KC Parent Magazine August 2018

FREE | August 2018 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

BACK TO SCHOOL

– get a smart start with our

14+ page

guide

SLEEP

are your kids getting enough?

take the FAMILY KINDNESS CHALLENGE

SUMMER CAMPS HURRY! ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT. ENROLL TODAY!

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Caring Adults Needed Foster parenting is one of the best ways to help children in crisis In the Kansas City area, there are 4,000 children and teens who have experienced abuse, neglect or other family challenges. Foster parenting provides a child with a safe, loving environment. It will also enrich your life with joy and meaning. People from all kinds of life situations can qualify!

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kcparent.com august 2018

order order ahead ahead Visit zaxbys.com or use our app.

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AUGUST

2018

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Media Mix 12 Craft Corner

KC’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE, PG. 36

15 Word from Dad

SPECIAL SECTIONS 22 Party Guide

FEATURES

36 Back-to-School Guide 52 Calendar of Events

12

26

30

Cute Craft

Expressive Child

Savor Summer

A quick, easy and cute craft for kids to make

Teach kids to express feelings in a healthy way

Tips to enjoy remaining days of summer break Our cover features Noelle from Merriam. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com.

FREE | August 2018 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

BACK TO SCHOOL

– get a smart start with our

ON THE COVER

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kcparent.com august 2018

14+ page guide

Family Kindness Challenge

14

Seeking Sleep

16

are your kids getting enough?

Back-to-School Guide

36

take the

SLEEP

FAMILY KINDNESS CHALLENGE

Back-to-School Style

CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Get everyone ready for the school year with a trip to Legends Outlets! Shop Crazy 8, Converse Factory Store and Justice for serious back-to-school style.

Kansas City, KS at I-435 & I-70 | LegendsShopping.com | Follow us

EDITOR’SLETTER AUGUST 2018

T

Here’s to a fantastic school year, KC!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

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

LOCAL CONTENT

Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Susan Gimotty (Overland Park), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Amy Hundley (Olathe), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Sara Keenan (Kansas City), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Brandon Lewis (Liberty), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (Kansas City), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Kerrie McLoughlin (Peculiar)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | August 2018 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

baby&

spring/summer 2018

maternity

kcgoingplaces.com

BACK TO SCHOOL

– get a smart start with our

14+ page guide

JULY- SEPTEMBER 2018 | KCPARENT.COM

BETTER THAN EVER

the

WHAT’S NEW IN KC

FARM-TO-TABLE DINING FEAST ON TASTY LOCAL DISHES

preparing siblings

NATURAL WONDERS OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

choose your doctor issue

for a new addition

TIPS FOR

budgeting

after baby arrives

SLEEP

are your kids getting enough? take the FAMILY KINDNESS CHALLENGE

517

WAYS TO EXPLORE KANSAS CITY

OMG, I’M PREGNANT! NOW WHAT?!?

.com

his is a back-to-school tale. I’m the oldest of six. A span of 13 years separates me from my youngest sibling. I can only imagine that when it was time to send the baby of the family to kindergarten, not much prep work was done. In fact, if I’d been the mother, just getting her to school on time, properly dressed, would have been a victory. Back in the day, we started school closer to Labor Day. My youngest sister attended her first day of kindergarten the Friday before the holiday weekend—the reasoning went that the kids could get a taste of what school would be like and then rest up over the long weekend, ready to start the regular year after a three-day break.

So, Little Sis attended her first day on Friday.

All went well, she enjoyed the holiday weekend and then my dad woke her for school on Tuesday.

Sleepily, she asked why he was waking her up, and he replied so she could get ready for school.

“School?” she said. “I already did that.”

Ah, if only one’s school career could be condensed into one day! But since it can’t and since we again find ourselves in August, readying our kids for another school year, we bring you our annual Back-to-School Guide. This year you’ll find everything from tips on saving money when shopping to how to get a smart start to the school year and ways moms can pamper themselves during this crazy season. Check it out starting on pg. 36.

But wait! Before sending the kids back to school, there’s plenty of fun left to be had! Our calendar of events, both here in print and online at KCParent.com, has TONS of great activities to help soak up those last precious days of summer break.

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

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Circulation verified by:

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 2018

KCPARENT.COM

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

SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE FUN IDEAS: 1. Perfect Picnic Spots 2. Best of August head to

kcparent.com

3. Kids Eat Free Guide for the

kids eat

FREE

(or cheap) guide the BEST 4. Coupons for Local Attractions resource for finding places 5. Great Giveaways all over kc where kids eat for FREE 6. Apple Picking Guide (or really cheap)!

SPOTLIGHT

BEST OF AUGUST

It’s time to bid a fond farewell to summer, make plans for back to school and enjoy many wonderful family outings in KC! Head to KCParent.com for the top picks for August in Kansas City!

Expecting?

7. Spraygrounds 8. Back-to-School Traditions

HOSPITAL LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE Check out the Virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com to search hospitals by location, NICU level, classes and more.

Use KC Parent’s virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide to choose

the best medical care for Mother and Baby.

9. FREE Summer Fun 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

kcparent.com august 2018

9

MEDIAMIX

superheroes and science fiction

savor summer with fun adventures and a bit of magic

By McGeath Freeman

The Three Little Superpigs

Jack B. Ninja

Tiny Little Rocket

By Tim McCanna

By Richard Collingridge

By Claire Evans

Illustrated by Stephen Savage

Best for: Ages 4-8

Best for: Ages 3-5

Best for: Ages 3-5 What happens after the three little pigs defeat the big, bad wolf? The Three Little Superpigs explores this question in a sequel to the classic children’s tale. This story picks up with the citizens of Fairyland hailing the pigs as “superheroes” for capturing the very bad wolf. The pigs enjoy their newfound fame and help rebuild Fairyland out of bricks. All the while, the wolf sits in Happily Never After Prison, plotting his revenge. Soon, bricks begin disappearing all over Fairyland. The Superpigs set out to solve the mystery and discover that Wolf is out of prison.

Is this part of an elaborate revenge scheme? You’ll have to read this one with your children to find out.

What’s good: Clever twist on the popular fairy tale.

What’s bad: A long way to go for the final punch line.

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kcparent.com august 2018

Trained in the ways of the ninja, Jack sneaks out in the middle of the night to rescue stolen treasure from bandits. Everything goes well until he sets off a trap. Do the bandits have him? A little luck and a little help from his ninja dad get Jack out of a tight spot. Back safe from the bandits, Jack is in for a ninja surprise—a birthday surprise.

To get the most out of this story, read it aloud. Children will like the quick pacing and engaging digital illustrations. Expect requests for birthday story times.

What’s good: Perfect tale for group story times.

What’s bad: The birthday surprise at the end comes out of nowhere.

Happy birthday, Earth! That is the message we come away with at the close of this enjoyable story from Collingridge. When an astronaut blasts off in a tiny rocket on a tiny hill in the middle of a vast green valley, we have no idea what he will encounter next.

As the rocket blasts into space, we ride along with a cockpit view of the greatness of space. Alternating between vignettes of the cockpit and spreads of interstellar objects, the near-realism of the illustrations will mesmerize readers.

Collingridge uses rhythm and pacing to make this a wonderful story for readaloud story times. It also makes a good introduction for elementary classrooms studying earth science and outer space.

What’s good: Intriguing text, bold illustrations and a touch of fun.

What’s bad: Some of the type is tiny and tough to read on the background colors.

The starting point for a healthy smile.

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With FOUR Convenient Locations: Lenexa, Olathe, Overland Park & Shawnee kcparent.com august 2018

11

CRAFTCORNER Materials Needed: These little 3D strawberries are so easy to make and can be used in many different ways.

paper strawberries

I

f you are looking for an easy paper craft that is perfect for celebrating summer, try these paper strawberries! These little 3D strawberries are so easy to make and can be used in many different ways. Kids of all ages will love trying out this paper craft!

Step One: Fold a piece of red construction paper in half and cut out half of a strawberry shape along the fold. Repeat until you have four identical strawberry shapes.

Step Two: Draw dots on the strawberries with a black marker.

Step Three: Using a glue stick or adhesive roller, attach two strawberries together while they are still folded, wrong sides facing each other.

Step Four: Repeat this process with all four strawberry shapes until the strawberry forms a 3D shape.

Step Five: Cut out a green stem. Glue the strawberry and green stem on a contrasting color of construction paper.

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.

Pencil Creatures

Fabric Covered Organizers

Velcro Chore Charts

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

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kcparent.com august 2018

• Construction paper • Glue stick or adhesive roller • Scissors

• Black marker

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 Awarded “Outstanding School” by Youth America Grand Prix in 2017 and 2018!

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s s e challenge n d n i k

We are also letting others know they are important and mean something to us.

Being kind doesn’t have to be timeconsuming, expensive or hard. Simple acts of kindness can both show someone we care and benefit us as well. Open the door for someone, pick up litter as you pass, send a note or card in the mail or simply smile at others and you spread kindness.

Our kids follow our lead in how we treat others, and kindness will become natural for them over time.

g

Mom of six Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe with her family.

family

Simple Ways to Spread Kindness

i

g “Take emptied trash bins up for your neighbors,” says Sarah Imbierowicz, mom of seven.

g “My kids would always take a cold

f you spend any time watching the news, you won’t have to wait long to be reminded a lot of things are going on in the world that make it worse for the wear. Why not try to spread some kindness, giving others (and your own family) something positive to focus on? Both you and your kids will enjoy benefits, as will those on the receiving end of your kind gestures. As Flora Edwards said, “In helping others, we help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.”

Being kind makes you happier

Being kind makes you healthier

Being nice to others doesn’t just benefit them, it gives you a boost too. If you have ever been able to help out a friend or a stranger in a time of need, you know firsthand how being helpful actually makes you feel happy. Doing nice things for others boosts your serotonin. “Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that gives us the feeling of satisfaction and well-being,” says Lara HonosWebb, PhD, in Psychology Today. “Most of the antidepressant medications work by increasing the amount of serotonin available to your brain. All of this means doing nice things for other people changes your brain in ways that make you feel better.”

People who volunteer in the community and are charitable to others often experience lower stress levels and improved overall health. According to the Happier Human website, statistics show people who are kind have less physical pain, get better quality sleep and exercise more.

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Being kind builds self-esteem We parents are always looking for ways to build self-esteem in our kids. Helping others and being generous with our time and talents actually can help build selfesteem, because when we help someone, we feel like we have value and a purpose.

bottle of Coke or water out to the garbage collector,” says Sharon Wade, mom of three.

g “Always hold the door for people behind you,” says Jeri Chester.

g “Always be courteous to others because you never know what someone might be going through,” says Nikki Rhyme, mom of five.

g “Walk someone’s dog, help neighbors with yard work or shoveling in the winter,” says Geri Geveshausen, mom and grandma.

g “When we see things that need done, I suggest we do them. For example, helping people struggling at the store, taking a meal to a family or grabbing coffee for a friend who needs a boost,” says Kara Thomas.

g “Write or draw thank you notes,” says Kathy Hromadka, mom and grandma.

WORDFROMDAD

the SCIENTIFIC way

“a

ren’t you going to get things ready for the boys?” Sandi and I sat on the patio the evening before the new school year and enjoyed a quiet moment in the cool air.

“I already have.” I gave her a smug grin.

“I did that yesterday.”

“Really?”

“Yep. I thought about how mornings are so rushed and did some research over the summer.”

She took a sip of her iced tea. “Yeah?

What’d you find out?”

“I applied the scientific method. The key is to be organized. Make one trip, instead of two or three. You can sleep in tomorrow.

It’ll be easy.

Sandi gave me a doubtful glance. “I don’t know about this.”

“Actually, love of my life, you don’t know my method and may end up slowing things down. Sleep in, you deserve it.”

The next morning had me up before the boys. I’d put things where I knew I’d need them the night before. Clean plates and glasses for breakfast? Check. Bread and sandwich baggies on the counter? Check.

Everything ready for easy access in the refrigerator? Check and double checked.

One trip to the fridge to get the milk, eggs and jelly. While the eggs cooked in a different skillet for each boy, I made and packed lunches. By the time the boys reached the table, breakfast waited for them while I replaced the items in the refrigerator.

Even their new backpacks waited for them near the console table by the door, and they grabbed them as they rushed out to the bus.

I leaned back in my chair. Piece of cake.

“Are they gone?” Sandi sat beside me with a cup of coffee. “How’d it go?”

“Better than I expected. Smooth as silk.”

“What’s that?” She pointed to Ian’s lunch box on the console table.

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

EVERY BOY BECOMES A MAN. THE QUESTION IS,WHAT KIND WILL YOURS BECOME? A school that cares mostly about getting your son to sit still and comply will never unlock his will to succeed. Since 1889, thousands of parents have looked to Missouri Military Academy to give their boys the structure, responsibility and love they need to grow, compete and thrive — and become young men in full command of their lives.

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DANCE SHOPPE Celebrating 33 Years in KC Whether you’re a beginner dancer looking for your first leotard or a seasoned performer in need of a pointe shoe fitting, Dance Shoppe is your go-to dance store for the best selection of leotards, tights, shoes and accessories.

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512 NW ENGLEWOOD RD. | KANSAS CITY, MO 64118 DANCESHOPPEINC.NET | (816) 455-1995 kcparent.com august 2018

15

seeking sleep

A Parent’s Guide to the Importance of a Child’s Consistent Slumber It’s 8:00 p.m. Are your kids in bed yet? Spoiler alert: They should be.

A

full night’s sleep for children should sit at the top of your family priority list. Unfortunately, bedtime is one of the easiest habits to let slide. Sleep is essential to a child’s growth, development and health in more ways than one.

From A to Zzzz’s According to the National Sleep Foundation, toddlers need around 11-14 hours of sleep in a day, while preschoolers, school-aged children and teens need between nine and 13. If that sounds like a lot, that’s because it is. Kids do need a lot of sleep. Children are constantly undergoing rapid development. Throw in softball practice, running around the neighborhood and playing with siblings and you have even more reasons to be sure they’re getting enough slumber to recharge and replenish their energies.

Early standards The easiest way to make sure children get to sleep on time is to enforce it yesterday.

Parents must draw a hard line in the sand.

This issue affects your child’s health, which is priority one. Think of it this way: You wouldn’t let your child run out into a busy street, right? Too little sleep is the busy street. It’s a non-negotiable.

Sleepy side effects Many times parents see negative behavior in children and often look to medicine to fix it. However, research suggests that bumping up the sleep first might nip the problem in the bud. ADHD symptoms, tantrum

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throwing, irritability, poor decision making and learning deficiencies all have been linked to sleep deprivation. Further, the National Sleep Foundation estimates 25 to 30 percent of developing children are not getting enough consistent sleep. With numbers like those, a few more hours on your child’s sleep clock might actually prevent prescriptions.

Sleepy may equal heavy Research from Attention, Behavior and Sleep Laboratory suggests that sleep deprivation most likely contributes to some other big problems, namely obesity, diabetes and even high blood pressure. True, nutrition is linked to these as well, but the two go hand in hand. A poor diet high in sugar can lead to hyperactivity, which may make falling asleep difficult, which leads to poor eating choices.

Sleep is healing There’s a reason a doctor will tell you to get a good night’s sleep and call in the morning.

Sleep can be healing. Research shows that a child’s (or adult’s) being sleep deprived can wreak havoc on the body’s ability to fight off infection. Deep, restful sleep contributes to building up the body’s immune system, helping it to fight off all those millions of germs kids come into contact with daily.

Quality AND quantity The number of hours of sleep a child receives is extremely important, but the quality of that slumber is just as pertinent. To be sure your kids are getting the deep, restful sleep they need, consistency is a key factor. “Catching up” on sleep isn’t a real thing, so allowing children to sleep 15 hours on Saturday won’t make up for the two to three hours they’re missing during the week. Set bedtimes and wake-up times and keep your kids bound to those times.

Tired now, problems later A recent Harvard study found that children who received an insufficient amount of sleep at preschool age had a higher risk of neurobehavioral function by age 7. All the more reason to start excellent sleep behaviors now, whether your child is 2 or 12. It’s never too early to lay down the law on sleep, so don’t feel guilty about making it a priority in your home. Tonight.

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

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

Sleep Kit: Three Easy Ways to Increase the Quality of Shut-Eye • Get a noise machine. Little noises in the night can create wake-ups that interrupt important sleep cycles. The gentle sound of rain falling or the lull of a train chugging down the tracks can prevent waking up and encourage deeper sleep.

• Lights out. At the earliest age possible, consider blackout curtains in your child’s bedroom. If your child has issues with total darkness, utilize a night light.

• Technology free. Electronic devices like iPads, phones and even televisions should go off two hours before bed. Without question, phones and screens should not be in bedrooms during sleep hours.

HCA Midwest Health is proud to be voted Family Faves by the readers of KC Parent Magazine.

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UNPLUG IN QUEBEC, O

ur family loves to travel, but exploring overseas is a little too pricey for our budget—and the whole process is a bit daunting, to be honest. So learning last spring about the possibilities Quebec, Canada, offers to travelers piqued my interest.

The Gimotty men (my husband and sons) were already tied up with various obligations for one week this summer, so my two teen girls and I jetted to Quebec, Canada, for five days of adventure without having to cross an ocean! With our passports in hand, we flew into Montreal where border crossing was a breeze, and the flight was shorter than from KC to LA. Our goal was to immerse ourselves in a foreign nation’s culture and activities without the hassles that come with European travel. We quickly discovered getting around was easy, especially because everyone we met was bilingual and eager to speak English to us. These Midwestern girls appreciated that.

With kids tethered to their phones these days, I found it so appealing to break away from the norm and experience international travel without the headaches of going overseas.

We first ventured a few hours east of Montreal to the charming Montéregie region (city of Sorel), which boasts breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and its islands. Our home base was the Hotel de la Rive, situated right along the river. Vast views of the waterway and the crispness of the summer air (Kansas City was experiencing temperatures near 100 at the time) enamored the region to us immediately! While in Sorel, we experienced the multimedia, interactive wonder of Statera, the 104th Island. The 360-degree dome experience, museum and exploration course celebrate the complex natural, anthropological and industrial development of this beautiful region.

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kcparent.com august 2018

The next day we spent in the lovely Chambly city and went to Ferme Guyon, which is something like a cross between Deanna Rose Farmstead, Powell Gardens and Family Tree Nursery. We admired fluttering friends at the butterfly pavilion and interacted with numerous farm animals. The girls and I also participated in a few interesting workshops at Ferme Guyon, including how to be a bee keeper and the art of making butter. That afternoon, we made our way to the rustic and adventurous Domaine Pourki located in Sabrevois, where we enjoyed nautical activities.

Although our day in Chambly in the Montéregie region was delightful, the evening held the most memorable activity of the entire trip: hot air ballooning in Sabrevois. Our family has attempted to go hot air ballooning in Kansas City before, but uncooperative weather has nixed the adventure all three times. Naturally, the girls and I guarded our hopes in Canada, but we were delighted when the weather cooperated and we were soaring 3,000 feet in the air, thanks to La Magie de l’Air. We continued our adventures into the evening by sleeping in a Bora Bora-style hut on the banks of the Richelieu River. Our family doesn’t generally revel in the rustic, but these huts had electricity and provided an unforgettable stay for us.

Continuing our adventures in Quebec, day three served up more outdoor adventure and even some history. In the morning, we went to Arbraska at Mont Saint-Grégoire to enjoy their ropes courses and zip lines. Next door, we enjoyed one of Quebec’s most longstanding traditions, the sugar shack. Straight from the maple trees of the ropes course, sticky sweetness is extracted and turned into mouthwatering maple syrup. Although the sap actually flows only in the spring, we still enjoyed the sugar shack and history that accompanied it. Our next stop was the Fort-Chambly National Historic Site, where we interacted with the fort’s newest family-friendly exhibit titled Smuggling: Outsmart the Exhibition. I was amazed to find out how many goods were smuggled from Montreal into New York back in the day—not just fur pelts but also fine linens. We topped the morning off with a

CANADA lovely lunch at Fourquet Fourchette, which served distinctive regional cuisine and was conveniently located next door to the fort.

That afternoon we drove to Laval and visited the tranquil Parc de la Riviere-des-Mille-Iles. Laval is an island located 30 minutes north from Montreal. With a memorable and tiring day under our belts, we looked forward to checking into our Hilton hotel in Laval, knowing they had recently remodeled and offered spacious family suites to simply relax.

Thrilling adventures my girls have long wanted to conquer filled our final day in Laval. We started at one of Laval’s mustsee attractions, the Cosmodome, where we were immersed into interactive space missions with virtual animations and hands-on exhibits. We then took to the waves and went to Maeva Surf, an indoor surf center where the girls enjoyed flowriding. The patient and qualified instructors had my girls standing up on surfboards in no time. We topped off the morning’s fun with an island-themed lunch and piña coladas (non-alcoholic, of course!). The day’s final thrill was skydiving at SkyVenture. Defying the laws of gravity, my girls were soaring in the vertical wind tunnel within a few seconds of instruction. The tandem skydiving was one of the greatest adventures my daughters have ever experienced.

So why vacation in Quebec? With kids tethered to their phones these days, I found it so appealing to break away from the norm and experience international travel without the headaches of going overseas. Quebec offered a good combination of peaceful, outdoorsy activities in the rural regions that appealed to our desire to unplug and plenty of fun thrill-seeking adventures in the upscale urban areas.

Having a European feel with lots of French culture and traditions, Quebec warmly welcomed these three Kansas Citians. The Gimotty girls will treasure our Quebec vacation memories for years to come.

La Magie de l’ Air Balloon Ride

Domaine Pourki

Susan Gimotty lives in Overland Park and feels fortunate whenever she gets to travel outside of her favorite place, Kansas City.

SkyVenture kcparent.com august 2018

19

TA-DA rather than TO DO

A

re you a list maker? I recently read an article dealing with to-do lists. It piqued my interest, as I am a big list maker. I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when I strike off my list an item as finished, but rarely do I have a day when I cross everything off. Usually, my daily list begins with five or six items and, by the end of the day, three are crossed off and four new items have been added. My wise mom told me that when making a to-do list, item number one should always be to “make a list.” That way, you are sure to check off at least one item every day.

The article I read had a different take on list making. It suggests that instead of making a to-do list, make a “done” list—what I’ve termed a “ta-da” list. This strategy diverts our focus from what we don’t accomplish to celebrate what we do accomplish during the day. I really like the idea! In addition to getting a feeling of accomplishment, I’ll also have a short record of each day’s what and when (because let’s be honest, I’ve fallen short in the whole baby book, preserving memories, taking photos of the kids department).

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For example, a list from a weekday might look something like this:

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BEFORE came on. d 4 Made ba.nana brea

Ally with at 4 Served a dlikinedne. r th

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Isn’t this much more fun? Looking at a list of things I’ve actually accomplished during the day feels much better than ending the day with a half-finished list, and I love the focus on the positive. In addition to your own list, ask family members to jot down a couple of things from their day. Sharing these accomplishments is a great way to reconnect at the end of the day and spend a few precious minutes together. I encourage you to turn your list around from a to-do list to a ta-da list. I think you’ll be glad you did!

If you are a list maker, head to KCParent.com for all kinds of lists!

You’ll find a Summer Bucket List, Pregnancy To Do List, Teacher’s Wish List and more!

KC Parent editor Margaret Sarver can be found making lists from her home in Lenexa.

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party guide

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birthday party etiquette

avigating the world of children’s birthday parties certainly can be overwhelming. Do I have to invite my kid’s entire classroom these days?

I love the ease of Evite, but is it rude? I love that my child is invited to so many parties, but what if I don’t have the cash for all those birthday presents?

Don’t worry, parents, because I have your road map for avoiding birthday etiquette potholes.

Happy birthday…to your kid!

Let’s start with whom to invite. Not everyone has the space/money to accommodate every child her kid wants to (or feels like she has to) invite.

You always can give your child a set number you are willing to have at the party, then have her choose wisely.

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inviting, right? Hold on a minute. Why don’t instead hit the party store with your little birthday munchkin and have him pick out some themed invitations he can either fill out himself or at least help decorate?

It’s up to you whether you want to send home goodie bags or favors with the kids. Maybe you can’t afford them or just think they are ecologically ridiculous. At one party my daughter attended, the girls painted wooden birdhouses to take home. If you just love putting together goodie bags, however, feel free to go all out!

To thank or not to thank? Snap a photo with the birthday child with each guest. Have it printed and place it in a thank you note that your child writes (or maybe he can just “sign” it if he’s too small).

Happy Birthday…to someone else’s kid!

It’s hard to watch your child get upset over not being invited to a party because, even as adults, we know how that feels. Explain to your child that maybe the parents of the birthday kid had to limit the number of guests and that it’s most likely nothing personal.

What if Audrey came to your daughter’s party recently, but now she can’t attend Audrey’s party? Friends, you have enough to worry about in your life without keeping track of this sort of thing. Please don’t worry about taking a gift anyway, unless you want to, unless this is a great friend of your child’s or unless you want to go broke.

If you have more kids than just the one who was invited, ask the birthday child’s parent if you can, for instance, just drop off an older kid for the party.

The hostess might be okay with your bringing your entire brood, or it might make her uncomfortable to add more chaos to the party. Just ask beforehand so you don’t show up with your huge family when you only RSVP’d for one.

Kerrie McLoughlin is a seasoned mom of five who writes about her controlled household chaos at TheKerrieShow.com.

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25

raising an

expressive child

d

oes your child throw temper tantrums when things don’t go her way? Does he hit siblings when he is mad? Does she throw toys across the room when she is frustrated? Kids often don’t understand how to appropriately express strong feelings like anger, frustration or disappointment, leading them to act out. This behavior is totally normal, and the good news is parents can help kids understand their emotions, express themselves in a healthy way and even learn to cope with their feelings.

Teach feeling words The biggest obstacle toddlers have when expressing their feelings is the simple fact that they do not have the words to explain what is going on. When your child has worked hard to build a tower of blocks only to have it topple down over and over again, she feels frustrated. Simply stating, “You are frustrated with your blocks aren’t you?

Can I help?” acknowledges your child’s feelings and give her words to identify them in the future. If a sibling takes a toy away from your child and he begins to cry, acknowledge that he is sad and come up with a solution together to work it out. In the future, give your child the opportunity to express how he is feeling and listen. This helps little ones show their feelings through words rather than actions (like hitting or throwing a tantrum). When dealing with an older child, ask what she is feeling and listen to the answer without criticism. If she has trouble coming up with feelings words to express herself, suggest a couple you think may fit the situation. Ask whether your child can think of a better way to handle the situation and talk it out together.

Talk about feelings often Giving your child the words to express his own feelings is important and so is noticing and labeling the feelings of others. When

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kcparent.com august 2018

you arrive home to a dog that greets you at the door with a wagging tail, explain the dog is excited to see you. If your child notices someone crying, talk about how that person is sad and why. If your child acts out toward someone else, try to explain the feelings involved. “You were mad at your sister and so you told her you didn’t like her anymore. That hurt her feelings, and now she feels sad.” Help your child notice the cues and body language of others and guess their emotions. You also can play a game where you make faces at each other. First make a happy face, then a mad face, then a sad face. As you read books, try to guess the feelings of the characters.

Parents also can find many books and videos about feelings at their local library.

Model appropriate expression Kids should know that parents have feelings of sadness, excitement, frustration and anger, just like they do. During these emotional moments, we parents can model

a positive way of dealing with our feelings.

When a parent gets mad, she has the opportunity to yell or get physical or she can say calmly that she needs to take a walk and excuse herself until she can cool down. When we are frustrated with a task, we should let kids know what we are feeling and that we have decided to take a break or ask for help.

Feelings of sadness are normal, and we can show kids that feeling down once in a while is okay. Spending time with people we care about, exercising and doing something we enjoy are all great ways to lift a mood.

Teach appropriate ways to deal with emotions Once kids can express how they feel with words, we can help them come up with appropriate ways to express their feelings.

For some kids, simply talking about feelings may be the answer. Others may need extra snuggles or hugs. For another child, having time to be alone to sort out his thoughts

and feelings or cool down gives him the time he needs to process his emotions so he can discuss them. When my daughter gets mad, she finds it helpful to go to her room, shut the door and turn up the music. I often hear her singing as she looks at books, plays or even cleans. When she joins us again later, she is calmer, happier and able to talk and interact with others calmly. My son prefers to take a walk when he is upset.

The exercise and fresh air help him settle down. Depending on the child, the current emotion and the situation, the coping skills may look very different.

As kids begin to learn to express their feelings using words and appropriate coping skills, give them positive feedback. Your affirming words will encourage them to continue to express themselves as they mature.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer that lives in Olathe with her family.

books about feelings for kids The Angry Dragon

How Full Is Your Bucket?

By MIchael Gordon

By Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer

The Way I Feel

Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day

By Janan Cain

By Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell

In My Heart: A Book of Feelings

By Jo Witek and Christine Roussey

I Hate Everything: A Book About Feeling Angry

By Sue Graves

Stand in My Shoes: Kids Learning About Empathy

Everybody Feels Sad!

By Moira Butterfield and Holly Sterling

Everybody Feels Scared!

By Moira Butterfield and Holly Sterling

The Angry Volcano

By Amanda Greenslade

By Bob Somson

kcparent.com august 2018

27

moving with small kids

m

oving your family to a new house

is no easy task, especially if you are moving to a different city, state or even abroad. We recently experienced moving our family for the second time within five years and are sharing from our experience in hopes of helping others with any upcoming moves their family may face.

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kcparent.com august 2018

First, have a family meeting to talk to your children about the move. Explain as much as possible for their understanding level. Continue to positively talk about the move as it draws near. Our children were all 5 and younger so they didn’t comprehend too much, and our days went on as normal until the moving date got closer.

Books have always been a great tool for our family to explain and understand new concepts. We read Boomer’s Big Day by Constance W. McGeorge and Mary Whyte, as well as The Bernstain Bear’s Moving Day

by Stan Bernstain. They both were excellent choices that illustrated what the moving process would be like. Discuss previous moving experiences or moving during your own childhood and share how you felt. It’s important to validate any feelings your children may have, such as sadness, anger or loneliness, but then try to spin it in a positive light. Jessica Fraser, Overland Park mother of two, says, “There is a Sesame Street moving app that we had Owen use, and it was great. We talked about our new city and all of the things that would be the same and that would be different. I also acknowledged their feelings when they told me they were worried or missed someone and told them that I felt that way sometimes too. I also worked to make sure that they would have some consistent things in the new city, like Owen continued with Cubbies, and we all continued with BSF after the move.”

As for the actual listing and showing of a house you are attempting to sell, take offers of any help from family and friends to watch your children so you can get the house ready. Then declutter as much as possible, sell unwanted items if time and sanity permit or donate excess to a donation center such as Mission Southside. Otherwise, rent a storage unit of some kind to stash it away while you show your house.

We actually left for the weekend that our house first listed. The house stayed presentable, and the realtor was able to do two open houses and have as many showings as possible that first weekend.

If you do have to show the house while living there, try to pick up the house each

night. Also keep a laundry basket handy to throw daily life evidence, such as papers, dirty dishes, laundry, etc., that you can just throw in the car with you when you need to leave. Keep handy a list of places you can go, such as the library, the Johnson County Museum or friends’ houses, to keep your kids occupied for a showing. It’s also wise to pack some snacks, baby food, water and other essentials in the car in case you will be missing a meal while out.

Life will be hectic and out of sorts for a couple of weeks, but plan some outings for your family to have a break from the boxes.

House hunting with little ones can get old quickly. Fortunately, we had my motherin-law stay with our older two children while we took our baby with us on our house hunt. I am so grateful we just had the baby, but even that grew tiresome after lugging him in and out of nearly 20 houses in his car seat and trying to push through feeding and nap schedules.

With the actual packing up of your house, again, take up any offers of help in any form. Your kids will have more fun being at a friend’s house to play while you have some uninterrupted time to pack up a room or two. Or pay a babysitter to watch your kids at your house while you tackle a room. Utilize naptimes and bedtimes and, if you can afford it at all, consider hiring a moving company in some manner. We were fortunate to have a relocation situation where we had a moving company come and pack up everything. Even then, actual moving week was stressful with three little ones and a moving crew that worked through naptime and bedtime. I kept naptimes consistent until beds were packed and then wore my baby in my Ergo carrier for his afternoon nap. Utilizing the car for naps helps too. Because my husband could

work from the house while the moving company packed up, I took our boys out to stay clear of the hustle and bustle.

Plan ahead, make those to-do lists and keep them handy. Make sure you have a designated area for things you will be taking with you and not putting on the moving truck, such as clothing for all family members, toiletries (even toilet paper and towels), medications, children’s cups/bottles if needed, snacks including coolers needed for frozen breastmilk, cleaning supplies, pet supplies and baby gear. You’ll need a meal plan and budget for dining out when your kitchen is packed and you’ll want to keep some granola bars and fruit for easy and affordable breakfasts. Because of moving out of state and closing dates on either end, we ended up staying in a hotel for a couple nights with our three children and our dog.

Figuring out a place to stay and for how long is something else to consider and budget.

When you have arrived in your new house, utilize any friends to keep your kids while you get unloaded. We moved further away from everyone, so it was up to us to keep our children entertained. Having cable and internet ready is helpful; otherwise, put those toys and electronics to good use. If you can, let your kids pick out a new toy to have for the first couple days of unpacking.

Life will be hectic and out of sorts for a couple of weeks, but plan some outings for your family to have a break from the boxes.

Because I’m a stay-at-home-mom, our daily routine didn’t alter too greatly. We were just going to be in a different location.

We often referred to moving as a family adventure. Once we knew where we were headed, I was quick to look up new family attractions to look forward to visiting.

“Liking” new places like this on Facebook led me to more attractions as well.

In the end, moving is going to be hard because change is hard. But we all learn how to adapt, and life keeps moving on. Thank goodness for social media and spring breaks to keep in touch!

Stephanie Loux is the mother of three and knows a thing or two about moving with her family. kcparent.com august 2018

29

o t s tip

r o v Sa

r e m m Su

a

s summer nears its end, the annual back-toschool craziness lurks just around the corner.

Before the chaos begins, however, try this bucket list of family fun activities to savor the last days of summer freedom. It’s a great way to create some lasting memories!

throw one last summer barbecue.

Enjoy the company of friends and family while soaking in the outdoors before fall and winter set in.

try geocaching with the family.

Geocaching is like a scavenger hunt, only you use a GPS (or GPS app on your phone) and drive around town to find hidden treasures. Check out Geocaching.com to learn more and to find out where to search near your home.

visit a museum. It’s hot outside, so why not go inside and enjoy the cool airconditioning while exploring some great exhibits? Choose a museum that will spark your children’s interests and get them in gear for learning more when they go back to school. take a last-minute road trip.

Routine soon will take over, so be spontaneous while you still can. You don’t have to travel far. Pull out some gear and camp out at a local campground. Tell stories by the campfire, roast marshmallows and just have fun!

dance in the rain. A few raindrops won’t hurt you; for some, it’s quite refreshing. So step on out there in your galoshes with your little ones and dance!

go bird watching. With a pair of binoculars in hand, head into the great outdoors to see what types of feathered friends you can find. Borrow a bird guide from your local library beforehand and bring a notebook along to log the birds you see. Or visit MyBirdz.org and click on your state to find out what birds are in your area.

go berry picking. Several local farms offer berry picking. After gathering the berries, be sure to save those that are overripe or crushed; they make great paint!

Just smash them up and mix with a little cornstarch. Voila!

go to the fair. Ride the Ferris wheel,

eat deep-fried fair food, play games and win prizes. Have fun!

play brain games. Help your

children get into the back-to-school mindset by scheduling several times throughout the day for fun, interactive brain games (puzzles, cooking, sorting, etc.). You might also schedule a time each day for silent reading.

plan one last bash. Spend a day at

the beach, the lake or the zoo. Do something fun and local that can end the summer with a house filled with smiles.

volunteer in the community. There

is no better time for teaching your children about empathy and compassion than now. Visit an animal shelter and play with the cats and dogs—have your children make cat toys to take along for the felines. Purchase school supplies and take your kids to drop them off at a local charity. Volunteer in a local food pantry. The possibilities are endless. Visit VolunteerMatch.com to find places in your community where you can volunteer with your children.

create chalk art. Invest in some sidewalk chalk and turn your sidewalks into masterpieces! Don’t forget to take a picture. take out the kiddie pool or slipand-slide. Invite friends and have some

laughs and fun in the water one last time.

set up a lemonade stand. Whip up some tasty lemonade (don’t forget the ice) and set up shop on your driveway or sidewalk. Let the kids decorate the sign.

There’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned lemonade stand in the summertime.

and often lined with great plant life you and your children can study. Arboretums, while not always free, are wonderful places to learn about plants.

go mini golfing. Find a local mini golf course and play one last game before summer’s end. jump rope. Pull out the jump ropes and have fun enjoying this nostalgic pastime. A definite must-do for summer’s end!

visit a farmers market. Let your children pick out fruits and vegetables to purchase. Who knows, they may find something new they’d like to try.

Farmers markets often have great activities for kids too! play some lawn games. Try croquet, horseshoes or badminton (to name a few). There are so many to choose from.

Have some family fun in your own yard! have a family car wash. Clean

the car as a family! Whip out the swimsuits, buckets, sponges and soap and have fun in the sun…and water. (Don’t forget the sunscreen.)

go to a drive-in movie. Remember those? Let your kiddos experience the fun of sitting in the car, munching popcorn and watching a great flick. have a game night. Turn off the

screens and pull out the board games.

There’s nothing like spending quality time around the table talking, laughing and playing some of your favorite games. Bingo!

You also can create a summer bucket list of your own. Visit Pinterest.com for some free printable bucket lists, then hold a family meeting and make your own back-to-school bucket list. Take turns adding to it and then do it. See how many items your family completes before school begins—and be sure to take lots of pictures!

take a hike. Learn about nature

while the sun is still shining and the flowers are still blooming. Research local hiking trails or arboretums and tie on those walking shoes! Hiking trails are free

Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein is excited to start a back-to-school bucket list with her family!

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AUGUST

festivals & fairs IN KANSAS CITY

These are some of our favorites for August.

Douglas County Fair July 30-Aug. 4, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Lawrence, KS. Petting zoo, pony rides, demolition derby, tractor show, live concerts, turtle races, carnival, tractor pull and more. DGCountyFair.com

Johnson County Fair July 29-Aug. 4, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Gardner, KS. Dog show, youth rodeo, carnival, concerts, goat milking, police and fire demonstrations, bull blast, barrel racing, parade and demolition derby.

JoCoKansasFair.com Festival of Butterflies July 27-Aug. 12, Powell Gardens. f Butterfl

o Festival

ies

Walk among locally-raised native butterflies in the flowerfilled Butterfly Breezeway or journey to the tropics in the lush conservatory. Touch live caterpillars, learn about the life cycle of monarchs and participate in the Pollinator Parade.

PowellGardens.org

​Missouri State Fair Aug. 9-19, Missouri State Fairgrounds, Sedalia. The 407-acre fairgrounds will present premier livestock shows and competitive exhibits and first-class professional entertainment. MoStateFair.com Kansas Taco Festival Aug. 11, Lake Shawnee (Tinman Circle),

Kansas Taco

Festival

Topeka. This one-day festival will feature more than a dozen local Mexican eats battling it out for title of “best taco.”

Featuring live music and entertainment, this taco-inspired event will include fun inflatables, games and activities and contests. KansasTacoFestival.com

Ethnic Enrichment Festival Aug. 16-19, Swope Park, Meyer Boulevard & Swope Parkway, Kansas City, MO. This event is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the nation and features more than 63 different cultures selling their native foods, crafts and performing ethnic music and dances. KCParks.org Paola Roots Festival Aug. 24-25, Paola Park Square, Paola, KS. Highlights include a wide variety of live music, ethnic dancers, arts and crafts, food vendors, the East Central State BBQ Championship Cook-Off and, for younger festival-goers, great games and fun rides! RootsFestival.org

Mission Sunflower Festival Aug. 25, Johnson Drive Mission Farmers Market. Festival includes a Friday evening kickoff with live music and food trucks, Saturday morning parade, all-day fun, old-time fair and carnival games, contests, food trucks and more. MissionSunflowerFestival.com stival

Mission Sunflower Fe

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Head to KCParent.com for a complete guide to summer festivals.

Kansas City Find Your Character

Fall Classes Now Enrolling!

Act!

Drama, Voice, Dance, and Specialty theater classes available for ages 5-18 in five (5) KC Metro locations.

Early Bird Discount available through August 5th.

Sing!

Classes begin the week of August 13th.

See all Fall classes and locations on our website: www.cytkc.org/classes

Live!

Dance!

Christian Youth Theater is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization

bring our legendary Kansas will be forever immortalized through the beloved The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This summer, bring locally-connected classics to life with a family readaloud and a bit of adventure too.

There’s No Place Like Home: Kansas and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

S

ince 1900, children have delighted in the tales of the Emerald City, Munchkinland, Toto and the friends—and villains— Miss Gale meets in the land of Oz. L. Frank Baum wrote a series comprising more than a dozen books. The story came to life on the big screen in 1939, and generations of fans have enjoyed the tale with their entire family ever since. Since the original, Baum’s family members and fans have been inspired to add to the tales with even more Oz books, now available on shelves.

Read: This summer, read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as a family and try a few more titles from the collection as well. Then, embark on your own Oz-inspired adventure with these outings.

Watch: The Wizard of Oz will be performed live on stage at Providence Medical Center Amphitheater, Aug. 1-4, at 8:00. The production features a cast of 50 in this beloved MGM movieinspired musical. All the classic songs come to life on the huge Providence Amphitheater stage. For the first time ever, classic movie scenes of Munchkinland, the yellow brick road, Emerald City and more will be integrated into the live stage musical. And, make plans to take the family to see KC Ballet’s performance of The Wizard of Oz Oct. 12-21. Tickets on sale Aug. 13.

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Discover Oz in Kansas City: Celebrate Oz Week at the National Agricultural Center & Hall of Fame, Aug. 1-5. Spend the day with Dorothy and see what it was like to live on a farm. Feed chickens, milk a cow, attend class in an old schoolhouse, run through a corn maze and ride the miniature train through Farm Town USA. Then, head over to the Legends Outlets where you can walk the Yellow Brick Road, buy Kansas (and Oz) souvenirs at Five & Dime, Oz books at Books-a-Million and a lollipop at one of the specialty shops.

Nearby, visit the free Wyandotte County Museum, where children may play in Dorothy’s back yard, skip down the painted yellow brick road and see beautiful planted poppies. The Kansas City Kansas Public Libraries will host Oz-themed events the first week of August with special book displays, a film showing at the Main Library at 1:00 on Aug. 4 and science activities or crafts themed around the story.

You’ll find even more ideas at VisitKansasCityKS.com/SummerOfOz An Oz-Inspired Road Trip: Make a family day trip to Wamego, approximately 90 minutes from Kansas City, for a visit to the Oz Museum (511 Lincoln, Wamego, KS, OzMuseum.com). The museum is a veritable treasure trove of all things Oz, from costumes and props from the film, to collectible items straight from the books. The magic of the museum is enthralling for every Oz fan, young and old.

hometown books to life Missouri is often associated with the writings of Mark Twain, especially The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

The Big River: Missouri and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

K

ansas Citian Ernest Hemingway has been quoted as saying, “All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” The adventurous tale of a young boy who experiences life on the river and discovers his conscience along the way was published in 1884.

Finn also appears in many of the Tom Sawyer tomes as Sawyer’s pal.

Read: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is full of adventure, as well as many themes that make it a worthy read-aloud. Highlighting many topics prevalent to the time period and setting, the book provides parents a prime opportunity to discuss all kinds of relevant issues with their children.

Watch: Big River is showing at the Gladstone Theater in the Park, Aug. 3-5. This free outdoor theater is bringing the Americana classic to life. Experience the mighty Mississippi River through the eyes of a young boy and his band of friends.

Discover Twain in Kansas City: Did you know you can take your picture with Mark Twain—or at least his statue? You’ll find his likeness seated on a bench on the corner of 10th & Central in Downtown Kansas City, MO. The statue is a few blocks away from the Central Library and its parking garage, which is adorned with

classic book titles—including The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Spend an afternoon at the library discovering Twain’s works on the shelves inside. Then, take a free ride aboard the KC Streetcar to the River Market District where you can visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum and learn about life on a steamboat and discover real treasure. The museum is one of the best interpretations of steamboating and an educational and engaging tie-in to better understand the setting for the book.

A Twain-Inspired Road Trip: Hannibal, MO (VisitHannibal. com), keeps the spirit of Twain alive with numerous attractions devoted to the author. You may tour the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and visit a variety of buildings and sites depicting early Hannibal and scenes from Twain’s books including the infamous white picket fence, which children may “paint” for a fun photo op.

Then, take a ride on the Mighty Mississippi aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat, tour the Mark Twain Cave where you’ll hear tales of Tom and Huck and enjoy other local family-friendly attractions.

Kristina Light’s family has enjoyed trips to both Wamego and Hannibal, and they consider these to be pleasant weekend getaways before the rush of the school year begins again. kcparent.com august 2018

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table of contents 37 lunch box bliss 38 the experts speak 40 back to school on a budget 42 does homework matter?

43 back to school for moms 44 new start 46 one child 48 big kid school 50 is your kid involved in too much?

back-to-school

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lunch box bliss

hether you and your kiddo are nagging or cheering for school to start, stress less and prep right for school mealtime. When it comes to lunch preparation, don’t go it alone; encourage your kids to pitch in.

Their help not only will save you energy and time, it also fosters kids’ confidence and aids in creativity. Plus, hungry helpers will be more likely to consume a food dish they put together.

Now, how do you build a healthful lunch? Model your child’s ideal lunch box meal off the “My Plate” food module, established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Strive to include one serving of each food group.

fabulous fruits: Peaches, pears, apples, strawberries, grapes, mixed berries or raisins. Think: Fresh, canned, frozen or dried.

various vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, avocados, carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers or broccoli.

delicious dairy: Milk, yogurt, string cheese, cheese cubes, cottage cheese or pudding.

great grains: Whole grain bread, pasta, crackers, brown rice or corn tortillas.

powerful proteins: Skinless and boneless chicken, turkey, canned tuna, salmon, tofu, beans or hard-boiled eggs.

For great after school snack ideas, log onto KCParent.com.

Now that you’re ready to start lunch prep, try some of these no-fail meals.

homemade pizza: whole-grain English muffin with tomato sauce, shredded cheese, topped with spinach. wrap rollups: roasted chicken breast with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and a spicy dressing spread onto a whole wheat wrap and sliced into 1-inch pieces.

cracker sandwiches: whole wheat crackers with slices of cheddar or mozzarella cheese combined with turkey or ham.

pasta salad: chopped veggies, whole wheat pasta and diced grilled chicken mixed with vinaigrette sauce.

bagel bites: peanut butter and jelly or ham and cheese on a mini whole grain bagel.

pita pocket: a whole wheat pita pocket, stuffed with corn, beans, hummus, cheese and veggies.

finger sandwiches: Cut out mini sandwiches using festive cookie cutters. Try turkey, turkey bacon, cucumber, tomatoes and avocado spread with cream cheese on whole grain bread.

Or, perhaps you’ll take the menu advice of Timothy, an Olathe middle schooler: grilled and diced chicken breast with a side of ranch dressing for dipping, along with baked kale chips.

Finally, keep these details in mind: Include ice packs and a reusable water bottle. Consider how the food and drink will travel and keep. Incorporate variety throughout the week.

So instead of relying on hard-on-your-wallet prepackaged foods, do lunch yourself with a healthy twist. And remember that kids who get involved with their nutrition and meals are more likely to enjoy healthy foods—oftentimes without realizing they’re healthy!

Sources: ChooseMyPlate.gov and EatRight.org

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

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

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the experts

speak

a

s families prepare their students for the school season, educators weigh in on best practices for managing the transition back to school.

get into a routine. Before school starts, adjust your child’s bedtime and wake her up five to 10 minutes earlier each day leading up to the first day.

Also, post a morning task chart.

“By making a visual schedule, kids know what is expected and check off the pictures or word phrases as they do each one,” says school counselor Tara Walrod, NBCT, Sunrise Point Elementary, Overland Park.

If your child is ready on time, offer rewards like free time before school. plan ahead. “Try and pick a day to get school supplies or school clothes when fewer people are shopping to help enjoy the time together,” suggests Molly Gafney, fifth grade teacher, Heartland Elementary School, Overland Park.

log in to your school’s website.

“Most districts post everything from PTA information to upcoming events to curriculum information and even videos and PowerPoints,” says Steve Cook, director of curriculum and instruction, Blue Springs School District. “Clicking on those links only takes a few minutes, but the information gained will be priceless.”

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orient your child. Schedule a school tour with the school counselor or principal if you are new to the community or if your child has special needs, which can heighten a sense of anxiety, advises fifth grade teacher Anne Braun, Woodland Elementary, Lee’s Summit.

Attend back-to-school events like sneak-a-peeks, meet-and-greets and school orientations. These are “a great way for students to walk around the building, get comfortable with their surroundings and reconnect or meet new friends,” says principal Shelly Nielsen, Overland Trail Middle School, Overland Park.

discuss fears. Listen to your child’s concerns about the upcoming year. Offer strategies to help him work through them.

For example, middle schoolers often worry about opening their lockers. Give your student a combination lock to practice with.

“If they are worried about making new friends, act out how to approach someone new or start a new conversation,” Gafney says.

Also, ask the school counselor for ideas.

“Many times, schools assign new students peer mentors the first few days of school,” Nielsen says.

practice drop-off. Hash out transportation details with your child before school starts. If you plan to drive your child to school, do a dry run.

“Make sure your child is getting out of the correct side of the car, can shut the door themselves and knows where the front door is located,” recommends Jessica Adair, school counselor, Sunset Ridge Elementary, Overland Park.

consider health matters. To help your children stay healthy throughout the year, make sure they get adequate rest and stay hydrated.

“When you’re feeling sick, stay home.

You want to spread love with your friends, but you don’t want to spread germs!” says school nurse Destinee Peghee, RN, BSN, MBA, Belinder Elementary, Shawnee.

Most schools require kids to be feverfree for 24 hours before returning to the classroom.

“Every educator wants every child to literally RUN to school because they can’t wait to be there.” encourage independence.

Many parents walk their kids in on the first day of school. After that, encourage your child to walk to class on her own to help her build a sense of independence and responsibility.

“We like for boys and girls to feel that sense of accomplishment and pride by successfully making their way to their classrooms on their own by the second week of school,” Walrod says.

As kids approach middle school, encourage them to advocate and take responsibility for themselves.

“Allow your child to be more responsible for completing homework, packing their own lunches and cleaning/ organizing their backpacks,” Braun says.

celebrate the first day. Many families take photos in the same place every year. Others plan first day celebrations by visiting the ice cream

counter or a favorite restaurant or picnicking with other families at a nearby playground.

“I love when families have rituals around the first day of school,” says Brian Watson, principal, Tomahawk Elementary School, Shawnee. “These rituals are counted on every year to help a child relax and know that it will be a good year.”

helpful resources for transitions

manage through bad days.

After a long day at school, your child might come home feeling irritable, tired or frustrated with a problem.

listen and empathize. Be careful not to jump in too quickly or overreact to what is really a small problem or conflict,” Walrod advises.

Instead, encourage creative problemsolving.

If your child is complaining of anxietyrelated tummy aches, make a plan with the school nurse or counselor.

“The most important thing is to get your student in the building,” Peghee says.

“Don’t let them talk you into leaving— they’ll have stomachaches for the next two months.”

A daily phone check-in with you or a few minutes in the nurse’s office before school can help your child manage anxiousness, Peghee says.

connect with teachers. “Every educator wants every child to literally RUN to school because they can’t wait to be there,” Watson says. “When that isn’t the case, we want to work with you to try and figure out how we can work together to help lower your child’s anxiety and get into learning.”

Share your child’s interests and hobbies to help teachers zero in on what gets your student excited about learning. Always contact your child’s teacher or principal if you need clarification on anything or to discuss any concerns.

The Kissing Hand

Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul

The Manual to Middle School

Wemberly Worried

Second Grade Holdout

First Day Jitters

managing first day

jitters

• Tell your child how you manage anxiety-provoking transitions.

• Practice deep breathing.

• Remind yourself, “You got this.”

• Go on a walk, shoot hoops or bike ride.

Christa Melnyk Hines is an Olathe-based freelance journalist and mom of two middle school boys. Her latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

• Hug a loved one.

• Talk it out.

Source: Jessica Adair, Sunset Ridge Elementary

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back to school on a

s

budget

chool supply lists have grown and with them, the price of preparing for a new school year. But with some advance effort, you and your child can be ready for the school year without breaking the bank. Here are 10 ways to make the most of your money during back-to-school shopping.

1. take inventory Before you hit the store, make sure to do a deep clean to see what you can come up with around the house. A little rummaging could result in deep savings. Make it a game, involving your children by placing a basket in a central location and giving each family member a zone to search (looking for items such as pencils, pens, highlighters, rulers, crayons, art supplies, notebooks and Post-Its). The person who finds the most wins! Only after you assess what you currently have in your home should you build a list of items to actually buy at the store. Likewise, do an inventory within your kids’ closets to see what they’ve outgrown and what, if anything, can be passed down. By doing a little decluttering, you make room for new items but also get a better idea of what clothing items will be necessary for the upcoming school year.

2. build a budget and stick to it Christmas always falls on Dec. 25, yet the cost of holiday shopping comes as a tremendous surprise for lack of a plan.

Back-to-school shopping is no different. One of the best ways to stay within budget is to actually build one in advance. Track your spending from previous school years to determine a realistic amount to allocate for the upcoming year (make sure to provide margin for miscellaneous expenditures). According to the National Retail Federation, parents are spending 55 percent more on back-to-school purchases than they were a decade ago (not

surprisingly, the Rubicon Project’s Back-to-School Consumer Pulse Survey confirms that 61 percent of parents expect to pay more this year than the previous one).

Back-to-school budgeting is a great way to introduce your child to financial planning, given the immediate personal impact it leaves. Let your student help with building a plan while encouraging him to make smart decisions. Use a cash system to give a sense of finality when all is said and done (both debit cards and credit cards can give a false sense of security when limits are breached), and evaluate needs vs. wants. If your budget doesn’t allow for excess, communicate that you will provide for needs, but your child will have to cover additional purchases. And don’t underestimate the power of simply saying no. Teaching the importance of staying within a budget empowers kids to make smart financial decisions long term.

3. think long term and buy accordingly Some items are worth splurging for while others are not.

Backpacks, for instance, may be worth a little investment. By purchasing a good quality one with a lifetime guarantee, you may spend more up front, but in the long run you’ll save quite a bit by not having to replace it year after year.

4. buy in bulk Oftentimes, buying in bulk at wholesalers like Costco or Sam’s Club is cheaper than hitting seasonal sales elsewhere. If you need 100 Ticonderoga pencils to make it through the school year, a bulk buy is for you! But if you don’t, a bulk buy could still be a smart choice. After all, by going in with a few friends or family members on a bulk purchase, you can divide the price and items evenly and all come out ahead.

5. hit the dollar store If you aren’t already a frequenter of dollar stores, now is the time to start. Office supplies and paper goods are one of the best finds within dollar stores. From planners to protractors, construction paper to index cards, the dollar store has many must-have school supply items already cheaper than seasonal sales.

6. shop on tax-free weekend Missouri’s tax-free weekend falls on the first weekend in August and covers clothing, school supplies and computers.

7. c onsolidate your shopping to one location Tracking down the best deals might not actually be a good deal if you find yourself traipsing across town, hitting multiple stores.

Look for one-stop venues where you can hit multiple stores within walking distance, such as Legends Outlets or Summit Fair.

8. utilize online cash back programs If you prefer to shop online, use a program such as Ebates to do so. Ebates acts as a shopping gateway of sorts, allowing you to purchase from large retailers like Walmart and Kohl’s all while

giving you 6 percent cash back on your purchases. Shoppers also receive exclusive coupons, offers and free shipping. The average Ebates user earns more than $300 in the course of the year, a hefty chunk of change that can be used to cover school supplies.

9. use gift cards If you’re sitting on unused gift cards to stores you seldom frequent, exchange them for ones you can use for back-to-school shopping. Sites like Giftcard.com, Gift Card Granny and CardCash provide buy/sell gift card services (and you can find gift cards up to 25 percent off face value!).

10. timing is everything Late July and early August are peak time for back-to-school sales.

But if you can resist the urge, wait it out for even greater savings.

Many retailers, in an attempt to regain shelf space, will place items on clearance within the month. Although this strategy doesn’t play well when specific items are needed, it can be a great way to stockpile for the upcoming school year.

Lauren Greenlee is a school supply junkie, a boy mom and a freelance writer hailing from Olathe.

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does

homework matter?

A very similar scenario will be playing out in homes soon…

Parent: How was school today?

Child: Okay.

Parent: Do you have any homework?

t

hat second question is the turning point in the conversation. For some families, the turn is a simple maneuver that goes off without a hitch. For others, it is the beginning of a meltdown that takes hours to work through.

I recently posed the following questions on Facebook: Do your kids have homework?

How do you feel about it in regards to managing other activities? I knew I would get responses on both sides, but I was curious about what people would actually comment.

Let’s just say no other post I ever have written filled my notifications as much as this one did. Every parent has an opinion on this topic, and very few lack passion.

One parent said, “Older kids have a lot.

Younger ones don’t...thank God!” Another parent followed up with, “Mine don’t have any homework. I hope that continues as they get older because I think kids should have

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time after school to invest in their own areas of interest.” On the flip side, I also received, “Mine rarely see homework, which baffles me!” Another quote supporting that side of the debate was, “I wish mine had more so they are better prepared when they get older.”

In the Kansas City metro alone, homework varies from classroom to classroom. In the same way that most parents have very strong opinions regarding homework, teachers do as well. You may notice a difference within the amounts your own children have. Some schools, even districts, institute a consistent plan regarding homework. However, the majority do not.

Most often, teachers truly have discretion to make the homework decision. The hope is their philosophy on assigning homework is not based only on their own memories as a student or whether or not they had a pleasant day. And most teachers do ground their beliefs and practices in research and experience.

John Hattie, professor of education and director of the Melbourne Education Research Institute, is best known for his research that measures the effects that different indicators have on student learning.

Of his 195 indicators, homework comes in at 120. It shows a positive effect on learning, but just slightly. Harris Cooper, professor of psychology at Duke University, conducted a

comprehensive study on homework in 2006.

His purpose was to see whether there was a positive correlation between homework and test scores. His research showed that homework not only positively affects test scores, but it also leads to improved study habits, self-discipline and independent problem solving skills. On the flip side, his research also found that it can lead to physical and emotional fatigue, negative attitudes about learning and less time for children to spend on other activities. As you can see with just Hattie’s and Cooper’s research, both sides of the argument have strong evidence to justify their feelings.

So what’s the right answer? There isn’t one. Like so many topics, homework lacks black-and-white clarity; rather, we see many shades of gray. Although arguments can be made for both sides, making sure your child isn’t overwhelmed with too much homework is important. If you do find that homework is an hours-long struggle in your home each night, talk to your child’s teachers and look for solutions to ease the time spent on homework. Parents and teachers working together can put a child on a path to success!

Brandon Lewis is an innovation and learning coach for Liberty Public Schools. He and his wife, Jeni, live in Kansas City with their two children, Zoey and Ezra.

b

ack-to-school season has hit again, which means moms are back to going over school supply lists, shopping for school clothes and packing lunches. So much of the focus of back-to-school time is on the kids, but what about moms? This year don’t let yourself get bogged down with the back-to-school stress. Take some time to enjoy it.

pamper yourself

play catch-up

After a busy summer, get rejuvenated before the busy days of fall begin. Make an appointment for a massage, get your nails done or plan a “me” day without the kids. Let your other mom friends in on the fun and schedule a kid-free lunch date to recap your summer adventures. You deserve it, and once you’ve had time to relax, you will be ready and raring to check things off that long to-do list.

Kodi BeVelle, a home-schooling mother of three from Kansas City, MO, says she schedules time for herself every month. “About one Saturday morning a month I leave everyone at home to go drink coffee and read a book at a coffee shop,” she says. “I also really enjoy going to a movie by myself occasionally after the kids go to bed.”

The kids are in school all day, which makes it the perfect time to catch up on those household chores. Deep clean the house, organize the closets, clean out your car, delete those hundreds of junk emails piling up in your inbox. You will even have time to document your summer fun by organizing all of your photos or creating special photo books.

back to school for moms strict schedule Another perk of summer’s being over is your family will now have a strict schedule to abide by during the week. Hewitt says a constantly changing summer schedule can be stressful for moms. “Being a working mom, the summers are hard with all the transportation the kids need for sports and camps,” she says. Put your kids back on their school night schedule two weeks before classes begin. That includes setting an earlier bedtime and wake-up time and making sure they are getting up and ready for the day by the time they would be leaving for school. This will make the first week much more bearable for you and the kids!

start the year organized An organized back-to-school season makes for stress-free parents. Danielle Hewitt, a mother of two from St. Joseph, MO, says organization and a regular schedule are what make back-to-school time run smoothly in her house. “To stay organized I plan outfits for the week and put them in a designated place, have the kids pick breakfast the night before and lay out what is needed, get backpacks and coats ready to go the night before and make lunches then too,” she says. BeVelle says her best backto-school organization tip is not waiting until the last minute. “I give myself the entire month before school starts to get everything prepared.”

start the school year in style The kids get a new back-to-school wardrobe every year. Why can’t Mom? When you’re out shopping for new sneakers, jeans and backpacks for the kids, buy something for yourself. Nothing will make you more excited to attend that long PTA meeting than a new fall outfit. Your new wardrobe might even make you want to sneak into some of those first-day-of-school photos with your kids!

nap time!

Before the kids get home from school, stay-athome moms can sneak in a mid-afternoon nap.

No one will have any idea you grabbed a few zzz’s before the school-goers get home, and you will wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the kids and all of their after-school activities when they get off the bus.

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

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make this year the best

new start

t

for your children

he day is coming without a doubt. Before you want it to, summer sleep-ins end, the swimming pool closes, day trips to the zoo conclude. Suddenly, you are left with tears on your face, falling into your coffee cup.

Your baby is in school—maybe even for the first time.

You can shoo those tummy butterflies and mental anxieties away with plenty of optimistic planning and preparation. August is always an exciting time of year. Students and teachers all get a fresh start. In fact, one of the most exciting things about school is that it offers a new beginning every year. Students can reinvent themselves and become the students they want to be.

Both parents and children can work together to make this year the best yet with a little regular effort toward success. “Schools have mostly moved away from traditional paper and pencil rote homework. Instead, students are encouraged to read every night. Reading, at any age, with your child is one of the strongest foundations you can build,” Kelly Bailey Eames, a Lee’s Summit Elementary sixth grade teacher, says. “Students also should practice math fact fluency nightly until they have mastered addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.”

Eames also offers insight into the approach educators are taking with kids today.

“Creativity and critical thinking are important to today’s learner. As students work on homework and prepare for class assignments, parents should listen to their ideas and thoughts. Do not, however, be tempted to step

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in and do part of the work for your child,” Eames says. “There might be a few missteps as they plan and work. This is wonderful.

Mistakes are embraced in today’s educational climate. A growth mindset, the ability to learn from our mistakes, is one of our most important characteristics today.”

Whether a student is starting kindergarten, middle school, high school or college, he will face a number of common challenges. Parents of kindergartners should teach them friendship skills and how to share.

Also be sure to teach them how to cooperate with other children—and make sure your child knows he will be fine while away from you. Before the first day of school, tour the school and arrange playdates with your child’s new classmates. That way, when your new scholar walks into the classroom, familiar faces will await.

New middle schoolers and high schoolers will benefit from orientation sessions at the school. At home, try using role-playing techniques to help your older child break the ice, such as talking about the weather or telling someone she likes her outfit. Talk about your own experiences from school

years and remind your student to smile through it. Everybody is anxious!

And this is a good time to remind kids how to be above bullying. A concerning 25 percent of public schools report that bullying among kids occurs almost daily, and one in five high school students reports having been bullied. Be sure you talk about it with kids and have other family members share some of their own experiences.

And give them tools. For example, if lunch money or some item your child has becomes the target for a bully, nip this in the bud by packing your child’s lunch or keeping that particular item at home. Remind kids to travel with a friend around the halls and to the school bus and bathroom, where bullying can take place. And remember, speak with a counselor or school official to help mediate any problem.

As for the first day of college, you and your child will be able to work through this one.

Discuss body image, making good choices, becoming a leader and dealing with social pressures, such as dating, drinking and following the crowd. Focus on helping your child grow his or her talents in areas such as art, music or sports. This is the time for kids to break away and become who they are meant to be. Give

them a foundation for success with a quiet study space either in their dorm room or your home. Provide a computer with an encyclopedia program, such as Encarta, and study aid software.

No matter what your child’s age, get involved. Most schools have opportunities for anyone to volunteer. Whether you host a booth once a year at the school carnival or work in your child’s classroom once a week, your commitment to your child’s school shows kids the importance you place on their education.

If you have questions or concerns, seek out the teacher early. Speak to the teacher first. Remember these professionals are working on behalf of your child and all the other children in their class. Teachers want to partner with families, and a positive partnership almost always leads to a successful school year.

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

S

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goals to set for upcoming school: • Students need a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast and plenty of water to focus and be ready to learn.

• Establishing routines after school is also very important. Students should have a designated place and time to complete homework.

This space should be in a quiet area of the home and away from distractions.

• Finally, parental support and time to relax are essential for student success. Take 10 to 15 minutes to do a puzzle, read a book, throw a football or just visit with your child to learn about his or her day.

Jodi Briggs, principal, Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic School Sources: SuperNanny.com, KidsHealth.org

Summit Christian Academy

T

Named a Top 5 Private School in the Kansas City Area

I

S

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Y

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15-Minute Drive from K ansas

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

816.525.1480 • summit-christian-academy.org kcparent.com august 2018

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reverting to

one child

in the house when big sibs head to school, they leave an empty nest of sorts

i

have been fortunate enough to be home with my children since becoming a mom almost eight years ago. I most definitely can attest to the adage of how the days are long, but the years are short. I had two under 2 and then three under 5 years old, and my days were consumed with caring for and entertaining the three of them all day, every day. I was destined and determined to be a mom and had envisioned sending my oldest off to her first day of kindergarten. But I think that’s as far ahead as I allowed myself to daydream. My daughter excitedly went off to half-day kindergarten, and our lives pretty much went on as normal. I was still very much in the thick of babyhood and the preschool season of life.

Fast forward to my middle child’s heading off to school (full day kindergarten this time), and all of a sudden, I was home with only one child for the first time in five years. Who was going to play with the toddler? I only have to make one tiny lunch and then be able to enjoy some actual quiet while he naps and I have no one else to entertain?

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A definite change of pace confronted me, and I tried to readjust and remember what I did the first time around when I had only my firstborn at home with me.

The change took some getting used to, and the school-aged kids do come home fairly quickly in the afternoon, which launches us into the crazy constant motion of the afternoon and evening until everyone drops for bedtime. But it is actually lovely.

Without interfering sibling arguments all day long (especially coming off of summer break), my days are more peaceful. I can focus my attention on the baby of the family and soak up his littleness, something that so quickly vanished from my big kids as they marched off to school again. I am able to pretend to be the calm, experienced mama at library events and savor the last little kid times of parks, playdates and story times. Our children’s childhoods sail by so rapidly, and I’m grateful to be able to enjoy the last hurrah with my youngest while my older two go to school.

I’m also amazed at how much more I can get accomplished during the day with just one kid to terrorize the house. I’m lucky I’ve had great nappers too, so I cherish that sleepy window of time as I know it will be a thing of the past in just a couple of short years.

I think this sending kids to school business gives us just a little taste of what the empty nest stage is going to be like, similar to the way sleepless nights while we are pregnant somewhat prepares us for sleepless nights with a newborn.

I have been baby-focused for so long and always longing for the next baby in my arms, but lately I’ve finally started to turn my focus on the fun things we will be able to do and the perks of not having a baby to focus our entire schedule around. I no longer need a diaper bag, I don’t really need a stroller, and even my “baby” asks if he can not hold my hand when we walk into stores now.

Identity as a mother has always been an area of interest for me, and it’s fun to dream for myself again in a different way. What do I want to do when all the kids are in school? What goals do I have for myself? Motherhood has been the most amazing journey for which I’ll be forever grateful, but it’s fun to start dreaming about what my next phase will be too.

Stephanie Loux is the lucky mother to Layla, Mason and Slade and her fur baby, Thor.

You can check out more of her writing at LettersFromTheLouxs.blogspot.com.

Fellow moms share what they are looking forward to while only one (or none) is home.

“I’m looking forward to the structure. We all do better with structure.”

Susan Jenkins

“Having time for yoga and exercise. I slack off in the summer, but getting back to that when they’re in school helps keep me focused.”

Toni Carter

“One-on-one time with the toddler!

She hasn’t had all the ‘age appropriate’ stuff that Big Sis has due to watching older sibling classes instead.”

“Our children’s childhoods sail by so rapidly, and I’m grateful to be able to

Heidi Murray

enjoy the last hurrah with my youngest while my older two go to school.”

“A couple hours to myself, to be able to run errands and help out at big kids school on special event days. An occasional nap and lunch dates with my hubby and friends too!”

Jennifer Brooks

“Three days a week I will have my mornings to myself. I’m looking forward to running without the stroller and having free time to be creative.”

Casey Frasser

“Grocery shopping in record time! Drinking my coffee while it is hot. Having a predictable and steady routine where my baby’s naps aren’t interrupted and having one-on-one time with my youngest!”

Lori Tate kcparent.com august 2018

47

heading to

d big kischool

prepare your child to enter school with confidence

w

hen kids are ready to start school for the first time,

they can experience both anxiety and excitement. You buy the school supplies and the new outfit, pack the backpack and take the obligatory pictures. But what can you really do to make the transition easier for your family?

As a parent, be upbeat and positive for your preschooler or kindergartener as he heads to class. Assuring him it will be a fun, important becoming kindergarten ready and enjoyable step in life filled with learning can help build The academic skills required of an confidence. incoming kindergartener might vary from school to school and sometimes As the director of SonShine from year to year. Generally speaking, Preschool in Lee’s Summit, Nancy it’s a good idea for a child to master Peace has more than two decades the following academic milestones of early childhood education before kindergarten: experience and says it’s important to let preschoolers know you • R ecognize all the letters and sounds of the letters. will return to pick them up B

egin differentiating between upper after school. Emphasize that, • case and lower case letters. in the meantime, they will be ount and recognize numbers up •C able to paint, sing, play on the to 20. playground and make new friends.

• Recognize colors and shapes.

Peace says parents also need • Write one’s name. reassurance the director and teachers at • Hold a pencil properly. a preschool will take good care of their • Understand basic patterning. children. If parents need peace of mind, • Color, cut and paste. she always lets them know they are free Although these and other to call her during the day and have her academic skills are important, social check on their child for them. She also and emotional skills and maturity are advises to make drop-off simple and often equally as essential in having positive, because lingering around success in the classroom. when a child is upset often makes things worse.

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Peace believes parents should be hands-on with their child’s academic experience, and this can involve looking through their papers, asking them questions about their day and generally being involved in the school process. When a child begins preschool, he has years of education ahead of him, so it’s important for parents to be excited for the child from the beginning, according to Peace.

Developing a relationship with the teacher and voicing concerns if they arise helps in the school experience as well.

Peace says many issues can be resolved simply if a parent speaks up. She also says learning social skills, such as being able to follow the rules, focus and listen, be kind to others, play well with others and use words when frustrated, are extremely important parts of the education process. “If they master those social things, it makes the academic things so much easier,” Peace says.

A child’s having an older sibling who has gone off to school can help the process immensely. If your child is the oldest or only child in the family, having her talk to another friend who has been through the experience can be beneficial.

Greenwood mom Jenny Wilhoit says that before her son started preschool, they toured the facility and met with the director. Seeing his classroom and knowing a familiar face on the first day of school helped his confidence. Additionally,

they drove by the preschool facility, talked about how his older cousin was in school and read a few books together about going to school.

“I always find books about new adventures my son might be doing to calm his nerves and let him see the experience through the characters in a book,” Wilhoit says.

Sarah Hardinger, a Lee’s Summit mom and former kindergarten teacher, says parents should recognize that entering kindergarten is a significant step in their children’s lives. Hardinger cautions against downplaying it as being simplistic because children are learning to read in kindergarten, as well as gaining other skills that will set the foundation for everything to come in education.

Good diet and enough sleep are practical essentials for kids to be able to perform their best in the classroom, according to Hardinger. Some school districts even offer summer school for children entering kindergarten. Having that early experience at an elementary school can help prepare kids as well.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do to help prepare your children for school is to let them know you believe in them and their ability to succeed.

Allison Gibeson is a Lee’s Summit mom and writer who is having fun helping prepare her PreK son for his upcoming academic career.

kcparent.com august 2018

49

too much?

after-school activities: is your child involved in

“Moderation is key.

Children also need time to focus on their homework, socialize with friends informally, spend time with family and just relax.”

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b

ack to school means a return to extracurricular activities for many children. Some children are out of the house nearly every night of the week. I have worked with children and families as a resource coordinator and mentor for many years. When parents come to me with academic or behavioral concerns regarding their children, I quickly ask what they are involved in after school. If the list is long, my advice is usually to scale back and see whether things turn around.

Most schools and communities have an abundance of after-school choices for children to be involved in. Football, cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, lacrosse, horseback riding, art, drama, Scouting, ecology clubs and language lessons are just a few of the options available to children in my small town. My daughter brings home a flyer for a new activity every day. We all want our children to be well-rounded, successful and

enjoy their brief time as school children.

Enrolling them in enrichment activities seems harmless—and it usually is. However, moderation is key. Children also need time to focus on their homework, socialize with friends informally, spend time with family and just relax.

So how do you know whether your child is doing too much? Here are five signs that it’s time to cut back on after-school activities.

you see a change in your child’s behavior or emotions.

Overwhelmed children often show they are stressed through their behavior. Is your usually compliant child suddenly defiant?

Does your formerly happy-go-lucky child now burst into tears for seemingly no reason?

Take a week off from activities and spend quiet evenings at home instead. Does the situation improve? If so, too many activities are probably the culprit.

The activity doesn’t seem fun anymore.

much time that your child gets into a pit he can’t dig out of, though.

Kerrie’s 8-year-old daughter was rude and argumentative on the days she had dance lessons. Kerrie realized her daughter didn’t enjoy the twice-a-week, two-hour lessons and didn’t know how to tell her. She was relieved when Kerrie gave her permission to stop.

your child is visibly worried.

your child seems exhausted.

Signs that activities are getting in the way of rest include: • Falling asleep at mealtime.

• Difficulty waking up in the morning.

• Napping on the way to activities.

• Nodding off in class.

• General sluggishness.

Stephanie’s son decided to play soccer in addition to participating in the marching band when he entered high school. He maintained his honor roll status, but he was always panicked about having enough time to study and do homework. The next school year, Stephanie told him he could do either band or soccer, but not both. He opted for band and was much more relaxed.

it begins to impact the rest of the family.

grades drop.

I always advise parents to take a look at what has changed whenever grades plummet.

An increase in after-school activities is a frequent contributor. Sometimes a child simply needs time to figure out how to balance the new schedule. Don’t allow so

Are you exhausted and overwhelmed?

Mom and Dad often do a lot of running around to various practices, meetings and activities during the school year, especially when they have more than one child. If you find yourself cranky and bitter that you never have time to accomplish tasks or spend quality time with your kids, reevaluate your family’s activities. Everyone needs to be comfortable with the schedule, including you.

So what do you do if you determine your child is doing too much? Sit down with your child and prioritize activities. I had to do this with my daughter. She was involved in gymnastics, Girl Scouts and guitar lessons.

We were out of the house four evenings a week, plus Saturday mornings. It was too much. I told her something had to go. She was reluctant at first, but after a lengthy discussion she admitted that she didn’t really enjoy guitar lessons and found the social aspects of Girl Scouts to be overwhelming.

She asked if she could drop both activities and add a second session of gymnastics instead. Now she has gymnastics one evening a week and on Saturday mornings.

This schedule is much more relaxing and enjoyable for both of us.

Rachael Moshman is a freelance writer, educator and family advocate. She loves watching her daughter twist and turn through the air in gymnastics lessons. Find her at RachaelMoshman.com.

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51

august

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

CALENDAR

Wizard of Oz at Providence Amphitheater

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

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kcparent.com august 2018

play

see

eat

visit

enjoy

Take the family to Monday Night Madness at Main Event. Choose from three super specials, each just $10.95.

Available Mondays 4:00-close.

MainEvent.com

The Wizard of Oz comes to Kansas Aug. 1-4 at Providence Amphitheater.

Follow the yellow brick road to this family-friendly live performance!

WizardOfOzKC.com

On Aug. 4, head to the Grilled Cheese Festival at Berkley Riverfront Park.

Live music, games and grilled cheese from favorite local restaurants.

KCCrew.com

Visit the Missouri State Fair Aug. 9-19 in Sedalia. The 400acre fairground features livestock shows, competitive exhibits, carnival rides and more!

MOStateFair.com

Journey around the world at the Ethnic Enrichment Festival Aug. 17-19 in Swope Park.

Festival features food, crafts and performances.

EECKC.net

1 Wednesday Toddler Town on Tour 9:00, Beckett Park (Independence). Explore a new park and create a craft. Parents stay with children. Free.

816.325.7843 Retro Story Time and Art Fun 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Enjoy stories from long a go and an art activity for little hands.

JCPRD.com/museum Story Time in the Park 10:00, Atkins/Johnson Farm. Visit a new park and explore picture books, activities and more in an outdoor setting. MyMCPL.org

Shipwrecked VBS Thru Friday, Trinity Church of the Nazarene. Games, music, snacks and hands-on experiences to bring kids closer to God. 816.796.2750

Goosebumps—Phantom of the Auditorium: The Musical 11:00 & 1:00, the Coterie. A cartoony mystery musical based on the series from RL Stine. TheCoterie.org

AMPED Night Camp Thru Aug 3, Woods Chapel Church. Awesome worship, Bible stories, mission projects, crafts, games and more! 816.427.7062

Johnson County Fair Thru Aug 4, Johnson County Fairgrounds. Dog show, youth rodeo, carnival, concerts, goat milking and more.

JoCoKansasFair.com

The Wizard of Oz Thru Aug 4, Providence Medical Center Amphitheater. Follow the yellow brick road to this family-friendly live performance! WizardOfOzKC.com

Open House 6:00, Maranatha Christian Academy. Hear from head of school, learn about programs for K-12 and tour the school.

913.631.0637

2 Thursday

Music at the Farmstead 6:30, Deanna Rose Farmstead. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy lively music at this free concert.

OPKansas.org

Marble Maze Mania 10:30, the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Give the marble maze a run and then make a maze of your own to take home. 816.235.8000

Oz Comes to Kansas Thru Sunday, National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame. Tours, photos, crafts, puppet show, corn maze and more! 913.721.1075

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

Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Living history comes to life in this familyoriented program. Farm activities, crafts, gardening and more. ShawneeTown.org

Tax-Free Weekend Thru Sunday, Summit Fair.

Take advantage of Missouri’s tax-free weekend and shop for back to school at Summit Fair.

SummitFairShopping.com

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

JumpCityKC.com

Beat the Heat Book Sale 10:00, Teen Commons (Olathe). Stock up on materials at hot prices. All materials sorted by category. OlatheLibrary.org

Douglas County Fair Thru Aug 4, Lawrence.

Petting zoo, concerts, turtle races, carnival, tractor pull and more! DGCountyFair.com

3 Friday

Join Us!

AUGUST 2ND

OPEN HOUSE 6 -8 PM

Preschool through High School

PM

• Hear from our Head of School and Principals.

• Learn about our programs for grades K-12.

• Presentation begins at the South campus (6826 Lackman Rd.). Tours of both campuses available after the presentation.

We deliver strong Academics rooted in Biblical truth and displayed with excellence in Fine Arts, Athletics, Character, and Leadership opportunities. MCA is raising students in a safe, nurturing environment who are confident in their faith.

Discover MCA

mca-eagles.org

6826 Lackman Rd. • Shawnee, KS 66217 • 913-631-0637 kcparent.com august 2018

53

Elephant Baths Aug. 11 & 12, Kansas City Zoo. Splish, splash, see the seven elephants taking a bath!

Join in the fun! KansasCityZoo.org

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.

Festival of Butterflies Thru Sun, Powell Gardens. See hundreds of colorful, free-flying butterflies and much more during the signature festival. 816.697.2600 First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Arts District.

Galleries and shops remain open the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org Kite Workshop 5:00, Central Library. In celebration of Art in the Park Air Play!, enjoy a kite workshop and kite flying on the library rooftop. KCParks.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

Blues Fest 6:30, Legacy Park Amphitheater. Enjoy a night with some of Kansas City’s best blues bands. A free event for the whole family to enjoy.

CityOfLS.net Stellaluna 6:30, Plaza Library. Adapted from the award-winning picture book, this is a clever variation on the ugly duckling’s lesson of acceptance. KCLibrary.org Ice Cream Train 7:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Enjoy a train ride and an ice cream treat.

A great summer evening! BeltonRailroad.org Summer Concert Series 7:00, Grandview Amphitheater. Yard games will be set up to play while guests enjoy music from Diamond Empire Band. 816.316.4888 First Friday Movie Series 7:30, Summit Fair. Enjoy activities and a movie under the stars. Tonight’s movie: Enchanted. Free.

SummitFairShopping.com

50+ stores and restaurants

For everything you love!

840 NW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 816.607.5420 www.summitfairshopping.com @summitfair

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High School Musical 1 & 2 Thru Aug 11, Theatre in the Park. Two shows, one night! See the students of East High deal with school, family and friends. 913.826.2787 Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 8:30, Gladstone Amphitheater. Twain’s timeless classic sweeps you down the mighty Mississippi. GladstoneTIP.com

4 Saturday First Saturdays at Shoal Creek 9:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Reenactors bring the village to life with historical demonstrations. 816.792.2655 Dog Days of Summer Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Cool off in the shade of the painted dog and dingo exhibits! Fun activities and enrichment. KansasCityZoo.org Splash and Bubbles Day 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. A day of water conservation and nature activities inspired by Splash and Bubbles. KCPT.org Nature Nuts Story Time 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Join naturalists for a nature story followed by a hands-on nature activity.

816.759.7300 Experiential History Program 10:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. First-person interpreters bring history to life. 816.325.7575 Dog Days of Summer 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Bring your dog (leashed) for contests, prizes and visits with local vets, groomers and more. 913.248.2360

Historic Walking Tour 10:00, Corner of Mississippi & Main (Liberty). History tours led by a variety of volunteers and local experts.

Free. 816.439.4537

The Wizard of Oz 8:00, Providence Medical Center Amphitheater. Final day! Follow the yellow brick road to this family-friendly live performance! WizardOfOzKC.com

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

5 Sunday

Grilled Cheese Festival 11:00, Berkley Riverfront Park. Live music, games and grilled cheese from favorite local restaurants.

KCCrew.com Atlatl for Families 12:30 & 2:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Bring the family for some outdoor fun to test our atlatl abilities. Pre-reg at MDC.MO.gov.

Music on the Square 7:00, Park Square Gazebo (Paola). Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy acoustic musician Roy Allen. Free.

PaolaChamber.org 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

Dinosaurs Revealed 10:00, Union Station. Take a hands-on trek that brings you face to face with 26 life-size dinosaurs. UnionStation.org KC Northern Train Rides Noon, Line Creek Park. Ride restored trains around a half-mile track in the park. $.75/ride. KCNRR.com art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.127 Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free, live musical entertainment.

BlueSpringsGov.com

6 Monday Trivial Pursuit: A 50-State Adventure Thru Sept 3, Crown Center. Take a trek across the USA and enjoy an activity for every state.

CrownCenter.com

kcparent.com august 2018

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Open Play 10:00, Urban Air Trampoline Park.

Bring the kids to run, play and jump. Enjoy a little sweat with a lot of bounce! 913.298.0626 Monday Night Madness 4:00, Main Event.

Choose from three super specials, each just $10.95. Available Mondays 4:00-close.

MainEvent.com Zax Kidz Night 5:00, Zaxby’s (Olathe & Overland Park). Zax Kidz meal only 99 cents with purchase of adult meal. Zaxbys.com

7 Tuesday Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Living history comes to life in this familyoriented program. Farm activities, crafts, gardening and more. ShawneeTown.org Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com Want to Foster or Adopt? Thru Oct 4, KVC Topeka. Classes designed to prepare you to care for a child and provide you with supportive skills. KVCKansas.org Movies in the Park 8:30, Theatre in the Park. Gates open at 7:30; movie begins at 8:30. See Coco tonight under the stars. $1.

TheatreInThePark.org

8 Wednesday

HAVING A BABY SOON? Check out KC Parent’s Interactive Virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com

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 Preschool Bible Activity Time 10:00, LifeWay Christian Store. Bible story time, worship and an activity for young children and their caretakers.

Free. 913.764.1752 Brick Works 10:00, Hollis Renewal Center (picnic shelter). Family-friendly service hour sorting through and breaking apart donated Legos. Pre-reg at HollisCenter.org.

Pooch Paddle 5:45, Merriam Aquatic Center.

Bring your furry friend out for some pool time.

Dogs must be on a leash until they enter the water. $5-$7. 913.322.5550

9 Thursday Our interactive virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide has images,complete descriptions, video, social media links and much more.

SEARCH HOSPITALS BY: LOCATION | NICU LEVEL | CLASSES OFFERED

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Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists.

Kids will enjoy our outdoor playsets that are available for open play. $2/cash. 913.307.6023

TRAIN RIDES

Missouri State Fair Thru Aug 19, Sedalia. The 400-acre fairground in Sedalia features livestock shows, competitive exhibits, carnival rides and more! MOStateFair.com Food Truck Festival 5:30, Northland Fountain (Anita B Gorman Park). Enjoy food trucks, live music and activities for the whole family.

KCParks.org Movie Night 8:30, Downtown Lee’s Summit.

Bring blankets and enjoy Jumanji presented

by Great Southern Bank. DowntownLS.org

10 Friday Hot Summer Days 10:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Bring the whole family to enjoy water games and more. OPABG.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 Fine Art Friday 1:00, Kemper Museum.

Interactive experiences in the museum’s gallery to encourage students to examine objects.

KemperArt.org Family Fun Night 5:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. For $35 receive four studio fees, large pizza and four soft drinks PLUS 15 percent off the pottery painted. 913.661.CLAY Summer Movie Night 6:00, Oak Park Mall.

Festivities begin at 6:00, and the movie starts at 7:00. Free. TheNewOakParkMall.com Middle School Teen Night 7:00, Paradise Park. For $20 get unlimited play on a variety of adventure attractions, a $5 fun card and a personal pizza. Paradise-Park.com Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square.

Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a family-friendly concert. Picnics allowed.

LindenSquare.info

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

ofSaturday the 8th, 15th 22nd September 11,Depart one grandparent Regular Trains Regular Trains Depart EveryRides Every Friday,in October weekends 2ndFriday of theand month Sat & Sun, 2 pm (May Oct) June Aug Sat & Sun, 2 pm [May Oct] 3:30 rides FREE with a paid child’s admission! June - Aug, Trains depart at 12:30, 2:00 Juneand- Aug 7 pm Sat., 11 am [June -Closed Aug Sundays only] in July and Aug 7 pm 7 pm Sat, 11 am (June - Aug only)

Kids under three FREE

Charters •• Field Trips or Birthday Parties, plan by appointment.

Field Trips or Birthday Parties, plan by appointment.

Charters

Tickets sale one one hour hourbefore beforetrain traindeparture departuretime. time.

Tickets go go on on sale

Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad Co.

Walnut •Belton,Missouri Missouri••816-331-0630 816-331-0630• www.beltonrailroad.org • www.beltonrailroad.org 502502 Walnut • Belton,

ake a this: t , s t n Pare rom break f

And use KCParent.com’s Kids Eat FREE Guide for a night off from cooking!

Petty Theft & Journeyman 7:00, Legacy Park Amphitheater. Enjoy tributes to Tom Petty and Eric Clapton. $10. CityOfLS.net

11 Saturday Swap Meet 8:00, Louisburg Cider Mill. Miami County’s best outdoor swap, flea market and craft sale. Food and music enhance the treasure hunt. LouisburgCiderMill.com Tails on the Trails 9:00, Ad Astra Park & Pool.

Pet vendors, talent show and pooch plunge.

Free admission, dog swim $5-$8. 913.477.7100 kcparent.com august 2018

57

Missouri State Fair Aug. 9-19, Sedalia. The 400-acre fairground in Sedalia features livestock shows, competitive exhibits, carnival rides and more! MOStateFair.com

Outdoor Kids Day 9:00, Clinton State Park (Lawrence). Try out the fishing derby, practice archery and see snakes and turtles up close.

Free. 785.842.8562

Living History Saturdays 10:00, Shawnee Indian Mission Museum. See reenactors in period dress, make a history craft and more. 913.262.0867

Elephant Baths Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Splish, splash, see the seven elephants taking a bath! Join in the fun!

KansasCityZoo.org

Story Time 1:30, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Hear a naturalist read a tale about an animal, then make a craft.

Pre-reg at 816.781.8698.

Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Children listen to a story, make a craft and often see a wildlife interpretation. Free.

816.513.8960

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

Caterpillar Hunt 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Track the number and variety of butterfly species in the native gardens around the center. MDC.MO.gov Cornfest 10:00, the Farmers House (Weston).

Fun includes a corn eating contest, dunk tank, duck races and joke contest. WestonMo.com

Raytown Live 6:00, Town Center Greenspace.

Bring blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic or purchase food from a vendor and enjoy the tunes. Raytown.Live

Saturday Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove. Come see the public feedings of the cats, weather permitting. $5-$7. SaveOurSiberians.org

Cruise Night 6:30, Merriam Marketplace. Spend the evening with local car enthusiasts. Door prizes, food and live music. 913.322.5550

Second Saturdays 4:00, Downtown Weston.

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

WestonMO.com Matt Maher Concert 6:00, Grandview Amphitheater. Bring the family to enjoy a free concert presented by Life 88.5. Life855.com

Community Orchestra 8:00, Lenexa Commons.

Bring a lawn chair, grab refreshments from the Lenexa Public Market and enjoy a great show.

Lenexa.com

five favorite art walls in kansas city Snap some back-to-school pix at one of the city’s art walls, then enjoy a family outing with lunch and a visit to a local attraction.

YOU HAVE MY HEART KC: Rye Studio, 230 Main St., Stilwell, KS This beautiful art wall offers a perfect backdrop for back-to-school snapshots.

Dine nearby: Pack a picnic and enjoy it at a local park or the Overland Park Arboretum.

Nearby attractions: This art wall is about seven minutes from the Overland Park Arboretum.

Explore the Monet Garden, train garden and variety of walking trails.

Dine nearby: Jason’s Deli, the old-fashioned diner Silver Spoon Café and Plowboy’s Barbecue.

Nearby attractions: The library itself is worth an afternoon. The library, like the City Market, is also one of the stops on the KC Streetcar route.

CRAFTED IN KANSAS CITY: Urban

Provisions, 2616 Guinotte Ave., Kansas City, MO This fun-spirited art wall with its classic brick façade is a favorite for photos in the East Bottoms District.

Dine nearby: Happy Gillis is one of our favorites for fresh-made soups and sandwiches, and the North End is known for great Italian food.

Nearby attractions: The Berkley Riverfront Park offers beautiful views of the city from the trails to the Town of Kansas Bridge.

LEWIS AND CLARK MURAL: 115 W. 5th St., Kansas City, MO You Have My Heart KC This mural in the River Market District at Rye Studio in Stilwell, KS commemorates the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804.

KC LOVES MURAL: Visible from the top of Barkley Garage, Dine nearby: Many delicious restaurants are in the River Market 1720 Main St., Kansas City, MO area to enjoy. Some of our favorites include Tikka House, This black and white mural is gigantic—and painted on the upper Cascone’s, Beignet and Minsky’s pizzeria. portion of a tall building. To snap a pic, you’ll need to reach the Nearby attractions: The Arabia Steamboat Museum is one of top of the Barkley Garage. the city’s favorite attractions, where visitors see treasures excavated Dine nearby: Los Tules is a favorite for Mexican food, Lulu’s from a steamboat that sank in the Missouri River in 1856.

Noodle Shop serves pad thai and Café Gratitude is an eco-friendly restaurant serving locally sourced healthy and GIANT BOOKSHELF: Central Library Parking Garage, delicious foods.

14 W. 10th St., Kansas City, MO Nearby attractions: Just a few miles north of Union Station, One of the city’s quirkiest and coolest parking garages, this this mural is a reasonable distance from Science City, our local structure is adorned with a mural depicting a bookshelf of classic hands-on science center. literature.

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12 Sunday

14 Tuesday

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

Duplos and Dinos 10:00, Shawnee Library.

Drop-in extravaganza! Combining Duplos and dinosaurs makes for a fun visit to the library.

JoCoLibrary.org

KC Northern Train Rides Noon, Line Creek Park. Ride restored trains around a half-mile track in the park. $.75/ride. KCNRR.com

Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com

Free Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center.

A 30-minute program on nature topics. May include a short video, slide show and going outdoors. LawrenceKS.org

Missouri State Fair Thru Aug 19, Sedalia. The 400-acre fairground in Sedalia features livestock shows, competitive exhibits, carnival rides and more! MOStateFair.com

13 Monday

Live Music at Grinter Jamboree 7:00, Grinter Place. Enjoy food, beverages and great live music! $5. 913.481.3527

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, Urban Air Trampoline Park.

Bring the kids to run, play and jump. Enjoy a little sweat with a lot of bounce! 913.298.0626 Zax Kidz Night 5:00, Zaxby’s (Olathe & Overland Park). Zax Kidz meal only 99 cents with purchase of adult meal. Zaxbys.com

15 Wednesday

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

16 Thursday 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 Trivial Pursuit: A 50-State Adventure Thru Sept 3, Crown Center. Take a trek across the USA and enjoy an activity for every state.

CrownCenter.com Playdate Thursdays 11:00, Children’s Play Area (Independence Center). Fun, free monthly events for kids! Move, learn, create and connect.

816.795.8602

Whirlwind: Art in Motion Overland Park Arboretum. Throughout the gardens see sculptures that change in the light and wind.

OPKansas.org

Sip and Shop 4:00, Downtown Bonner Springs. Grab your girlfriends for a fun night!

Boutiques offer snacks, drinks and sales.

VisitKansasCityKS.com

Jo Ho Storyteller 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Local storyteller Jo Ho engages with entertaining and educational stories.

JCPRD.com/museum

Improv Festival Thru Aug 26, Kick Comedy Theater. One of the longest-running, friendliest, funniest and most fun improv comedy festivals.

KCImprovFestival.com

KANSAS CITY YOUNG AUDIENCES SINCE 1961

SCHOLARSHIPS AND PAYMENT PLANS

CHOOSE KCYA FOR YOUR DANCE, MUSIC, ACTING, & VISUAL ARTS CLASSES Fall Session begins September 4 SMALL Visit KCYA.org for CLASS more details SIZE AGE APPROPRIATE CURRICULUM PROFESSIONAL TEACHING ARTISTS

8/31/18

1200 Kansas City Road Olathe, Kansas 913.971.5111

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

10:00 to noon kcparent.com august 2018

59

what’s your

AUGUST KC IQ?

test your local smarts with this quiz 1. The beloved classic film The Wizard of Oz, set in the state of Kansas and the fictional world of Oz, debuted on Aug. 25 of what year?

2. M issouri was admitted to the Union on Aug. 10, 1821. What is the state tree?

A) 1941

B) 1955

C) 1939

D) 1 947

3. Aug. 10 is National S’mores Day. What three ingredients are included in traditional s’mores?

A) Flowering Dogwood

A) Fudge cookie, marshmallow, cherries

B ) Sugar Maple

B ) Graham cracker, Hershey bar, marshmallow

C) Hickory

C) Mallomar, vanilla wafer, whipped cream

D) Northern Red Oak

D) Graham cracker, chocolate syrup, marshmallow

4. W hat is the maximum number of passengers on the average school bus?

A) 77 B) 65 C) 58 D) 72

5. The all-time hottest temperature ever recorded in Kansas City occurred on Aug. 14, 1936. How hot was it?

A) 118°

B) 113°

C) 109°

D) 121°

2) A: Flowering Dogwood 1) C : 1939

D) 125

3) B: Graham cracker, Hershey bar, marshmallow

C) 80

4) A: 77

B) 75

5) B : 113° (Note: 118° is the hottest for the state of Missouri and 121° for the state of Kansas.)

A) 100

6) D : 125

in Kansas City. How many medium-sized apples are in the average bushel?

ANSWER KEY:

6. A ugust marks the start of apple picking season

17 Friday Whirlwind: Art in Motion Overland Park Arboretum. See sculptures throughout the gardens that change in the light and wind.

OPKansas.org Junior Jaunts 10:15, Nelson-Atkins. Bring your baby in a stroller or carrier for an adult-focused yet infant-friendly tour. Nelson-Atkins.org 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.

Parkville Days Thru Aug 19, English Landing Park. Great family fun in historic downtown Parkville. Something for everyone!

ParkvilleMo.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 Third Friday Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Station Arts District. Tour the art galleries. View live performances and artists on the sidewalks.

EnglewoodStation.com Mini Mud Run 5:30, Hawk Ridge Park (Raymore). Kids 4-12 run through a number of outdoor obstacles. Prepare to get muddy!

Raymore.com Rockin’ Party in Your Park 6:30, Campbell Park.

Games, face painting, an inflatable, light dinner and tunes from area musicians. 913.322.5550 Summer Concert Series 7:00, Grandview Amphitheater. Yard games are set up to play while guests enjoy music from the Zeros!

816.316.4888 Sizzlin Summer Showcase Today & tomorrow, Puppetry Arts Institute. Area performers share new puppet routines. PuppetryArtsInstitute.org Betse & Clarke: Short Round Stringband Light Up the Lawn 8:30, Nerman Museum Lawn. Folk supergroup enthralls new fans. Free.

JCCC.edu/Carlsen-center-presents

18 Saturday How to Homeschool Workshop 9:30, Central Resource Library. Learn from veteran homeschool parents as they share their experiences. MidwestHomeschoolers.org Melon Summer Smash 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Watch as the animals smash, stomp and slurp delicious fruit at scheduled times throughout the day. KansasCityZoo.org

Farewell to Summer 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Free admission with lots of fun activities. Theme: time travel.

816.235.8000

Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free, live musical entertainment.

BlueSpringsGov.com

Watershed Wonders 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Learn how rivers work with several hands-on activities. 816.759.7300

Color War 6:00, Woods Chapel United Methodist Church. Students grades 7-12 can join for games, music and an all-out color war.

816.795.8848

Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-tastic” adventure! 816.753.5784 1920s Mystery Book Club 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929 Farmhouse. The Body in the Library

by Agatha Christie is this month’s selection.

Free. ShawneeTown.org Meet Bob & Larry 11:00, Olathe Lifeway Christian Store. Meet Bob & Larry in person from the VeggieTales! Free. 913.764.1752 Insects: Citizen Scientist Saturday 1:00, Burr Oak Woods. Citizen scientists of all ages take photos of butterflies and moths and submit for observation. MDC.MO.gov Story Time 1:30, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Hear a naturalist read a tale about an animal, then make a craft. Pre-reg at 816.781.8698.

Kids Create: Crafternoon 2:00, MCPL (North Oak). Spark imagination and express yourself through art and craft activities. Free.

MyMCPL.org Saturday Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove. Come see the public feedings of the cats, weather permitting. $5-$7. SaveOurSiberians.org

Summer Reading Last Bash 7:00, Lawrence Public Library. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a movie under the stars. Free.

785.843.3833

20 Monday Dinosaurs Revealed 10:00, Union Station. Take a hands-on trek that brings you face to face with 26 life-size dinosaurs. UnionStation.org Splash with Me 10:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Kids can swim, play and become more confident in the water at the kiddie pool. $2. 913.477.7100 Monday Night Madness 4:00, Main Event.

Choose from three super specials, each just $10.95. Available Mondays 4:00-close.

MainEvent.com Family Chess Night 6:30, Olathe Indian Creek Library. Play chess with worthy opponents.

Boards and equipment provided. Free.

913.971.6874

21 Tuesday Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists.

Kids will enjoy our outdoor playsets that are available for open play. $2 (cash). 913.307.6023

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

Forts and Flashlights 10:00, Shawnee Library.

Calling all toddlers and preschoolers for exploration and pretend play in blanket forts.

JoCoLibrary.org

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

Want to Foster or Adopt? Thru Oct 4, KVC Olathe. Classes designed to prepare you to care for a child and provide you with supportive skills. KVCKansas.org

19 Sunday

22 Wednesday

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

816.751.127 Open House 2:00, Code Ninjas. Back-to-school open house. Visit the center and enjoy STEM activities, prizes and giveaways! 913.735.9346

Toddler Town on Tour 9:00, Hill Park (Independence). Explore a new park and create a craft. Parents stay with children. Free.

816.325.7843 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

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

Preschool Bible Activity Time 10:00, LifeWay Christian Store. Bible story time, worship and an activity for young children and their caretakers.

Free. 913.764.1752

23 Thursday Big Backyard Thru Oct 21, Powell Gardens. A larger-than-life exhibition featuring backyard items. PowellGardens.org Fourth Thursdays in Stilwell 6:00, Stilwell.

Stop by for a relaxing evening with food trucks and local musicians. StilwellCommunity.org Kids at the Library 6:30, North Oak Library.

Kids can discover, create, play and explore ideas in a new way. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

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

RootsFestival.org

Tiblow Days Thru Saturday, Bonner Springs. Community event includes a parade, musical entertainment, barbecue competition, car show and more! BSEDWChamber.org Fourth Friday Art Walk 5:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Variety of activities including artist showcases, music in the park, street theater and more. DowntownLS.org Fourth Fridays 5:00, Johnson County Square (Olathe). With food trucks, music, local shops, restaurants and great activities for everyone.

OlatheFourthFridays.com Anniversary Celebration 6:30, Plaza Library.

Join Mr Stinky Feet in celebrating 20 years with a special concert featuring a number of musical guests. KCLibrary.org Ice Cream Train 7:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Enjoy a train ride and an ice cream treat. A great summer evening!

BeltonRailroad.org

Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square.

Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a family-friendly concert. Picnics allowed.

LindenSquare.info Light Up the Lawn 8:00, Nerman Museum Lawn. The folk/pop trio Olivia Fox bring a fresh interpretation of a timeless sound. Free.

JCCC.edu/Carlsen-center-presents

five flavorful popcorn shops in kc

Popcorn! This all-American snack is so popular we consume approximately 17 billion quarts every year.

Most U.S. popcorn is grown in the Midwest, primarily Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri, with a few growers in Kansas as well. So, let’s celebrate with the best of Kansas City popcorn!

Custard’s Last Stand

Custard’s Last Stand is best known for its frozen custard concretes, but the proprietors have been making gourmet popcorn since 1989. They specialize in caramel, cinnamon and cheese. CustardsLastStand.com.

Laura Little’s Candies

Laura Little’s is famous for delicious candy made from scratch in copper kettles with wooden paddles, so folks often forget the store makes delicious popcorn as well! You can choose caramel, cheese, butter or cinnamon, all made at the store. LauraLittleCandy.com.

Popcorn Heaven

Serving more than 50 delicious flavors on any given day and more than 150 flavors served throughout the year, Popcorn Heaven is known for creative flavor combinations!

The flavors are everything a child would imagine: cookies and cream, dill pickle, mac ‘n cheese, hot wing, loaded baked potato, as well as classics too. For a truly fun family outing, taste several flavors and try to discover your favorite. PopcornHeavenKC.com.

Topsy’s Popcorn

Topsy’s, originally known at Patsy’s, opened its first location on the Country Club Plaza and holds the distinction of being the oldest merchant on the Plaza. Making delicious popcorn for 70 years, Topsy’s is a tradition for many families. Everyone has a favorite flavor, whether it’s cheese, butter, caramel, pecan crisp, popcorn peanut, kettle corn or cinnamon! Topsy’s offers 13 KC area locations. TopsysPopcorn.com

Velvet Crème Popcorn

Celebrating more than 80 years in business, the family-owned Velvet Crème Popcorn Company of Shawnee Mission has been serving popcorn that is “smooth like velvet and rich as creme.” Velvet Crème pops popcorn the old-fashioned way, in small batches with hand-operated, gas-fired poppers. Flavors include traditional buttered, caramel, cheese and cinnamon—or the more unique sour cream and onion! VelvetCremePopcorn.com

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25 Saturday 5K Family Fun Run/Walk 8:00, Penguin Park.

Join Reach Out and Read Kansas City for its annual 5K. Enjoy music, books and fun!

RaceToRead18.ItsYourRace.com Kids Triathlon 9:00, Kill Creek Park. Compete in a race against similar age groups, completing swim, bike and run portions. JCPRD.com/kidstri Sunflower Festival 9:00, Mission Farmers Market. Parade, carnival games, contests, food trucks and more. MissionSunflowerFestival.com How to Homeschool Workshop 9:30, Kansas City Public Library. Learn from veteran homeschool parents as they share their experiences. MidwestHomeschoolers.org Species Spotlight 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. On the fourth Saturday, the zoo shines a spotlight on an amazing animal. Today’s animals: marsupials. KansasCityZoo.org Open House 10:00, Kansas City Young Audiences. Have fun, create art and learn more about KCYA classes. KCYA.org KC Dance Day All day, Bolender Center. Enjoy free dance classes and free local and world dance performances. KCBallet.org

Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life. Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org Raytown Arts & Music Festival 1:00, Kenagy Park. Art vendors around the walking trail, music, art activities, food trucks and more.

RaytownParks.com Bats: Nightshift’s Bug Busters 1:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Come learn about these essential little winged critters. MDC.mo.gov Cruisin’ Main Car Cruises 4:00, Historic Main Street District (Belton). See a wide selection of muscle cars, antique cars and more.

Belton.org/calendar

26 Sunday India Fest of KC 10:00, Overland Park Convention Center. Celebrate with artifacts, jewelry, clothes, dances, food and fashion parade. IAKC.org Kansas State Fiddling & Picking Championships Noon, South Park (Lawrence).

Food vendors, artists and community groups fill the streets. FidPick.com

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

816.751.127 Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Enjoy a relaxing evening outdoors with free, live musical entertainment.

BlueSpringsGov.com

27 Monday Trivial Pursuit: A 50-State Adventure Thru Sept 3, Crown Center. Take a trek across the USA and enjoy an activity for every state.

CrownCenter.com Monday Night Madness 4:00, Main Event.

Choose from three super specials, each just $10.95. Available Mondays 4:00-close.

MainEvent.com Zax Kidz Night 5:00, Zaxby’s (Olathe & Overland Park). Zax Kidz meal only 99 cents with purchase of adult meal. Zaxbys.com Want to Foster or Adopt? Thru Sept 27, KVC Kansas City. Classes designed to prepare you to care for a child and provide you with supportive skills. KVCKansas.org

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63

28 Tuesday

30 Thursday

1 Saturday Sept.

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

Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists.

Kids will enjoy our outdoor playsets that are available for open play. $2/cash. 913.307.6023

Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com

De Soto Days Festival Thru Saturday, Miller Memorial Park. Fun with local flair! A parade, classic car cruise, carnival and more!

DeSotoDays.com

Donut & Coffee Fest 8:00, Overland Park Convention Center. Tons of fun, coffee/donut vendors and lots of entertainment. $5-$35.

CoffeeDonutFest.com/kc

American Girl Book Club 6:30, Central Resource Library. Join this group to read and craft with your American Girl. JoCoLibrary.org

29 Wednesday Toddler Town on Tour 9:00, Sante Fe Park (Independence). Explore a new park and create a craft. Parents stay with children. Free.

816.325.7843 Preschool Bible Activity Time 10:00, LifeWay Christian Store. Bible story time, worship and an activity for young children and their caretakers.

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

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30th Annual Barbecue 5:00, Earnest Shepherd Youth Center. Look out…it’s a cookout to support quality programs for youth. $5-$10.

816.781.7733

31 Friday Santa-Cali-Gon Days Thru Mon, Independence Square. Features more than 400 crafters and vendors, country Western music, food and more. SantaCaliGon.com Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free.

JumpCityKC.com 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.

First Saturdays at Shoal Creek 9:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Reenactors bring the village to life with historical demonstrations. 816.792.2655 kidFEST 10:00, Science City at Union Station.

A family-friendly day full of science play geared toward early childhood learning!

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

For TONS of great events to celebrate Labor Day weekend, log onto KCParent.com!

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Explore

Kansas City Zoo

August 4 & 5 Dog Days of Summer August 11 & 12 Zootastik Learning Fest— World Elephant Day August 11 & 12 Elephant Baths August 18 & 19 Melon Summer Smash August 25 & 26 Species Spotlight— Marsupials August 25 & 26 Penguin March

STINGRAY BAY

NOW OPEN!

–STINGRAY & SHARK TOUCH TANK–

Always a New Adventure!

Check online for more Zoomazing experiences!

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