KC Parent Magazine September 2021

FREE | September 2021 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

PARENT M A YE A R S

GA

35 KC

Z I NE

19

85

–2 0

20

arts

ALL ABOUT THE

+ importance

of letting kids

GET MESSY

CELEBRATE

grandparents day in kc

easy ways to spread

KINDNESS

Someone is accidentally injured every second Schedule online at GetInQuickERKC.com.

In case of a life-threatening emergency, call 911

That’s why our ER experts stand ready 24/7 to care for you.

Unexpected moments happen. When they do, you can trust that AdventHealth’s ER experts are ready to safely care for you at four locations throughout Johnson County. And, we’ve made it easy to schedule a non-life-threatening emergency room visit online so you can wait in the comfort of home and arrive at a time convenient for you.

EXPLORE . IMAGINE . PLAY!

Join us during our Passport to Play series! Educational programs, speakers and animal encounters will make each visit a unique and passport-worthy adventure.

WONDERSOFWILDLIFE.ORG/PLAY

Connect

WITH US FOR

• Inspiration • availability • CARE Tips • & MORE! family_tree_nursery #kclocal #overlandparkks #shawneeks #libertymissouri

SEPTEMBER

2021

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Craft Corner 12 Date Night 14 Dear Teachers 16 Media Mix

ALL ABOUT THE ARTS, PG. 22

17 Word from Dad 18 Tasty Treats 20 5 Things 21 Ask the Experts

FEATURES

SPECIAL SECTIONS 36 Party Guide 54 Calendar of Events

10

44

48

Grandparents Day

Calming Strategies

Independent Play

Celebrate Grandma and

Tips to help kids when they

How to encourage kids

Grandpa with these mugs.

are feeling anxious.

to play alone.

FREE | September 2021 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

PARENT M A YE A R S

KC

GA

35

Z I NE

19

85

–2 0

20

arts

ALL ABOUT THE

ON THE COVER

+ importance of letting kids

6

kcparent.com september 2021

All About the Arts

22

Why Kids Should Get Messy

26

Celebrate Grandparents Day in KC

30

Ways to Spread Kindness

46

GET MESSY

CELEBRATE

grandparents day in kc

easy ways to spread

KINDNESS

EDITOR’SLETTER SEPTEMBER 2021

The comprehensive guide lists more than 200 places for you to host your next party!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

LOCAL CONTENT

Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Janell Cumro-Sultzer (Overland Park), Sandy Foster (Grain Valley), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Regan Lyons (Kansas City), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Kerrie McLoughlin (Peculiar), Emily Morrison (Independence)

Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | September 2021 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

KC

85

–2 0

baby&

SINCE 2002

PARENT M A YE A R S

35 20

kcgoingplaces.com

GO I NG PL YE A R S

10 KC

AG

arts

maternity

JULY- SEPTEMBER 2021 | KCPARENT.COM

AZINE

of letting kids

GET MESSY

637

UNFORGETTABLE ATTRACTIONS

DRESSING THE BUMP

tips and tricks

CELEBRATE

35 things to do before baby arrives

WEEKEND GETAWAY EXPLORING DOWNTOWN

easy ways to spread

Y BA B & MA YE A R S T

AZINE

CHOOSING A

pregnancy practitioner

grandparents day in kc

KINDNESS

KC

AG

ALL ABOUT THE

+ importance

20

M

AT KCPARENT.COM!

Local Contributing Writers

NITY

CHECK OUT THE

ALL NEW PARTY GUIDE

Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

ER

Happy September, Kansas City!

Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com

M

CHECK IT OUT AT

KCPARENT.COM!

Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com

ES

EACH LISTING INCLUDES: • MAPPING • FACEBOOK CONNECTION • COUPONS • PHOTOS • SORTING FEATURE

Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

AC

AND PARTY ENTERTAINERS

Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com

19

FOR KANSAS CITY

200+ PARTY VENUES

Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com

Z I NE

BIRTHDAY PARTY GUIDE

Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

GA

THE ULTIMATE ALL-NEW

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

LOVE IS IN THE AIR COMMON POSTPARTUM PAINS

GREAT DATES

GEMS OF KANSAS CITY LANDMARKS LOCALS LOVE

.com

F

amily dinners have always been a priority in our home. When the girls were younger, we only allowed one extracurricular activity per child at a time because we wanted to make sure we had enough time together. As the girls have gotten older and busier, family dinners where everyone is present are harder and harder to come by. These days, I have to schedule family dinners (I’m lucky if I can squeeze in two a week) and have worked to find other ways to spend time together as a family. As dinners became more difficult, we switched to Sunday brunch and ventured out to try a new restaurant each week for a relaxed meal. It was fun to change up the routine, and we enjoyed exploring new places. If you’re having trouble finding time for family dinners, check out Gina Klein’s article on pg. 34. She has some great alternative ideas for ways families can bond and spend time together.

Grandparents play an important role in a child’s life, and the relationship is a special one! I’m fortunate that my girls still have three grandparents living and am thankful for the times they spend together. I have several friends who no longer have grandparents living, so they’ve got surrogate grandparents for their kids—what a great idea! Each year in September on the second Sunday of the month, we honor these special folks with Grandparents Day! For a great read on why kids need grandparents, check out pg. 30. And if you are looking for ideas on ways to celebrate, head to pg. 32.

We officially enter fall this month, and that means apples and pumpkins and leaves and more! Our calendar is full of fall fun—and be sure to check out our Pumpkin Patch Guide a little later this month at KCParent.com and next month in print!

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

Member of:

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

8

kcparent.com september 2021

KCPARENTWEBSITE

KCPARENT.COM Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Surprises

SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE FUN IDEAS: 1. Best of September 2. Coupons & Giveaways 3. Caramel Apples

4. KC’s Coolest Parks 5. Fall Fun Guide 6. Family Camping

SPOTLIGHT

LEAF PEEPING IN KC

The start of fall brings cooler temps and changing foliage to Kansas City. Find a list of great spots all over the metro to see colorful autumn leaves at KCParent.com.

7. Date Night Ideas

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

8. Perfect Picnic Spots

9. Day Trips 10. KC Going Places Guide

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 september 2021

9

CRAFTCORNER

Materials needed:

Homemade Coffee Mugs

G

randparents Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate those awesome grandparents than a homemade coffee mug from your crew! Add a side of their favorite coffee beans and you are all set!

Step one: Decide on the pattern for your mug. We chose to do names, as well as some freehand designs.

Step two: If using stickers, place stickers onto your mug.

Step three: Color your mug.

Step four: Allow to air dry.

Step five: Remove stickers.

Step six: With adult supervision, bake mugs on a cookie sheet at 350

degrees for 30 minutes. Allow to cool on cookie sheet.

TIP: If you have any sticky residue from the stickers on the mug, use a baby wipe to clean the sticky off. But be careful—the baby wipe will also take off the Sharpie prior to baking.

Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Overland Park with her husband, two children and two dogs. Janelle is a former health care executive director and is a mediator in Kansas, helping families in conflict. Janelle loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts.

Button Handprint Art

My Grandparents Help Me Grow

Handprint Apple Tree

For even more great craft ideas, log onto KCParent.com!

10 september 2021 kcparent.com

• Blank white coffee mug, one per grandparent

• Assorted Sharpies • Foam stickers (You can

use regular stickers, but we found foam stickers worked best.)

• Cookie sheet • Oven

DOWNTOWN LEE’S SUMMIT

SEPTEMBER 24 • 25 • 26 5-11 p.m.

10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Live A Better Life

Noon-4 p.m.

DATES WITH LETTER W

DATENIGHT

12 september 2021 kcparent.com

“W”hat to do this month for date night? We’ve got you covered!

WANDERING VINE AT THE CASTLE Built in 1907 by dairy farmer Remi Caenen, the Caenan Castle, modeled after a French or Belgian estate, originally had 10 bedrooms, but now it’s an amazing restaurant called Wandering Vine at the Castle. My hubby and I double-dated with another couple one night and started out with several appetizers: lamb empanadas, crab and salmon bites and Southwest arancini. All were simply delicious. My main course was the beggar’s purse, which was mouthwatering. The others had the grilled ruby trout, the 14-ounce smoked KC strip steak and the California flatbread.

Everyone raved about their food. To cap off the evening, my husband and I shared the flourless chocolate cake with blackberry chile sauce—rich and chocolatey and worth every calorie! And, of course, the atmosphere just made the evening that much better. We highly recommend this place!

WEST BOTTOMS One sunny Saturday morning, Dean and I headed down to the West Bottoms for one of their first Friday weekends. We meandered through a dozen or so stores full of antiques, vintage items, home decor, clothing and more. The first store we ventured into was Good Ju Ju, which is one of the more well-known stores in the area and one we had been to before.

Upstairs at Good Ju Ju is Virginia Patti’s, an Italian bakery with delicious cookies, as well as sandwiches and breakfast items. We each picked out four cookies to enjoy on our stroll around the West Bottoms. Some of the other stores we visited and liked include the Dusted Attic, the Painted Sofa, Bella Patina and UG & Co. We had lunch at a little deli on the lower level of the Dusted Attic, which we highly recommend. In the end, we managed to escape the West Bottoms without any non-food purchases, but I’m sure it will be different next time. Either way, it’s a fun date day activity!

WONDER WOMAN 1984 Wonder Woman 1984 starts with a flashback of Diana competing in a female gladiator games of sorts, which grabs your attention right from the start due to its cinematography and special effects. Unfortunately, the rest of the movie fell flat compared to that. Set in Washington, DC, the plot centers around an artifact called the Dreamstone that can grant wishes. Through a series of events, the Dreamstone falls into the wrong hands, those of Maxwell Lord. As the saying goes ...

Be careful what you wish for, and this movie certainly proves that point. Overall, the storyline was predictable and corny, and the movie just wasn’t as good as the first Wonder Woman. However, for two people who desperately needed 2-plus hours of downtime, it made for a good date night. Plus, I loved seeing all the ’80s fashions and hairstyles. Those were the good ol’ days.

Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives in the Northland with her husband. They love to explore Kansas City and try new restaurants and activities.

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

School just started back up for my two

There are tons of Do-It-Yourself cat

does not get the treat covered on the floor

daughters and we decided to walk our new

enrichment items that you can have the kids

because that is acting as the chocolate

dog to the school with the girls this morning.

help make after school or on weekends!

cake or other item she should not have.

However, we noticed that he was very afraid

Search DIY cat enrichment online for

Repeat this sequence until she sits and

of all the children when they were trying to

hundreds of ideas on how to keep your kitty

watches you when she hears you say,

pet him. He normally loves children so we

busy while the kids are out. You can make

“leave it,” and does not try to get the

thought he would enjoy going to the school.

extremely cheap enrichment from common

covered treat. You will then transfer this

What can I do to help him feel more

household items like toilet paper tubes,

“leave it” sequence to food items on the

comfortable? – Lindsey Villanueva

plastic easter eggs, pipe cleaners, tissue

counter. Make sure she really knows the

paper and cardboard. We do this at the

command before putting high-value items

It sounds like he is not quite ready for

shelter to keep our kitties’ brains fully

back on the counters, or you will have to

school trips and may never be if it is too

stimulated.

start over. Good luck!

scary for him. I would recommend walking

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

him to a park to socialize with new people.

Start with appropriate and slow

I have a dog and she is very sweet most of

introductions and reward him when he

the time, but she has a terrible habit of

engages with and is interested in meeting new people. I will encourage you to not walk him to the school if he is too nervous around new people at parks or on normal walks, since going to a school with many new people might be too stressful and could

taking food off the counters in the kitchen? I am worried she might get up there and get

FEATURED PET

something that might hurt her like a

Pooh Bear

chocolate cake that I made for my nephew. I had to keep the cake in the fridge because I was worried about Missy getting to it. How

Pooh Bear is the kind of dog you want by

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

can I train her to stop getting food off the

your side. Trust us! He is a staff favorite due

counter? – Evelyn Richards

to his loving nature, go-with-the-flow attitude

We adopted our cat, Eli, over the summer

I would first recommend that you remove all

and he seems to be bored at home while

food from the counters. These items can go

the kids are at school. What can I do to

back on the counter once the dog has

keep Eli busy during the day while my

learned to stop counter-surfing and taking

kiddos are away? I work from home, but I

items. You need to work on the command

am unable to give the cat a lot of attention

“leave it”. Start by putting a treat on the

during the day. – Justin Lewis Jr.

ground, covering it with your hand (or foot if

even result in biting out of fear.

and playful side. He may be ten years old,

you have a mouthy dog) and saying, “leave

but he has a lot of life and love left to give!

He enjoys spending time napping, tossing toys around and showing off his “sit”, “down” and “shake” commands. He is not a fan of sharing the spotlight with other animals and would rather have all your attention to himself. This deserving boy is

it”. Wait for your dog to stop trying to get to

ready for a home of his own. Contact

the treat. When she does, ask her to sit,

adoptions@greatplainsspca.org to learn

then reward her with a different treat. She

more!

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

www.greatplainsspca.org

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 4,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County.

Q&A DEARTEACHERS

BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS

THE WAY TO DIAGNOSE ADHD

QUESTION: My third grader’s teacher recently

suggested my third grader has ADHD because she is so inattentive in class. I thought that the symptoms of ADHD were hyperactive impulsive behavior. Could the teacher be right? – Unsure

ANSWER: Your child’s teacher may or may not be right about this. You do need to find out as soon as possible, for it is these children who have suffered the greatest learning loss during the pandemic. A number of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, school counselors, doctors, nurse practitioners and social workers, have the expertise to make an exact diagnosis. Diagnosing for ADHD may not be covered by your health insurance.

ADDitudeMag.com describes three presentations of ADHD. One is the predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation where a child is blurting out answers in class. There is also the predominantly inattentive type in which focus and attention problems are the primary symptoms rather than hyperactivity. And the third presentation is where both inattention and impulsivity go hand in hand.

Unfortunately, the signs of inattentive ADHD, which is found predominantly in girls, is often overlooked by parents, teachers and medical professionals, so they rarely get the treatment they need. Look at the signs of inattentive ADHD below to begin investigating whether your child has this type of ADHD. The American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic manual for ADHD, the DSM-V, lists these nine symptoms of inattentive ADHD. At least six of these must be present and must significantly disrupt a child’s life in order to merit a diagnosis.

14 september 2021 kcparent.com

• Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, etc.

• Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or activities (e.g., easily distracted).

• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

• Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork or chores (e.g., loses focus, sidetracked).

• Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.

• Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time.

• Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g., school materials, lunch, mobile phone).

• Is often forgetful in daily activities.

If your child has ADHD, you must become an expert on the subject to ensure she gets the best possible help at school. Fortunately, there are several excellent organizations that will help you do this. They are Attention Deficit Disorder Association, CHADD, National Resource Center on ADHD, the Council for Exceptional Children and the American Psychiatric Association. And you must get acquainted with Wrightslaw to find out all the legal aspects of getting the best help for your daughter at school. Although some blogs on ADHD can be extremely helpful, others contain misleading or inaccurate information. Be sure to avoid any that are selling cures for ADHD. As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns. © Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2021

Building Great Smiles for Life!

Four convenient locations near you!

Discover Whitefield Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade • Kansas City’s Top-Performing Christian School • Christ-Centered Classical Curriculum • Small Class Sizes

Whitefield Academy is the premier Classical Christian School in the KC metro!

To learn more or to schedule a tour, please visit us at: www.whitefieldacademykc.org Contact our Admission Office at: 816-444-3567 or bjwilliams@whitefieldacademy.org

“Not only is the education superior, but the Whitefield community of teachers, parents, students, and school leadership has enriched our lives in so many ways. This school is a true gem!”

– Parent of three Whitefield students

kcparent.com september 2021

15

MEDIAMIX

Einstein—The Fantastic Journey of a Mouse Through Space and Time Written and illustrated by Torben Kuhlmann Translated by David Henry Wilson Mouse is looking forward to the greatest cheese fair the world has ever seen! “Camembert, Brie, Gouda, Emmentaler, Cheddar, Pecorino. The mouse’s whiskers trembled with excitement…”

Unfortunately, he arrives one day late, and so begins Mouse’s journey to turn back time. His first attempt takes him back in time, all right! All the way back to a patent office in 1905!

With the help of a young patent office employee (Albert Einstein), Mouse repairs his time machine and is off to the cheese fair.

Although labeled as a “picture book,” Einstein—The Fantastic Journey of a Mouse Through Space and Time is also an exquisite coffee table book, filled with detailed illustrations that accompany a lively and imaginative storyline.

Available for preorder now at TheMouseAdventures.com.

Written by Moritz Petz

FranzFerdinand the Dancing Walrus

Illustrated

by Amelie Jackowski

Written and illustrated by Marcus Pfister

The Bad Mood!

When Badger wakes up one morning in a bad mood, he considers staying home for the day, but ultimately decides against it.

“Everybody ought to know how miserable I feel, he thought.” So, when he goes out for his morning walk, he is grumpy and rude to each friend he encounters.

As the day progresses, and Badger’s bad mood lifts, he’s surprised to find his friends are now the ones in a bad mood.

“Fox told him to get lost. Squirrel hurled a nut at his head. Mouse and Hare shouted and hissed at Badger which made him quite dizzy.” Badger realizes his bad mood rubbed off on his friends!

A clever lesson in how easily bad moods can spread and how to take responsibility for one’s actions.

This is a sweet story about an old bull walrus named Franz-Ferdinand.

He doesn’t like to move at all, and instead, prefers spending his day lounging on his rock, watching Madame Flamenco’s worldfamous flamingo ballet students practice their dance moves. They dance beautifully, and soon FranzFerdinand decides he wants to dance just like them.

Day after day and week after week, he practices secretly, until he is ready to approach Madame Flamenco and ask if he can join her ballet company!

From the creator of Rainbow Fish, Franz-Ferdinand the Dancing Walrus is a wonderful book about following your dreams and not giving up.

Ocean pollution is discussed in the storyline when Franz-Ferdinand makes his tutu out of plastic trash found in a nearby “floating carpet of plastic garbage.” Author Notes discuss the importance of caring for the ocean and the planet.

Sandy Foster is a writer and blogger (NadinesBakery.com) who lives in the Kansas City area.

16 september 2021 kcparent.com

WORDFROMDAD

ON THE ROAD “Well, Dad,” Laura took a deep breath and exhaled. “What do you want to talk about now?”

I liked going to Civil War living history events with my daughter. She’d started at an encampment at Fort Scott earlier that year, and by now, we’d accumulated a number of authentic items or replicas. A pink-print dress with some growing room, important for a child of 10, stockings, shoes and, one of her favorite items, a crocheted hairnet, or “snood.”

Many women participated in the Civil War. Some were nurses, a very few fought in disguise alongside the men, but most were camp followers who provided essential services like laundry, along with mending, but included wives and sweethearts with nowhere else to go.

A living history event wouldn’t be complete without women, and the Ladies Union Aid Society accepted her as one of their own. Laura took to it like print to paper, coming to me between my martial activities with bread flour up to her elbows, or breathlessly telling me of her etiquette class, “elegant class,” as she called it. Of course, Laura’s uncanny ability to ferret out porcelain facilities at remote event sites only endeared her to the adult women.

This trip, however, she spoke almost nonstop until she asked of our next topic, and inspired in me a mischievous thought.

“I’m a little tired. I think I’ll take a nap.” I lowered my head, knowing she couldn’t see my eyes behind the wraparound sunglasses, but kept my focus on the road.

“Dad?” I said nothing.

“Dad?” Her voice took an urgent note.

I snored.

“Da-ad!”

I raised my head, lifted my shades and gave her a quick wink.

“For a minute, there you scared me.” She remained quiet for almost seven seconds.

“So, what do you want to talk about now?”

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

Little smiles can have a BIG impact!

New Patient Special Offer:

$55*

Children’s Dental Visit

Includes exam, cleaning and x-rays *Limited Time Offer

*Services provided by a MO licensed dentist *Not valid with any other offer, discount, program/plan

Most Insurance Plans Accepted

www.TheSmileSpot.com The Smile Spot Waldo

The Smile Spot Independence

8043 Wornall Road, Suite 203 Kansas City, MO 64114 Phone: 816-363-2900

651 E US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050 Phone: 816-461-0300

EVERY BOY BECOMES A MAN. THE QUESTION IS, WHAT KIND WILL YOURS BECOME? Since 1889, thousands of parents have looked to Missouri Military Academy to give their boys the structure, responsibility and love they need to grow, compete and thrive — and become young men in full command of their lives.

MMA

M I S S O U R I M I L I TA RY A C A D E M Y Serving grades 7 through 12 PG Since 1889 • Mexico, Missouri 888-564-6662 • missourimilitaryacademy.org kcparent.com september 2021

17

TASTYTREATS

A Nostalgic Seasonal Treat (Culinary.net)

Oatmeal Cream Cookie Sandwiches

ooler weather often stirs nostalgic cravings for seasonal dishes and desserts. From Grandma’s classic pies, to the sweet taste of apple cider touching your tongue, the flavor, spice, sweets and treats of fall are just waiting to be devoured with family and friends alike.

Home chefs know it’s time to tap into the flavor of fall once that first leaf drops to the ground. The pumpkins are set on porches, and little ones bundle up to go outside and play in the cool breeze. Everyone can tell when the seasons change and the time arrives for cozy, autumnal delights.

The kitchen, often known as the heart of the home, and homes all over the nation will smell and taste like fall festivities all season long with this recipe for Oatmeal Cream Cookie Sandwiches. The best part about this timeless recipe is that it evokes memories from childhood and can help introduce members of a new generation to a treat many generations before them have enjoyed.

Easy to make and pretty to look at, these cookies are great to put together with little ones after a long day of pumpkin carving. Let the kids help with the preparation. Their little hands can help add and mix ingredients, many of which may already be in your pantry. The mouthwatering result? Soft and slightly chewy, cinnamon-spiced oatmeal cookies sandwiched around a fluffy layer of vanilla bean cream filling that will have each member of the family reaching for another.

Serve them to friends, neighbors, kids and adults.

You’ll have the pleasure of being the bearer of autumn’s flavor and the recipient of glowing smiles.

This recipe is something scrumptious that makes a statement for the upcoming season.

Find more seasonal dessert recipes and fall flavors for your family at Culinary.net.

Servings: 10-12

C

18 september 2021 kcparent.com

Oatmeal Cookies: 1 c. unsalted butter, softened 1 c. dark brown sugar 1/2 c. light brown sugar 2 large eggs 2 t. vanilla extract 1 1/2 c. flour 1 t. baking soda 1/2 t. salt 1 t. cinnamon 1/4 t. ground cloves 3 c. rolled old-fashioned oats

Vanilla Bean Cream Filling: 3/4 c. unsalted butter, softened 2-1/2 c. powdered sugar 1 t. vanilla extract 1 T. heavy cream Heat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

To make oatmeal cookies: With a mixer, cream butter, dark brown sugar and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until combined.

In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and oats. Gradually add oat mixture to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Spoon dough into hands and roll into balls. Flatten balls and place onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around edges. Move cookies to wire rack to cool completely.

To make vanilla bean cream filling: With a mixer, cream butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract and heavy cream; mix until combined.

Pipe or spoon a large dollop of filling on bottom sides of half the cookies; top each with second cookie.

EASY AFTER-SCHOOL

SNACK IDEAS Check out these easy— and fun—snack ideas for your kids: ANTS ON A LOG This is a classic. Wash and slice celery sticks and fill them with peanut butter (or any nut butter) and top with raisins. You can even use other dried fruits if you wish to add a variety of flavors.

SILLY SNACK FACES Take rice cakes and spread cream cheese, peanut butter, cheese sauce or another spread. Provide your child with raisins to use for eyes, apple strips to serve as a mouth, grated carrots to use as hair, etc. You spread them and let your child do the rest. The kids love to get creative and have fun before they gobble down their snacks!

KEBABS What kids don’t love to play with their food? Take Popsicle sticks (safer than skewers) and cut up various fruits into cubes. Help your children thread them onto the stick to make a kebab. Give them some yummy caramel dip or cream cheese for dunking.

Proudly Supported By:

YOGURT PARFAITS Get some fun cups (try the dollar store to find some fun ones that can be your parfait cups) and layer in yogurt and then fruit with another layer of yogurt and fruit. Top with nuts, granola or even chocolate chips. Yum!

TRAIL MIX Purchase various nuts, raisins, dried fruits, granola, popcorn, pretzels and some M&Ms. Pour equal amounts of each item into a large bowl. Cover, shake and snack!

FRUIT CUTOUTS Use mini cookie cutters to cut shapes out of all sorts of things. One idea is to slice various fruits (kiwi, apples, pears, peaches) thinly and then use small cookie cutters to cut them out into fun shapes. The kids think they are eating a star and don’t know it’s good for them.

Anheuser-Busch: AB CSR

Production Job# 321256

Project Name: Trim Size:

Item Number: PCA2017016 Date/Round:

Legal Drinking Age 3.6" x 9.875"

kcparent.com september 2021 Creative Job# XXXXXX

19

FIVETHINGS

The Hiding Place I’ve heard Corrie ten Boom quoted many times but had never known much about her, so I decided to get her book, The Hiding Place, from the library. Wow! It’s a fantastic and inspirational read. Taking place during WWII, it’s the story of what happened to her and her family during the war. Not only is what she—and so many others—endured just mind-boggling, but her faith is so inspirational. To see how God worked in her life during this time is just incredible. I’m going to purchase the book so I can reread it. I highly recommend! Available through the library and local bookstores.

Bracelet Birthdays are a big deal in my world! I think they are something to be celebrated, not just for one day, but for the entire month. I get that love of my birthday from my mom and have passed it on to both of my girls.

My daughter received a bracelet with her birth date on it, and I love it! Now, if you’re like me and thinking “that could give out too much personal info,” then cast those cares aside! I’ve already worried about that and let it go, so you can, with confidence, order one of these darling bracelets to celebrate your special day all year long! EnRoute.com

5

THINGS WE

LOVE RIGHT NOW

Compiled by Margaret Sarver

Turo If you’ve had the need for a rental car, you know that lately they’ve gotten to be very pricey—and somewhat hard to come by. I had reserved a car with a rental company for a recent trip, and for five days it was going to be close to $1,000! A friend suggested I look into Turo, described as “the world’s largest car sharing marketplace.” Think Airbnb but with cars. I was hesitant, but gave it a try and am so glad I did!

It was much less expensive and much easier to drop off and pick up. Going forward, I’ll be using Turo whenever I travel and need a car! Turo.com

20 september 2021 kcparent.com

+

Donate Blood

Ever since she was able, my older daughter has been donating blood. It started with a blood drive when she was in high school, but she continues to give. I’ve only donated once, and that was a direct donation to my brother. There’s really no reason I hadn’t donated again. I don’t love needles, but as long as I don’t look at them, it’s all good.

Anyway, I joined Tori on her recent appointment and donated, and I couldn’t believe how easy and quick it was! From the time we entered to the time we left took just about an hour. Plus, we had some yummy snacks and got to spend time together, not to mention help someone out. It was a win-win-win!

RedCross.org

Torchy’s Tacos Tacos are a staple in our home, but we also enjoy them when dining out. If you haven’t yet, you need to try Torchy’s Tacos.

Started as a food truck in Austin, TX, they now have more than 90 locations, with several right here in Kansas City! Their awardwinning cheese dip lives up to its status, and I’ve yet to try a taco there I don’t like. I think my current fave is the fried avocado, but that could change. Tip: Although it’s tempting to order several, the tacos are a substantial size, and you probably only need one or two at a time. It’s a fun atmosphere that always makes for a good meal out! TorchysTacos.com

ASK THE

EXPERTS Megan Maciel

Christine Khong, MD

KVC KANSAS

ADVENTHEALTH

KVC Kansas provides heart-centered services to children and families through in-home family support, foster care, adoption, behavioral health care and children’s psychiatric hospitals.

913.499.8100, Kansas.kvc.org

AdventHealth Shawnee Mission’s pediatricians and primary care providers offer compassionate, expert care for children of all ages. Find a provider at AdventHealthKC.com.

Q

Q

What is the main goal of foster care?

My daughter has eczema.

What’s best to help with the itching?

Foster care is a temporary arrangement for children and teens when their parents or caregivers are going through crisis. When youth cannot remain safely in the home, child welfare agencies work diligently with the family to resolve the conflicts or disruptions that resulted in the child entering foster care through intensive family-centered services. The primary goal is to return the child to his or her home with additional supports in place for the family. Foster families come alongside the biological family to provide support while the family is in crisis, provide a stable home environment for the children and teens, and model appropriate parenting.

Megan Maciel Director of Recruitment and Communication, KVC Kansas

Avoid dry skin! This will help with the itching. Her skin should be moisturized often—ideally two to three times a day. The best time to apply moisturizer is after a bath or shower, with the skin gently patted dry.

Moisturize with oil-based products such as ointments (like petroleum jelly) and creams, instead of lotions. Kids should take short baths or showers in warm—not hot—water. Use mild, unscented soaps.

Wear soft clothes that are breathable such as those made from cotton. Sometimes anti-allergy medicine is needed at bedtime to help itchy kids sleep better at night. Talk to your doctor to ask whether topical corticosteroids, oatmeal soaking products and/ or bleach baths are needed.

Christine Khong, MD Family Medicine, AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Prairie Village

ASK THE EXPERTS...If you have a question, send it our way and we’ll ask one of our experts to answer.

Email editor@kcparent.com and put “Ask the Experts” in the subject line.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any medical questions or concerns. kcparent.com september 2021

21

arts!

ALL ABOUT THE

“Creativity is contagious. Pass it on” – Albert Einstein

T

oday we are lucky to have countless activities, programs, exhibits and performances at which to expose children to the arts—and just as many places to enroll them to bring out their inner artist. Those first dance classes with toddlers in tutus, first trials with instruments (recorders anyone?), field trips to the museum, concerts in the park and so much more enrich us all.

ART

I think kids are born with a desire and curiosity to create things.

Young children usually love to color, cut and paste things together to have something to give to their parents. My own children have never been huge fans of sitting down to color but prefer using yarn for all sorts of projects. My older kids recently taught my youngest how to finger knit, and my daughter is excellent at crocheting. Finding the right medium is certainly important. Another medium to consider is photography. Try giving your kids their own digital camera to see life from their perspective. One of my favorite pastimes as a middle schooler was to take turns bringing disposable cameras with my friends to recess and then plastering my room with the prints. Now I take photos for other families!

Kids are destined to get messy. Whether youngsters like finger painting or spin art, allowing them the luxury of that mess is laudable, but sometimes a mama doesn’t have the bandwidth for the mess. Good news! There are many great mess-free ways to introduce and encourage artistic flourishes. The Crayola Color Wonder products amazingly won’t color on anything but their specific paper (great for traveling!), and letting kids “paint” the sidewalk or anything else with paintbrushes and water is another fun option.

Art was introduced to me by my parents—simple arts and crafts as a kid, like making valentines with my dad for my mom, as well as watching my dad freehand draw and paint some Disney characters for my room when I was young. My mom also loved to repaint rooms in bold colors, and it was fun to see how much a simple coat of paint could change the mood of a whole room. I also remember her trying new art projects herself, like painting stained

22 september 2021 kcparent.com

glass, crafting swags in the ’90s and teaching her daycare kids cute preschool crafts. I also was given my dad’s drafting tools he used for work (before computers took over) and loved the fancy pencils and kneaded erasers with the fancy brush to wipe away eraser sheddings.

From their example, I learned the importance of modeling what’s important to you and introducing your own hobbies and interests to your children. I loved getting to repaint and decorate my room occasionally, and I know my kids enjoy this now too.

I had great art teachers throughout my school years, and after this past school year, it will be hard to forget how important and amazing teachers are. If your children show an interest in art, make sure to schedule some conference time with their art and music teachers, too. Maybe they have ideas to further art education after school hours.

To give your kids some hands-on experience making art, be sure to visit the Hallmark Kaleidoscope Museum in Crown Center.

For art closer to home, consider planning an art focused playdate.

Themed playdates can be fun to put a new spin on getting together and can range from a music and play dough playdate for the little tykes to a paint-by-number playdate for the older kids while they listen to a podcast or audiobook together.

MUSIC

Can you imagine life without music? No silly nursery rhymes, no radio in the car, no music to listen to while you wait, no concerts, no soundtracks or advertising jingles? Music adds joy to our lives and really sets a mood or tone for a situation or event.

My dad was the one to introduce me to music and let me go wild with those buy-one-CD-get-12-free deals from Columbia House, as well as gifting me with a 61-CD disc changer that was like my own personal jukebox! Even listening to music from different eras or sharing your own favorite music with your family could be a fun way to incorporate music into your week. One idea is to start “Music Mondays,” rotating throughout the month the person who gets to select and share favorite music with the family over or after dinner.

This is fun on road trips, too! Add watching music videos to your evenings and discuss whether the video conveys the song well or not.

Beyond simply listening to music, your children can learn how to play their own music. Currently, my kids think I’m mean for making them take piano lessons until they’re 10 years old, but it’s important to my husband and me to have our kids be able to read music, a skill they’ll benefit from the rest of their lives. I enjoyed singing in choir while I grew up but never got the knack of reading music, so I had to memorize everything. My husband taught himself how to play

guitar in college but can’t read music either. We want our children to learn the language of music, so all three of them began piano lessons at age 5. Our eldest is now 11 and has continued her lessons.

Look for ways to broaden your kids’ tastes in music. “I like all kinds of music, so I introduce them to that through my music collection,” Lori Tate, mother of three, says. “This past week I was playing barbershop choir music for them. I’ve recently moved my older kids from Disney musicals to having them watch actual musicals.”

kcparent.com september 2021

23

Rose Miller, mother of four, recommends piano as a foundational instrument that helps kids understand and appreciate music for life. She also says parents have to be willing to hunt for the right instructor. “We recently switched teachers to someone more engaging and who is helping them follow their interests in pursuing being on a worship team or playing with a band someday,” she says.

“The two who are playing band instruments now have done well because of their piano background. We also bought them a ukulele a couple years ago, and they have a blast with it. There is lots of happy noise in my home, and my favorite thing is when they play and sing together!”

LIVE PERFORMANCE

Performances are the fun part of celebrating everyone’s talent!

From outdoor street performers at farmers markets and summer concerts in the park, Kansas City has lots to offer. Being a part of a live audience is magical and heightens the experience of any performance. For an easy entry, grab some tickets to your local high school productions. For a special holiday tradition, take your family to see The Nutcracker Ballet this Christmas season at the Kansas City Ballet. My parents took me as a young girl, and now I take my daughter.

If your child is the performer, make a big deal about it!

Performances in the arts are usually a long time in the making and the accumulation of many weeks or months of practice to learn a routine, song or script. Bouquets and special dinners are always a special treat for a job well done.

MUSEUM EXHIBITS

One of my favorite classes was history of art, which I was able to take while studying abroad in Spain. We would study some art and then take a field trip to actually see it in person— and it was so much more interesting! Even if you have gladly returned your children to school this month, find out what they are learning about and enhance that education by taking them to an exhibit either as a family field trip or a one-on-one date to see the art they are learning about. The experience will make learning more tangible. Plan a visit to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art or the Nerman Museum to inspire the young artists in your home. Museums showcase the history of things, so if your family or child has a specific interest, do a quick search for a specific museum to learn more about it. Explore museums such as the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the Arabia Steamboat Museum, the American Jazz Museum or the Money Museum. You even could make it a family goal to visit a new museum each month together.

WRITTEN WORD

I love books and reading, so I couldn’t leave out the written word when writing about the arts. This does not mean just novels, but also picture books with beautiful illustrations, coffee table books with incredible photography, and poetry and song lyrics that express feelings in a way speaking can’t always accomplish. If your child loves literature and words, check out story time at your local library, a poetry reading or even a high school speech competition. Even looking up and reading the lyrics along with favorite songs can be enjoyable, as can helping kids start their own poetry notebooks. Take your children to their favorite author event, book signing or book release. I fondly remember attending the midnight release of the subsequent Harry Potter books at Barnes and Noble when I was in high school.

CULINARY ART

When I was a fresh mom filled with fun ideas, I let my toddlers paint colored yogurt onto their animal crackers for a fun joint activity and snack. Now that they’re older, they can enjoy incredible food shows and competitions, as well as children’s cookbooks and classes. If your children are becoming quite the foodies, take them to the farmers market or have them plan and prepare a meal.

CLASSES

The metro offers plenty of free ways to experience numerous aspects of art, like amazing murals downtown, but numerous classes are available for both kids and adults to learn or enhance a new artistic skill. Classes make great birthday and Christmas gifts, too. Just remember that practice

24 september 2021 kcparent.com

makes perfect, and each student is unique in talents and learning style—whether a child or a parent!

Jennifer Brooks, mother of three, makes a point to be intentional about arts exposure. “Our family incorporates lots of art in our lives. We look at famous works of art and then try to make a version of our own while learning a little bit about the artist. We take our kids to art museums when we can and one theater, dance or orchestra performance a year,” she says. “We listen to lots of different types of music, too. Since I used to be a dance teacher, I will do some of the games I used to use like freeze dance, shadow dancing and circle dances. If they show an interest in something, we’ll do our best to explore it.”

According to my children’s phenomenal piano teacher, Rachel D’Ardenne, herself a mother of three, the arts are not easy, but any accomplished athlete, dancer, artist or musician persists. “There’s no other way to be good at something,” she says, “and enjoy the benefits of a skill that doesn’t require discipline, time, effort and struggle.”

Be persistent about engaging your children in the arts. After all, as Albert Einstein says, “Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.”

Stephanie Loux has also been a fan of the arts and encourages her three children to experience various forms of art throughout their lives.

Get creative at the

Nerman Museum!

Contemporary Creations classes (ages 8-11) and Early Explorations classes (ages 5-7) combine engaging, interactive tours with hands-on studio projects, and students explore different topics each week.

Pre-registration is required.

Saturdays, Sept.18-Dec. 4 $15 / $10 for Museum Members Register today! nermanmuseum.org 913-469-2323 FREE general admission, schedule tours online.

Free NMOCA KIDS family guide features outdoor sculpture activity cards.

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art Johnson County Community College kcparent.com september 2021

25

y s s e m

LET THEM GET

26 september 2021 kcparent.com

I

t’s a tradition in our family on our children’s first birthdays to set them in the bathtub in their diaper with paint and a canvas and let them create their own first piece of artwork.

A parent is present (or the whole family to watch!), and we use nontoxic paint. But yes, there is a huge, fun mess! Usually the artwork is created with their fingers or whole hand, but it’s not ever a surprise for some toes and feet to get in on the action too! Children are made to be messy—and not only learn but thrive when they are encouraged to explore and make a mess!

When we think of a child’s getting messy, we usually think just of the mess itself. What if we shift our mindset to look at mess-making as children’s having a creative space to explore their surroundings using their senses? We explore most things with our hands and eyes, but what happens when we encourage our children to explore something with all their senses instead? Their whole view of something might quickly shift, opening the possibility to new ideas. What a fun way to learn!

When parents start thinking of this new way of playing, we often struggle with where to start. Do we toss them outside into a muddy puddle or do we guide them a bit more? The answer of course depends on your children and how they like to learn. Some children will gladly run into a muddy puddle. Other children might need to be told it’s okay to get in.

A great place to start getting messy is in the kitchen. Food and liquids offer almost unlimited options for exploration. You can see, touch, taste and smell the items—and some you can even hear! Adults know what a bag of frozen peas feels like. When children help cook, we usually give them the task of pouring the frozen peas from the bag into the pot. But what if, instead of telling them to pour in the peas right away, we give them time and space to explore the peas? Encourage your child to stick a whole hand into the frozen bag or pour the peas over those little palms. What does it sound like when we drop the frozen peas on the counter or the floor? What does it feel like when we add water to the pot and the frozen peas? Watch your child pour liquid over the peas to see them defrost. Try to encourage putting one—or even a handful— into a curious mouth. How does your tot react?

Excited? Shocked? It’s probably a new batch of sensations that are super fun!

Now that you have the idea, take it and apply it anywhere and everywhere you can!

You will quickly find your child becoming a little explorer who is also becoming more independent and inquisitive. Kids quickly learn the process of cause and effect and how to sort out steps of doing things in different orders. Of course, you’ll set limits so that messy play doesn’t involve your child’s pouring the whole gallon of milk onto the table and then onto the floor. A few ounces of the creamy beverage and a giant bowl will do nicely.

Playing messy naturally results in a mess, and that, in turn, provides a great opportunity to learn about cleaning up after ourselves. So play with the paint and let everyone do their own thing, but make sure the last step is for all participants to help with the cleanup and putting away. A parent can employ a few strategies to make things easier. Teach your kids to use baby wipes and clean up as they go. Take the mess outdoors. Cover the floor and play surface with disposable plastic table covers that are easy to gather up and toss in the trash. You might even consider the bathtub approach.

I often hear myself inviting my kids to the bathroom to make a gift for Grandma. Then, the kids sit in the tub, kids work on the project, kids get a bath and Grandma gets a gift. It’s a win-win for us all!

When the fun mess begins to overload your senses, try to look at the big picture. Remember, you are giving your kids the space to explore, grow and have fun. Try to step back and let them figure things out and see what they come up with on their own. You provide the supplies and space then let them go!

When children are given a safe space to explore and learn, they build the confidence they need to succeed—or, better yet, fail and learn to try again until they do succeed. We all know children want to be independent, and we truly want them to be independent too. And the process of children growing and pursuing that independence is often best when it’s a bit messy!

Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Overland Park with her husband, two children and two dogs.

Janelle is a former health care executive director and is a mediator in Kansas, helping families in conflict. Janelle loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts.

“ ST R E N GT H F O R TO DAY, H O P E F O R TO M O R ROW ” I N - P E RS O N C O N F E R E N C E - OV E R L A N D PA R K , KS OCT 21-22, 2021

V I RT UA L C O N F E R E N C E O C T 2 5 - 2 9, 2 0 2 1

FA M I LY T R AC K TA L KS I N C L U D E M A R R I AG E , S I B S , S P EC I A L N E E D S T R U STS , I E P 'S , P L U S M U C H M O R E F O R S P EC I A L FA M I L I E S !

R EG I ST E R AT WO N D E R F U L LY M A D E KC . C O M kcparent.com september 2021

27

Calming Strategies For Kids

C

hildren are naturally curious about the world around them. Some dive in headfirst, and others are a bit more standoffish. All will experience some sort of anxiety as they explore. Each blooming personality will face things in its own way, and when you show your little ones that it’s okay to feel a bit nervous when having to sing in a recital or take a spelling test, they will handle what comes at them with courage.

You can employ plenty of activities and strategies to help your children learn to stay calm. For example, stay busy. Build a Lego town and focus on each piece. There is something incredibly mindful about this simple activity, which is why it’s been calming children for generations.

To wind down at any age, take a bath.

Make today a bubble bath kind of day. Play some music or read to your child while she’s soaking.

28 september 2021 kcparent.com

Mindful coloring is an awesome way to spend time quietly. You can sit down and color together. You’ll both find therapy in shading, staying in the lines—or not—choosing favorite colors, combining patterns and ending up with something unique to hang on the wall or the fridge.

There’s no substitute for the multisensory experience of settling into a comfy chair and escaping for a time into a fantastic story. It is one-on-one time that gives you the opportunity to teach and connect. Audiobooks are great also. Play a fun story while your children squish around some play dough or help you cook up some spaghetti. Listening will occupy their minds and keep negative thoughts out. Petting a dog or cat also has a reliably calming effect, and their unconditional love will make any situation easier to get through. If you don’t have a pet, try a soft stuffed animal.

Older children can write down what they are feeling. If they don’t know where to start, give them a little prompt. For example, I feel sad because …, I feel angry because …, I feel worried because …, I feel happy because …, I feel scared because … or I feel excited because….

Leave them to their own thoughts or go through their responses together.

Go outside! A change of scenery is a big help when life is closing in. Go on a scavenger hunt or plant a garden. Go for a bike ride or nature walk. Talk about how the birds are always singing and carefree, or the squirrels run here and there and enjoy their lives. We people can do that too.

My daughter has taught her little boys to take a deep breath then blow it out on their hands. She’s also had them hold a tissue in front of their mouths, so when they blow that breath out, it flutters.

This centering activity helps when a loud car goes by, fireworks are going off or they just simply can’t stay still.

Try the turtle exercise to release muscle tension. Oh no, it’s started to rain! Curl up tight under your shell for about 10 seconds.

The sun is out again, so it’s time to come out of your shell and return to your relaxing walk. Repeat this a few times, making sure to finish with a walk so your body is relaxed.

Make your own stress balls. It’s a proven fact that if you squeeze with your hands, tension melts. Fill balloons with dry lentils or rice. Take the ball in your hand and squeeze and release. Find a way that is right for your child, adjusting the speed, pressure and timing of squeezes to whatever you like.

Think about a happy spot. Teaching your children that they can think about a happy place or another pleasant thought is a form of mindsight. It’s always important to acknowledge big feelings, but shifting temporarily can prevent an emotional meltdown. The Whole Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Bryson explains that showing kids that one thought or feeling is just one part of them is a powerful technique. When your child is starting to experience a big feeling, try asking, “Do you want to think about this now, or would you rather think about swimming later?”

Knowing how to take a step back and recenter, how to take a breath and recognize our emotions is a vital life skill. If we can teach our children how to handle these big emotions—anxiety, worry, frustration, anger—we prepare them for the trials and hiccups that will come throughout life.

Think about how you deal with your feelings. Do you go for a run, do some yoga, exercise or listen to music? These are all helpful tactics that help you process and deal with your emotions. What if we taught our children these skills? It might drastically cut down that out-of-control feeling, tantrums, tension and even tears they experience.

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

DANCE SHOPPE Celebrating 36 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.

15% OFF

all regularly priced merchandise EXPIRES SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

TESTIMONIAL: I brought my daughter in for a professional pointe shoe fitting. After trying on over twenty pairs of shoes, my daughter was fitted into the perfect shoes for her. I was blown away with their customer service – it was certainly worth the drive from Johnson County. — Lynne, Overland Park

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

piano lessons

Learn to play piano and have FUN doing it!

AGES 7+ | ALL SKILL LEVELS | AFFORDABLE | FLEXIBLE VOICE LESSONS | EXPERIENCED TEACHER (12 YRS)

IN-PERSON OR ZOOM CLASSES AVAILABLE!

Both daytime and evening lessons available!

Call Spring Terburgh at 913-636-4472

Sources: MyKidsTime.com, SaveTheChildren.org

LOCATED RIGHT OFF I-35 AND 119TH ST IN OLATHE AND IN SOUTH KCMO kcparent.com september 2021

29

why kids need

GRANDPARENTS

T

hey go by many names and are important people in your child’s life.

Whether it’s their Grandma, Papa, Gigi, Granny or Gramps, it’s important for your children to establish and maintain a close bond with their grandparents.

Grandparents play a key role in the lives of children. They are positive role models, help kids develop problem solving skills and can become a stabilizing force for young people during times of trauma, such as divorce or the loss of a parent. Spending time with grandchildren is just as beneficial to grandparents, too. A study by the U.S. National Library of Medicine found that women who spend just one day a week taking care of their grandchildren have the highest cognitive performance among their peers. Another study from Boston College says, “An emotionally close relationship between grandparent and grandchild is associated with fewer symptoms of depression for both generations.”

30 september 2021 kcparent.com

We know the bond is important, but how do we go about creating and maintaining that bond? It can be especially tough with busy schedules and long distances between each other, but we’ve put together several tips for grandparents and grandchildren to cultivate their special relationship

visit often

Do your best to make visits to see grandparents a priority. If you live close to your parents, try to make a weekly trip to visit them. Get together for Sunday dinner or invite them over for your Friday movie nights. It’s just as important for grandparents to visit your house too. If you live far away from each other, plan a long trip to visit at least once a year. Then, they can visit you later in the year. You can also plan to meet at a point in the middle of both homes for a long weekend visit.

use technology

According to an AARP report, more than 50 percent of all grandparents live further than 200 miles away from one or more of their grandkids. Luckily, we have amazing technology to help us keep in touch with our family. Skype, Zoom and Facetime are easy ways to communicate with each other, no matter the distance.

Schedule weekly video chats to catch up on what happened during the week. The chats don’t need to be long but can be just enough to keep grandparents informed of your child’s life. We like to Facetime our parents when something big happens in our kids’ lives. For example, we Facetimed them to show them our new puppy, and they were able to see the excitement on the kids’ faces for themselves. You can also keep them updated by posting photos and videos on social media networks like Facebook and Instagram. If your parents aren’t familiar with these technologies, make sure to set up their devices and show them how it works in person.

mail

Kids love getting mail, and grandparents love it just as much, especially when it’s from their grandchildren. Encourage your kids to write letters and draw pictures to mail to their grandparents.

Grandparents can write them back or send little cards or notes to let the kids know they are thinking of them. Email can also work well for writing back and forth with grandparents, if the grandparents are tech savvy.

keep photos around the house

Do your best to keep a reminder of your parents around the house through photos. This will keep the grandparents at the top of your children’s minds and will remind them of the fun memories they’ve had together. Also, make sure you send school photos and other snapshots to your parents periodically. They will love receiving them and seeing how much the kids have grown.

Our family utilizes Our Photo, a digital picture frame. We are able to upload pictures to the app on our phone and the photos show

up on our parent’s picture frames. The grandparents always enjoy seeing the new photos, and it’s less of a hassle for us because we don’t have to keep going to the store to have photos printed.

share common interests

Grandparents are a great source of knowledge for your children.

It’s so special when they can find common interests to strengthen their bond. Perhaps they both enjoy baking, woodworking, playing a musical instrument or gardening. Your child will be able to learn so much from your parents, and your parents will find joy in sharing these things with the next generation. It’s also special, because they might recall their parents and grandparents teaching these things to them. These lessons will stick with your children, and they will pass them on to their children.

share stories

Encourage your parents to share stories with your kids. Ask them to tell you about when they met their spouse, what school was like when they were young or about their careers. If they will let you, record them telling these stories. These will become cherished moments for you to listen to one day. I still have the recording of my grandmother telling me about World War II for an oral history project, and it’s one of my most cherished possessions.

keep grandparents included

If your child has a soccer game on Saturday, call and invite them. If there’s a school play, invite them. If the kids get a special award at school, invite them to dinner to celebrate. Keeping them included in the day-to-day activities will help the grandparents feel more connected to your children.

don’t get caught up in gifts

Grandparents can sometimes fall into wanting to spoil their grandchildren with toys, clothes and candy. A little spoiling is fine, but what really matters to kids is spending quality time together and having a meaningful relationship. You don’t want the grandkids to look at you as the grandparent who buys them things. You want them to get to know you and enjoy spending little moments together. The little moments like baking cookies, working in the garden, fishing or playing card games make the greatest impact on your relationship.

Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband and daughters, Atley, 7, and Ensley, 1, in St. Joseph, MO.

A study by the American Grandparents Association showed that 72 percent think that being a grandparent is the single most important and satisfying thing in their life.

kcparent.com september 2021

31

five ideas for

GRANDPARENTS DAY in kansas city

G

randparents Day falls on Sept. 12 this year. We are excited to honor grandparents with memory-making outings, homemade gifts and treasured time celebrating them!

1. train rides

Enjoy a ride aboard the Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad. Trains bring out the child in everyone, and the Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad’s old-fashioned rides are just the ticket! Take an excursion south from Belton on a 5-mile, 45-minute round trip. You’ll find tickets for 2:00 Sunday afternoon rides at KCRRM.org.

2. FREE admission for grandparents day

One of our favorite local attractions, the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm, is celebrating grandparents a day early this year, on Sept. 11. Bring the whole family to experience living history, 1860s style! The Olathe Civic Band will begin playing on the North Activity Area at 2:00. Living history activities may include stagecoach rides, seasonal farming activities, visiting the Mahaffie House, blacksmith and cookstove demonstrations, yard games, self-guided tours of exhibits in the Agricultural Heritage Livestock Barn and the Heritage Center. Best of all, one grandparent is admitted free with one paying grandchild admission. Mahaffie.org

3. paint pottery

There is something special about the handprints of a child, and the best place to make a handprint, footprint or thumbprint keepsake is Ceramic Café. This paint-your-own pottery shop offers a wide selection of projects, from plates and mugs to frames and holiday pieces. The staff will happily help with project ideas and inspiration as your children paint ceramic masterpieces. You can invite grandparents to paint with you or make gifts in advance for the holiday. For the gifts to be ready in time, plan your painting for a week or more in advance. CeramicCafeKC.com

32 september 2021 kcparent.com

4. head to the kansas city zoo

Everyone loves a beautiful day at the Kansas City Zoo. Pack a picnic and bring it to the zoo! Spend time enjoying the Polar Bear Passage, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Tiger Trail, Australia and Elephant Expedition. Then, head over to Africa and enjoy a ride on the Sky Safari. Remember to ride on the carousel, boat or tram for even more fun. Upgrade your FOTZ membership to enjoy free rides! KansasCityZoo.org

5. conduct an interview

Whether grandparents live nearby or far away, you can capture and preserve the special relationship they hold in your family. Help the kids create a journal or blog and interview their grandparents, recording the answers. Make two copies—one to keep and one to share—or create a blog to share online. Add to it each year.

Interview Grandparents: • When you were my age, what did you enjoy?

• Did you watch TV? Favorite shows?

• What did you enjoy in school?

• What did your bedroom look like?

• Did you have a favorite pet?

• What did you want to be when you grew up and did you do it?

• Tell about the first time you met Grandma/Grandpa.

• What was my parent like as a child?

• What did you think when you first met me?

Interview Children: • What do you enjoy most about your grandparents?

• What is your first memory of your grandparents?

• What do you look forward to doing together?

• What would you like to know about them?

• What do you share in common?

The starting point for a healthy smile.

We specialize in giving kids the care and special consideration they need for successful dental care.

Locations:

OVERLAND PARK 913-553-2492

LEGENDS 913-948-8688

LEAWOOD 913-491-5044

NEW

StartingPointDental.com Owner John P. Roth DDS and family Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry Specialist in Orthodontics

kcparent.com september 2021

33

When Family Dinners Don’t Work: More Ways to Connect

According to Harvard University’s Family Dinner Project, about half of American families rarely have family dinner.

34

kcparent.com september 2021

W

e’ve all heard how important it is for families to gather around the dinner table every night for quality time together. However, even though many parents try hard to make the practice work, sometimes it just doesn’t.

The fact of the matter is that every family is different, and for some, dinner isn’t the best time to congregate for family time.

Conflicting evening schedules among family members may make it tough, but don’t beat yourself up for it. You have so many other options to spend regular family time together each day that don’t necessarily require the dinner table. In fact, studies now state that quality family time doesn’t necessarily need to take place at the dinner table. It’s the time spent connecting with and influencing our kids that truly matters, not where those moments take place. So if you’re struggling to make it to the dinner table every night, take a look at some of these great ideas that just might work for your clan instead!

Breakfast Club. That’s right! Start your own family breakfast club. If everyone is home in the morning, plan to get up a little earlier, make a meal everyone likes and sit down at the table together to eat and catch up before everyone heads out for the day.

You may want to do this every morning or just a few mornings a week. It’s up to you!

You might even want to give your breakfast club a fun name!

Sunday Fun Day. If family dinners are impossible to plan during the week, but you still would like at least one dinner together each week, make Sunday your day! Plan a specific time for everyone to come together every Sunday to eat and enjoy each other’s company. You might even throw in a game or movie to follow dessert!

Family Meetings. Bring your family together weekly or bi-weekly to talk about things that need everyone’s attention. By engaging kids in family decision making, family meetings can help to resolve conflict, build unity and foster a sense of autonomy. Setting up regular meetings ensures your family will always have time to come together.

Game Night. Fill your home with laughter and excitement by planning family game nights. Whether it’s once a week or once a month, it’s a great way to bring the family together and connect with one another.

Car Rides. Take advantage of every car ride you take with your kids. Instead of turning on music or movies in the car, spend your drive time listening to them talk and enjoy a fun conversation with them! This is such a great way to connect with your kids. Every little moment matters!

Sweet Treats. Is it too difficult to get the family together during dinner hours? If so, think outside the box and plan a time later in the evening (7:00 or 8:00) for everyone to come together and have dessert.

Chatty Chores. Give the kids and teens age-appropriate chores and, while everyone is working, have some fun conversations!

Folding laundry, helping prep a meal, washing the car and fetching ingredients for a recipe are all great tasks for kids of all ages, and they encourage conversation and quality time together while also getting things done.

Walkie Talkie. No, not the thing you hold in your hand and talk into. Although, that could be fun—and nostalgic too! Instead, plan a day each week to go for walks together. Walk around the neighborhood or take a stroll at a nearby park. This is a great way to exercise and have great conversations!

Family Face Time. Whether you have FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or one of the many other virtual meeting apps, take advantage of the technology and use it to keep up with the family! These are great options to keep in touch and on top of what’s been going on with the family for parents who work late, travel or do not live in the same home as their kids.

Mini Vacation. Forget Disney World.

Instead, look for mini getaways for the entire family that are inexpensive, during off-peak times, and not more than three hours from home. Planning a few of these throughout the year is a great way to get away as a family, make memories and build the family bond even stronger.

Weekend Gardening. Gather the family together and plan what everyone would like to grow in the garden area.

If you don’t have garden space, you can plant a container garden. Once you have the list written down, take a family shopping trip to find everything you need for planting, then plan a day to do the actual work. Growing and caring for a family garden is a great way to enjoy each other’s conversation and build strong bonds.

Bedtime Bonding. If you miss out a lot on daytime conversations and quality time together, you might look to bedtime for staying connected. With small children, ask them questions such as, “What do you think you’ll dream about tonight?” Go deeper with older kids: “What kind of job do you think you’d be really good at and why?” This is a great way to stay connected and get to know your children on a deeper level.

The secret behind making family dinners work is multifaceted: It’s a choice that takes time and know-how, schedules must coincide, and you must make it a priority. If it’s not a priority, then it won’t work. And if it doesn’t work for your family, whatever the reason, then it doesn’t work. And that’s okay as long as you pursue some of the many other ways to connect as a family. Once you find what works for your crew, keep on keeping on and make gathering a regular event everyone looks forward to.

Art Night. Bring out the art supplies and let every family member create together!

YouTube is a great place for finding some fun art projects and how-to videos. Buy some canvases and paint supplies and create some masterpieces to hang throughout the house. Or create one big masterpiece with the entire family!

Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein has always made family dinnertime a priority in her home, along with family meetings, game nights, sweet treats, TV time and whatever else can be fit in each week! kcparent.com september 2021

35

PARTYGUIDE

E

very year when I was a kid, my parents let me choose where I wanted to eat dinner out for my birthday. Another birthday tradition they kept going was to have a small party for me with family and friends, including a cookout since I have a June birthday.

Kids love to feel special, and it can be a challenge to find the time to come up with ways to make a birthday a knockout.

Never fear! Below are four ideas for birthday traditions to start with your own kids. Pick and choose a few of them each year—and stick with the ones you and your birthday kid love!

Rise and shine. I like to wake my kids up on their birthday not with “Get up! It’s time for school!” but with an extra long snuggle and the condensed version of the day they were born. Who doesn’t like to hear their birth story?! Adopted and foster children can be told how they were meant to be brought into the family and how special they are.

Birthday slideshow. With just a few clicks of

Four Birthday Traditions You’ll Want to Try Birthday letter. Every year I type up a birthday letter for each of my children, telling them what great things they did and said and learned during the past year. I give the birthday child a copy, then save a copy in a binder and on my computer for myself, because we all know kids can’t keep track of stuff. The plan is to give each of my children a copy of all their letters when they move out, which means they’ll have somewhere between 18 and 30 letters to enjoy!

THE ULTIMATE ALL-NEW

BIRTHDAY PARTY GUIDE FOR KANSAS CITY

Roll Out The Red Carpet!

Parties starting at

200+

your mouse, you can create a special slideshow using PowerPoint or a similar computer program. Just pop in photos, size them and add cute captions. You even can add some music if you like. After your child watches it about a zillion times, save it to a CD and pop it in a special place (safe deposit box, fireproof box, etc.) so your child will always have it.

Special treat. We like to hit the cupcake restaurant or grab huge, frosted cookies from a local baker and share with our friends and neighbors to spread the celebration around.

A cheap—and just as special—route would be to make your child’s favorite dessert at home. Cookies, cake, banana splits, shakes or ice cream sundaes are always a good bet.

Depending on which fruit is in season (or go frozen!), a decadent fruit smoothie made with frozen yogurt could be nice.

Kerrie McLoughlin is the proud and kooky mom of five. Check out their adventures at TheKerrieShow.com.

P rincess at my Party

Have your favorite princess at your party!

Parties Include: Story Games Facepaint Music Prizes & More

$295

PARTY VENUES AND PARTY ENTERTAINERS

Rachel Johnson

CHECK IT OUT AT

KCPARENT.COM! 36

kcparent.com september 2021

Outdoor Cinema • Special Events

913.424.9444

•

Movies2U.com

rachel@princessatmyparty.com

816.830.4841

www.princessatmyparty.com

CELEBRATE YOUR EVENT!

Four THRILLING themes to choose from, with four NEW themes on the way in 2021.

New Party Room! Bring in pizza, cake, or other food to enjoy after your game.

For more information see our website: TickTockEscapeRooms.com Tick Tock Escape Rooms · 6398 College Blvd. · Overland Park, KS 66211 · (913) 396-9144

Where fun

TAKES FLIGHT! With attractions that cater to any level of adventurer, there’s something fun for everyone.

Both locations now open

UrbanAirLenexa.com

8554 Maurer Road • Lenexa, KS 66219 • (913) 359-5800

UrbanAirOverlandPark.com

14401 Metcalf Ave • Overland Park, KS 66223 • (913) 298-0626

kcparent.com september 2021

37

Do You Wanna Have a Sleepover?

B

eing a kid can be tough. School, rules, chores—what a world!

Fortunately, one of the greatest, most exciting childhood rites of passage still persists: sleepovers.

Though a sleepover is meant to be fun, silly and even a little crazy, it probably wouldn’t surprise you to hear that most adults regard this very common experience with a bit of anxiety. Whether you’re the parent hosting the sleepover or the one sending your child over to a friend’s home, here are some suggestions and tips to make sure the night goes smoothly.

Know thy child

If you ask 10 parents what age is best for a child to experience a sleepover, you’ll get 10 different answers. That’s because no child is the same. Some children are ready for a sleepover at their bestie’s home by the age of 3 or 4. On the other side, some children won’t be emotionally ready for the separation from their own beds until much later. Take a hard look at your child’s sleep patterns. Has he slept over at a grandparent’s or trusted relative’s home without you for a whole night yet? If not, it’s a good idea to try that first to get a feel for his response. If your child still wakes up in the middle of the night from nightmares or occasionally

38

kcparent.com september 2021

climbs into bed with you, it’s likely too early to try a sleepover. Although there is no official right time for a child to attend a sleepover, there certainly can be a wrong time. It’s up to you to gauge the difference.

Ask the questions

If your child receives a sleepover invitation, you are always within your rights to ask as many questions as you feel necessary. (Check out our list of top “Sleepover Questions” at the end of this article.) In addition, if the home is new to your child, consider asking whether your child can come over for a playdate a few days before the sleepover. It may seem like an imposition, but getting familiar with new territory could help your child feel more comfortable and get a feel for the upcoming night, especially if he can see where he will be sleeping. Lastly, ask your child if he even wants to go. Children feel pressure to attend sleepovers, but it’s possible they aren’t comfortable. Give them the out in case they want it.

Screen Safety

We live in a digital world. The days of simply hiding R-rated DVDs are long over.

It’s fair for you to ask what types of screen exposure your child will encounter at her

sleepover. Will there be iPads? Laptops?

Amazon Prime? Netflix? How are the hosts going to safeguard those crafty kiddos from getting into trouble online? Each host parent’s response will vary, so you must be prepared to make decisions based on your comfort level. Some hosts may choose to implement a “No Phone Zone,” where all of the guests’ devices are kept in a safe place.

When children want to call or speak to their parents, they simply ask the host parent for their phones. You might also consider asking for password protections to be placed on devices with access to PG-13 and R-rated movies. Again, usage limits and allowances will likely change with the party’s age group, so decide ahead of time what you are comfortable with.

Lights Out

Do you enjoy living with grumpy zombies? Probably not. Better check with the slumber party hosts to see whether there will be an official lights out time. Obviously, flipping the light switch off doesn’t mean sleeping will happen, but it may at least jump start the process. If the host parents don’t plan to implement any strategy to encourage sleep, you may want to reconsider allowing your child to stay all night. Kids need sleep, even if just for a few hours.

Give your child the power

You’ll receive assurances from the host parents that your kids are in safe hands, but the fact is, your child will eventually come across a situation that’s tricky.

Maybe it’s a friend who wants to sneak out. Maybe it’s a classmate making fun of another guest at the sleepover. For this reason, it’s imperative to have discussions with your children and equip them with the power to pull the plug. If they’re old enough to text, give them a coded message for an SOS. In our household, if my stepdaughter wants to come home, she simply texts a variation of the phrase, “Do we have macaroni at home for dinner tomorrow?” If we receive that message, we know she wants to come home and needs an excuse. We can then insist she come home. Her rep stays intact, and we’re happy to be the bad guy.

There’s a second option

Spoiler alert: Sleepovers don’t have to be all night. Many parents are beginning to implement a “stay most of the night”

W

WEE

Child Development Center ORKSHOP “Where Your Child is Special”

2 weeks to 12 years ChildAges Development Center 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

“Where Your Child Is Special”

Ages 2 weeks to 12 years 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

10% OFF infant room for Two Convenient Locations:

Child Development nd & enrollment.

MetcalfCenter Ave 127 &year Antioch first with162 new “Where Your Child is Special” 913.681.2191 913.681.2190 th

2 weeks to 12 since years FamilyAges Owned and Operated Part-Time Preschool (Ages 1990 3-5) 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

9:00-11:30 or 9:00-3:00 weeworkshopchildcare.com Mother’s Day Out (12 mos-3 years) 9:00-3:00

Two Convenient Locations: 127th & Antioch

policy for their kids. In these situations, children can stay as late as midnight to enjoy the fun and craziness but then return home for restful sleep in their own beds. Some may argue this detracts from the whole experience of sleepovers, and to an extent that’s true. But if it means I can have a fully

functioning child on Saturday or Sunday afternoon, it’s worth the eye rolls and “you never let me do anything fun” outbursts.

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

Sleepover Questions That Should Always Be Asked: 1. Who will be present in the house at the sleepover? Make sure to ask for an inclusive list. You may think it’s just a child’s mom, but will her boyfriend be present, too? What about grandparents? Is there a teen sibling in the house who might have a friend over? You have a right to know.

2. What are emergency numbers for at least two people who will be in the home?

3. Are there any weapons in the home? Where and how are they stored?

4. Where specifically is your child going to sleep? Offer to provide her own sleeping bag, both for her comfort and your piece of mind.

5. What sorts of apps/cable channels/etc. will the kids have access to? How will it be monitored?

6. Will the kids be leaving at any time? Where are they going, who is driving and will there be a need for a car seat for young kids?

7. Are there nightlights? Many children sleep with them, but others don’t. It’s a small detail, but it could matter a great deal to your child.

Want More in Life?

Here’s a way to experience the joy of parenthood and help children 4,000 Kansas City area children are in crisis due to child abuse, neglect or other family challenges. The need for new foster and adoptive parents is greater than ever.

Whether you are single or married, own or rent your home, have children already or don’t, work full-time or stay home, you may qualify.

We provide free training, 24/7 support, and monthly reimbursement to meet the child’s needs.

162nd & Metcalf Ave

913.681.2190 Two Convenient913.681.2191 Locations:

162nd &and Metcalf Ave 127th & Antioch Family Owned 913.681.2191 913.681.2190 Operated Since 1990 Family Owned and Operated since 1990 weeworkshopchildcare.com weeworkshopchildcare.com

Contact us to learn more. (888) 655-5500 | www.kvckansas.org kcparent.com september 2021

39

Earn points with chores Allow him to earn points by doing certain chores. For example, watering plants could earn him 10 points. The prize for dusting shelves or doing the dishes could be 25 points. Once he reaches the desired total points, he can earn back a privilege or a toy, for example. This option is more appropriate for older kids, of course.

Cooldown time If your child is having a meltdown, losing her temper or particularly frustrated, ask her to take a walk, join her for a run or have her walk the dog. This allows both of you to calm down and remain in a healthy headspace.

Set a timer

Creative consequences for kids

K

ids are learning to regulate their tiny bodies, and their brains just get overwhelmed sometimes.

I’m a firm believer in the saying “There are no bad kids, only bad days.”

Chances are, your kiddo will have a rough time one of these days and need some redirection. There’s no need for overthe-top discipline or punishing. A little guidance and a lot of nurturing goes a long way.

I get it, though—some days you wish you could just drink all the wine and send your kids to their rooms to watch Disney+ while you tune everyone out to meditate.

Since that’s not an option, here are eight clever consequences to keep your tiny humans on track, while also letting them know certain actions are off limits and have consequences.

40

kcparent.com september 2021

Draw it out Let’s say your child is having a meltdown. He probably needs time to cool down, but a time-out isn’t cutting it. Have him take a break, except frame it this way: Let’s take a minute to draw a picture about our feelings. Let him take all his frustration out on a drawing or painting.

When he’s done, let playtime resume.

Time-in Instead of a time-out (because, let’s face it, those don’t always work), try a time-in. Create a designated spot— maybe a tepee tent or spot in the living room with your yoga mat—where she must complete a task. Make it a puzzle, coloring a picture or tracing the alphabet.

This allows her to divert her energies elsewhere.

If your kiddo is having trouble regulating his emotions and can’t calm down, set a timer for 1 or 2 minutes. Tell him you’re going to stop playing for a few minutes and take deep breaths together until the timer goes off. Even if he’s frustrated, this still allows him to pause, and taking even one or two deep breaths will give him a chance to reset.

Write a letter If your kids are fighting, let them know it’s okay for them to disagree sometimes.

Maybe harsh words are exchanged, or, let’s say, one sister calls the other a “meanie head.”

If they’re old enough to write, have them write a letter of appreciation to each other.

This lets them know even if they don’t agree, it’s not okay to call each other names and to acknowledge what each likes about the other.

Step away from the fun If you’re playing outside and your kiddo starts to get rough (throws a rock, tries to hit a friend, etc.) simply remove the offender from the fun. If he understands, explain, “We can’t be rough with our friends. Let’s take a break.”

Take a walk around the block or find a spot to sit for a couple minutes. This removes him from the activity where he showed the undesirable behavior, then lets him know it’s okay to come back as long as he plays safely and appropriately.

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, son, daughter and dog.

Summit Christian Academy

Just 15 minutes

from Kansas

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

Call 816.525.1480 or visit summit-christian-academy.org kcparent.com september 2021

41

WHEN MOM TAKES TIME FOR

Sometimes, taking a break with the girlfriends is the best way to care for yourself t’s no secret that moms perform multiple full-time jobs simultaneously, even if they’re also working elsewhere for pay. Not only is parenting a 24/7 job, but other tasks such as cleaning the home, cooking meals, chauffeuring the kids to activities and serving as the in-home teacher are often part of daily mom duties. The job can be exhausting, and no HR department guarantees built-in breaks or vacation time.

Looking for some reprieve? A moms night out can certainly provide a muchneeded escape. It might seem impossible to get away for an evening and that any efforts to take a moms night out would only result in the kind of hilarious drama found in the aptly-named 2014 movie. Rest assured, though, moms can get away for an evening with a little less drama and more relaxation than portrayed on screen.

Perhaps one of the most difficult parts of taking a moms night out is simply overcoming the guilt of taking a break.

When so many responsibilities weigh on you, taking a night off isn’t easy, but consider the benefits and make it a priority.

Time away with friends can provide a sense of renewed energy in parenting and some much-needed adult conversation.

It also gives you the opportunity to step away from frustrations and mentally reset.

In parenting, losing a sense of your own identity is all too easy when you spend so much of your time serving the family, and a moms night out can help you retain a bit of your own individualism. Your family might even be more appreciative of everything you do when you step away for a bit.

“It’s not only good for the mama, but it also does the kids good to see Mom get a break,” says local mom Meagan Ingold.

42

kcparent.com september 2021

Need some creative ideas for a moms night out? Try these:

Take a painting class Pinot’s Palette is just one business that offers classes with step-by-step instructions to create a great painting.

You’ll feel quite fulfilled when you create a piece of artwork you never thought you were capable of.

Go to a botanical garden Powell Gardens or the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens offer wonderful, inspiring experiences in nature. Ingold and some of her friends went to Powell Gardens for a night out and had a wonderful time there. The venue even offers live music on some nights.

Paint pottery or get crafty together There are many businesses in the area that transform crafts into an experience that makes for a memorable time with the girls. Potter’s Haven Art Studio is one such business in Lee’s Summit.

find some of the most unique items in small boutique shops. Explore some tucked-away businesses with your girlfriends—you may come away with some surprise gems!

Do an escape room There are escape rooms all around the Kansas City area that offer a fun experience and promise to provide some good memories. Do you think you can make it out in time?

Try Blade and Timber Who says moms can’t throw an ax?

It’s a fun way to release any pent-up aggression, too.

Simply go out to dinner Creative, fun and unique outings are always wonderful, but perhaps some of the best memories are made simply talking over dinner at a favorite restaurant. When out with the mom friends, be sure to choose a restaurant you love but don’t frequent much because the rest of the family doesn’t enjoy it as much as you do.

Go to a spa Have you always wanted to get a facial, manicure, pedicure or massage but never had the time or wanted to spend the money on it? Make time for it and do it.

Take a cooking class You can expand your kitchen repertoire, deepen your friendships and have some fun all at the same time.

Go shopping at boutique shops It’s easy to get stuck in a rut of only shopping at big box stores, but you can

Your mini escape doesn’t necessarily have to be a moms night out. A Saturday morning at the farmers market followed by brunch can provide a much-needed respite, as well. Of if you are totally overdue for some time for yourself, consider taking a small day trip with the girlfriends.

“Every stage of motherhood is different and brings new challenges and things to celebrate, which is why having a community of women to share those moments with you, who are walking life

with you, encouraging you and cheering you on, is so important,” says Michaela Mick, a Lee’s Summit mom.

Mick says her favorite moms night out has been sitting around the table at a restaurant and being able to talk about life.

Local mom Jenny Wilhoit says she takes a moms night out with three other mothers every other month, and in the process, they have celebrated everyone’s birthday and a “Galentine’s Day.” She says her favorite memory is when they went out for her 30th birthday because it started their tradition of birthday celebrations.

“The value I’ve found in it is connecting with other moms going through the same things,” Wilhoit says.

“Talking out problems or issues with people going through the same thing has been helpful. It’s also good for my children to see me spending time outside the house with friends.”

Allison Gibeson is a Lee’s Summit writer and mom whose favorite moms night out is anything involving great conversation with cherished friends.

Benefits of moms night out Are you still not convinced you should take some time off for a moms night out? Here are some benefits you could experience if you do:

• Deeper friendships.

• The opportunity to learn a new skill.

• A chance for relaxation, destressing and clearing your mind.

• Retaining your connection to the adult world.

• Maintaining a sense of your individualism.

• Helping the rest of the family be appreciative of everything you do. kcparent.com september 2021

43

Tips to Support an ANXIOUS Child

A

nxiety is a feeling of unease or nervousness that often accompanies an upcoming event or something with an uncertain outcome. This feeling typically comes with physical signs, such as increased heart rate or muscle tension (Merriam-Webster). Even children have occasional feelings of anxiety when faced with something new or if they must confront their fears, and just like adults, kids experience periods of sadness, nervous feelings and hopelessness during childhood. We parents can support our kids while they have these episodes and give them tools to work through the hard times.

44

kcparent.com september 2021

But sorting through these issues is challenging. Many parents wonder about the difference between children’s anxious feelings that stem from typical developmental challenges and their anxious feelings that become less manageable and need professional help. For example, 7- to 9-month-old babies commonly have anxiety about strangers. Preschool-age children tend to fear the dark, monsters and insects, and school-age kids often have anxious feelings about school and friends. These feelings are expected for kids and part of their learning to manage the world around them. But when these fears begin to interrupt their

ability to learn, interact with peers, sleep at night or function normally in daily life, those children might be dealing with an anxiety disorder (VeryWellMind.com).

“We sought professional help when anxiety caused self-harm or destructive behaviors,” says Courtney DeBok, a mom of six from Paola, KS. “Continued talks about what’s causing the anxiety help, but sometimes the child can’t identify what they are anxious about. This is also another reason it’s helpful to include a professional.”

Anxiety can appear at any age, but children experience these feelings much differently than adults. True anxiety can cause anger and aggression, bedwetting, changes in appetite, insomnia, fatigue, trouble focusing, irritability, muscle tension, nervous habits such as nail biting, restlessness, headaches or stomachaches in children. Anxious feelings can prompt children to refuse to go to school or other activities or make them want to avoid situations. The Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) says, “7.1 percent of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 4.4 million) have diagnosed anxiety.” If your children struggle with anxiety, the statistics show they are not alone.

Feelings of anxiousness protect us from dangerous situations and warn us when to avoid things that may put us at risk. This is the positive side of anxious feelings.

However, an anxiety disorder can be debilitating and cause us to make decisions that are no longer protecting us.

Anxiety in children can be difficult to identify because it can appear to be a child’s acting out or behaving strangely rather than expressing an underlying concern.

For example, if your child is having anxiety about school, he may refuse to go, may complain about a stomachache and ask to see the nurse to get out of class, or he may act out and distract his peers. If you feel that your child’s behavior stems from anxiousness about a situation, try to identify the problem’s root. “We ask questions that get them to discover the root of the worry themselves,” says an Olathe mom of three.

She suggests using questions like “What are you most afraid of happening in this situation?” This helps kids determine the root of the problem. “If they don’t know

what scares them, we walk through a possible scenario of the whole event and stop when they get to the scary part so we can further discuss it,” she says.

Darcy King, mom of two from Olathe, says, “We use a lot of grounding techniques.

For example, name five things you see, five things you hear, five things you feel. We also use deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation videos that can be found on YouTube.” Olathe mom of three Amy Cameron says, “I finally asked my kids if they felt like talking to a therapist, and I was surprised how well they were able to articulate what they were going through. It helped a lot.”

No one will argue that anxious feelings are normal on occasion for both kids and adults. When these feelings interfere with schoolwork, activities and relationships, disrupt the entire family or become unmanageable, it may be time to seek professional help. If your child is threatening to hurt herself or others, or if her behavior feels scary or out of control, see a professional right away. A therapist

will be able to give you and your child tools to manage the anxiety in a healthy way, identify the root of the problem, determine symptoms and triggers, and prescribe medication if needed. These steps will make anxiety more manageable and leave your child feeling healthier and happier.

Tips to Tame Anxiety in Your Children

• Name the worry and talk about it.

• Determine the symptoms of anxiety so you are aware of it right away.

• Determine the triggers and the root of the problem.

• Listen to their fears without brushing them off.

• Walk through what could happen and come up with solutions.

• Write down the fears then throw them away.

• Journal about your feelings.

• Let them know it’s normal—every child experiences nervous feelings.

• Give them a hug, hug a stuffed animal or snuggle up with a stuffed animal or pet.

• Take a bath or splash water on your face.

• Do a grounding activity like the five senses game. Name one thing you can see, hear, smell, taste and feel • Practice deep breathing and muscle relaxation techniques.

• Listen to music or sing a song.

• Utilize a fidget toy or stress ball.

• Get moving—exercise or go for a walk.

• Be patient and remain a calming presence for your child.

Anxiety | Definition of Anxiety by Merriam-Webster Children with Anxiety: Symptoms and How to Help (VeryWellMind.com) Signs of Anxiety in Children: Child Anxiety Symptoms Anxiety and Depression in Children: Get the facts | CDC (statistics) Sarah Lyons is an Olathe mom of six children, including 7-year-old triplets.

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

MARTIAL ARTS LESSONS FOR AGES 4 YEARS AND UP!

TWO WEEKS $

FOR ONLY

39!

®

This incredible special offer includes:

■ Unlimited Classes For Two (2) Weeks ■ Free Training Uniform & Rank Belt Limited to only the first 50 students!

OLATHE

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

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

Visit our website at KCTigerRock.com! kcparent.com september 2021

45

KINDNESS COUNTS

K

ind kids. Parents can likely agree this is a top characteristic we want our children to possess. Yes, honesty, integrity, generosity, courage, resilience (the list could go on for ages) are all important characteristics too. But there is something about kindness ... it leaves a lasting impression and sticks with us, sometimes for years. And I don’t know about you, but I think the world needs a lot more of it.

Being kind starts at home though. Kindness may be a natural tendency for some children, but it still has to be modeled and taught. Parents, teachers and caregivers have daily opportunities to foster, develop and strengthen children’s kindness skills over time. Check out our ABCs below to find new ideas for your family to start spreading kindness!

A

Teach your children to acknowledge people you encounter in everyday life. For neighbors or workers, such as grocery cashiers, recycling or trash collectors or drive-thru workers, a simple “Hi, how are you?” or “Thank you!” goes a long way.

B Make blessing bags for the homeless. A blessing bag consists

of useful items, such as a bottle of water and granola bar, socks, lip balm, sunscreen, toothbrush and toothpaste. These can be kept in the car in case you run across someone while you’re out and about, or you can call a local homeless shelter to see whether they need bags.

C

Overland Park mom Nichole Fox has two children (soon to be three) and shares a super fun idea: “We attached kindness notes to candy canes and hung them on car handles. My son and his friends loved this, as they felt like they were on a secret mission trying not to get caught!”

46

kcparent.com september 2021

D

Think daily acts of kindness. Catie Penrose, an Overland Park mom of three, says, “Holding the door open for others, picking up trash in parks, letting others go first and helping little ones on the playground are some of the simple, daily ways we try to spread kindness.”

E

Encourage someone. Chalk the sidewalk in your neighborhood or someone’s driveway with fun pictures and joyful words.

F

Buy flowers and randomly deliver to someone’s doorstep or buy a bouquet of flowers and hand out single stems at the grocery store as people leave.

G Give a gift card to someone unexpectedly.

H Help out without being asked.

I Invite a neighbor over for dinner.

J “On rainy days, we bake ‘just because’ treats together. We

drive around, and the boys get to deliver their plate plus give a quick hello to their friends. It’s a simple way to spread a little love and joy!” shares Overland Park mom of three Catelin Corn.

K Check out KindCraft.org if you are interested in learning about

ways you can serve as a family or fun ways to incorporate kindness into your life. Courtney Smith, cofounder and president of KindCraft, as well as mom of two children, shares, “KindCraft offers families an opportunity to serve together once a month. We try to offer a wide variety of opportunities, including assembling blessing bags for the homeless, making happy kits for hospitalized children and painting Kindness Pavers for local nursing homes. We also offer Kindness Cards that can be used to perform small acts of kindness, such as baking treats for the fire department or donating toys to a charity.”

L Host a lemonade stand and don’t charge, or if you do, donate

X X marks the spot! Hide a small treasure item for a younger

M “When we learn of a friend going through a tough time,

Y Do yard work for a neighbor. This could include pulling weeds,

the money to a charity that has value to your children.

we cook a meal for them. While cooking, we talk about how preparing a meal for someone can remind them of the support they have in our community,” says Catie.

N

Leave simple notes of kindness on a mirror, car or inside library books.

O Open the door for others.

P Paint or color pictures to put in the mail to friends or family.

Who doesn’t love getting something besides a bill in the mail?!

Q Tape quarters to a vending machine or fill the carts at Aldi.

R Rake leaves for a neighbor or elderly person. Paint rocks and

leave on a trail. Clean up a park and recycle what you can.

S Smile!

T Deliver treats to your local fire or police department.

U “Understanding creates kindness ... I think we initiate

kindness in our home by having open, honest, conversations about all things, including race, homelessness, people who are differently abled, etc. No topic is off limits,” says Skyler Srack, Shawnee mom of three.

V Volunteer at Harvesters or Giving the Basics.

W Wash the car or water plants for someone. Randomly wave at people.

neighbor or friend and have them find it using a treasure map.

planting flowers, trimming bushes or mowing the grass.

Z Zoom with a family member or friend.

Whether you have a few minutes, a few hours, once a month or once a week, you are sure to find one idea listed here to begin incorporating into teaching your children about kindness. “We want kids to know they can make a difference in the lives of others just by spreading kindness and love,” Smith says. “You never know what someone else is experiencing, and your one small act of kindness could really turn their day around.” Colleen Conneally, Lenexa mom of three, drives this point home, saying, “Kindness is free. It doesn’t cost you anything to be kind, and both parties end up gaining something.” So get out there and be kind people!

What is your family’s favorite way to spread kindness?

• Donating gently used items • Volunteering • Paying for someone in line behind you • Leaving surprise notes • Helping out a neighbor

Julie Collett writes from Overland Park where their family strives to show kindness to others. She’s looking forward to adding more random acts of kindness to their lives and cannot wait to try the candy cane idea at Christmas!

kcparent.com september 2021

47

HOW TO FOSTER

independent play

A

s parents, we strive to do what’s best for our children. We find creative ways to help our kids tolerate vegetables, establish predictable bedtime routines and make sure they say please and thank you. Sometimes, fostering independence, particularly in play, can seem like just one more to-do that falls by the wayside. But the benefits for both parent and child are so pronounced, one could argue independent play should be up there at the top of every mom and dad’s agenda.

The good news? Building this skillset is not so much about doing more for our kids but, rather, doing less. Here are some major dos and don’ts of fostering independent play.

48

kcparent.com september 2021

DO: Give Your Child the Time to Be Creative DON’T: Overschedule Your Child’s Day with Extracurricular Activities Basketball, gymnastics and Math Counts—oh, my! With so many fabulous extracurriculars vying for our children’s attention—along with our deep-seated desire to see them find their talents and build them early—we can easily overschedule our days and weeks. Add siblings to the mix and you have a recipe for exhausted, crabby and overstimulated children and parents. All too often, sports, music and other activities are pushed as purely positive experiences. But as a family, intentionally evaluate the cost that comes with each one.

Hint: It’s not just financial! Every evening practice that takes away time from a family dinner or the mounting stress of shuffling from one extracurricular to the next can pile on a family, crushing everyone with anxiety and exhaustion. But how will a child develop his prodigy skill set, you may wonder? And what about socialization? Parents must remember that gifts and talents oftentimes showcase themselves as a result of time that a child has to cultivate a skill, not just because he has a 30-minute weekly session.

Likewise, although friendships can sprout through meeting in a class, they flourish organically when kids have free time to spend together.

DO: Give Your Child Tools for How to Spend Free Time DON’T: Default to Screen Time with Every Plight of Boredom Congrats! You are no longer running the rat race. You have struck a healthy balance of structured activities and free time. But now you face a new challenge. Every time your children are bored, they follow you around with endless complaints: “Mom! There’s nothing to do!” Be vigilant to give them tools before technology. Because of the accessibility of screens, whether it be smart phones, tablets or TVs, kids have an endless stream of digital saccharine at their disposal. Pacifying boredom on a device is no substitute for the fabulous connections that take place when kids push through that boredom. A 2018 National Institutes for Health study found that children who spent more than two hours a day on screens had poorer verbal and

thinking skills than those who didn’t, and more than seven hours of screen time a day went so far as to thin the brain’s cortex (the brain’s reasoning and critical thinking hub).

So what’s a parent to do? Look to use media time in a way that supports your family values. Here are some examples: 1) Focus on shared screen time that builds memories together (think family movie nights) instead of isolated usage.

2) Establish screen-free zones, like bedrooms or other solitary places, and screen-free times such as meals, short car rides and bedtime. Also, take periodic screen fasts as a family, perhaps once a week, one week a month or even a month each year to recalibrate everyone’s habits.

3) Practice what you preach. Don’t expect of your children what you aren’t willing to do yourself. Put timers on your devices to limit excessive usage and put your phone away outside of designated times to avoid mindless scrolling.

4) Be choosy. There are far too many good options out there to waste time with bad ones. Resources like Common Sense Media and Plugged In give parents reviews about apps, games, movies and TV show content so they can make informed decisions about what’s acceptable and what’s not.

5) Use tech as a tool instead of a timewaster. Technology is amoral—it’s all in how you use it. Focus on using it to create and do things instead of using it to idly watch others do things. Invest in a stop-motion kit to make Claymation or Lego movies or give your kids your outdated camcorder devices, so they can produce their own backyard film.

DO: Allow a Mess Every Once in a While DON’T: Hyper-Regulate How Creative Play Pans Out My artistically-inclined firstborn has never enjoyed premade art kits. Why? Because they tell him exactly what to do and don’t leave license for creativity, he tells me. I totally get it. A lot of what falls under the guise of arts and crafts these days is more a copy-and-paste exercise

than free-flowing practice. Kids need to be able to enjoy the process as much as the product, and by doing so, they gain valuable skills in decision making and trouble shooting. Likewise, know that with creativity comes a little mess and learn to be okay with it. Reserve a set of stained clothes as a uniform for creative play. Block off a quadrant of the backyard for making mud puddles and mud pies. Let kids build forts in the backyard and stay outside so long that they freckle. Time outdoors, freedom to make a mess and few limits in how they play creatively all go a long way in developing children who not only play independently but also grow in general self-sufficiency.

DO: Make Chores a Game DON’T: Avoid Responsibility in the Name of Fun Some of Westport resident McKenzie Davidson’s favorite childhood memories include painting her house, sans paint.

Only a bucket of water and a clean paintbrush were necessary.

“All I really did was get the siding wet,” Davidson recalls. “But it felt like I was doing something really important, and it kept me busy for a very long time!” She and her husband, Brad, now work in real estate, flipping old homes. Coincidence or not— who’s to say?

Mary Poppins isn’t the only one who can make cleaning a game. Kids can plant their own garden row and then “dig for buried treasure” (pick root vegetables) when it’s harvest time. Or encourage your children who are middle school age or older to rearrange their rooms and then walk the family through the completed space as though they were hosting an HGTV show. In the process, everything gets cleaned up, and they feel empowered about their newly arranged digs.

Olathe mom and freelancer Lauren Greenlee’s favorite forms of independent play as a child were making her own form of the Dewey Decimal System for her growing collection of books and developing her professional organizing skills by cleaning her messy friends’ rooms. kcparent.com september 2021

49

TWO WILDLIFE FAMILY GETAWAYS

50

kcparent.com september 2021

A

utumn is one of our favorite times to enjoy weekend getaways with the family. Tourist traffic is down, and it’s nice to take a break from work and school. Animal experiences are a favorite for visitors of all ages, and these getaways are great for all generations to enjoy making memories together.

Timbavati Wildlife Park Wisconsin Dells

2220 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy., Wisconsin Dells, WI, 608.253.2391 Timbavati Wildlife Park is a truly one-ofa-kind animal park. Visitors may explore the park May through November or participate in a behind-the-scenes VIP tour for families (VIP tours available year-round). When the park is open to visitors during the regular season, guests may watch educational wildlife presentations throughout the day. We took at VIP tour and experienced all the park has to offer, including many hands-on experiences with animals. For future zookeepers and animal lovers, this is an unbeatable experience.

Our tour began with a visit to the lemurs.

The park is home to two black and white ruff lemurs from Madagascar. They were playful animals, climbing and playing on all four paws.

We also saw the howler monkeys from Central and South America. These active animals were a delight to watch.

Next, we visited the three lioness sisters, all about 9 years old and weighing approximately 250 pounds. We saw a Carpathian lynx from Siberia, the largest of the lynx species, and a Canadian lynx known for its sharp hearing that can detect prey under the snow.

After that, we paid a visit to the giraffes, the stars of the show. The park is home to one reticulated giraffe and two Masai giraffes. We were able to feed carrots to these charming animals. Their 18-inch-long blue tongues (which protect them from sun blisters) lapped up the treats. These friendly giraffes won our hearts! My girls were begging to come visit them again.

We also saw red pandas, penguins, rhinos, prairie dogs and cougars. Of the big cats, the girls especially enjoyed watching two beautiful Bengal tigers.

After visiting the animals on exhibit, we headed to the nurseries, buildings that are home to many animals we were able to meet up close. We saw ball python, two blue and gold macaws, pygmy hedgehogs from Europe, flamingoes (who left quite an impression with their distinctive sounds), an African spurred tortoise, a blue duiker named Leif, and a redbreasted cockatoo. We also saw Egyptian fruit bats, straw-colored fruit bats, a Nile monitor, cotton top tamarins and a two-toed sloth named Lulu. Then, the girls were given the chance to pet the lesser tamandua anteater with

a 15-inch-long tongue. The anteater eats 10,000-20,000 ants a day, so the park feeds her protein shakes to maintain her diet. The girls were also fascinated by the year-old North American porcupine named Quinn, and we learned that despite what cartoons always show, they do not shoot their quills for defense. We also saw a Fennec fox, North American skunk, kookaburra, owl monkeys, ringtail lemurs, marmosets, red-handed tamarins and alpacas. In the nursery, we were able to touch and pet the red-footed tortoise. Then, for the highlight of the visit to the nursery, we each had the opportunity to hold Poppy, a 7-month-old joey kangaroo!

The grand finale of the VIP tour was a chance to feed dozens of colorful parakeets!

The tour was informative and educational, and the hands-on experiences provided an unforgettable memory the entire family loved.

On our visit to Wisconsin Dells, we also made a point to see the Dells themselves.

The Dells Boat Tours (DellsBoats.com/ upper-dells-tours/) excursion of the Upper Dells was one of the most fun tourist boat rides we have ever experienced. The guides share the history of the area and take you to see Witches Gulch, Standing Rock and other beautiful sites along the river. The first shore landing, Witches Gulch, was my favorite. Visitors journey along a beautiful green walk through a narrow canyon carved by wind and water. The rocks are covered in ferns, and the narrow passages and chambers are naturally cool year-round.

The second stop is Stand Rock, where we walked to the base of the area’s best-known pillar of sandstone. It was made famous as the site of the first stop-action photo, when photographer H. H. Bennett took a photo of his son jumping onto Stand Rock in 1886.

Boat tour guests watch as a trained dog makes the famous leap from cliff face to Stand Rock and back again.

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, MO, 888.222.6060. Admission charged.

Weekend getaways to Springfield, MO, are an easy family overnight or even day trip for the ambitious. We love visiting Wonders of Wildlife. This fantastic natural history museum and aquarium is a phenomenal attraction and requires most of a day to visit and enjoy thoroughly.

Wonders of Wildlife bills itself as the “largest, most immersive fish and wildlife attraction in the world!” The attraction was created by Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris. His love for nature is contagious, and his passion comes across in every aspect of this attraction.

The museum includes first a natural history museum with breathtaking exhibits showcasing the history of the Ozark region, Native American heritage, the Lewis and Clark Expedition and wildlife from around the world. From sheep to bears, deer to antelope ... we saw thousands of animals. The centerpiece of this half of the museum is the Great African Hall with beautiful displays showcasing African animals. The lighting and sounds of the hall transform from day to night while you are there, creating the feeling that you are among the elephants, zebras and giraffes on the African tundra.

I recommend spending the morning in the natural history portion, then taking a lunch break at Fish Tales, a lunch

spot for the museum, or heading to a restaurant within Bass Pro shops or in the neighborhood. After a midday meal, return to visit the aquarium. We ate at Fish Tales on our visit, enjoying pizza and sandwiches.

The aquarium is truly spectacular. This is unlike any aquarium we have ever visited.

The displays include not only aquariums, but swamp exhibits, fishing exhibits and history exhibits celebrating the history of fishing, the sport of fishing and even the passion America’s presidents have held for the sport.

The 1.5-million-gallon aquarium adventure features 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds.

We loved the shark exhibit, we were transported to the bayou in the swamp exhibit, and the stingray exhibit is the best we have ever experienced. My girls enjoyed seeing sloths, bears, alligators, flamingoes, otters and countless sea creatures, including octopus, sharks, clown fish, rays, jellyfish and other fish from around the world.

The stingray touch pool, the finale of the attraction, is truly world-class.

Tip: For more inspiration for this getaway, search “Adventures for the Family in the Ozarks” on KCParent.com.

Kristina Light’s girls love animal encounters!

Search “animal adventures” on KCParent.com for even more local ideas.

Tip: Wisconsin Dells is the “Waterpark Capital of the World” with many great waterparks to enjoy as a family, including indoor resorts that offer family lodging and are open year-round. Search “Wisconsin Dells” for waterpark tips and be sure to check Groupon for deals. kcparent.com september 2021

51

20 FREE (and Cheap)

Fall Fun Experiences to Enjoy in KC Enjoy the best of autumn in KC with these fun-filled free and cheap ideas!

1. Go apple picking. Set a budget of up to $5/ person, which is easy to do at the u-pick price!

2. Visit Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm and discover what life was like in the mid-1800s on the Kansas prairie.

3. Take photos in huge fields of sunflowers at Russell Sunflower Patch or Grinter Farms.

4. Walk the Country Club Plaza and admire the art and fountains.

5. Try pumpkin spice goodies at your favorite restaurant.

6. Stroll through a local farmers market and find one new food to try.

7. Take a tour of Watkins Woolen Mill Historic Site, the only 19th-century textile mill in the United States with its original machinery still intact.

8. Enjoy autumn wildflowers and play among the trees at the Anita Gorman Discovery Center, a free nature center near the Country Club Plaza.

9. Ride the KC Streetcar and visit Union Station, play chess on the roof at the Central Library, and taste test a yummy treat at City Market.

52

kcparent.com september 2021

10. Learn about the Santa Fe Trail at Cave Springs Nature Center.

11. Explore a Kansas City area waterfall. Search waterfalls on KCParent.com.

12. Bring binoculars for bird watching at Burroughs Audubon Nature Center.

13. Play “I Spy” at Lakeside Nature Center.

14. Marvel at modern art at the Nerman Museum, where admission is free.

15. Discover a masterpiece and take a photo with the giant spider at the free Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.

16. Stroll Downtown Lee’s Summit and visit the Historical Society Museum housed in an old depot.

17. Discover Kansas’ most famous residents through the artwork at Legends Outlets.

18. Bike Trolley Trail.

19. Go roller skating. Most local rinks offer a discounted family night.

20. Visit a new library. Kansas City is rich with exciting local libraries. Try one beyond your neighborhood location.

SEPTEMBER

festivals

ACROSS KANSAS CITY SantaCaliGon Sept. 3-6 at Historic Independence Square.

SantaCaliGon Days Festival is a nonstop celebration of the city of Independence, the starting point of the westward expansion. Live music, carnival rides, vendors and family fun are all part of the tradition. SantaCaliGon.com

Kansas State Fair Sept. 10-19 at Kansas State Fairgrounds, 2000 N. Poplar St., Hutchinson. More than 1,000 commercial vendor locations and close to 30,000 entries in various competitive exhibit departments. KansasStateFair.com

Lenexa

Spinach

Festival

Lenexa Spinach Festival Sept. 11 at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. The Lenexa Spinach Festival is packed with food, music, entertainment, hands-on activities and arts and antique vendors. Experience the world’s largest spinach salad, learn about our history or submit your favorite dish to our recipe contest. Lenexa.com Friends of Shawnee Town Arts & Crafts Fair & Fall Festival Sept. 18 at Shawnee Town 1929. Shop more than 130 vendors showcasing their handmade, homemade and repurposed items. There will be several food vendors on site to meet the needs of your taste buds! ShawneeTown.org

KC Zoo Run for Koalas Sept. 18 at Kansas City Zoo. The Kansas City Zoo Run 2021 is the Run for Koalas. All participants receive a custom-designed featured species GO-EX Koala t-shirt, custom koala finisher’s medal and free race-day entry into the zoo that’s valid any day through the end of 2021.

Lee’s Summit Oktoberfest Sept. 24-26 at Downtown KC Zoo R

un for Ko

alas

Lee’s Summit. Enjoy Kids Street, arts and crafts, German meals, beer and brat tents, the biergarten, carnival, the Sportzelt, live entertainment, contests, a rootbiergarten, home brew tasting, German dancers and much more. There’s no cost to attend the festival. LSOktoberfest.com

Ciderfest Sept. 25-26, Oct. 2-3 at Louisburg Cider Mill. For two exciting weekends every autumn, Louisburg Cider Mill brings you some good old-fashioned apple cider fun. Activities include pony rides, inflatable slide, cider and donut-making and craft booths. LouisburgCiderMill.com/ciderfest

Grand Festival of Chez les Canses Sept. 25 at Fort Osage, 107 Osage St., Sibley, MO. Celebrate the history of early French explorers and adventurers, as interpreters demonstrate the arts, crafts and customs of early European explorers who traveled to the region in the 1700s. MakeYourDayHere.com

erfest

Lee’s Summit Oktob

Find the complete Festival Guide on KCParent.com! kcparent.com september 2021

53

september

FOR EVEN

MORE EVENTS, HEAD TO THE ONLINE CALENDAR AT KCPARENT.COM.

CALENDAR

The Great Pumpkin Fest at Worlds of Fun

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

Please call to verify event details.

54 september 2021 kcparent.com

celebrate

play

enjoy

eat

read

Twelve organizations celebrate Missouri’s bicentennial and commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail at Festival of the Trails Day on Sept 11 at various locations.

Young ones enjoy Jumperoo at Urban Air on select days.

A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent.

UrbanAir TrampolinePark.com

Bring the kids to Worlds of Fun for the Great Pumpkin Fest on select weekends.

Halloween-themed activities plus rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy!

WorldsOfFun.com

Come to the Lenexa City Center on Sept 25 for Food Truck Frenzy.

Sample tasty treats from some of the metro’s best food trucks.

LenexaPublic Market.com

Let your imagination run WILD with a good book at the Kansas City Zoo’s Book-fari Sept 25-26.

Animals enjoy backto-school enrichment and special displays!

KansasCityZoo.org

1 Wednesday Fall Fishing Derby Thru Sept 30, various Lenexa parks. Enjoy an on-your-own fishing derby and try out different favorite fishing spots. Lenexa.com

4 Saturday

Farmers Market 4:00 Belton Memorial Park.

Shop for fresh homegrown produce, homebaked goods and homemade items from local vendors. BeltonParks.org

Commemorating the Santa Fe Trail 9:00, Fort Osage. Discover the people and cultures tied to the historic Santa Fe Trail. MakeYourDayHere.com

3 Friday

Little Acorns 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Take a fantastic journey through forests, streams and other magical places through select books. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov.

Union Pacific Big Boy No 4014 Various times, Union Station. See the Big Boy locomotives that are 132 feet long and weigh 1.2 million pounds. bit.ly/4014Sept1

Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Read a book then paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story and finish with a snack.

CeramicCafeKC.com

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

Food Truck Fridays 11:30, Grandview Historical Depot Museum. Enjoy a variety of tastes just outside City Hall every Friday during lunchtime.

Grandview.org

Paper Craft 1:00, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. Explore different types of paper crafting techniques to build threedimensional art. Ages 10-15. Pre-reg at 913.826.3070.

Friday Night Sound Bites 5:30, Lenexa Public Market. Enjoy live music and bites from a food truck or one of the Public Market restaurants.

LenexaPublicMarket.com

Parkville Cruise Night 4:00, Farmers Market Lot (Parkville). Hang out with friends, listen to music and come see all the cars while also exploring downtown Parkville. ParkvilleMo.org

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

Summer Concert Series 7:00, Ward Parkway Center. Relax on the lawn (bring a lawn chair) or enjoy the show from the outdoor patios of various restaurants. WardParkwayCenter.com

SantaCaliGon Days Thru Sept 6, Independence Square. Features more than 400 crafters and vendors, country western music, food and more. SantaCaliGon.com

Between the Bricks 7:00, Independence Square. Come listen to live music outdoors on the patio at Between the Bricks at the Courthouse Exchange. IndepSquare.com

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

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com Nature Story Time 11:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Join for music, movement and adventures outdoors hosted by Stepping Stones KC. Pre-reg at 913.685.3604.

DeSoto Days Festival Thru Sept 4, Downtown DeSoto. Festival includes a carnival, car show, live performances and much more!

DeSotoDays.com

pumpkin patch fun!

Traditions your family will love year after year. Come and enjoy... t t t

Acres upon Acres of Pumpkins Historic Country Carousel Petting Barn with Farm Friends

t t t

Little Bud’s Railroad Rides Kids Zone featuring Fort Liberty Weekend Pig Races

t t

World Famous Pumpkin Donuts Fudge, Kettle Corn and Other Delicious Farm-Made Treats

17607 N.E. 52ND street liberty, MO 64068 www.carolynspumpkinpatch.com

open

Sep 18-Oct 31

6 Days a Week. Closed on Tuesday.

CPP Ad_KC Parent_7.4x4.85 V2.indd 1

Proudly celebrating our 30th year!

Save $ 3

per admission when purchased online 55

kcparent.com 8/9/21 7:37 PM september 2021

Kids Club Sept 11, Colonial Gardens. Kids enjoy fun activities while you shop at Colonial Gardens or savor a coffee at the Bean Counter. Pre-reg at ColonialGardensKC.com.

5 Sunday

7 Tuesday

Train Rides 10:00, KC Northern Railroad. Fun for the entire family. Ride a park train from the ’50s and ’60s. Fare is 75 cents per ride. KCNRR.com

Drive-Thru History Tuesdays 9:00, Missouri Town 1855. Drive into Missouri Town to explore the village and visit with our living history interpreters.

MakeYourDayHere.com

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

Concessions available. BlueSpringsGov.com

6 Monday Labor Day Labor Day 5K 7:30, American Academy of Family Physicians. Start your holiday with a race along Tomahawk Creek Parkway. Pre-reg at RunSignUp.com.

Under the Sea Adventure 10:00, Crown Center. Plunge into a fun, creative environment in this free exhibit where kids can explore the deep blue sea. CrownCenter.com

K AN SA S

CIT Y

YO U N G

Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away.

10:00, Union Station. Exhibit features more than 700 original objects, 400 photographs and hundreds of artifacts. UnionStation.org Discover Nature: Naturalist Hour 2:00, Burr Oak Woods. Go on an adventure with a naturalist to make amazing discoveries as you explore on a trail. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov/events.

Grow a Reader 6:00, MCPL. Join library staff for a virtual story time brought directly to your home! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Farmers Market 7:30, English Landing Park.

Shop for assorted fruits and vegetables, meats, farm fresh eggs, local honey, jams, jellies and more! ParkvilleFarmersMarket.com Kids Perfect Day Out 9:00, Oakhill Day School. Ages 2-5 join for play-based learning, social interaction and more! Pre-reg at OakhillDaySchool.org/kpdo.

Farm Fresh History since 1858!

Check out our website and Facebook page for summer fun!

AU D I EN CE S

CLASSES TO INSPIRE YOUNG ARTISTS!

• In-person classes / Covid safety protocols • Classes meet weekly for 13 weeks • September 7 – December 11 • Scholarships & Discounts available • Ages 3-18 • KCYA.org

8 Wednesday

ERS NOW OFF

A

IVORIETY T C A E FRE UPS OF 8 OR M

H CLAY TE WIT N T F O R A E R C COU COME IT Y CA N FOR GRO

T IV E HOURS T H IS A C Y S E R V IC IT N U M COM

WE NEED THOUSANDS OF GNOMES FOR OUR GNOME HUNT IN 2022 For more information call

913-383-0222 or email

CeramicCafeKC@gmail.com

7/31/19

recommended for ages 8 and up

816.531.4022 • KCYA.org

56 september 2021 kcparent.com

1200 Kansas City Road Olathe, Kansas • 913.971.5111 Activities vary by season Visit www.mahaffie.org

9 Thursday Hummingbird Festival 9:00, George Owens Nature Park. Hummingbird banding, expert advice, kids crafts and games, and native wildflowers for sale. 816.325.7115 Farmers Market 4:00, Belton Memorial Park.

Find fresh homegrown produce, home-baked goods and homemade items from local vendors.BeltonParks.org

10 Friday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Overland Park).

A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Read a book, then paint a ceramic item that goes along with the story and finish with a snack.

CeramicCafeKC.com Food Truck Fridays 11:30, Grandview Historical Depot Museum. Enjoy a variety of tastes just outside City Hall every Friday during lunchtime.

Grandview.org Friday in the Park 11:30, Macken Park (Festival Shelter). Enjoy free summer performances by local bands. NKC.org

Family Fall Festival Today & tomorrow, Belton Memorial Park. Live music, local vendors, food trucks, inflatables, petting zoo and more!

Belton.org

Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square.

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

LindenSquare.info

Smoke on the Trails BBQ Competition Today & tomorrow, Celebration Park. Experience this Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned event in Gardner! GardnerKansas.gov

11 Saturday

Huff ‘n Puff Balloon Festival Thru Sunday, Mount Hope Cemetery (Topeka). Vendors, activities, hot air balloons and fun.

Huff-n-Puff.org Kansas State Fair Thru Sept 19, Kansas State Fairgrounds. Carnival games, rides, entertainment, tractor pull, demolition derby, food vendors and more! KansasStateFair.com Greek Festival Thru Sunday, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Authentic Greek food, live music, gift shop and more.

GreekFoodFest.org Fortnite Duos Tournament 6:00, Gladstone Community Center. Top three participants move on to the KC MESA in October. Snacks and bottled water provided. Pre-reg at 816.423.4200.

Festival of the Trails Day 8:00, Various locations (Raytown). Join 12 organizations to celebrate Missouri’s bicentennial and commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail. Missouri2021.org Spinach Festival 9:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (Lenexa). Enjoy food, live music, art, vendors, inflatables, the World’s Biggest Spinach Salad and more! Lenexa.com/spinach Man’s Best Friend Doggie Dip Day 9:00, Belton Memorial Park. The annual last swim of the season ... with the dogs! $5 per pooch.

Belton.org Dog Days 9:00, Powell Gardens. On Dog Days, bring your canine companions for a stroll. Enjoy seasonal blooms and sunshine with your furry friend! PowellGardens.org Chalk & Walk Festival Today & tomorrow, Crown Center. Empty squares of asphalt are transformed into magnificent pieces of artwork.

KCChalkAndWalk.org

U-PICK FARM FUN FOR 20 YEARS! • Over 23,000 Mums in 52 Varieties, 7 colors, 3 bloom times!

• U-Pick Apples, Veggies, Sunflowers and Pumpkins • Friendly Farm Animals • Jumping Pillows and Plenty of Outside Play Area • Pumpkin Donuts and Cider Slushies FAMILY SEASON PASSES AVAILABLE 177th and Holmes • 816.331.1067 www.johnsonfarms.net

kcparent.com september 2021

57

Grandparents Day 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Enjoy fall living history activities, stagecoach ride and more! One free grandparent with paid child admission.

Mahaffie.org Kids Club 10:00, Colonial Gardens. Kids enjoy fun activities while you shop at Colonial Gardens or savor a coffee at the Bean Counter.

Pre-reg at ColonialGardensKC.com.

KidsFest Business Fair 10:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Kids ages 6-16 get the opportunity to be entrepreneurs. Pre-reg at CityOfShawnee.org/kidsfest.

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

Downtown Makers Market 10:00, Downtown Overland Park. Shop from inspired handmade and vintage vendors and enjoy local live music.

VisitOverlandPark.com Car and Motorcycle Show 10:00, Merriam Marketplace. View more than 250 classic cars, hot rods, street rods, antique cars, trucks and custom motorcycles. Merriam.org

Winefest: Independence Uncorked 1:00, Bingham-Waggoner Estate. Day for a date!

Enjoy wineries from all over Missouri! $30-$50.

IndependenceUncorked.com

Plaza Live! Noon, Country Club Plaza. Enjoy live music in Penguin Courtyard, across from Brio at Nichols Road & Pennsylvania Avenue.

CountryClubPlaza.com

Jazz Festival 3:00, Harmon Park (Prairie Village). Enjoy an evening of magical music, fabulous artistry, delectable food and drink, and fun! $5. PVKansas.com

Wheels & Dreams Car, Truck & Bike Show 1:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Live music, food trucks, vendors, sponsor areas and more!

ShawneeTown.org

Dance in the Park 6:00, Roanoke Park. Bring blankets and a picnic and enjoy a magical family-friendly dance concert under the stars.

CityInMotion.org

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

Raytown Live 7:00, Town Center Greenspace.

Kick up your heels and have some family-friendly fun while enjoying live music. Raytown.Live

13 Monday

Night Ride 8:00, Fieldhouse of Blue Springs.

Decorate your bike in your favorite lights and join us as we ride throughout Blue Springs.

Pre-reg at 816.228.0137.

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

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

Visit Legoland 9:30, Legoland Discovery Center.

Take the kids to the ultimate indoor playground for the biggest fans of Lego. Purchase tickets at LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com African Safari Thru Sept 26, Wonders of Wildlife (Springfield, MO). Join an adventure and enjoy safari-themed events and activities. Full schedule at WondersOfWildlife.org.

it ’s the

s e e n k s bee M I LY FA R M L O U I S B U R G C I D E R M I L L FA

2021 Season Sept 17-oct 31 FAMILY FARM AMENITIES

10 Acre Corn Maze Pumpkin Patch Wagon Rides Corn Crib Teepee Jump Pillow Little Apple Playland Tricycle Track Sunflower Slide Farm Animals Spider Web Climber Tire Tower Learning Barn Bee Hive Exhibit Giant Swing Set Low Challenge Elements

1 4 7 3 0 k 6 8 h i g h way l o u i s b u r g k s 6 6 0 5 3 I 9 1 3 . 8 3 7 . 5 2 0 2 c o u n t r y s t o r e o p e n y e a r r o u n d m o n d ay - s a t u r d ay 8 - 6 & s u n d ay 9 - 6

louisburgcidermill.com KC_Parent_Mag_Ad_7.4x4.85.indd september 2021 58

kcparent.com

1

8/12/21 1:31 PM

14 Tuesday Visit Legoland 9:30, Legoland Discovery Center.

Take the kids to the ultimate indoor playground for the biggest fans of Lego. Purchase tickets at LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com.

Koala Bears 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Meet koalas Chuckels and Thackory! These two cuddly marsupials are visiting the zoo through November! KansasCityZoo.org Kansas State Fair Thru Sept 19, Kansas State Fairgrounds. Carnival games, rides, entertainment, tractor pull, demolition derby, food vendors and more! KansasStateFair.com Fall Fishing Derby Thru Sept 30, various Lenexa parks. Enjoy an on-your-own fishing derby and try out different favorite fishing spots. Lenexa.com

15 Wednesday Farmers Market 8:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit.

Purchase a variety of fresh produce, plants, meat, baked goods, handmade crafts and more.

DowntownLS.org Mom & Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3 per person, you get a game, shoe rental and drink on Mondays and Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com Show Me Missouri 4:00, MCPL (virtual).

Experiment with air and flight and take a trip through Missouri’s rich history. Learn about Charles Lindbergh and more. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Jammin’ on the Green 6:30, Shawnee Town 1929. Relax under the stars and enjoy the music of Hot Club KC and their repertoire of 1920s music. ShawneeTown.org

16 Thursday

NOW OPEN!

Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. On Thursdays from 10:00 to 2:00, toddlers 5 and under can paint one selected item for just $10!

CeramicCafeKC.com

LIMITED Group Size Morning and Afternoon Sessions Enhanced Cleaning

Bridging the Gender Divide 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Exhibit explores how toys once marketed to boys have evolved over time to encourage all children.

816.235.8000 Moonlight Market 4:00, Shawnee City Hall.

Grab goods from the farmers market, check out local restaurants, breweries and shops and enjoy live music! CityOfShawnee.org

Museum

8788 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS jocoahc.com

For more info & to book your session: JCPRD.com/Museum kcparent.com september 2021

59

1

2

3

4

5

6

SIX-STOP TOUR LOUISBURG

1. THE CIDER MILL RULES Louisburg Cider Mill is the embodiment of everything autumn.

Long beloved for the apple cider pressed on site and the irresistible apple cider donuts, the mill is also home to a10-acre corn maze, hayrides and a pumpkin patch! The cider mill produces thousands of gallons of freshsqueezed cider annually, and you can watch the process firsthand.

60 september 2021 kcparent.com

2. LIONS AND TIGERS IN KANSAS

3. BEST VIEW OF THE NIGHT SKY

Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization devoted to the care and preservation of endangered large cats. The keepers at Cedar Cove are educated and trained in the care of large exotic felines or “big cats.” The sanctuary offers public tours on weekends where you can learn about the cats firsthand.

Powell Observatory is home to the largest telescope in a five-state area. The main telescope has a 30-inch mirror and is available for public viewing, club member private use and ongoing research projects. Autumn is our favorite time to visit, as darkness falls earlier in the evening and the sky is typically clear.

4. ALPACA THE BAGS! The world has gone wild for alpacas and llamas during the past few years.

After a visit to Timber View Farm you’ll see why.

The fluffy, friendly animals make their home on the 40-acre farm in rural Kansas.

Timber View offers farm tours by appointment and sells a variety of products made from luxurious alpaca fiber.

5. ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS

6. DINE AT A LOCAL EATERY

Hillsdale State Park is a beautiful place to enjoy the great outdoors.

Featuring more than 12,000 acres, the park is home to a lake where you may fish for walleye, catfish, largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. If you visit the park for a picnic or hike, you might see whitetail deer, bobwhite quail, beavers, muskrats and more.

Louisburg is home to many locally owned restaurants known for home cooking and hospitality.

Lucille’s Diner is our personal favorite. The local owner serves up generous portions of diner-style favorites along with friendly hospitality. Big L’s Barbecue is the town’s hot spot for a meaty meal, and La Mesa Mexican dishes up tasty tacos.

Adventure Race 9:00, Kill Creek Park. Enjoy trekking, biking and paddling in Kill Creek Park, Kill Creek Streamway Park and TimberRidge Adventure Center. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

Scavenger Hunt 10:00, Vaile Mansion. A great way for a family to spend an autumn day on the Vaile grounds and learn some history. Pre-reg at 816-797-8711.

Arts & Crafts Fair & Fall Festival 9:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Explore vendors showcasing handmade items, food vendors, kids activities, music and more! ShawneeTown.org

Citizen Science: Pollinator Count 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Learn some cool facts about these little pollinators and the plants they visit. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov.

Kansas Book Festival 9:00, Washburn University. See author presentations and enjoy vendors, entertainment, activities and book signings. KansasBookFestival.com

Art in the Park Today & tomorrow, South Park (Lawrence). Enjoy high-quality art by area artists, along with music and food vendors.

LawrenceArtGuild.org

Friday in the Park 11:30, Macken Park (Festival Shelter). Enjoy free summer performances by local bands. NKC.org

Opening Day Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch.

Bring the family out to the pumpkin patch! First day of fun for the season.

CarolynsCountryCousins.com

Nature Story Time 11:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Join for music, movement and adventures outdoors hosted by Stepping Stones KC. Pre-reg at 913.685.3604.

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

Contemporary Creations 10:00 & 2:00, Nerman Museum. Learn about nature in art through exhibits and create an imaginary plant or animal out of clay. Pre-reg at NermanMuseum.org.

Summer Concert Series 7:00, Ward Parkway Center. Relax on the lawn (bring a lawn chair) or enjoy the show from the outdoor patios of various restaurants. WardParkwayCenter.com

Brookside Art Annual Thru Sunday, 63rd & Brookside Boulevard. Enjoy art along with food booths that serve up a variety of delicious food and drink options. BrooksideKC.org

Harry Potter Day 10:00, Science City. Celebrate Harry Potter with a day filled with science magic, flying broomsticks and enchanting treats. ScienceCity.UnionStation.org

Fall Fun Festival Thru Sunday, Downtown Blue Springs. Come out and enjoy a parade, craft and food vendors, live music, carnival and more! BlueSpringsFallFestival.com

The Great Pumpkin Fest 10:00, Worlds of Fun. Halloween-themed activities plus Peanutsthemed rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy!

WorldsOfFun.com

City Park(ed) 5:00, Leawood City Park. Fuel up at a food truck and get an up-close look at Leawood city vehicles. Fun for the whole family.

Leawood.org

Birthday Party 10:00, Lakeside Nature Sanctuary. Wilma, the ornate box turtle, is celebrating her birthday. Stop by to wish her a happy birthday. 816.513.8960

Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square.

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

LindenSquare.info

Hallmarket Art Festival 10:00, Crown Center.

Shop the creations of Hallmark artists, then enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, food vendors and more. CrownCenter.com

American Royal World Series of Barbecue Thru Sept 19, Kansas Speedway. Enjoy the largest barbecue competition in the world.

AmericanRoyal.com/bbq

17 Friday Opening Day 8:00, Louisburg Cider Mill. The farm opens for the fall season. Enjoy family fun, pumpkins, corn maze and more. Open through Oct 31. LouisburgCiderMill.com Food Truck Friday 11:00, Union Cemetery Park. Enjoy a tasty and affordable lunch in one of downtown KC’s most peaceful park spaces.

816.513.7500

Movie in the Park Dusk, Buffalo Meadows Park.

Pack your lawn chairs and blankets and bring your family to enjoy an evening under the stars.

Lenexa.com New Dance Partners: The Ultimate Collaboration 8:00, Midwest Trust Center.

Four choreographers create original works performed by local dance companies. JCCC.edu

18 Saturday Run for Koalas 8:30, Kansas City Zoo. Event features a 4-mile run/walk and 1-mile family run/walk. Sign up to participate at KansasCityZoo.org.

Big Shoal Country Fair 10:00, AtkinsJohnson Farm. Enjoy crafts, food, Kids Zone, petting zoo, pumpkin patch and more!

FriendsOfTheAtkins-JohnsonFarm.org Old-Fashioned Street Faire 10:00, Downtown Smithville. Vendors of all kinds, inflatables, festival foods, all-day entertainment and more!

816.215.8264 Fall Family Festival 10:00, Kansas City Community Gardens. Enjoy outdoor games, face painting, garden crafts and much more!

KCCG.org

19 Sunday Opening Day 9:00, Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch.

Come out to the farm and pick out a pumpkin or two … maybe three … and enjoy family fun!

FunFarmPumpkinPatch.com Plaza Live! Noon, Country Club Plaza. Enjoy live music in Penguin Courtyard, across from Brio at Nichols Road & Pennsylvania Avenue.

CountryClubPlaza.com Free Afternoon Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center. Free program for the family may include video, slideshow and going outside to enjoy nature. LawrenceKS.org Train Ride 2:00, Belton, Grandview and KC Railroad. Take a 40-minute trip along the tracks of the Frisco Railroad and enjoy a fun afternoon! Pre-purchase tickets at KCRRM.org.

Outdoor Concert Series 6:30, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic dinner and enjoy live music.

Lenexa.com

20 Monday Visit Legoland 9:30, Legoland Discovery Center.

Take the kids to the ultimate indoor playground for the biggest fans of Lego. Purchase tickets at LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com.

Koala Bears 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Meet koalas Chuckels and Thackory! These two cuddly marsupials are visiting the zoo through November! KansasCityZoo.org kcparent.com september 2021

61

Fall Fishing Derby Thru Sept 30, various Lenexa parks. Enjoy an on-your-own fishing derby and try out different favorite fishing spots. Lenexa.com

Read to Succeed 7:00, MCPL (virtual). Join mascot KC Wolf and learn how a love of reading can help throughout life. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

21 Tuesday

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

22 Wednesday

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com Drive-Thru History Tuesdays 9:00, Missouri Town 1855. Drive into Missouri Town to explore the village and visit with our living history interpreters. MakeYourDayHere.com Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away.

10:00, Union Station. Exhibit features more than 700 original objects, 400 photographs and hundreds of artifacts. UnionStation.org Tots on Tuesday 10:30, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Sing songs, read books, explore art and make your own art. KemperArt.org

VOTED TOP 10 ORCHARDS IN THE NATION BY USA TODAY

Farmers Market 8:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit.

Purchase a variety of fresh produce, plants, meat, baked goods, handmade crafts and more.

DowntownLS.org Mom & Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3 per person, you get a game, shoe rental and drink on Mondays and Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com African Safari Thru Sept 26, Wonders of Wildlife (Springfield, MO). Join an adventure and enjoy safari-themed events and activities. Full schedule at WondersOfWildlife.org.

23 Thursday Kids Perfect Day Out 9:00, Oakhill Day School. Ages 2-5 join for play-based learning, social interaction and more! Pre-reg at OakhillDaySchool.org/kpdo.

Farmers Market 4:00 Belton Memorial Park.

Shop for fresh homegrown produce, homebaked goods and homemade items from local vendors. BeltonParks.org

APPLE AND PUMPKIN SEASON

U-pick Apple Orchard | U-pick Pumpkin Patch Hayrack Rides | Apple Cannons | Apple & Cider Pies Gourmet Food | Mums, Jams, Butters and more!

AUG. 1 - OCT. 31

Open 7 days a week 9:00-5:00 Aug. 1- Sept. 2 – $3/person Sept. 3 - Sept. 9 – $5/person Sept. 10 - Nov. 1 – $10/person, Fri. - Sun. – $8/active military, Mon.-Thur. – $7/person, $5/active military

WINE TASTINGS DAILY

13 Estate Wines to Sample 18545 Co Rd H | Weston, Missouri 816.253.8240 | WestonOrchardAndVineyard.com

62 september 2021 kcparent.com

Cemetery Tours 7:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Meet local historical figures buried in the Olathe Memorial cemetery. Prereg at Mahaffie.org.

24 Friday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Overland Park).

A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

Sounds on the Square 7:00, Linden Square.

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

LindenSquare.info

Early Explorations 10:00 & 2:00, Nerman Museum. Learn about animals and symbols in art and create an imaginary creature using clay.

Pre-reg at NermanMuseum.org.

Summer Concert Series 7:00, Ward Parkway Center. Relax on the lawn (bring a lawn chair) or enjoy the show from the outdoor patios of various restaurants. WardParkwayCenter.com

Library in the Park 10:00, Big Eleven Lake (KCK). Activities include face painters, crafts, mobile library, music, food, drink and more!

LibraryInThePark.org

25 Saturday

Little Acorns 10:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Join for a journey through forests, streams and other magical places as we read select books.

Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov.

Food Truck Fridays 11:30, Grandview Historical Depot Museum. Enjoy a variety of tastes just outside City Hall every Friday during lunchtime.

Grandview.org

Grand Festival of Chez Les Canses 9:00, Fort Osage. Reenactors help visitors explore how French settlers lived. Artisans display custommade wares. MakeYourDayHere.com

Oktoberfest Thru Sun, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Enjoy live entertainment, a biergarten, German meals, carnival, free kids activities and more. LSOktoberfest.com

Dream Big Family Fest & Walk 9:00, Crown Center. Family-friendly walk and festival includes crafts, balloon artists, photo booths, DJ and more! Support.ChildrensMercy.org

The 90th Annual Plaza Art Fair Thru Sun, Country Club Plaza. Stroll the streets of the Plaza as artists display their work.

CountryClubPlaza.com

Grinter Applefest 9:00, Grinter Place. Vendors throughout grounds, food trucks, tours of the historic Grinter Place house and more.

913.299.0373

Fall Fest Thru Sun, Downtown Liberty.

Entertainment, parade, carnival, music, dancing, vendors and more in this three-day festival.

LibertyFallFest.com

The Great Pumpkin Fest 10:00, Worlds of Fun. Halloween-themed activities plus Peanutsthemed rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy!

WorldsOfFun.com

Oktoberfest 11:00, Historic Downtown Excelsior Springs. A day full of bed racing, barrel rolls, live entertainment, street vendors and more! VisitExcelsior.com Ciderfest Today & tomorrow, Louisburg Cider Mill. Enjoy good old-fashioned apple cider fun. Free admission; cost for some activities.

LouisburgCiderMill.com Food Truck Frenzy 5:00, Lenexa Public Market. Come to the City Center to sample some of the metro’s best food trucks.

LenexaPublicMarket.com

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12 T-MOBILE CENTER

PRESENTS

T O U R

GRACE MCCALLUM

JADE CAREY

SIMONE BILES

MYKAYLA SKINNER

JORDAN CHILES

AND AN ALL-STAR TEAM OF CHAMPION GYMNASTS

LIMITED TIME TICKET OFFER PROMO CODE: GOLDKC Gymnasts subject to change without notice.

While supplies last. Discount will expire in advance of show date.

kcparent.com september 2021

63

Camp Out at the Zoo 5:30, Kansas City Zoo. Guided night tour, activities, animal encounter, s’mores, breakfast and more! Pre-reg at CampsForKids.org.

Koala Bears 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. Meet koalas Chuckels and Thackory! These two cuddly marsupials are visiting the zoo through November! KansasCityZoo.org

Puppets a Glow-Go 7:00, National World War I Museum. Giant illuminated puppets, Kansas City Aerial Arts and glow artists light up the night in a drive-through event. StoneLionPuppets.org

28 Tuesday

26 Sunday Quilt Extravaganza 10:00, 1855 Harris-Kearny Farm. Quilts from the collection of Tammy Reid will be on display, along with a quilt sale.

WestportHistorical.com Public Tours 11:00, Cedar Cove. Explore Cedar Cove with an experienced guide. See these epic animals and learn about them. Tours start every half-hour. SaveOurSiberians.org Free Afternoon Program 1:30, Prairie Park Nature Center. Free program for the family may include video, slideshow and going outside to enjoy nature. LawrenceKS.org

27 Monday Fall Fishing Derby Thru Sept 30, various Lenexa parks. Enjoy an on-your-own fishing derby and try out different favorite fishing spots. Lenexa.com

Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com Grow a Reader 6:00, MCPL. Join library staff for a virtual story time brought directly to your home! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

29 Wednesday

30 Thursday Kids Perfect Day Out 9:00, Oakhill Day School. Ages 2-5 join for play-based learning, social interaction and more! Pre-reg at OakhillDaySchool.org/kpdo.

Bridging the Gender Divide 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Exhibit explores how toys once marketed to boys have evolved over time to encourage all children.

816.235.8000 Toddler Time 10:00, Ceramic Café. On Thursdays from 10:00 to 2:00, toddlers 5 and under can paint one selected item for just $10!

CeramicCafeKC.com

Farmers Market 8:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit.

Purchase a variety of fresh produce, plants, meat, baked goods, handmade crafts and more.

DowntownLS.org Mom & Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3 per person, you get a game, shoe rental and drink on Mondays and Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away.

10:00, Union Station. Exhibit features more than 700 original objects, 400 photographs and hundreds of artifacts. UnionStation.org

Look for KC Parent’s

BIG PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE

in the October issue and online at KCParent.com!

jccc.edu/MTCArtsEd Box Office: 913–469–4445 Mon. – Fri. / 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

THE REMINDERS Oct. 6 / 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.

DAYTIME PRICES: $5 School Groups • $6 Individuals EVENING PRICES: $9 and $16

Oct. 7 / 7:30 p.m.

An exceptional fusion of reggae vocals, French rap and lyrical themes. (All ages)

SONIA DE LOS SANTOS and THE OKEE DOKEE BROTHERS Oct. 23 / 11 a.m.

Somos Amigos: Songs on Common Ground Bilingual program shows the power of singing together and learning from each other.

THANKS TO: Adams Family Arts Education Endowment, ArtsKC, BNSF Railway, Hudson Family Foundation, Hall Family Foundation, Francis Family Foundation, Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, The Kennedy Center, National Endowment for the Arts, Victor and Caroline Schutte Foundation, and Yellow Freight System Inc.

64 september 2021 kcparent.com

SEPTEMBER FUN CALENDAR

HAPPY

SEPTEMBER 13

CAT MONTH You can help make more cats happy by adopting a pet, volunteering or supporting Great Plains SPCA, one of the largest no-kill animal shelters in the Kansas City area.

GreatPlainsSPCA.org.

Uncle Sam Day The original Uncle Sam “I Want You for U.S. Army” was first used in World War I. Learn more about the war and wartime propaganda at the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

SEPTEMBER 16 National Play Dough Day Search “Play dough recipe” on KCParent.com for our favorite homemade play dough recipes and some other great DIY projects kids love too!

SEPTEMBER 18 National Cheeseburger Day

SEPTEMBER 5 Cheese Pizza Day Treat the family to some of the best pizza in town. When we poll our readers for their favorite pizza places, these five always make the cut: Minsky’s, d’Bronx, Waldo Pizza, Avelluto’s Italian Delight and Artego.

SEPTEMBER 6

Enjoy the American classic at one of Kansas City’s best burger joints. For your old-fashioned diner experience, head to Town Topic for something truly local made from fresh local ingredients. For one of the best burgers in town, head to Guy’s Dive & Taco Joint, or for something grown-up and gourmet, head to BRGR Kitchen, where they take burgers seriously.

Labor Day This holiday traditionally

marks the end of summer, and that means closing day for area pools and waterparks. Treat the family to one more swim!

SEPTEMBER 19 National Talk Like a Pirate Day A perfect excuse to head to one of the area’s pirate parks with play structures designed to look like pirate ships: Frontier Park (Olathe), Listowel Park (Shawnee) and Williams-Gates Park (Lee’s Summit).

SEPTEMBER 22 Elephant Appreciation Day Spend a day enjoying our beloved local pachyderms at the world-class Elephant Expedition exhibit at the Kansas City Zoo.

SEPTEMBER 28 National Good Neighbor Day This is a great day to show extra kindness to your neighbor. Rake some leaves, bake and deliver fresh cookies or lend a helping hand.

kcparent.com september 2021

65

Congratulations on 25 years of serving Kansas City!

Create here. Thrive everywhere.

The Culture House Conservatory of the Arts Störling Dance Theater Underground Summer Broadway Series

TCH Recording Studio Störling Conservatory Bachelor’s Degree Program New Works Program STAR Program

www.culturehouse.com

Open Year Round kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234

Audi Shawnee Mission

Choose your dream car

Pre-order your next set of wheels, then sit back and count the days until you drive away in a vehicle that’s perfectly you.

Pre-Order your next ride today »

~

SCAN ME Audi Shawnee Mission 6601 E. Frontage Rd | Merriam, KS 66202 | 913-384-2834 | Audi-ShawneeMission.com