and reasonable consequences. Ifs-and-whens are appropriate for consciously disciplining our kids—but only when applied to their behavior, and not attached as a condition for love. When you say if-and-when to guide them, try attaching the word and. “If you don’t clean your room, then you won’t go to your friend’s house until it’s tidied up … and I still love you.” The secret of unconditional love is found in the and.

Wendy Connelly, M.Div., is a mother of two, host of the MoJo For Moms podcast, and life coach in Overland Park. She posts her latest podcasts, live events and content at MoJoForMoms.com.

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S

U

M M I

T

I

E

R

M

Y

CH

S

T

IA

N

A C

A

D

Preschool - 12th Grade • Biblically Integrated • College Preparatory • MSHSAA Member

Join Us for One of Our Campus Visit Days February 20 & 21 - Kindergarten Preview February 28 & March 1 - Early Education Preview March 1 - Campus Visit Day Call 816.525.1480 to RSVP or for more information.

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1450-1500 SW Jefferson, Lee’s Summit MO 64081 • 816.525.1480 • summit-christian-academy.org kcparent.com february 2019

13

GROCERY STORE DATES

DATENIGHT

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kcparent.com february 2019

It’s date time! Ready to cook up something truly different and unique? I call these the grocery store dates. Pick a letter, pick an aisle or pick a budget.

All inspired by Guy Fieri and his Grocery Games.

For all three dates, we consider olive oil and herbs and spices as freebies.

Pick a Letter My husband and I used a Scattergories die to pick a letter. We settled on the letter “B.” At the store, we spent at least 20 minutes shopping around to build our meal. We ended up making stuffed beef burgers topped with bean sprouts, bell pepper and barbecue sauce (from Guy Fieri!). My husband also added bacon and bread-and-butter pickles to his burger. On the side, we had baked beans. We picked out a dessert also, which we rarely have at home. Warm smashed blackberries over banana bread. Yum!! I thought this date was surprisingly fun, and the food was very good. It was more of a challenge than we thought it would be to come up with all the ingredients, but that just made it more enjoyable to cook and put together. We will do this one again for sure.

Pick an Aisle Our local grocery store offered several good aisle choices, but we ended up in the Italian, Mexican and Asian foods aisle. We wanted to venture out from what we usually buy there, so we picked up basil potato gnocchi to have with a sweet pepper pasta sauce and black olives. We grabbed refried black beans with chilis and added a can of jalapenos.

We also bought some crostini, which we paired with a homemade bread dipping oil. The meal itself was a bit of a letdown, as neither one of us particularly enjoyed the gnocchi. We certainly wouldn’t buy it again.

However, we did think it was a funny and challenging date. Next time, I think we will try one of the frozen food aisles.

Pick a Budget We each budgeted $10 to spend on our part of a four-course meal.

My husband had the task of picking out a starter and the entree. I got appetizer and dessert. When we arrived at the store, we split up and gave ourselves 15 minutes to shop. In the end, we enjoyed a dinner of minestrone soup; caprese salad; black bean burgers topped with pepper-jack, spinach and mango; and phyllo fruit and yogurt cups.

I think this date was my favorite of the three because it was fun to see what my husband came up with for the meal and fun to see how our choices fit together. We will definitely do this one again.

These dates were interesting and entertaining. Plus, they gave us some much-needed quality time, shopping, preparing the meal, eating and cleaning up together. I also liked the challenge of shopping without a list and having to improvise!

Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives with her husband in Kansas City. They enjoy regular date nights and love trying new restaurants and activities.

WORDFROMDAD

Let our family take care of your family!

date shopping

“j

ames, Mom and I are going to the store. Want to come?”

He looked up from his tablet for a moment. “No, thank you.”

“How about you, Ian. Feel like stretching your legs?”

Ian’s eyes stayed fixed on his laptop. “No, thanks, I’m good.”

Sandi opened her mouth, but I caught her glance before she spoke and put my finger over my lips. I motioned toward the door with my head and spoke softly. “Outside.”

She closed the front door behind us.

“What was that all about? Don’t we want the boys to go out and interact with people?”

I strode toward the car. “Yeah, but not all the time. They just didn’t want to go. No biggie.” I opened her car door. “Besides, this gives us some time to be together. You and me.”

She slid into her seat. “What brought this on?”

“Remember me telling you of when I took my high school girlfriend for walks on the Plaza as an affordable date? This is basically the same thing, only with a little bit of purpose thrown in.”

Sandi tried to keep the smile off her face.

“Are you telling me that walking outside, surrounded by fountains and sculpture, is the same as going to a box store where I can get everything from apples to zippers?”

“Okay, a retail warehouse may not be as romantic, but whenever we’re just the two of us, it can still be a date.”

Her hand slid over mine and gave a gentle squeeze.

As soon as I pulled into a parking space, I exited the car, ran around the back and helped her out.

She slid her arm into mine. “You know, this might work.”

“Never can tell.” I pulled her closer. “Feel like an ice cream cone when we’re done?”

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

Kid friendly environment serving infants through adults

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General Dentist

Want More in Life?

Here’s a way to experience the joy of parenthood and help children 4,000 Kansas City area children are in crisis due to child abuse, neglect or other family challenges. The need for new foster and adoptive parents is greater than ever.

Whether you are single or married, own or rent your home, have children already or don’t, work full-time or stay home, you may qualify.

We provide free training, 24/7 support, and monthly reimbursement to meet the child’s needs.

Contact us to learn more. (888) 655-5500 | www.kvckansas.org kcparent.com february 2019

15

share the love

28 ways to spread love throughout the month of February

By Margaret Sarver

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kcparent.com february 2019

Make a playlist

Give a compliment

Create a playlist on Spotify or your streaming service of choice and share with your family. Let everyone add a favorite song.

Challenge family members to give three compliments to three different people during the day.

Volunteer as a family There is always a need. Check out Harvesters.org for opportunities to help throughout the year.

Write a note Choose a few people like neighbors, teachers or friends and write them a note “just because.” You’re sure to brighten their day.

Bake a treat Pull out an old recipe or search for a new one and bake up a batch of goodies for the kids to snack on when they get home from school.

Make pancakes Whip up a batch of pancakes, then use a cookie cutter to create heart shapes. Serve with strawberry syrup.

Give a bear hug When your child or spouse comes home for the day, greet him at the door with a big bear hug.

Leave a message Using a dry erase marker, each night during February leave a message for your spouse or child on the mirror to discover each morning.

Say yes If there’s a question or request from your child that you typically say no to, trying saying yes (within reason) and watch her face light up.

Eat dessert Prepare a fancy dessert (or pick one up from the store) and then start dinner with dessert first.

Smile It sounds very simple and it is.

Smile at everyone you encounter throughout the day. Even the person that cuts you off in traffic.

Call someone In this day of texting, a phone call is a welcome change of pace. Pick up the phone and call a friend or family member.

Take a walk

Pull in trash cans After the weekly trash is collected, bring your neighbor’s trash cans from the end of the driveway up to the garage.

Collect books Round up books that you and your kids no longer read and deliver them to a day care center or women’s shelter.

The short, cold days can bring anyone down. Bundle up during daylight and get some exercise and vitamin D. Invite a friend to join you.

Say thank you

Do a chore

Tape change to a vending machine so the next person to use it can enjoy a treat on you.

Is the dishwasher clean? Do clothes need to be folded? Do the chore without saying a word or without being asked.

Share a meal When making dinner, double the recipe. Pack up the meal and drop it off at a friend’s house.

Be spontaneous Have a load of laundry and grocery shopping to do, but the kids want to see a movie? Ditch the chores and head out for family fun.

Leave a treat Write a short note or get a favorite piece of candy and leave a small treat on your child’s or spouse’s pillow.

Send flowers A single flower or a bouquet can brighten someone’s day. Send flowers “just because.”

Don’t complain When your day doesn’t go as planned, when your child spills a full cup of milk, when your spouse forgets to pick up eggs, choose to smile and not complain.

Another simple suggestion, but these two small words can go a long way in making someone’s day.

Leave change

Share a surprise Tape a gift card for a coffee on your trash can for your collector, or leave a small treat in the mailbox for your mail carrier.

Post positive Put something positive up on social media so when checking, friends and family will have an uplifting message pop up.

Hold it open Hold the elevator or the door open for the person behind you. Or, walk ahead and open the door for someone.

Make lunch Do your kids pack their own lunches? Does your spouse get his own coffee each day? Surprise them one morning by getting up early and preparing.

Pay for it Pay for the person behind you in the drive-through at your local coffee joint or fast food place.

kcparent.com february 2019

17

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Roll out the red carpet and celebrate that special occasion with a movie!

Round up the kids to watch their favorite movie on one of our largerthan-life inflatable screens. Throw in our popcorn machine and the effect will be complete. The kids won’t forget it, and you’ll love it as our professional staff takes care of every detail. One of our four differently sized screens is sure to fit your occasion and budget.

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INSTAWORTHY

Happy Valentine’s Day

V

alentine’s Day is distinctive among other holidays in that we celebrate love, not a person, group of people or historical event. Valentine’s Day is that one day to make everyone you love feel loved, significant and special in your life.

What was once one of my personal favorite holidays has been diminished somewhat by social media and marketing.

Social media has made it into a competition based on what someone receives, with everyone posting their flowers and presents, making those that don’t receive feel less valuable or unloved. We must all be cognizant of what we post. Sharing our joy should be just that—not a symbol of materialism. For those who don’t have family or a significant other and may not receive flowers or gifts, a simple shout-out of love and recognition can be just as impactful as those overpriced valentine flowers.

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So this Valentine’s Day, let’s all set an example and focus on posting joyful, inclusive valentine posts. Instead of flowers or gifts, post pictures of people or things that are significant in your life, along with a message of love.

This year I have decided to post pictures of my kids telling significant people in their lives that they love them.

Taking time from a busy schedule to create a cute valentine post lets loved ones know we are thinking of them on this day and how special they are to us. To accomplish something like this, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a mini photo shoot of your own. Dollar stores have inexpensive items you can use to make a sign, then just add a few red balloons.

Outside of posting your love on social media, other simple ideas are to make a batch of cookies, let the kids decorate

them and help deliver them to those who live close by. Or create a simple treat bag if you don’t have time to bake. Kids love to help with these activities. Nothing says love more than spending quality time with someone. Even Papa Murphy’s makes heart pizzas you can pick up and take over to those grandparents or elderly neighbors who don’t get out or don’t have social media. Add a print from your mini photo shoot as a card on those treats. Be sure to mail one to those who live far away.

Valentine’s Day is meant to be a special time for those special people in your life, and making others feel loved and special makes you feel good too. And they will adore you!

Alexandra Hombs is a freelance writer and designer who lives in Riverside, MO, with her husband and two children.

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preparing to master kindergarten essentials kids need in order to succeed in big kid school

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t’s hard to believe it, but my son will start kindergarten in August. So school readiness is top-of-mind in our house.

He attends preschool and practices writing letters. We read together and work on letter sounds and number sense.

Of all the many skills kids need in school, the most important ones can be hard to pick out.

Perhaps surprisingly, many experts say some of the most critical kindergarten readiness skills aren’t necessarily academic but have more to do with social and emotional development. Sarah Hardinger, a former kindergarten teacher and a Lee’s Summit mom of two preschoolers, believes very strongly in this.

“Parents should be honing in on the physical well-being first,” Hardinger says. “When you have a properly functioning brain due to sleep, diet and supplements, the body can work at it’s prime…In my mind the physical is the foundation work to having proper social and emotional skills going into kindergarten, and learning through play would be the largest piece of social and emotional development.”

To this end, Hardinger recommends pretend play, role play, board games, puzzles, I Spy games and real-life problemsolving games as good kindergarten preparatory activities.

To break down some of the top skills needed for school readiness, here’s our list of 10 essentials children need when entering kindergarten:

Sensing physical well-being

Visit KCParent.com for a checklist of things to look for when choosing a preschool.

A child needs plenty of sleep and a well-rounded diet in order to learn properly. Hardinger recommends plenty of protein for breakfast and having children of this age get between nine and 11 hours of sleep a night.

Empathizing with others Children will interact with many others at school, and to learn best, they will need to know how to function as a part of a class. This involves being kind, courteous, treating others as they want to be treated and having the ability to understand how someone else might feel.

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Understanding the art of a conversation

Mastering of motor skills

As a child attempts to interact in a class, she needs to know how to carry on a conversation. Learning to strike a balance between talking and listening to others is important. Does a child really listen to what others have to say?

Local kindergarten teacher Laura Krueger also says it’s important for a child to have basic social problem-solving skills and understand how to resolve a minor conflict with a peer without having to always tell the teacher about the small things.

With these conversation skills, children need to know when is an appropriate time to have a conversation and when it’s time to be quiet and listen.

Both fine and gross motor skills are important. Fine motor skills involve things you do with your hands: grip a pencil or crayon, use scissors, open a bottle of glue, etc. In a world that is so technology driven, fine motor skills often suffer, but they are no less important.

Gross motor skills involve jumping, skipping, hopping, running and other movements that will be put to use on the playground and in other physical activities.

Having good self-help skills Can a child do things like zip his coat, pack his backpack and open his own lunch container? Often, more than 20 children are in a classroom, and they all need to be able to do basic tasks for themselves.

Being a self-advocate Does the child have the courage to speak up in a respectful manner if she has a question or if she is being overlooked?

Does she also know how to tell another child she doesn’t like how that child is acting toward her?

Also, saying no to peer pressure is a learning process throughout childhood and adolescence, and kindergarten is a good time to start learning that it’s okay to not do what everyone else is doing.

Having reasonable amounts of attentiveness Childhood was meant for play, and 5- and 6-year-olds sure aren’t designed to sit all day! Recess and play are critical parts of kindergarten, but attention is also required for time in the classroom. Does the child have the ability to sit long enough to read a story and hear a simple concept explained to him?

The ability to follow multi-step instructions is important as well, as teachers expect children to follow various instructions.

Learning visual and auditory alphabet recognition Prereading skills are essential. The ability to recognize what the letters look like and start to understand what sounds they make are necessary framework to learn to read.

Local kindergarten teacher Sun Santon says other language skills, such as understanding rhyming words and opposite and positional words, are important and often a topic of discussion in the classroom. Comparison and sequencing skills also come into play.

Working on beginning writing skills A child needs to know how to write her name and have a basic introduction to writing letters. This skill involves a significant amount of fine motor dexterity.

Being introduced to math basics Recognizing basic numbers and understanding what they mean is a skill that will be built on in kindergarten, as adding and subtracting small numbers will be introduced. Hardinger says this number sense involves not just recognizing a number, but understanding what four, five or six of something looks like.

Also, recognizing shapes and colors is something children are expected to know.

In the midst of all the important academic skills that must be learned in early childhood, the social and emotional life skills are often the framework for everything else.

“When (children) are socially and emotionally ready, they are going to be quicker learners,” Santon says. “Things are going to come easier when they don’t have social and emotional struggles. They will be ready to learn.”

Allison Gibeson is a freelance writer from Lee’s Summit who is having fun teaching her 5-year-old these kindergarten readiness skills.

Starting school with confidence: A true/false quiz on kindergarten basics

• In kindergarten, academic skills are more important than social and emotional skills. FALSE

• Kids who have good social and emotional skills will often

find other academic and life skills will fall into place. TRUE

• Play is an essential part of learning. TRUE • In a technology-driven world, fine motor skills aren’t needed anymore. FALSE

• Teaching children to do things for themselves is part of preparing for kindergarten. TRUE

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the ingredients up outside may be wise so you can have fun without worrying about the difficulty of cleanup. Once your science lab is set up, get creative. Let your kids experiment with what happens when different ingredients are mixed.

This activity is great for preschoolers but can also be adapted to older children by providing them with a journal to record the results of each combination of ingredients when they are mixed.

Use what you have

STEM for preschoolers: activities to try at home

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o your children have an interest in figuring out how things work?

Do they enjoy experimenting with their surroundings? You may have a budding engineer, astronaut, mathematician or scientist on your hands.

Even kids who are not naturally drawn to all things math and science enjoy exploring their environment and figuring out how things work. STEM activities (science, technology, engineering and math) engage kids of all ages in these specific areas. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are growing 17 percent per year, and STEM degree holders have a higher income. Although a career in the STEM fields may seem like a long time off for your preschooler, STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy and enables innovation of new products in the future. Most would agree that jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of math, science and technology, and it is never too early to start developing your child’s interest in these areas. (EngineeringForKids. com) Many schools are developing STEM curriculums for classrooms, and parents have plenty of things they can do at home to kickstart preschoolers’ love of science.

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STEM in the kitchen Your school teachers were right: You do use math and science in everyday life.

You may already love cooking with your kids but consider incorporating science and math lessons at the same time. While baking cookies, have your children help measure the ingredients, count the scoops of flour, talk about what happens if you do not use the correct measurements, and discuss what the purpose of baking powder and baking soda is. (It leavens the batter to rise while baking.) Make the experience fun and educational at the same time. Your child may not even notice she is learning about math and science while baking and sampling tasty treats.

Set up a sensory bin using dried beans, water beads or rice as a filler, then hide items inside. Ask your child to find the red dinosaur, count the green items or close his eyes and guess what items he feels. Encourage your little engineer or architect to build a tower using toothpicks and marshmallows, or fill a tray with shaving cream and blocks and ask whether he thinks the shaving cream will help his blocks stick together. Sharpen math skills with colored cereal like Fruit Loops. Ask your child to sort the pieces by color and count them. Then have her string the cereal on yarn to make a necklace. Make it fun and see what potential STEM activities you have lying around the house.

Preschoolers love to explore with their hands and all of their senses, which makes the possibilities endless. Plant a garden, fill water glasses with food coloring and mix to learn about colors, count and sort items throughout the day, talk about and chart the weather or play with magnets and a cookie sheet. STEM is all around us just waiting to be explored.

DIY science lab Create your own science lab mixing station at home. All you need are several plastic or glass containers (see-through are best) of any shape and size. Fill containers with dry ingredients such as baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar and cornstarch. Fill additional containers with wet ingredients, such as water, white vinegar, lemon juice and ice. Laying towels underneath your mixing station or setting

Sarah Lyons is a part-time freelance writer and a full-time mom of six living in Olathe.

SOURCES: EngineeringForKids.com/article/02-02-2016_ importanceofstem ESA.doc.gov/reports/stem-good-jobs-nowand-future

NUTRITIONNUGGETS

f

a love filled heart ebruary is not only national heart month, but also features the classic and cherished Valentine’s Day celebration!

It’s a heartfelt day that nearly everyone can smile about and look forward to. Depending on your child’s school policy, opt to try these healthy Valentine’s Day eats in the classroom setting or at home. Read on to discover how you as a KC parent can foster a caring and loving heart in your child with these healthy and delicious sweet treats.

sweet treats Heart Cut-Out Spreads

The Dark Antioxidant Melting Pot • Ingredients: Dark chocolate (bars or chips), strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries.

• Instructions: Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl then dunk berries. Fruits can also be put on kebab sticks.

• Ingredients: Whole grain bread, nut butter, strawberry jam and apples.

• Instructions: Have your child test and dip in a few or each. Seek to discover favorite combinations.

• Instructions: Use heart cookie cutters for apples and spread with nut butter. Also give heart cookie cutters a try with whole grain bread and spread with strawberry jam.

• Hearty Health benefits: Calcium and vitamin D in the dairy products are is essential for strong bones and teeth. Say hello to a heart-filled cheerful smile.

• Hearty Health Benefits: Both of these ideas provide the preferred rich complex carbohydrates, so your kiddo will have a good, slow and steady release of energy.

Carbohydrates are also the brain’s preferred source of energy, which enable your child to power on throughout heart day.

• Hearty Health Benefits: Antioxidants help cancel out foreign invaders like free radicals that cause damage to cells.

“I proposed the Red & White Mix-Match Dairy Dip Dash idea to my child’s teacher. She approved, and her classmates loved it! They even cast votes on their favorite mix-and-match combination,” Patty, Lenexa mom, says.

Remember, each and every child wants and deserves warm caring love—this month and every month. We KC parents can simply and truly give love and tirelessly say our “I love you’s,” so our children’s hearts will be deliciously filled.

Dried Sprinkle Pudding • Ingredients: Dried cranberries, cherries, apples and yogurt covered raisins; cocoa powder and/or protein powder; chocolate or vanilla pudding.

• Instructions: Sprinkle dried fruit on pudding, dust with the powder of your choice and mix well.

• Hearty Health Benefits: The fiber in the dried fruit will aid your child’s digestive health and also keep a tummy filled up.

Red & White Mix-Match Dairy Dip Dash • Ingredients: Vanilla or strawberry yogurt, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese and whipped cream; apples, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, cherries, grapes, tomatoes, bell peppers.

Amy Hundley is a registered dietitian nutritionist, licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, and a published freelance nutrition writer.

She is currently practicing as a clinical RD and has been a resident of Olathe since early childhood.

Sources: EatRight.org, Institute of Medicine

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nagging

inspire your child to learn without

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e all remember homework. Some of us spent time in our rooms reading through pages, then couldn’t remember what was important enough to be on a test. Or, we worried about what the word “study” meant and panicked.

In today’s world, many children have so many distractions: after-school activities, the internet and those video games, to name a few.

The trick is to try to make that homework time an event. Even the youngest children will respond to a new desk to practice writing or do their math and spelling. If the space is inviting and comforting, concentration is simpler.

Whether you stack their favorite stuffed animals around the area, or place a special treat on the table, they will begin to look forward to that time where they learn and do the best they can.

Try to identify whether the root of your child’s not wanting to do homework is

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motivational, or whether your child actually lacks the specific skills or abilities necessary to do the assignment. Assessing the issue will help you pinpoint the best response.

Set goals together calmly. Together, establish an age-appropriate reward system for completing a week of homework. A chart works nicely and provides visual documentation of the child’s progress.

Alternating study environments can result in deeper learning, as does varying both study routines and the content being studied. Variety forces the brain to make multiple associations with the same material. This means if your child must study at a game, a friend’s house, in the car or at the doctor’s office, so be it.

Be sure to help build confidence in your child by not only praising her abilities, but focusing on how hard she studied her spelling words and how that paid off with a good grade.

Sara Arbisi, a local third grade teacher, understands the challenge and says, “In

today’s world it seems like you have to pull all the tricks out of the hat to get kids to sit down and do their homework. It is a fight between their video games and school work every day when they get home. The last thing parents want to do after a long day at work is to fight with their kids about their homework. The kids might say they don’t want to do it, but some say this because it might just be hard for them. They might just not understand it. This is when the parents need to try and put homework into a language their child will understand. They need to bring their child’s interests into it. If they like football, you can bring gaining or losing yards, scoring touchdowns, etc. If they like to bake, incorporate measurements and fractions into it. If parents took the time to sit down with their children and see their struggles, they could understand why they get frustrated or just don’t want to do their homework. Parents need to get to know their kids as both their child and a student.”

A good emphasis to make with teens is that short-term sacrifice leads to longterm gain. Your teen may need to stop doing certain activities and tasks and start implementing new strategies to achieve his dreams. Decide together whether he may need to let go of or spend less time on Netflix, Instagram or Twitter. Set a time, for example, between 5:00 and 8:00, to do homework. Consider having a Wi-Fi-free time at home or turn it off at 10:00. This allows your teen to switch off and sleep well. Discuss this together and compromise with him.

Remember, your job is to help your children learn how to be responsible. If you get negative and make this a moral issue, then your child might become defiant, reacting to you instead of thinking through things on his own.

Incorporate the “When You” rule, which means that we get the goodies after we do the work—one of life’s big lessons. When you practice shooting hoops every day, you start making more baskets. You get paid after you work at your job.

Begin saying things like, “When you finish studying you can go to Ben’s house.”

Or “When your homework is all done, we can discuss watching that movie you want to see on Netflix.”

The important thing to remember is you know your child better than anyone else, and together, you can enjoy the learning process. This positive outlook will assist the teacher in discovering your child’s unique way of learning, instilling a lifelong desire to keep learning—with no fear of homework!

An avid outdoors girl, Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit and enjoys all seasons, especially summer. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.

Sources: SheKnows.com, RollerCoaster.ie, EmpoweringParents.com

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how to teach kids about

MONEY AT EVERY AGE Money can be a complicated subject to grasp, especially for children. According to the Chase Slate 2018 Credit Outlook, 56 percent of parents have talked to their children about money.

Here are a few tips for teaching your kids about money at every age.

PRESCHOOL Teach the Basics Eight out of 10 parents say it’s never too early to teach kids how to manage money, according to the Chase Slate 2018 Credit Outlook. For children in preschool, the first steps can be helping them grasp the very simple basics of money. For example, teach youngsters that people buy things with money. If they want something, let them know it costs money.

Pretend Play A great way to teach the basics of money is through pretend play. Play store with your child using a toy cash register, pretend money and credit cards. Take turns purchasing items and paying for them with the toy money.

Small Purchases Make a teachable moment by letting your child make a small purchase at the store with her money. If your child receives money for her birthday, let her choose something small that she would like to purchase. Make sure you tell her how much the item costs and how much money she can spend. If she chooses a large item at the store but doesn’t have enough money, let her know she doesn’t have quite enough for that item. This helps her learn that certain items cost more than other items.

Introduce a Piggy Bank The toddler years are also a great time to introduce kids to a piggy bank. Saving their coins from an early age will teach them that coins add up, and it will help them form a habit of saving.

ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL Open a Kid-Friendly Savings Account Children in elementary school are the perfect age to open a savings account. Many banks offer special dual savings accounts that are ideal for teaching your child how to save without giving him the freedom of his own account. Take your child to the bank with you to set up the account and visit the bank every month to make deposits. He will feel a sense of accomplishment when his funds start to add up, and he will start to take responsibility for his own money.

Give an Allowance Giving an allowance is a great way to teach children the value of their time and money. Give your children a list of chores to perform every week. If they do all of their chores, pay them a previously agreed upon amount of money. If they don’t complete the chores, they don’t get paid.

This will teach them the value of hard work and that money must be earned, not given.

Be a Good Financial Role Model Your children watch you and your spending habits from a young age. They see you paying bills, buying groceries and spending money on day-to-day items. If you make bad financial decisions like wasteful spending or paying bills late, your children are likely to notice and model your behavior. Do your best to be a positive financial role model in their lives.

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HIGH SCHOOL Get Their First Job High school is typically the age where teenagers get their first jobs. Telling your teens about the value of a dollar is not as effective as their working to earn a dollar. Most teens will grow an appreciation for the money they have earned as soon as they receive their first paycheck. Help them determine what they need to spend their money on and what they should put back into savings. Do they need money to put gas in their car, extra spending money or should they put it all in savings? If they have something in particular they are saving for, help them put together a plan of how much they will have to save from each paycheck to get it.

Start Saving for College It’s never too early for teens to start contributing to a college fund. Have your teenagers set back a certain amount of money each month to go toward their education. They will thank you in a few years when they have funds to help with their future.

Explain Bills Most kids know their parents pay bills every month, but do they understand how much those bills cost and how important it is to pay them on time? The next time you pay your monthly bills, walk your teen through it with you. Let him know how much you pay for the electric bills, your mortgage and groceries. This will give him a little bit of perspective on what it takes to run a household.

Head to KCParent.com for money lessons to teach kids to help them avoid going into debt.

COLLEGE Share Your Mistakes It’s important to be open and honest with your kids about finances. Tell them about mistakes you’ve made with money in the past. Warn them about credit card interest, wasteful spending and going into debt. Your personal experiences can teach them what not to do once they are in charge of their own finances.

Teach Them About Student Loans According to Student Loan Hero, the average student loan debt for Class of 2017 graduates was $39,400, which was up 6 percent from the previous year, and Americans owe about $1.48 trillion in student loan debt. Before enrolling your child in college, teach her how student loans work, as well as what student loan debt is. If she has hopes to attend a certain university, look up the tuition and room and board costs with her. Explain how long it would take to pay off all of the debt she would take out. Then let her decide whether the debt is worth it to her. Being completely transparent will prevent her from making a decision blindly that will affect her financial future for many years to come.

DID YOU KNOW? According to a study by ING Direct, 87 percent of teens admit they don’t know much about money, 35 percent of teens want to learn how to save, and 28 percent know that managing a budget is important and want to learn the required skill.

Regan Lyons is a freelance writer who lives in St. Joseph, MO, with her husband and 4-year-old daughter.

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not to emphasize who has won an argument and who has lost. When resolving conflict, come to a compromise that makes everyone comfortable. If one person obviously has triumphed, do not flaunt it.

RULE #3: TAKE A BREAK If an argument becomes heated and a resolution is not clear, agree to take a break.

Many people need time and space to digest the issue at hand. Although a break from the disagreement is a good idea, be sure to readdress it—never brush it aside and ignore it. That issue likely will arise again, compounded by the earlier brush-off. When taking a break, set aside a specific time when both parties are calm to discuss the issue again. A solution may come more easily after some time away.

FIGHT FAIR 10 RULES FOR HEALTHY DISAGREEMENTS IN MARRIAGE

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id you promise to love and comfort for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, for as long as you both shall live? When we lovingly pledge “I do,” accurately imagining what day-to-day life with our spouse will look like is a hard thing. Whether you have been married a short time or for many years, you realize marriage takes a lot of hard work and understanding. Even in the happiest and healthiest marriages, arguments cannot be avoided. Be wise and set some ground rules to help resolve conflicts and keep your relationship loving and respectful.

RULE #1: ANGER IS AN EMOTION Remember that anger is just an emotion.

Everyone should be allowed to feel angry, sad, upset or disappointed. These emotions are normal and are neither right nor wrong.

Also remember that everyone handles them differently. One person may cry, another may scream and yet another may want to be alone. Try to be respectful of your partner’s emotions. When your spouse is angry, try to understand his side of things. Allow him

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to express his anger before responding.

When you are angry, check your emotions.

Where is the anger coming from? Are you angry with this situation or a larger issue?

Knowing the true source of anger will help resolve the conflict.

RULE #2: NO ONE “WINS” When someone “wins” an argument or gets his or her way, the other party can feel a lot of resentment toward that spouse. Try

RULE #4: BE HONEST AND SPECIFIC When you do sit down to discuss the disagreement, honesty is best when communicating with your spouse. When your partner brings something to your attention, try to be honest with yourself about what your actions were and how they made your spouse feel. Also, be specific when explaining what upset you. Name specific issues bothering you and do not exaggerate. Statements like “You always…” or “You never….” are not productive. “This evening at dinner it hurt me when you said…..” is much more specific and helps your partner understand exactly what bothered you.

RULE #5: DON’T HIT BELOW THE BELT During an argument hurtful things may be said, but try to remain respectful and don’t “hit below the belt.” Bringing up topics you know are sensitive should be avoided unless they are at the heart of the matter.

Threatening divorce, name-calling or saying negative things about your partner’s looks should also be off limits. Once something is said, it cannot be taken back, and words can be very damaging and hurtful. Agree to avoid these low blows before an argument even begins. Know when to walk away if things do get out of control.

RULE #6: USE GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS When you sit down to discuss the conflict, take turns speaking and listening.

Repeat back what your spouse has said to make sure you understand. This also lets your spouse know you are listening. Pay attention to how your spouse communicates and how he responds to different types of communication. Give your spouse the same respect you would give a friend or coworker.

Good communication skills are not always easy, but making the effort can go a long way in conflict resolution.

RULE #7: LIST CLEAR SOLUTIONS As a couple, come up with a list of clear solutions to the conflict. Negotiate and compromise until you have a solution you are both comfortable with and state precise ways to reach this resolution. Not

everything can be resolved quickly or perfectly the first time, so it may take some trial and error to find something that will work for you both. Patience and understanding go a long way toward reaching an agreement.

RULE #8: BE CAREFUL WITH KIDS When a disagreement arises, be aware of the children in the home and what they will overhear. Avoid heated disagreements with screaming, cursing and name-calling, especially if kids are around. Arguments can be scary for a child who doesn’t understand what is going on. There is no need to hide a healthy disagreement from your child. Kids should learn that disagreements are normal in any relationship, and they can learn how to best handle these situations by following your good example.

RULE #9: USE HUMOR When a disagreement becomes tense, sometimes turning to humor to lighten the mood is the best approach. A good laugh with your spouse can help you remember why you got married in the first place and dissolve anger and tension that may have built up during the argument.

RULE #10: NO VIOLENCE The most important rule that should be set when arguments come up in marriage is that everyone must feel safe. If you are fearful of your partner’s anger or if your spouse is hurting you, your children or destroying your property, seek help.

Please speak to a third party professional if you do not feel safe in your relationship.

Although anger is a normal emotion, violence and emotional abuse are never acceptable.

Sarah Lyons and her husband, Justin, have been married for 14 years and have six children together.

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A

tween-approved movies

re you wanting a family movie night but aren’t quite sure what movies are appropriate for your tween? You aren’t alone. Having a tween in the house can change things up when it comes time for movie watching. For one, they’re pickier. They’re done with the baby-ish movies. (So long, Cinderella!) Instead, they want movies that resemble real life, movies that will make them laugh, think and wonder. For parents, this is a great new stage, because it means you don’t have to watch the little kid stuff anymore. The challenge, though, can be finding movies that acceptable for the tween age without too much violence, bad language or mature scenes. Well, look no further (for now). Here is a great list of tween-approved movies, old and new, that yours may really love!

Ralph Breaks the Internet: This newer movie is rated PG and the sequel to Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph. This movie features a strong story of friendship that takes place within a world of video game characters, popular websites and social media platforms. There are strong themes of empathy, courage, perseverance and self-control, and while it can appeal to all ages, the themes and messages are suited more for tweens and up. *Be aware: Several scenes in the movie take place inside a driving game called Slaughter Race that’s full of weapons, creepy clowns and a lot of danger.

Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween: Rated PG, this movie is sometimes scary, but mostly a funny adventure about Halloween decorations coming to life and terrorizing a neighborhood. The scare factor is not terrifying, but definitely creepy (and a bit milder than the first movie). *Be aware: The menacing ventriloquist dummy that won’t die is probably the creepiest thing that may stick with younger kids for a while, but the rest of the content is very mild.

The Princess Diaries: This sweet movie about growing up is rated G and a wonderful flick for the tween crowd. The story is about a 15-year-old American girl who discovers she’s a princess in a European kingdom. The movie offers positive messages about the importance of friendship, being true to yourself, popularity and caring about others. *Be aware: The main character undergoes some mild verbal bullying from popular kids, and there is some teen kissing.

Hidden Figures: This inspiring true story of three African-American women who worked at NASA (and made calculations and contributions that helped launch the manned spaceflight program) is rated PG. This movie offers a realistic look at the racial tensions of the Civil Rights era and educates viewers about what these three women had to overcome to move up the ladder in NASA. Along with the excellent role models, this film is full of positive messages and themes. *Be aware: There’s a little bit of romance, including a few kisses and flirty comments, and a bit of language, but nothing over the top.

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kcparent.com february 2019

High School Musical: This made-for-TV movie is not rated, and it’s hugely popular with tweens. Its depiction of high school is a bit sanitized and sugary sweet, but tweens will acquire strong messages about acceptance and being true to yourself and your friends. *Be aware: There are some near-kisses between the lead couple, but it’s very tame.

Hugo: Rated PG, Hugo is a wonderful book adaptation for tweens and up. This adventure about the art and magic of movies may be a tad too sophisticated for younger elementary school-aged kids (8 and under). Middle schoolers who watch will take away messages about perseverance and overcoming fears. Budding filmmakers will especially enjoy the second half of the movie. *Be aware: There is a little bit of flirting and hand-holding, one drunk (adult) character and a few insults.

Hairspray: A fun musical with a message, Hairspray is rated PG and is a bit tamer than the original, with less cursing and fighting, but the themes are the same, including accepting people’s differences. Kids younger than 11 may not understand much of the meaning, but they will still be entertained by the characters and production. *Be aware: Some song lyrics are mildly sexually suggestive. African-Americans are called “Negroes” because the story is set in the 1960s. There are a lot of insults based on weight and one case of parental abuse (Mrs. Pingleton ties Penny to her bed and calls her a devil child.) In one scene, three “bad girls” are smoking in the school bathroom.

The Great Gilly Hopkins: This PG-rated movie is based on Katherine Paterson’s classic 1978 middle-grade novel about a feisty foster kid (Gilly) who finally opens up to others after being placed with a caring older woman who is already fostering a little boy. This is a story about how family is more than blood and how even a lonely and hard-to-like person can find a place to belong. *Be aware: The main character has a harsh tongue, uses plenty of mild insults and tween swear words. She makes racist remarks to her teacher.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Rated PG, this movie about alien encounters is a Steven Spielberg classic that’s uplifting and optimistic, with themes of perseverance and humility. A mother’s toddler son disappears. Earth is enveloped by strange events (storms, unexplained shaking and UFOs), and dead animals appear on quiet country roads. The movie does have many scary, spooky moments (before the aliens’ true nature is revealed). This flick is mostly for the older tween crowd (11+) and definitely not for the elementary-aged kids. *Be aware: There are curse words scattered throughout.

When looking for your next great movie for your tween to enjoy with family or friends, check out this great website (and app): CommonSenseMedia.org. It offers everything you need to know about age-appropriate movies, what each one is about and things to watch out for (language, nudity, etc.).

Gina Klein is a writer/author who resides in Kansas City with her husband and two daughters (one teen and one tween), and they all love family movie nights!

kcparent.com february 2019

33

VITAMINS

DOES YOUR CHILD NEED THEM?

I

have a hard time getting my child to eat a healthy meal. In fact, on one particularly stressful day recently, I told him if he would just lick a piece of grilled chicken, I’d give him a cookie. I know nutritionists everywhere are collectively clutching their pearls and praying to the antioxidant gods that I serve some kale every now and then, but the truth is, it’s tough.

Really, really, really tough.

For many parents like me, gaining some semblance of control over calcium and amino acid deficiency is to provide our children with the holy grail of nutrition-in-a-pill: vitamins. Most of us grew up popping Flintstone tablets each morning. In hindsight, those chalk rocks tasted so much worse than a cucumber, but darn it if that little cartoon face of Dino didn’t sell me every time. I suspect my parents subscribed to the same school of thought I do now. “At least it’s something!”

But are vitamins all they’re cracked up to be? Do our kids really need to take them? Research conflicts, as do plenty of opinions on that subject. (If you don’t believe me, just Google “do my kids need vitamins?”) For now, let’s break it down in real terms.

34

If Life Were Perfect: Congratulations! Your children get

Because Life Isn’t Perfect: Your kid just licked the dirt

exactly what they need in their daily diet. The leafy greens, pinto beans, freshly-laid eggs, lean meats and jack fruit you are serving in perfect proportion at each meal are more than adequate. Your child will easily enjoy a healthy, active life, adorned by hair that glows like the sun.

off her boot in protest of eating her peas. Your son loves fruit but won’t go near salmon. Like thousands of children around the world experience, your kids end up with some nutritional gaps on the regular. A daily multivitamin can help fill in those gaps, particularly for vitamins A, B and C, and keep your child healthier all around.

kcparent.com february 2019

If Life Were Perfect: Your child is sugar-free, gluten-free

Too Much of a Good Thing

and has never touched a Capri Sun in his life. Therefore, sugary, gummy vitamins are out of the question, and you will continue to provide nutrition solely through healthy foods and a shot of wheat grass in his morning chia seed shake.

There’s no denying that the gummy vitamins taste pretty good, and there’s a real danger in a child’s eating too many. In fact, an overdose of some vitamins can have severe or even deadly side effects. A best practice is to treat vitamins as a medication and keep them completely out of reach of tiny, curious hands.

Because Life Isn’t Perfect: The only way to motivate your daughter to eat a vitamin is to slather it in sugar and tell her Halloween is every morning. Fair enough, Mama. Do what you have to do. The good news here is many vitamins are lower in sugar (or completely sugar-free) and still have all the benefits of the nutrients she needs without the sugar that is, in fact, not great for her.

If Life Were Perfect: Your child has developed amazing daily habits, such as doing goat yoga, crystal meditation and meticulous food journaling entries to ensure he is receiving the correct amount of each vitamin required for him to thrive.

Because Life Isn’t Perfect: Your child can’t even remember to pull his underwear all the way down before using the potty.

Ergo, creating healthy habits for him is a challenge. A daily multivitamin can establish the building blocks of healthy behavior that, encouraged over time, will hopefully translate to his adult life. After all, adults often don’t get the daily nutrition they need either. A daily multivitamin habit now is more likely to stick around once adolescence is well behind you.

Vitamins Aren’t a Fix-All We should never rely on vitamins as an alternate for nutritious foods. The truth is, parents’ responsibility is to set healthy examples and offer healthy foods. It simply takes a huge amount of patience and consistency on your part. Likely, a child will have to try a food upwards of 10 times before she accepts it as “good.”

That’s 10 times of throwing the food on the ground, spitting it out, fake-vomiting it up, and screaming at you that you’re killing them.

But trust me, as the parent of a child who eats carrots and enjoys eggs without the addition of ketchup—you can do it.

Keep fighting the battle. You’ll win the war.

Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for KC. She lives in Liberty with her husband, stepdaughters and toddler son.

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

kcparent.com february 2019

35

MOMS NEED TO BREAK

D

espite the popular saying that it takes 21 days to make or break any habit, according to a 2009 study completed by Phillippa Lally and colleagues from the University College London, forming a new good habit takes longer—66 days—and only two to create a new bad habit! I believe these findings because I have seen (and experienced in my own life) how quickly mothers begin to form some unhealthy habits. Have no fear, I am not about to shame you for your new chocolate and/ or wine-after-bedtime habit. Those can be necessary joys for the few quiet seconds you get to yourself as a new mom. What I am referring to are all of those habits that we pick up as we try to become super-moms.

In the first weeks of my daughter’s life, I spent every second asking people questions and researching. I looked for any and all advice and tried to use every piece of it. If I did not try something, I questioned and doubted myself endlessly, wondering, “If I had just tried that one thing instead of this one thing, everything would probably be better.”

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kcparent.com february 2019

You know what? It actually probably would not be better. If we try out everything and make constant changes, we will never really know what is helping or hurting.

Babies thrive on routine, so find what works and go with it. Do not doubt yourself and let your mind spin with “what-ifs.”

Comparison is the thief of joy.

To scroll through social media feeds and wish our lives looked more like someone else’s, or to visit a friend and wish our house were as clean and pretty as hers or that our child were as well-behaved as hers is so tempting.

Second, I heard from multiple mothers whose children range from newborns to young adults that their “bad mom habit” was refusing help. Like I said before, many of us try to become a super-mom overnight.

We want to be totally in control, have a thriving baby/marriage/household, perfectly

Instagram all the beautiful moments of our children’s firsts, have healthy meals on the table, get our fit bodies back...and we want to do it all ourselves without needing anyone else. News flash: Not going to happen. Or at least not going to happen well. People offer help because they truly want to help. They want to show you they love you, your family and your new addition. Allow them that joy and allow yourself the break. Keeping your bucket full is the only way you can pour back out into your family in a positive way and be the mother you want to be.

Now, how many of us have felt ashamed of a choice we’ve made as a mom? Mothers make so many choices every day. We decide whether to breastfeed or use formula, whether to stay at home or go back to work, whether to use a daycare center or an inhome daycare, whether to use a cry-it-out or a no-tears method to sleep train, and so much more. Decision-making is endless for mothers, and there are people out there who seem to thrive on shaming mothers for their decisions. No one should ever make you doubt yourself and your choices,

especially if they are made with your baby’s best interest in mind. Do you love your job and want to return to work and use formula instead of pumping all day at work? Go for it! Do you want to stay at home and breastfeed for a year? Go for it! There is no one right decision in motherhood.

When Baby comes, our world completely shifts. Our focus becomes pinpointed on that new life. To some degree, that is how it should be, but focusing so much on Baby that we lose sight of everyone else, especially our partner, is too easy. Your relationship with your partner is what your children will base their knowledge of relationships on. Your partner is also your ultimate support system. Make each other feel loved and valued. Parenting is hard; acknowledge the little things you each do and tell each other when you need help or a break. Take time to get away and invest in your relationship. Have a set monthly date night like Rachel and Will, Overland Park parents of two. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary.

Last (and something that I feel is so important because it’s such an easy trap to fall into), remember this: Comparison is the thief of joy. To scroll through social media feeds and wish our lives looked more like someone else’s, or to visit a friend and wish our house were as clean and pretty as hers or that our child were as well-behaved as hers is so tempting. But guess what? People tend to only show others their highlight reels, not their behind-the-scenes moments.

You’re doing better than you think you are, and others aren’t as perfect as you think they are. Put your energy into loving your family, not trying to force them to look like a different one.

You’ve got this, Momma!

Lauren Cook lives in Spring Hill with her husband, one sweet baby girl and one sweet little pup. She thinks that baking (and eating!) delicious treats can be the best kind of therapy.

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CAMPGUIDE

MATCH A

S

ummer is an exciting season, full of family fun and activity. With no school and kids in need of entertainment and adventure, it can also be a stressful time for parents.

Many families take advantage of summer camps to add to their child’s engagement over the summer.

When you begin exploring all the options for summer camp, you’ll be wanting to find the right fit for your child. Camps run the spectrum as far as activities, duration and location are concerned. To help you plan a summer that is both engaging and stressfree, we have rounded up a quick guide to finding the right camp for your kiddos!

Art Camps Does your child love to draw, paint and create? Art camps can vary between all-day programs and halfday programs and offer your child the opportunity to learn new and interesting ways to express creativity. This is also a fantastic way to score some beautiful new art pieces to display on the fridge!

Sports Camps Does your child have boundless energy and a competitive spirit? A sports camp might be the answer!

Many programs focus on a single sport, such as gymnastics, soccer or basketball, while some sports camps provide days dedicated to each sport and cover a variety throughout the duration of the camp. “We love basketball camp during the summer. It lets my boys run around, it helps them learn new skills and it gives us a bit of structure during the long days of summer,” says Gwen Collins, Kansas City, KS, mom.

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kcparent.com february 2019

TO YOUR CHILD

Theater Camps Does your child enjoy performing? Give theater camp a try! Singing, dancing and acting are all aspects of most performing arts camps.

“Theater camp has been such a blessing,” says Michelle Willis, Kansas City, MO, mom.

“Our daughter loves to sing and perform, and trying out the camp was a great way for her to learn about the theater and see if it was something she wanted to explore further.”

Educational Camps Is your child looking for a new academic challenge?

Education focused camps could be a great option. These camps vary widely, so be sure to investigate what options are available in your area. Some educational camps are focused on a single subject, such as math camp. Other types of academic camps cover a variety of subjects and offer a range of academic challenges.

Outdoor Camps Does your child love the great outdoors? From Scouting camps to wilderness adventure camps, options abound for sleep-away camps that get your kids involved in outdoor activities.

“Our kids go to sleep-away camp every summer for two weeks,” Mark Doogan, Shawnee dad, says. “They get to spend

time boating, playing games outside and sleeping in bunks with their friends.

We get to spend some time finishing house projects and sneaking in a few date nights.

It is a win-win for everyone!”

Some additional things to take into account when selecting a camp:

• Consider your child’s age and ensure the activities are appropriate. Not only should you consider how long the sessions last, but also whether your child will be able to keep up with the activities. Kids have the most fun in an environment where they can succeed.

• Find out where your child’s friends are going to camp. Depending on your child’s personality and age, going to camp may be more comfortable with familiar faces. Ask your child whether she prefers to go with friends or strike out on her own and make new friends.

• Cost can vary widely between camps and is based on multiple factors. Make sure to learn the cost of the camps your child is considering and align the choices with your family’s budget. Many camps offer different pricing options based on different camp schedules and different program lengths.

Melissa Bellach is a freelance writer, wife and mom of three living in Overland Park.

CAMPGUIDE

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45

CAMPGUIDE

t

r e m m why su camp is such a big deal

hroughout the 20th century, traditional summer camps boasted an unplugged and otherwise vintage experience, allowing children to partake in activities their grandparents would have indulged in as kids. These experiences are still in the majority, but specialized camps are a growing trend, offering fully structured opportunities for campers to explore everything from computer coding to stand-up comedy. In fact, some camps boast that their specialized training provides a competitive edge for kids when they go back to school, making the camp experience sound more like a summer school than the lazy, hazy days you might have loved as a kid yourself. Not surprisingly, there has been pushback from this trend, and traditional camp experiences are on the rise.

Just what is so special about a classic summer camp experience?

It gives a kid a chance to just be a kid. Children these days are often

It gives a kid time to unplug and get outside. Camp is the perfect excuse to

shuttled to extracurriculars at an unprecedented rate. From long days at school to soccer practice and piano lessons, finding a way off the carousel of frenetic activity often requires a leave of absence.

Camp provides just that: a chance to breathe without fear of what might be missed.

cut screen time cold turkey, reminding kids there is so much to do that doesn’t require the internet or batteries. Unplugged time outside cures the modern “nature deficit disorder” that plagues so many youth of today. And with all this newfound time, kids are typically increasingly physically active and creative.

It gives a kid a chance to establish a new identity. Oftentimes, when kids are together throughout the school year, cliques form and categorizing takes place.

There are the smart one, the quiet one, the athletic one and the like. Summer camp shakes everything upside down, giving kids an opportunity to meet with a completely new group of future friends from different schools, communities and, in some cases, even nations.

It reinforces independence. All that you teach your kids is put to the test when you’re not there to mediate every choice. It’s on them to navigate sticky situations with fellow campers, brush their teeth without reminder and tidy up their bunk.

Lauren Greenlee was a big-time summer camp enthusiast growing up. She writes and raises three boisterous boys from her Olathe home.

camp guide {by the numbers}

36,205

unique visitors to the virtual camp guide in 2018

+

104,000

readers each issue of KC Parent Magazine

=

A unique web + print package that increases exposure and leverages multimedia platforms!

Creativity Start

s at a Young Ag

Summer Camps & Birthday Parties for All Ages

913.782.3235 to spread the word about your camp!

46

kcparent.com february 2019

.com

Call

9510 Nall | Overland Park, KS 913.383.0222

CeramicCafeKC.com

e

Radium Girls

Thoroughly Modern Millie Legally Blonde Jr.

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kcparent.com february 2019

CAMPGUIDE Oakwood’s Summer Camp, June 3-July 12.

Summer at Barstow

up days, swimming, arts, STEM, outdoor

To sign up, or to inquire about discounts,

Kansas City’s most unique and spectacular

education and so much more. Locations are

contact Mark Maroon, General Manager,

camp experience for children 3-14!

available throughout the metro. Learn more

at mark@oakwoodcountryclub.org or call

Summer at Barstow offers more than 400

and register at KansasCityYMCA.org/Camp.

816.761.5501, ext. 102. See display ad pg. 41.

adventures in the arts, sports, science,

See display ad on pg. 45.

technology, creative play and the most

Paint, Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House

current crazes. Camps are offered May

Youthfront

28-August 2. Extended care available. Check

Youthfront Camp has provided a fun and

Camp ARTRAGEOUS! Paint Glaze & Fire

out our catalog at www.barstowschool.org/

faith-building camp experience to boys and

Ceramics & Coffee House is offering summer

summer. Contact summer@barstowschool.org

girls for more than 75 years. We offer day

camp for its 21st season! Your child will learn

for information. Enrollment begins Feb. 1!

camp for younger campers and overnight

new techniques and have fun creating art in

See display ad pg. 45.

stays for elementary, middle and high school students. All camps include splash

our multi-medium camps (ceramics, clay, canvas & glass fusion). Class size is limited

YMCA of Greater Kansas City

parks, theme nights, zip-lines and more.

- sign up early! Find more information and

Kids can have the best summer ever at

At Youthfront, kids can grow in their

register ONLINE (registration opens 2/1)

Y Summer Day Camps! The focus is on

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that last a lifetime! Learn more and register

more information on these and many other

all rolled together with fun activities

at Youthfront.com/summercamp. See

fun and creative programs, visit the website

like field trips to explore our city, camper

display ad on pg. 44.

OR call 913.661.CLAY (2529). See display ad

competitions to show off talents and

on pg. 44.

learn teamwork, wild and wacky dress

advertise your camp 36,205

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to spread the word about your camp!

kcparent.com february 2019

49

GO TO NON-SCREEN OPTIONS

FOR DARK WINTER DAYS

P

arenting through the winter months in the Midwest can be a draining task. The weather is cold, daylight is limited, and you have the letdown after the buildup of the holiday season. Now, we’re in the winter trenches until springtime starts to bud. A couple of years ago, I created a list of activities for myself to use as inspiration and pinned it up in our kitchen for easy reference. This handy-dandy list helps with entertaining our children during those days when it’s too cold to even consider bundling the littles and venturing outside, or during those dark, never-ending evenings when bedtime seems hours away.

Today, kids are lucky to have all-day PBS Kid’s programming, as well as know how to work Netflix and Hulu better than we can. And although a lot of great educational programming is available, kids need a break from staring at a screen.

They love it, they want it and it’s the everpresent Easy Button for us parents, but it’s up to us to show them the fun of actually playing and using their imaginations. But how do we keep them interested and avoid the eventual cries of “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do!”?

One idea is switching out bins of toys periodically to keep your children’s interest. Another idea is to allow access to certain toys only in the car or when Mommy exercises. In that same vein, perhaps a toy schedule or daily themes would be helpful during this winter season. You can find plenty of ideas for daily summer schedules, so use those as inspiration and create your own for the colder months as well. Most kids (and SAHMS) like structure and the way it can give an order to the day. A parent feels more productive, as well as looks forward to what’s coming up. So even though the digital babysitters can be handy, here are some options to get kids engaged and playing together and on their own.

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BUILDING Blocks, blocks and more blocks! Many different types of blocks are out there, such as Legos, cardboard blocks, Magna Tiles, wooden blocks, translucent color blocks (wonderful for window or light box play), gear blocks, Tinkertoys, Lincoln Logs and more. You even can raid the recycling bin or pantry to see what can be used for building play. Blocks make a great trading toy with another family so each can build with a different type of block for a few days. You can create different building challenges such as tallest tower, using only yellow blocks or using all the blocks in the house to build the biggest creation!

CRAFTING

Encourage those creative juices with arts and crafts. This could be as simple as working on coloring skills or preparing a specific craft discovered in a magazine or online. Other options are to simply leave out a bunch of various materials and see what your child imagines, or give kids a jumping-off point.

We designated one basket “the Creation Station” at our house, and it has been a big hit. The container is full of random ribbons, fancy colored pencils, felt and stickers. Add a pile of construction paper, scissors and tape, and kids should be set for quite a while!

Try making a book together by writing a story and drawing illustrations. Older children may work on a book for a few days, or you even can encourage them to make their own series. My 8-year-old daughter recently wrote stories about all the dogs she knows. This could also be a great time to create a picture, card or letter to send to faraway friends and family. Mailing special notes is a fun way to keep in touch, and it gives kids the fun of looking forward to perhaps receiving something back!

Kelly Smoak, mother of two, suggests an easy idea: “We love decorating Amazon boxes on rainy or cold days.” Sara Schaefer, mother of three, says, “I buy all the crafts at Michaels after the holidays when they’re 90 percent off.

They could do crafts all day long.”

BAKING Yes, I know, baking sounds lovely but will most likely be messy. But baking together is a great way to spend some time and create special memories. Kids learn about ingredients, how to measure and pour, as well as the science involved to make that batter into something you can eat. I suggest mentally preparing, lowering your expectations and having as much patience as you can muster to enjoy this time with your littles, because how cute are they when they get to lick the spatula? As kids get older, let them read and follow the recipe themselves and see how proud they are with their end result.

SENSORY

Spend some time working with those little hands and fingers with play dough, dry pasta, dry beans or water beads. Amanda Wetterson, mother of two, makes snow days fun. She says, “We like bringing the snow inside! Each boy has a Rubbermaid bin we scoop snow into and play with sandbox toys and Matchbox cars. They also love making ‘snow-canoes’ by burying a cup two-thirds of the way in the snow and adding food coloring, baking soda and vinegar. They can do that for a long time!” Joellyn Nauman, mother of three, offers a wise suggestion: “We like to set up stations where they rotate through different activities. This is a great option for when my children can’t seem to get along!” Special baths are also fun with color tabs, shaving cream, bath markers, extra bubbles and fun bath toys like race tracks and fountains. Don’t forget the lotion to prevent winter drying!

mini trampoline. The trampoline in the living room has been a lifesaver during long winter months. We use it instead of time-outs when they are crazy with energy, and they often use it on their own.” A living room obstacle course and pretending the floor is hot lava and jumping on couch cushions are fun too. Although play places can be breeding grounds for all the winter germs, sometimes a quick trip to Chick-fil-A or the mall is what Mommy needs to regain sanity. A fun bath afterwards doesn’t hurt.

Although a lot of great educational programming is available, kids need a break from staring at a screen.

GAMES “We play a lot of games too. Exploding Kittens, Monopoly Jr. and Ticket to Ride Jr. are a few of my kids’ favorites,” Tate says.

Time-tested games Smoak’s family enjoys are Hungry, Hungry Hippos, Hi-Ho Cherry-O, Pop the Pig and Lucky Ducks. Lendy Hicks, mother of five, says, “Definitely hide-andgo-seek! My boys think they are so sneaky!

We also love to make up new games to play, such as the Color Game. We each take turns saying a color, and we learn our colors by finding toys of that color and bringing them back to the group. It’s always been something they enjoy! Sometimes it becomes a race situation.”

WIGGLES

BOOKS

The above-mentioned ideas are fun, but children do have boundless energy and need to get their wiggles out. If it’s possible, bundle up and head outside for a quick walk, or playing in the snow is a great option for at least a little while each day. The sunshine, fresh air and exercise are great moodboosters and will wear kids out for a good nap or quiet time afterward. If the wind chill is just too chilly, Rose Miller, mother of four, has a suggestion: “To get some energy out, we wrestle, have a dance party or jump on a

I have always read to my children before naps and before bed, but sometimes curling up with a pile of books for an extra story time can be extra-special. Either grab a stack of your favorites, let your kids choose their three favorite books or bring home some library books to enjoy more stories with your children. “We love stocking up on library books, including reading them a family chapter book,” Nauman says. You may have more time to act out stories or ask more questions than you normally would.

Audiobooks are also a marvelous option and magically make your house quiet! We’ve had a handful of times where my older two are listening to Playaways while I listen to my podcast or audiobook and our youngest naps. It’s a funny but delightful break for everyone. Heading out to the library for story time is a great option too.

OUTINGS

Speaking of heading out, take advantage of those annual passes to Wonderscope Children’s Museum, the Museum at Prairiefire or the Kansas City Zoo where in the wintertime it’s less crowded and you spend more time in the indoor areas that may be overlooked during the summer months. Also keep in mind playdates with friends or swapping childcare with a friend for a morning off while your little one enjoys some peer play.

In the article “Ignore the Flashing Screens: The Best Toys Go Back to the Basics” found at AmericanAcademyofPediatrics.org, “The best toys are those that support parents and children playing, pretending and interacting together.” Alan Mendelsohn, MD, co-author of the report and associate professor in the pediatrics and population health departments at NYU Langone Health, says, “You just don’t reap the same rewards from a tablet or screen. And when children play with parents, the real magic happens, whether they are pretending with toy characters or building blocks or puzzles together.”

WINTER DAILY SCHEDULE MONDAY: Blocks TUESDAY: Arts and crafts WEDNESDAY: Library/book pile day THURSDAY: Dress up and puzzles FRIDAY: Games WEEKENDS: Kids choice, family fun

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 8, Mason, 7, and Slade, 3, and tries to soak up as much sunshine as she can on the mild winter days. kcparent.com february 2019

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DESIGN-A-DAY

KANSAS CITY EDITION

W

hen you’re raising a family, getting caught up in busy schedules and forgetting to set aside time to spend with the ones you love is all too easy. This Valentine’s Day, use our “Design-a-Day” ideas to surprise your special someone. Our ideas work for a variety of ages and interests. Some are great for the family, others work well for couples, and some work either way.

Southern Johnson County DIY: Spend an afternoon or evening painting pottery or making your own fused glass masterpiece at Paint, Glaze & Fire (12683 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park).

Check their calendar for discounts and special events, including family nights.

Fun Food: Bubble waffles finished with ice cream, special toppings and sauces are all the rage at Waffle Bar (4937 W. 119th St., Overland Park), where your waffle is made from scratch and turned into an ice cream cone or dessert base right before your very eyes.

Be sure to snap a pic for social media when you enjoy this tasty treat.

Fun & Games: Enjoy a classic night out playing arcades at Dave & Buster’s (6811 W. 135th St., Overland Park). On Wednesday nights, enjoy half-price game play.

DESIGN-A-DAY Choose 3 of the categories you’d most enjoy for our special date!

Mark your favorites with an X.

Do It Yourself Fun Food Fun & Games Get Active Big Screen Bonus Pick

How To: Use our Design-a-Day Coupon and have your loved ones choose their favorite category, then plan a fun day or evening out using our ideas (or perhaps you’ll be inspired to come up with a few ideas of your own)! These ideas are broken out by region for your convenience. Choose experiences close to home or try something new in another neighborhood.

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Get Active: Sometimes you want to try something new, adventurous and one-of-a-kind. Blade & Timber (5203 W. 117th St., Leawood) is the perfect choice.

You can reserve a lane or play with strangers, throwing axes at a wooden target. This is great fun for couples or groups (participants must be 10 years old or older).

Search Blade & Timber on KCParent.com for the full scoop.

The Big Screen: Catch a movie at AMC Town Center 20 (11701 Nall Ave., Leawood). You’ll find the best deals on weeknights or matinees.

Bonus Pick: Looking for something for the whole family? Try Breakout KC at Park Place (11535 Ash St., Leawood), an amazing interactive escape room experience (ideal for tweens, teens and adults). Work together as a group to solve puzzles and escape in less than an hour.

Crown Center

Eastern Jackson County

DIY: Children love Kaleidoscope, where creativity and

DIY: Create your own Pinterest-worthy projects at

imagination play. In Kaleidoscope’s (2500 Grand) magical hands-on world, kids create masterpieces with super cool, super fun supplies in a super amazing atmosphere, all thanks to Hallmark. Check their calendar and enjoy a free family session (HallmarkKaleidoscope.com).

Pinspire LLC (12 1/2 SW Third St., Lee’s Summit). They provide the workspace, inspiration and supplies. You can participate in one of their workshops or reserve studio time at PinspireStudio.com.

Fun Food: Kids pick Fritz’s (Level I, Crown Center Shops) as the most fun place to eat in town. Trains deliver burgers and fries tableside. For a tasty, more grown-up choice, try Unforked, where the tacos and burgers are made fresh with local ingredients.

Fun Food: For the most affordable mini ice cream cone in town (splurge a few cents more for chocolate dipped), visit Lion’s Choice (4049 Little Blue Pkwy., Independence).

The fast food restaurant is known for delicious roast beef sandwiches, fries and ice cream treats.

Fun & Games: Head to Legoland Discovery Center (2475 Grand), where you’ll begin your journey on a ride into the unknown on laser chariots. Play with the world’s biggest box of Legos, watch a film in the Lego Studios 4D Cinema and explore a miniature Kansas City in Lego Miniland.

Get Active: Take a spin on the ice at Crown Center’s Ice Terrace (2425 Grand), our city’s original outdoor rink. On Tuesdays, two skate for the price of one.

The Big Screen: Walk the Link from Crown Center to Union Station, where you can watch an astronomy program at the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium or catch a feature film or educational flick on Union Station’s Extreme Screen, one of the most affordable tickets in town.

Fun & Games: With an indoor ropes obstacle course, laser tag, bowling, billiards and arcades, Main Event (Multiple Locations) is the perfect place to experience a fun night out. On Monday nights, enjoy all-you-can-play for $10.95 from 4:00 to close. Or, take advantage of one of their other great specials, all on MainEvent.com.

Get Active: Sky Zone Lee’s Summit (2801 NE McBaine Dr., Lee’s Summit) is an indoor trampoline park with a Ninja Warrior Course, bouldering wall for climbing, foam zone, dodgeball and a new warped wall.

The Big Screen: Independence and Lee’s Summit both are home to many movie theaters. If you’re in the mood for a classic, visit the Pharaoh on the Square in Independence, or catch a matinee at one of the AMC or B&B locations.

Bonus Pick: In February, the Coterie (TheCoterie.org) is offering two wonderful live plays. First, for audiences ages 10 and up, watch Secret Soldiers: Heroines in Disguise through Feb. 10. The play tells the secret history of women who fought as men during the American Civil War. Then, from Feb. 26 to March 31, enjoy Mr. Popper’s Penguins, a charming musical adaptation of the beloved book.

Bonus Pick: Paradise Park (1021 NE Colbern Rd., Lee’s Summit) offers a variety of fun activities for every age and interest. Book an Exit Room (specifically designed for families so tweens and teens can participate) and work together to crack the code and escape in under an hour. Or, enjoy some of the adventures like laser tag, rock wall climbing, foam factory or arcades.

For even more great ideas, remember to use the resources on KCParent.com. Our Going Places guide features 500+ local attractions, our robust online calendar is loaded with great events across the metro, our Kids Eat Free Guide is the best way to save money when dining out, and our coupon page offers great deals on many local attractions.

Kristina Light loves trying new things, but she always orders the Tilapia Tango Tacos when dining at Unforked. kcparent.com february 2019

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february

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

CALENDAR

Penguin March at the Kansas City Zoo

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

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see

celebrate

enjoy

play

learn

Weekends in February enjoy Penguin March at the Kansas City Zoo. The king and gentoo penguins march from the back of the exhibit to outside.

KansasCityZoo.org

Get ready for the holiday with Valentine’s Day Crafts on Feb. 9 at Woodneath Library Center.

Make familyfriendly crafts and enjoy activities.

MyMCPL.org/events

Have a good time with the family when the Harlem Globetrotters return Feb. 9 & 10.

Enjoy the all-new Fan Powered World Tour!

HarlemGlobetrotters. com/tickets

Have fun when school is out Feb. 18 at Kids Day Out at Johnson County Museum.

Explore history though crafts and projects, visit KidScape and more!

913.715.2570

Come to Maple Sugaring Feb. 23 at Burr Oak Woods to learn how to tap trees, collect sap and make syrup from native trees.

Must pre-reg. at 816.228.3766.

1 Friday

First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Arts District.

Galleries and shops remain open the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org

Secret Soldiers: Heroines in Disguise 9:45, 11:45 & 7:00, Coterie Theatre. True accounts of four women who served as men in the Civil War. Ages 10+. TheCoterie.org

Daddy/Daughter Dance 6:30, Bonner Springs Community Center. Take your special little girl and treat her to a night out! $9-$11.50.

BonnerSprings.org

Underground Today & tomorrow, Kauffman Center. Storling Dance presents a powerful and inspiring portrayal of the Underground Railroad. CultureHouse.com

2 Saturday

Community Volunteer Fair 1:30, Olathe Indian Creek Library. Visit with local organizations to find a volunteer match. 913.971.6835 Snake Feeding 3:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Discover what’s for dinner as the captive snakes enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766

Pre-Spring Flea Market 8:00, Riverfront Community Center (Leavenworth). Get ready for spring by shopping the flea market!

VisitLeavenworthKS.com

Story Time 10:00, LifeWay Christian Store.

Come and hear lots of great stories, perfect for all ages. Free. LifeWay.com

Prepare Fido For Baby’s Arrival 9:00, AdventHealth Birth Center. Class on how to get the family dog ready for the baby. $35. AdventHealth.com

Birds: Headbangers! 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Learn about our sharp-billed feathered friends and how to attract them.

816.759.7300

All-Star Build Challenge 9:00, Crown Center Atrium. Cheer for your favorite builder in the 2019 all-star challenge!

KansasCity.LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com

Good Living KC Expo Today & tomorrow, Overland Park Convention Center. Fitness and healthy living event with Kid Zone and more.

GoodLivingExpo.com

Cupid’s Gems Jewelry Show 10:00, Thompson Barn (Lenexa). Enjoy a day with girlfriends or a mother-daughter outing. See handcrafted jewelry. Free. 913.477.7500 Contemporary Creations 10:00 & 2:00, Nerman Museum. Learn about illusion and space in art and then create a layered painting.

NermanMusuem.org

GROUNDHOG DAY

Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire.

Paint a pottery piece that goes along with a favorite story. Snack included. $13-$15. Pre-reg at 913.661.2529.

Jazz Storytelling 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Interactive musical program that introduces kids and families to the sounds and styles of jazz. JCPRD.com

Candy Box Workshop 9:00, Home Depot. You and your child can build a heart-shaped box for Valentine’s Day and customize it with paint and stickers. HomeDepot.com

Penguin March 11:00, Kansas City Zoo. The king and gentoo penguins march from the back of the exhibit to outside for guests to see up close. KansasCityZoo.org Chocolate Tour 11:00, Historic Downtown Excelsior Springs. Sample wonderful chocolates at various merchants. $20. VisitExcelsior.com

THE HONOR OF THY PRESENCE IS HEREBY REQUESTED AT THE 10TH ANNUAL

Daddy Daughter Dance Friday February

8th

6-9 pm

SOLD OUT!

&

Saturday February

9th

5-8 pm

PRINCESS BALL

Providence Community Church in Lenexa

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

Cinderella & Belle

PRICE INCLUDES JACK STACK & CHICK-FIL-A DINNER

$75

PER COUPLE

+

A PROFESSIONAL PHOTO

PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT LOCAL AND GLOBAL MISSIONS

EVENT ALWAYS SELLS OUT! BUY TICKETS AT WWW.SOVGRACEKC.ORG/DANCE

kcparent.com february 2019

55

Secret Soldiers: Heroines in Disguise Thru Feb. 10, Coterie Theatre. True accounts of four women who served as men in the Civil War. Ages 10+. TheCoterie.org

Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life. Handle Great War artifacts.

TheWorldWar.org Chocolate Crawl for a Cause Noon, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Donate winter items to Got Art Gallery and get a Chocolate Crawl wristband.

DowntownLS.org Valentine’s Day 1:00, Lanesfield School. Use pen and ink as you make a valentine. Shop for your sweetheart in our gift shop! 913.893.6645 Lisa Loeb 2:00 & 8:00, Carlsen Center.

Afternoon concert highlights Loeb’s music for kids and parents, while evening showcases ’90s hit singles. JCCC.edu/theseries Royal Ball 6:30, Shawnee Civic Centre. Gowns, crowns and Prince Charming, too. Dancing, refreshments, a photo and more. Tickets at CityOfShawnee.org.

3 Sunday Daddy Daughter Dance Feb 8 & 9, Providence Community Church.

Purchase tickets for this fun evening!

Event will sell out! SovGraceKC.org/Dance Toddler Time 9:00, Sky Zone. A time for little ones to bounce under the supervision of their parents and without interference from the big kids. SkyZone.com

4 Monday

Sunday Family Nature Series 2:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. See live animals, furs and scat replicas. $3. 913.826.2800

Me and Mini Me Swim 9:00, Olathe Community Center. Parents and children ages 5 and under are invited to swim in the zero-depth area. OlatheKS.org

KCPT Kids Writers Contest Thru March 29.

Calling all young authors and illustrators!

Kindergarten through third-graders are invited to submit stories. KCPT.org

five ways to show your

1

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

kc style

3

Attach one of Helzberg’s “I Am Loved” pins (available free at Helzberg locations, Helzberg.com) to a card or package. The pins have been a Helzberg Kansas City tradition since they were first announced in the Kansas City Star in a 1967 ad campaign.

2

Photo by J. Robert Schraeder and courtesy of The Coterie Theatre

Ice Skating 10:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace.

Spend the day skating with the family on Kansas City’s only outdoor rink. CrownCenter.com

Treat your sweetheart to madefrom-scratch personalized chocolates from Laura Little’s Candies (LauraLittleCandy.com).

They offer free personalization on fudge hearts for your valentine!

4

Cookies from McLain’s Bakery in Waldo (McLainsKC.com) have been enjoyed by generations of Kansas Citians since 1945! Buy a dozen to share with the family.

Commemorate your love Love Lock on the Old Red Bridge with a love lock on the Old Red Bridge in Minor Park (KCParks.org/attraction/ Eat heart-shaped pizza from Papa Murphy’s old-red-bridge-love-locks/). “The placing of (PapaMurphys.com), where they sell take ‘n bake love locks is a custom whereby couples affix a pizza. Or dine in or order carry-out at Minsky’s (Minskys.com), padlock to a bridge, fence, gate or similar where they sell the special shapes for holidays. fixture, so pronouncing their unbreakable and everlasting love. The Old Red Bridge is adjacent Or, make your own KC valentine tradition and to the new bridge located on Red Bridge Road share it with us on the KC Parent Facebook between Holmes and Blue River Road in south page at Facebook.com/KansasCityParent.

Kansas City.”

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5

Dinosaurs Revealed 10:00, Union Station. Take a hands-on trek that brings you face to face with 26 life-size dinosaurs. UnionStation.org Family and Friends CPR 6:00, Olathe Health.

Non-certified basic CPR class. Learn to assist victims as well as how to aid a choking victim.

Pre-reg at OlatheHealth.org.

5 Tuesday Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center.

Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2. 913.895.6350 Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Kids ages 5 and under play with push toys, riding toys, balls, inflatables and more. $2. Lenexa.com Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com

6 Wednesday Indoor Playground 9:30, Sylvester Powell Community Center. Developmental toys, inflatable and more for kids in a safe, clean indoor play area. 913.722.8200 Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free.

JumpCityKC.com Preschool Bible Activity Time 10:00, LifeWay Christian Store. A different Bible story each week with teaching catered to preschoolers.

Free. 913.764.1752 Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com

7 Thursday

Toddler Open Gym 11:00, Excelsior Springs Community Center. Open playtime features an array of toys and teaches children how to interact with others. 816.656.2500

Toddler Time 2.0 9:30, Blue Springs Fieldhouse.

Play inside the fieldhouse on mats, scooters, slides, a bounce house and more. $2-$3.

BlueSpringsGov.com

Poetry & More on the Square 7:00, Corbin Theatre (Liberty). All budding, new or experienced poets, singer-songwriters and storytellers are invited. LibertyMissouri.gov

Secret Soldiers: Heroines in Disguise 9:45 & 11:45, Coterie Theatre. True accounts of four women who served as men in the Civil War. Ages 10+. TheCoterie.org

Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Training 2:00, Jewish Community Center. An American Red Cross blended learning course. TheJKC.org Snake Days 4:00, George Owens Nature Park. See the snakes fed, learn how to handle them and discover how snakes live their lives.

GeorgeOwensNaturePark.org

8 Friday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air. A special time when entire park is open for children 5 & under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl!

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com Book Sale Today & tomorrow, Olathe Public Library Teen Commons. Support the friends of the library and get some great deals.

OlatheLibrary.org Scribble Workshop 10:00, Kansas City North Community Center. A child/parent art event with a different theme each month. Dress for mess! 816.513.7741 Fine Art Friday 1:00, Kemper Museum.

Interactive experiences in the galleries encourage students to examine art. Includes tour with docent. Free. KemperArt.org

P R E S E N T S

FEB. 14-17

FEB. 21-24

FEB. 28-MAR. 3

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Laura’s Legacy Feb. 9, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Celebrate the birthday of Laura Ingalls Wilder, early Kansas pioneer. 913.764.7759

Mid-Winter Art Fair Thru Sunday, Ward Parkway Center. Local artists have booths throughout the mall featuring jewelry, paintings and more! 816.363.3545

Babysitter Safety Class 9:30, Olathe Medical Center. Learn infant and child care, along with home safety, first aid and more. Ages 11-15. $50. Pre-reg at OlatheHealth.org.

Family Fun Night 5:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. $45 includes four studio fees, large pizza and four drinks PLUS 15 percent off pottery painted at the event. PaintGlazeAndFire.net

Laura’s Legacy 10:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Celebrate the birthday of Laura Ingalls Wilder, early Kansas pioneer. 913.764.7759

Daddy & Daughter Dance Today & tomorrow, Providence Community Church. Dinner and a night of dancing for dads and daughters. Must prepurchase tickets. 913.307.0710

Early Explorations 10:00 & 2:00, Nerman Museum. Learn about color and contrast and then create a paper collage design. Ages 5-7.

NermanMusuem.org

Father Daughter Dance 7:00, Centerview (Raymore). Father Daughter Dance features chocolate fountain, dancing and memories.

Raymore.com

Discover Nature: Investigating Skulls 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Learn new skills to identify the skulls of a few of Missouri’s wild animals. 816.228.3766

9 Saturday

Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Hear a story, make a craft to take home and see a wildlife interpretation. Free.

816.513.8960

Artisans in the Garden 9:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Support local artists as they display and sell handmade products. ArtsAndRec-OP.org

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Valentines for Groundhogs 11:00, George Owens Nature Park. Listen to stories and make valentines and give our groundhog a special present. GeorgeOwensNaturePark.org Harlem Globetrotters Noon (Silverstein Eye Centers Arena) & 7:00 (Sprint Center).

Enjoy the all-new Fan Powered World Tour!

HarlemGlobetrotters.com/tickets Valentine’s Day Crafts 2:00, MCPL Woodneath Library Center. Make family-friendly crafts and enjoy activities together. MyMCPL.org/events

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OR

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Saturday Night Feeder Saturdays, 2:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Watch the cats being fed, weather permitting. $6-$8. 816.739.0363 Second Saturdays 4:00, Downtown Weston.

Stroll into unique gift shops and galleries for late-night shopping and in-store specials.

WestonMO.com Chili Cook-Off 5:00, Shawnee Indian Mission National Historic Landmark. Bring the family for an evening of chili and trimmings. 913.262.0867 Daddy Daughter Dance 5:30, Irene B French Community Center. Come for dinner and dessert and dance the night away with DJ Kirby.

Pre-reg at 913.322.5550.

Father Daughter Dance The View (Grandview).

Enjoy dinner and dancing with Dad while the DJ plays all the dance favorites! Pre-reg at Grandview.org.

Kiss & Tail 6:30, Kansas City Zoo. Savor hors d’oeuvres, enjoy live music and explore love in the animal kingdom. Adults-only valentine event. $35-$45. KansasCityZoo.org Sweetheart Dance 6:30, Lenexa Rec Center.

Kid-friendly dinner, dancing, games and prizes, and a photo of you and your sweetheart(s).

Lenexa.com/reccenter

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Celebrate February KC Style

Feb. 1: Bubble Gum Day The Candy Wizard, located in the historic River Market district, sells a variety of novelty and nostalgic candies.

You’ll find Big League Chew, vintage flavors like Black Jack and Beemans, as well as classic gum balls.

Feb. 2: Groundhog Day In Kansas City, our four-legged weatherman is Tater the Hedgehog, a resident of the Kansas City Zoo. Follow the zoo’s social media on Groundhog Day for the winter forecast.

Feb. 9: National Pizza Day There are many delicious local pizzerias, but Minsky’s Pizza (12920 State Line Rd., Leawood, 913.317.9965) is our favorite for a family night on a Saturday when you can enjoy live tableside magic courtesy of Magic Bob from 6:00 to 8:00.

Feb. 14: Ferris Wheel Day Enjoy an indoor outing and visit Scheels where you can ride the giant indoor Ferris wheel for one dollar!

Feb. 24: National Tortilla Chip Day The Armourdale district in Kansas City, KS, is the place to get delicious Mexican cuisine. If you’re inclined to enjoy the deliciousness at home, Art’s Mexican Products (615 Kansas Ave., Kansas City, KS) is our pick for freshly made tortilla chips and salsa.

10 Sunday Farmers Market 9:00, the City Market. The market is open year-round and offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries and more. TheCityMarket.org 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 Harlem Globetrotters 2:00 Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. Enjoy the all-new Fan Powered World Tour! HarlemGlobetrotters.com/tickets We Shall Overcome 7:00, Carlsen Center at JCCC. Production of music that includes traditional gospel, modern gospel, classical, jazz and more. JCCC.edu/theseries

11 Monday Journey to Oz 10:00, Crown Center. Tour the world of the munchkins, follow Dorothy and her friends down the Yellow Brick Road and more. Free. CrownCenter.com Indoor Play Park 9:00, New Century Fieldhouse. Hop, skip and jump through obstacles, bounce and kick balls, build with blocks and more! $3. 913.826.2850 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

12 Tuesday Dinosaurs Revealed 10:00, Union Station. Take a hands-on trek that brings you face to face with 26 life-size dinosaurs. UnionStation.org Mom and Baby Fitness 10:00, Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Get in shape, meet new moms and feel more energized. Pre-reg at OPRMC.com.

Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com Shen Yun 7:30, Lied Center (Lawrence).

Performance by the premier classical Chinese dance and music company. ShenYun.com/KC

13 Wednesday Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free.

JumpCityKC.com

Toddler Time 10:00, Sky Zone. A time for little ones to bounce under the supervision of their parents and without interference from the big kids. SkyZone.com Baby Story Time 10:30, Cedar Roe Library.

A lap-sit story time with songs, rhymes and movement for babies birth through 18 months with a caregiver. JoCoLibrary.org

14 Thursday

16 Saturday Great Backyard Bird Count 9:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Learn about birds that spend winters in northeast Kansas. Free. 913.826.2805 Teddy Bear Clinic 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Is your teddy bear in need of some TLC? Bring your injured bears and we’ll fix them right up.

KansasCityZoo.org

Valentine’s Day

Urban Woodsman 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Spend the day mastering useful outdoor basics and more. 816.759.7300

Whirlwind: Art in Motion 8:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Bundle up to see sculptures that change in the light and wind throughout the garden. OPKansas.org

Breakfast with the Beasts 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Meet some of the beasts living in the backyard and learn what they like for breakfast. LakesideNatureCenter.org

Toddle Time 10:00, Bonner Springs Community Center. Bring little ones 9 months through 5 years to play on the large assortment of toys. $2. BonnerSprings.org

Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Children with adults follow the clues on this “ART-tastic” adventure. KemperArt.org

Ice Skating 11:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace.

Spend the day skating with the family on Kansas City’s only outdoor rink. CrownCenter.com Peter Pan Thru Sunday, Bell Cultural Events Center. CYT presents this classic based on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale. CYTKC.org

15 Friday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air. A special time when entire park is open for children 5 & under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl!

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com Junior Jaunts 10:15, Nelson-Atkins Museum.

Bring your baby in a stroller or carrier and enjoy an adult-focused, baby-friendly mini museum tour. Nelson-Atkins.org Valentine’s Day 1:00, Lanesfield School. Use pen and ink as you make a valentine. Shop for your sweetheart in our gift shop! 913.893.6645 Third Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station Arts District. Tour the art galleries. View live performances and artists on the sidewalks in front of shops. EnglewoodStation.com Daddy Daughter Dance Today & tomorrow, Gladstone Community Center. Dinner, a parting gift for the daughters and a memorable photograph. Pre-reg at Gladstone.mo.us.

Major League Improv 7:00, Comedy City. A comedy sporting event where everything is based on suggestions from the audience. $9$13. 816.842.2744

Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life.

Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org Birds: Owls, the Super Predators 1:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Learn about owls. Learn their calls and dissect owl pellets.

816.228.3766 Story Time 1:30, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Hear a naturalist read a tale about an animal and make a craft. Pre-reg at 816.781.8598.

Try Sled Hockey 2:00, Line Creek Community Center. Try sled hockey for free. All equipment provided. For info, call 816.513.0760.

Mahaffie Dinners 4:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Enjoy a meal served in the stagecoach dining room by lantern light! Prereg at Mahaffie.org.

Cowboy Boots and Tiaras 6:00, Meadowlark Event Center. Dads and daughters have a kicking good time of dancing and memories.

Pre-reg at SpringHillRec.org.

Steel Magnolias Today & tomorrow, Carlsen Center. A laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching production. JCCC.edu/theseries

17 Sunday Farmers Market 9:00, the City Market. The market is open year-round and offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries and more. TheCityMarket.org

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Peg + Cat–LIVE! Feb. 28, Carlsen Center. Based on the PBS Kids show, this totally awesome musical features wild comedy and favorite songs. JCCC.edu/theseries

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

Baby Basics 101 6:30, Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Class helps parents take home newest family member without fear. Pre-reg at OPRMC.com.

Free Afternoon Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center. Free program for the family may include video, slide show and going outside to enjoy nature. LawrenceKS.org

19 Tuesday

18 Monday PRESIDENTS DAY Kids Day Out 7:30, Johnson County Museum.

Have fun when school is out! Explore history though crafts and projects, visit KidScape and more! 913.715.2570 Science City Open 10:00, Science City (Union Station). School is out, and Science City is open today! Bring the kids for a day of learning and fun. UnionStation.org

Journey to Oz 10:00, Crown Center. Tour the world of the munchkins, follow Dorothy and her friends down the Yellow Brick Road and more. Free. CrownCenter.com Toddler Open Gym 11:00, Excelsior Springs Community Center. Open playtime features an array of toys and teaches children how to interact with others. 816.656.2500 Sibling Class 6:00, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Birth Center. Children ages 6 to 8 will learn how to get ready for their newborn sibling. AdventHealth.com Breastfeeding Basics 7:00, Olathe Health. Discuss basics of breastfeeding as well as concerns and more. Two sessions. Pre-reg at OlatheHealth.org.

20 Wednesday Kindergarten Preview Today & tomorrow, Summit Christian Academy. Learn about what our kindergarten program can offer your child. 816.525.1480 Winter Trout Program Kill Creek Park & Shawnee Mission Park. Watch as the lakes are stocked with 1,600 lbs of trout.

913.888.4713

3 Summery Ways to Make the Most of Winter in KC I’ll finally see a summer breeze Blow away a winter storm And find out what happens to solid water When it gets warm.

Even our old pal Olaf dreamed of summer on the frozen tundra! If summer can’t get here soon enough for you to enjoy, take a break from winter with one of these outings:

Under the Sea Adventure at Crown Center Open Feb. 11- May 7. You are invited to explore the deep blue sea at Crown Center’s newest free exhibit. Young children will have fun discovering buried treasure in a sunken pirate ship, riding a dolphin and seahorses, paddling to the mermaid’s house, climbing inside the mouth of a whale, exploring a submarine, and enjoying underwater fun in this interactive exhibit.

Go for a Swim Kansas City is home to many great indoor pools where you can swim the day away dreaming of summer. The Lenexa Rec Center (Lenexa.com) features a warm water leisure pool, lap lanes and water slides. Legacy Park Community Center (CityOfLS.net) in Lee’s Summit features a lap pool, lazy river and hot tub. Gladstone Community Center (Gladstone.mo.us)

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offers a lap pool, diving well and leisure pool with zero-depth entry and interactive play structures that include a pirate ship, flume slide, dumping buckets and spray features. These are just a few great indoor pools; you’ll find more in our Going Places guide on KCParent.com.

Visit the Tropics The Kansas City Zoo’s (KansasCityZoo.org) Tropics Exhibit is the perfect place to warm up on a cold day. Watch as Asian small-clawed otters swim under the see-through foot bridge, take a photo of the African crested porcupine, watch primates like the blue monkey and golden lion tamarind play, and enjoy the beauty of tropical birds. Then, stroll over to the Discovery Barn, Helzberg Penguin Plaza and Polar Bear Passage for more indoor exhibits.

Homework Help 4:00, Central Resource Library. Drop by the library and get help from a homework coach. JoCoLibrary.org

21 Thursday Inspiring Lives of Female Heroes 3:00, MCPL (Liberty). An exploration of the lives of amazing women who have led the way. Who will be your new hero? MyMCPL.org KCPT Kids Writers Contest Thru March 29.

Calling all young authors and illustrators!

Kindergarten through third-graders are invited to submit stories. KCPT.org Junie B Jones the Musical Thru Feb 24, Bell Cultural Events Center. CYT presents a delightful adaptation of Barbara Park’s bestselling books. CYTKC.org

22 Friday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air. A special time when entire park is open for children 5 & under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl!

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com Preschool Open Gymnastics 11:00, Sports Pavilion (Lawrence). Open gym times for children ages 1-5 along with a parent. $5. LawrenceKS.org

Family Beach Night 6:30, the View. It may be chilly outside, so come warm up at Beach Night at the indoor pool! Concessions available. Prereg at Grandview.org.

Story Time 1:30, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Hear a naturalist read a tale about an animal and make a craft. Pre-reg at 816.781.8598.

Major League Improv 7:00, Comedy City. A comedy sporting event where everything is based on suggestions from the audience. $9$13. 816.842.2744

Saturday Night Feeder Saturdays, 2:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Watch the cats being fed, weather permitting. $6-$8. 816.739.0363

23 Saturday Outdoor Auditions 9:00, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. Audition for the Theatre in the Park’s outdoor season! Ages 7+.

TheatreInThePark.org Contemporary Creations 10:00 & 2:00, Nerman Museum. Learn about technology in art and then create a black box sculpture. NermanMusuem.org

Daddy Daughter Dance 7:00, Memorial Station (Belton). Dress up for a special evening with food, drink, music, games, flowers and party pics. Pre-reg at BeltonParks.org.

Daddy Daughter Ball 5:00 or 7:30, Gardner Edgerton High School Commons. Enjoy an evening of music, dancing and hors d’oeuvres!

Pre-reg at GardnerKansas.gov.

24 Sunday

Penguin March 11:00, Kansas City Zoo. The king and gentoo penguins march from the back of the exhibit to outside for guests to see up close. KansasCityZoo.org

Ice Skating 10:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace.

Spend the day skating with the family on Kansas City’s only outdoor rink.

CrownCenter.com

Maple Sugaring 1:00, Burr Oak Woods. Learn how to tap trees, collect sap and make syrup from native trees. Pre-reg at 816.228.3766.

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

TOT SOCCER AND OUTDOOR SOC CE

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Winterlude 7:00, Carlsen Center. Give your ears a front row seat to Kansas City’s premier gypsy jazz band. JCCC.edu/theseries

25 Monday Free Music Classes Thru March 2, Music House.

Free classes and lessons through the week.

Space limited, pre-reg at 913.562.4112 or MusicHouseSchool.com/free-music-lessons.

Splash with Me 10:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Kids can swim, play and become more confident in the water at the kiddie pool. $2. 913.477.7100 Indoor Play Park 9:00, New Century Fieldhouse. Hop, skip and jump through obstacles, bounce and kick balls, build with blocks and more! $3. 913.826.2850 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

26 Tuesday Mr Popper’s Penguins 10:00, the Coterie.

Charming musical adaptation of the beloved book telling of Mr and Mrs Popper’s adventures.

TheCoterie.org Mother Goose Rhyme Time 10:00, Antioch Library. Active program of songs, classic rhymes and more for ages 12-24 months.

JoCoLibrary.org Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café.

Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com

27 Wednesday Whirlwind: Art in Motion 8:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Bundle up to see sculptures that change in the light and wind throughout the garden. OPKansas.org

Monday Night Madness 4:00, Main Event.

Choose from three super specials, each just $10.95.

Available Mondays 4:00-close. MainEvent.com

Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free.

JumpCityKC.com

Kids Read: Read-Aloud Hour 4:00, MCPL (Blue Ridge). Join every Monday to listen to great stories or get the chance to read aloud.

MyMCPL.org

Dinosaurs Revealed 10:00, Union Station. Take a hands-on trek that brings you face to face with 26 life-size dinosaurs. UnionStation.org

KCPT Kids Writers Contest Thru March 29.

Calling all young authors and illustrators!

Kindergarten through third-graders are invited to submit stories. KCPT.org Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com

28 Thursday Early Education Preview Today & tomorrow, Summit Christian Academy. Learn more about Summit Christian Academy through a tour and more. 816.525.1480 Journey to Oz 10:00, Crown Center. Tour the world of the munchkins, follow Dorothy and her friends down the Yellow Brick Road and more. Free. CrownCenter.com Peg + Cat–LIVE! 10:00 & 6:30, Carlsen Center.

Based on the PBS Kids show, this totally awesome musical features wild comedy and favorite songs. JCCC.edu/theseries The Little Mermaid Thru Sunday, Bell Cultural Events Center. CYT presents this fishy fable with irresistible songs. CYTKC.org

2019

Young authors and illustrators in K-3rd grade are invited to submit their stories to KCPT’s PBS Kids Writers Contest! Entries will be judged on creativity, story structure, and illustrations. For more information and full contest guidelines, visit kcpt.org/write. Entries must be received by March 29, 2019.

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FREE EXHIBIT feb. 9 may 5 One of the world’s most beloved movies turns 80 this year, and Crown Center is celebrating by bringing the magic of the big screen to you! Families can tour the enchanting world of the Munchkins, follow Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion down the Yellow Brick Road, sneak into the Wicked Witch’s castle and much more.

EXHIBIT HOURS: Monday–Friday, 10am–6pm; Saturday, 10am–7pm; Sunday, 11am–6pm.

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Endless Variety, Matchless Talent!

Spring 2019 Shows on Sale Now

Feb. 16 & 17 L.A. Theatre Works (radio theatre)

A diverse cast of six extraordinary women who, through laughter or tragedy, prove the strength of friendship.

Feb. 28

Peg + Cat – LIVE! This awesome musical features wild comedy and countless favorite songs from the Emmywinning PBS Kids show.

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Explore

Kansas City Zoo

KING & GENTOO

Penguin Marches Weekends in Feb. at 11 a m!

February 2 & 3 Zooper Bowl February 9 Kiss & Tail

*21 and over, tickets required

February 9 & 10 Will Zoo Be Mine February 16 Teddy Bear Clinic February 23 & 24 International Polar Bear Weekend

Always a New Adventure!

OPEN YEAR ROUND

Check online for more Zoomazing experiences!

kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234 | Open Daily 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.