KC Parent magazine February 2023

Box Office: 913–469–4445 Mon. – Fri. / 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. @MTC_JCCC

THE MAGIC OF KEVIN SPENCER

Be amazed as Kevin Spencer combines the art of storytelling with illusion and magic, drawing you into this fun-filled, sensory-inclusive experience.

IT’S OK TO BE DIFFERENT — STORIES BY

Featuring the books “It’s OK to be Different,” “The Earth Book” and “This is My Hair.”

SENSORY INCLUSIVE

TODD PARR

SCHOOL SHOWS : Mar. 2 | 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Tickets start at $5.

PUBLIC SHOW: Mar. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | Tickets start at $9. Yardley Hall | Grades Pre-K – 3 rd

WHO’S GONNA MAKE OUR MUSIC?! BILLY JONAS

It’s a musical conversation, a sonic celebration, a splendiferous gathering of old and young!

SCHOOL SHOWS : Feb. 23 | 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Tickets start at $5. Polsky Theatre | All ages Mar. 25 | 11 a.m. Polsky Theatre | FREE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED | Scan this code to reserve your spot.

THANKS TO: Adams Family Arts Education Endowment, BNSF Railway, Francis Family Foundation, Hudson Family Foundation, JCCC Foundation, Victor and Caroline Schutte Foundation and Yellow Freight System Inc.

Details at KCParent.com

Welcome to February! Or, for me, the month when I always question why I don’t move someplace warmer. By February, I am really done with winter, but usually winter isn’t done with us for a couple more months. And even though it’s the shortest month, it can feel long. As we move through the month, though, a few signs begin to show that spring and summer are on the way! The first is that the days get noticeably lighter and longer. By the end of the month, sunset is after 6:00. Wahoo! And in the past couple of years, our Summer Camp Guide has shifted from just a few camps running in February, to quite a few advertising in this month. I love to see this! It gets me thinking about warmer, sunny days filled with pools, camps and the fragrance of the green outdoors. If you, like I, are ready to think about planning summer fun, check out the guide starting on pg. 30. Be sure to check out the online guide at KCParent.com, too, with photos, videos and more!

Each month in the pages of this tome we try to provide some helpful tips for your parenting journey, fun ideas for families and info on where to go in KC for familyfriendly events. This month, I found we had an abundance of articles specifically geared toward parenting, so we’ve gathered those together in what I hope is a helpful section for you, our readers. Find info on dealing with burnout, tips to become a more positive parent and a quiz to discover just what kind of parent you are! Head to pg. 40 for what I hope is very useful info for all parents.

We haven’t forgotten about Valentine’s Day! We have lots of great info throughout to help your family celebrate the day of hearts and love.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Kansas City!

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 Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

Digital Media Manager

Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com

Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Intern Tori Sarver Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

Local Contributing Writers

Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Manhattan), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe ), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (St. Joseph), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Kerrie McLoughlin (Peculiar), Tori Sarver (Lenexa)

Mailing Address

11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

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, 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213

Margaret Sarver, Editor

Keeping kids as healthy as possible is about more than ER visits and diagnosing rare diseases. Our commitment to do more for kids is at the heart of everything we do. Because when we partner together, we can clear new paths for every child’s potential. Learn how you can help at childrensmercy.org/imagine.

Imagine the Potential

heart stamp valentine’s day cards

Short on time and yet you want homemade Valentine’s Day cards? This quick and easy craft is definitely sure to win the hearts of your special people!

Step one: Freehand hearts onto the stamps with the marker.

Step two: Cut out stamps from sponges.

Step three: Fold paper into halves or quarters.

Step four: Pour paint onto paper plate.

Step five: Mix colors and stamp sizes to create your own colors and design! Stamp!

Step six: Allow paint to completely dry before writing on inside of card and delivering!

Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Manhattan, Kansas, with her husband, soon to be three children and two dogs. Janelle is the owner of Flint Hills Mediation LLC and loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts.

Materials Needed:

• Blank paper (Any color works. We choose white.)

• New kitchen sponges (We used two to make three stamps and could have easily made four stamps.)

• Marker

• Scissors

• Assorted paint

• Paint palette (paper plate)

String Heart Valentines

No-Mess Heart Garland

Popsicle Stick Hearts For TONS more craft ideas, head to KCParent.com!

With a Mid-Continent Public Library card, parents, caregivers and teachers can access free resources that bring interesting and important stories to life for children during Black History Month and throughout the year. These resources are designed to help school-aged children build appreciation and understanding of their own culture and that of fellow students and friends.

MCPL has a variety of tools to fill young minds with information about prominent figures in Black history, including leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and authors and artists of color.

BookFlix is an online literacy tool that pairs animated stories with real-world concepts for early readers, through the third grade. Young readers will build 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 (fifth grade and higher) better understand the struggle for freedom and equal rights for Black 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. The education-related videos vary in length and include math, reading, science and history. Also among the videos are the stories of Frederick Douglass, NASA’s Katherine Johnson, Thurgood Marshall and others.

Teachables, a Scholastic product, offers thousands of learning resources for teachers and caregivers, including teacher-created lesson plans, activity sheets, and mini books for grades K-8 that share the stories of Langston Hughes, George Washington Carver, Alvin Ailey Jr., Wilma Rudolph and others.

African-American History is a great resource for teens working on a research assignment or parents who want to refresh their own knowledge. 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.

In addition to these resources, our librarians have created lists of book and DVDs for adults and kids of all ages. Put these titles and more on hold through the library’s online catalog for pickup at any of the 30-plus MCPL branches in the Kansas City area.

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 greater Kansas City area can apply for a library card online at mymcpl.org/NewCard.

IN FEBRUARY WE SHOULD CONSIDER HEART HEALTH , SPECIFICALLY IN WOMEN

When people think of February, the first thing to come to mind is most likely Valentine’s Day, a day set aside to celebrate love and those special people around you. February also finds all the candy in the store packaged in red and pink. Hearts and heart-shaped items traditionally symbolize this month and holiday, so why not take the time during February to consider heart health, specifically in women?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the United States. The term heart disease can refer to several different conditions, ranging anywhere from a heart attack to coronary artery disease. To decrease these numbers, it is essential women know the signs and symptoms of heart disease as well as preventive measures they can take to reduce their risk. Common symptoms of heart disease include pain or discomfort in the chest, pain in the neck, jaw or throat, and back pain. Along with these, women may experience nausea or

vomiting when experiencing a heart attack. There are several reasons why someone may be considered at risk for heart disease. Some of these reasons include being overweight, having diabetes, smoking, eating an unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. According to the CDC, about half the women in the United States have at least one to three of these risk factors present. Certainly, drastic lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of heart disease, but so can simple tweaks to daily life. Exercise is the number one way to reduce heart disease and has many other benefits, such as stress relief and increased endorphins. Exercising daily promotes improved blood flow as well as decreases resting heart rate. For women who do smoke, quitting smoking is crucial to reducing risk. Eating a well-balanced diet can also be a good way to keep your heart health on track. Certain foods are considered to be extra “heart healthy” and can support both the strength of a person’s heart and the health of blood vessels. Whole grains, berries and dark chocolate are all good examples of heart healthy foods. Switching a sweet treat for some berries and

dark chocolate can have great benefits for the heart and overall diet, especially during this month when candy seems to present itself everywhere! Along with maintaining a healthy diet, limiting alcohol intake can promote a healthy heart.

Another important step that women should take is to schedule a visit with a primary care physician at least once a year. Discussing and testing cholesterol and triglycerides can give insight into any changes that need to be made for a person to reduce her risk. It is also important to understand that it is never too early to start monitoring your cholesterol and overall heart health. Although risk increases over time, taking preventive measures at a younger age can help reduce the risk down the line.

Tori Saver is an intern for KC Parent. She is studying strategic communications with a business minor at CU Boulder.

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

I recently adopted a three-year-old dog named Rosie. We went through a transition period where I would leave something of hers in my apartment for my cat to smell, and vice versa for Rosie. Then Rosie began visiting during the day while the cat was sleeping in a closed room and I’d return Rosie in the evening. Then when Rosie came here full time. I let my cat, Yuna, and Rosie acknowledge each other from a distance. I have gone through the steps and motions of a slow introduction. Yuna sometimes charges, stalks, and even hisses at Rosie at times and it has caused Rosie to be fearful of Yuna. Am I doing all the right things? Would love your insight! - Shayne Storey

You are doing everything correct and it will take more time. On average it takes at least two months for animals to get acclimated to one another but can take up to six months and even more depending on the animal. Taking everything slow, giving them breaks from one another, and reinforcing desirable behaviors is key. Sounds like Yuna is not quite comfortable with Rosie just yet, but should do better in time. If they start fighting, I recommend

reaching out for a behavior consultation. There are some products you can try for Yuna to help her feel more comfortable around Rosie, such as pheromone spray. Also make sure she has lots of areas to jump high and stay away from Rosie when she needs to and provide Rosie with a safe place to get away from Yuna while they are working it out.

- Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

How do you pursue early dog-to-dog socialization for young puppies given the need to separate them from other dogs or spaces with other dogs until they complete their initial vaccinations?

- Nate Jarvis

This is a great question since it is crucial that puppies get tons of socialization and at the same time, we often hear that it is not recommended to take your puppy anywhere until they are fully vaccinated. A safe option for socializing your puppy is visiting friends and family for human interaction. It is important that they meet babies, toddlers, children, and adults. This is the time when their brains are soaking up everything through all their senses, so having them meet all kinds of people and animals is crucial for their development. I recommend visiting other animals that you are certain are fully vaccinated and have not been

exposed to sick animals. Start with your friends, family, and neighbors who you can ask about this. The more different types of animals you introduce your puppy to, the better. You can take your puppy to the park, but you must carry them and not let them touch the ground until they are fully vaccinated. They can at least see, smell, and hear new things, which is fun for them. Take your pup with you in the car on daily errands to get them used to seeing new places. Visit the vet to get treats or products. A vet visit where they aren’t getting restrained or vaccinated may encourage a positive association with going to the vet in the future

- Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Goober is as goofy as his name. He is a four-year-old boxer mix who has been with us for over 40 days and not one family has asked to meet him! Goober is looking for a home without small children and a family that is willing to work with him as he settles into his new home. If you would like to meet Goober, please reach out to adoptions@greatplainsspca. org for more information!

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered in KC Parent magazine. Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Senior Director of Animal Behavior and Training at Great Plains SPCA. Ashley has more than 16 years of experience in animal training and behavior.

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no kill shelter, with a 98% live release rate, GPSPCA provides lifesaving services for approximately 4,000 animals annually in the greater Kansas City area. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted, including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Prairie Village, Shawnee, Bonner Springs, Lake Quivira and Johnson County Parks Department and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department.

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BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS

RESOLVING DIFFICULT BULLYING SITUATIONS

QUESTION: My fourth-grade daughter is being bullied at her school by another child in her class. The bullying has been going on since this child transferred to my daughter’s school this past November. She pulls her hair and has isolated her from all her other friends.

We have talked to the principal, and he always talks to both girls and now has them sitting at a small table together. This has made the situation worse. This girl takes my daughter’s lunch and money. The last straw came when another child in the class told the teacher that the girl was bullying my daughter. The teacher replied, “You are being a tattletale and should not get involved because it is not your problem!”

– Frustrated and Mad

ANSWER: In this situation, it is important that you become conversant with your state’s specific laws against bullying. All states, except Montana, have them. They usually spell out the specific behaviors that constitute bullying, such as teasing, physical violence and theft. They may also require schools to develop policies to prohibit bullying and enforce that prohibition. There are no federal laws that apply to bullying unless it overlaps with

discriminatory harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability or religion.

Because neither the teacher nor principal has resolved this situation, your next step is to contact the superintendent. Beyond this, there is the school board and the State Department of Education. If the bullying is extremely severe, you may wish to contact an education attorney who will know what steps need to be taken legally to stop this bullying. This is a last-ditch step. We have known families who have resolved their child’s being bullied by transferring the child to another school. There is also the possibility of discussing the bullying with the bully’s family if it can be done in a nonconfrontational manner. Right now, you need to request that the bully no longer sit by your daughter as a way to stop some of the bullying.

It is up to you to help your child deal with this bullying until it stops. There are excellent books and a website that are especially for children who are being bullied. We suggest that you have your daughter read How to Handle Bullies, Teasers and Other Meanies by Rainbow Books Inc. and Simon’s Hook, by GR Publishing. She should also view the activities at PacerKidsAgainstBullying.org. Both will show her solid and effective ways to react to bullying.

QUESTION: Her teachers complain that my fifth-grader tends to visit or talk in class rather than listen to what is going on. This not-new habit is resulting in lower grades this year. How is it possible to break this bad habit?

– Intervention Needed

ANSWER: Teachers do become frustrated when students are not listening in class. Listening is a real information provider. Did you realize that from 50 percent to 75 percent of students’ time in the classroom is spent listening to the teacher, other students and audio media presentations? Now that your daughter’s grades are being affected, it is time to work with her on curbing her talking in class.

Try to find the reason she talks so much in class. Is it boredom, sitting by a talkative friend or to get attention? By finding out why, you can begin to prevent and address her behavior. The next step is to ask her how this problem can be solved. If she can’t come up with any solutions, you can suggest some: changing her seat, writing down what she is going to say instead of talking, and clasping her hands together. The most satisfactory solution, of course, is for her to come up with ways she can curb her excessive talking in class.

Do observe how your child handles conversations. If she is an interrupter, practice having backand-forth conversations with her.

White Noise

When I sleep, I like to have a fan running for the noise. My husband doesn’t like how it dries out his mouth, so he finally convinced me to look into a white noise machine. Seriously, why didn’t I do this sooner? Spoiler alert: Because I’m stubborn. After much research, I settled on the Vanzon White Noise Machine, and it’s perfect. I found just the right sound out of the more than 30 to choose from. The machine is the smallest thing ever and will be so easy to take with me on my next trip. Amazon.com

Bizy Bags

Heart Necklace

It’s no secret that I love jewelry. I tend to gravitate more toward classic looks rather than trendy costume pieces. For years, my girls have worn Kendra Scott, but I never had a desire to own a piece for myself. Then I spied these heart pendant pieces and was swayed not only by how nice they look, but also the affordable price. I get so many 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

5THINGS WE RIGHT NOW

When my girls were young, I signed them up for Little Passports. I loved receiving a monthly box full of fun and educational activities. Sadly, they have outgrown Little Passports, but I was recently introduced to Bizy Bags, a great option for today’s little people. Bizy Bags are carefully curated bags that are themed every month to align with children’s interests. The bags are full of fun and educational activities to keep kids busy when on the go or at home—and they were created by local moms! A local product that keeps kids entertained? That’s what I call a win-win! Check them out at BizyBagsKC.com.

LOVE

Compiled by Margaret Sarver

Ripple

I recently resolved to get off my phone before bed and spend 30 minutes reading. I went to Barnes & Noble and the library to stock up on books. Three things I enjoy are true crime, books and music, so when I came across a true crime book that touched on Grateful Dead music and was written by Mr. Stinky Feet (he also goes by Jim Cosgrove), I was intrigued. The very first page hooked me. His writing style is relatable, and the story is fascinating. If you’re looking for a book to dig into this winter, pick up Ripple: A Long Strange Search for a Killer by Jim Cosgrove. Available at local stores and libraries.

Café Equinox

It’s February, and the winter doldrums have officially set in. Here’s what you need to do to stave them off … head to Café Equinox at Family Tree Nursery’s Overland Park and Shawnee locations. It’s inside the greenhouse, so while you sip on a latte or tea, lush, green plants surround you and give off great vibes on a cold day! My older and I recently visited, and while the weather outside was yucky, inside we enjoyed sitting on a couch among the plants and sipping on something warm and tasty. CafeEquinox.com

“Milady, your coach awaits.” Sandi released my arm, and I opened her car door, waiting for her to enter. We’d stopped at a convenience store for a snack on our way home and, purchases complete, stepped outside into the balmy evening, strolling to our car.

“Thank you, sir.” She gave me a kiss, lingering, but far from steamy.

“How long have you two been married?” A youngish man, probably in his mid-to-late 20s, on the other side of the nearly-deserted parking lot looked at us with curiosity in his eyes. Apparently he’d caught us in mid-smooch.

Sandi and I spoke in unison: “Not long enough.”

He leaned against his car and laughed. “No, really. How long?”

“Twenty-six years.”

“No kidding?”

“And five months.” I did a quick calculation. “Almost.”

“My wife and I aren’t like that. You’re behaving like newlyweds, both of you. How do you do it?”

I glanced at Sandi and smiled. “It isn’t difficult. Remember when you were first dating?”

“Yeah.”

“All you have to do now is what you were doing then. You opened her car door, then. Why’d you stop?”

The young man shrugged.

“If she’s important enough for you to open her door before you married, isn’t she worth that now?”

“That’s only part of it,” Sandi said. “You know how popular it is to talk trash about your spouse? The ‘old ball and chain,’ ‘my old lady’ or even ‘my old man.’ Don’t do it. If you only say positive things about her, you’ll think of her that way, too.” She wrapped an arm around my waist. “The rewards are worth it.”

This young man whom we’d never seen before looked at both of us. “You guys are incredible.”

“Nah, but I’m surprised more people don’t behave this way. It’s not rocket science.”

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

Camber has the resources you need to ensure your kids live balanced, healthy and resilient lives.

Visit cambermentalhealth.org/resources for practical tips, info about common mental health disorders and so much more from our mental health experts.

Camber can help.

You’re an expert on your kids. We’re experts on mental health.

TASTYTREATS

WARM UP WINTER WITH WATERMELON FUN

(Family Features)

The cold chill of winter may have you feeling trapped indoors with nothing to do and nowhere to go, but fun activities fit for the whole family can add excitement and chase away those wintertime blues. Paired with an appetizing snack, at-home crafting provides a relaxing way to keep your mind and body moving.

Warming up with family-friendly activities starts with a versatile (and delicious) option like watermelon, which can be your sweet superstar all year long. As a centerpiece for evenings at home or gatherings and get-togethers, its versatility creates zero food waste with endless creative uses in the kitchen, from rind-smile snowmen to handheld snacks.

When this year’s snowfall offers a canvas for creativity and entertainment, gather your loved ones to make this watermelon snowman. Fresh-cut and personal-sized watermelons are the predominant options in wintertime, and they’re perfect for putting together this festive work of art. All you’ll need is a collection of kitchen knives, an ice cream scoop, melon ballers, skewers, some decorative “clothing” and blueberries for a fruit salad served right out of the snowman.

While you’re hard at work, ease your appetite with a quick and easy snack like Watermelon Glazed Meatballs. Start with a homemade watermelon puree mixed with barbecue sauce, then saute frozen meatballs and top with the sweet glaze for a perfect wintertime treat.

To find more family-friendly crafts and sweet snack ideas, visit Watermelon.org.

WATERMELON SNOWMAN

Kitchen knives

1 round seedless watermelon

2 personal-sized watermelons, one larger than the other Ice cream scoop or large spoon Melon baller

Mini melon baller or paring knife

Blueberries

Large wooden skewers

Y-shaped sticks

Scarf

Hat

Using knife, cut 1/4-inch slice off bottom of round seedless watermelon and both personal watermelons to provide stable bases. Use smallest melon for head, second largest for torso and largest for lower body. Set aside smallest watermelon.

Cut tops off large and medium watermelons to create bowls. Using ice cream scoop or large spoon, scoop out flesh.

Using melon baller, scoop eyes out of smallest watermelon. Invert melon balls and reinsert.

Using mini melon baller or paring knife, scoop out holes for nose and mouth. Carve one piece of watermelon into triangle for nose and fill mouth holes with blueberries.

On platter, using large wooden skewers, connect all three watermelons.

Insert y-shaped sticks in middle watermelon for arms. Fill bottom sections with fruit salad of melon balls and blueberries. Decorate with scarf and hat.

For over 75 years, Oakhill Day School has provided the Kansas City Northland with student-first academic offerings that fit every family's needs. Experience firsthand the variety of options that Oakhill can provide for your family. Whether you need an early childhood program for your child's first years of school, well-rounded K-8 academics,

BUILDING BONDS THROUGH FAMILY STORIES

The bonds created just by telling stories together as a family can last a lifetime or even longer! Stories that may cause you to roll your eyes, laugh at and hear about yourself all help to strengthen the bond you have with your family. They also give you a better sense of your place in the world. They may be tired stories you can recite verbatim, but they are uniquely yours and what makes your family yours and what makes you uniquely you.

When you initially think of sharing family stories, you may picture the older generation’s telling “back in my day” stories you’ve heard a thousand times before and maybe don’t appreciate as the truth they possibly are. Listening to my grandma share about how she remembers washing clothes outside and using an outhouse are quite unbelievable, but they are an important part of how she grew up and show just how far technology in our world has come. So not only is that story a part of her history, but it’s also part of actual world history, too. But there’s more to sharing family stories than formally gathering around a loved one, as I sometimes picture in my head (even though my grandma told me this specific story in a very recent phone call). Stories can be shared in informal and impromptu ways.

Holidays, for example, are an easy and natural way to share stories from years before. This could be from your parents’ or grandparents’ generations or even from the year before with your own children. Christmas has ornaments for an easy opening to share family memories, especially if you keep the children’s craft or photo ornaments. Many families also add an ornament from vacations or trips, or ones that represent their family in some way, each year to build their history chronology and enjoy on their Christmas tree. I have bought a new ornament each year for each

of my children based on something that represents their interests that year. We have ballerinas, superheroes, sports and more for our kids. Then I also like to pick up ornaments from places we’ve visited over the year, too, such as one from our Disney trip, Rocky Mountain National Park and even ones representing our dogs. This decoration style isn’t for everyone, but it’s an easy way to say, “Remember when … ”

Other holidays also lend themselves to sharing what past years have been like in your family. For example, ever since we began dating, my husband and I have always had the tradition of going out for pizza and beer on Valentine’s Day so we can chat about the different pizza joints we’ve been to over the years. Maybe you come from a big Irish Catholic family that takes St. Patrick’s Day very seriously. Ask questions and share why that’s important to your family. Or even something silly like who thought it would be a good idea for our family to run the Turkey Trot each Thanksgiving? Or why do we always play a specific game on this day? Or why are we all Iowa Hawkeye and Kansas City Chiefs fans? I think we often take traditions for granted and don’t know why we do the things we do. We just do them because we’ve always done them. I encourage you to get curious and ask some interesting questions.

Food is also a great way to share stories, whether it be Sunday pot roast, game day or tailgate food, specific birthday cakes for members of your family or certain holiday appetizers or desserts. A family story we share with our kids every time my husband requests white cake with white frosting for his birthday is that we couldn’t agree on a wedding cake flavor so we ended up with two! Food is pretty regional and cultural, as is apparent if you’ve seen That Midwestern Mom and her segment on “Midwestern Salads That Aren’t Really Salads” on

social media. I think it’s hysterical because that’s how I grew up but can understand why those of you who grew up outside the Midwest may not understand such a thing as strawberry pretzel salad—it’s our family’s favorite because my mom always made it for Christmas. This could even include favorite family restaurants you always go to and how that came to be. Maid-Rites are another Midwestern thing, as is KC barbecue, Chicago deep dish pizza or Portillo’s. Food represents where you grew up or where your family is from if they’ve kept their food traditions alive even after moving.

book every few years from worn pages, the storytelling practice is so worth it! I also have a set of photos of all our family Christmases that I bring out at Christmastime and add to each year, as well as a set of Halloween/fall photos we pull out in September. I keep our family films saved on an app on the TV too,” she says.

History alone is an important reason to share family stories. I have come to love historical fiction books, and reading them makes me wonder about and empathize more with what my ancestors went through when they were my age. It may seem like your family has always just been a part of your small town, but that’s not really the case. Someone had to be the first, right? And why did they choose that spot? How has the town changed over the years? These are interesting family stories that should be passed down to the next generations. Roughly 10 years ago, I typed up some questions for all of my children’s great-grandparents and then typed up their answers to share with the family. My daughter was lucky enough to be able to meet seven of her great-grandparents.

Besides food, another obvious way to share family stories is by looking through old photographs. I think we can take photographs for granted these days because we often take 30-plus photos at a certain event on a single day, but our older photographs are rare and special. Family members took time, effort and money to print these photos to share a special memory. Ask about your mom’s wedding gown, ask about your grandparents’ cars, ask about their favorite baby gear, their favorite pets, what they used to do with their friends. My daughter is in seventh grade now, which is when I started taking all my own photos with my friends, so it’s been fun to see her cringe at my outfits at her age. I know that sharing about how family members have injured themselves tends to get some laughs too—like our family tale of someone’s breaking a collarbone jumping into a hammock. But these funny moments can also lead to some natural conversations about how you remember feeling awkward at that age or when you started dating and what rules your parents had for you at your kids’ ages. Finding that connective thread to bond with your family can strengthen your relationships. Displaying family photos, rotating snapshots out or keeping photo albums accessible are easy ways to look back and remember memories you’ve had together over the years.

Besides photos, don’t forget about videos and home movies. My parents had VHS tapes of our childhoods, and my mom’s daycare kids used to choose those often as their movies for quiet time each day. Our childhood memories are that much stronger because we relived them so often. My parents have since moved them to DVDs and probably used a company like LegacyBox.com to preserve these family treasures. I have made a few family yearbooks that we enjoy looking through, and most mornings I start the day by sharing photos from the TimeHop app with my family. I have also used the 1 Second Everyday app for the past three years to make a quick monthly video snapshot of our lives. We love these simple ways to share memories.

Laura Duffy, mother of four, is an expert on using the art of photo and film to bond with her family. “I’m really passionate about this! I keep our family yearbooks of daily life photos in the living room within kid reach. The kids are frequently flipping through it recalling stories of years past. Even if it means I need to order a new

Sharing family stories grounds us in who we are in the world, gives a sense of security in knowing where we belong, helps us feel less alone (maybe you learn the women on your side of the family tend to deal with postpartum depression), and can teach emotional health and ways to cope based on the experiences of others. If you’ve heard how your ancestors made it through a difficult time, it can encourage you to make it through your own difficult time as well. And if your mom made it through that hairstyle and those shoulder pads, it’s OK to laugh and know you’ll make it through embarrassing times too!

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 12, Mason, 11, and Slade, 7. Sharing family stories is a fun part of her life with her family.

The bonds created just by telling stories together as a family can last a lifetime or even longer!

When They DON’T Make the Team

The Do’s and Don’ts When Your Child Doesn’t Make the Cut

n Don’t vent your frustrations to your child.

n Do help your child understand that there are many factors that go into selecting a team that you and your child may be unaware of. It may be more about timing than your child’s ability.

n Don’t compare your child to other kids.

n Do let your child know their strengths, as well as what they need to work on.

n Don’t be frustrated with your child for not making it or assume they didn’t give it their all.

n Do let them know you are proud of them for trying and that there are other activities. This just may not be the right one for them at this time.

n Don’t say things like, “Baseball is stupid anyway,” or “I don’t really like that play.” This can invalidate their feelings.

n Do validate their feelings and ask how you can help support them.

n Do ask them what they learned, how they can improve, and give them space to decide whether they will try out again next time.

n Do ask your child whether they would like to talk to the coach in order to understand why they didn’t make it and find out what they can improve on next time.

n Do let your child know you love them, whether they make a team or not.

Being part of a team is a great experience for kids and helps them build social skills, make friends and grow in confidence. However, when your child tries out for the team and doesn’t make it, disappointment and feelings of inadequacy can rear their heads. This not only applies to athletics, but can also include other activities like theater, musical ensembles, dance team and robotics. The reality is there are only so many open spaces on a team, and some kids make it and some don’t. How can parents support and encourage a child who is cut from the team?

>> Allow time for feelings

It takes a lot of hard work to try out for a team. Perhaps your child had to step out of their comfort zone to give it a try, or maybe they were cut from a team they have been part of in the past and are feeling rejected. Your youngster may have feelings of anger, confusion, sadness or disappointment. Take time to validate those feelings. “As a junior who played volleyball every year, it was hard for her to be cut from the team,” says Kerri Arnold, Olathe mom of three. “I just hugged her and let her be sad. Later, she was able to go to the games and support her friends!” Our first response as parents may be to jump in with a negative comment about the coach or to make excuses. Instead, listen to kids vent and allow them to explain their feelings. Give them a hug and say things like, “That must hurt,” or “What can I do to support you?” These statements let your child know you are behind them. On the other hand, your child may not want to talk. If this is the case, give space and let them know you are there when they are ready.

>> Give encouragement

Once your child has had some time to process what happened, sit down and talk about it. Let them know you are proud of them for all their hard work. Talk about what they learned from the experience, whether they had any fun and what they could do better next time. This doesn’t mean your child has to give up on a sport or activity they love, it just means they won’t be on this team this year. “I think you can try to frame it as a positive for trying and then evaluating what they could do to make the team next year,” says Desoto mom Kara Thomas. “I find with my teen, he just needs some alone time to process it and doesn’t want me breaking it down with him like I might have done when he was younger. Now, I ask how I can support him and let him lead.” You can encourage them to continue to improve and look for an alternative team in the community. Let your child know that their worth is not based on whether they make a team or are good at an activity. Give them reasons they are valued and point out some of their strengths, both in the activity and outside of it.

>> Talk honestly with your child

It is a good idea to have an honest conversation with your child about the reality of sports and activities. They are competitive, especially with school activities where the population of the school is large but the number of available places on a team is small. Your child doesn’t have to give up because they didn’t make it. Coaches have to consider many factors when choosing players, and it may simply be about timing. It may help your child to talk to the coach about their reasons for making the decisions they made. Your child can also ask what they can improve on for next time. Let your child know that many athletes who went on to become professional players didn’t make their high school teams. Similarly, there are famous actors that didn’t make their high school plays and popular authors who had their books rejected dozens of times before getting published. (An internet search can give you lists to show your child.)

Rejection is difficult but it is also a fact of life. While we can’t protect our children from it, we can encourage them to use it as motivation to improve their skills and try again.

As you work through your child’s feelings and disappointment together, they will realize that time helps them reflect on the situation. Being cut from the team is difficult but it also gives your child a moment to consider. Is this the sport for them or would they like to try something else? If they do stick with it, why do they think they were cut from the team? What advice does the coach have for next time? Is there another team your child can try out for? How will they work on sharpening their skills next time? Surely they aren’t the only child who was cut from the team—is it possible to form another team made up of those players? Most importantly, is the sport fun, and if it is, how can your child find a way to enjoy it? Encourage your child to take the experience, learn from it and turn it into something positive.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and mom of six. She lives in Olathe with her family.

BIRTHDAY PARTY LIFE LESSONS

Abirthday party may look like just a birthday party to you now, but what I see is a breeding ground for life lessons kids can learn that will carry them through their lives to help make them successful, happy and kind. Read on to check out a few teaching opportunities for your child’s next birthday party!

Graciousness and Disappointment

I’m lumping these two together because they seem to go hand in hand. The birthday child gets disappointed by not getting something she really wanted or sometimes not getting anything she really wanted at all during the entire party.

That’s when it’s time to step in and talk about how disappointment is okay, but that we should be gracious about it. It’s kind of like being a sore loser versus being a happy loser. Even though there is disappointment going on, you want your child to learn how to say thank you and show appreciation for the gift giver’s time and money or skills that went into the gift.

Consideration

Yes, it’s your child’s party, but consider where everyone would have a good time when planning your party venue. If it’s at your house, think up some fun games everyone might enjoy and build in plenty of time for just playing around. Have a friend with food allergies, such as gluten or dairy? Make sure to pick up something special for that friend— cookies or their own piece of cake—it’s easier than ever these days.

Sharing

Your kid may get some pretty good stash at his birthday party, and other kids are certainly going to want to play with the new goods. Explain to your child before the party that she is going to be getting some cool new stuff and that she can put some of her favorite things up right away but that she should share some of the things and play with them with her friends and not hide them all away.

Giving Back and Donating

This year, consider having your child ask for gifts for someone else. In my town, our local food bank supplies a birthday cake and all the fixings as long as the guests bring canned goods, take the tour and help out for a bit. Also, if your child has a particular love for, say, animals … how about hosting a birthday party for or at a local animal shelter? Instead of presents ask guests to bring donations like pet food and other supplies.

Instead of lecturing, which we all know gets tuned out anyway, get your party on with some cool hidden lessons that will take your kid beyond their kid years and into a fun and full life!

Kerrie McLoughlin lives in Peculiar, MO, and puts on five chaotic birthday parties per year for her kids and lives to tell about it at TheKerrieShow.com.

EASY WAYS TO IMPROVE MEMORY

Everyone forgets things from time to time, but it seems the more kids I have, the more forgetful I become. Forgetting an appointment or an important deadline occasionally is frustrating, and sometimes costly, but when you notice it happening regularly, it’s time to get organized. What are some easy tips parents can use to improve memory?

Write it down

“I am a paper person. I have a spiral notebook I write everything in,” says Olathe mom Jean Janner. “I use them for menu planning, shopping lists, to-do lists, notes from phone calls and doctor appointments, and holiday and vacation planning. I write the date on the front so I can look back if needed.”

According to a study done at UCLA, taking notes, rather than typing on a laptop, improves memory. So it follows that taking notes during a meeting, writing to-do and shopping lists and using paper calendars and planners should help you remember more easily. There’s an app for that

If you prefer to go paperless, technology offers great tools to help you remember what you have on your plate today. “Everything, no matter how trivial, goes on a list or calendar in an app I use on my phone,” says Colorado mom Kara Thomas. “I cannot imagine motherhood without it.” Many families like the ease of electronic calendars because they can be shared easily with all family members. “My husband and I have a calendar where we store all our information, which

is automatically shared,” says Holly Searls, Olathe mom of four. “I also utilize the alarm function on my phone. I set alarms and name them for recurring events and select the days I want them to go off.” Try alarms for appointments, or as reminders to take medicine or grab the library books for school. The key to using technology effectively is to be diligent about entering the information as soon as it’s received.

Take care of yourself

When you are overtired, hungry or stressed, prioritizing, organizing and remembering what needs to be done can be difficult. A good night’s sleep can do wonders to help improve memory. Similarly, a healthy diet of food low in saturated fats can help keep your mind sharp. Eating empty calories will cause you to feel tired and sluggish, making it difficult to focus. If you are already eating and sleeping well, try adding cardiovascular activity to your day. Exercise can greatly improve memory. Depending on your fitness level, start with 10 to 20 minutes of brisk walking each day to give yourself a boost.

The art of multitasking

Parents become great multitaskers. We simultaneously pack school lunches, feed the kids breakfast, watch the news and go through a mental checklist for the day. Although this can be a very useful approach, it also can adversely affect memory. When our minds are occupied with multiple things at once, forgetting one of them is far too easy. With the constant bombardment of information

in today’s society, breaking this habit can be hard. Try sitting down for a few minutes in the morning to focus on what needs to be done. Prioritize your tasks, set reminders on your phone, make lists and check the calendar to ensure you don’t miss anything important.

Challenge yourself

You can improve your memory by doing things you enjoy or trying something new. One way to keep the mind sharp is to take on new challenges on a regular basis. Learn to play the piano or take up knitting, read a book or work on logic puzzles—or simply visit a museum and learn something new. When we keep our minds active and sharp, our memory improves.

Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe with her husband and six children.

Fun activities that improve memory

• Learn to play an instrument.

• Take up a new hobby.

• Learn a new language.

• Play logic games and puzzles.

• Take up knitting or crochet.

• Do crafts and/or scrapbook.

• Read a book or magazine.

• Listen to music or audiobooks.

• Play games that involve hand-eye coordination, like tennis or basketball.

• Play videogames.

Find a GREAT Preschool!

Early education lays the foundation to help kids make a smooth transition from infancy into the school years. Research has found that kids who attend preschool programs are better prepared for kindergarten. Are you searching for the right early learning program? Follow these tips to help you find the right preschool for your child.

Start Your Search Early

Many schools have a waitlist, so it’s important to start the preschool search months before your child is ready to

enroll. Researching preschools can be a lengthy process, so start early. Some communities offer early education fairs, and many preschools hold open houses. Take advantage of these events to help make your decision early. The earlier you decide on a school, the more likely you will be able to secure a spot for your child when he reaches enrollment age. Never assume you are starting your search too early. I joined a waitlist for a childcare facility when I was pregnant and didn’t receive a phone call about an open spot until my daughter was 3 years old.

Referrals

Talk to your friends, family and neighbors about what preschools they chose for their children and why. Ask about their experiences and what the pros and cons were of the school. Referrals will give you an idea of what schools you might want to tour and learn more about. You can also read reviews about schools online, but don’t rely simply on online reviews to make your decision.

Meet the Teachers

You will usually meet with the preschool director when taking a tour. However, the teachers are who your children will

Preschool programs for young children are becoming more and more common. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 68% of 4-year-olds and 40% of 3-year-olds were enrolled in a preschool program in 2017. However, the National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) found that fewer than 10 percent of the facilities it surveyed fall in the “very high quality” category.

environment. Every school has minimums regarding teacher to child ratio. Does the school meet the minimums?

Full Time or Part Time?

A big decision when selecting a preschool is whether your child is ready for a full day of school or would do better in a part-time program. According to a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, children are better prepared for learning and social interaction in full-time preschool than in part-time programs. However, every child is different. Not all children will be prepared to start a full-time program. For example, a child who has never been in childcare outside of her home might not feel as comfortable spending an entire day away from her parents, and a child who takes a two-hour nap every day might be better suited for a half-day program, so he can get home in time to rest. Many children start part-time preschool at the age of 3 and transition to full-time preschool when they turn 4.

Ask About the Preschool’s Philosophy and Learning Structure

be spending most of their time with. Studies show that teachers with higher education usually translate to higher levels of care. Search out teachers who have formal training, such as a college degree in child development, early childhood education or a related field. You will also want to see whether the teacher is positive and in good spirits with the students. Ask whether you can sit in on a classroom. Is the teacher interactive and engaging? Does she use positive discipline? Is the classroom under control? And most importantly, are the children learning and having fun? It’s also important to look at the staff turnover rate. Constant staff changes can be distracting to your child’s learning

Kimberly Cordonnier, children’s program director at UCP of Northwest Missouri and mother of two from St. Joseph, Missouri, says parents should make sure the philosophy of the school aligns with what they value in their child’s early education. For example, some programs focus mainly on academics while others incorporate social skills along with academics.

Cordonnier says there are two different types of learning structures in the preschool setting. Teacher-led structure is more academic based. “The teacher is the one deciding what to teach young children and what experiences they should have,” she says. “Classroom time is devoted to learning letters and sounds, distinguishing shapes and colors, telling time and other skills. The teacher seems to follow a thematic curriculum that involves drills

and practice. The focus seems to be more on memorization and not focused on developing the whole child.”

Child-led learning is more play-based. Teachers observe the children’s interests and choose topics that align with those interests. “Teachers are able to introduce social emotional skills along with academic concepts that include hands-on experiences based on the children’s interests,” Cordonnier says. “Child-led activities are more meaningful to young children, and more learning is taking place. Child-led activities allow children to be creative and work on their problem-solving skills.”

Read the Handbook

Before you enroll your child, make sure you read the entire parent handbook. Ensure the school’s hours, holiday schedule, tuition rates, vacation and other policies work for you and your family. Typically, schools have other fees that aren’t included in the tuition, such as registration fees, supply fees, technology fees, fees for field trips and daily snacks. Calculate all costs involved before signing the agreement. Some schools also have annual tuition increases, so keep that in mind as well.

Trust Your Gut

A parent’s intuition is usually right, so trust your gut instincts. If the classroom looks fun and joyful while you’re taking a tour, and the children seem engaged and excited, that’s a good sign. If you and your child feel comfortable and have a good first impression of the school and its staff, you may have found the right preschool. If something doesn’t seem right, ask more questions and address any concerns you might have. Feel free to make an unexpected visit to see how the preschool runs outside of visiting hours. The most important thing is to find a place where your child loves to come learn every day.

Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband and daughters in St. Joseph, Missouri.

KC Parent’s

Camp Guide

Church of the Resurrection

Save the date to have your Kindergarten through 5th-grade kiddo join us for a week at Beach Bash. Everyone’s invited July 17-21 across any of our six Resurrection locations: Leawood, Olathe, Downtown, Blue Springs, Overland Park and our newest location in Brookside. Registration opens February 15 for volunteer leaders and March 1 for all. More information at COR.org/vbc. See display ad on pg. 35.

Culture House

Come have a summer blast at The Culture House where performing and fine arts camps fill the building with creativity, friendship and fun! There are all kinds of camps for your children: Theater, Musical Theater, Dance, Music and Art. Parents will love how smooth all aspects of registration and logistics are handled making it easy for all to enjoy a summer

filled with great memories and new friendships. Sign up today before camps are full at CultureHouse.com! See display ad on pg. 35.

Johnson County Park & Recreation District

From Outdoor Discovery to Just for Fun, we offer over 80 different and wellsupervised camp programs conveniently located throughout Johnson County. Dedicated to providing activities that promote emotional, intellectual, and physical health, our summer fun choices include nature and science, preschool enrichment, art, sports, computers, leadership development, music, theater, and dance. The options include both indoor and outdoor programs, and fulland partial-day schedules are available. For details, call 913.831.3359 or visit JCPRD.com/Camps. See display ad on pg. 32.

Kanakuk

Kanakuk is a premier Christian summer sports camp experience for kids ages 6–18 with locations in Branson and Lampe, Missouri. Five overnight camps provide Kampers with fun, safe experiences that develop them spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially. Kampers make memories while participating in more than 70 sports and activities. Sessions run all summer with 1, 2, and 4-Week options. Learn more about customizing your child’s summer camp experience at Kanakuk.com or call 417.266.3000. See display ad on pg. 31.

Kansas City Zoo

Make your summer a little wilder with Summer Break Camp. Camp runs June 5 through August 17. Our day camp curriculums are age appropriate and are properly chaperoned at all times. Activities may include but are not limited to educational games, crafts, shows, rides, science experiments and educational movies. Full-day camps are available for ages 5-17, Monday-Thursday, 8:30-3:30, COST: $260. $234 for FOTZ members. Single-day camps also available. Learn more at KansasCityZoo.org. See display ad on pg. 36.

Lenexa Camps

Choose an action-packed camp adventure with Lenexa Parks & Recreation. From sampling art in the great outdoors and hands-on science experiments to performing exciting live theatre, your kids will explore new activities, stay active and have a great time. Camp options include spring, summer and winter break camps, as well as other school’s out days. Learn more and register at Lenexa.com/GetActive or 913.477.7100. See display ad on pg. 33.

DID YOU KNOW?

why is such a big deal summercamp

throughout 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 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.

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 gives a kid time to unplug and get outside. Camp is the perfect excuse to 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 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 is raising four kiddos from her Olathe home.

overnight camp is your child ready?

As the cold winter months near an end, are visions of summertime dancing through your head? If so, you’re not alone. Soon we’ll be saying bye-bye to cabin fever and a welcoming hello to the warm sunshine, flip-flops, bomb pops, summer vacation … and for some of our children, overnight camp!

Before enrolling your child in any particular camp, look over the following ways to prepare yourself and your child for the overnight camp experience:

Involve your child in the selection process. You don’t want her to feel as if you’re just sending her off to some strange place. Go through camp brochures and/or websites together. Let your child know what to expect and review the checklist of things that will happen each day.

Ask questions. Ask everything and anything you can think of and don’t feel silly about it. What is the camperto-staff ratio? What is a typical day like at camp? Are there background checks on staffers? What happens if someone bullies your child? Asking questions will help ease your mind.

Prepare for camp together. Read through the packing list together, bring your child with you when shopping for camp supplies and pack together.

Make sure your child can take care of herself. Be sure she can bathe by herself, brush her own teeth, comb her hair, unpack her own bags, decide what to wear and make healthy food choices. It’s also important that she can verbally express her basic needs (i.e. if she needs help or doesn’t feel well).

camp guide

Plan your correspondence. Email or snail mail? You and your child decide. Make it easy for her by addressing and stamping envelopes which she can use to mail letters home. Camps typically have no-phone-call policies.

Stay positive about the camp experience! Let your child know you’re excited for her by telling her things like, “Can’t wait to hear all about the fun things you’ll do at camp!” What you don’t want to do is disrupt her enthusiasm with your own nerves. Don’t linger too long when you drop her off and avoid using the word homesickness or making deals with her by promising to pick her up if she’s sad. Homesickness is completely normal.

Gina Klein writes from her home in Kansas City, where she resides with her husband and two daughters.

CAMPGUIDE

Continued from page 30

Oakhill Day School

Every day is a vacation at Oakhill Fully Charged! Our flexible weekly themed day camps for campers ages two through middle school are a high-energy combination of play and creativity! Embark on a journey of what summer should be through field trips, camp-wide water balloon fights, trips to the pool, and more from our fantastic crew of Fully Charged counselors! Enroll online: OakhillDaySchool.org/Summer. See display ad on pg. 36.

Pembroke Hill

Summer at Pembroke Hill offers a comprehensive summer camp that provides a variety of academic, athletic and enriching classes that always include an element of fun! Open to all students ages 2 through 18. Classes have limited enrollment, so you are encouraged to enroll early and online at PembrokeHill.org. See display ad on pg. 34.

Rock Springs Ranch

Since 1946, Rock Springs Ranch has been host to generations of young campers. They unplug, explore, learn lifelong skills, and grow in the heart of the Flint Hills of Kansas, a wondrous place with wide, open spaces. Many make friends for life. Open to ages 8-17 with choice of 3- or 5-night adventures with enrichment activities, outdoor fun, and expanded programming, including a focus on leadership skills. RockSpringsRanch4hCamp.org (785) 257-3221 See display ad on pg. 37.

Summer at Barstow

Have you heard the buzz? Summer at Barstow is Kansas City’s favorite summer camp program for kids ages 3 and up! Campers love Summer at

Barstow’s action-packed adventures in creative arts, athletics, academics and new this year STEAM camps for grades 1-12 at the Dan & Cassidy IDEA Space just down the road in Leawood, Kansas. Kids love exclusive camps and adventures; parents love our experienced instructors, 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio and extended care options. Check out camps for every budget, age, interest and schedule at BarstowSchool.org/ Summer. May 30-Aug. 12. Email summer@barstowschool.org or call 816.277.0445 for more information. See display ad pg. 33.

Youthfront Faith. Fun. Friendships. Experience it all this summer at Youthfront Camp! We offer day camp for younger campers and overnight camps for elementary, middle and high school students. Camp features include our Splash Park on the lake, water slide, zip-lines and more. It’s sure to be a blast! At Youthfront, kids can grow in their relationship with God and make friendships that last a lifetime. Learn more and register at Youthfront.com/SummerCamp. Use KCP23 code for $15 off. See display ad on pg. 37.

Visit KCParent.com for a geo-based, searchable Camp Guide with maps, descriptions, photos and videos.

Register with code kcp23 to receive $15 off.

fun. faith. friendships. fun. faith. friendships.

Find it all this summer at Youthfront Camp. Day Camps • Overnight Camps • Grades 1-12 youthfront.com/summercamp

tween-approved movies

Are 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 are 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 Black 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.

Check them out at Movies2U.com.

Want to throw a movie party?

Movies2U has all you need for a great indoor or outdoor movie event!

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. Black 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, and they all love family movie nights!

WAYS TO REFRESH AND REPLENISH

REFRESH YOURSELF

First things first. When you are at your best, everything else follows suit. Take the time to take care of you.

STRETCH YOUR BRAIN

Read a book, try a crossword or play a game of solitaire. Pick something that makes you think for a change. We fill our brains with mindless junk food every day. Step away from the Candy Crush and nourish your brain with some healthy stuff.

HEAVEN SCENT

The strike of a match. The flicker of a flame. Light a few cozy candles in a cozy space and relax. This indulgence takes only a moment, and the aroma love will last all day.

MAKE A PLAYLIST

We’re surrounded by music, but how often do you listen to what you want to hear? Hop on your favorite music platform and create a 30-minute playlist of songs you adore. Old, new, rap, country … it doesn’t matter. Pop in some ear buds and play that funky music.

GET MOVING

Hike up your leggings for something other than Netflix and try a little downward dog. Or just put on your shoes and take a 20-minute walk. Get your body right, and your mind will fall in line.

SAY NO

Know that you don’t have to sign up for every activity, bake sale, sports event and gala in existence. You gotta fight for your right to party poop.

BAN THE BOOZE

Drinking’s negative effects on your body are no secret. Bloating, dehydration and extra empty calories all add up to a body that isn’t functioning at its best. Take a step away for a few days.

MAKE A CONNECTION

Social media has nearly eliminated actual face-to-face conversation. Make a coffee date or book a yoga session with a friend you haven’t seen for a long time—and don’t cancel! Reconnect and remember what it’s like to see a smile in person.

DO SOMETHING NICE

For yourself! You are constantly doing for others; it’s time to do something for you. Pick up a flower bouquet, take yourself to lunch or buy your favorite candy bar and don’t share. It’s okay to spoil yourself every once in a while!

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

WHY AM I SO BUSY?!?

When someone asks you how you are doing, do you find yourself giving a rundown of what you are doing instead of how you’re actually doing? In our fast-paced world, busyness isn’t just accepted, it’s often celebrated as something virtuous. And if you’re not careful, you can find yourself like many moms and dads in an endless cycle of insanity where exhaustion and overwhelm propel you into yet one more activity in an effort to try to get it all together, make the kids happy or feel a sense of accomplishment

and purpose. Adult responsibilities coupled with parenting equate to a full calendar naturally. So just how do you know whether you’re stuck in the hamster wheel of busyness or if you’re truly living a rich and fulfilling life?

In her work Addicted to Busyness, Christina Hibbert, a clinical psychologist and mother of six, breaks down the differences between busyness and a full life by the impact the activity has on you. She notes that a full life leaves you feeling:

• Healthy.

• Happy (the majority of the time).

• Like you’re fulfilling your life’s purpose.

• That you’re discovering meaning and purpose in each day.

• Growth when stretched, which inherently feels good.

On the other hand, busyness leaves you feeling like:

• You’re just keeping up.

• You can’t stop, take a break or slow down.

• You only feel healthy and happy sometimes.

• You’re more likely to suffer from illness, chronic stress, anxiety or depression.

• Asking, “What’s the point of all of this?” Yet you keep adding things to your plate.

• Your sense of self-worth may be tied up in your busyness.

• Even if you enjoy much of what you do, you still feel something deep down telling you, “This is not what life is all about.”

If you find yourself identifying with the latter portion of Hibbert’s work, then you might not simply be busy by choice but be struggling with an addiction to busyness. Like drug and alcohol addiction, process addictions (an addiction to an activity, like online gaming, social media and, yes, busyness) can create a compulsion to continue doing something even at your own expense. Likewise, stopping the activity can create feelings of withdrawal, from agitation to desperation to continue the behavior. Unlike drug and alcohol addiction, one of the greatest challenges to busyness addiction is the fact that, culturally, it can be worn as a badge of honor and those struggling with it will be praised for it. When you’re validated for doing something that is diminishing your quality of life, has a deep impact on relationships and even has the ability to make you sick, it can be incredibly hard to distinguish as a vice.

WHY IS ADDICTION TO BEING CRAZY BUSY JUST SO HARMFUL?

1) It robs you of your time and energy. You can justify that it will add value to your life—memories, added finances, gained skills, etc.—but in essence, it ultimately takes away from the things that matter most, like time to process your life, gain perspective or build relationships with those closest to you.

2) It’s a form of escapism. Brene Brown writes in her book Daring Greatly that numbing behaviors build up a wall against vulnerability (allowing people to see the real you), adding, “One of the most universal numbing strategies is

what I call crazy-busy. We are a culture of people who’ve bought into the idea that if we stay busy enough, the truth of our lives won’t catch up with us.” Busyness causes us to avoid our toughest life issues like grief, relationship challenges and bad habits. The problem is growth comes from tackling those issues head on, and positive change won’t transpire until you take the time to address them.

3) It conflates your self-worth with your schedule. Repeat after me: Your value is not intrinsically connected to how much you get done or how important the work you do is. Unfortunately, our society drives precisely the opposite message home, and we buy it hook, line and sinker. You do not need to validate your existence through endless action.

4) You run in a perpetual state of adrenaline-fueled stress and feel guilty when you stop. Go, go, go is not the exception. It’s the rule. If you’re not sprinting, you feel lazy and uncomfortable. But let’s be honest: More than likely, you don’t know what resting feels like because, even during your downtime, you’re mentally calculating a future to-do list while simultaneously trying to determine what a better use of your downtime could be. The direct result? Self-care, such as getting adequate sleep, working out, eating well and being in healthy relationships with others, falls by the wayside.

So, what can you do about it? It’s important to take a good, hard look at your life and ask yourself whether you truly want to change. Though it may not be easy, it’s definitely worth it. Here are four ways to hop off the carousel of busyness.

1) Give yourself time to detox. Summer is a perfect time to make powerful changes in your life. Start by giving yourself permission to employ one simple and powerful word: no. Remember, saying no to one thing means you’re saying yes to another! Establish your value system and cut anything that doesn’t work to build it up. Much like

testing for food allergies, it helps to cut out all non-necessities only to add back what is life-giving later.

2) Give yourself a game plan. Despite what you may think, the opposite of busyness isn’t laziness. It’s purposeful and intentional time spent in ways that honor your values. It can look like a healthy work-life balance, time spent building relationships with family and friends, developing hobbies, as well as granting space to recover from overload. Map out a plan so that rest is an active pursuit and not a passive one.

Despite what you may think, the opposite of busyness isn’t laziness. It’s purposeful and intentional time spent in ways that honor your values.

3) When uncomfortable feelings set in, persevere. Boredom, anxiety or restlessness will come knocking, but when they do, don’t avoid them by hopping on the busy train again. Work through your feelings, express gratitude and beef up your relaxation muscle That’s right! Learning to relax isn’t just an art— it’s also a discipline that requires training! By facing the things head on that bring you discomfort, you reclaim power over your fears, quiet your ego and master your mindset.

4) Check in with yourself. If you’ve defaulted to being busy for the sake of being busy for quite some time, falling back into old habits is too easy. Be honest with yourself and course correct when needed. It might be a long process but one worth pursuing. You’ve got this!

Lauren Greenlee is a homeschooling boy mom of four kiddos ranging from teenager to toddler. A recovering busyness addict, she seeks to find balance in the chaos. She writes from her Olathe home.

WHAT PARENTS CAN LEARN FROM KIDS

Parents usually impart lessons to children. But there are many valuable lessons we can learn from our children, such as living in the moment, making new friends, forgiving quickly, being true to yourself, trying new things, listening well to others and laughing more. As we head into spring, let’s take note from these wise youngsters we are raising and be reminded of what really matters.

“How to always be in the moment,” says Heidi Murray, mother of four.

Children are the best at this, aren’t they? Children act like they don’t have a care in the world because they generally don’t. They have no long-term goals or worries so they are 100 percent living in the moment— which can explain their big emotions, as well as being easily distracted. But there’s something beautiful in that, right? When was the last time you experienced the utter joy of a baby’s swinging at the playground? We may smile and coo at them, but more often than not, we’re also worried whether the other parents think our baby is too little to be swinging on her own or taking out our phone to take a video of the moment. I’m not saying we shouldn’t document (because they really do grow up way too fast), but maybe we try to be in the moment a little more frequently. Notice the true blue sky, the birdsong, the taste of that perfect latte, the freshness in the air and the simple belly laughs of that swinging baby.

How to make new friends

There’s a reason so many memes and articles address how to make friends as an adult. It’s challenging! So it can be helpful to take notes from our children on how and where they are making their friends. Friendships often develop from proximity, commitment and shared interests. Kids make friends at school because they spend time with other kids there every day. Kids also make friends on their baseball teams and in their dance classes because they all enjoy doing that activity. Perhaps it’s time to make some friends at work by sitting in

the break room for lunch instead of at your desk. Maybe even get a few people to go out for a quick lunch together. If you work from home like many of us do now, maybe you could start a weekly lunch outing with other work-from-home parents. I’ve hosted a couple lunches for some work-fromhome women in our neighborhood, and it’s been a fun, quick hour of connection that doesn’t compete with after-school activities and family commitments. If that’s not an option, consider signing up for your own class after work—try weekly exercise classes or monthly book or craft clubs. Remember what you enjoyed when you were a child and see whether you can find that joy again, along with some new friends.

“How to forgive quickly,” suggests Casey Fraser, mother of four.

Children, especially when they’re younger, forgive quickly and move on to the next exciting toy they want to play with. They don’t hold grudges like we tend to do as we grow older. Obviously, there are a lot of dimensions to forgiveness and navigating life experiences, but maybe we can learn to forgive quickly on the little things that really don’t matter in a day’s or week’s time. Maybe we offer others and ourselves the benefit of the doubt more often than not. One of my favorite ways to do this is to assume crazy drivers have a sick kid or another crisis they are dealing with and to pray that they are safe, to keep others out of their way and that their day gets better. Doing this always makes me feel better than getting upset about the behavior and letting it set a tone for the rest of my day. This is also a great thing to practice within the walls of our home.

“How to live your life and be yourself without worrying about what others think or how they feel about you,” advises Emily Hilley, mother of two.

Wouldn’t this be a lovely thing if everyone lived true to themselves and didn’t worry about what others thought of them? I can’t even imagine—getting dressed,

working a job you loved regardless of others’ expectations or income brackets, eating what you’d like, enjoying activities you want to do, and more! Kids are pretty certain and vocal about what they like and don’t like, even if it’s an unpopular opinion like not liking pizza or, like my 2-year-old daughter, saying dresses are “too fancy.” Kids typically shrug things off and ask for something they do like. As adults, we can have more tact but can still stay true to who we are. If our friends always want to go out for sushi and it’s just not our thing, we can stand up for ourselves and request a different cuisine that everyone can enjoy. If you love a style that others think is outdated, who cares? Finding joy is such a lovely thing these days, so stay true to who you uniquely are.

Try new things

If you think about it, children try new things nearly every day because many things are still new to them! They try all new foods as they begin solids, try the new big slide, try dance class for the first time or a new club at school as they get older. As adults, we get in our safe bubbles and routines and often forget how to step outside our safety zone to try something new. We humans will never be able to know it all, so we still have so many opportunities to be brave and learn something new. Perhaps it’s not basic math facts like your elementary school student, but you can still learn a new hobby or even a new topic from reading a book. It could even be something bigger like going back to school to get a degree in something you now find, or always found, interesting. That new knowledge could even lead to a new job that brings you more joy. Traveling to new places can be a great way to try new things, too. Figuring out transportation, trying new restaurants and even scuba diving for the first time add spark to our thinking and enrich our experience. The world has plenty of new things for all of us to learn. You might even try new things with your family!

6-year-olds

300 times a day.

Pamela Gerloff in her article “Why

Laugh Like a 5-YearOld” on HuffPost.com.

“I’ve learned from my (now adult) children that they don’t need me to fix every problem, they just want me to listen and acknowledge their feelings,” says Michael Rife Houghton, mother of two.

I think we could all benefit from learning how to listen to others better. It’s been a long couple of years, and we often gravitate to others with likeminded opinions, but there’s value in learning how to listen without reacting or commenting. We can practice with our own families, too, by showing that we’re choosing to listen to what they’re saying by setting our phones down and giving actual eye contact. I know I often ask my children to stop what they’re doing and look at me so I know they’re listening, so I should do the same when they want me to listen to them, right?

Laugh more

“I suppose it could be an urban legend that 4- to 6-year-olds laugh 300 times a day. No matter, really. The point is that children laugh more than adults do. And that ought to tell us something,” says Pamela Gerloff in her article “Why You Need to Laugh Like a 5-Year-Old” on HuffPost.com. Children find humor in everything, from potty jokes to putting underwear on their heads. I do think they look for humor and ways to laugh as much as possible. We adults can often find laughter distracting or feel we haven’t earned our joyful time of the day until our work and commitments are completed. Then we can sit down and re-watch The Office. But we should seek out joy and humor often: Read humorous books, take a 10-minute break to watch funny pet videos, listen to a comedy station or funny podcast on our commute,

text a funny joke or meme to friends or have a tickle fight with our kids. Embrace those laugh lines and laugh at those potty jokes your kindergartner finds hilarious.

Children come into this world like little innocent sponges, and we do our best to teach them the Golden Rule and how to take care of themselves and others. I think it’s always going to be wise for us to pause and get back to the basics of what’s actually important in this one life we get to live. Treat others how we want to be treated, take naps and eat snacks to keep our blood sugar in check so we don’t throw a tantrum.

Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 11, Mason, 10, and Slade, 6, and is always trying to teach her children but could really benefit from learning from them more too.

“I suppose it could be an urban legend that 4- to

laugh

No matter, really. The point is that children laugh more than adults do. And that ought to tell us something,” says

You Need to

WHAT KIND OF MOM ARE YOU?

Aren’t we all a little guilty of labeling other moms? Sure, we all share the common goal of nurturing a happy, healthy family, and we make different choices to get there. But just for fun, have you ever considered what “mom category” you most likely fall into?

It is a busy school night. What is for dinner?

a. Tofu stir-fry

b. Pizza

c. Crockpot meal d. Hot dogs

e. Mac and cheese

f. One of your wholesome premade meals from the freezer

Your family pet is a:

a. Rescue dog or cat

b. Cat or purse-sized puppy c. Golden retriever or Labrador d. A boxer or German shepherd e. Dogs, cats, fish, gerbils ... we have a houseful f. An electronic kitten

Your kids want to go to an amusement park with friends. You: a. Say OK, but with strict instructions that they are not to eat anything with artificial colors.

b. Warn them not to ruin those jeans you got them. They cost a fortune. c. Look online to see whether there are any coupon deals. d. Insist on going, too. You are never too old for roller coasters! e. Say no problem and offer to drive.

f. Agree, but secretly begin agonizing about the safety of the rides.

Your 10-year-old is begging for the latest smartphone. You say:

a. No way. You can use a flip phone when you need to reach me.

b. Yes, let’s go shopping!

c. OK, but first we are going to draw up a contract together and discuss the rules and responsibilities of owning a smartphone.

d. Well, I don’t want you to be the only one of your friends who doesn’t have one.

e. Sure, whatever. Let’s add you to the family plan.

f. Are you kidding? A phone will expose your developing brain to harmful radiation.

Your child has an early morning soccer game. You are most likely to wear:

a. Yoga pants and an organic cotton t-shirt.

b. Designer jeans, trendy boots, hip jacket and a cute hat.

c. Comfy jeans and your favorite t-shirt.

d. Team shirt, capris and a great attitude.

e. Oops, forgot to do laundry. Pull on something relatively clean.

f. Soccer causes concussions. My kids don’t play soccer.

You relax by:

a. Making homemade soaps and gardening.

b. Shopping and a spa day.

c. Relax? What?

d. Cheering on your favorite team.

e. Sleeping in and watching old movies.

f. Cleaning and organizing.

A vacation for your family looks like:

a. Camping.

b. Relaxing at a beachside resort.

c. Disney World and a full schedule of activities.

d. Wherever my child’s tournament is also being played.

e. A leisurely drive to your destination with stops at historical landmarks and tourist attractions along the way.

f. Family lake house.

How many extracurricular activities is each of your children in?

a. 0-2 b. 2-3 c. 4-5 d. 6+ e. I don’t have a clue.

Your

car:

a. Has a picture of the earth on it. b. Is detailed at least once a month. c. Has your website on the rear windshield. d. Features decals of your kids’ names and the sports they play. e. Is littered with crumbs, sippy cups and toys. f. Is meticulously clean.

Your friend invites you to join her for a manicure. You say: a. Come over! I’ll show you how to do an inexpensive, all-natural mani that you’ll love. b. Sure, I could use a little pampering.

c. I’d love to and then post a photo of the two of you enjoying your time on Facebook.

d. Absolutely! I wonder if they can put a baseball design on my nails? e. Fun! Let’s have lunch, too! f. Hmmm. Does this place clean their tools between clients?

Your favorite workout is: a. Om! Yoga all the way. b. Tennis. c. Jazzercize. Group exercise is motivating. d. Running. Walking is for whiners. e. Chasing my kids. f. Weights and cardio with a personal trainer.

Your toddler has a meltdown at the store. You:

a. Hand him homemade fruit leather you stashed in your purse. He is quickly appeased. b. Are surprised. This undesirable behavior clearly runs on your husband’s side.

c. Take a photo of your screaming tot and post it to Facebook with the breezy status “Another day in paradise!” Your friends quickly commiserate. d. Annoyed, you pick him up, abandon the cart and flee the store. e. Allow him to carry on. He’s only embarrassing himself.

f. Get worried and wonder whether he is acting out because he is coming down with something.

Your parenting mantra is:

a. “Eat real food. Live simply. Recycle like there is no tomorrow.” b. “To be the best mom, you have to take care of yourself.”

c. “Need something done? Ask a busy mom!”

d. “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” e. “Keep calm and carry on.”

f. “Cleanliness is next to godliness!”

You organize your family by:

a. Using an old-fashioned day-planner.

b. Hiring a virtual assistant.

c. Plugging everything into your smartphone.

d. Recording all activities on the family wall calendar, color-coded according to the family member.

e. Taking a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants approach. It will all work out. f. Each person has a folder

On the first day of school, you:

a. Sadly drop your child off and start researching how to home-school.

b. Skip through the morning routine singing, “It’s the most wonderful day of the year!”

c. Post Instagram photos of your kids dressed for the first day in Pinterest-inspired poses.

d. Give your kids a pep talk before dropping them off.

e. Weep at the passing of another summer.

f. Deliver an extra supply of disinfectant wipes to the teacher.

Your kids are performing in the school musical. You:

a. Prepare a healthy dinner before performance time. Good food will help them focus.

b. Work with the music teacher to ensure the costume designs are just right.

c. Arrive an hour-and-a-half before performance time. How else are you going to visit with friends and get a good seat for your YouTube recording?

d. Rehearse daily with your kids. You would be mortified if they screwed up.

e. Remind your kids to practice their lines and assume they have it under control.

f. Stay awake worrying the night before. What if a piece of equipment falls on their heads? Could they fall off of the stage? You’ve heard about these things happening.

IF MOST OF YOUR ANSWERS WERE:

(A) Crunchy Mama

From food to cleansers, you take an all-natural approach to life. You are committed to a healthy lifestyle and to feeding your family wholesome, unprocessed foods. You either belong to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) for locally sourced foods or you grow your own. You typically shop at places like Whole Foods and Sprouts with your cloth bags in hand. If you wear makeup, you keep it simple. You opted for a natural birth with your children, hired a doula and had a birth plan in place when you were pregnant. You have a “breast is best” philosophy for feeding your babies. You may have opted to home-school your kids.

What others admire about you: Your commitment to living a more holistic, simpler life.

(B) Butterfly Mama

You rarely have a hair out of place, and other moms are constantly wondering how you manage to look so classy and put together all the time. You have a quiet confidence and own your fashionable style. You not only care about how you look, you also have the attitude that self-care is important to being a better mother. Your home further reflects your creativity and is a show stopper that is as comfortable as it is stylish. Whether you shop at garage sales or high-end department stores, you always know what looks good, and your kids generally share your sense of style.

What others admire about you: Your charming personality and fashion sense.

(C) Connected Mama

Social media has created a perfect storm of connection for you. You not only get to chat daily with friends and family from afar, you can share entertaining bits and pieces of your daily life with friends who may be right around the corner. Networking comes with ease, and you manage to find friends wherever you go. You frequently organize moms nights out, get-togethers and events. Your smartphone is your favorite device. Of all the moms listed, you are probably the most sleep deprived, but you thrive on busyness and tend to be exceptionally organized.

What others admire about you: Your vast network and your resourcefulness.

(D) Sports Mama

You love sports as much as your kids. Your competitive nature can get you a little riled up during games. You push your children to always do their best, whether in school, sports or life. You typically wear your hair in a ponytail, sporting a sun visor and a t-shirt that says “Baseball/ Soccer/Football Mom.” You come to games prepared with a cooler full of healthy snacks, bottled water, blankets, an umbrella and a comfortable bleacher chair. Your favorite mode of transportation is your SUV or minivan to accommodate the sports equipment, random water bottles and any team members who need rides. As something of a mother hen, you carry a first-aid kit and can always be depended on to offer praise and encouragement to every player.

What others admire about you: Your can-do, upbeat and playful personality.

(E) Free Spirit Mama

You tend to take a go-with-the-flow approach to life and prefer to live for the present. Your favorite outfit is whatever is clean and ready to throw on first thing in the morning. You don’t let a screaming child rush you into decisions you aren’t comfortable with. You aren’t one to hurry to urgent care the minute your child sneezes, falls or nibbles on some sand. You don’t worry too much about the daily messes and chaos of life. Your attitude is that inconveniences and frustrations will sort themselves out eventually. For now, you say, let’s celebrate the moments and embrace the journey.

What others admire about you: Your reliable, even-keeled sense of calm.

(F) Mama Bear

Committed to the health and wellness of the family, you are an avid reader of medical news and child development books. You tend to worry about your family frequently and pay close attention to any sniffles or complaints of body aches. You frequently evaluate whether your kids’ behavior is caused by illness, allergy or some other disorder, and you aren’t shy about consulting with the pediatrician. Your kids knew about stranger danger and how germs spread before any other kid on the block. You keep a bottle of hand sanitizer in the car, the house and in your purse. You are happiest in a clean, well-organized environment.

What others admire about you: Your nurturing, fiercely protective spirit.

“Mama Bear” Christa M. Hines is a nationally published freelance writer and the mom of two teen boys.

HOW TO BE A MORE POSITIVE PARENT

appiness begins the moment you open your eyes in the morning. There are ways to carry that positivity throughout every moment of your day, from the first diaper change to the last bottle at night.

Positive parenting focuses on building your children’s self-esteem, character and independence, so they have the skills to succeed as adults. Being a positive mom or dad requires a lot of work and discipline on your part, but the outcome is worth it. Always remember to be that positive role model for your kids and encourage good behavior. We can’t help but fall short of perfection, of course. However, in your children’s eyes, you are the perfect role model for a positive attitude.

The desire to set a good example for your children begins the moment you give them their first snuggle. Infants are tiny sponges and will be happy when you talk to them, finding your voice calming. Answer when your baby makes sounds by repeating those sounds and adding words, which helps him learn to use language. Read to your baby, sing to your baby and play music. These are positive, fun ways to give little ones a love of both words and melodies. Cuddle and make sure your little one feels cared for and secure. Play with him when he’s alert and relaxed, and when you see signs of his tiring, take a break from playing. Distract your baby with toys and move him to safe areas when he starts moving and touching things he

Don’t beat yourself up when your child tears a plant out of a planter then eats the dirt. Or your two little ones scream at each other over a toy. Remember, you are the maker of these two miracles and there is some of your personality in there! Work with them to foster a sense of independence, so they take responsibility for their actions. When you do have to discipline, be fair and consistent. Explain what your child did wrong so she can learn from

“If you have never been hated by your child, you’ve never been a parent.”

– Bette Davis

Your kids naturally watch you and repeat your behavior. If you model good behavior for them, they are more likely to pick up good habits. Behave the way you want them to behave and show them the qualities you want them to have.

One tip is to ask yourself whether you’d be happy if your kids were acting like you right now. If not, adjust your behavior. For example, don’t yell at a driver who cuts you off in traffic, don’t throw that bill you don’t like across the room and try not to have disagreements with people in front of your children.

Schedule quality time with your child each day, as children sometimes act out when they feel neglected. Do your best to find time throughout your day to connect. This doesn’t need to be a lot of time as they get older, and even a few minutes could make a difference in your child’s day. Simply share one meal a day if you can. This may not seem like a lot of time, but it brings you and your children together on a regular schedule—whether you cook together or order takeout.

Another great option for quality time is to schedule a family night each week to watch a movie or play a game. Teenagers may want less regular time with you, which is normal. But if they do express a need to talk or spend time with you, make the time as soon as you can. Don’t reject their need for attention.

fill a child’s bucket of self-esteem so high that the rest of the world can’t poke enough holes to drain it dry.”

their room without being asked. This teaches them they get more attention for being good.

Teaching compassion is imperative in today’s world and shows children that caring for other people is an important part of being a positive person. Start early and teach your child that there are other people in the world who face their own challenges. Model compassion and monitor your emotions and words when you encounter difficult people. Be kind and calm to show children how to interact with people in a positive way. Correct your child if she says something insensitive. For example, if she says, “That man seems really angry,” you can say, “We don’t know what he’s going through. He could be having a bad day.”

– Author Unknown

As children get a bit older, encourage them to do some volunteer work—and even do it with them. This can show them how other people live and why they should have empathy. When my son and daughter were early teens, we volunteered as a family to serve a meal at a homeless shelter through our church. Seeing the homeless children at the tables made a lasting impression on both of them and our entire family. As adults, they now donate clothing, food and time to charities.

Being a parent is a learning process and hard work. Remember, it is easier to enjoy your child at any age and to be a positive, loving parent when you are feeling good yourself. So be sure to model self-care for your children—it will do you all some good!

From their earliest age, remember to compliment your children for good behaviors—don’t just react when they do something bad or misbehave. In time, that can teach little ones they can get attention for bad behavior! Flip this and catch your children doing good things and praise, compliment and thank them. For example, if she is sitting quietly coloring, say, “You’re doing such a good job!” And praise the way your son interacts with friends or his sister and brother: “You played nicely with your sister. That was so nice of you.” As they get older, praise them for doing a great job cleaning

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

SOURCES: CDC.gov, WikiHow.life, MomJunction.com

“Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it.”

– Harold Hubert

“Your children need your presence more than your presents.”

– Jesse Jackson

“Parents need to

– Alvin Price

“We may not be able to prepare the future for our children, but we can at least prepare our children for the future.”

SAY GOODBYE TO MOM BURNOUT

Whether you have one child or a passel of children, stay at home or work full time, have teenagers or toddlers, send your kids to school or homeschool, motherhood is all-consuming. If you’re not with your kids, chances are you’re either preparing for when you will be with them next or you’re worried about them while they’re not in your presence. (I hear this doesn’t particularly go away when your kids get older either!) Parenting is a 24/7 investment in a life outside of your own. This coupled with a handful of factors—a cultural shift for hyper hands-on parenting, a lack of face-to-face connection plus instant access to the curated version of other moms’ lives on social media, as well as lack of family support—are leading causes for mom burnout. What is mom burnout, you may wonder. Symptoms include feeling:

n Overwhelmed, tired and stressed, regardless of how well rested you are.

n Overextended and as if there isn’t enough of you to give to all that you’re responsible for.

n Increasing disinterest in your child’s interests or activities.

n Guilt and shame for not loving being a mom or feeling like a failure as one.

n Constantly second-guessing yourself.

n Short-tempered, numb or disconnected from relationships with family and friends as a result.

If you find yourself identifying with these challenges, you’re not alone. Mom burnout not only impacts the matriarchs of a family, but can also deeply impact a marriage and children. While there aren’t over-the-counter prescriptions for mom burnout, there are many ways to go about remedying it.

The first step is to realize that mom burnout doesn’t happen overnight. Prolonged states of excessive stress over

time are what lead to physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. At its inception, moms may feel overwhelmed because of circumstances such as enduring a sleepless night with a newborn. But when chronic stress pervades, it can lead to generalized anxiety, depression, insomnia and loss or increase in appetite. Be kind to yourself as you reestablish healthy boundaries and give yourself grace and patience in the process.

The second step is critical: Focus your efforts on what you have control of. Mom burnout can seem inescapable when you feel trapped in your circumstances. And the reality for many of us is that we can’t lighten our load instantly. Start with what you do have control over: your schedule, your expectations, your self-care and your boundaries.

EXTERNAL FACTORS

Dawn Madsen lived for the day she could be a mom. But after having four children, she found herself at a loss. Her dream job was causing her extreme anxiety and frustration. She quickly realized that her biggest sources of stress were induced by home management. Overwhelmed by the amount of stuff that was taking over, Dawn decided to research better organizational practices. But after listening to minimalist Joshua Becker’s podcast, she realized that her issues didn’t derive from a lack of organization. They stemmed from simply having too much inventory to manage. In an effort to simplify her family life and reclaim joy, Dawn and her family eliminated over 80% of their household items. She now creates content encouraging others to do the same at her website The Minimal Mom.

“Material possessions didn’t make me happy,” Dawn notes. “They didn’t make life more enjoyable. It was the opposite! That stuff was mocking me on a daily basis, and I wanted it out of my life. I didn’t want to waste my precious time and energy by managing stuff anymore!”

One of the easiest ways to reclaim your time as a mom is to eliminate the things in your life that are taking you away from your primary values. Saying “no” to one thing means saying “yes” to another. So, if you need more downtime with your kids, it may look like saying “no” to fun yet unnecessary extracurriculars, putting restrictions on your own social media use or getting rid of physical items that require more of you than you’re getting from them in return.

INTERNAL FACTORS

Moms tend to be their own worst enemies, heaping guilt and shame on themselves for not doing all the things. We forget that our kids don’t need perfect parents; they need “good enough” parents. Oftentimes, stress comes in the form of placing unrealistic expectations on ourselves that no one else is placing. We can’t be all things to all people. Moms can easily feel guilty about this but they shouldn’t. Developing personal boundaries preserves your energy for what really matters. Only sign up for what you’re willing and capable of participating in at 100%. Pick up store-bought cookies instead of baking homemade ones for the bake sale if you don’t have time. Prioritize time for self-care. Get sunshine, drink plenty of water, develop a personal hobby and make sure you’re guarding time for sleep, being alone and being with others. Likewise, realizing your limitations may account for your children’s strengths.

Learning to let go of unhealthy expectations gives freedom to allow help to come in many forms. Delegating work to your spouse, in-laws, parents, a babysitter or your older children means that things may not always be done to your standard. But allowing others to share in the workload can help alleviate the stress that comes with having to do things your way.

DEVELOP JOY

Being a mom is often a thankless role. Overnight, moms can often lose their identity in being a caretaker and lament in losing themselves in parenthood. It’s culturally trendy to engage in playing the victim, but make no mistake, constant complaining is the fast track to growing bitter and resentful. So just how do you find joy when you’re “on empty”?

Care for your children for the right reasons. As Cindy Singleton says in her article “Mom Burnout”:

Motherhood is no joke. We’ve been entrusted with building a foundation of unconditional love, security, and safety for our children. No one else on earth can influence your child in the same way you can. And no one else will waste a second thought on the issues you lose sleep over.

You play an invaluable role in the life of your child. Appreciate the gift it is to do something so great.

Treasure the ordinary moments. Our years are made up in large part of mundane activities: carpool lines, running errands, making dinner and ushering in bedtime routines. These moments aren’t keeping us from the good stuff. They are the good stuff. When your kids look back on their childhood, they’ll remember how they felt during those very average days.

Lauren Greenlee is an Olathe boymom of four ranging from teenagers to toddler.

FEBRUARY KC TRIVIA

What is the most popular valentine candy in Kansas, according to CandyStore.com? A) Conversation hearts

Chocolate roses

Heart-shaped box of chocolates

M&Ms

Nuniq, the Kansas City Zoo’s resident polar bear, eats a menu of herring, capelin, trout, polar bear kibble, lard and a selection of fruits and vegetables. Approximately how many pounds of food does Nuniq eat daily? A) 40 B) 38 C) 25 D) 62

What is the most popular valentine candy in Missouri, according to CandyStore.com? A) Conversation hearts B) Chocolate roses C) Heart-shaped box of chocolates

Hallmark first started offering valentine cards in what year? A) 1913

The Town of Kansas was incorporated by the state of Missouri as the City of Kansas on Feb. 22 of what year? A) 1861 B) 1850 C) 1903 D) 1853

On Feb. 9, 1920, the city council approved a plan to build Kansas City’s Liberty Memorial. How tall is the tower?

The Crown Center Ice Terrace is celebrating how many seasons of fun this year? A) 35 B) 45 C) 50 D) 60

If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow on Groundhog Day (Feb. 2), it signals six more weeks of winter. What is this groundhog’s age, according to folklore? A) 175 B) 135

h

Valentine’s Fun in KC

BY KRISTINA LIGHT

CELEBRATE WITH HEARTS

Historians believe that rapid heartbeats when one is excited, upset or in love led people to believe that the heart was the seat of emotions. This belief took hold and carried on through poetry, books and art. Cupids shooting arrows through heart shapes have become lasting symbols of Valentine’s Day.

Snap a photo with a neon heart in Downtown Lee’s Summit at Third & Douglas. The vintage heart is one of the signatures of the quaint downtown district, standing in honor of Dale Hartley, the original owner of Hartley’s Furniture and a founding member of Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street. The beautiful red heart is a great place to snap a pic for Instagram when you visit the boutiques, restaurants and local businesses in the district.

Feast on heart-shaped pizza. Minsky’s (Minskys.com) has been serving gourmet pizza to Kansas City since 1976. The pizzeria commemorates Valentine’s Day with heart-shaped pizzas, a tasty and memorable meal the family will love.

Wear a heart. Charlie Hustle’s signature KC Heart t-shirt has seen many design iterations over the years, but it remains a signature of a tried-and-true Kansas Citian. Show your love for your community and your neighbors with the KC Heart shirt.

CELEBRATE WITH CHOCOLATE

Since the mid-1800s, chocolate has been a traditional valentine gift. Richard Cadbury, a British chocolate manufacturer, is attributed with selling chocolates in heart-shaped boxes in the 1860s. Milton Hershey launched “kisses” in Pennsylvania in 1907. But the most successful commercial valentine chocolate company has a Kansas City history. In 1923, Clara and Russell Stover began making candy in the kitchen of their Denver bungalow home. By 1924, the Stovers were operating five stores, including a location in Kansas City. As the business grew, they opened their first factory in Kansas City in 1928, and all operations were based in KC by 1932. Russell Stover chocolates are still popular and available at stores across the nation.

Other favorite local chocolatiers include Christopher Elbow, known for gourmet artisan creations, André’s Confiserie Suisse, making decadent Swiss chocolates in KC since 1955, Laura Little’s, selling personalized valentine chocolates, and Chip’s, a Crown Center shop where you can watch as fudge and chocolates are made right before your eyes.

You can also visit a local restaurant for a bit of decadence. Dip chocolate at the Melting Pot on the Country Club Plaza. This fondue restaurant is known for indulgent chocolate fondue—the perfect complement to berries, bananas, pastries and marshmallows. Another favorite Plaza dessert is the Chocolate Bag at McCormick & Schmick’s. This chef prepared dessert is a bag made entirely of chocolate and filled with creamy white chocolate mousse and fresh berries topped with whipped cream.

Charlie Hustle

Christopher Elbow

WAYS TO ENJOY 28 DAYS IN FEBRUARY

By Kristina Light

8

Celebrate America’s pastime at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which showcases the history of American baseball from the Black perspective, beginning in 1863, and acquaints you with many famous local baseball stars.

1

A favorite place to spend a winter day is KidScape at the Johnson County Museum (JCPRD.com/1836/museum), a whimsical, handson, child-sized city. Children time travel to different periods and communities from the region’s past. They enjoy pretend play as they work on the farm, perform at the theater or puppet show, teach in the school, deliver the mail, care for patients at the hospital and fry up some burgers at the diner.

2

3

4

5

Catch Coterie Theatre’s (TheCoterie.org) showing of Only One Day a Year. This National Endowment for the Arts award-winning play intertwines present day with the last segregated days of Fairyland amusement park. Inspired by overlooked Kansas City history!

Spread some joy by purchasing a plant to give to a loved one for Valentine’s Day—or just because. Check out Family Tree Nursery for a great selection of plants, trees, greenery, shrubs and more!

Explore the NelsonAtkins Museum of Art. They offer great family guides and scavenger hunts at their information center. Admission is free; there is a fee for parking.

6

Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo.org) visits are especially fun in the winter, as the animals are especially playful, and the crowds are smaller. The indoor exhibits at the Polar Bear Passage, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Tropics and Discovery Barn are great on chilly days.

Challenge the kids to a game of bowling! Head to Mission Bowl (MissionBowl.com) in Olathe, a family-friendly bowling center in Johnson County. 7

9 Take a spin on the ice. Our favorite outdoor rinks are open for the season: Crown Center Ice Terrace (816.274.8411), The Rink at Zona Rosa (816.208.3690) and Chicken N Pickle Overland Park (913.703.5950).

For more local rinks, search “Winter Sports” on KCParent.com.

Step back in time at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm (Mahaffie.org) where you may tour the farm home and Santa Fe Trail stagecoach stop, as well as enjoy stagecoach rides and sleigh rides (on snowy days).

Visit the Truman Presidential Library and learn about the nation’s 33rd president. This recently renovated museum offers state-of-the-art interactive exhibits. 17

Challenge yourself on the Warrior Obstacle Course or Slam Dunk Zone at Urban Air, the ultimate indoor trampoline park with locations in Overland Park and Lenexa (UrbanAirOP.com). 18

10

Walk through an underwater tunnel at Sea Life Kansas City (VisitSeaLife.com). Enjoy up-close views of more than 5,000 sea creatures.

The National World War I Museum and Memorial (TheWorldWar.org) is not only a Kansas City landmark, but an American landmark. The museum tells the story of the Great War through interactive displays, thought-provoking films and eyewitness testimonies. 12

Attend the celebration of the century when Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate at T-Mobile Center Feb. 23-26. Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as mouse-ter of ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters.

Help with Harvesters Food Pantry, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Great Plains SPCA or another local organization through your house of worship or school. Giving back to the community is an important part of growing up. 14

Attend Störling Dance Theater’s Underground, showing Feb. 3-4, CultureHouse.com. The vision for Störling Dance Theater’s Underground began in 2000 as a positive approach to addressing growing divisiveness over race in American culture.

15

Ride the sky bike at Science City (ScienceCity. UnionStation.org), then explore the water table, dig for dinosaur fossils, make something in the maker lab and learn new things about DNA, nature and the earth. Consider purchasing a membership to enjoy unlimited visits all year long!

Visit Kaleidoscope, a free hands-on art center where children use their imaginations to make art with leftover materials from Hallmark’s manufacturing. 19

Explore the night sky at the Gottlieb Planetarium at Union Station, which offers interactive astronomy education, public shows and telescope viewing. 20

Paint your own ceramic creations at Ceramic Cafe (CeramicCafe KC.com). They supply the ceramics, the paints and the brushes … you just supply the creative budding artists! 21

Collect a free bag of cash—shredded, that is—at the Money Museum (816.881.2683), a free museum where you’ll learn how the Federal Reserve Bank works.

Spend a day among the shelves at the local library looking for new books and exploring sections you’ve never explored before. Make a new discovery with a visit to a new branch.

Learn about historical U.S. aircraft at the Airline History Museum. 24 Build at Legoland Discovery Center (LegolandDiscovery Center.com/kansascity), where you can play with the world’s biggest box of Legos. 25

Walk around Legends Outlets (Legends Shopping.com). Shop, take in a movie, eat dinner and learn about local legends with their outdoor sculptures. 26

Explore the Arabia Steamboat Museum. The boat preserved in the museum is famous for sinking on an 1856 Missouri River journey. 27

With hands-on exhibits and listening centers, the American Jazz Museum (American JazzMusuem.org) invites children to learn about the history.

Weather permitting, take the family sledding! Visit KCParent.com for a list of the best sledding hills in Kansas City!

play

On certain days, bring the kids to Urban Air for Jumperoo, a special time when the entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent.

UrbanAirTrampoline Park.com

read

Take MCPL’s Winter Reading Challenge thru March 15. Read any five books in two months to earn a free, limitededition mug! Details and registration at MyMCPL.org

enjoy

Bring the kids to see Cenicienta: A Bilingual Cinderella Story Feb. 2-3 at the Midwest Trust Center. Tale tackles cultural heritage, family and more. JCCC.edu/Midwesttrust-center

watch

Störling Dance presents Underground Feb. 3-4 at the Kauffman Center. See the powerful and inspiring portrayal of the Underground Railroad. CultureHouse.com

see

Disney on Ice presents Let’s Celebrate at the T-Mobile Center on Feb. 23-26. The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney on Ice.

AXS.com

Disney on Ice presents Let’s Celebrate at the T-Mobile Center

1 Wednesday

All School Open House 9:00, the Barstow School. Plan for the next school year! The open house is a one-stop overview of everything Barstow has to offer. Pre-reg at BarstowSchool.org.

Open Gym 9:30, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Grab a coffee from the coffee shop and hang out with friends while your kiddos get their energy out! KawPrairie.org

Family Night 5:00, Lenexa Public Market. Bring the whole family for free activities and classic board games. Visit website for dining specials. LenexaPublicMarket.com

2 Thursday Groundhog Day

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. On Mondays and Thursdays, toddlers 5 and under can paint one selected item for just $12! CeramicCafeKC.com

Cenicienta: A Bilingual Cinderella Story Today and tomorrow, Midwest Trust Center. Tale tackles cultural heritage, family and the power of language. JCCC.edu/Midwest-trust-center

World Wetland Day 1:00, George Owens Nature Park. Learn about wetlands, along with how we collect rainwater and snow melt! 816.325.7115

3 Friday

Toddler Time 2.0 10:00, Blue Springs Fieldhouse. Play inside the fieldhouse on mats, scooters, slides, a bounce house and more. BlueSpringsGov.com

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

Inspired for Life Women’s Conference Today and tomorrow, Church of the Resurrection (Leawood). Uplifting speakers, spiritual growth and more! Pre-reg at IFL.COR.org.

Real Encouragement Conference 9:00, Westside Family Church. A unique event to support foster and kinship parents. Pre-reg at RealEncouragement.org.

KC Remodel and Garden Show Thru Sunday, American Royal Center. The show features highinterest exhibits, experts and the latest trends. KCRemodelAndGarden.com

Native Landscape Chat 1:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Visit with native landscape specialists to get tips on how to prep for spring. Ages 14+. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov.

Daddy Daughter Dance Today and tomorrow, Vesper Hall (Blue Springs). Event includes a dinner, dancing, photo booth pictures and DJ! Pre-reg at BlueSpringsGov.com.

First Fridays 7:00, Crossroads Art District. Art galleries, retailers and other participating art venues located in the Crossroads Art District showcase art. KCCrossroads.org

4 Saturday

Early Childhood and Kindergarten Roundups 8:30, the Barstow School. Plan now for your child’s next school year! Schedule your roundup visit at BarstowSchool.org.

Kids Projects and Activities 9:00, Home Depot locations across the metro. Children will enjoy making their own Valentine’s vase. HomeDepot.com/c/kids

Cupid’s Gems Jewelry Show 10:00, Thompson Barn (Lenexa). Enjoy a day with girlfriends or a mother-daughter outing. Shop for handcrafted jewelry. Lenexa.com

Harmonious Hues 10:00 or 2:00, Nerman Museum. Learn about color schemes and create a monochromatic painting. Ages 5-7. Pre-reg at NermanMuseum.org.

Under the Sea Royal Tea 10:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Enjoy snacks, crafts and photo ops with princesses at the royal castle. Pre-reg at 913.613.5200.

Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Children hear a story, make a craft and often see a wildlife interpretation. LakesideNatureCenter.org

Wildlife: Where Are the Animals? 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Learn more about what happens to animals in the winter. MDC.mo.gov

Chinese New Year Temple Fair Noon, Platte Woods United Methodist Church. Performances, activities, snacks, food and more! Best4Future.org

Father Daughter Dance Today and tomorrow, Gamber Community Center. Catered dinner, professional pictures, goodie bag and much more. Pre-reg at CityOfLS.net.

Valentine Ball 6:00, Merriam Community Center. Join us for a magical night of tasty treats, DJ and dancing. Pre-reg at Merriam.org.

Daddy Daughter Dance 6:00, Meadowlark Event Center (Spring Hill). Come out and join us for a night of fun with dancing, music, refreshments and more! Pre-reg at SpringHillRec.org.

Daddy Daughter Date Night 6:30, Leawood Community Center. Enjoy snacks, dinner and a DJ for dancing! Pre-reg at Leawood.org.

Father Daughter Dance 7:00, VIP Special Event Place (Parkville). Rolling out the red carpet for this special event for dads and daughters. 816.783.3223

Father Daughter Valentine Dance 7:00, Grain Valley Parks and Rec. Dancing, refreshments and prizes make this a night to remember! Prereg at CityOfGrainValley.org.

5 Sunday

Brunch and Bingo 10:00, Chicken N Pickle (Overland Park). Join for a delicious brunch and enjoy FREE bingo games. ChickenNPickle.com

Penguin March 11:00, Kansas City Zoo. See our penguins up close as they take a stroll in front of Helzberg Penguin Plaza. KansasCityZoo.org

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

Historic Middle School Book Club 4:30, Alexander Majors Home. Middle schoolers gather to discuss a historical fiction novel. WornallMajors.org

6 Monday

Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Community Center. Play items are available, including push toys, riding toys, balls and inflatables. Lenexa.com

Sensory-Friendly Mondays 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Limited occupancy session for kids with sensory processing differences and autism spectrum disorders. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Baby Story Time 9:30, Corinth Library. A lap-sit program of songs, rhymes and movement for babies. Ages birth-18 months with caregiver. JoCoLbirary.org

7 Tuesday

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Merriam Community Center. Too cold to play in the park? Ride, slide and play inside! Parents supervise children. Merriam.org/park

Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises Thru March 12, Union Station. Journey through the aweinspiring Maya architecture and astonishing cultural accomplishments. UnionStation.org

Ice-Skating 10:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace. Spend the day skating with the family on Kansas City’s public outdoor rink. CrownCenter.com

8 Wednesday

Retro Story Time 10:00, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. Hear a story from long ago read by a guest from the 1950s All-Electric House! Craft included. Pre-reg at 913.831.3359.

Open Gym 9:30, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Grab a coffee from the coffee shop and hang out with friends while your kiddos get their energy out! KawPrairie.org

Family Night 5:00, Lenexa Public Market. Bring the whole family for free activities and classic

Plaza Lights Thru Feb 19, Country Club Plaza. In honor of the Plaza’s Centennial Celebration, the lights are on display through Feb 19! CountryClubPlaza.com

9 Thursday

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Only One Day a Year 9:45 and 11:45, the Coterie. Two stories told in tandem, one based in the era of racial segregation and another set in contemporary times. TheCoterie.org

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. On Mondays and Thursdays, toddlers 5 and under can paint one selected item for just $12! CeramicCafeKC.com

Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists. Plan a playdate for your children and their friends at the amazing showroom! BackyardSpecialists.com

Visit SEA LIFE Turtle Rescue Thru March 5, Sea Life Kansas City. Enjoy a simulated journey where kids can weigh sea turtles, feed them, and guide them back to the ocean. $5 off coupon on pg 68.

SIX-STOP TOUR: SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

1. WONDERFUL WILDLIFE

Spend an entire day at Wonders of Wildlife. This fantastic natural history museum and aquarium bills itself as the “largest, most immersive fish and wildlife attraction in the world!” The 1.5-million-gallon aquarium adventure features 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. Kids love seeing sloths, bears, alligators, flamingoes, otters and countless sea creatures including octopus, sharks, jellyfish and fish from around the world.

2. AN OASIS IN THE OZARKS

Dogwood

Canyon Nature Park, straddling the Missouri/ Arkansas border, is a beautiful 10,000-acre oasis in the Ozarks. The park is beautiful year-round. At Dogwood Canyon, explore the waterpowered mill, where families may watch live demonstrations and tour the small museum showcasing Native American artifacts. Be sure to savor a delicious meal at the restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the waterfall.

3. NATURE LOVERS PARADISE

Bass Pro Shops in Springfield is the brand’s flagship store. The 300,000-squarefoot facility includes waterfalls and aquariums. Children love watching the fish feeding, and you’ll see animal displays and exhibits throughout. Kids also love exploring the various wildlife exhibits and watching demonstrations presented by conservationists.

4. HANDS-ON SCIENCE

The Discovery Center of Springfield is an interactive handson science center. Kids learn how to “go green” at the Energy Exchange, ride a high-wire bike, learn about the human body at Body Works and explore the sciences, including physics, chemistry, energy, health and culture.

Tip: Science City KC members receive free admission to the Discovery Center when they visit.

5. AN UNDERGROUND WORLD

If you’re traveling with young children, Fantastic Caverns is the cave to see. Known as “America’s only ride-through cave,” the cavern offers an excursion perfect for little ones who may be apt to trip or require carrying on long tours.

The hour-long tour follows an underground riverbed filled with massive formations. The views are breathtaking, and the tour is manageable for all ages.

6. FUN FOOD

America’s Incredible Pizza is the most fun place to eat in Springfield. This isn’t just a pizza place ... America’s Incredible Pizza offers the best in indoor family fun with go-karts, miniature golf, bumper cars, arcade and more. With an affordable buffet and a wide array of family attractions, this is a great place to hang out and enjoy some fun.

Kids Day Out 8:00, Johnson County Museum. Explore KidsScape and museum exhibits, play games, enjoy activities and more! Pre-reg at 913.715.2570

Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Bring the kids to see the Doodle Reef, the touch pool, Stingray Bay and more! Purchase tickets online at VisitSeaLife.com.

Mid-Winter Art Fair Thru Sunday, Ward Parkway Center. Enjoy a three-day event celebrating local artists. SummitArt.org

Cuter Than Cupid 10:30, Meadowbrook Park. Make valentines, play games and enjoy a few sweets. Ages 2-5 with an adult. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Ice-Skating 3:00, the Rink at Zona Rosa. The rink is open daily for public ice-skating, pond hockey, special events and more. ZonaRosa.com

Valentine’s Soiree Today and tomorrow, Powell Gardens. Date night! Enjoy wine and cocktail pairings, hors d’oeuvres, live music and more! PowellGardens.org

11 Saturday

American Indian Sculpture 10:00 and 2:00, Nerman Museum. Learn about contemporary American Indian art and create a wearable sculpture. Pre-reg at NermanMuseum.org.

Kids Club 10:00, Colonial Gardens. Kids enjoy fun activities while you shop at Colonial Gardens or savor a coffee at the Bean Counter. Pre-reg at ColonialGardensKC.com.

Making Valentine Cookies 10:00, Kansas City Museum. Learn how to decorate valentine-themed cookies! Pre-reg at KansasCityMuseum.org.

Wildlife Track-Tective 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Join us as we put on detective caps and create notebooks to learn about animal tracks. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov.

Public Skate 10:00, Ice Pond at Chicken N Pickle (Overland Park). Winter is here, which means it is time to dust off those ice skates! ChickenNPickle.com/overland-park

Little Acorns 10:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Join us for a journey through forests, streams and other magical places as we read select books. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov.

Family Valentine’s Dance 6:00, Centerview (Raymore). Dancing, treats, games and a photo booth await you at the Family Valentine’s Dance! Raymore.com

Family Formal 6:00, the View Community Center. Event includes dinner, dancing, sweet treats and much more! Pre-reg at Grandview.org.

Lucy Loves Desi 8:00, Midwest Trust Center. The hilarious, true story behind one of America’s most beloved TV comedies. JCCC.edu/Midwest-trust-center

12 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

Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove. Explore Cedar Cove with an experienced guide. See these epic animals and learn about them. Tours start every half-hour. SaveOurSiberians.org

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

Sunday Family Series 2:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Bring the family for entertainment and educational experiences. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

13 Monday

Mom & Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3 per person, you get a game, shoe rental and drink on Mondays and Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com

Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. Take the kids to the ultimate indoor playground for the biggest fans of Lego. Purchase tickets at LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com.

Winter Reading Challenge Thru March 15, MCPL. Read any five books in two months to earn a free, limited-edition mug! Details and registration at MyMCPL.org.

14 Tuesday

Valentine’s Day

Mother Goose Rhyme Time 10:00, Antioch Library. An active program of songs, classic rhymes and fingerplays for little ones. JoCoLibrary.org

Discover Nature: Naturalist Hour 2:00, Burr Oak Woods. Go on an adventure with a naturalist to make amazing discoveries as you explore on a trail. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov/events.

Teen/Tween Valentine’s Day Party! 4:00, Ceramic Cafe. Be creative and paint some pottery. A variety of options for everyone’s budget. Play some games and win some great prizes. CeramicCafeKC.com

Puppygrams Thru Feb. 18, all day, Great Plains SPCA. Send a Puppygram! Volunteers will deliver puppies to home or office to play with and snuggle for 15, 30 or 60 minutes. GreatPlainsSPCA.org

15 Wednesday

Open Gym 9:30, Kaw Prairie Community Church. Grab a coffee from the coffee shop and hang out with friends while your kiddos get their energy out! KawPrairie.org

Family Story Time 1:30, Indian Creek Library. Join for stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 3-5 with caregiver. Pre-reg at OlatheLibrary.org.

Family Night 5:00, Lenexa Public Market. Bring the whole family for free activities and classic board games. Visit website for dining specials. LenexaPublicMarket.com

16 Thursday

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. On Mondays and Thursdays, toddlers 5 and under can paint one selected item for just $12! CeramicCafeKC.com

Free Family Fun Nights 5:00, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Come explore a special place where children can create, discover and learn through play. KansasDiscovery.org

17 Friday

Toddler Time 2.0 10:00, Blue Springs Fieldhouse. Play inside the fieldhouse on mats, scooters, slides, a bounce house and more. BlueSpringsGov.com

Kemper Tots 10:30, Kemper Museum. Sing songs, read books, explore art, and make your own art with a Kemper Museum educator. Pre-reg at KemperArt.org.

Local Life Today and tomorrow, downtown Overland Park. Explore locally owned businesses, activities and more. Head to DowntownOP.org for details about this month’s theme.

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

Plaza Lights Thru Feb 19, Country Club Plaza. In honor of the Plaza’s Centennial Celebration, the lights are on display through Feb 19! CountryClubPlaza.com

18 Saturday

Shapes and Balances 10:00 or 2:00, Nerman Museum. Learn about symmetry and create a mask sculpture using clay shapes. Pre-reg at NermanMuseum.org.

Story Time in the Barn 10:00, Alexander Majors Home. Listen to a story and then complete themed activities. Pre-reg at WornallMajors.org.

2023 KC Love Event 10:00, Union Station. Shopping event full of hand-picked vendors with fun for the whole family. CLI.re/26836-2023-kc-love-event

The Urban Woods Event 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Activities to help celebrate trees as one of our most valuable natural resources. MDC.mo.gov

Let’s Love Bugs! 1:00, George Owens Nature Park. Talk about different kinds of insects, arachnids and everything creepy crawly. Pre-reg at 816.325.7115.

19 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

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

Sunday Family Series 2:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Bring the family for entertainment and educational experiences. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

20 Monday

Discover Discipleship Day 9:00, Lenexa Baptist Church. Children K-5th grade are invited for a day of fun and Bible activities. Pre-reg at LenexaBaptist.com/event/3d

Baby Story Time 9:30, Corinth Library. A lap-sit program of songs, rhymes and movement for babies. Ages birth-18 months with caregiver. JoCoLibrary.org

Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises Thru March 12, Union Station. Journey through the aweinspiring Maya architecture and astonishing cultural accomplishments. UnionStation.org

Ice-Skating 3:00, the Rink at Zona Rosa. The rink is open daily for public ice-skating, pond hockey, special events and more. ZonaRosa.com

Visit SEA LIFE Turtle Rescue Thru March 5, Sea Life Kansas City. Enjoy a simulated journey where kids can weigh sea turtles, feed them, and guide them back to the ocean. $5 off coupon on pg 68. VisitSeaLife.com

21 Tuesday

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Merriam Community Center. Too cold to play in the park? Ride, slide and play inside! Parents supervise children. Merriam.org/park

Only One Day a Year 9:45, the Coterie. Two stories told in tandem, one based in the era of racial segregation and another set in contemporary times. TheCoterie.org

Discover Nature: Naturalist Hour Oak Woods. Go on an adventure with a naturalist to make amazing discoveries as you explore on a trail. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov/events.

22 Wednesday

Winter Reading Challenge Thru March 15, MCPL. Read any five books in two months to earn a free, limited-edition mug! Details and registration at MyMCPL.org.

Wild Cats of India 7:30, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Through captivating images and video get an up-close look at a world of wild cats. KauffmanCenter.org

Disney on Ice presents Let’s Celebrate Thru Sunday, T-Mobile Center. The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney on Ice presents Let’s Celebrate. AXS.com

24 Friday

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Overland Park). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

KC Parent’s Camp Guide!

Summer camps are just around the corner, and KCParent.com has a Virtual Camp Guide with maps, descriptions, photos and videos. KCParent.com/camp-guide

Trees: Maple Sugaring 1:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Learn how to tap trees, collect sap and make delicious syrup from native trees. MDC.mo.gov

A Toast to General Washington 5:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. A party to celebrate General Washington’s birthday. Ages 21+. Mahaffie.org

26 Sunday

Juliette’s Dream 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Celebrate 111 years of Girl Scouts with a salute to the founder with an original presentation. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove. Explore Cedar Cove with an experienced guide. See these epic animals and learn about them. Tours start every half-hour. SaveOurSiberians.org

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

27 Monday

Mom & Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3 per person, you get a game, shoe rental and drink on Mondays and Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com

Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Bring the kids to see the Doodle Reef, the touch pool, Stingray Bay and more! Purchase tickets online at VisitSeaLife.com.

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. On Mondays and Thursdays, toddlers 5 and under can paint one selected item for just $12! CeramicCafeKC.com

Open House 6:00, Nativity of Mary Catholic School. Learn about how this school is dedicated to students, family, and faith. Pre-reg at NativityOfMary.org.

28 Tuesday

Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises Thru March 12, Union Station. Journey through the aweinspiring Maya architecture and astonishing cultural accomplishments. UnionStation.org

Winter Reading Challenge Thru March 15, MCPL. Read any five books in two months to earn a free, limited-edition mug! Details and registration at MyMCPL.org.