KC Parent magazine April 2020 by KC Parent Magazine

FREE | April 2020 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

spring is here! • cute crafts • backyard fun • rainy day rescues

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CAMPS GALORE!

LOVE WILL PROTECT THESE MOMENTS.

When Brylynn was born, her kidneys didn’t work. Then her liver stopped functioning too. Using advanced surgical procedures, Children’s Mercy performed a combined kidney and liver transplant when she was just two years old. It’s how love drives lifesaving expertise to give families more moments just like this. See Brylynn’s story at childrensmercy.org/lovewill.

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Three New Destinations For Your Youngest Learners w No n! e Op

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CLOSES APRIL 26

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APRIL

2020

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Craft Corner 12 Mojo for Moms 14 Date Night 16 Tasty Treats

WAYS TO SPRING CLEAN YOUR PARENTING, PG. 20

18 5 Things 19 Word from Dad

SPECIAL SECTIONS FEATURES

24 Party Guide 32 Camp Guide

Egg Shell Art

Summer Camps

Keeping Kids Active

Use those dyed Easter

Find TONS of options in our summer camp guide.

Alternate ideas when not playing sports.

eggs for a cute craft.

Our cover features Rachel from Lenexa. Photo by Melissa Rieke Photography. MelissaRiekePhotography.com FREE | April 2020 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

ON THE COVER Cute Crafts Eco-Friendly Every Day Camp Guide Rainy Day Rescues Backyard Fun

10 22 32 60 64

spring is here! • cute crafts • backyard fun • rainy day rescues

TIPS

for being eco-friendly every day!

18+ pages of

CAMPS GALORE!

kcparent.com april 2020

DEN

T I S T R Y FO R C H I L D R E N

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INDOOR GYMNASIUM • MODERN PLAY STRUCTURES • STEAM LABS • ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES • BEFORE- AND AFTER-SCHOOL The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2020

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EDITOR’SLETTER APRIL 2020

Happy spring and happy Easter, 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 Debbie Clark Debbie@KCParent.com Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Susan Lynn Calendar@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers

Bill Bartlett (Belton), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Emily Cline (Lenexa), Megan Coffey (Overland Park), Wendy Connelly (Overland Park), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Overland Park), Tisha Foley (Belton), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Amy Hundley (Olathe), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Emily Morrison (Independence)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | April 2020 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

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Margaret Sarver, Editor

baby&

spring/summer 2020

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OF HOSPITAL DELIVERY

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WHAT TO EXPECT THROUGH THE

STAGES OF LABOR

TIPS

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maternity

ABCs

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NEWBORN

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UNFORGETTABLE ATTRACTIONS

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y mom has always said the parents’ job is to work themselves out of a job. Through the years of being a mom, I’ve seen just how right she is. So much of what we teach our kids ensures that we are no longer needed and that they are able to take care of themselves. From helping them learn to talk and walk, to teaching them how to drive, do laundry and prepare a meal, we parents put a lot of time and effort into making sure our kids are able to survive without us. It’s the way it should go and is the natural order of things, but man, it’s hard! Lee’s Summit mom Allison Gibeson looks at the little ways to let go throughout the years on pg. 48. And I can say that at 50 I still need my mom, so she hasn’t completely worked herself out of the job. One of the things I like to do when I have a day of nothing planned is take a walk. I have my usual route but often like to mix it up and even head off the beaten path sometimes. I find walking clears my mind and helps me be a better parent. Sometimes kids come with me or sometimes I go by myself. On page 20, Emily Cline shares many ways to spring clean our parenting, including getting some fresh air! We also are inching closer and closer to my most favorite time of the year, summer! While the lazy days of summer are lovely, I know that kids get bored and will be looking for something to do. Be sure to check out our summer camp guide both here in print, starting on pg. 32, and at KCParent.com. You’ll find tons of options to keep kids busy for a week or for an entire summer.

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Postmaster, please send changes to KC Parent, 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213

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HEALTHCARE MADE

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Convenient care you can count on.

Sometimes, you know you need healthcare but you’re unsure what level of care you need. Virtual Visit? Urgent or emergency care? A doctor’s appointment? Now, you can get answers and access exactly what you need, 24-7. Introducing Care Navigator, the online tool that helps direct you to the right point of care—easily, quickly and on your schedule.

Visit. Bookmark. Add to your homescreen. HCACareNav.com

CRAFTCORNER

List of supplies:

• Hard-boiled dyed eggs • Glue • Blank piece of paper • Light-colored crayon or pencil

egg shell art appy Easter! So you’ve dyed the Easter eggs, and now they are sitting in the fridge. Is there anything to do with green and blue hard-boiled eggs besides eat them? Try this simple craft, of course!

Step one: Using already dyed eggs, peel the eggshells, trying to leave bigger pieces if possible. Keep each color in a pile.

Step two: Draw simple flower outlines on a blank piece of paper. Step three: Add glue to one flower outline at a time. Step four: Add eggshells to the flower petals and center. Repeat for all flowers.

Step five: Add eggshells to the stems of all flowers. Step six: Fill in gaps on paper with additional eggshells where needed. Step seven: Let dry and hang! Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Overland Park with her husband, son and two dogs. Janelle is a former health care executive director and is a mediator in Kansas, helping families in conflict. Janelle loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts.

Tin Can Planters

Animal Confetti Globes

Cork Stamped Flowers

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

kcparent.com april 2020

earth day handprints arth Day is April 22. Use this fun craft as an easy way to talk about taking care of the environment. The power is in their hands to keep the earth clean and healthy!

Materials needed:

• Skin-colored paper • Scissors • Blue and green paint, markers or crayons

• White cardstock paper • Glue • Pencil

Step one: Trace your child’s hands and cut them out. Step two: Cut out a heart from the cardstock paper. Step three: Paint or color the heart to look like the earth using blue and green.

Step four: After the paint dries, glue the hands onto the heart so it looks like they are holding the Earth.

Step five (optional): Brainstorm ways your child can help take care of the earth and list those ideas on the back!

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

Cupcake Liner Wreath

Van Gogh Inspired Paintings

Faux Flower Canvas

For TONS more great craft projects, log onto KCParent.com! kcparent.com april 2020

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

Mindfulness for Moms Most moms I meet feel like they’re juggling too many things at once and always dropping the ball. Between carpools and driving duties, weeknight lessons and sporting events that eat up full weekends, plus work, committee meetings, volunteering and the mental load of housework that, statistically speaking, still tends to land in the woman’s court, is it any wonder so many moms feel chronically distracted and mentally scattered? Most of us know we need to ask for help and learn to say no more often to preserve a bit of sanity and blank space in our schedules. But we’d also do well to say yes to an ancient practice that has never gone out of style: mindfulness. Here are three ways busy moms can put a momentary halt to the crazy juggling act and enhance their daily lives with more mindfulness. If you, like I, crave an infusion of “serenity now,” try adopting one of these ideas for a week and see if it takes. Even a few mindful minutes—morning, noon or night, the choice is yours—can be a rejuvenating rest in an otherwise topsy-turvy day.

Mindful Mornings If you’re an early bird, mindfulness

Mindful Meals Meals provide a gentle pause within

Mindful Bedtimes Bedtime routines are common when

is abundantly found in the still hours

our days, yet so often we neglect

kids are young, but do you enjoy a

just before the break of dawn. This is

them. We eat grab-and-go style,

bedtime ritual all your own? Reading

an ideal time to journal about your

shoving food into our faces and never

a book is a mindful activity when you

dreams, practice a sun salutation

bothering to even sit down, sometimes

truly focus on each word until your eyes

yoga routine or begin the day in

foregoing food altogether. But meals

lose focus and you have to bat them to

a sacred text enjoying a steamy

are a traditional time to stop and

stay awake. My favorite bedtime ritual

tea or coffee. Because you’ve just

pray, giving thanks for the food that

is listening to an Audible book on sleep

awakened from sleep, your brain is

sustains us in life. Few things are more

mode, the narrator’s voice trailing off

in its most receptive and refreshed

mindful than saying a grateful blessing,

and guiding me toward the land of nods.

state. Luxuriate in an early moment

enjoying the sensory awareness of

And at night, repetitive prayers like the

of solitude before you greet the day,

taste and smell, and savoring a meal

rosary or a mantra can woo your weary

and allow your day to greet you.

with people we love.

brain into a blissful state of mindful calm.

Wendy Connelly, M.Div., is a podcaster (MoJo For Moms podcast), life coach and mother of two from Overland Park. You can find Wendy’s latest podcasts, TV appearances, retreats and more at MoJoForMoms.com.

kcparent.com april 2020

DATES WITH LETTER G

DATENIGHT

kcparent.com april 2020

Is it time for you and your significant other to have a date? If so, why not try one of these Great ideas! GAME NIGHT In the seven years that my husband and I have known each other, we have played games on numerous occasions. However, we have never set aside an entire evening to have a game night until recently! Some of our favorite games are Rack-O, Tri-Ominos and 500 Rum. Rack-O is a filing card game that was created in 1956. Tri-Ominos, which is basically triangular dominos, is also an older game, created in 1965. The card game 500 Rum is played with a standard deck and is also known as Rummy 500. These are the three games we play most often but never all in one night ... until now! We ordered some pizza and spent three hours duking it out. In the end, they were all close games, but my husband won two out of the three. And it was a fun evening!

GREEN LADY LOUNGE We felt like we had stepped back in time when we recently visited the Green Lady Lounge. It was our first time there, and we found the vibe speakeasy-ish and unpretentious, with dim lighting, ornate ceilings and vintage picture frames. The mood is elegant but casual. This retro cocktail lounge boasts of live jazz 365 days a year. They also have a full bar, a full calendar of great musicians and no TVs or cover charge. The point is to sit back, relax and enjoy the music and atmosphere. There’s also plenty of time to talk between sets. If you need a little sustenance to go along with the various libations, they offer crackers with hummus and a meat and cheese plate. Otherwise, plan to eat before you go. Get there early if you are going on a Friday or Saturday evening as the place fills up quickly.

GAROZZO’S Located in the historic Italian neighborhood of Columbus Park is Garozzo’s, which opened in 1989 and is the originator of chicken spiedini. We visited the Columbus Park location on a recent Friday evening, and the place was packed ... as usual. It’s loud and crowded. The tables are close together, and the whole place is slightly claustrophobic. However, the food is good, and the portions are even better since you get two meals for the price of one! I opted for their signature dish, chicken spiedini, Georgio style. My husband had the rigatoni Angela, which is beef tenderloin tips with veggies and marsala wine. Mmmmm … We highly recommend making reservations. Otherwise, you may have to wait awhile for a table. Also, check them out at their location in Overland Park.

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

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

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kcparent.com april 2020

TASTYTREATS

rainbow your plate April showers bring sweet flowers and often paint a rainbow in a stormy sky. Why not jump-start seeing the vivid palette by filling your plates with a dazzling array of nutritious, healthy colors? Your family can see, smell and taste the rainbow!

RED What? Apples, tomatoes, cherries, strawberries, red peppers, watermelon, red onions, radishes. Why? Lycopene is a natural cancer preventer. Additionally, lycopene acts as a natural sunscreen by protecting your skin from sunburn. How? Think red fruit salad. Simply mix cherries, diced strawberries, chopped apples and watermelon slices together for a plethora of mouthwatering tastes and textures.

ORANGE What? Cantaloupe, butternut squash, papaya, carrots, oranges, peaches. Why? Vitamins A and C. Vitamin A helps your see near and far and aids in skin strength, while vitamin C is necessary for a resilient immune system. How? Grate shredded carrots and add them to wraps or toss into side salads with mandarin oranges. Cantaloupe and peaches blend well for a delicious fruit smoothie.

YELLOW What? Corn, bananas, pineapple, mango, yellow peppers. Why? Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are prebiotic fiber that your digestive system needs to feed good bacteria. How? Pineapple tidbits pair well with cottage cheese, while mangos and corn can be mixed into a salsa over fish and chips.

GREEN What? Cucumbers, kiwi, honeydew, grapes, broccoli, spinach, green peas, green peppers, green beans, asparagus, cabbage, avocados. Why? Vitamin K is beneficial for blood and bone health. How? Sandwiches are a prime opportunity to squeeze in spinach and avocado slices. When it comes to dinnertime, you can find clever ways to add green foods in. For instance, green peppers are a nice addition to pizza, while avocados can be incorporated into your next taco, burrito or chili dish. Offer pre-cut cucumbers and broccoli with dressing for quick snacks.

BLUE

What? Blackberries, blueberries, eggplant. Why? Anthocyanins support a healthy brain and nervous system, especially helping in improving memory. How? Follow the practice of Diane, a Leawood mother of two: “On a majority of school days throughout the week, breakfast is the ideal time to incorporate blueberries to oatmeal, cereal, waffles and pancakes.”

WHITE What? Onions, garlic, mushrooms, cauliflower. Why? Quercetin, the nutrient powerhouse found in these whites, has antibacterial and antifungi properties. How? Create scrumptious egg or tofu scramble with diced sautéed onions and mushrooms. You also can sneak mushrooms into meatballs and burgers. Snack away on cauliflower and hummus, too.

Spring forward nutritionally this season by eating the rainbow! Amy Hundley is a registered dietitian nutritionist, licensed in both Kansas and Missouri, and a published freelance nutrition writer. She is currently practicing as a clinical RD and has been a resident of Olathe since early childhood. Sources: Time, EatRight.org

kcparent.com april 2020

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Learn more at www.kcallergycenter.com or call us at 816.531.0930

FIVETHINGS Early Exploration Years ago, I was an elementary teacher with an emphasis on early childhood education. I taught for 10 years before taking time off with my girls and then stepping back into the work world at KC Parent. Early childhood education holds a special place in my heart, and I love the new Early Explorations areas for the younger set that recently opened at Science City. It’s so important to give kids a solid start, and I’m thrilled that it’s a focus at Science City. Check it out today! UnionStation.org

My Pillow About a year ago, we got rid of cable (wise move). But with fewer channels, that means we see the same commercials over and over and over. I’ve seen good ol’ Mike Lindell and his commercial for the My Pillow a bazillion times and I got it in my head I needed to try it. Does it bring about the “best night’s sleep in the whole wide world?” That’s debatable, but it is a super comfy pillow that I definitely recommend—and I apologize if that jingle is now stuck in your head. MyPillow.com

THINGS WE

LOVE RIGHT NOW

Compiled by Margaret Sarver

Margaritas It’s known that I enjoy a good margarita—and sheer coincidence that my name is similar to the drink. I’m of the mindset that a margarita tastes best ordered out and about rather than mixed at home. I’ve sampled them at many local establishments, and my fave is at Coco Bolos in Overland Park. It’s made with fresh lime juice, it’s not too tart and not overly-leaded. Let me know where you find your fave, and I’ll give it a try! CocoBolosKC.com

kcparent.com april 2020

Adjustable Bed There’s a sleep theme this month! We were recently in the market for a new mattress, box spring and headboard. While shopping for the bed, we learned about adjustable bed bases and having the bed in a zero gravity position. While it’s not the cheapest item in this column, let me tell you that if you are searching for a new bed, the adjustable base is a game changer. Wow! Lying in it at the zero gravity position and watching a show or two is the perfect way to relax.

Jazzoo One of the best events of the summer is quickly approaching: Jazzoo! I know, the tickets are a bit pricey, but it is a fundraiser and you get so much for the cost of admission! Often at events with food and drink samples, you get a small portion. Not so at Jazzoo! There is so much food and drink you won’t be able to try it all. The key is to pace yourself or you’ll get too full too quickly. In addition, you’ll enjoy live music, animals, the zoo train and more! JazzooKC.org

WORDFROMDAD

Let our family take care of your family!

BABY STEPS “James, do you want to go to a meeting tonight?” I wanted to attend and Sandi agreed that it would be good for him. Although he’s comfortable with his social circle of family, church, and horseback riding, we stretch his boundaries whenever we can. “It’s about Tolkien.” He raised his eyes from his tablet. “We’ll have pizza.” “Oh… Well… Yes, of course.” A few hours later, we parked near the restaurant while I gave him the usual autism spectrum admonitions: don’t interrupt, don’t ask other people about their religion, and don’t touch anyone. I took a deep breath before we entered. James doesn’t like noisy situations and this popular restaurant on a Friday night would be anything but sedate. I opened the door, and the clamor hit us like a wall, but he stayed calm and followed me to the greeter. “We’re here for the meeting.” She gave us a friendly smile. “Follow me.” The president saw us first. “Hi, James, Bill. Find a table and order something. We’ll start in a few minutes.” He relaxed beside me while I stayed on guard for his protection and others. I needn’t have. James transformed from the quiet, young man I knew, becoming bright and cheerful. He interacted with the other members, listened intently to the speakers, and asked insightful questions. He wasn’t perfect, but, then, none of us is. I enjoyed the meeting far more than I thought I would. Gone was my willful child, petulant and demanding, replaced with a young man, his face animated as he interacted appropriately (for the most part) with other adults who shared his interest in the magical realm of this author. I often worry about James and his future. But, I’m gaining confidence as I watch him progress. One small step at a time. William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

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Want More in Life? Here’s a way to experience the joy of parenthood and help children 4,000 Kansas City area children are in crisis due to child abuse, neglect or other family challenges. The need for new foster and adoptive parents is greater than ever. Whether you are single or married, own or rent your home, have children already or don’t, work full-time or stay home, you may qualify. We provide free training, 24/7 support, and monthly reimbursement to meet the child’s needs.

easy ways to spring clean

your parenting

hen spring hits, many people get the urge to deep clean the house, but spring can also be a good time for some introspection and a way to check in with yourself about your role as a parent. This spring, along with finally getting around to scrubbing the baseboards and blinds, consider these ways you can refresh your parenting skills.

Go screen free How often do your children spend time with you when you aren’t looking at your phone, tablet or laptop? Psychology Today reported that parents are contributing to the technology addiction problem, and this has negative impacts on relationships between parents and children. It’s easy to complain about how much time our children are spending on screens, but parents are guilty of this also. Challenge yourself this spring to carve out time with your kids where you put your screen down, get on the floor and just play with them.

Let them be bored It’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly finding ways to entertain your children. But if you want them to grow in their creativity, imagination and self-reliance, letting them be bored can be a good thing. All you have to do is not bail them out when they say they are bored, say no when they ask to turn on a

kcparent.com april 2020

show or get on a tablet (this will inevitably happen), and make sure they have plenty of toy and activity choices available. You may be surprised at what they come up with while bored! Here are some creative ways local Kansas City parents and kids prepare for when boredom strikes: • Shanna Harris, mom of three in Shawnee Mission, says her daughter Kenadi makes a list of things to do, takes a vote with her brothers, and the activity with the most votes wins. Shanna also “gets out board games or toys they haven’t played with in a while and that usually works!” • Carrie Masden, mom of two in Roeland Park, says her son Grayson makes envelopes of activities that he labels, “When I’m Bored.” He puts puzzles, dot-to-dots and other activities in the envelopes. Who wants to bet he came up with this genius idea while bored? • Katie Jorgenson, a Leavenworth mom, says she and her two children will go through the recycling bin and create something new. “We’ve made rocket ships, cars and mini houses with stuff from our recycling. Sometimes we just tape them together. Other times we paint or color them.” She recommends providing a bit of help, especially for

younger children, to get them started. Then their brains light up with all of the possibilities. Jorgenson also suggests re-framing boredom as a good thing. “Our brains need a break, and we sometimes have our best ideas after being bored. They can feel empowered about using their imagination and creative skills.”

Get some fresh air This is for all the homebodies out there: Sure, it’s nice to stay in on the couch and browse your streaming services, but push yourself to take the family outdoors. Take a walk, play at the park or throw a ball around the backyard. Not only will the fresh air do wonders for your mood, the kids will get out so much energy that bedtime will be a breeze!

Declutter Take advantage of these days and have the family go through their closets and drawers to find items they have outgrown or don’t want anymore. Find a family who could use them or donate them to charity. You will minimize your stuff and feel good in the process. It’s GREEN month after all, and nothing feels better to a parent than decluttering those overflowing closets and jammed-packed drawers!

Reassess your consistency Being consistent with your expectations related to behavior, school work and picking up after yourself is so important, but it’s easy to start getting slack with routines after a long winter. This spring, assess yourself on areas where you need to be more consistent with your children.

Implement (or reinstate) chores Spring is a great time to get back on track with how your kids help around the house. No matter your child’s age, there is always a chore that she can help with. Even very young children can carry small wastebaskets, put away clean silverware and help put the laundry in the washer or dryer. For some families, a visual chore schedule keeps everyone accountable, while others just ask their children to do chores as needed.

Take care of you The best way to take care of your children is to take care of you! Taking care of your own needs is essential to being fully present, patient and giving toward your children. Can you use some of these ways to implement some self-care into your spring routine?

• Amp up your exercise. Hitting the gym (or the living room floor) can be especially hard with little ones in tow, but seek out ways to prioritize your health. Find a gym with childcare, use a home workout video or include your children in the workout to help you fit exercise in your schedule.

• Great! Now you have the freedom to create something spectacular! Kena Gabel, Shawnee

• Spend time alone. Schedule a private bath time, a chance to read a novel without interruptions, or go treat yourself at the spa.

• Give a list of options, and if they don’t choose anything, say, “I can give you some chores to do!” Pandia Graves, Shawnee

• Connect with friends. Grab coffee with a friend, have a girls/guys night out or simply invite pals over to your place.

• Oh, I wish I had time to be bored! Hannah Cowden, Springhill

• Check in with your partner. Be sure you get input from your partner about other ideas to refresh your parenting and, most of all, make sure your children know their parents are on the same page! Emily Cline is a freelance writer and instructor of education at a local university. She lives in Lenexa with her husband and 3-year-old son, Fitzgerald.

KC moms suggest how to respond when your kids say, “I’m bored!”

• If you can read, you cannot be bored. Cynthia Knapp, Shawnee • How can you be bored? Just use your brain and you will find things to do. From a brother to his sister, Nancy Nicolay, Prairie Village Resource: PsychologyToday.com/us/ blog/the-power-prime/201303/istechnology-creating-family-divide

kcparent.com april 2020

Eco-Friendly Every Day

e all know Earth Day is in April, and on this wonderful day, we focus on ways to go green and improve our environment. From planting more trees and learning to compost, to changing our types of lightbulbs and reducing our use

of plastics, being eco-friendly is something that deserves more than just one day of green thoughts. Here are just a few reasons why: Did you know that enough plastic is thrown away each year to circle Earth four times? It’s true, and the shortage of landfill space is a growing problem, plus plastic can take hundreds of years to degrade. Vehicle emissions are also a growing problem. Cars and trucks alone account for almost 20 percent of carbon emissions in the United States. This, along with decreasing energy and water supplies are very serious concerns. However, each one of us can make a difference. Think of how different our world would be if each of us put forth “green” efforts each and every day.

kcparent.com april 2020

Struggling with ideas on how you can contribute to our environment’s well-being? You aren’t alone. Below, are ideas for how you and your family can incorporate environmentally friendly habits into your daily life throughout the year. • Ditch the plastic and use reusable bags as often as you can when shopping. Plastic is dangerous to our environment. Keep your reusable bags in your car so you always have them on hand when you run to a store. • Instead of throwing unwanted food in the trash, create a compost in your outside garden or flower bed. An added benefit is that the soil produced from your compost is rich in nutrients. This is better for your yard and saves a trip to the landfill. • Recycle all cardboard and paper according to your city’s instructions. Don’t have curbside pickup? Find a recycling drop-off near you and make use of it. You’ll be happy you did. • Change the light bulbs in your home. By changing just one light bulb in your home to a fluorescent, you can make a serious impact on your energy consumption. Just imagine if you changed all of them! • Turn lights off when you aren’t using them. Open the curtains or blinds and make use of natural light coming in through windows.

• Turn off water between uses and when brushing your teeth. Turn it back on when you’re ready to rinse. • Use less water in the shower by changing your shower head to a lowwater flow. • Plant a tree! Just one tree can make a huge impact and do great things for the environment. • When washing clothes, use cold or warm water, not hot. Hot water consumes much more energy and it takes longer to fill in the machine.

Think of how different our world would be if each of us put forth “green” efforts each and every day.

• Use cleaning products that are environmentally friendly.

• Conduct a quick energy audit of your home and replace electrical appliances with energy-efficient appliances. Check with your utility company to see whether you can sign up for green power.

• Give up the cleaning wipes and use an old dishrag instead. Then you can wash and reuse it.

• Hang-dry your clothes rather than using a clothes dryer. This will save a lot on the energy used to dry them.

• Instead of bottled drinking water, install a water-cleaning system on your sink. Believe it or not, plastic bottles are usually not recycled.

• Do you have leaky faucets? Double check your shower heads and faucet caps, both inside and out. This includes toilets and sinks in the home. Make sure there are no leaks or drips. Even a small leakage can waste a lot of water. Look for faucet and shower caps that are designed to decrease the flow of water to replace the leaky ones with.

• Save water by taking a shower instead of a bath and try to cut your shower time to five minutes or less. • Turn down your thermostat a degree or two at night. • Save both paper and a drive to the post office for stamps by paying bills online. Sign up for paperless bills and statements. Also, use the Consumer Credit Reporting Industry’s OptOutPreScreen service to reduce junk mail.

• Recycle or donate your old cell phones. The average cell phone lasts about 18 months. After this time, go ahead and give them a new life. • Cut down on driving. Use public transportation, carpool or walk when the weather permits.

• Whenever you can, use recycled products. This includes paper, cardboard, printer ink and even a reusable mug. • Buy in bulk. This reduces the amount of packaging needed and provides considerable benefits to the environment. • Buy produce that is locally grown. Not only will your fruits and veggies taste better, but they will also help you reduce the use of paper, plastics and shipping material. • When was the last time your vehicle was in the shop for maintenance? Be sure to take your car, truck or motorcycle into a repair shop regularly. This will reduce emissions and so much more! • Keep your tires inflated. When your tires are low on pressure, they cause more wear to the car and more harm to the environment. • If you use disposable diapers, consider switching to cloth diapers. Even if you use one cloth diaper a day, that will result in 365 fewer disposables in the landfill each year. • Do you have items around your house that you no longer use or need? Instead of throwing them away, give them to someone who will use them, have a garage sale and make a little money, or donate to your local thrift stores. • Going to a movie or concert? Purchase an e-ticket and reduce the use of paper. • When filing taxes, file electronically. This also cuts back on paper usage. • Connect all your electronic device cables to a UL-certified power cord. • Make sure your car’s air filters are clear of dust to maximize your vehicle’s efficiency. • Get rid of extra junk in your trunk that may be weighing your car down. It makes a difference.

Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein works hard to go green on a daily basis, although she does slip here and there. However, practice makes perfect! kcparent.com april 2020

party

KC Parent’s

guide

Ceramic Café Celebrate your child’s birthday at Ceramic Cafe. All parties are scheduled for one-anda-half hours, giving you plenty of time to open presents and serve cake and ice cream. Choose from painting pottery, creating with clay or a glass fusion project. Ceramic Cafe birthday parties are creative and fun for any age. Call 913.383.0222 or visit www.CeramicCafeKC.com for more details. See display ad on pg. 46.

Gymboree

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Choose your child’s favorite theme and we’ll create a private, personalized party experience filled with kid-friendly activities guaranteed to be 100% fun with zero clean up! We specialize in 1st birthday parties all the way to 5th birthday parties. Gymboree Play & Music parties are available to members and non-members. Call to find out more details. 913.262.3339 (Leawood). See display ad on pg. 24. www.GymboreeClasses.com

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Birthday Party Packages paradise-park.com/parties

Rachel Johnson

rachel@princessatmyparty.com

816.830.4841

www.princessatmyparty.com

Johnson County Parks and Recreation Have your next party with JCPRD! We offer room rentals and organized party activities such as: geocaching in a JCPRD park; gymnastics at Mill Creek Activity Center; KidScape at the Johnson County Museum; the Escape Room at the Lanesfield Historic Site; animal presentations at Ernie Miller Nature Center; and outdoor activities at TimberRidge Adventure Center. See all of our party options at www.JCPRD.com/birthdayparties and our display ad on page 28.

Kansas City Zoo Let the Kansas City Zoo host your child’s next birthday party. We guarantee a wild time for every guest! Our birthday party packages are for children 1-10 years of age. All packages include Zoo admission, a private space with your Education Party Host, cupcakes, and much more! Addon options include face painters, themed decorations, animal encounters and so much kcparentguide2019.pdf

9/13/19

more! Visit our website to check out these exciting options at www.KansasCityZoo.org. See display ad on pg. 28.

Movies2U Roll out the red carpet and celebrate that special occasion with a movie! Round up the kids to watch their favorite movie on one of our larger than life inflatable screens. Throw in our popcorn machine and the effect will be complete. The kids won’t forget it and you’ll love it as our professional staff takes care of every detail. One of our 4 differently sized screens is sure to fit your occasion and budget. See display ad on pg. 29. www.Movies2U.com.

Paradise Park Paradise Park is hands down Kansas City’s favorite place to have a birthday party because our seven award-winning party packages create a one-of-a-kind experience for kids and a stress-free party for mom and dad. We take care of everything for you, 9:01 AM

from activities and hosting to cakes and pizza. Visit www.Paradise-Park.com to view details and book online or call 816.246.5224. See display ad on pg. 24.

Princess at My Party Have your child’s favorite character come to the birthday party! Choose from Elsa, Anna, Rapunzel, Moana, Elena, Ariel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Jasmine and Snow White. Also, inquire about our new Super Girl, Wonder Woman, Batman and Spider-Man parties! Watch the magic unfold as the children go on an adventure that includes a story, games, music, a makeover or face painting and a treasure hunt. See display ad on pg. 24. 816.830.4841. www.PrincessAtMyParty.com

Sky Zone Give your child the best birthday party ever at Sky Zone! Your kids and their friends will experience the fun of jumping, flying and flipping on our wall-to-wall Continued on page 28

CMY

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s e i t r a P y Birthda LIKE A BOSS!

THROW

tress-free parties? To many busy moms, this sounds like a dream instead of reality. But the dream is attainable simply with a bit of planning and a focus on your child’s specific interests. When you let those be your guide, everything will fall into place a lot faster. For example, if your son or daughter is into the Kansas City Chiefs, that is a direct lead into the cake, games and snacks for your party. Many baking shops have footballshaped pans, and of course, you can have a Mahomes hair cake created locally! Schedule a tour of Arrowhead Stadium for the activity. They offer scheduled tours every Friday at 2:00 and 4:00. Bring a small group for a tour, and it will be the best photo op ever. Create a montage for each child to keep forever. With the recent Super Bowl win, this is a popular choice. If you are planning a party for tween girls, make sure you do some tricks to keep everyone happy and minimize drama. Set boundaries by making a cute sign with a smiley face saying, “You are entering the ‘no drama’ zone.” The girls will repeat the phrase and find the thought amusing. Consider unplugging computers and collecting cell phones at a certain time, and make sure to discuss with your child movie choices that will appeal to everyone.

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When the party includes an outing, like visiting a pizza place or bowling alley, create a list of names of selected children to go in each car. Tell the children there will be no negotiations or special requests. Do make sure no one is feeling left out throughout the party time. Most of all, smile, laugh and be optimistic yourself. You have an ideal opportunity to model some important things to these youngsters: flexibility, friendliness and the ability to laugh at oneself. Foster these traits in your own kids, too, so that when you send them off to a party, you won’t have to worry. Once, I included everyone’s dog in a party for both my kiddos, whose birthdays fall in September. We got a birthday cake from a local pet store with carob chocolate and dog-friendly ingredients and had plastic swimming pools around the yard so the pups could swim and play. The children loved it and because it was outdoors, that’s where the mess stayed. Playing fetch and having a puppy theme were a hit. The “people” cake was shaped like a dog bone, and party favors were bags of puppy chow. You can find that recipe online. Do make sure each dog is social and used to being around other dogs. Consider planning an experience instead of a party, as I mentioned earlier about the Arrowhead Stadium

tours. Give your child the option of taking several friends on an outing, such as the movies, bowling, local theme park, arcade, indoor rock climbing or the pool, depending on the season. An outing with a small group of friends is much less chaotic than a big party and requires almost no effort. Children often enjoy and bond with their close friends more when there aren’t so many people running about. Whatever you do, if you have the party at home, keep the food simple. Lunch can be PB&J. If you do want pizza, ask for a school cut that features smaller slices, since kids often don’t finish their slice anyway. Another option is to plan the party before or after lunch or dinner, so you don’t feel obligated to provide a full meal. Let each child help when it comes to party favors. For example, paint or tie-dye t-shirts, decorate cupcakes or make slime. This gives kids an activity to enjoy and then take home. They stay busy, and you save on goody bags! Remember, you can always use items you have around your house. Create fun stations from toys you already have, such as a sports station with basketballs, soccer balls, tennis rackets and balloons. Or play dressup and set out play clothes and other dress items you already have. Water

fun is always a hit, with squirt guns, water balloons and kitchen sponges. Who says you must have a birthday cake? Ask your child what he or she would like and go from there. Suggest root beer floats—purchase plastic cups for serving, and each child can take one home as a favor. Scoop ice cream into the cups the day before and store them in the freezer, then let party guests choose their favorite flavor of soda to make their float. Keep your party-planning self on track by always asking yourself whether your ideas will make your child have a better birthday. Looking at Pinterest may be exciting, but, chances are children won’t care about much of that. Most would much rather enjoy a happy, present mom at the party than a burned-out, stressed mom who stayed up all night cutting out perfect food labels the kids can’t even read. Spend time on what matters to your child and leave the rest alone. 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: StressFreeKids.com, Simply-Well-Balanced.com, EverydayFamily.com.

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HAVE YOUR NEXT PARTY WITH JCPRD! Arts & Culture  Gymnastics  Nature & Outdoors  Sports

ized From organ om ro activities to r party, ou rentals for y vered. co we have you Select from organized party activities including:  Geocaching in a JCPRD park  Gymnastics at Mill Creek Activity Center  KidScape at the Johnson County Museum  Animals at Ernie Miller Nature Center - three options  Outdoor activities at TimberRidge Adventure Center - six options

Additional room rentals available at these locations:  JoCo Arts & Heritage Center  New Century Fieldhouse - court rentals also  Roeland Park Community Center  Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse

For details visit jcprd.com/birthdayparties

trampoline courts. Throwing a great party can get complicated, but Sky Zone offers all-inclusive packages that make it easy and hassle-free to have a jump-tastic party. NEW Ninja Warrior, Rock Climbing, Warped Wall, Aerial Silks, Wipe Out, and more ways to play coming soon! Attractions vary by location. Two Locations: Sky Zone Kansas City and Sky Zone Lee’s Summit. See display ad on pg. 29 for $50 coupon. www.SkyZone.com

Urban Air Trampoline Park At Urban Air, in Overland Park (143rd & Metcalf) and Lenexa (87th & I-435), no age limits means fun for all! Face off against friends in the Warrior Obstacle Course, Tubes Playground, or Slam Dunk Zone. Fly sky high and bounce off the walls of our APEX trampolines, then join an epic battle of dodgeball. New attractions, SkyRider and climbing walls, coming soon! Urban Air is the ultimate birthday party, team party and “just because” party destination! See display ad on pg. 25. www.UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

visit the virtual

Have a WILD Birthday Party at the Zoo!

party guide at KCParent.com

oo.org for details Go to kansascityz rty today! pa and to book your

OPEN DAILY kansascityzoo.org 816.595.1234 The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

kcparent.com april 2020

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when your child is in the

“Letting your child choose familiar items from home like a favorite stuffed animal or special activities will help them feel more in control.” ~ Missy Stover, Children’s Mercy

kcparent.com april 2020

hospital

manda Connealy will never forget her daughter Olivia’s first hospital stay two years ago. She was admitted following a massive seizure, and the stay lasted just over three months. “We were scared out of our minds and worried for Olivia, of course,” says Connealy, a Lenexa mom of four. “Every moment was filled with hopeful anticipation for good news, but instead, it seemed like the prognosis just kept getting worse.” The devastating seizure that her “sweet, quirky” youngster experienced led to a life-altering brain injury called global cerebral hypoxic-ischemic injury. Diagnosed with intractable epilepsy, Olivia, now 8, continues to battle seizures that refuse to come under control with treatment. She has been hospitalized six times since that initial stay.

Lean on community. Connealy immediately turned to her faith community for support and started a Facebook group called “The Lord Is Her Shepherd.” Through the group, she asks for prayers and keeps concerned family and friends informed. She shares Olivia’s progress and setbacks, as well as her own worries and frustrations. “Putting what’s running through my mind into words helps to rein in the thoughts that aren’t productive or even accurate,” Connealy says. “The comments people leave on my posts—and I read every single one of them—offer me encouragement and consolation that so often carries me from one moment to the next.” Manage fears. Although pediatric hospitals focus on creating a welcoming environment for their young patients, it’s normal for kids to feel anxious. “If they seem scared or worried, ask them about their feelings and provide truthful explanations,” says Missy Stover, CCLS, assistant director of Patient and Family Support Programs, Children’s Mercy Hospital. “Young children sometimes need reassurance that they didn’t do anything wrong to cause their illness.” Jennifer Sauer, Blue Springs, used a doll that the Children’s Mercy child life team gave to her son Jack, now 4, to help explain upcoming procedures as he awaited a lifesaving kidney transplant. Jack had been undergoing daily dialysis since he was only 1 because of kidney failure. “His ‘Super Buddy’ doll has a port like him,” Sauer says. “For example, when prepping him for his biopsy surgery, we explained in basic terms what the team would be doing prior to and during his procedure.” If your youngster is frightened about getting a shot or an IV, Stover suggests putting your child on your lap, practicing deep breathing or playing on an iPad during the procedure. “Parents can also ask the provider for a topical medicine to numb the skin so the child won’t feel the poke as much,” Stover says.

What to pack. Bring your insurance card, photo ID and method of payment. You’ll also need a list of any medications your child is currently on and immunization records. For yourself, pack toiletries (including moisturizing hand lotion, shampoo/ conditioner), warm socks with rubber bottoms and comfortable clothes. “Items like a journal, magazines, electronic devices are nice to have on hand as well,” Stover says. “Letting your child choose familiar items from home like a favorite stuffed animal or special activities will help them feel more in control.” Deb Clem-Buckert’s daughter Jaiden, now 19, went into the hospital for a week in 2016 after she started spitting up blood. Clem-Buckert says Jaiden was eventually diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Since then, hospital stays for the Olathe teen have ranged from several days to weeks at a time. “It really helps to have as much of home as you can in the hospital—bedding, pillows, towels,” Clem-Buckert says. “We even learned to bring our own toilet paper and tissues.” Inquire about amenities. Ask health care providers where you can access food and entertainment. “Pediatric hospitals do a good job of making kids feel comfortable and trying to entertain them with activities and tutoring,” Clem-Buckert says. She also advises asking nurses about available programming and crafts to help your child get involved and pass the time. She was especially delighted when they discovered an area outside the chapel where they could get fresh air. Advocate. Because the onslaught of information can be overwhelming, Sauer says she always feels better if another adult loved one or friend is in the room. “I firmly believe in having more eyes and ears to see and hear things the clinical team may be telling us,” she says.

As the voice for your child, you can also ensure he receives the treatment he needs on time. “I adore and fully trust the Children’s Mercy Hospital team, but you’re still your child’s only advocate, and he’s in there for a life-saving treatment, so I’m constantly—in a nice way—making sure the meds being administered are correct and on time. Working in a hospital myself may make me a bit more annoying in that way!” laughs Sauer, who works as an executive assistant for a physicians group at Saint Luke’s. Ask for help. Friends and family are often more than willing to help run errands or sit with your child. “I always want Jack to have someone he knows and trusts with him at all times— even when I run down to get food,” Sauer says. Because Sauer’s husband, Geoff, was undergoing surgery himself across town to provide the kidney for Jack’s transplant, he was unable to provide the support he normally would have during their son’s first few days in the hospital. Thankfully, extended family stepped in to help both Geoff in his recovery from surgery and Jennifer as she oversaw Jack’s recovery. Both father and son are doing well! Try to stay upbeat. “I know it’s scary, but as the parent, try your best to stay calm, comforting and positive,” Sauer says. “You are the biggest factor in trying to set the tone to help put your child at ease, and in turn, that can help you.”

Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance writer. She resides in Olathe with her family. As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns. kcparent.com april 2020

Special Advertising Section

confident in their innovative ideas. Visit www.invent.org/camp or call 800.968.4332 to register. Use promo code LOCAL15 to save $15 (expires 5/12). See display ad on pg. 36.

Ceramic Café

KC Parent’s

Camp Guide

Camp Invention Imaginations will soar this summer in the all-new Camp Invention® program, Elevate! Campers in grades K-6 will spark their creativity and build collaboration skills while controlling their very own

flight simulation robot, protecting Earth’s ecosystems, designing the ultimate sports complex and learning the value of their ideas! Local educators will lead fun, handson STEM activities inspiring children to ask questions, overcome obstacles and be

Ceramic Cafe’s summer program provides instructions on a variety of ceramic art techniques including hand-building with clay, ceramic painting and glass fusing. We offer themed camps for younger kids that feature a taste of each artistic medium. Older artists can dive deeper with the focus of their choice: clay or glass. They’ll get a chance to really explore, develop better understanding, and create within one of the special mediums. Extensive clay and glass camps for ages 8-11 and 12+. “Creative Kids” themed camps for kids aged 5-7. One day workshops also offered. See display ad on pg. 46. www.CeramicCafeKC.com

Code Ninjas Spark your child’s inner ninja and transform their love of technology and video games into a new skill with Code Ninjas summer Continued on page 34

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kcparent.com april 2020

CAMPGUIDE camps! Our curriculum-based camps include MinecraftTM, Robotics, Drones, RobloxTM, Python, and Scratch, along with fun team building STEM activities and games. At Code Ninjas they can explore technology, develop new skills, and have a great time with friends in a safe environment. It’s an unforgettably fun learning experience! See display ad on pg. 41. www.kidscode1.com/camps

The Coterie Acts Theatre Classes and Camps The Coterie offers classes for kids entering grades K-12 at five sites: The Plaza (Pembroke Hill), Overland Park (Miller-Marley), Lee’s Summit (MCC Longview), Liberty (Liberty Community Center), and in the Northland. Half-day and full-day classes led by professional, trained teaching artists include creative drama, acting, and audition skills. 2020 Summer Performance Camps will be held at Pembroke, Longview, and Liberty. See display ad on pg. 13. Visit www.TheCoterie.org.

Crème de la Crème – Summer Camp Blast off with Camp Crème for a new adventure every week! Campers ages 6-12 enjoy weekly themes which include 2-3 offsite field trips, on-site water park, exciting S.T.E.A.M. activities, sports, creative arts, Chef It Up cooking experiences and more. Camps are offered May 26 – August 7 from 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM. It’s truly Out of This WorldTM. Year-round programming for Infants—School Age. To enroll, visit www.cremedelacreme.com or call 913.439.5242. See display ad on pg. 37.

The Culture House Spend your summer at The Culture House! Shows/workshops include dance, theatre, music and art taught by professionally trained adults. “THE BOYFRIEND” (1320), “MOANA JR” (10-13), “DOCTOR DOLITTLE JR” (6-11), Music of Trolls, Into the Unknown, Music of Moana, Improv

Comedy, Show Choir Camp, Songs of Matilda, Music of Mulan, Instrumental Music, Paint-o-rama, Art Explorers, Drawing, Clay Creations, Prince & Princess Ballet, Itty Bitty Ballerina, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet & more! Openings limited! See display ad on pg. 33. 913.393.3141. Enroll online: www.CultureHouse.com.

Dance Expressions Dance Expression’s summer programs are fun and exciting! DE offers a 6-week dance and tumbling program, dance intensives, and themed-based day camps. Spending the summer with DE will get children active and engaged! Dance Expressions summer programs are for new students to explore the art of dance and tumbling, or a great way to keep veteran students engaged in their style of choice; ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary or tumbling. DE has fantastic options for ages 2.5-18. See display ad on pg. 47. www.DEStudios.com Continued on page 36

kcparent.com april 2020

Online enrollment open now! | mightycamps.campmanagement.com/info

Summer Camp for All Ages

Beginner Piano • Disney Keyboard Ensemble • Cello and Chamber Music Violin/Viola and Chamber Music • Music Theory • Jazz Theory • Worship Music Beginner Guitar • Guitar Chords • Junior Voice • Voice • Musical Theatre SINCE 1997

12201 W. 87th St. Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66215 • 16010 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66085 913-888-2444 • www.KansasCitySchoolOfMusic.com kcparent.com april 2020

& Safari Day Campsthe Zoo! Summer Camps at For kids ages 4–15

Join us for Zoo-mazing fun and animal adventures on your days off from school and during the summer too!

CAMPGUIDE Family Tree NurseryHorticulture Camp Calling all 8-12 year olds for our Annual Summer Horticulture Camp! Grow your mind, cultivate a new friend, and dig in the garden for 3 fun-filled days at Family Tree Nursery. Explore amazing plants, eat yummy snacks, take home a cool t-shirt, and play interactive games with leaders and peers. Camps run Tuesday, July 7-Thursday, July 9. Morning and afternoon sessions are available. See display ad on page 3. www.FamilyTreeNursery.com

Genesis Mighty Camps

Visit kansascityzoo.org/camp for more details! OPEN DAILY | kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234

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

At Mighty Camps, we create an enriching summer camp experience for kids ages 5–12 packed with active, fun-filled days that your child will be stoked to be a part of! Sport workshops, field trips, STEAM programming, improv classes, swimming, and character programming fill our days at Mighty Camp. Avoid a long, boring summer

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kcparent.com april 2020

at home and join the Mighty Camp family in 2020! Register today: 913.210.1775. Locations: Ridgeview & Overland Park, St. Joseph & Topeka SW. See display ad on pg. 35. www.genesishealthclubs.com/camps

CAMP CRÈME

MAY 26TH- AUGUST 7TH | FOR CAMPERS ~6 THROUGH 12 YEARS

J Camp J Camp, Play Hard. Camp Harder! Youth entering 1st through 8th grade can experience 13 Premier and Specialty Camps, providing variety all summer long. Unique camp activities for children ages 2 – 5 years are offered through our Child Development Center (CDC). Campers of all ages will learn new skills in a structured, recreational, and educational environment while enjoying the arts, sports, STEM, swimming, and more. Conveniently located at 117th and Nall, our unparalleled facilities include two on-site pools! Open to everyone, The Jewish Community Center’s Camp IS summer. See display ad on pg. 37. www.JCampKC.org

Camp Tekakwitha

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CAMPGUIDE Johnson County Museum Johnson County Museum summer camps offer the chance to explore history! Young historians interact with museum exhibits and explore areas off limits to the public in History Geek Camp (ages 10-14). We will travel to an historic site for more fun! KidScape Summer Adventures (kids entering 1st grade through age 9) explore JOCO Museum and KidScape! Discover history through crafts and projects inspired by our exhibits. New activities and explorations each week! Open Art Studio for before and after care, and Museum members receive a 20% discount. See display ad on pg. 46. www.JCPRD.com/museum

Johnson County Park & Recreation District From Outdoor Discovery to Just for Fun, we offer over 80 different and well-supervised 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, theatre, and dance. The options include both indoor and outdoor programs, and full- and partialday schedules are available. For details, call 913.831.3359 or visit www.JCPRD.COM/camps. See display ad on pg. 34.

Kansas City Ballet Kansas City Ballet School Summer Programs include once-a-week classes and four-day ballet camps for ages 2-7. Camps include Frozen, Little Mermaid, and Storybook Ballet. Additional courses and workshops available for ages 8-22. Classes begin June 1st. Enroll now to guarantee placement. Two convenient locations: Downtown and Johnson County. See display ad on pg. 42. Visit www.kcballet.org/kc-ballet-school/ or call 816.931.2299.

Kansas City School of Music Kansas City School of Music, the premier music school for children and teenagers in the Kansas City area, offers summer camps in piano, guitar, violin, viola, cello, voice, musical theater, music theory, jazz theory, chamber music, keyboard ensembles, and worship music. All camps meet Monday through Friday for three hours each day. Morning and afternoon camps are available. Private lessons are also offered in the summer. Visit www. kansascityschoolofmusic.com or call 913.888.2444. See display ad on pg. 35.

Kansas City Young Audiences Sing, Dance, Act, Create, and Play! Kansas City Young Audiences offers children performing and visual arts classes, camps, and private instruction at their creative space on Main Street. Summer Camps begin

Summer at Pembroke Hill

Hands-on, making memories.

SUMMER AT PEMBROKE HILL

ENROLL TODAY!

SUMMER ART CLASSES

NOW ENROLLING! OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS AGES 2- 18

Ages 3–Adult | nelson-atkins.org/summer2020 april 2020 38Nelson-Atkins_KCParent_Classes_Feb2020_FNL.indd kcparent.com

12/23/19 4:23 PM

www.pembrokehill.org

in June. Scholarships are available. Hurry and enroll today for a summer full of fun! 816.531.4022. See display ad on pg. 36. www.KCYA.org

Kansas City Zoo Make your summer a little wilder with Summer Break Camp. Camp runs May 26 through August 14. Learn the inside scoop about the Zooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creatures. A typical week includes exclusive zoo tours, animal encounters/shows, science experiments, games, and crafts. Half day camps for ages 4-5, full day for ages 5-15. COST: 1/2 day: $125, full day: $260, Before/Aftercare (3:30pm-5:30pm): $15. 10% discount for FOTZ Members. Check out single day camp options the week of 4th of July. See display ad on pg. 36. www.KansasCityZoo. org/programs/day-camps

Camps from May 29 - August 11 Camps for students 2 years old - Grade 8

Join us this summer for fun-themed, fast-paced activities like cooking, crafts, field trips, swimming, team games and more!

Visit us on the web!

oakhilldayschool.org/summer

Oakhill Day School | 7019 North Cherry Street | Gladstone, MO | 816.436.6228

Continued on page 42

Summer Drama Camps ACT! SING! DANCE! MOVIE MAKING!

Oakhill Day School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other school-administered programs.

Confidence, leadership, and academic

Paintball, rappelling, and more! For ages 8-18.

camps for boys. New! Sports camp (boys) and band/choir camp (co-ed).

Located in mid-Missouri.

1 & 2 WEEK CAMPS IN OP

Theatre of the

MMA

M I S S O U R I M I L I TA RY A C A D E M Y

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Imagination

816-561-2787 dramakc.com

Hang with us this summer! missourimilitaryacademy.org/summer

kcparent.com april 2020

CAMPGUIDE

Camp Life Family Style:

How Camp Brought the Biggs Family Together

n the summer of 1981, Keri Walters was a college freshman who had just landed her dream summer job as a horse wrangler at New Life Ranch in Colcord, OK. Trained in English horseback riding at Hidden Valley Stables, the Overland Park teen couldn’t imagine a better-suited job between semesters than working with horses

TAEKWONDO LESSONS FOR AGES 4 YEARS AND UP!

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OLATHE

14024 W 119th St. Olathe, KS 66062 (913) 829-8818

OVERLAND PARK

8645 W 135th St. Overland Park, KS 66223 (913) 851-5050

Visit our website at KCTigerRock.com!

kcparent.com april 2020

summer training: june 11august 14

in the beautiful foothills of the Ozark mountains. Hours were long, and the work was physically demanding, but Keri quickly came to love the camp, the horses and the people. And over the course of that summer, one person in particular caught her eye: Bill Biggs. Bill Biggs was a gregarious man with a warm smile and a twinkle in his eyes. Known to everyone as Mr. Bill, he held an important role as camp director. Bill and Keri found camp life exhilarating, and their friendship blossomed under the prairie sun. Keri continued to work for New Life Ranch for the following summers of her college career, taking on various roles, including camp counselor, canteen director and weekend retreats director. Her work had her brushing shoulders with Bill quite a bit. By 1982, the two were dating, and two years later, the couple wed. Both schoolteachers with a united passion

for education, as well as the place that brought them together, Bill and Keri chose to tie the knot where their story all began: at the New Life Ranch chapel. Throughout the school year, Bill and Keri worked diligently within Tulsa private schools. But when summer came, they could be found serving children at their warm-weather home away from home. Bill and Keri found that working at New Life Ranch only strengthened their resolve to be better teachers. As the years went by, children came; first, Brad in 1988 and then Ben in 1991. For the Biggs boys, New Life Ranch was synonymous with summertime. It was a place filled with adventure and bug bites, rustic cabins, high-flying ropes courses, archery and belly flop competitions. It was the place that brought their parents together. Not surprisingly, it held a special place in Brad and Benâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hearts, too.

Both boys attended New Life Ranch as students. Hearing their dad host sessions as camp speaker left Brad in the same rapt attention as his fellow campers, something not lost on him. He knew his dad had a gift. Seeing it on full display in the company of his peers made him admire him all the more. Bill continued on as a camp speaker until 2015, three years after he retired from teaching and two years before he was diagnosed with Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease. Keri notes that New Life Ranch will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Lauren Greenlee is an Olathe mom of three who first learned how to horseback ride as a girl from Keri Biggs at New Life Ranch.

kcparent.com april 2020

CAMPGUIDE KC Parks and Recreation Get ready for 10 weeks of fun with KC Parks Summer Enrichment Camp! This year’s camp includes great field trips to Science City and Worlds of Fun. Campers will also enjoy weekly swimming lessons, guest speakers, art projects, sports and more! At the end of the summer, we’ll bring all the camps together for a giant cook-off and Olympic festival. Specialty sports camps are also available. Visit www.KCParks.org for details. See display ad on pg. 43

MCC College for Kids MCC’s College for Kids offers enrichment opportunities for kids and teens ages 5-16 in a fun and safe environment where they enjoy educational and hands-on learning activities. Classes are designed to engage youth in new experiences, develop new interests, teach meaningful skills and excite students about learning. College for Kids is available on all Campuses. New this year: Lunch care options,

Early and Late drop off, and All Day options. Register at www.mcckc.edu/collegeforkids. See display ad on pg. 44.

Missouri Military Academy Summer Camps Build confidence, learn to lead, and have fun! For boys, choose Confidence or Leadership Camp for experiences such as paint ball, rappelling and obstacle courses to build teamwork and leadership skills. Summer Academy focuses on academic support, plus fun, outdoor activities. New in 2020—All Sports Camp and Band and Choir Camp (co-ed). See display ad on pg. 39. MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org/summer

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Make it a creative summer at The NelsonAtkins Museum of Art! Unlike any other summer camp in Kansas City, the museum’s collection is the inspiration for a wide

variety of classes, full-day camps and oneday workshops for all ages. Enroll early to secure your spot! Dates and descriptions at www.nelson-atkins.org/summer2020. See display ad on pg. 38. 816.751.1278

Oakhill Day School Ready for a fully charged summer? Oakhill Fully Charged is designed to feel like a vacation every day. Our flexible weekly themed day camps for campers age two years old – Middle School are high energy combining 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: www.oakhilldayschool.org/summer. See display ad on pg. 39.

Oakwood Country Club For 100 years, Oakwood Country Club has been a charming and vital institution in our community. Oakwood has helped

ENROLL FOR SUMMER NOW WITH OUR PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AGES 2-18 Classes and camps are designed to provide your child with excellent ballet training and superior attention from our professional teachers, all while having fun.

Nall Ave.

I-3 5

BOLENDER CENTER 500 W. Pershing Kansas City, MO 64108 Union Station

Pershing

94th Terr.

JOHNSON COUNTY 5359 W. 94th Terr. Prairie Village, KS 66207

W. 95th St.

SPACE IS LIMITED — ENROLL TODAY!

Photography: Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios

Broadway

Photography by Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios.

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS!

kcparent.com april 2020

816.931.2299 | KCBALLET.ORG/SCHOOL

create many happy memories in our community, and they look forward to many more in the years to come. This summer kids can create memories at Oakwood’s Summer Camp, June 1-July 10. To sign up, or to inquire about discounts, contact Mark Maroon, General Manager, at mark@oakwoodcountryclub.org or call 816.761.5501, ext. 102. See display ad pg. 47.

Summer at Pembroke Hill Make this summer a game changer! Learn a new language, create a work of art or explore a new hobby. The Summer at Pembroke Hill program creates a fun learning environment for every student. Our program offers flexibility by allowing you to enroll in any of the weeks you choose. Open to the community, students ages 2-18 are able to participate in our comprehensive summer camp. Enroll online today at www.PembrokeHill.org. See display ad on pg. 38.

Summer at Barstow Choose your adventure from more than 500 offerings at Kansas City’s best summer camp program! Campers ages 3-14 love Summer at Barstow’s action-packed experiences in the creative arts, athletics, academics, STEAM — and the best day trips around. Parents love our experienced instructors, 4:1 camper to staff ratio, affordability and extended care options. Camps are offered May 26-July 31. Check out our catalog and enroll at www.barstowschool.org/summer. Contact summer@barstowschool.org for information. See display ad pg. 45.

Sylvan Learning of Kansas City, North Sylvan is the place to stop summer learning loss! Programming includes reading, writing, math, study skills, ACT/ SAT prep, and homework support. We employ certified educators and conduct instruction (typically) in a 3 to 1 learning environment. We guarantee results for our

core programming and our ACT/SAT courses. We offer FREE ACT practice exams throughout the year, and overall instruction is designed to increase student abilities and improve confidence. We use a token system to encourage hard work, raise confidence, and increase attendance. See display ad on pg. 32. www.KansasCitySylvan.com

Tiger Rock Martial Arts Train all summer at Tiger Rock’s Martial Arts Summer Camp. For only $189, you can spend your summer training at our studio. Fee includes summer training uniform and belt and unlimited martial arts lessons. Hurry! You must register for this offer by June 1. Classes fill up every summer, so register today! 913.829.8818 Olathe) or 913.851.5050 (Overland Park). See display ad on pg. 40. www.KCTigerRock.com Continued on page 46

June 8 – August 14, 2020

Join us for summer camp at one of our 6 KC Parks & Recreation community centers. 7:30 a.m. Ͳ 5:30 p.m. • Monday Ͳ Friday • Ages 6 Ͳ 13 Day Camp: $80/week* • Sports Camp: $120/week* Hillcrest • Kansas City North • Southeast • Tony Aguirre Westport Roanoke • Line CreekͲSports Camp

KCPARKS.ORG

*20% discount if paid in full by May 1. Financial assistance available. Sports camp held only at Line Creek. kcparent.com april 2020

CAMPGUIDE

GET READY FOR CAMP!

Taking a Shower

Habits to Work on with Kids Now Before Heading Off to Camp

Kids at camp will have a short amount of time to take a shower, and Mom or Dad won’t be there to make sure they’ve rinsed all the shampoo out of their hair. Begin teaching your child now how to be quick and efficient when taking a shower. Invest in a 3-in-1 bottle of body wash, shampoo and conditioner to help speed up the process (and eliminate the amount of stuff to pack). Limit showers at home so your child can get a feel for how long he will have to get clean each day at camp.

ummer is just around the corner, and that means summer camp is approaching quickly! Both of my girls attend overnight camp and learn so much from the experience. If you have a child going away for the first time, I am sure you are simultaneously nervous and excited. To help ensure a successful camp experience, start working on a few habits at home now so that when your children are on their own at camp, they can handle these situations with ease!

Caring for Clothes Clothes at camp will get dirty. Really dirty. Don’t send anything new or that your child cares about, because it’s going to come back messy. Label each item your child takes to camp and double the amount of socks

COLLEGE FOR KIDS COLLEGE FOR KIDS offers enrichment opportunities for kids and teens ages 5-17. Classes are designed to engage your youth in new experiences, develop new interests, teach meaningful skills and excite students about learning.

Classes begin June 15

ENROLL TODAY AT

mcckc.edu/collegeforkids

QUESTIONS?

Call 816.604.3011 or email communityeducation@mcckc.edu 44

kcparent.com april 2020

you send. Talk to your child about keeping his clothes in one central spot (trunk, suitcase or bag). Also, teach your child to hang up his clothes at the end of each day (rather than shove them in a bag, wet, sweaty and stinky) to allow them to air out before packing. This should make the smell that wafts from your child’s bag when he returns home a bit less gag-worthy.

Speaking to an Adult Your child will have to be her own advocate at camp. If your youngster shies away from speaking up or becomes nervous when speaking to an adult, start practicing now. Have her order for herself at restaurants. Encourage her to ask a question of the checker when at the grocery store. When at the library, let her ask where to find an item. Providing lots

of practice before camp will make it easier for your child to speak to her counselor or the nurse at camp.

Getting Unplugged Most camps are tech-free zones, and being away from all electronics is a good thing. Camps have so much going on and so many opportunities to learn that most kids won’t even miss their devices. Start preparing them now by having kids shut down devices after dinner. Let them spend the evening without access to music or games or social media so that when they head off to camp, it’s just the norm, and facing a few days away from technology won’t be a big deal.

are just that hungry. Before sending your child to camp, go over the importance of healthy eating and making good choices. Yes, seconds on cinnamon rolls sound tempting, but having a banana instead will provide more energy and keep a body from getting too hungry before lunch. If your child is a picky eater, start now introducing new foods. Because so many campers need to be fed, camps don’t usually offer too many options. Also, remind kids to stay hydrated and drink lots of water! Most of all, remind your child to have fun and make lots of friends. Summer camp memories truly last a lifetime!

Making Good Choices My girls both rave about the food at camp. I can’t help but wonder whether it’s really that good or they

Margaret Sarver lives in Lenexa and is still amazed that her girls enjoy overnight camp.

kcparent.com april 2020

CAMPGUIDE Theatre of the Imagination Acting! Singing! Dancing! Movie Making! Fun & flexible 1 & 2-week camps. We take partials, pick your schedule. Summer Camps starting May 26. K-8th, no previous experience needed. No auditions, no leads and small class sizes. Free shows & free costumes. Ask about our $192/ week All Day special. Unicorns, Space Warriors, Unfrozen Princesses, Wizards, Ninjas and more! Mention KC Parent & get $40 off, (some restrictions apply). See display ad pg. 39. www.DramaKC.com

Victory Soccer Camp Victory Soccer Camp provides professional quality soccer instruction in a fun and exciting environment. Children learn to combine excellence in sports with a focus on the fundamentals of the game, skills and understanding of the game. Our curriculum is designed for every player to be challenged according to their age level.

Cam

$99Fee

Ages 5-12 Camper Receives: • Soccer Ball • Camp T-Shirt

Victory Soccer Camp focuses on fundamentals, skills, and the understanding of the game. We have created a fun and exciting environment for children to learn. We encourage every child to live a life of good character qualities through our daily Bible Halftime. Goran was born in Croatia, Europe. He played 19 years in Europe, US, and in 18 different countries. He played locally for KC Sporting (Wizards) and the KC Comets.

Camp Director GORAN HUNJAK 19 years Pro and US National Team

June 15-19 (8am - 11am) Lenexa, KS June 29-July 3 (8am - 11am) Blue Springs, MO July 6-10 (8am - 11am) Lee’s Summit, MO July 13-17 (8am - 11am) Overland Park, KS

www.victoryinsoccer.org For more information: 913-284-7601

kcparent.com april 2020

Come play with CLAY this summer at Ceramic Cafe. Check out our summer camps specializing in Clay and Glass Fusing.

MULTIMEDIA CAMPS AVAILABLE FOR YOUNGER KIDS! 9510 Nall | Overland Park, KS 913.383.0222

CeramicCafeKC.com

summer S

Our camp is for students with all levels of athletic ability. Every camper is encouraged to live with good character qualities through our daily Bible Half-time. See display ad on pg. 46. VictoryInSoccer.org

Youth-Archdiocese of KCK Camp Tekakwitha cultivates Faith, Fun and Friendships, new and old. We offer horseback riding, high rope challenges, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, basketball, soccer, swimming, mountain boarding, archery, volleyball, mountain biking, and air conditioned modern cabins, Active Bible studies and numerous Catholic prayer experiences make Camp Tekakwitha a powerful spiritual experience that leaves campers excited to return year after year. Camp Tekakwitha is operated by the Archdiocese of KC in Kansas. Full information is available at our website. 913.721.1570. See display ad on pg. 37. www.ArchKCK.org

2020 KID CAMP

ULY 10TH J – T S 1 -12 JUNE • AGES 3 9AM-3PM OF P WEEK N O CA M 2 9 T H JUNE -FRIDAY MONDAY

Daily Activities include

Professional Tennis Lessons – 1 hour daily Professional Golf Lessons – 1 hour daily Professional Swim Lessons – 1 hour daily Nutritious Lunch Morning & Afternoon Snack

Other Creative & Fun Activities including...

Sand Volleyball, Archery, Art, Fort Building, Drama, Pickle Ball, Gardening, Hiking, Fishing, Cup Stacking and more!

To sign up, or to inquire about discounts, contact Mark Maroon, General Manager, by email at

mark@oakwoodcountryclub.org or call 816-761-5501, ext. 102

camp guide

{by the numbers}

33,105

unique visitors to the virtual camp guide in 2019

104,000

readers each issue of KC Parent Magazine

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

Call

913.782.3235 .com

to spread the word about your camp!

kcparent.com april 2020

finding independence through

letting go

relinquishing parental control helps children find their own place in the world

kcparent.com april 2020

n many respects, parenting is all about teaching independence and letting go from the day our children are born. Even when they are babies and toddlers, we teach them to eat, crawl, walk and self-soothe—all important skills that build self-sufficiency. How can we foster independence in our kids so they are ready to succeed in the world? They’ll need to master many skills over the course of 18 years, and each skill builds on the previous.

the preschool years We typically don’t think we are letting go of much control when we have a preschooler, but at this age skills such as learning to take care of their bathroom needs, dress themselves, brush their teeth, bathe themselves and clean up their room or play area are all essentials that encourage independence. Preschoolers can also learn basic life problem-solving skills, such as how to resolve a minor conflict with peers, so they don’t always have to ask an adult to intervene. Being their own advocate goes along with this and requires much independence and self-assertion.

school-age skills After children start school, they are ready for more chores around the home, such as basic cleaning and laundry. Additionally, taking responsibility for getting themselves ready in the morning without help from an adult is another important skill to learn. Once they can remember or follow a checklist of all the tasks necessary to get ready for school—brushing teeth, getting dressed and loading backpacks—they are ready for more responsibility. As they achieve independence in the morning routine, they can also start learning how to prepare their own lunches and do some basic tasks in the kitchen. Learning to use a planner to keep track of assignments and what they need to bring to school is an essential because the process involves their taking ownership of their school work and student responsibilities. Allowing older elementary age students to be home alone for short periods of time and complete chores during this time allows you to let go of having to always look over their shoulders in order for them to get chores done. Local mom Rory Aughinbaugh says she places value on having her own room clean if she is going to require that of her children. “If my expectation is for my kids to keep their room clean in order to show gratitude and stewardship, I must lead by example,” she says.

establishing individuality as a teenager Teenagers truly begin to take the reins of their lives as they prepare to leave home, and two of the biggest elements of letting go and fostering independence during this stage are driving and getting a job.

maturing through open communication and example kids need to have open dialogue and see independence modeled

Efforts to earn money can begin with babysitting or mowing lawns and even include a part-time job, but keep a balance in perspective. “Allow them to have a part-time job, but help them see their limits because you still want them to be able to do well in school and be a teenager,” says Carrie Weeda, a Lee’s Summit mom and teacher. Allowing kids to drive themselves places is perhaps one of the most difficult steps in letting go. As the teenagers get behind the wheel and no longer require your chauffeuring services, they can also learn how to get places on time and keep track of their own schedules. Weeda also recommends working with teenagers on having face-to-face conversations with adults using proper etiquette and learning to write a formal email, as these are necessary social and professional skills. Important to building independence is allowing for failure and not rescuing a child from every unfavorable situation. Weeda says it’s best to allow kids to fail while they are still under your roof, so you can teach them from the situation. Are they insistent on trying out for the school musical, but you know the audition might not go well? Let them try out and not make it. It will likely give them a realistic view of where their talents lie, and you can use the situation to discuss with them how they can best use their gifts. Whatever stage of life your kids are in, it’s never too early to begin preparing children for the future and letting them take ownership of their own lives. Allison Gibeson is a Lee’s Summit writer and mom who let go in a big way when her son stepped on the bus for kindergarten back in August.

Local mom Rory Aughinbaugh says some of the biggest efforts she and her husband have taken to foster independence in their four children are having chores, enjoying dinner together as a family, leading their children by example, having open communication with their kids and investing in their own marriage. She says: “Through the nightly dinners, we have been able to establish open communication and regular dialogue with our children. This has been able to lay a foundation for our children to come and talk to us when they are struggling. Yet as a parent, you have to go first and ask the difficult questions. Be in tune with your children to see when they’re not acting as they typically would. This only happens if you know your child through regular conversation. When you make a mistake, be quick to ask forgiveness and give a genuine apology. Yes, we make mistakes and bad choices and get frustrated, too. But do you take the time to correct it? Do you show your child what it looks like to fix a situation you created? Yes, it is mighty humbling, and we must lead by example.” This kind of environment helps children mature and causes them to see what it will take to thrive when it comes time to live independently.

kcparent.com april 2020

NO S

SPORTS? PROBLEM!

ports are a great way to keep kids active, but not all kids enjoy playing them. When kids avoid sports, parents look for other ways their children

can continue to be healthy and active. How can you get your kids moving around when they aren’t part of a sports team?

encourage lifelong activities Choose activities that have the potential for lifelong enjoyment, such as biking, swimming, walking and hiking. These activities are great because while they can be done individually, for a lifetime, they also can be enjoyed as a family. Encourage everyone to go on a walk or bike ride together, hike in a local park or spend the day at the pool. Get a step counter for each family member and create a friendly competition to see who can get the most steps.

go outside Simply getting your kids outside can be a great way to sneak in exercise. “Being active is really important to me as a mom.” says Stephanie Loux, mom of three. “I encourage them to play

outside for at least 30 minutes a day. They may protest at first but eventually they are having so much fun, they don’t want to come in.” Visit a local park, encourage them to climb trees, swing or play tag. Have your children go on a treasure hunt in the backyard and collect items that interest them like sticks, rocks, flowers or leaves. Catching fireflies in the summer, building a snowman in the winter or raking leaves in the fall all help kids to be active while not playing a sport.

set an example

individualize

Turn on the music and have a family dance party. There is nothing like a great song to get a body moving. Dancing is fun and it’s great exercise too. Some children may also enjoy trying dance classes, baton twirling or cheerleading. All of these are great sources of exercise. If your children are drawn to music and theater, get them involved in a theater production in school or your community.

“I thought I hated sports, but really it was the feeling of letting the team down,” says Jane Hammond, mom of three from Linwood, KS. “Once I discovered things like ice skating and skiing, I loved it. I learned to compete against myself.” Just because your child does not enjoy team sports does not mean she may not enjoy an individual sport. Gymnastics, swimming, track and field, wrestling, diving, archery, golf, or weightlifting are all good examples of individual sports where children compete against themselves.

limit screen time When screen time is allowed, try to encourage kids to move while they are watching television. If a song comes on, get up and dance or march along. If they are playing video games, encourage ones that involve movement. If children are sedentary while they’re enjoying screen time, ask them to complete some sort of activity like chores or outdoor play before they turn the television or tablet on.

Children learn by example. If the parent has a low activity level, the child will likely see exercise as a low priority. Lead by example and get moving. Begin an exercise routine or a hobby like gardening that includes movement and invite your child to join you. Make the most of your time together by learning new skills and making healthy habits together.

dance and act

find a new hobby Encourage your child to find a hobby that encourages movement and activity, such as skateboarding, fishing, bowling and woodworking. If kids are doing something they enjoy, they won’t even notice they are also exercising.

play

Leisure sports that have less pressure to perform at a higher level can be more fun for kids who don’t care for competitive team sports. Encouraging kids to play gets them active. Playing Frisbee or Frisbee golf, tag, catch, shooting hoops, and duck, duck, goose all require kids to run around.

Youngsters will be having so much fun during the game, they won’t notice they are getting a workout in too.

work on chores Chores are a great way to get kids active and teach them the value of hard work at the same time. Ask your children to clean their rooms, vacuum, mow the lawn or sweep. Consider paying them an allowance for more motivation.

try alternative extracurricular activities Some extracurricular activities do not involve sports but still offer all the benefits and lessons team sports teach, such as Scouting, 4-H, robotics and band. “Scouting provides opportunities for learning how to work cooperatively with fellow Scouts. Teamwork is applied through projects and activities,” says Bridget Estelle, Olathe mom of four. “We love 4-H for learning leadership, how to work with a team and many other skills,” says Krystal Laws, Olathe mom of eight. “Our club even does a health and wellness project which includes fun, active things we can do together.” Sports have many benefits, but they are not for everyone. Kids who do not enjoy sports don’t have to be less active. With these tips, they’ll enjoy an active lifestyle they can maintain for a lifetime.

• Sarah Lyons is a part-time freelance writer and full-time mom. She lives in Olathe with her family.

kids activities that aren’t sports • Dramatic art such as theater or dance • Scouting or other civic organizations, groups such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts or 4-H

• Religious groups like Awana or youth group • Visual art such as drawing, painting or sculpting • Music—vocal or instrumental • Student government or leadership • Creative hobbies such as sewing or woodworking

• Clubs—foreign languages, books, robotics, science, math or chess. Find an interest and see whether there is a club at your school or start one of your own.

• Alternative sports such as biking, dancing, bowling, cheerleading, martial arts, golf, skateboarding or skiing

• Volunteering—dog walking, serving food at a shelter or shelving books at the library kcparent.com april 2020

APRIL KC PARENT CALENDER As we went to print, many events were being canceled due to COVID-19 so instead of our usual event calendar, this month find great ideas for fun at home. Watch for our popular calendar of events to return soon!

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

SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE SPRING FUN IDEAS: 1. April Fools Guide 2. Virtual Camp Guide 3. Earth Day in Kansas City

4. Spring Flings 5. Arts & Crafts 6. Gardening with Kids

SPOTLIGHT

EXPERIENCE KC VIRTUALLY

This is your chance to zoom all over KC in just a few clicks! Enjoy the penguin cam from the KC Zoo, virtual tours of the Nelson-Atkins and more, all compiled at KCParent.com.

7. KC Parks 8. Rainy Day Fun Ideas

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

4 MORE WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED

9. DIY Kits 10. Outdoor Fun

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35 ideas to

make memories at home

The best family memories are often made at home. Here are 35 creative ideas to have fun with the kids this spring:

Book & a Movie. Read the book, THEN watch the movie! Compare the two for similarities and differences.

Family Costume Party. Dress up as your favorite characters for dinner and play their parts. See if everyone can guess your part.

Pillow Fight. Grab those pillows and go to town. Be sure to set a few ground rules for everyone’s safety – pick a place like the rec room or playroom to play, and avoid breakables.

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Karaoke or Dance Party. Have fun with your favorite playlist.

Story-telling. Have one person start a story for 60 seconds. Then the next continues it for another 60 seconds and so on.

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Classic Movie Night. Watch family favorite films and enjoy popcorn. Try different flavors and seasoning on your popcorn for fun.

Tackle DIY Projects. Have a project that just never gets done? Buy a bucket of paint and repaint that living room or bedroom while jamming to favorite tunes.

Play Outside. Eat on the deck. Play on the swing set. Play catch. Go old-school and simply enjoy the outdoors! Classic Games. Play hide & seek; duck, duck, goose; charades; Pictionary ... all the old party games and kids games you grew up with. They never get old!

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Game Night. Dust off games you haven’t played in a while.

Clean Out the Closets and Desks. This is a great time to tackle an organizing project you’ve been neglecting.

Puppets. Make puppets with old socks or lunch sacks and put on a show.

Paper Airplane Air Show. Make paper airplanes. See who can fly the farthest, fastest, longest. Give prizes for best design.

Read. Turn off tech for an hour or more and cuddle up with a good book.

We are your place for books and a whole lot more! Storytimes • Play and Learn Book Groups • Family History Research Writing and Storytelling Classes Small Business Assistance Live Homework Help • Museum Passes Summer Library Program 32 locations in Clay, Jackson and Platte County to serve you.

National Library Week • April 19-25 kcparent.com april 2020

Bubble Wrap Dance Party.

Shopping online these days? You probably have bubble wrap from packages. Lay it on the floor and let the kids dance on it.

Recreate Cooking Shows. You can use your own pantry to recreate Cutthroat Kitchen or Guy’s Grocery Games. Or, go classic and make dinner while impersonating your favorite TV chefs as they demo food prep.

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Painting. Get out paper and watercolors and let everyone paint. Try painting family portraits or memories from favorite vacations.

Formal night. Set the table with your nicest dishes and candles and serve a fancier meal. Let the kids help make a special dessert.

Tea Party. Host an at-home tea party with stuffed animal guests.

Take a walk. Go around the neighborhood and each time you hit a turn, have someone choose left or right. Take turns and see where you end up.

Bake. Open the cookbook and bake a new dessert or make Grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best cookie recipe.

Scavenger Hunt. Make up an at-home scavenger hunt and award a prize for the fastest person to complete the hunt.

Pillow Forts. Get out the pillows and sheets and build a living room fort.

Garden. Clean up the yard, plant some seeds, make fairy houses ... prepare for spring blooms.

Go for a Hike. Visit a nearby nature trail and explore.

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Toy Time. Play with toys. Race Hot Wheels, play pretend with the dollhouse, dress up your teddy bear, build with Lego ... enjoy playtime.

Alphabet Hunt. This can be played on a walk or at home. Find something that starts with A, then B and so on until you complete the alphabet. Tip: For the letter X, we usually allow an object with an X in its name.

Pizza Party. Make or buy some pizza crust (a loaf of french bread split in half is one of our favorite for a simple pizza) and let the whole family build their own pizzas with their favorite toppings.

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Spa Night. Manicures, pedicures, facials. Nerf Gun War. The name says it all!Â

Sensory Play. Fill a small bucket with rice, beans or noodles and allow little ones to play.

Create from the Recycle Bin. Dig out the recycle bin and see who can create the coolest masterpiece. You might come up with a theme or let imaginations run wild. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be amazed at the castles that can be created from a cereal box!

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Fashion Show. Dress up and put on a fashion show with all the accessories.

Night at the Museum. Take your kids on a “tour” of your family museum. Tell them the stories behind family heirlooms

or old photographs. Compare and contrast your interests. Does your son’s book collection more resemble Mom’s or Dad’s taste in literature? Does your daughter enjoy painting like an aunt or grandparent? Tell the story of your family on a tour of your own home.

Skate Night. So many great skating and biking trails crisscross the metro. Spend an evening rollerblading as a family. Indian Creek Trail, Turkey Creek Trail, Tomahawk Creek Trail, Little Blue Trace Trail and Howard Park in Lee’s Summit are some of our top picks.

Kristina Light’s girls love putting on their own cooking shows for a night of family fun!

Help children and families in the KC region for the next 10 years. Answer the 2020 Census.

COUNT ALL KIDS! kcparent.com april 2020

Rainy Day rescues

t’s only Wednesday. You’ve constructed your 10th Play-Doh snake, watched every episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and witnessed your toddler run his fifth lap around the kitchen. And it still hasn’t stopped raining outside. Rainy days make us adults restless, which means they definitely take a toll on our energetic kiddos. If you’re stuck inside and in need of a few fresh ideas to occupy your stircrazy kids, look no further. I started a Pinterest board years ago for moments like these. You may think you’ve already tried absolutely every activity imaginable, but you’d be surprised what simple pastimes you haven’t thought of yet.

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kcparent.com april 2020

have a mini yoga session After your dance party, pull out the yoga mats for a calming yoga session in the living room. Play relaxing classical music or find a yoga instruction YouTube channel to play from your tablet.

play dress-up Lately, my 4-year-old loves digging through the laundry basket to put random articles of clothing on his head or trying our giant shoes on. Make a game out of it and find old hats, shoes, big clothes and other accessories to play dress-up. Take funny photos and make a collage.

clean the playroom Although also a chore, this activity tends to get kids excited about old toys they’ve forgotten. I try to store away separate containers of random toys to switch out when my son gets bored with what’s already in his playroom. So far, it has worked like a charm.

organize an indoor treasure hunt Make a list of “treasures” for your children to find around the house. They’ll be up and moving (bonus) and distracted, focusing on their search. Don’t make the list too complicated—just enough to wear them out a little before lunch.

bake

Flip through your cookbook for simple recipes your little ones can help with. Baking is a great way to kill time and keep the kitchen smelling great, which improves everybody’s mood.

dig out the old photo albums and memorabilia My son loves random “treasures” almost more than his own toys. Sorting through random boxes in storage is one of our new rainy day pastimes. We find old photos, treasures, toys, decorations and more.

create an indoor obstacle course If you happen to have a mini trampoline, tee-pee tent, a bunch of pillows and a retractable tunnel (just a few examples), create a fun and resourceful obstacle course for your kiddos to run through.

throw a living room dance party “Alexa, play the ‘Baby Shark’ remix!” Clear a spot in the middle of the floor for the kids to get their wiggles out. Our top three dance party tunes right now are “Who Let the Dogs Out,” “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and “Shake It Off.”

make sock puppets What better way to utilize all of your mismatched socks than to make some sock puppets and then put on a puppet show?

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, 4-year-old son and two dogs.

kcparent.com april 2020

keep a weather chart.

Soar

Spring weather can be wacky—snow flurries one day, sunny and 70 the next, with thunderstorms in between! Have the kids keep a weather chart for a week or so, tracking the temperature, clouds and precipitation. Little ones can draw pictures, while older kids can make it a diary form. Weather.gov has a kids’ section with fun weather info and activities.

into Spring!

make a picasso.

t’s finally here—time to ditch those winter coats and celebrate the arrival of spring! Your family can find plenty of activities to do this spring, no matter whether the weather is warm and sunny or cool and rainy. Check out these ideas:

fly a kite. Spring is known for its windy days, perfect for flying a kite. You can find many colorful designs and interesting shapes in stores, or your family can make their own. (Google it for lots of simple designs!) Locate a place without trees or power lines and have fun!

make a bird feeder. Your feathered friends will love this simple treat: Spread a layer of peanut butter on a bagel, then roll it in birdseed, popcorn or sunflower seeds. String yarn through the hole in the bagel, hang it from a tree in your yard and watch birds enjoy their feast!

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Use sidewalk chalk to turn your driveway or sidewalk into a giant work of art. Decide on a theme and have everyone in the family contribute to the picture. Be sure to take a photo of the completed masterpiece!

reduce, reuse, recycle. Earth Day is April 22, but why make just one day of the year about the environment? Sit down with your family and make plans on ways you can help protect the earth. Some ideas include picking up trash at a park, buying locally-grown produce and recycling more at home.

psst... we’re busy whipping up a juicy juicy new issue for

may

• celebrate mom • why music lessons matter • summer camps

donate to charity. Take advantage of those rainy days and have the family go through their closets and drawers to find items they have outgrown or don’t want anymore. Donate those items to a charity. You will minimize your stuff and feel good in the process!

make your own rain.

to participate and start working toward the goal of completing the race. You don’t have to run; walking is just fine!

paint some rocks. You can find lots of interesting rocks at parks and in your own yard. Find some for the family to paint and use them to decorate your garden, flower bed or porch.

Have your kids ever asked, “How does it rain?” You can demonstrate with an experiment. Boil some water and pour a few inches in a glass jar. Place a paper plate over the jar for several minutes, then put some ice cubes on top of the plate. Soon the condensation that forms on the bottom of the plate will drip back into the jar, creating rain.

play in the rain. We tend to hole up inside the house on rainy days, so the kids will love splashing in the rain! Slip on some boots, grab a jacket and go jump in some puddles!

have a scavenger hunt. The kids will enjoy hunting for items in the backyard or at a local park. Some ideas for the checklist: something green, a flower, a bug and something with four legs.

make mud pies. Give the kids some paper bowls and let them make their own muddy creations.

go stargazing. go for a bike ride.

train for a 5k. Many of us get into a slothful pattern during the winter, but now is the time to kick that habit! From now until fall, you can find a local 5k race nearly every weekend. Select one in which the whole family would like

Pedaling down a bike path with your family works those leg muscles and puts you in a great mood. Go to MARC.org for a map of local bike trails or explore new parts of your own neighborhood.

On a clear evening, look upwards and see if you can find any constellations or planets. NASA.gov, along with many apps, can help in your search. Tisha Foley and her family love riding bikes, hanging out in the backyard and planting flowers in the spring.

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F A M I LY F U N Fresh air, quality time, and exercise are vital for families at this time. Here are some fine ways to have fun in your own backyard!

Scavenger Hunts: These can be done in your own backyard, on a walk through the neighborhood or at home:

• A-Z: Try to find one thing starting with each letter of the alphabet.

• 1-10: Try to find one ball, two acorns, three squirrels and so on. The kids can take turns making the list.

• Animal, vegetable, mineral: Try to find a set number of animals, vegetables (plants) and minerals (non-living things).

• Spell your name hunt: Search for an object starting with every letter in your name.

• Create-a-hunt: Give every member of your family 10 index cards or slips of paper. Have them write a different object on each paper. Then, put all of the papers in a bowl and take turns drawing them from the bowl. Once each person has a new set of 10 (randomly selected), start a race to see who can find their 10 objects first.

Backyard Arts and Crafts: • Collect objects like leaves, acorns and rocks to make a collage or diorama.

• Paint rocks and decorate your garden with them.

• Plant a garden and make signs for your vegetables and herbs. Painted Popsicle sticks can make excellent garden markers.

• Make a flag for your swing set, treehouse or deck. Design a family crest and paint or sew a flag using scrap material.

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Fun and Games: • Obstacle course: Use backyard toys, jump ropes, hula hoops, old tires or recycled materials to create your own backyard obstacle course.

• Circus time: Encourage the kids to put

on a backyard circus. Use the swing set, balance beam, balls and toys to perform. Youtube is a great resource for simple magic tricks you can perform at home with cards and coins.

• Reader’s theater: Have the children reenact

a favorite fairy tale or story. Then, tell the same story in a different genre. For example, perform classic Jack and the Beanstalk, then Jack and the Beanstalk spooky style, or Jack and the Beanstalk sci-fi.

• Old favorites: Dust off the old croquet

set, volleyball net, badminton and baseball. Play sports together as a family.

Firepit Time: • Roast s’mores for dessert. Try new

combinations. For example replace the graham cracker with a cookie or the Hershey bar with another favorite candy.

• Bring out the guitar or sing acapella

and spend time singing favorite songs together as a family.

• Share stories of your childhood. Spend

time telling your kids about your favorite childhood memories or things you enjoyed. Get to know each other better.

• Read together. Bring a flashlight to the

campfire, or start before sunset, and enjoy a book together.

• Make up funny or spooky stories together.

Pick up where you left off last time and see how big your story can become.

Family Dinner Outside: • Make it a tech-free dinner time with a family meal at the picnic table.

• Have a family potluck. Each member of

the family prepares one dish toward the main meal and everyone shares. Older sister might grill the burgers, while brother makes a salad, mom makes some vegetables, and dad bakes a dessert.

• Grill everything. Make kebabs or grill

your favorite meat and vegetables. Enjoy a meal straight from the backyard grill.

• Finger food dinner. Wash your hands

first, and then serve only finger foods for dinner at the picnic table.

in your own backyard

On the Driveway: • Tic-tac-toe: Play tic-tac-toe, hangman

and other classic pen and paper games with sidewalk chalk.

• Racetrack: Using sidewalk chalk or

too windy) and play it at the picnic table. Games like Scattergories or Yahtzee work really well.

• Have a backyard Nerf war or water war if it’s warm enough.

masking tape, create roads, highways and intersections with stoplights for imaginative play with toy cars (Hot Wheels style) or bikes (for kids to ride).

• Set up the tent and sleep in the backyard.

• Basketball: Challenge the kids to one-on-

practice drawing them in a scrapbook.

one, or a classic game of H-O-R-S-E.

• Jump rope: Do you remember the old jump rope games from the school playground? Teach your kids how to jump rope to “Rockin’ Robin” and “Mary Mack.”

Take It Outside: • Play Twister on the lawn. • Take a favorite board game (when it isn’t

Enjoy Nature: • Take photos of animals in nature and then • Learn how to identify backyard birds.

AllAboutBirds.org is a great resource to learn the names and habits of birds.

help identify stars and constellations and learn more about the space program.

• Collect and identify local rocks. Our favorite resource for rock hounds is Geology.com/rocks/.

Find what you love and do it again. Many families connect through shared collections or games. Make it a tradition to shoot hoops together, stargaze, sing or collect rocks. Your kids will always have fond memories of the time you spent together enjoying your own backyard.

• Once you’ve learned about birds, try

learning to identify the trees where they live. Arborday.org/trees/whattree/ is a useful website.

• Use the telescope for a bit of nighttime stargazing. NASA has a terrific app to

Kristina Light’s family loves to eat outside when the weather is nice, and they are thankful to enjoy a nice backyard full of great memories.

kcparent.com april 2020

A Toast to Tusks GET YOUR JAZZOO TICKETS TODAY!

Jazzoo is the Kansas City Zoo’s largest fundraiser and your attendance helps us feed and care for more than 1,700 animals and educate Kansas City youth through our Zoo Learning Fund.

Join us in creative black tie attire and enjoy delicious bites from the following restaurants. Ambrosia Catering Food Truck Amigoni Urban Winery Andy’s Macaroni Works Belfonte Ice Cream & Dairy Foods Co. Big Momma’s Bakery & Cafe Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar Bizz & Weezy Confections Bo-Lings Cake Pop Bakery Carmen’s Cafe Chappell’s Restaurant & Sports Museum Charleston’s Restaurant Charlie Hooper’s Chicken N Pickle Cowtown Mini Donuts Deep Roots Restaurant & Bar Edible Arrangements El Indio Pollos Al Carbon Fogo De Chao Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Gates Bar-B-Q Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken Granite City Brewery Hiland Dairy Co. Kingswood Senior Living Krown Concepts Lakeview Village Levy Restaurants Lew’s Grill & Bar Loews Kansas City Hotel Los Cabos Mexican Grill & Cantina Mad Man’s KC BBQ

Mission Taco Joint Morgana’s Gluten Free Bakery One East at the Westin Crown Center O’Neill’s Restaurant & Bar Parker at the Fontaine Pig & Finch Pinstripes Polar Oasis Price Rite Market & Deli “The Little Store” RA Sushi Redrock Canyon Grill Shake Shack Shatto Milk Sheridan’s Frozen Custard Sheridan’s Unforked Smitty’s Garage — Burgers & Beer Southside Bar & Grille Spectator’s at the Sheraton Crown Center St. James Winery Tabard’s Ale House Tavernonna Italian Kitchen at Hotel Phillips Teocali Mexican Restaurant & Cantina The Clubhouse Experience The Homesteader Café The Melting Pot The Roasterie Café The Well Bar, Grill & Rooftop Waldo Pizza Zebra Room at the Aladdin Hotel

June 5, 2020 7:30pm–Midnight

For tickets and more information, visit JazzooKC.org

GO WILD

Over 200 acres of adventure filled with more than 1,700 animals to explore. Travel all over the world with a trip to the Kansas City Zoo.

Visit Today!

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