Things

FEBRUARY 2021

WINTER FUN GUIDE, PGS. 46-59

FEATURES IN EVERY ISSUE

What Kids Learn in Preschool 22 Are You Overparenting? 42 Budgeting for Your Family’s Future 44 Simple Ways to Spread Love 50

10 12 14 15 16 20 47 26 46 60

Date Night Tasty Treats 5 Things Word from Dad Dear Teachers Ask the Experts

SPECIAL SECTIONS

Craft Corner

Camp Guide Winter Fun Guide

24

Independent Kids Simple ways to encourage independence in kids.

26

Camp Guide Time to start planning for summer camp adventures.

48

Winter Blues Fun ideas and activities to beat the winter blues.

Our cover features Channing from Prairie Village. Photo by Melissa Rieke Photography. MelissaRiekePhotography.com

FREE | February 2021 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

ON THE COVER

Calendar of Events

are you overparenting? take a quick quiz and find out!

SIMPLE WAYS TO SPREAD LOVE

PRESCHOOL big lessons for little people

BUDGETING for your family’s future

KC Parent is giving away 10 FAMILY 4-PACKS to Sea Life Aquarium or Legoland Discovery Center.

Details and to enter visit KCParent.com How are you when it comes to making a decision? Can you make one swiftly and then, once it’s made, not think twice? Or do you labor with every decision, looking at it from every angle and then reassessing even after it’s been made? I fall into the latter, although I have gotten better! When I was a new mom, I spent hours overthinking every little decision. I can still vividly remember starting my older on solids. I labored over every meal I fed her because in the back of my mind I kept thinking, “This is the very first time that X will be introduced into her body.” I wanted to make sure I did it in the right way and that her little system wasn’t overwhelmed by all the new things she was eating. Looking back, I realize I was WAY overthinking it. Good news, though! Her eating habits turned out okay, and she has an adventurous palate! Parents have to make decisions daily, and we have to teach our children how to be confident decision makers. Head to pg. 36 for tips on how to help your kids learn to make decisions (and maybe pick up a pointer or two for yourself!).

February brings thoughts of love and valentines! Even though it’s a short month, we’ve got great ideas on how you can share the love with your family all month long on pg. 50. Last year, I cut out a bunch of hearts, wrote on each what I loved about my family members and then taped the hearts to the mirror for them to find on Valentine’s Day. What are some special traditions in your home? Share with us on social media—we love to see what our readers are up to!

Happy February, Kansas City!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

FEBRUARY 2021

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 Digital Media Intern Anna Hiestand Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

LOCAL CONTENT

Local Contributing Writers Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Christian Barnes (Kansas City), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Melissa Belach, Overland Park, Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Overland Park), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Amy Hundley (Olathe), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Kerrie McLoughlin (Peculiar), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Emily Morrison (Independence) Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

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SPOTLIGHT

VALENTINE’S DAY

Looking for fun ways to spend Valentine’s Day? Or need a date night idea for you and your spouse? Head to KCParent.com for a Valentine’s Fun Guide for family fun. And, check out past Date Night columns for terrific ideas!

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. 4. Hot Cocoa Recipes

5. Presidents Day

6. Kids Eat FREE

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7. KC Going Places Guide

8. Cabin Fever Busters

9. Coupons and Giveaways

10. FREE Fun in KC

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DATES WITH LETTER P

It’s February, which means Valentine’s Day … How about “p”lanning one of the following for a great date?

PLATE Located in Brookside is a modern Italian restaurant called Plate. We went for our first time on a Sunday evening and enjoyed a four-course prix fixe menu. Our first course was caprese with green and red heirloom tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and arugula. It was exquisite. Next up was the arugula salad, followed by an order of their focaccia bread with white bean and garlic spread. Wow! I cannot say enough good things about that bread. It pretty much melted in my mouth. Our main entrees were the pappardelle (him) and ravioli (me). Both were very different from each other, and both had awesome flavors. Last, but certainly not least, was dessert. White chocolate cheesecake with a blueberry gelée and candied blueberries and walnuts. We promptly scarfed it down. Plate offers comfortable dining and a friendly staff.

PAWN & PINT Do you and your significant other enjoy playing games? If so, pick an afternoon or evening and head to Pawn & Pint. It’s located downtown and is the area’s only board game pub. And, wow, do they have the games! Around 1,200 or so! When we went, we decided to try some we had never played before. We liked one of them so much, a card game, that we bought it online when we got home. While we were there, we also enjoyed some drinks from their bar and ordered pizza for delivery from KC Kitchen & Pizzeria. Pawn & Pint has partnered with them for food, as well as with the Homesteader Cafe next door. You can’t go wrong with either. And the best part is that you don’t even have to get up from your table. Pawn & Pint does impose a $5 pay-to-play cover charge, but it’s worth it for a fun and unique date night. We definitely will return.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA On a recent Saturday morning, we settled down in our cozy loft to watch a live, on-video production of The Phantom of the Opera done at Royal Albert Hall in London. I am 43 years old and had never seen this particular musical. I didn’t even really know the story. But I had always wanted to. And I wasn’t prepared for how emotional and heart-wrenching and poignant that story would be. It drew me in from the very start and never let go. It’s the story of a deformed and murderous composer—feared by all—who lives in the catacombs below the Paris Opera House. And it’s also a story about a love triangle involving Phantom, a young soprano and her childhood friend. The cast was superb, with awe-inspiring talent. The costumes were impeccable. And of course, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music stole the show. This production is the best you can get without actually being at the show. It combined the best of theater, opera and film. Truly a masterpiece.

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.

FOR GREAT DATE NIGHT IDEAS STARTING WITH A-O, HEAD TO KCPARENT.COM!

TASTYTREATS Red For February & Beyond

What do the month of February and your body’s vital organ, the heart, have in common? Well, the color red, of course! This February don’t let one of those traditional chalky conversation heart candies define your celebration when you could be incorporating these nutritious and delicious red foods all February long. Here are some fabulous February eats for you and your KC family to enjoy and cherish.

RED HEALTH BENEFITS

Phytochemicals, also known as antioxidants which include lycopene anthocyanins, are the hallmark of red foods and help maintain a healthy heart, lower the risk of cancers and support the urinary tract system.

RIGHTEOUS RED FOODS

Tomatoes, red peppers, red onions, beets, red cabbage, apples, watermelon, grapes, plums, strawberries, pink grapefruit, cherries, pomegranates, raspberries, cranberries, tomato juice, pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce, kidney beans.

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RED FOOD RECIPES

Heart-Shaped Pizza

All you pizza loving KC kids and parents, try making this heart-shaped pizza with the finest crust for a fresh-out-of-theoven, nutritious meal.

Instructions:

Shape whole wheat pizza dough into a heart. Spread with tomato pizza sauce and top with mozzarella, cheddar, provolone and parmesan cheeses, red peppers and tomatoes. Another fun option is to use cookie cutters to make individual hearts from pizza dough.

These tasty treats will add a delicious new meaning to seeing spots.

Instructions:

Cut whole grain bread into a heart shape, spread your choice of peanut butter or other nut butter, and dot with dried cranberries or cherries. Optional: Top with jelly before you sprinkle on the dried fruit dots.

Have a Slaw

Move over, traditional mayo-based coleslaw. A crunchy, healthy slaw is on the table.

Instructions:

Chop red onions, red peppers, red cabbage, apples, then richly dress with olive oil and white and apple cider vinegars.

Red Raspberry Smoothie

Rich and creamy, this treat refreshes and reenergizes.

Instructions:

Combine 1 cup vanilla-flavored yogurt and a handful of frozen raspberries and blend until desired consistency. Gwen, a Leawood mother of five, says this beverage is a favorite for her family: “I make this raspberry smoothie for my all my kids for their breakfast, and we, as a family, often make it in the afternoon for a snack. The whole family cheers to this smoothie!”

Red Polka-Dot Open-Faced Sammies

Red Hot Popcorn

Pop some of this cinnamon-rich snack with your kids’ help.

Instructions:

Microwave some whole-grain popcorn, drizzle with some honey, melted caramel or nut butter, and massage in a rich amount of cinnamon. Add cranberries, dried apples or cherries. “We make this together and munch on it for our family’s weekend movie night. It’s so great,” says Paxton, the father of a Lee’s Summit teenager.

Red Fruit Salad

For a tasty afternoon snack or simple side dish, try this fresh feast.

Instructions:

Combine halves or whole bing cherries, red grapefruits, halved strawberries and halved plums. Simple, classic, easy.

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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. Amy can be contacted at AmyHundley05@gmail.com. Sources: Institute of Medicine, USDA

“Our dog, Holly, barks to ask to go outside, “My dog, Ringo, likes to eat poop and we but often, she vocalizes excessively. What cannot seem to break the habit. We have would you recommend for curbing the extra tried using seasoning salt on both dogs’ vocalizations?” food but that has not worked. I have read – Jennifer Prentice a little about some pills they can take and not sure if that will work based on some of “This will sound counterintuitive, but for this the reviews. Do you have any behavior I recommend teaching Holly the ‘speak’ command. When you teach a dog suggestions? It is so gross, and I am picking up the yard almost every day.” the ‘speak’ command, you also teach her the – Kim Lorns ‘quiet’ command in the process. Use the ‘quiet“Poop eating is normal for dogs and ’ command when you need her to be quiet and puppies and is referred to as coprophagia. use the ‘speak’ command during play. ” It can be related to poor nutrition, illness, – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KAanxiety, boredom, or sometimes it is just fun for them. I would recommend walking your pet on leash and picking up after your “Why does my cat bite me? ” pet until they get into their new routine of not consuming their feces. Also, teaching the “Leave It” command will be beneficial. “In most cases, cats bite when they are trying You can also talk to a vet about nutrition to communicate something to you such as and changing foods. Avoid punishment not enjoying the interaction they are having with you or becoming overly stimulated due to because it may stop behavior short-term, but can cause the behavior to get worse.” the interaction. To make it more complicated, – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA there are love bites. Love bites are when a cat is licking and gradually begins to nip. This “If I am traveling for the holidays, how do I is mimicked from their mothers when they keep my dog calm in the car?” are kittens. These bites normally do not draw – Dr. Rhiannon Koehler blood. There are different kinds of biting and understanding what type your cat is doing is “It is beneficial to start training your pet to get used to riding in a car prior to holidays. key to curbing unwanted mouthiness behavior I recommend just sitting in the car for some from your feline.” small sessions, then introducing yummy – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA treats, then going for short drives that end “My dog, Remus, is constantly barking at up in fun places like the park. Make riding delivery people. His hackles go up, he has a exciting! Many times, our animals vicious bark, and will not stop, no matter how associate the car with a trip to the vet I try to calm him. He is normally very sweet which causes stress on our pets. Offer and friendly with people he knows. I have tried treats throughout the trip and make the taking him outside on a leash when a delivery trips longer and longer. You can also crate person is present, but he reacts the same each time, even if he has seen the person several train your pet and use the crate to transport them. This is a safer option for people and their pets in vehicles.” times and they give him treats. How do I get my sweet boy to stop being so reactive to new – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA people both inside and outside our home?” – Kevin McCoy “At the start of the pandemic, my shy cat seemed distressed that I was home all the “It sounds like Remus has a combination time in “her” space. Eventually, we settled of fear aggression and possibly territorial into a new routine and she has become aggression. These behaviors are not abnormal more affectionate, however, now when I leave for a couple of hours, she is even more distressed when I come home. She behavior is easy to reinforce because dogs has not had litter box issues in the past but bark at the delivery person, the delivery person is now kicking litter out of the box when I leaves once they drop off the package, and go to get groceries. Last night she even the dog believes the person left because of dragged one of my socks into the litter box! the barking. Dogs repeat this behavior thinking How can I keep her stress levels down?” that the barking is scaring people o – Teri Plemel ff and often the barking becomes more severe over time. I recommend redirecting Remus’ behavior “Separation anxiety in pets has increased with high value treats by asking him to sit, due to more owners working from home. and rewarding whenever Remus gives the attention to you. If Remus is over his threshold, Many animals are confused by these changes and have become quite frustrated. The best thing to do is to try and meaning you cannot break his attention, you keep a routine of “working hours” where should practice at a further distance away. You your pet is not with you. Most people like can ask neighbors to practice this at different having their pets with them while they work distances from your house so you can practice from home, but this is causing animals to without him going over threshold. You can become more attached and dependent, also teach Remus the ‘place’ command which resulting in frustration and even aggression involves teaching him to go to his ‘place’ when when owners leave the home or start visitors and mail carriers come to the home.” working in the office again.”

––Ashley Flores, CPDT-KAAshley Flores, CPDT-KA Does your dog need help with the basics?

New classes are starting soon. Please visit our website to sign up or learn more!

Scan the QR Code to sign up!

Slippers

streaming services, then beauty lets you blend the fruit without extra pieces of

To know me is to know I love a good slip-on shoe. That’s one more reason summer is my fave—the ease of putting on flip-flops before heading out Just Watch the perfect winter option for me! They slip right on and work for running out to grab the mail or putting something in the trash. And they’re sturdy If you, like I, are a bit enough to protect my feet from the cold. I have yet to wear them to run overwhelmed by all the errands, but I have a feeling that will happen before too long! Ugg.com the door. I received these Ugg slingback slippers as a gift, and they are read on, because help is on the way! I recently discovered the Just Watch app, and it has made TV viewing so much easier! Simply type in the title of the show or movie you want to watch, and you’ll get a list of where it can be viewed for free, for a fee, with a subscription, etc. No 5THINGS WE RIGHT NOW LOVE Bible in a Year more scrolling through each Every year, I resolve service to see if the movie is Compiled by Margaret Sarver to read the Bible in 12 available on that particular months, and every year platform—hallelujah! I fall short. So this year, I searched for a plan on the Bible app and came across Bible in One Year Blender decided to give it a go. My girls enjoy making This plan is organized really smoothies and fruit bowls, a well, with a devotional task that typically involves that ties all of the readings lugging out the Ninja together, along with five blender and then cleaning to six verses/chapters to it. I must have been thinking read each day. No worries about this when I received that it’s February—you an ad online for an can start now and go immersion blender. Game at your own pace! changer! This hand-held Bible.com/reading-plans with Nicky Gumbel and equipment. I thought I was Heart Necklace on the cutting edge with a It’s no secret that I love jewelry. I tend to gravitate more new product, but my girls let toward classic looks rather than trendy costume pieces. me know that, as usual, I am For years, my girls have worn Kendra Scott, but I never had not. Nevertheless, we got a desire to own one for myself. Then I spied these heart an immersion blender, and pendant pieces and was swayed not only by how nice it’s a handy, great addition! they look, but also the affordable price. I get so many Amazon.com compliments on mine, and anything with a heart holds a special place in my heart since my brother’s heart transplant. Guys, be a valentine hero with this! KendraScott.com

WORDFROMDAD a why we don’t fight a

“Bye, sweetie.” I kissed Sandi as she walked through the door. “Call me when you get there.”

“You bet.” She smiled at me and entered the car, closing the door behind her.

I watched as she drove down the street.

“Dad?” James said, “Why don’t you and Mom fight?”

I closed the door and sat where I could see his face. “Why do you ask?”

“Whenever I see a husband and wife on tv, they almost always fight.” James stared at his tablet. “Why?”

“What you see on tv is drama, and conflict makes the program interesting. Real life is different. Nobody wants to live where there’s only disagreement.”

“How do people keep from fighting?”

“Here’s what Mom and I do.” I settled in my seat. “We communicate, listening as much as we speak. Many couples talk just when they’re fighting, but I’ve found that we can avoid yelling at each other by simply chatting now and then.”

James remained quiet while I continued.

“Mom and I treat each other like we’re still dating. When we walk, she’ll take my arm. I open her car door for her, not because she can’t, but because she’s special. Little things like that can keep a relationship fresh.”

“So, it isn’t very hard, is it?”

“Well, yes, and no. Doing the little things every day isn’t difficult. Remembering to do them and remembering why we do them takes more effort. And, there’s one more thing. Always, think of your partner first. Mom does it for me and I do it for her.”

My phone rang, and I pulled it from my pocket.

“Hi, sweetheart.” Sandi’s voice came from her picture. “I’m here, safe and sound.”

“Thank you, beloved. Have a wonderful evening.”

I disconnected and turned back to James. “It isn’t rocket science.”

Want More in Life?

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QA DEARTEACHERS &

BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS

SHOULD DOING HOMEWORK BE REWARDED?

QUESTION: We are tired of nagging our children to do

their homework. Do you have any suggestions about how to turn things around? Is giving rewards a good idea? – New Approach

ANSWER: Few children are happy to do their homework, yet this is an essential task they need to complete. Of course, having the intrinsic (internal) motivation to do homework for the feeling of accomplishment of actually learning something is what we would like children to have.

Rewards are an extrinsic (external) motivation. The danger of giving them is that they may cause children to put forth a minimal effort and even decrease intrinsic motivation. Nevertheless, all extrinsic motivation is not bad, especially if children buy into the goal of doing well at school. So we are giving you some rewards that may help you push your children through dull homework assignments without nagging. 1. Promise a fun activity if homework is completed. It works best if children can choose the activity. It’s rather like the light at the end of the tunnel to inspire kids to get to and complete their homework. 2. Give money for completion of homework when no parental reminders have to be issued. 3. Offer extra time or special activities with friends or family. 4. Offer additional time with their favorite media. 5. For daily success in completing homework, a sweet treat can be given—not an entirely healthy approach. 6. Let the children pick their own reward.

Our homework contract (search for it on our Dear Teacher website) offers a solid approach to getting children and parents to resolve all homework issues. Rewards can be built into this contract.

HOW TO START A WRITING ASSIGNMENT

QUESTION: My son in fifth grade is not doing well

on writing assignments. It’s like pulling teeth to get him started. I am willing to work with him. What should I be doing? – Helpful

ANSWER: Your son may well be slow in starting a writing assignment because he is unsure of how to approach the task. This is an area in which you can help him.

A common problem is selecting a topic when this is left up to a student. Sometimes just too many topics appeal. You can help by having him write his top choices on cards. Then discuss together the merits of each topic and eliminate them one by one. If he can’t make a final decision, have him shuffle the remaining cards and then draw one at random.

Getting the first words on paper is often a roadblock in the writing process. It can help to have your son write all of his ideas on cards. Then he can lay them out on the floor and place related ideas together. You will probably have to help your son find the most important idea that will serve as his topic sentence. Once this is selected, the other groupings of topics can be arranged in the order that they will be used. Within each grouping, the ideas can be arranged in their order of importance. At this point, the paper has nearly written itself.

Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or to the Dear Teacher website.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Mid-Continent Public Library provides parents, caregivers, and teachers with access to free resources that bring interesting and important stories to life for children during Black History Month and throughout the year, building their appreciation for their own culture or that of their fellow students and friends.

Below are a few resources that are available to intrigue young minds with information about prominent figures in African American history, including leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.

BookFlix is an online literacy resource that pairs animated stories with real-world concepts for early readers up to 3rd grade. Young readers will build their vocabulary as they engage in animated stories and interactive games related to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, Harriet Tubman, and Jackie Robinson.

FreedomFlix features all of Scholastic’s Cornerstones of Freedom books, which can be read online, as well as short videos and suggestions to explore topics further. Titles related to Black History Month, including the Underground Railroad, Emancipation Proclamation, Brown vs. Board of Education, and the Civil Rights Movement, will help older students (5th grade and higher) better understand the struggle for freedom and equal rights for African Americans.

Just for Kids Access Video on Demand gives older elementary and middle school students a fun and educational place to stream a wide variety of videos without advertisements. Videos vary in length and include education-related topics including math, ABCs, science, and history. Included among the videos are the stories of Frederick Douglass, NASA’s Katherine Johnson, Thurgood Marshall, and others.

Teachables, a Scholastic product, offers a wide variety of learning resources that can be used by teachers and caregivers. The thousands of resources include teacher-created lesson plans, activity sheets, and mini books for grades K-8 that share the stories of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Harriet Tubman, Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson, and Rosa Parks, as well as Langston Hughes, George Washington Carver, Alvin Ailey, Jr., Wilma Rudolph, and others.

For teens who may be working on a research assignment, or for parents who are looking to refresh their own knowledge, African-American History is another great resource. This comprehensive reference resource covers more than 500 years of African American history, from the slave trade to the Civil Rights movement to the present day. It includes biographies, images, timelines, maps, and charts, as well information on such subjects as the Harlem Renaissance, the Abolitionist Movement, and more.

Librarians have also created lists of book and DVDs for adults and kids of all ages that will be available to put on hold in the Library’s online catalog for curbside pick-up.

All Mid-Continent Public Library resources are free to access with a Library card. Visit mymcpl.org/BlackHistory for more suggested resources. Anyone in the Kansas City area may apply for a Library card online at mymcpl.org/NewCard.

LINDA HALL LIBRARY A KC TREASURE

Housing a treasure trove of resources, the Linda Hall Library of Science, Engineering and Technology is an invaluable resource for the greater Kansas City area. Their slogan, “Where Science Lives,” is a fitting descriptor for the research library offering thousands of resources for those studying technology, engineering and science. Research librarians are on site ready to help students and adults alike as they delve into projects. Your students may consider a visit to the library to research their ideas—and your whole family will want to take advantage of the library’ s beautiful 14-acre arboretum and amazing online resources for S.T.E.M. learners.

The library isn’t a traditional local library with stacks of books to explore. The closed stack research library hosts visitors who work directly with research librarians who use their vast knowledge and experience to help you find the best resources for your project. To use the resources, you visit the reference desk, provide an I.D. and receive a borrower’s card so you may use the system. Currently, the library is open on an appointment basis only for research, but the online catalog is open around the clock, and they offer drive-by pickup.

BY KRISTINA LIGHT

This year, the library is hosting the KC Invention Convention, a new competition for students from fourth through 12th grades in the Kansas City area. Learn more about this event on KCParent.com.

In addition to the physical library, Linda Hall Library offers other fantastic resources for S.T.E.M. learners. Their online exhibitions and their How Do I Become ____? Series are wonderful for young people!

How Do I Become ______ ? Series

One of the library’s coolest programs is the How Do I Become ______ ? Series. The series is recorded and available free online for students. Experts in various S.T.E.M. fields share the ins and outs of becoming a S.T.E.M. professional, including careers in rocket science, engineering, meteorology, forensic science, computer science and invention.

Online Exhibits

The library also offers a variety of amazing free online exhibits on subjects including the history of flying machines, space exploration, the transcontinental railroad, dinosaurs, nature, conservation, natural disasters, sharks and much more.

More Resources for Middle & High School Students

The Linda Hall Library’s online resources encompass additional assets for your students:

n

n STEM Quizzes

The library has hosted many lectures over the years, and you may watch past lectures on an array of subjects here: LindaHall.org/videos.

The 14-Acre Arboretum

The grounds surrounding the library are home to a beautiful 14-acre arboretum that is free and open to the public. The grounds are especially lovely in the spring and autumn and are a favorite place for exercise, quiet respite, dog walks, photographers and nature lovers. This is a great place to enjoy a beautiful green space in the heart of the city.

The Linda Hall Library has been one of Kansas City’s most treasured academic resources for decades, offering much for families to enjoy and encouraging a love of science as well.

5Favorite Online S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) Resources

1Kansas City Zoo Animal Cams: The Kansas City Zoo animal cams show the zoo’s all-star animals at play (and sometimes at sleep) 24/7. The penguin cam is our favorite, but the polar bear cam and giraffe cams are pretty special too! KansasCityZoo.org/animal-cams

2Nelson-Atkins at Home: From online galleries to art lessons and inspiration for your own artistic creations, the Nelson at Home is an extensive resource to cultivate your love for art. Nelson-atkins.org/nelson-atkins-at-home

3Cool Science Experiments: Steve Spangler is known for bringing super cool science to late night television and wonderful STEM products kids love. You’ll find great ideas for at-home experiments at YouTube.com/user/TheSpanglerEffect.

4The National Museum of Toys and

Miniatures Virtual Programs:

Learn from experts in STEM fields through ongoing virtual programs. ToyAndMiniatureMuseum.org/programs-events

EVERY BOY BECOMES A MAN. THE QUESTION IS,

WHAT KIND WILL YOURS BECOME?

Since 1889, thousands of parents have looked to Missouri Military Academy to give their boys the structure, responsibility and love they need to grow, compete and thrive — and become young men in full command of their lives.

MMA MISSOURI MILITARY ACADEMY

Serving grades 7 through 12 PG Since 1889 • Mexico, Missouri 888-564-6662 • missourimilitaryacademy.org

5Crafts: For simple craft ideas using things you already own, check out TheBestIdeasForKids.com. They have seasonal ideas as well as year-round crafts.

MEET THE EXPERTS

We have a wide range of experts on hand to answer your questions on everything from dental visits and playdates to dance lessons, lawns and so much more! If you have a question that needs answering, get in touch.

Dr. Jeremy Fry FRY ORTHODONTICS At Fry Orthodontics, we have been providing superior service to patients of all ages for more than 40 years while helping them achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. 913.469.9191, FryOrthodontics.com Dr. Michael Greenfield, MD, FAAP, FACP ADVENTHEALTH AdventHealth Shawnee Mission’s pediatricians and primary care providers offer compassionate, expert care for children of all ages. Find a provider at AdventHealthKC.com.

Anna Esparham, MD CHILDREN’S MERCY HOSPITAL Children’s Mercy is one of the nation’s top pediatric medical centers. With hospitals and specialty clinics in Missouri and Kansas, we provide the highest level of care for children. 816.234.3000, ChildrensMercy.org Megan Maciel KVC KANSAS KVC Kansas provides heart-centered services to children and families through in-home family support, foster care, adoption, behavioral health care and children’s psychiatric hospitals. 913.499.8100, Kansas.kvc.org

ASK THE EXPERTS...If you have a question, send it our way and we’ll ask one of our experts to answer. Email editor@kcparent.com and put “Ask the Experts” in the subject line. As always, please consult your health care provider with any medical questions or concerns.

Q

How can I keep my child’s teeth from shifting after the braces have been removed?

Holding teeth straight following orthodontics is one of the greatest challenges for families and for orthodontists. As we get older, the natural pressures of the muscles of the face and the pressures of the tongue cause the teeth to shift. Whether someone has had orthodontics or not, teeth will nearly always change over time. After the investment of money and time, no parent wants this investment to be for nothing! Retainers following braces or Invisalign are critical to protecting this investment. At Fry Orthodontics we provide retainers for life for free! We want to be as invested as families to ensure the teeth stay straight. Dr. Jeremy Fry Fry Orthodontics

Q

What are some common causes of headaches in children?

Headaches are one of the most common disorders in childhood, with up to 60-75 percent of children reporting that they have had a significant headache by the age of 15. Headaches are generally caused by several factors, with the most common being inherited by their parents (genetics), stress, social relationship difficulties, and environmental triggers (weather changes). The top three triggers of worsening headaches are stress, sleep, and weather changes. Stress (or emotional pain) is usually the number one factor that makes headaches hard to treat. Our emotional pathways are intertwined with our physical pain pathways, and one can affect the other. Anna Esparham Director, Headache Treatment Center at Children’s Mercy

Q

Do my kids need sunscreen in the winter?

Though sunscreen is not always thought of as a priority during the winter, it can actually be as important to your children as hats and mittens. While the overall amount of UV radiation is slightly diminished in the winter due to change in angle between the earth and the sun, this can be offset by reflected UV radiation from snow and ice. In addition, outdoor activities like skiing, for example, are done at high altitudes where there is less atmosphere to absorb UV radiation. Finally, UV exposure is cumulative for not only skin cancers, but changes in skin due to aging, and while your child may not burn as easily in winter, any unprotected time in the sun adds to the cumulative amount of exposure in their lifetime. Michael Greenfield Pediatrics and Internal Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group Internal Medicine & Pediatrics

Q

A friend of mine provides respite care for foster families. What exactly is respite care?

Fostering and providing care for children on a daily basis takes a big commitment. Why not consider respite care? Respite care providers give foster parents a break for one night or a weekend, so it’s similar to foster parenting but much shorter in length and a great way to see if foster parenting is right for you. Respite care gives foster parents temporary relief from caregiving, allowing them to rest and spend time with their families. If you are a trained respite caregiver, then you may qualify to provide evening or weekend care for a child that is living with another foster family. Megan Maciel Director of Recruitment and Communication, KVC Kansas