KC Parent Magazine August 2017

FREE | August 2017 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

KC’S #1

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

PLANNER!

THE BEST ON easing your

CHILD’S WORRIES

quick & easy

BREAKFAST

GENIUS TIPS FROM LOCAL MOMS

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SAVOR SUMMER: FESTS & FAIRS

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How Do You Know if Your Child Really

Needs Braces – Or Will Just Grow Out of It?

When you need to take care of it – or can it wait?

To go to a dentist or an orthodontist? Are all orthodontists the same?

To get Invisalign® or a lower cost alternative? Who can you trust for advice?

BurlesonSmile.com Authoritative information for parents of children, pre-teens and teens is available, free, and at no obligation, including downloadable free reports, online video, and more.

In this era of social media, social media shaming and bullying, shocking numbers of pre-teen and teen suicides, and hyper-emphasis on personal appearance, crooked and mis-placed teeth and a smile he or she is embarrassed about and humiliated by can be a serious issue. Further, there are lifelong health ramifications of neglected or postponed, necessary teeth straightening. This is much more than just ‘cosmetics’. But how can you feel confident about the decisions you make, for your daughter or son? Please let us provide the information that directly and clearly answers your questions.

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Visit our website today to find out more:

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© 2017, Burleson Orthodontics. Rights Reserved

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kcparent.com august 2017

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AUGUST

2017

DEPARTMENTS 10 Craft Corner 12 Media Mix 19 Word from Dad 39 Healthy Kids

KC’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE, PGS. 34-51

SPECIAL SECTIONS 20 Party Guide

FEATURES

34 Back-to-School Guide 52 Calendar of Events

10

16

26

Creative Craft

Playdate Success Bad Day

Quick and easy craft for kids to make

Ideas for playdate fun for everyone

Our cover features Benjamin from Overland Park.

Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com.

Cover model provided by HoffmanModels.com

Tips to cheer up after having a bad day

FREE | August 2017 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

KC’S #1

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

PLANNER!

ON THE COVER

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kcparent.com august 2017

Fairs and Festivals

32

Quick and Easy Breakfast

35

Easing Back-to-School Worries

36

Genius Tips from Local Moms

44

THE BEST ON easing your

CHILD’S WORRIES

quick & easy

BREAKFAST GENIUS TIPS FROM LOCAL MOMS

+

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EDITOR’SLETTER AUGUST 2017

Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic 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 CONTENT

Local Contributing Writers Bill Bartlett (Belton), Melissa Bellach (Overland Park), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Tisha Foley (Belton), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Jessica Heine (Olathe), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Laura Miller McEachen (Overland Park), Kerrie McLoughlin (Overland Park), Katie Newell (Shawnee), Maggie Uhl (Waldo)

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

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ugust is upon us, and that means it’s back-to-school time. That I love summer and am no fan of the old BTS season is no secret. When I received an article called “Why I’m Singing the Back-toSchool Blues,” I knew I could relate. Before reading the article, I started making a mental list of why I don’t care for back-to-school time.

As I read, I discovered that even though the author’s reasons were different than mine, I could nod my head and relate to each and every one. Super specific supply list? Yep, can’t stand it (and can’t stand it even more when the kids come home in May with the “green plastic folder with two pockets” untouched and unused). School photos? Uh huh, no matter how much preplanning goes into being ready for photo day, we ALWAYS have a hair or wardrobe malfunction the day of. Drop-off lanes? To that let me just say if you need to get out of your car for any reason, the drop-off lane isn’t for you.

More than any other reason, I dislike BTS because I enjoy the freedom summer brings. Sure, we have obligations and places to be, but it’s much more relaxed during the summertime. Kids want to stay up late and just hang out? Sure thing! Late night ice cream run? No problem! Nothing to do so let’s sidewalk paint or have a water balloon fight or make muffins or create slime? Absolutely!

But the reality is kids need to go off to school and learn, and I am thankful that we have such terrific schools and teachers all over KC. In order to help you with your back-toschool season, we’ve got a comprehensive guide beginning on pg. 34.

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

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

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

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kcparent.com august 2017

KCPARENTWEBSITE

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

SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE SUMMER FUN IDEAS: 1. Best of August 2. 40 FREE Summer Fun Ideas 3. Back-to-School Ideas

A Total Eclipse of the Sun 8.21.2017 4. Waterfalls of the Midwest 5. Kids Eat FREE

KCParent.com is YOUR SOURCE for preparing to enjoy the eclipse, how to watch it and where to go to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event.

6. Festival Guide

SPOTLIGHT

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN Kansas City’s once-in-a-lifetime moment will be happening August 21. Check out our Interactive Eclipse Viewing Guide at KCParent.com to make the most of this memorable event.

7. KC Going Places Guide with

500+ local attractions

8. Free (AND CHEAP) Summer Movies

eNEWS Get the latest in family fun ideas with our weekly eNewsletter, delivered to your inbox every Thursday morning. Join the 51,000+ opt-in subscribers and be in the know for the best family fun in KC!

9. Apple Picking Guide 10. Complete Calendar of Events

4 MORE WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED

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

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9

CRAFTCORNER

Materials Needed:

• Tissue paper • Scissors

Anyone can help make these sparklers, and you can use any combination of colors to match your party theme!

• Straws or skewers • Glue

Step One: Cut a large piece of tissue paper in half. Stack three different sheets of cut paper. Then fold the tissue paper in half lengthwise.

Step Two: Make small cuts into the folded paper, stopping about 2 inches from the folded edge.

C

tissue paper sparklers

elebrate your next birthday with some tissue paper sparklers! These are so quick and easy to make. They are perfect for sticking in a vase or jar for some creative party decor, or just to pass out for kids to enjoy. Anyone can help make these sparklers, and you can use any combination of colors to match your party theme!

Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and four children.

She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.

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kcparent.com august 2017

Step Three: Apply a line of glue along the folded edge.

Step Four: Carefully roll the tissue paper up onto the straw or skewer.

Step Five: Allow the sparkler to fully dry, then fluff the tissue paper and enjoy!

Photography: Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios.

AC A D E M Y FO R C H I L D R E N AG E S 2 -1 8 ENCHANCE POISE, FOCUS AND RHYTHM IN YOUR CHILD IN THE REGION’S MOST RESPECTED PROGRAM FOR ASPIRING DANCERS!

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MEDIAMIX

new titles for back to school

By McGeath Freeman

Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished

Tool School Illustrated by James Dean

Seven Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break If You Want to Survive the Cafeteria

Best for: Ages 3-5

By John Grandits

By Joan Holub

By Camille Andros Illustrated by Brianne Farley

Illustrated by Michael Allen Austin

Best for: Ages 4-8 Disguised as a charming yarn about the scientific method, Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished cleverly tells the tale of a bunny that learns to be careful about what she wishes. Charlotte is a smart bunny scientist from a very large family. While working on her scientific experiments, she notices she has no room. No room for her beakers, her laboratory and her privacy.

She’s squished! Charlotte relies on the five steps of the scientific method to solve her problem. She begins with a question: “How can I get some space around here?” Then she proceeds through the steps until she reaches a satisfactory conclusion. Farley’s pencil and ink illustrations help keep the tone light and humorous.

The final spread, “In the Lab with Charlotte,” defines and reinforces each step of the scientific method. All in all, Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished is an excellent choice for classrooms introducing the scientific method.

What’s good: Engaging illustrations and humorous storytelling with a strong lesson.

What’s bad: Not much is bad in this tale.

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kcparent.com august 2017

What do you get when you combine tools with a tale about going to school?

A lesson in teamwork wrapped in an introduction to basic household tools.

Told in verse, this book for preschool children will excite them to pick up the next hammer they see, while also giving them a valuable lesson in working together. The cute illustrations will draw young readers in, and the rhyming, although a little forced, will make it easy for children to follow along. Although the last spread offers tips for tools and safety rules that specifically state children should always work with grownups, you may want to keep a close eye on your children after reading this fun little tale.

What’s good: Entertaining introduction to tools.

What’s bad: Not enough mention of tool safety throughout the story.

Best for: Ages 6-10 New situations and unfamiliar tasks can seem daunting and scary to young children. Several years ago, Grandits and Austin teamed up for Ten Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break if You Want to Survive the School Bus to explore and add levity to one such situation. Now they are back and exploring the frightful setting of the school cafeteria. This irreverent take on scary school situations combines interesting bug facts with a worst-case scenario that gives this book the feeling of a quasi-creepy science fiction story.

In the end, our main character breaks every rule and still manages to do more than survive as he eats his very tasty lunch.

This is a smart choice for nervous students approaching new school adventures.

What’s good: Tongue-in-cheek humor delivers a smart message.

What’s bad: Could have used a spread to educate about the bugs mentioned within the story.

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kcparent.com august 2017

13

• Hurry up!

It’s time to get in the car for school, but your youngest is taking her time finding shoes she wants to wear. Your first instinct is to tell her to hurry up, but this only creates more stress. Instead, soften your tone and try saying, “Let’s hurry.”

This sends the message that the two of you are on the same team. You might even turn it into a race to see who can put her shoes on faster!

e un h

A

s parents, we say a lot of things to our children, and some of what we say can become a repetitive habit without our realizing it. As much as we want to be helpful to our children, are our words of wisdom really helping? Well, not always. For instance, if you find yourself saying things such as, “Oh, you’re just fine,” or “Don’t cry,” to quiet your sobbing child, you might look for a different way to approach the situation. Here are some new ways to word overused phrases:

• Don’t worry.

Sometimes as parents, we think a hug and a simple, “You’re okay,” will be comforting when our children are upset about something. Remember, though, if they’re crying, they’re obviously not okay. Whether it’s a fear of monsters, a bad dream, something that upset them at school, or the ups and downs of puberty, their feelings need to be acknowledged, and kids need parents to help them find ways to deal with those feelings. Try asking questions such as, “What are some things you can do to help you feel less worried?”

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kcparent.com august 2017

• I told you so.

No one likes to hear these words.

While we want kids to understand that listening to us is wise, it’s not wise on our part to always tell them things such as, “See? Aren’t you glad you brought the umbrella I told you to grab?” or “See? Isn’t it easier to walk through your bedroom when the toys are picked up?”

Children who hear these words will simply raise their defenses, not listen, and a power struggle most likely will begin. Instead, stay silent. Remember that the best teacher is experience itself.

y sa ts

gs pa n i h t l ren u f lp

• Say, “Hi.” Is your child uncomfortably shy? Does he hide behind you when meeting new people or when you run into someone you know at the store? If so, the first thing you don’t want to say is, “Don’t be shy.” If he’s not comfortable talking to people he doesn’t know well, don’t pressure him. While we try to instill and encourage politeness, stating aloud that your child is shy, in front of your child, only encourages his shyness.

Instead of putting him on the spot, work with him ahead of time on how to meet and greet new people. Try role playing at home. Most importantly, don’t force your child to talk if he doesn’t want to.

• Great job!

Throwing out generic phrases like “Way to go” or “Good boy” every time your child masters a skill, according to research, makes him dependent on your praise rather than his own motivation.

It sets your child up for a lifetime of seeking approval from parents, bosses and coworkers. Instead, save the ’atta boys for times when they’re truly warranted—and be specific. Rather than saying, “Great game,” say, “I liked the way you dribbled the ball away from your opponent and kept going to the goal.”

• Let me help!

If Annie is struggling with a puzzle, you naturally want to jump in and help her out. However, don’t jump in too soon.

Allow your child her independence so she doesn’t always look to others for answers. Instead, ask her guiding questions such as, “Do you think you should put the big piece or little piece in the corner? Why?”

As parents, we say a lot of things to our children, and some of what we say can become a repetitive habit without our realizing it.

DANCE SHOPPE Celebrating 32 Years in KC Whether you’re a beginner dancer looking for your first leotard or a seasoned performer in need of a

• Why can’t you be more like your sister?

Never, ever compare your child to someone else. Comparison and competition tell your child he is not enough. These feelings potentially can follow your child throughout his life, because a person always can find someone to compare himself to who will make him feel bad about himself.

If you want to be helpful when your child needs you most, simply think about how you want people to speak to you on a daily basis. What words or actions make you feel good about who you are or help you the most in a tough situation? When you take the time to put yourself in your child’s shoes, your newfound wise words and actions will become the light that shines over every part of your child’s life.

Gina Klein is a mom and author who resides in Kansas City with her husband and two daughters.

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playdate success

a

playdate can teach important life skills like sharing, taking turns and navigating arguments. But how do you keep the peace during a playdate?

n Because kids can handle only so much stimulation and get along for a limited amount of time, set start and end times. Tresa Cope, a mom of two preschoolers, says, “Just like you might only have coffee on a first date, keep a first-time playdate short—no longer than two hours.” Most school-age kids probably can handle an all-day playdate after a trial. n Take turns hosting playdates and don’t forget another option to change things up: meeting at a neutral location like a park, the pool or an indoor play area at a fast food restaurant, community center or church. n Don’t be afraid to talk to parents in advance if your child has any issues or if you have concerns (e.g., Are there guns in the house? Do they have an extra booster seat if they plan to go somewhere?). Eva Gavin, a mom of four boys,

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says, “My boys have a friend who goes into full-on freak-out mode when any dog (even a Chihuahua!) comes near him, so his mom reminds me ahead of time to please put up our dogs.”

n Your child should put away any extra special toys before friends arrive unless he’s willing to share. You’d be amazed at how many arguments this cuts out.

n Serve or bring snacks and drinks, but first check for kid food allergies or no-sugar moms. Snacks like cheese crackers, pretzels, cut-up fruit or string cheese are usually a hit.

n If things go south at your house, switch gears. Julie Dorset, a mom of one, says, “If the kids aren’t getting along–for whatever reason–I pull out art supplies and have them sit at the dining room table to do something quiet.” If the kids are routinely not getting along, you might want to make yourself unavailable for a few weeks.

n Lay down the law. Kids need to know the rules (e.g., no hitting, no throwing the hamster, no cussing, no internet usage, etc.) at either house as soon as they are dropped off.

n When playtime is over, have your child help pick up, and don’t be shy about having the other kid pick up at your house.

Learning to clean up after himself is going to come in very handy when you start teaching your child about the fine art of chores. n Be considerate. Don’t always expect other parents to pick up AND drop off their child at your place so you don’t have to get out. If you’ve just had a baby or have some other issue going on, you get a free pass for a while, but then make sure you return the favor.

Kerrie McLoughlin (TheKerrieShow.com), mom of five, loves having playdates at her house so she has a reason to clean it up a little!

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farmers market

RATATOUILLE

r

atatouille is a tasty, easy and healthy way to make use of the abundant amount of fresh produce available this time of year. If you have kiddos, this is also a great way to encourage them to eat their veggies. After all, who doesn’t want to eat a dish named after a Disney movie?!? I almost always double this recipe. We eat it as a vegetarian meal wrapped in crepes or as a side item to chicken or fish the day I prepare it, and then use the leftovers as a filling for omelets all week long. Serves six to eight as a side, four as a main dish.

Start to finish: 35 minutes, 15 active Ingredients: For the ratatouille: 1 T. extra virgin olive oil 1 T. real butter 1 red onion 4 cloves garlic 1 heirloom eggplant 1 bell pepper (red, orange or yellow) 1 zucchini (or yellow squash) 2 vine-ripe tomatoes (about 1-1/2 - 2 c.)

Seasonings: 1 t. sea salt 1 t. black pepper 1/4 t. crushed red pepper 1 bay leaf Finishing touches: 1/4 c. fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, oregano, basil, tarragon).

8 oz. shredded white cheese, optional (such as swiss, jack, mozzarella, etc.)

Instructions: Prep your produce: Dice one red onion and mince 4 cloves garlic. Set aside. Small dice eggplant, bell

pepper, zucchini and tomatoes. Set aside. Finely chop 1/4 c. fresh herbs.

If necessary, shred 8 oz. of cheese.

BASIC CREPE RECIPE

Stew your ratatouille: Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. When skillet is hot, add 1 T. each extra virgin olive oil and butter. When butter has melted, add onion and garlic to skillet. Saute for about 5 minutes, until onion is softening and translucent. Add eggplant, bell pepper, zucchini and seasonings to pot. Stir to combine. Let ratatouille stew for 20 minutes. Turn off heat.

4 large eggs 2 c. whole milk 2 c. whole wheat or gluten-free flour 1 t. sea salt 3 T. butter, divided

Turn broiler to high.

Add your finishing touches: Stir in fresh herbs and transfer ratatouille to an oven-proof baking dish. Sprinkle cheese over top. Broil cheese topped ratatouille for about two minutes, just until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let rest for 5 minutes.

Serve and enjoy!

Notes: This dish is naturally vegetarian, nut-free and gluten-free. Those sensitive to dairy can simply omit the cheese.

Ingredients:

Instructions: Heat a 6- or 8-inch flat skillet over medium heat. While skillet heats, melt butter and let cool slightly.

Whisk 2 t. of the butter with all remaining ingredients. When skillet is hot (about 5 minutes), brush the skillet with a bit of the remaining butter. Add 1/4 c. of the batter and swirl the batter until it coats the whole pan. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the edges of the crepe begin to curl in and it can easily be flipped with a spatula.

Flip crepe and cook 30 seconds longer. Transfer to a plate and repeat with all remaining batter.

Serve and enjoy!

Katie Newell is a former junk food junkie turned certified nutrition coach. She lives in Shawnee with her husband and two sweet girls. Find more recipes at HealthnutFoodie.com.

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kcparent.com august 2017

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By the time I reached high school, I had an alarm clock. Mine wasn’t anything fancy or digital, just a simple clock radio with an alarm. The radio came on 10 minutes before the buzzer and, much as I didn’t want to, I’d get up and get ready.

Adult life has responsibilities, though, and waking on time is one. Since both boys attend high school, disability or not, they have to be responsible, and I took them to the store to choose their own alarm clocks. Each made a selection and I smiled. No more fighting with Ian before school. Waking James? No problem; he wanted an alarm clock. The first day of school found me beaming with confidence.

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fun and frugal summer birthday ideas

By Margaret Sarver

Hire some help Hire a couple of local teens/babysitters If you have kids’ parties this summer, there is no reason that you have to break your bank to throw a great party that kids will never forget!

Make your cake (and eat it, too) Try hosting a make your cupcake/cake party. Guests can help design and bake their own sweet treats. It acts as both the activity and the dessert for the kids and adults!

Location, location Have the party in your backyard. If it’s hot, bring out the sprinklers and enjoy frozen summer treats like ice cream and cool drinks. Cute idea: Set up a make-your-own-sundae station.

to help with the party. While you are keeping the kids entertained, the teens can help with cleanup! If you have games, ask the teens to teach the younger kids how to play.

Games Games are an integral part of the party! Instead of going out and purchasing all new games, try setting up “game stations” with board games that you already own.

Invite parents of the kids over to help supervise. Rotate stations once each game is complete. Cute idea: Make a version of “Guess Who” using photos of kids attending the party.

Make your own piñata A popular birthday item for kids’ parties is often a piñata. Instead of spending money on a store-made piñata, have the kids at the party make their own piñata using balloons or paper bags and help them stuff it themselves. It’s cost effective for you and more fun for them!

Arts and crafts Set up an arts and crafts station for the guests. You can stock it with leftover items from craft projects and supplement with a few dollar store buys. From paper bag puppets to clay creations and bead jewelry, crafting is fun for all ages and allows for guests to take home their masterpieces at the end of the party.

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KC PARENT FAMILY

2017 WINNER

family faves After tabulating thousands of votes, we are pleased to announce the businesses which have been chosen as a KC Parent Family Favorite 2017! Winners are listed in alphabetical order. There are multiple winners in each category.

MEDICAL CATEGORIES: Favorite OB/GYN Practice: Heartland Women’s Healthcare Women’s Center at Lee’s Summit Medical ​Women’s Clinic of Johnson County

Favorite Pediatrician Practice: Leawood Pediatrics Lee’s Summit Physicians Group

Favorite Dental Practice: Fales Pediatric Dentistry Jenkins & LeBlanc

Favorite Orthodontist: Fry Orthodontics Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

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kcparent.com august 2017

Favorite Place to Have a Baby: Olathe Medical Center Shawnee Mission Medical Center

KANSAS CITY AREA ATTRACTIONS: Favorite Animal Attractions: Deanna Rose Farmstead Kansas City Zoo

F​ avorite Garden and/or Nature Center: Kauffman Gardens Overland Park Arboretum Powell Gardens

FAVORITES 2017 Favorite Museum: National Museum of Toys and Miniatures National World War I Museum and Memorial Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Favorite Live Show: The Coterie JCCC Performing Arts Series Mesner Puppet Theater

Favorite Sports Family Experience: Kansas City Royals T-Bones

Favorite Festivals & Fairs: Old Settlers Days Oktoberfest (Downtown Lee’s Summit) Old Shawnee Days

Favorite FREE Attraction: Crown Center Seasonal Exhibits Mahaffie Summer Family Nights Money Museum

Best-Kept Secret: Warko Observatory at UMKC Rooftop Park above Cosentino’s Union Station KC Rail Experience

Favorite NEW Place in KC: KC Streetcar Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center

Favorite Outdoor Family Destination: Kansas City Zoo Legends Outlets Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun

Favorite Indoor Family Destination: Legoland Discovery Center/Sea Life Aquarium Paradise Park Science City

Favorite Place to Have a Birthday Party: Paradise Park Urban Air

PROGRAMS & CLASSES: Favorite Dance: The Culture House KC Ballet School Miller Marley

Favorite Gymnastics: 360 Gymnastics Elite Gymnastics Integrity Gymnastics

Favorite Drama/Theater: Christian Youth Theatre ​The Coterie The Culture House

FAMILY DINING: Favorite Pizza Place: Fun House Pizza Pizza Ranch Pizza Shoppe

Favorite Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Fritz’s SPIN! Pizza T-Rex Cafe

Favorite Ice Cream Freezing Moo Sylas and Maddy’s Westport Ice Cream Bakery

kcparent.com august 2017

25

For time savers for busy moms, log onto KCParent.com.

I love to watch funny YouTube clips when I’m feeling down. Videos of silly dogs and crazy cats make me laugh on their own; seeing our own puppies’ reaction when they hear barking dogs or meowing cats and can’t locate the source cracks me up.

So call a funny friend, pop in your favorite comedy or rely on your family to provide a few laughs. You’ll soon be saying, “What bad day?”

FIVE WAYS FOR MOM TO FEEL BETTER AFTER A

BAD DAY

THE POWER OF FRIENDS Who better to relate to your own frustrations than a good friend? Whether you pour out your feelings, have a good laugh or simply chitchat, friends can help turn a bad day around.

When women are stressed, we experience a surge of oxytocin, the “bonding” hormone.

When we seek solace in friends, more oxytocin is produced, which has a calming effect.

Belton mom Cara says that after a rough day, “I usually sit on my back deck with a neighbor momma, drinking iced tea and chatting.”

EXERCISE Ever notice how a brisk walk or a game of tennis makes you feel better all over?

Medical research proves that exercise has a positive impact on your physical and mental well-being.

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kcparent.com august 2017

According to the Mayo Clinic, being active can boost your feel-good endorphins and distract you from daily worries.

Darla, a Mission mom of two, says that she relieves the stress of a bad day by “walking with Summer Hits of the ‘80s (Pandora channel) cranked up on my ear buds.”

Whether you hit the gym for a sweat session, swim a few laps in the pool or simply stroll around your neighborhood, you are bound to feel better, mentally and physically.

LAUGH No joke—laughter can lighten your load mentally. Just like exercise, a good chuckle releases endorphins.

Whitney, a Belton mom of twin 3-yearolds, says that she tries to find something to laugh about after a bad day. “A good full-on belly laugh always makes me feel better!”

ALONE TIME After a tough day of juggling kids, work, appointments and more, do you daydream of escaping to a tropical island by yourself?

Ahhh…alone time. As busy parents, it’s what we often crave but rarely get. Even a few minutes by ourselves, away from chaos, does wonders for our mental well-being.

Carmen, a Belton mom of three, says that after a bad day, “I like to do something just for me....a mani/pedi, a new pair of sandals or a purse. Nothing too expensive, but it puts me in a good mood.”

Olathe mom Beth agrees that alone time is a necessity. “I run an errand. I’m still being productive, but it also gives me a chance to have a breather.”

CREATE Busy hands are sometimes the best stress reliever. I’m not talking about changing diapers and wiping mouths; you do that all day! Take a break to do something you enjoy but don’t often get the chance to.

If you’re an artist, sketch or paint. If you love to bake, whip up your favorite dessert. If gardening is your thing, put on those gloves and dig around in the dirt.

Amber, a Belton mom of two, says, “I crochet—some days more than others!”

Tisha Foley loves alone time after a bad day.

She and her family live in Belton.

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Fresh Start s:

“

T helping children learn to embrace fresh experiences can pave the way for a more fulfilling adulthood.

”

he secret to a happy life? It may involve an adventurous spirit.

According to research from Winston-Salem State University, engaging in a wide variety of experiences increases positive emotions and minimizes negative ones. But that can be problematic for children who resist trying new things.

Whether you have a toddler who rejects every food except pasta, a grade-schooler who’s scared to join an after-school club or a teen who’s learning to navigate a new job, helping children learn to embrace fresh experiences can pave the way for a more fulfilling adulthood. Here’s how to start.

EARLY YEARS 1-5 Table Tantrums

Helping children learn to try new things often begins at the table, where they can experience new tastes and textures daily. But encouraging dietary variety can be a struggle.

According to Colorado State University food

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kcparent.com august 2017

helping kids embrace new things

and nutrition researchers, preschoolers often go through a stage of neophobia, or fear of new things—namely, new foods. Don’t give up too soon: In one study, parents offered babies a new food every day for eight days straight and found that by day eight, the baby was consuming three times as much as on the first day.

The Colorado State University researchers confirmed that toddlers and preschoolers may reject a food up to a dozen times before giving it a try. And remember that for little ones, visual appeal is key, says Jennifer Eiseman, co-founder of Modern Table Meals.

“Presentation is everything! Introduce new foods with things your kids already love. It also doesn’t hurt to put everything on a fun plate, too!”

ELEMENTARY YEARS 6-12

Talent Show

From band to soccer to coding club, the flurry of extracurricular activities during

grade school provides plenty of opportunity to try new things—which can ramp up pressure for kids leery of novel experiences.

If your child wants to be a joiner but ends up on the sidelines, there are ways to help, says Charlotte, NC-based parent educator Tara Egan, D.Ed., founder of Charlotte Parent Coaching. “First, indicate that you have an expectation that they will participate in a new activity. Prepare them by speaking in general terms: ‘Honey, I’d like you to pick an after-school activity to try this fall.

Some activities that your school offers are volleyball, flag football, technology club and LEGO club. I’d like you to think about which of those sounds the most fun.’ Consider finding a friend to participate, too.” Finally, Egan says, set the expectations that the child will commit to the activity for at least one session or season. Once the season is over, he can decide whether or not to participate.

TEEN YEARS 13-18 Risky Business

Teens are hard-wired to want to try new things—evolutionary scientists say that teenagers have a heightened appetite for risk that encourages them to spread their wings and eventually leave the nest. But they may lack the frontal-lobe planning and organizing skills to fully think through the risks involved. Egan says that parents can encourage a healthy attitude toward trying new things and taking risks that includes an awareness of healthy and safe limits. “Parents should recognize that teens are going to engage in unsafe behaviors sometimes, despite their best attempts to prevent it,” she says.

Here, knowledge is power. Make sure— never assume—that teens know where you stand on topics like guns, drugs, vaping, sex and alcohol. And resist the temptation to let teens party unsupervised because “you trust them.” Teens often make poor decisions simply because they have the opportunity, notes Egan. “Many poor decisions are made without forethought or calculation.”

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three.

Her latest book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.

A Total Eclipse of the Sun 8.21.2017

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29

VOLUNTEERING ways to get your kids involved

W

e all want the best for our children, so it makes sense that we work hard to surround them with both love and learning opportunities.

Often, we take these efforts to staggering heights. A 2013 survey by the Today show reports that 42 percent of mothers surveyed said they suffer from Pinterest stress over trying to create new crafts and creative outlets for their children. “It seems like there is a lot of pressure on parents these days,” says Jessica Mills, Shawnee mom. “I love finding recipes and craft ideas on Pinterest, but it often can make me feel terrible that I don’t know how to create the perfect unicorn cupcakes for my daughter’s birthday.”

In order to set a strong example for our kids and offer them special experiences, we often need to look beyond Pinterest.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to teach children the value of helping others and provide a feel-good activity for the family to enjoy together. No matter what your kids’ ages, there are both organized and home-grown opportunities to do good right outside your door.

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kcparent.com august 2017

Volunteering doesn’t have to be a regular commitment or even an organized event.

There are lots of ways to help others and teach children valuable lessons, while keeping a focus on family time. “We do a bake sale in our neighborhood every year.

We take the money and pick a charity to donate it to,” says Kate McGregor, Olathe mom. “The kids enjoy the sale and they love picking out where the money will go. It is a great activity for us to do together and it is truly our own tradition.”

To help select the volunteer activity that is right for you, divide the options into groups. These can include categories such as community, neighborhood and home.

community

Partner with friends and family to pick the activity or the organization that speaks to your values. Here are five suggestions to get you started:

1 2

Create artwork and send it to active military personnel overseas.

Visit a local animal shelter and pass out treats.

3 4 5

Make a trip to a local retirement home and give away gift bags.

Visit your local VA hospital with thank you cards.

Have a garage sale/bake sale/craft sale and donate the money to the charity of your choice.

neighborhood

Head out into the neighborhood with a team of friends and family and make your streets a truly special place to live. Here are five projects you can tackle right away:

1

2 3 4 5

Make a date with friends to clean up the neighborhood. Pick up trash, collect recycling and beautify the areas you share and enjoy together.

Visit an elderly neighbor and help out around the house.

Pick up the mail for a neighbor who is out of town.

Mow the lawn for a neighbor free of charge.

Help shovel show.

at home

Charity starts at home! Starting to focus on doing your part at home will help build positive qualities and encourage a giving spirit. Here are a few ideas:

1 2 3 4

5

Set up a recycling station and take the recycling out each week.

Create a donation box and keep the house de-cluttered by donating items your family no longer uses.

Before you put old items in the trash, look for new ways to “upcycle” and create a project for the family to do together.

Set up a little lending library in your front yard to share the gift of reading with your friends, neighbors and family.

Build a bird feeder; watch and enjoy the birds together, knowing you are providing them with an enjoyable treat.

No matter how or where you get started, the lessons of these activities will stick with children for years to come. “When we help our elderly neighbors with their chores,

my kids are so proud of themselves. They brag about it for days afterward,” Heather Grant, Kansas City, MO, mom says. “It is wonderful to see them feeling good about themselves and know that they are learning the importance of helping others.”

So what exactly will your kids get out of volunteering? Here are just a few of the positive benefits: • Career exploration: Your community service experiment could end up starting a career path for your child.

• Strengthening community: If your children see the benefits of building the community, they will be inclined to reinvest in that community later in life.

• Socialization: Starting a project that brings your family out into your neighborhood or community gives your children a chance to meet new people and interact in new ways. This can build valuable communications skills.

• Family bonding: The time spent together as a family will build memories and bonds.

Melissa Bellach is a writer and mom of two living in Overland Park.

A

re you looking for a more organized volunteer opportunity for your children? For kids ages 11 to 18, the Youth Volunteer Corps of Greater Kansas City is a great option! They are one of 45 YVC chapters across the nation. Their goals are: • To engage youth in service projects that are challenging, rewarding and educational.

• To serve the unmet needs of the community and its residents.

• To promote among youth a greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity of their community.

• To promote a lifetime ethic of service among youth.

Visit YVCKC.org for more information

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31

festivals & fairs IN KANSAS CITY

AUGUST

Savor summer with these top picks for fairs and festivals in KC. Festival of Butterflies Aug. 4-20, Powell Gardens, 1609 NW US Hwy. 50, Kingsville, MO. Touch live caterpillars, learn about the life cycle of monarchs and participate in the Pollinator Parade.

New this year: Join fantastic flying beasts in our Dragonfly Den, featuring native Missouri dragonflies carefully captured during Dragonfly Day.

rry Swing

Strawbe

7th Annual Summer Strawberry Swing Aug.6, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO. Come celebrate the handmade movement with the Midwest’s number one indie craft fair. Enjoy 100+ handmade and vintage vendors, live music, kids crafts, a photo booth and so much more.

Missouri State Fair Aug. 10-20, Missouri State Fairgrounds, Sedalia. The 400-acre fairgrounds will present premier livestock shows and competitive exhibits, as well as first-class professional entertainment. Mark your calendar for summer’s best family vacation experience!

Heart of America Hot Dog Festival Aug. 12, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, 1616 E. 18th St., Kansas City, MO. Live music, hot dogs and a love of baseball’s history are shared at this event.

Ethnic Enrichment Festival Aug. 18-20, Swope Park & Pavilion, Meyer Boulevard & Swope Parkway, Kansas City, MO. More than 60 countries participate in food, craft, singing, dancing, and other cultural events. Folks come from all around to take part in this amazing cultural experience.

Ethnic Enrichm

ent Festival

India Fest of KC Aug. 20, Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS. Celebrate with artifacts, jewelry, clothes, dances, sales, food and fashion parade.

Raytown Arts & Music Festival Aug. 26, Kenagy Park, 9609 E. 79th St., Raytown, MO. Local artists sell their works, enjoy children’s activities, food trucks and live music.

Kansas State Fiddling & Picking Championships Aug. 27, South Park, 1130 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS. Something for every musician and fan of traditional acoustic music American Royal World Series of Barbecue Aug. 31-Sept. 3,

rbecue

Ba l World Series of

American Roya

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Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, KS. Get ready for a smoky finish to the summer: The 2017 American Royal World Series of Barbecue will be held Labor Day weekend at the Kansas Speedway. Close out your summer the best way Kansas City knows how: with friends, family, great food and drink and a cloud of smoke rising over the party.

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Back to

School

table of contents 35 morning burrito

36 ease back to school 38 shoebox shopping 39 healthy kids 40 back-to-school blues 42 expectations vs. reality 44 genius back-to-school tips 46 cub scouts 48 thrift store shopping 50 back to school with a bang

Special thanks to HoffmanModels.com for providing cover and interior talent.

simple ways to produce healthy habits

I

f getting your kids to embrace healthy eating habits feels like a constant uphill battle, take heart in knowing you’re not alone. However, modeling smart choices in the kitchen and at the grocery store may be just the nudge your kids need.

One of the biggest hurdles many families face when it comes to healthier eating is getting started. These tips show how subtle changes can make it simple to introduce healthier choices the whole family can enjoy.

Mornings are a busy time for families, and it can be difficult to make a nutritious breakfast and get out the door. Even so, skip the packaged breakfast foods that are loaded with sodium and calories. Instead, make and freeze your own healthy breakfast foods ahead of time.

These breakfast burritos are easy for reheating and eating on the go.

A common misperception is that eating healthfully takes too long. Set a good example for kids to follow by preparing healthy dinners at home.

When kids are empowered to choose what they eat, they’re more likely to enjoy it. One easy way for kids to identify smart choices in the produce department is by looking for foods with the Produce for Kids logo. Not only are these items an important part of a balanced meal, shoppers who support the products are giving back to local organizations that help children and families.

To find additional tips to encourage your family’s healthy eating and more than 300 registered dietitian-approved recipes, visit ProduceForKids.com.

Family Features

make-ahead freezable Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 14 2 16 1 1 1 12 ½ 1 14

t. olive oil, divided oz. lean turkey breakfast sausage medium red bell pepper, finely chopped small Vidalia onion, finely chopped large tomato, finely chopped large eggs t. pepper c. low-fat shredded cheddar cheese whole-wheat tortillas (8 inches each)

In nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat 1 t. oil. Add sausage and cook 5-8 minutes, or until cooked through.

Transfer to plate and set aside.

In same skillet, add remaining oil, bell peppers, onions and tomatoes and cook 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Add tomatoes and cook 2 minutes.

In large bowl, scramble eggs and pepper. Add to pan and cook, stirring regularly, 3-4 minutes, or until eggs are set.

Remove from heat and mix in sausage and cheese.

Let cool.

Fill tortillas with ½ c. egg mixture, roll into burrito and lay seam-side down on parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze 1 hour. Transfer to freezer-safe re-sealable bag and return to freezer.

To reheat burritos, remove from freezer, wrap in paper towel and microwave on high 1-2 minutes. kcparent.com august 2017

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beat the back-to-school

Back to

School

WO R R I ES

I

t’s hard to believe that summer is winding down and kids are heading back to school. Early morning starts and regular routines once again will replace the lazy days of summer.

While heading back to school can seem super exciting to us parents (hello, sanity!), the start of school often can bring a lot of anxiety, worry and stress for children—no matter their age.

Transition years are crucial times and can have a major impact on children. Going from a half day to full day, preschool to kindergarten, elementary to middle school and then middle to high school are all big changes for young bodies. As a parent, remember that whatever back-to-school worries your children have are completely normal and valid. This time of transition can be very challenging and difficult—and maybe even disruptive to your family too.

Children may complain of headaches or stomachaches, cry easily, throw tantrums, become clingy or even withdraw. Even though watching your child go through this is difficult, remember that it’s important your child still attend school. Avoidance of school will only increase, and actually reinforce, your child’s anxiety.

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We try to focus on the fun they had last year with their friends. Let them know it is okay to feel nervous but help them remember they will have familiar faces excited to see them when they walk into school.

Common worries kids face can range from starting a new school to encountering new teachers and classmates and new experiences. Questions may swirl in young minds: Will I make friends? Will I know where my locker is? Are my clothes okay?

Who will I eat lunch with? Will I have recess? Where is the bathroom? What if I don’t understand the assignment? What are my siblings doing while I’m at school?

All of these thoughts and questions are perfectly normal, and parents can help their child manage those big emotions. One great strategy is to teach the habit of focusing on the positive. Kristen and Andrew, Overland Park parents of three boys, share, “We try to focus on the fun they had last year with their friends. Let them know it is okay to feel nervous but help them remember they will have familiar faces excited to see them when they walk into school.”

Past experiences also prove valuable in helping your children prepare as they reach the next level in education. Link their previous experiences to what lies ahead.

Knowing or understanding what to expect always takes down the barriers for children and will increase their comfort level.

A few weeks before school starts, begin the process of getting your child back in a regular routine. Summer is notorious for later bedtimes, sleeping in and no routine or schedule to speak of. Children (and adults!) need to retrain their bodies before the first day rolls around.

Allow your child to help choose and shop for his school supplies and maybe

pick out a special backpack or lunch bag as well to increase the back-to-school buy-in.

If you have younger children who might have trouble with separation, let them take a special object or photo. When our son started kindergarten this past year, the first few weeks were a bit of a rough transition.

We ended up sending in a family photo to help him ease in. A fun note in a backpack or lunch bag is always a great supportive gesture too!

Kay Forsyth, elementary school counselor in Olathe, offers a few more helpful tips to deal with back-to-school worries: • Take care of their daily needs. Rest is very important, even when your child isn’t interested. Try earlier bedtimes or a quiet time in the day, which in turn will help kids face the long days, especially at the onset of the school year. Aside from rest, make sure your child is eating well too.

• Encourage your child to share his or her fears. Ask what his concerns are. Use a distraction to help encourage conversation, then LISTEN. Avoid giving assurances or telling him not to worry. Instead, problem solve and plan. Give suggestions and help him practice how to handle different situations at school.

• Be a positive role model by responding calmly when your child goes off to school, not lingering, but simply expressing that she’ll be on your mind throughout the day and you will be excited to hear after school how her day goes. Stay positive and have faith that your child can adjust to the change of going back to school and thrive in the classroom.

• You can go to school several times before school actually begins to make the environment more familiar. Walk through the building so kids know where everything is. If possible, have them meet their teachers and see their classrooms. Lisa, an Overland Park mom of four, says, “I think it’s

important to participate in back-to-school events to show your child it’s an exciting time, and to help them feel as comfortable as possible in their new environment.” For middle school students, take them to school and allow them to follow their schedule, find their classes and try out their lockers.

Whatever anxieties and insecurities your child faces prior to the start of the school year, have faith in him, his teacher and the school. While the year may start off a little rocky, rest assured that with a lot of love, compassion and consistency, your child will thrive. Remember to communicate well with your child’s teacher and maintain a positive attitude with your child! Best of luck this year!

Overland Park mom Julie Collett will be implementing some of these same strategies for her own children when they feel a little bit anxious and nervous about starting new grades and new schools!

TOP FIVE BACK-TO-SCHOOL WORRIES FOR KIDS 1. Making friends/missing family 2. Homework 3. Tests 4. Fitting in 5. Lockers/locks (middle and high school students)

kcparent.com august 2017

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Back to

School

shopping for shoeboxes

Back to school is a great time to stock up on Operation Christmas Child gifts

F

or Blue Springs mom Tracy Brander, the month of August is, among other times of the year, an important time to go shopping. She’s not just getting back-to-school supplies for her teenagers, she’s also stocking up on items to put in shoebox gifts that will be sent to children around the world with Operation Christmas Child (OCC).

Operation Christmas Child, a project of nonprofit Samaritan’s Purse, provides shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items for children around the world. National collection week is always the week before Thanksgiving, Nov. 13-20 this year. Last year, OCC collected about 11.5 million shoebox gifts that went to more than 100 nations worldwide.

“By packing a shoebox gift and praying for the one who will receive it, I know that

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a child will be given a tangible expression of God’s love, most likely at a time when they need it most,” Brander says. “Finding bargains and seeking out the best deals as a shoebox shopper is almost like a treasure hunt and is so much fun because, in the end, it means the love of Jesus will be shared with even more children.”

The first step in packing a shoebox is choosing whether the gift will be for a boy or girl and the age range of the child (2 to 4, 5 to 9, or 10 to 14). Any shoebox will work, but this fall Hobby Lobby will be selling branded plastic shoeboxes for purchase.

In each box is an opportunity to include a “wow” item or “something to love,” such as a stuffed animal or a soccer ball. Other categories can include hygiene items, school supplies, clothes and other toys.

Brander enjoys finding great deals on a

large number of shoebox items throughout the year to be used for the packing party her church holds in the fall. For school supplies, she gets much of her bulk supply at Walmart. She says Office Depot and Office Max usually have various sales on their school supplies during this season as well.

Once you have all the items in the box, a final touch can be having your children draw pictures and write notes for the child who will receive the box. Additionally, recipient children love to receive a photo of the family who sends the box. Samaritan’s Purse requests a $9 donation per box to cover shipping, which can be paid online at SamaritansPurse.org/occ. This site also gets updated with drop-off locations and provides a way to track your box to see where it goes.

Those who want to participate but simply don’t enjoy shopping can build a box online at SamaritansPurse.org/buildonline.

“Filling a box with items that may seem like ordinary items or an ordinary toy is actually a gateway to a child’s heart to see that someone loves them who doesn’t even know them,” says Blue Springs mom Johanna Scott, who packs boxes with her daughters.

Scott says her world as a stay-at-home mom can seem small at times, but what she is doing with the boxes can touch a village somewhere far away. Additionally, she says she has learned to step back and let her daughters take ownership of the project, as they enjoy it as much as she does.

Allison Gibeson is a Lee’s Summit mom and year-round Operation Christmas Child volunteer who went out shopping for shoebox items while working on this story.

HEALTHYKIDS

back-to-school health tips

C

hange is hard for many children, especially changing from a Oh, the paperwork that needs to be completed before school begins! relaxed, slow-paced summer break back to structured classes Enrollment forms, emergency contacts, an allergy list—the list can go on with homework. While change is inevitable, parents have some and on. Discuss with the school nurse and administration any forms you strategies we can use to make the transition a little easier. may be lacking prior to the first day of school.

Getting children back into a routine can be helpful. At least two weeks Depending on the ages of your children and activities in which they before the start of school, move bedtime up a little and start setting an participate, they may need vaccines and physicals before returning to alarm for the morning. Oftentimes, just going to bed 15-20 minutes classes. Doctors’ offices can fill these appointment spots quickly, so call earlier every night and waking 15-20 minutes earlier in the morning is all and schedule your appointment early. Also look into non-traditional ways that’s needed. This 15 minutes every night for two weeks adds up and will to get this done, like at health departments or chiropractors’ offices. get kids back into the routine with no trouble. Also, use this time to get School supplies are another way to help your child feel prepared and S T U back D Y S into K I L LaS morning M A T H routine.

S A T / ASet C T an P Ralarm EP W R I T Iand N G set R limits E A D I Nfor G what H O M E W O ready R K H Eto L Pstart a new school year. Shop early for the best deals and options. clock needs to happen before your child ventures out of his room and starts Although school supplies are not the most exciting and can be expensive, lounging on the couch. Requirements will look different in each family picking out one or two items that reveal your child’s personality can help but often will include getting dressed, brushing teeth and fixing hair. your scholar be excited to show off items to her classmates and dive into A new school year brings new teachers, maybe a new school and a new year. some new rules and expectations. To the best of your ability, lay out those The start of the new school year may seem overwhelming, but with expectations and guidelines for your child. Providing more information some planning both kids and parents can manage the change well. ahead of time will set kids up for success and make for fewer “freak out” Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year! momentsAlater on.

Discuss when lunchtime is going to be.

Will your kids GE 13 be buyingNow their or of packing lunches every day? Do they need to I sitlunches in the front the class.

Jessica Heine is a labor and delivery nurse. She lives in Olathe with Thanks Sylvan!clothes for P.E. class? Do they have lockers they’ll change into different her family. be leaving their backpacks in? What supplies are they expected to take into class with them? The list is endless, and while you may not know the As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions answer to all these questions, anything you can prepare them for is helpful. or concerns.

Nate G.

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39

Back to

School

seven reasons I’m singing

I

’m singing the back-to-school blues—but it’s not what you think.

I’m not one of those moms who wants to be around her kids 24/7 and dreads when they go back to school. In fact, I’m not one of those humans who wants to be around other humans 24/7. I need my space.

You can notice easily when the first day of school begins, because on that glorious, bird-singing, sunshine-filled morning, Panera Bread needs a bouncer for crowd control with all the exuberant moms on coffee dates. I am one of those moms. Now that summer is over, I am thrilled I no longer have to listen to my two teens fight with each other all day or rouse them from their screeninduced comas and force them outside to inhale some fresh oxygen and soak in some sunshine.

Nevertheless, as happy as I am that school is back in session, it does bring its share of hassles that drive me crazy.

SUPPLY LISTS. I agree that teachers are underpaid and education is underfunded and we all need to do our fair share. And I don’t mind chipping in for classroom supplies of tissues and hand sanitizer so my kids don’t haul home some awful virus from school and infect the whole family quicker than

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the latest Zika outbreak. However, the level of detail that goes into these lengthy, very specific supply lists borders on insanity. One teacher required an oddly over-sized notebook that even Office Max didn’t carry. I could have hunted down a first-edition of Beowulf more quickly than I found this 10” x 12” spiral-bound, college-ruled, acid-free, archival-quality notebook. . . for middle school geography.

Another teacher listed “two calculators and

four three-ring binders” on her required supply list for algebra. When I questioned her about this, she replied, “I’ve found that the students often lose their calculators halfway through the year, so I recommend buying a backup.

Also, the students need to bring one three-ring binder to class and keep the other three at home to store their work after each quarter.” So just because a

- -

the back-to-school few irresponsible, disorganized 13-yearolds can’t get their act together means all parents until the end of time need to overbuy specialty graphing calculators at $50+ a pop? Uh, not gonna happen, even if this means deducting 20 points from my son’s “classroom participation grade.”

FUNDRAISERS, FOOTBALL GAMES AND FOOD SERVICE ACCOUNTS, OH, MY! I need a full-time job just to pay for the onslaught of wallet-draining expenses in a typical school year. From extra lab fees to uniforms, from art supplies to testing fees, from field trips to coaches’ gifts, from game tickets to lunch accounts, school fees add up more quickly than a two-year cell phone contract. And if, on top of all these extra fees, schools still decide to do a few fundraisers, why don’t they sell things that parents might actually use, like a Wine of the Month Club?

2

CRAZY-EARLY START TIMES. I can almost hear the collective snore of my neighbors when we leave the house for school in the dark at 6:45 a.m. Does anyone on the school board know anything about teens, adolescent development, brain functioning or sleep patterns? Teens don’t do mornings, but hey, let’s just throw them into lit. analysis first period.

3

PICTURES. What photography

4

think-tank got together to price these portrait packages and write and design an order form that only Sherlock Holmes can decode? The cheapest package, which includes 24 fingernail-size photo stickers that I will never use, a photo

BLUES

magnet and two 3" x 5" photos, costs $28. I can literally get a 20" x 30" poster at Costco for $9.99. And the order form is like a shell game, leaving parents bewildered with confusing-but-similar options that require a Ph.D. in logic to figure out. Package 1 includes two 3" x 5" photos, a photo magnet and 24 photo stickers, while Package 21 includes all of Package 1 plus four large wallets and basic retouching (does this mean only one to three pimples?) plus digital downloads, and Package 7 includes all of Package 1 plus Package 21 plus premium retouching (perhaps pervasive acne scars?) plus personalization.

DROP-OFF/PICKUP LANES. From the get-there-first parents who park in the carpool line two hours before school lets out to the parents who doublepark their cars, block all through-traffic and run into the front office “for just a sec,” this free-for-all drop-off/pickup process simply stinks on all levels. (And no, rebel mom, that safety rule doesn’t apply to you—you just drop your kids off on the main highway in busy morning traffic so you don’t have to weave through that safe, slow-moving car line like everyone else. It’s all about you.) While I’m still working on a danger-free, beatthe-system drop-off procedure that could shave 15 minutes off my morning, I did finally wise up for the after-school pickup plan by arriving 10 minutes after classes end in the back of the school.

BACKPACKS. In sixth grade, when my son weighed about 80 pounds, his backpack weighed 22 pounds—about the size of a small toddler. The brilliant

5

6

architectural planners of his newly built middle school decided not to put in any lockers, so the kids must carry around a quarter of their body weight on their backs all day long with oversized notebooks and college-sized textbooks for every class. Throw in a jacket, umbrella and lunchbox, and the kids practically tip over in a gentle breeze.

DRESS CODES. I’m all for kids expressing themselves and I am not prodress code, but I do think a little common sense needs to prevail, as kids head to school with backside baring low-rise jeans and see-through crop tops. Kids (and their parents) do need to use good judgment so school districts don’t need to adopt four-page dress code manifestos that prohibit the weirdly inappropriate “slippers, pajamas, trench coats, bathing suits, bike shorts, dog collars and chains that connect one part of the body to another.” Because of a few extremist, overly self-expressive rebels, my kids can’t even wear a baseball cap or sunglasses on campus.

So, while I’m thrilled with seven teenfree hours of quiet, uninterrupted writing time five days a week, these school hassles are almost enough to make me yearn for summer break. Almost.

7

Lisa Beach is a freelance writer, humorist, mother of two teenagers and recovering homeschool mom who lived to write about it. Check out her writer’s website at LisaBeachWrites.com and visit her humor blog at TweeniorMoments.com.

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School

back to school: EXPECTATIONS vs. the school supply shopping spree EXPECTATION

Three weeks before the first day of school, you walk into the local super center with your brood in tow. Your children walk hand in hand from the parking lot to the store’s entry, giggling as they aid you in finding your school’s supply list.

“I found it!” your soon-to-be second grader squeals with delight, waving the single sheet provided from his elementary school. The whole crew rejoices at the 7-year-old’s discovery and off you go. The items are simple enough: number two pencils, a box of primary-hued crayons, a tub of hand sanitizer, some Kleenex.

“Let’s make a game of this!” you suggest.

A simple scavenger hunt for erasers and a protractor is in place. The children thank you for your creative genius in making the required pursuit fun and engaging.

The back-to-school aisles are a colorful cornucopia of beautiful graphics and prints.

Each child effortlessly finds the necessary basics in the designs he finds most visually appealing. As you hit the checkout, each child thanks you most sincerely for the school supplies. You each grab a shopping bag and walk off into the sunset.

You intended to hit the stores in advance, but it’s hard to wrap your mind around buying school supplies when the heat index is over a hundred and your whole crew is still in summer siesta mode. The day before school starts, you finally rally your gaggle of kids into the minivan for backto-school shopping. Finding a parking spot is like finding a needle in a haystack (since

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EXPECTATION when did back-to-school shopping draw crowds like Black Friday?). Apparently, you weren’t the only parent to wait until the last minute. After five minutes in hot pursuit of a parking spot, your firstborn yells from the back seat that a sedan is pulling out two lanes away. You channel your inner Mario Andretti and floor it. No way are you waiting until another spot opens up. The skid marks left in Lane 10 will just remain a visual reminder for all who follow to start this venture earlier next year.

The school supply list requires no search.

The manual hits you square in the face upon entering the double doors of the store (where is the Cliffs Notes version of this thing?). Your preschooler loudly informs

you—as well as the store greeter, hair stylists, optometrist, bank tellers and every cashier at the front of the store—that she has to use the restroom now or she won’t make it. No problem. A detour is just what you need to skim over the volume of required supplies. As you flip through the pages, you scratch your head. Crayola crayons in metallic and glitter? Exactly 108 ounces of Germ-X (why, even Costco’s mega-sized sanitizer offerings pale in comparison!).

Exactly where does one find this behemoth antibacterial bottle?

It’s not hard to find the back-to-school aisles. Just scout out the area that looks like an F-5 tornado ran through it with parents mired in cart-to-cart gridlock. Moms and

dads nervously clutch their supply lists while trying to keep a headcount of their children.

Employees avoid eye contact in an attempt to restock shelves as quickly as possible, hoping to make it through their shift alive.

The only folders left on the shelf showcase Dora the Explorer or My Little Pony. You deliberate whether to cover the characters with duct tape to give a manly flare and prevent your fifth-grade son from protesting or to trek to another store in hopes of better options. Never mind. You only can locate three-fourths of the supplies necessary, and extra trips will be required anyway.

To your credit, you complete your first foray without losing a child or too much of your sanity and stopping for only two additional bathroom breaks! Three more stores will yield the final items needed. You don’t know whether to take a celebratory victory nap or streak on blue face paint, channeling your inner William Wallace as you claim freedom from the craziness that is back-to-school shopping.

first day of school EXPECTATION

You awake before your alarm goes off, fully rested and ready to take on the world.

Instrumental interludes streaming from your Bluetooth speaker, along with the waft of frittatas from the kitchen, slowly wake children from their slumber. After a nourishing breakfast, new school outfits are donned and first-day-of-school portraits are casually taken on the front porch. Candid portraits showcase natural smiles because the children are, well, naturally happy (who wouldn’t be after being awakened by frittatas?). The protein-packed breakfast ensures energy for children to get themselves (and all their school supplies) in the car five minutes early.

Your alarm doesn’t go off as planned, but there’s no ringtone quite like the sound of screaming children to get you up. A late start means the adorable pancakes with chocolate chip faces that you pinned on Pinterest are clearly a no-go. The printer is low on ink, so instead of having the kids hold a cute first-day-of-school sheet you designed on the computer, you have them hold up their fingers to show what grade they’re now in.

Eyes may be closed in half the shots you frenetically take with your smartphone, but there’s no time for re-do’s. You throw granola bars at the kids as they buckle up and you back out of the driveway. You’re five minutes late. But it’s still going to be a great school year!

Mom of three Lauren Greenlee has been known to throw granola bars at her kids while shuffling out the door in a hurry. She loves school supplies and argues the best line in movie history is when Joe Fox offers to buy Kathleen Kelly a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils in You’ve Got Mail. She writes from her Olathe home.

kcparent.com august 2017

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Back to

School

15GENIUS

What do teachers want you to know about heading back to school?

Find out at KCParent.com.

tips for back-to-school time

E

very parent has that one trick up her sleeve that helps make life just a little simpler in the midst of a hectic school year. Read on for some of the best tips, clever tricks and genius hacks for heading back to school.

2

Schedule grocery delivery.

More grocery stores now offer online ordering and delivery services, helpful for families who dislike grocery shopping or struggle to stick to a budget when there.

3

Stock the freezer. Stash healthy casseroles, soups, sauces and crockpot meals in your freezer to make dinnertime a no-brainer on busy weeknights. “Try to make your cooking always do double duty. Make a little extra of everything and if you don’t want it right away, freeze it,” Nichols says.

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1

Plan your meals. Steer clear of the drive-thru on hectic evenings by taking 10 minutes each weekend to plan simple meals for the week. With a complete grocery list in hand, head to the store to purchase everything you’ll need. To further simplify planning, Gina Nichols, a Lenexa mom of four and a Wildtree freezer meal consultant, recommends prepping food when you get home from the store, filing favorite recipes for easy reference and maintaining a wellstocked pantry. Theme nights like pasta on Mondays and tacos on Tuesday also can help.

Ask your family for their suggestions too.

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chart has been pretty life-changing,” says Loudenback, whose husband Scott designed it. “The first thing the kids say in the morning is, ‘I need my chart.’”

Establish a snack/brown bag lunch station. Designate a shelf in your kitchen or pantry for parent-approved snacks and lunch items. Tape a list inside the cupboard door with lunch ideas. On Sundays, pre-pack snacks that kids can grab easily, like trail mix, pretzels, granola bars or cereal. Stock the refrigerator with fruits and veggies that have been pre-washed and cut, as well as cheese and yogurt sticks. To save time in the mornings, help your children make their lunches and pack their snacks the night before.

5

Share the daily action plan.

Mom of two Laurie Loudenback hands her kids, ages 10 and 12, a clipboard each morning that includes the day’s schedule, chores and screen time limits. “This

6

Set up a master calendar. Post a white board with the week’s calendar to help everyone in the family know what to expect in the coming week. Use color-coded dry erase markers for each family member’s activities and cold or hot lunch preferences.

7

Hold family meetings. Alexis Sanchez, Olathe mom of four, says she gathers her family on Sunday nights to discuss the week ahead, including upcoming activities and “to brainstorm any kinks” that need to be worked out in the schedule.

8

Spruce up backpacks. Extend the life of a much-loved backpack by giving it a back-to-school cleaning. Depending on

the material, backpacks generally can be hand washed, spot cleaned or placed in a laundry bag or pillow case and run through the washing machine. Be sure to empty out all of the pockets and vacuum out crumbs beforehand. If you hand wash it, soak it in warm water for 15 minutes with a teaspoon of laundry detergent. Rinse well and air dry.

without distractions. Create a homework caddy stocked with notebook paper, pens, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, rulers and highlighters—anything your child might need to complete an assignment.

“Even reconnecting with one or two friends or meeting a teacher in person before the first day of school can make a difference to a child.”

11

14

Make a homework plan. If your child struggles with organization, go through her backpack together. Make a stack for the night’s homework and help your child prioritize what needs to be completed first. Use a calendar to help her plan long-term assignments.

15

Encourage rest. A successful school year requires quality sleep.

“Start edging those bedtimes back a week or two in advance of school starting,” Dawkins says. Maintain a regular evening routine that helps your child unwind before bed, such as a warm bath or shower and reading time. Also, build unstructured time into your child’s weekly schedule for playing with friends and pursuing creative endeavors.

9

Manage paperwork. Every day after school, Sanchez says, “We have a mandatory ‘empty your book bag’ rule.”

Her children file important documents like those that need to be signed by a parent into an office divider. Label a folder with the name of your child and school year to easily collect artwork and other keepsakes throughout the year. Sanchez keeps her folders in a plastic file box.

12

Use a timer. If your child gets overwhelmed by lengthy math worksheets or other difficult assignments, try using a timer like the Time Timer app and set a goal. For example, after he completes 10 problems, take a break for a quick snack.

“Frequent breaks are important in helping students and their parents with homework,” says Amber Dawkins, Olathe, a former teacher and a mom to a 4-year-old son.

13 10

Create a homework station.

Designae a well-lit place in your home where homework can be completed

Connect in a memorable way. Be ready to meet a few new parents at back-to-school functions with whom you’ll want to reconnect later. Mom of two Kristal Ronnebaum, Overland Park, suggests handing out a family calling card.

“It’s a method of sharing your contact information in a fun and creative way,” Ronnebaum says.

Attend back-to-school functions. Help your child get back into the school groove by attending school orientations, ice cream socials or sneaka-peeks. “Even reconnecting with one or two friends or meeting a teacher in person before the first day of school can make a difference to a child,” Dawkins says.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two school-age boys. She is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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what’s

i

f you have a boy in elementary school, you may be considering Cub Scouts.

Cub Scouting has been evolving to meet the current needs of boys and their families.

Requirement changes. In 2015, Cub Scouting rolled out a new system based on “adventures.” This system still is being refined, based on nationwide feedback, to best meet the boys’ needs.

The new system’s primary goal is to make Scouting more flexible for busy kids and parents. Some requirements that previously were mandatory are now optional to give den leaders more freedom in designing a program for their Cubs. Some camping requirements were changed to allow day outings to fulfill them. In addition, the advancement system was streamlined to make it less complicated. Cubs now give more focus to participation in active

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new i n

Cub Scouting

vs. passive lessons and are now asked to demonstrate or try an activity more often, rather than just read about it or watch it being done.

Visiting places of interest. Scout activities are definitely not confined to your school or other meeting location. Our pack has visited a number of fun places in conjunction with what they are learning in Scouts, including Royals and Sporting Kansas City games, the Legoland Discovery Center, local fire stations and Powell Observatory, just to name a few.

Community action. Service is an important part of Scouting today. Most parents would probably like their children to participate in service activities, but finding places that will allow children or individuals to volunteer can be challenging.

With Cub Scouting, you will have built-in

opportunities to serve your community.

The boys typically help choose with which agencies they’ll volunteer as a den or a pack.

Parent involvement. Cub Scouting is different from other activities for elementary aged kids because it really does include the whole family. The younger the Cub, the more involved the parents will be. Parents are expected to attend meetings with their sons and participate in the activities together.

Families also are encouraged to attend the pack meetings, and special campouts are offered for families. The Cub Scout organization does a great job making it easy for parents to be leaders. They provide extensive, easy-to-follow plans and suggested resources for each adventure requirement.

While additional creativity is always welcome, you still can have a great time and meet the requirements just by following the detailed outlines in the leader guide.

Fundraising. With most area packs,

Flexibility. Many parents think that if

fundraising is encouraged and available. I’m sure many of you have bought popcorn or trash bags to support your local Cub Scouts.

Fundraising helps cover your Cub’s dues, which pay for the expenses of the pack.

Boys also can fundraise to cover the cost of day or overnight summer camps. However, my understanding is that your son is not required to fundraise. So if you would rather write a check than have your Cub fundraise, that option usually is allowed.

their child is involved in sports or other extracurricular activities, he won’t have time for Cub Scouts. While each pack differs, most I’ve seen in the Kansas City area have a large group (pack) meeting once a month during the school year and require den (small group) activities or meetings once or twice a month. Typically, March has fewer meetings because of spring break, as does December, thanks to winter break. Den leaders work with their small group to meet at times convenient to everyone’s schedules.

Also, Cubs can complete many requirements outside of meetings with the help of a parent or other adult. The Scouting organization knows children today are involved in many activities, and they want your son to succeed in the Scouting program. To that end, they will work with you, within reason, on scheduling issues. As with any activity, you get out what you put

Safety. Youth protection training is required of all volunteers, including parents.

This training must be renewed every two years. Cub Scouts are never alone with just one leader (unless that leader is their parent, of course). There is a “two-deep” leadership requirement. This means a leader cannot take a boy or a group of boys on an outing or really any place out of the sight of at least one other leader.

Back to

School

in, and I would argue that an investment of time in Cub Scouting will pay off handsomely.

Cub Scouting offers your son the chance to meet a group of friends and families that he will get to know and be with from kindergarten or first grade through fifth grade. This continuity is very important.

You will be enjoying that time with your son as well and meeting other like-minded parents while you get to experience many fun and character-building activities with your whole family. Online registration is available at KCScouting.org.

Laura Miller McEachen is a part-time attorney and full-time mommy. She lives in Overland Park.

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Back to

School

Th rif t Sto re shopping for school clothes can teach great lessons

W

hen I was a kid, my family shopped thrift stores, so I learned early that searching through bins could be a lot of fun. The experience truly felt like a treasure hunt. I remember unearthing fun t-shirts and belts—I even tried out suspenders when they were the rage—and everything I found seemed unique. My parents rarely said no to my cache. It was a win-win.

I think I was hooked on thrifting at a young age because I felt the thrill of discovery, and the true benefit for my parents was that their kids all learned how far a dollar could go.

I’ve boiled down my experiences a little to give you a few reasons you should try thrift shopping if you haven’t. Then I’ve included some pointers on how to navigate the shops so you, too, can get the hang of it and have fun. And remember—take your kids. They can have their own fun finding their way around, unearthing those bright orange suspenders and learning how much further a dollar can travel in some places.

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You’ll save money (the no-brainer).

At a recent wedding reception, I was seated next to a mom who is a thrift store connoisseur like myself. We laughed as we told each other the items we were wearing that had been purchased from a thrift store: my dress, her shoes and purse, and many pieces of our children’s outfits. We were as nicely dressed as anyone in the crowd.

She had a great point that you can’t always change the amount of your mortgage, car payment or utilities. One thing you can impact is your clothing budget. Paying only a tenth of retail price for clothing is not uncommon at the thrift store.

You’ll cut your carbon footprint.

When you buy secondhand, you save innocent clothing from getting heaped in a landfill. At the same time, you lessen the demand for new clothing to enter the production cycle. I can happily report I have been able to stow away many items I found at the thrift store after my older daughter outgrew them, saving them for my younger daughter. So by the time she outgrows them, we will have done a lot of saving.

You’ll aid your kids’ creativity.

One of my favorite parts of thrift store shopping when I was a kid is the same for my kids: Getting to wear some “iffier” fashions without my dropping a lot of cash.

Those neon tights that cost $12 at Target you can find at the thrift store for $2. The dustyrose pleather vest that zips diagonally across the chest, you can get for $4. You have no idea whether your kids will actually venture out in some of these items, but it is great to let them test their fashion sense.

You’ll teach your children how far a dollar can go.

Our family has not given up on retail purchases. We find ourselves paying retail

prices for things we are really bowled over by, but not that often. Our girls love to try on dresses at Nordstrom and get new shoes at the Nike store, but they also have learned how far $10 can reach at each place. My daughters know, because we have thrift store shopped for years, that you often can get three items—sometimes many more—for $10 at a thrift store. If you can forego the one-day experience of wearing something brand new, you can save an immense amount of money.

your kids’ school wardrobe: khaki pants, shorts and skirts, as well as dress pants, shorts and shirts of all colors. Blue jeans.

T-shirts, both long- and short-sleeved. (I have found a number of t-shirts with retail tags still on them). Undershirts that will help them layer for the winter. Sweatshirts.

Sports shorts. Tights. Then closer to winter, you’ll find coats, boots, long johns, scarves and hats. And believe it or not, you’ll find lots of cool shoes. I have found multiple pairs of kids Converse shoes in many patterns, almost new.

Now here are a few ways you can be assured of success at a thrift store:

Shop for your future kid.

Find a thrift store close(ish) to your home.

My husband, who has become a triedand-true thrift store shopper, stops at a thrift store once a week on his way home from work. In 10 minutes, he scans the men’s shirts and jeans sections and can be back in the car before he misses three songs on the radio. He devotes time but doesn’t waste it on finding bargains. He has a closet of designer dress shirts and blue jeans now to show for his perseverance, and he paid between $5 and $10 for each item. This is mostly because the store is on his route home from work.

Have patience and return often.

Go in knowing that thrift stores are completely different than retail shops. They don’t have regular inventory, as things change on the floor from hour to hour. You may get frustrated if you’re looking for the one particular item you need on a particular day. If you are in a hurry, you are better off heading to a retail outlet.

If you have some storage room, you can buy larger sizes and pack them away. I have found this makes life much easier. When a new season rolls around, I already have a box full of clothing. Also, this kind of shopping has saved us multiple times when, through some act of magic, a kid grew a size overnight and announced on a busy school morning, “Mom, my shoes are really tight. I don’t think I can even walk in them.” Instead of flipping my eyebrows completely off my forehead and asking whether she’d been curling her toes for weeks, I just got the next shoe size from the basement.

When I walk out of the thrift store, I often do the wiggly math: I imagine the retail prices of the items and add up the savings. It’s always an incredible number.

Beyond saving money at the thrift store, my husband and I believe we are teaching our daughters that we are doing more than buying things, we are saving them through reuse, and in turn, helping the earth a bit.

In this way, shopping for school at thrift stores—and really shopping there anytime— can be a school all its own.

Look for several things while you’re there.

On any given stop at the thrift store, I keep my eyes open for several things. Here are items you almost always will find for

Maggie Uhl lives in Waldo with her sweet husband and two funny daughters and her dog named Leo.

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Back to

School

back to school with a

C

BAN G!

elebrate heading back to school with a custom parent-child outing personalizing the day specifically around your child’s favorite things and interests.

BEST BACK-TO-SCHOOL PHOTOS…WHEN I GROW UP Create an album for your child capturing not just the smiles of baby teeth, missing teeth, braces and grown-up pearly whites—capture who they are! Take a photo of your child against a backdrop with the child on the far right of the backdrop (a sheet or solid wall is ideal). Then, using your favorite photo editing software, add text to the left of the image, answering basic questions about your child: name, age, favorite color, favorite hobby, what he wants to be when he grows up, favorite pet, nickname, favorite school subject, etc. Do this again next year, and the next, until he graduates. You’ll both treasure being able to see the changes.

GRAB A BITE DURING BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING… JUST YOU AND ME Moms often find the task of school shopping a daunting chore, but it can be a great chance for one-on-one time with your child. Schedule dates with each child individually and go to lunch, buy that special outfit, get a new haircut and do something fun. Start the conversation now and keep it going all school year long with ongoing ice cream dates. To make the date extra special, select a special restaurant for lunch— one with a special treat!

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BEFORE THE FIRST DAY FOR ELEMENTARY Ask your child what he’d love to be when he grows up and plan a special back-to-school outing around the theme. Click “Going Places” on KCParent.com for inspiration. A few ideas include:

Astronaut: Take him to the Gottlieb Planetarium at Union Station Kansas City (UnionStation.org), then spend a day playing at Science City, where you’ll explore the Science of the Sphere exhibit, and buy some astronaut ice cream in the gift shop for a treat.

Artist: Explore the free Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Nelson-Atkins.org) and encourage your child to take photos throughout the galleries, talk about his favorite pieces and then grab a bite on the Plaza afterward. As you walk the Plaza, take time to look at the art in the architecture.

Or create your own masterpiece at a paintyour-own pottery shop like Paint, Glaze & Fire or Ceramic Café.

Baseball Player: Spend a day at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM.com), where you’ll discover the history of American baseball from the African American perspective, beginning in 1863, and get to know many famous local baseball stars. Kids and adults alike will love measuring up against the life-size bronze statues of players in mid-game on the baseball diamond.

Chef: Take your child to a local farmers market (complete guide on KCParent.com) and let him select a few ingredients. Spend a day cooking together and trying new recipes.

Doctor: Visit KidScape at the new Johnson County Museum (JoCoGov.org/dept/museum/ exhibits/kidscape). Young children love the all-new interactive KidScape with many aspects of adult life to explore and pretend.

A favorite is the hospital where children care for sick patients.

President: Learn about the presidency firsthand at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library (TrumanLibrary.org) in Independence. There, visitors participate in interactive exhibits including a replica Oval Office; they also explore Truman artifacts and special exhibits. Then, visit the Truman Home for a tour of the 33rd president’s house. After sightseeing, stop by Clinton’s Soda Fountain on the square for a treat.

Toy Inventor: What kid doesn’t dream of inventing new toys? For many parents, back-to-school time prompts reminiscing about their own childhoods. Head to the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (5235 Oak St., Kansas City, MO, 816.235.8000), where visitors explore hundreds of toys and treasures.

Train Engineer: Ride the rails with the Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad (BeltonRailroad.org) with train rides on weekends.

Kids love the 5-mile, 45-minute round trip train ride.

Kristina Light’s eldest daughter dreams of being a lepidopterist (butterfly scientist), so the annual Festival of Butterflies at Powell Gardens is on their back-to-school priority list.

BEFORE THE FIRST DAY FOR TWEENS & TEENS Making the most of your time with your children is important. Teens and tweens often spend more time with peers than parents, but keeping communication open is essential, and having fun together is the best way to do just that! Heading back to school can be exciting, but also a bit stressful. Take time to relax with some fun.

Laugh: Make reservations to see a show at Comedy City (816.842.2744 or visit ComedyCity.cc). Comedy City is a live improv comedy competition where members of the audience offer suggestions as two teams compete to earn your laughs! The All Ages Shows (7:30 on Friday and Saturday evenings) are clean (bad language isn’t allowed), funny and one-of-kind. You’ll never see the same show twice.

Teamwork: Test your puzzle solving skills at one of the city’s many escape room entertainment venues. You’ll find Escape Room at Paradise Park and Union Station (EscapeRoomKC.com), Breakout KC in the River Market district (BreakoutKC. com) and the Exit Room in Lee’s Summit and Overland Park (TheExitRoomKC.com).

Players are given a time limit to solve puzzles and unravel codes to escape a real-life scenario.

Adventure: For those who want a daring adventure, head to Go Ape KC (GoApe.com/Locations/Missouri/ Kansas-City), located in Swope Park. This attraction offers treetop and private group adventures. The twoto three-hour obstacle course includes 40 crossings that feature rope bridges, five zip lines, Tarzan swings and net bridges.

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august

CALENDAR

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

Legends Outlets

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

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kcparent.com august 2017

learn

celebrate

listen

savor

party

Head to Powell Gardens for the Festival of Butterflies Aug. 4-6 and Aug. 11-13.

See hundreds of colorful, free flying butterflies and much more during the festival.

816.697.2600

On Aug. 5 head to Legends Outlets Back-to-School Bash! Fun includes face painting, back-to-school savings, giveaways, Mr. Stinky Feet concert and more!

LegendsShopping.com

Visit the National World War I Museum and Memorial Aug. 12 for Story Time.

Family-friendly craft and reading of an empowering story.

TheWorldWar.org

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures says Farewell to Summer on Aug. 19 with free admission with lots of fun activities for the entire family.

816.235.8000

American Royal World Series of Barbecue moves to Labor Day weekend, Aug. 31-Sept. 3, at Kansas Speedway.

Enjoy the Cowtown Family Fest Sept. 2.

AmericanRoyal.com/BBQ

1 Tuesday

2 Wednesday

One-Day Childbirth Prep Class 8:30, Olathe Medical Center. Important info on what to expect through each step of childbirth process. $65. OlatheHealth.org

Farmers Market 7:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Shop for a variety of fresh produce, plants, meat, baked goods, crafts and more.

816.246.6598

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

JumpCityKC.com

Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $5. IntegrityOP.com

Passport to Parks Thru Aug 6, various parks.

Visit parks in northeast Johnson County and complete the passport for chances to win great prizes. 913.722.8228 Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Living history comes to life in this family oriented program. Farm activities, crafts, gardening and more. $1. ShawneeTown.org Enchanted Forest Thru Sept 4, Overland Park Arboretum. See the mystical domains of gnomes, fairies, elves and other garden creatures along a trail. OPABG.org Johnson County Fair Thru Aug 5, Johnson County Fairgrounds. Dog show, youth rodeo, carnival, concerts, goat milking and more.

JoCoKansasFair.com

Selfie Scavenger Hunt Thru Sept, KCK. Explore Kansas City, KS, with this family-friendly scavenger hunt and discover fun things to do and see. VisitKansasCityKS.com Little Adventures 1:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Explore the museum collection and visit the hands-on workshop.

816.235.8000 What’s for Dinner? 3:00, Burr Oak Woods.

Watch on Wednesdays and Saturdays as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766

3 Thursday Simple Machines at Play 10:00, Science City.

New exhibit! Race a friend down a zip line, scale a massive climber and more! ScienceCity.com

Summer Movie Clubhouse 10:00 & Noon, Cinemark (Merriam). See The Angry Birds Movie for only $1! Check out the new Speedy Pack concessions. Cinemark.com Gardens of Myth Thru Oct, Powell Gardens.

Exhibition of incredibly realistic sculptures of goblins, fairies, trolls and more.

PowellGardens.org Open Jump 10:00, Urban Air. A hypedup, healthy dose of jumping, climbing, swinging, crawling, flying and dunking.

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com Music at the Farmstead 4:45, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Enjoy a free concert; August performer is Mr Stinky Feet.

OPKansas.org Moonlight Movies 9:00, Pharaoh Theatre (Independence Square). Movie under the stars.

Concessions available. Tonight’s movie: Lego Batman. FreeMoonlightMovies.com

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

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

Pre-reg at 913.661.2529.

Great Hera, it’s Free Day!

FAREWELL TO SUMMER FREE DAY / Saturday, August 19 / 10AM - 4PM Check one last thing off your “summer fun” list and come solve a mystery at The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. The toys and miniatures are counting on you!

A collection that speaks for itself.

OPEN DAILY: 10 AM – 4PM, CLOSED TUESDAYS

5235 OAK STREET K ANSAS CIT Y, MO 64112

816.235.8000

TOYANDMINIATUREMUSEUM.ORG

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Elephant Baths Aug. 5 & 6, Kansas City Zoo. Splish, splash, see the seven elephants taking a bath!

Join in the fun! KansasCityZoo.org

Garfield: The Musical with Cattitude 11:00, 1:00 & 7:00, the Coterie. A musical adaptation of everyone’s favorite sarcastic tubby tabby, Garfield. TheCoterie.org JBF Consignment Sale Thru Sunday, Johnson County Community College. Shop for clothing, toys, gear and more! Big savings!

JBFSale.com Talkin’ Truman 11:00, Harry S Truman Library and Museum. Explore Truman’s military career with staff member Jim Armistead.

TrumanLibrary.org Festival of Butterflies Thru Sun and Aug 1113, Powell Gardens. See hundreds of colorful, free flying butterflies and much more during the signature festival. 816.697.2600 Tax Free Weekend Thru Aug 6, Independence Center. enjoy extra savings on your favorite brands. Stock up on back-toschool essentials. Simon.com

First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Art District.

Galleries and shops remain open the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org WeekEnder 6:00, Crown Center Square.

Enjoy top local bands and favorite food trucks then watch a flick under the stars. Free admission. CrownCenter.com The Wizard of Oz Thru Aug 6, Gladstone Amphitheatre. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic and enjoy a night in the park and a great show.

GladstoneTIP.com Movies in the Park 8:00, John Anderson Park (Grandview). Bring a picnic blanket and snacks and enjoy the movie Sully. Grandview.org

5 Saturday First Saturdays at Shoal Creek 9:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Reenactors bring the village to life with skits, skirmishes and demonstrations. 816.792.2655

Penske Truck 9:00, Home Depot Locations.

Hands-on workshop to build a wooden Penske truck to roll some fun into August.

HomeDepot.com Confabularryum 9:00, Free State High School (Lawrence). A day filled with hands-on fun and discovery with activities for kids, parents, educators, makers and more. Free. 785.856.2389 MPE How to Homeschool Workshop 9:30, KCPL (West Wyandotte). For parents interested in homeschooling. Hear from experienced homeschool parents. Free. 913.599.0311

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Admission $2 first day, all other days free!

Shoppers - we prefer cash but also accept these cards: DEBIT

1200 Kansas City Road Olathe, Kansas 913.971.5111

Activities vary by season Wild West Days September 24 & 25 Visit www.mahaffie.org

TRAIN RIDES

Elephant Baths Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Splish, splash, see the seven elephants taking a bath! Join in the fun! KansasCityZoo.org Back-to-School Bash10:00, Legends Outlets.

Fun includes face painting, zumba, backto-school savings, giveaways and more!

LegendsShopping.com Seventh Annual Summer Swing 10:00, Nelson-Atkins. Celebrate the handmade movement with the Midwest’s number one indie craft fair. TheStrawberryswing.com Totally Turtles 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Different turtles on display for a meet-and-greet, along with a turtle craft.

MDC.mo.gov Tiny Tot Triathlon 10:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park.

Kids will ride a bike 1,200 feet, go through a kiddie car wash, run 600 feet and go down a waterslide. $2-$5. Lenexa.com Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life.

Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org Open Gym 12:30, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics.

Run, jump and play in the foam pit, rope swings and more. EliteGymSwim.com Saturday Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove. Come to see the public feedings of the cats, weather permitting. $5-$7. SaveOurSiberians.org Summer Movie Series 6:00, Community America Ballpark. Watch the movie Sing on Sizzle Vision! Proceeds benefit Gold Glove charities. GoldGloveKC.org

6 Sunday Farmers Market 8:00, the City Market. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries, flowers and gift items from nearby farms. TheCityMarket.org Living History Farm Program 10:00, Watkins Woolen Mill. Costumed interpretive staff present real life in rural Missouri in the 1870s.

816.580.3387 Summer Swing 10:00, Nelson-Atkins. Enjoy 100+ handmade and vintage vendors, kids’ crafts, photo booth and more!

TheStrawberrySwing.com Plaza Live! Noon, Country Club Plaza. Check out music from the best local artists and regional acts in different Plaza courtyards. Free.

CountryClubPlaza.com art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278

TrainDayRides Ice Cream Train Train Rides Ice Cream Train Family Food Pumpkin Express Train Train Grandparents $8.50 $9.50 $10.00 $12.00 $10.00

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55

Time Travelers Aug. 8, Shawnee Town 1929. Family-oriented program which includes farm activities, crafts, gardening and more. $1. ShawneeTown.org

Down the Drain Puppet Show 2:00, Westport Roanoke. Stonelion presents this epic tale of what happens when trash blows into the storm sewer. Free. StonelionPuppets.org

7 Monday

8 Tuesday Toddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Open playtime with an array of toys, including blocks, balls and puzzles. $1-$2. 913.895.6350

Pioneer Trails Adventure 9:00, Independence, MO, Square. Receive $5 off adult price of a covered wagon Full City History Tour when you mention KC Parent. 816.254.2466

Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Living history comes to life in this family oriented program. Farm activities, crafts, gardening and more. $1. ShawneeTown.org

Mummies of the World 10:00, Union Station.

Embark on a journey into the extraordinary world of mummies and mummification.

UnionStation.org

Summer Movie Clubhouse 10:00 & Noon, Cinemark (Merriam). See Sing for only $1!

Check out the new Speedy Pack concessions.

Cinemark.com

Public Safety & Military Appreciation Days Thru Friday, Worlds of Fun. Free admission for police, firefighters, EMTs, active, retired and reserve military. WorldsOfFun.com

Family Art Time 1:00, Interurban Arthouse.

Open art time that provides stimulating activities for families to do together. $10/ person. InterurbanArthouse.org

Healthy Pregnancy 7:00, Olathe Medical Center. Information provided on nutrition, exercise, fetal growth and development and more. $15. OlatheHealth.org

Foster/Adoptive Parent Information Night 6:00, KVC Topeka. Free, 10-week course to gain a better understanding of successful foster parenting. Kansas.kvc.org

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

JumpCityKC.com Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails Thru Sept 10, Crown Center. All aboard for learning adventures with Thomas and Friends. Free.

CrownCenter.com

Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $5. IntegrityOP.com Little Adventures 1:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Explore the museum collection and visit the hands-on workshop.

816.235.8000

10 Thursday

Moonlight Movies 9:00, Pharaoh Theatre (Independence Square). Movie under the stars.

Concessions available. Tonight’s movie: Storks.

FreeMoonlightMovies.com

11 Friday Hot Summer Days 10:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Bring the whole family to enjoy water games and more. OPABG.org

Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Do a lesson straight from a 1920s reader, shine shoes, play on vintage board games and more.

ShawneeTown.org

Festival of Butterflies Thru Sun, Powell Gardens. See hundreds of colorful, free flying butterflies and much more during the signature festival. 816.697.2600

Missouri State Fair Thru Aug 20, Sedalia. The 400-acre fairground in Sedalia features livestock shows, competitive exhibits, carnival rides and more! MOStateFair.com

Fine Art Friday 1:00, Kemper Museum. Docentled interactive tour. Students examine objects through observation and discussion. Ages 6-12.

Free. KemperArt.org

STEAM Thursdays 3:30, Teen Commons (Olathe). Experiment, create works of art, play games and lots more. Ages sixth through 12th grades. Pre-reg at 913.971.6888.

Cyclovia Thru Sunday, Downtown Topeka.

Events include a glow ride, excursion rides, food trucks, bike safety and more. VisitTopeka.com

Kids Lab 6:30, MCPL (North Oak). Discover how you can bring science and technology to life.

Free. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Pirate Party 6:00, Gymboree Play & Music (Zona Rosa). Pirate-themed fun includes a craft, activities, songs, snack, parachute time and bubbles! Pre-reg at 816.505.3344.

Friday Night Concert 6:00, Macken Park. Great music with ’80s cover band Fast Times, along with food trucks and fun times! Free. NKC.com Music in the Park 6:30, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a free concert. DowntownLS.org Back-to-School Night 7:00, Community America Ballpark. T-Bones game, Falcon Skydiving Team, backpack giveaway, $1.25 hot dogs and more! TBonesBaseball.com Middle School Teen Night 7:00, Paradise Park.

Laser tag at the Maze is a part of the featured fun tonight. In addition, receive a $10 fun card and personal pizza. Paradise-Park.com Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square (Gladstone). Live music under the stars!

Tonight features the music of Cherry Bomb.

LindenSquare.info

12 Saturday Zootastik Learning Fest 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Activities, demonstrations and crafts will take place in the main lobby. Today’s theme: bird migration. KansasCityZoo.org

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

Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org

Caterpillar Hunt 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Track a variety of species and create a life cycle craft. Free. MDC.mo.gov Story Time: Around America to Win the Vote 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. Family-friendly craft and reading of this empowering story. TheWorldWar.org Train Rides 2:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride Saturday afternoons. 816.331.0630 Heart of America Hot Dog Festival 2:00, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Live music, hot dogs and a love of baseball’s history are shared at this event.

Second Saturdays 4:00, Downtown Weston.

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

WestonMO.com

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Music & Movies in the Park 6:30, Celebration Park (Gardner). Inflatables, fun-filled activities, live music and movie under the stars. GardnerKansas.gov Cruise Night 6:30, Merriam Marketplace.

Spend the evening with local car enthusiasts.

Door prizes, food and live music. 913.322.5550 Public Stargazing 7:30, Powell Observatory.

An educational talk on astronomy, a tour of the night sky and viewing through the telescopes, weather permitting. ASKC.org

13 Sunday

Movies in the Park 8:00, Electric Park. Bring the family for a night of lawn games, live music and a movie. Tonight’s film is The Little Rascals.

Lenexa.com/Movie

Selfie Scavenger Hunt Thru Sept, KCK. Explore Kansas City, KS, with this family-friendly scavenger hunt and discover fun things to do and see. VisitKansasCityKS.com

Movie in the Park 8:00, Santa Fe Commons Park. Grab a blanket and bring the family to enjoy a movie under the stars. 913.642.2222

Group Enrollment Colonial Presbyterian. Make friends and grow with Christ. Enroll for a small group. ColonialKC.org/groups

art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278 T-Bones Baseball 1:05, Community America Ballpark. The T-Bones take on Salina. Kids run the bases after the game! TBonesBaseball.com Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free, live musical entertainment.

BlueSpringsGov.com

14 Monday Moms Free Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free.

JumpCityKC.com Enchanted Forest Thru Sept 4, Overland Park Arboretum. See the mystical domains of gnomes, fairies, elves and other garden creatures along a trail. OPABG.org

SURVIVING TODAY’S CULTURE AS A PARENT

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45th & Oak, Kansas City, Missouri 816.751.1ART | n e l s o n - a t k i n s . o r g NelsonAtkins_KCParent_ArtPlusFamily_Aug2017.indd 1

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august by the numbers

1851 8

The number of homemade ice cream sandwich combinations sold at Betty Rae’s in Waldo— try one to celebrate Ice Cream Sandwich Month.

18

Meriwether Lewis, famous explorer, was born this date in 1774.

Aug. 20 of this year is the birthday of August Meyer, KCMO’s first president of the Commission of Parks, a leader of the City Beautiful movement and developer of our parks and boulevards.

29

Date in 1920 that Charlie “Bird” Parker, Kansas City’s beloved jazz saxophonist, was born.

3

The number of ingredients on a traditional s’more— celebrated with its own day on Aug. 10.

1979 Year of the last solar eclipse.

Experience the eclipse this year on Aug. 21.

12

Varieties of peaches grown at Schweizer Orchards in St. Joseph, MO, where you can pick your own peaches in celebration of Peach Month.

21

1821 On Aug. 10 of this year, Missouri became a state.

Date of the eclipse. See our Interactive Viewing Guide at KCParent.com.

Missouri State Fair Thru Aug 20, Sedalia. The 400-acre fairground in Sedalia features livestock shows, competitive exhibits, carnival rides and more! MOStateFair.com

Third Thursday 6:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Date night! Live music, free programs, art activities and more that showcase local talent.

Nelson-Atkins.org

15 Tuesday

Tiblow Days Thru Saturday, Bonner Springs.

Community event includes a parade, musical entertainment, barbecue competition, car show and more! BSEDWChamber.org

Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Community Center. Inflatable bouncers, Little Tyke riding toys and more. $2.

913.322.5550 Train Station Adventure 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. Climb, slide, jump and roll around train obstacles inside this all-new play zone! 816.471.4386 Simple Machines at Play 10:00, Science City.

New exhibit! Race a friend down a zipline, scale a massive climber and more! ScienceCity.com Tots on Tuesday 11:00, Kemper Museum. Bring in your preschooler for a fun and fashionable get-together every third Tuesday. 816.753.5784 Family Feast Day Pizza Shoppe. Get a single topping king pizza, two Shoppe house salads and an order of garlic cheese bread for only $18.99. PizzaShoppe.com

16 Wednesday Gardens of Myth Thru Oct, Powell Gardens.

Exhibition of incredibly realistic sculptures of goblins, fairies, trolls and more.

PowellGardens.org Playgroup at FBC 9:00, First Baptist Church of Shawnee. A safe place for kids to run and play and for parents to enjoy coffee and conversation. Free. 913.226.9438 What’s for Dinner? 3:00, Burr Oak Woods.

Watch on Wednesdays and Saturdays as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766 Waldo Farmers Market 3:00, 79th Street, one block east of Wornall. Market features organic vegetables, meats, eggs, cheese and more.

WaldoKC.org

17 Thursday Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00, George Owens Nature Park. Explore the outdoors, make crafts and listen to great stories.

816.325.7115 Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics. A great time to practice, get familiar with the gym and for kids to release energy. $6. IntegrityOP.com

KC Improv Festival Thru Sunday, Kick Comedy Theater. One of the longest-running, friendliest, funniest and most fun improv festivals.

KCImprovFestival.com

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

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

Food Truck Friday 11:00, Union Cemetery. A tasty and affordable lunch in downtown’s most peaceful park space. KCParks.org Ethnic Enrichment Festival Thru Sunday, Swope Park. Festival features more than 60 nations that sell food and crafts and offer performances. $5. EECKC.net Parkville Days Thru Aug 20, English Landing Park. Great family fun in historic downtown Parkville. Something for everyone!

ParkvilleMo.org Barbecue Festival Thru Sunday, Downtown Excelsior Springs. Live performances, food and novelty vendors, beer garden and more.

BBQOnTheRiverContest.com Third Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station Arts District. Tour the art galleries, view live performances and meet artists in front of shops.

EnglewoodStation.com Rockin’ Party in YOUR Park 6:00, Campbell Park. Food, games, a bounce house and live music featuring Valentine & the Ones.

913.322.5550 39th Street Art Walk 6:00, 39th Street District.

Every third Friday the merchants of 39th Street open their doors to local painters, musicians and more! 39thStreetWest.com Flashback Friday 7:00, Community America Ballpark. Watch the T-Bones play, special guest appearance by Happy Gilmore’s Chris McDonald.

TBonesBaseball.com Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square (Gladstone). Live music under the stars!

Tonight features the music of the Rippers.

LindenSquare.info

19 Saturday Chalk It Up 9:00, Eighth and Goode streets (Grandview). Leave your mark on the sidewalks at Eighth and Goode. Chalk and water provided.

Grandview.org Macroinvertebrate Mysteries 9:30, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Dip into the magical world of macroinvertebrates. Pre-reg at 816.228.3766.

Farewell to Summer 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Free admission with lots of fun activities. 816.235.8000 Archery Basics 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Learn the basics of archery and then practice shooting the bow and arrow.

MDC.mo.gov Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-tastic” adventure! 816.753.5784 What’s Out at Night 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Info tables, live animal interpretations, crafts, scavenger hunt and more.

LakesideNatureCenter.org Watermelon Summer Smash 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Watch as the animals smash, stomp and slurp this delicious treat! KansasCityZoo.org Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life. Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org Geppetto’s Big Fish Puppet Show 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. A fun puppet show for the entire family. $6. Pre-reg at 816.833.9777.

Open Gym 12:30, Elite Gymnastics & Aquatics.

Run, jump and play in the foam pit, rope swings and more. EliteGymSwim.com Train Rides 2:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride Saturday afternoons. 816.331.0630 Saturday Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove. Come to see the public feedings of the cats, weather permitting. $5-$7. SaveOurSiberians.org Wine Walk on Delaware 5:00, Delaware Street (River Market). Date night! Wine tasting hosted by a mix of Delaware Street establishments. $15. WineWalkOnDelaware.com

20 Sunday India Fest of KC 11:00, Overland Park Convention Center. Celebrate with artifacts, jewelry, clothes, dances, food and fashion parade. IAKC.org kcparent.com august 2017

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Solar Eclipse Aug. 21. Visit KCParent.com for tons of activities and events surrounding this once-in-a-lifetime event! Plus, check out the Interactive Viewing Guide.

Plaza Live! Noon, Country Club Plaza. Check out music from the best local artists and regional acts in different Plaza courtyards. Free.

CountryClubPlaza.com art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278 Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free, live musical entertainment.

BlueSpringsGov.com

21 Monday Experience the Eclipse 10:00, Science City. Enjoy interactive, hands-on themed programming throughout the day. All included with Science City admission. ScienceCity.com Prep Class 5:30, Hoffman International. Class meets for 10 weeks and covers visual poise, skin care, cosmetics, hair care and more. Ages 13+.

HoffmanModels.com

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22 Tuesday Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Community Center.

Inflatable bouncers, Little Tyke riding toys and more. $2. 913.322.5550 Open Play 10:00, Jump City.  Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free.

JumpCityKC.com Preteen Class 6:30, Hoffman International.

Class meets for 10 weeks and covers nutrition and exercise, manners, public speaking, hair care and more. Ages 9-12. 913.642.1060

Mummies of the World 10:00, Union Station.

Embark on a journey into the extraordinary world of mummies and mummification.

UnionStation.org

Elementary Benton 6:30, MCPL (North Oak).

Explore the childhood of Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails Thru Sept 10, Crown Center. All aboard for learning adventures with Thomas and Friends. Free.

CrownCenter.com

23 Wednesday Playgroup at FBC 9:00, First Baptist Church of Shawnee. A safe place for kids to run and play and for parents to enjoy coffee and conversation. Free. 913.226.9438

Open Jump 10:00, Urban Air. A hyped-up, healthy dose of jumping, climbing, swinging, crawling, flying and dunking. UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Jammin’ on the Green 7:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

The classic, timeless sound of the Grand Marquis will echo through the air. ShawneeTown.org

24 Thursday Train Station Adventure 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. Climb, slide, jump and roll around train obstacles inside this all-new play zone! 816.471.4386 Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00, George Owens Nature Park. Explore the outdoors, make crafts and listen to great stories.

816.325.7115 Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails Thru Sept 10, Crown Center. All aboard for learning adventures with Thomas and Friends. Free.

CrownCenter.com

25 Friday JBF Consignment Sale Thru Sunday, The Pavilion at John Knox Village (Lee’s Summit).

Shop for clothing, toys, gear and more! Big savings! JBFSale.com Friday Fish Tales 9:30, Olathe Community Center. A morning of water-themed stories, songs and swimming. Stay for a Me and Mini Me Swim. 913.971.8676

Fall Open House 10:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Merchants will feature new items for fall. Enter to win a shopping spree.

DowntownLS.org

Species Spotlight 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. On the fourth Saturday of each month, the zoo shines a spotlight on an amazing animal.

Today’s animals: lions. KansasCityZoo.org

Final Friday 5:00, Downtown Lawrence.

Activities for kids, art exhibits, music, dance and theater for all ages. UnmistakablyLawrence.com

KC Dance Day All day, Bolender Center. Enjoy free dance classes and free local and world dance performances. KCBallet.org

Paola Roots Festival Today & tomorrow, Paola Park Square. Enjoy live music, ethnic dancers, arts, crafts, great games, fun rides and more.

RootsFestival.org

Open House 10:00, Kansas City Young Audiences. Art activities, mini workshops, performances, door prizes and more! KCYA.org

Major League Improv ComedyCity. A comedy show where everything is based on ideas from the audience. $11-$14. 816.842.2744

Raytown Arts & Music Festival Noon, Kenagy Park. Art vendors around the walking trail, music, art activities, food trucks and more.

RaytownParks.com

SoPro Gaming Lock-in 8:00, SoPro Gaming.

Pizza and soda provided, and play unlimited games during the evening. Pre-reg at SoProGaming.com.

Train Rides 2:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride Saturday afternoons. 816.331.0630

Movies in the Park 8:00, Grandview Amphitheater. Bring a blanket and enjoy a showing of The Secret Life of Pets. Grandview.org

26 Saturday Race to Read 8:00, Swope Park. A 5K race and other kid-friendly activities to benefit Reach Out and Read. ReachOutAndReadKC.org

Babe Ruth’s Baseball - Played the 1920s Way 4:00, Hermann Laird Park. Enjoy watching a vintage 1920s baseball game. ShawneeTown.org Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square (Gladstone). Live music under the stars! Tonight features the music of Beatles tribute Liverpool.

LindenSquare.info

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Public Stargazing 7:30, Powell Observatory.

An educational talk on astronomy, a tour of the night sky and viewing through the telescopes, weather permitting. ASKC.org

27 Sunday Farmers Market 8:00, the City Market. The market offers a variety of fresh produce, meat, specialty groceries, flowers and gift items from nearby farms. TheCityMarket.org Living History Farm Program 10:00, Watkins Woolen Mill. Costumed interpretive staff present real life in rural Missouri in the 1870s.

816.580.3387 Plaza Live! Noon, Country Club Plaza. Check out music from the best local artists and regional acts in different Plaza courtyards. Free.

CountryClubPlaza.com

Moms Free Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224 Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free.

JumpCityKC.com

29 Tuesday Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Community Center. Inflatable bouncers, Little Tyke riding toys and more. $2.

913.322.5550 Selfie Scavenger Hunt Thru Sept, KCK. Explore Kansas City, KS, with this family-friendly scavenger hunt and discover fun things to do and see. VisitKansasCityKS.com

art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.1278

Family Feast Day Pizza Shoppe. Get a single topping king pizza, two Shoppe house salads and an order of garlic cheese bread for only $18.99. PizzaShoppe.com

28 Monday

30 Wednesday

Pioneer Trails Adventure 9:00, Independence, MO, Square. Receive $5 off adult price of a covered wagon Full City History Tour when you mention KC Parent. 816.254.2466

Simple Machines at Play 10:00, Science City.

New exhibit! Race a friend down a zipline, scale a massive climber and more! ScienceCity.com

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Playgroup at FBC 9:00, First Baptist Church of Shawnee. A safe place for kids to run and play and for parents to enjoy coffee and conversation. Free. 913.226.9438 What’s for Dinner? 3:00, Burr Oak Woods.

Watch on Wednesdays and Saturdays as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766 Waldo Farmers Market 3:00, 79th Street, one block east of Wornall. Market features organic vegetables, meats, eggs, cheese and more.

WaldoKC.org

31 Thursday American Royal World Series of Barbecue Thru Sunday, Kansas Speedway. Close out your summer with friends, family, great food and drink and more. AmericanRoyal.com/BBQ Enchanted Forest Thru Sept 4, Overland Park Arboretum. See the mystical domains of gnomes, fairies, elves and other garden creatures along a trail. OPABG.org De Soto Days Festival Thru Saturday, Miller Memorial Park. Fun with local flair! A parade, classic car cruise, carnival and more!

DeSotoDays.com

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