KC Parent October 2021 by KC Parent Magazine

FREE | October 2021 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

PARENT M A YE A R S

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KC’S BEST

Fall Fun! • PUMPKIN PATCHES • DAY TRIPS • CRAFTS & RECIPES

Does my child need a TUTOR?

birthday PARTY GUIDE

WANDER AMONG THE

Wild

Join us during our 2021 Passport to Play series! Educational programs, speakers and animal encounters will make each visit a unique and passport-worthy adventure.

W O N D E R S O F W I L D L I F E . O R G / P L AY

IS FALLING INTO PLACE! New product is arriving weekly at Family Tree Nursery. Shop amongst our vast selection of mums, pumpkins, annuals, perennials, houseplants, trees, shrubs, fall décor, and more. FAMILY TREENURSERY.COM

Come See Us in

Springfield…

We’ll Show You Around! When you visit Springfield, Missouri, ask a local! We know the best places to experience the great outdoors! Whether it’s hiking, biking, paddling, horseback riding or gearing up for your next adventure at The Grandaddy of All Outdoor Stores: Bass Pro Shops® Outdoor World®, we love our city and know the best places to eat, drink and play. See you in Springfield!

Explore Springfield at

SpringfieldMo.org

Point your smartphone camera at this QR code to find out more about things to do in Springfield.

OCTOBER

2021

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Date Night 12 Media Mix 14 Tasty Treats 16 5 Things FALL FUN GUIDE, PG. 42

17 Ask the Experts 19 Word from Dad 32 Dear Teachers 43 Craft Corner

FEATURES SPECIAL SECTIONS 24 Party Guide 32 Education Corner 42 Fall Fun Guide

54 Calendar of Events

Picture Perfect

Party Guide

Fall Fun

Tips and tricks for taking

Ideas for helping you plan

Celebrate fall with a fun

great family photos.

the perfect birthday party.

outdoor scavenger hunt.

Our cover features Josie from Lawrence. Photo by Melissa Rieke Photography. MelissaRiekePhotography.com FREE | October 2021 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

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kcparent.com october 2021

Popcorn Recipes Party Guide Is a Tutor Needed? Papier-Mache Pumpkin Day Trips

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Pumpkin Patches

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KC’S BEST

Fall Fun! • PUMPKIN PATCHES • DAY TRIPS • CRAFTS & RECIPES

Does my child need a TUTOR?

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EDITOR’SLETTER OCTOBER 2021

THE ULTIMATE ALL-NEW

Digital Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers

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

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OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2021 | KCPARENT.COM

AZINE

• PUMPKIN PATCHES • DAY TRIPS

• CRAFTS & RECIPES

Y BA B & MA YE A R S T

20 KC

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support a family with a baby in

NICU

637

ways to calm a fussy baby

UNFORGETTABLE ATTRACTIONS

miserable with

morning sickness? (check out our tips inside!)

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

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Fall Fun! Does my child need a TUTOR?

WEEKEND GETAWAY EXPLORING DOWNTOWN

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LOVE IS IN THE AIR GREAT DATES

GEMS OF KANSAS CITY LANDMARKS LOCALS LOVE

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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), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Kerrie McLoughlin (Peculiar), Emily Morrison (Independence), Jessica Samuel (Kansas City)

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BIRTHDAY PARTY GUIDE

Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

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t’s October, and in both my work life and personal life, it’s a birthday party month! Our October issue brings our expanded party guide in print, and October also brings my younger’s birthday. She turned 16 last year, but we didn’t get to celebrate her like we wanted, so this year we’re going to have a do-over of that milestone birthday! She’s my blue-eyed beauty with a sweet heart and temperament. She’s a super talented dancer (I have no idea where that comes from!), she’s a natural leader and a go-getter. Although 16 may have been a bit of a dud, here’s to 17! May the day and the year be everything you hope for! Happiest of birthdays to our Ally! My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last winter. As I write this, she’s been through surgery and 20 weeks of chemo and is now having daily radiation treatments. By the time you read this, fingers crossed that radiation is over and that she’s kicked cancer to the curb. It’s been inspiring to watch her, and I am in awe of her determination to get through this. It’s a tough road, but she’s a fighter! Local mom Allison Gibeson has great information for all women about breast cancer awareness on pg. 20. Early detection is so important! Make sure you stay on top of your screenings. Fall is in full swing, and for a lot of families, it just isn’t fall without a visit to a pumpkin patch! We are lucky to have several great patches in KC! Check out our print Pumpkin Patch Guide, starting on pg. 50, and visit KCParent.com for even more great info, including photos, reviews and tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Circulation verified by:

Margaret Sarver, Editor 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

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

SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE FUN IDEAS: 1. Best of October 2. Spooky Crafts

3. Leaf Peeping in KC 4. Treats and Recipes

SPOTLIGHT

5. KC Going Places Guide

FREE (AND CHEAP) FALL FUN Autumn has so much to offer! Head to KCParent.com for lots of great ideas on inexpensive ways to enjoy the season!

KC Parent’s

Mega Fun Pumpkin Patch Giveaway! This Autumn KC Parent is Giving Away

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DATES WITH LETTER X

DATENIGHT

10 october 2021

kcparent.com

X marks the spot for a good date. How about trying one of these options? EXPLORE One of the things that my husband and I love to do is eXplore—from surrounding small towns (like Excelsior Springs and Weston) to local downtowns (like Lee’s Summit and Parkville) to neighborhoods (like those off Ward Parkway in the Country Club District and off Mission Road in Mission Highlands). The West Bottoms is one such place, with unique architecture, huge ornate doors and curious murals. The River Market and the Crossroads also provide plenty of fun things to see. One of our favorite exploration outings was when we stumbled upon a cute little shopping area in Westwood right off State Line Road. Complete with a coffee shop, chocolate store, home goods store, florist and gift shop, it felt like a surprise right in the middle of suburbia. As J.R.R. Tolkien once said, “Not all those who wander are lost.” So get out and explore a little. You never know what eXciting things you might find.

XR CAFE I can count on one hand the number of hotel restaurants that my husband and I have eaten at, and none of them were particularly memorable. But XR Cafe at the Crossroads Hotel was a nice surprise. We started out with the heirloom tomatoes and mozzarella, which was divine. Loved the addition of the pickled peaches and buckwheat. Next up was the sweet pea falafel with dill yogurt, which was delicious. Last, we tried the XR burger—two smashburger patties, fermented pickles and special sauce served on a Blackhole Bakery bun. This burger was so tasty, worth every calorie and certainly rivaled one of my other favorites (Ravenous/Corvino). I would go there again just for that burger. Their house-made chips were also scrumptious. And I really enjoyed the vibe. Somehow, it manages to be a come-as-you-are place that is also cool and swanky.

EXPERIENCE X is for eXperience, as in the Gleason Magic Experience. This is a closeup, sleight-of-hand magic show full of card tricks and mind reading. Greg Gleason has been performing magic for more than 30 years, with most of his time spent in Las Vegas. Back in the ’80s, he lived in Kansas City, and he had been wanting to return to the area to do some shows. You can now find him Friday through Sunday at the small theater next to Brass Onion at Prairiefire. His show is entertaining and fun, with just the right amount of humor injected into the act. As is the case with most professional magic shows I have seen, I had no clue how he did any of his illusions. Even when he explained some of the card tricks, I still didn’t get it. I suppose that’s the sign of a good magician. Gleason will be in town until January, so don’t miss out on getting some tickets. 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-W, HEAD TO KCPARENT.COM!

ADVER TORIAL

Maur Hill-Mount Academy We are College Prep, We are Boarding and We are Catholic

Maur aur H Hill ill-M -Mount ount a acadeMy cadeMy M Live the Faith, Pursue the Truth, Strive for Excellence. HigH igH cHool P Profile rofile H SScHool igH cHool rofile If any part of our motto speaks to you and what you would like MaurHill-Mount Hill-MountAcademy Academy Maur Maur Hill-Mount Academy for your child, then let me introduce you to Maur Hill – Mount (MHMA)isisaaco-ed, co-ed,college college (MH-MA) (MHMA) preparatory high school preparatory school Academy. As a parent you must make decisions for yourhigh child, preparatory high school developed tomodel modelaaacollege college developed to developed to model college aur ill and high school is an important one as it is a pivotal period in As campusatmosphere. atmosphere.As campus campus atmosphere. As aaa their life. Do you want something more in high school? If the boarding school, studentswill will boarding school, students boarding school, students will experienceaaachallenging challengingand and experience experience challenging and answer is yes, then you don’t need to look too far up the river.

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Anne Faucett

Director of Admission afaucett@mh-ma.com 913-367-5482

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adMiSSionS dMiSSionS c contact ontact::: a a dMiSSionS c ontact DirectorAnne AnneFaucett Faucett Director Director Anne Faucett

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Honor Courses: Honor Courses: Courses: Honor start 9th grade year start 9th 9th grade grade year year start

Performing& Performing Performing && FineArts: Arts:Art, Art, Fine Fine Arts: Art, Band,Choir, Choir, Band, Band, Choir, Film,Graphic Graphic Film, Film, Graphic Design,Music Music Design, Design, Music Appreciation, Appreciation, Appreciation, Photography, Photography, Photography, Theatre Theatre Theatre

Accreditations:Cognia Cognia Accreditations: Accreditations: Cognia AdvancEdAccredited, Accredited, AdvancEd AdvancEd Accredited, SSATB,National National SSATB, SSATB, National CatholicEducational Educational Catholic Catholic Educational Association,Catholic Catholic Association, Association, Catholic Boarding Schools Boarding Boarding Schools Schools Association Association Association

2021-2022 2021-2022

Locatedin inAtchison, Atchison,Kansas Kansas Located Located in Atchison, Kansas

Accreditations: Cognia Accreditations: Cognia Cognia Accreditations: AdvancEd Accredited, AdvancEd Accredited, Accredited, AdvancEd SSATB, National SSATB, National National SSATB, Catholic Educational Catholic Educational Educational Catholic Association, Catholic Association, Catholic Catholic Association, Boarding Schools Boarding Schools Schools Boarding Association Association Association Located in Atchison, Kansas Located in Atchison, Atchison, Kansas Kansas Located in MHMAenrolls MH-MA enrolls students MHMA students from12 12U.S. U.S.States Statesand and from from 12 U.S. States and 10Countries Countries 10 10 Countries

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1000 Green Street | Atchison, KS 66002 | www.mh-ma.com

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MEDIAMIX

The Mountain

This Is a TACO!

BIG Feelings

Written by Rebecca Gugger and illustrated by Simon Rothlisberger

Written by Andrew Cangelose and illustrated by Josh Shipley

Written by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

The Mountain is an intricately illustrated picture book that introduces tolerance to children in a very clever and fun way. In the book, many different animals live on the mountain. Each sees the mountain in his own way, based upon his specific habitat. “‘The mountain is rocky and stony and steep!’ cries the chamois, aghast.” While the snow hare chimes in, “White is what it is. Up on the mountain it’s white everywhere. And cold.” Unable to take the bickering and fighting any longer, the bird challenges all the animals to climb to the top of the mountain. This argument must be settled once and for all . . . It is then the animals begin to realize they were right all along, but that they were also wrong. They see there is more than just their own view of the mountain and that their friends were right as well!

Taco is a squirrel who will work for peanuts, but he prefers . . . Tacos! This darling book begins with our new friend, Taco, doing his job as a model for the book while we learn fun facts about squirrels. “Squirrels are some of the cleanest rodents in the wild. They are known for having silky, soft fur,” the book begins. “Squirrels love to eat nuts, acorns and even tree bark. Tree bark???” Taco says, “I was told there’d be tacos. It’s kind of the main reason I agreed to be in this book.” As the story progresses, Taco becomes more disillusioned with the narrator. When we learn that the hawk is a natural predator of squirrels, Taco grabs the marker away from the narrator and changes the word “hawk” to “taco.” This, however, presents a different problem! Cangelose is an elementary school principal in Kansas City.

All of Alexandra Penfold’s picture books are wonderful read-alouds, and this one is no exception. Her books are vibrantly illustrated, showcase diversity among children and convey uplifting messages in a lively sing-song rhythm. BIG Feelings opens the door for children to see their big feelings reflected in the feelings of the children in the story. The book gives parents and caregivers the opportunity to teach little ones that everyone has big feelings, and it offers kids ideas on how they can handle their own big feelings. “I have big feelings. You have them, too. How can I help? What can we do? Talk it out? Talk it through? I am sorry. I am too.” A great book for highlighting team building and working through conflict together.

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

12 october 2021

kcparent.com

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TASTYTREATS

Fun, On-the-Go Health Hacks

Make every bite count with whole-grain popcorn snacks (Family Features)

ctober is National Popcorn Month! Tasty whole-grain popcorn offers an easy health hack so you can make every bite count. Try getting in the habit of popping 9 cups of popcorn in the morning and dividing it into two containers. Season one container with salt and herbs, the other with a pinch of sugar and cinnamon so you can alternate between sweet and salty throughout the day. Bringing delicious options like these while on the go can help satisfy hunger pangs while adding the fiber your body needs. Visit Popcorn.org to find more nutritious snack ideas.

Crunchy Popcorn Trail Mix Yield: 9 cups 5 c. popped popcorn 3 c. whole-grain oat cereal 1/3 c. raisins 1/3 c. peanuts or other nuts 1/3 c. sunflower seeds 1/4 c. (1/2 stick) butter or margarine 6 T. brown sugar 2 T. light corn syrup In large, microwavable bowl, stir popcorn, cereal, raisins, nuts and seeds; set aside. In small saucepan, heat butter, brown sugar and corn syrup until boiling; cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour over popcorn mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Microwave 3-4 minutes, stirring and scraping bowl after each minute. Spread onto greased cookie sheet; cool. Break into pieces and store in airtight container.

14 october 2021

kcparent.com

Blueberry and Pomegranate Power Bars Yield: 12 bars Nonstick cooking spray 8 c. popped popcorn 1 1/2 c. old-fashioned rolled oats 1 c. dried blueberries 1/2 c. pomegranate seeds 1/2 c. whole natural almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped 2/3 c. honey 2/3 c. light brown sugar 2 T. butter or margarine 6 oz. bittersweet chocolate, melted Line 13-by-9-inch pan with foil; spray with nonstick cooking spray. In large bowl, combine popcorn, oats, blueberries, pomegranate seeds and almonds. In small saucepan over low heat, boil honey, brown sugar and butter 2 minutes. Pour over popcorn mixture and mix thoroughly. Using damp hands, press mixture firmly into prepared pan. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. Cut into 12 bars. Dip bottoms of bars into melted chocolate. Place on wax paper-lined pan; refrigerate until ready to serve. Store in tight covered container in refrigerator.

Grab and Go Pizza Popcorn Yield: 6 quarts 6 qts. popped popcorn olive oil cooking spray 1 c. grated Parmesan cheese 2 t. garlic salt 2 t. paprika 1 T. Italian seasoning Place popcorn in large, sealable plastic container or 2 1/2-gallon plastic sealable bag. Spray popcorn lightly with olive oil cooking spray. Sprinkle cheese, garlic salt, paprika and Italian seasoning over popcorn and shake to distribute evenly. To serve, scoop popcorn into reusable plastic cups.

I love your articles and you have taught me

ago. Do you think she is upset that I got a

to see pink. Did you know that dogs are

so much about my nine-year-old Yorkshire

new kitten? – Rodger L. Wallace

nearsighted? They see things that are close

terrier, Freddie. I have a question for you

to them well, but can’t see things far away

concerning Halloween. Freddie is absolutely

This is a common question that I receive at

all that well. Tell Rocky that I said, hi!

terrified during Halloween night when the

Great Plains SPCA. If your cat is not

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

children come over to trick or treat and he

showing any issues with the kitten and is

will not let anyone pet him. He is usually

only having incidents, then I would

very friendly to unfamiliar people. What can

recommend getting more litterboxes in the

I do to help him? – Lindsay LaFramboise

house and cleaning them daily. Many cats just like a clean litterbox, much like many

Many animals fear trick or treaters and

humans like a clean toilet. The rule of

children dressed in costumes. Normally, I

thumb is that you should have at least one

talk about desensitization and socialization

more litter box than the number of cats that

when animals are afraid of strangers, but if

you have in the home and a litter box on

your dog is only afraid of people at

every floor. Make sure to clean areas where

Halloween, then I recommend putting him in

the cat has peed previously and make sure

another room for the couple of hours during

to fully change the litter about every three

the trick or treating since it’s only once a

weeks. I also recommend not putting food

year. I personally put my dogs in my

or water bowls near the litterbox.

bedroom, use a white noisemaker, put on a

– Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

TV show in the bedroom, and give them some peanut butter filled Kongs during that time. Hope you have a good and safe Halloween! – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

FEATURED PET

Delilah

So you like big dogs? Delilah would love to join your family! She is a one year old American Bulldog mix who is full of

I have a dog and his name is Rocky. My

personality. She loves to play as much as

mom told me that dogs do not see colors

she loves to show off her commands. She

like us. Is it true that my dog cannot see

has perfected her “sit” and “down”

pink? Pink is my favorite color. – Sabella

commands! Delilah is eager to learn and would be happy to join you on any

I have had my cat for about four years and all

Dogs see the world very differently than you

adventure. She does great in the car and

of a sudden, she started peeing outside the

and me, but it turns out that they can see

loves to go for walks! Because of her size,

litterbox when I adopted a new kitten a week

some colors. They do see a lot of black,

she will do best in a home with older kids

white, and grays, but can also see shades

so she doesn’t accidentally knock them

of blue and yellow. This is one of the

over. She can get along with some dogs

reasons why dogs like tennis balls. They

but is particular with who she befriends.

cannot see shades of red, green, or violet,

Delilah is a true happy-go-lucky girl who

which means that your dog Rocky is unable

deserves the best life in a forever home!

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.

FIVETHINGS Lotion My mom usually treats me with one or two pumpkinthemed gifts throughout the season, and a few years ago gave me Pumpkin Harvest lotion from Stonewall Kitchen. In addition to the awesome scent, it also works well by leaving your hands soft and not greasy. Fun fact: My mom told me many years ago that when putting lotion on your hands, you should also put it on your elbows. This advice has served me well! StonewallKitchen.com

Candles I’ve written before in this space about how much I love Glade (Gla-day) candles, and the pumpkin scent is my fave. It has a new name each year. This year the “Pumpkin Spice Things Up” returns, and it smells as good as ever. My younger made fun of me when I went out and purchased several, however she came home the next day and said, “What smells SO good?” Of course, it’s my candle. Available at local retailers.

THINGS WE

LOVE RIGHT NOW

Compiled by Margaret Sarver

Coffee Cream If budget and diet allowed, I’d enjoy a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks on the regular. Since I don’t have that treat as often as I’d like, I’ve discovered that the Pumpkin Spice Latte Creamer is a pretty darn good substitute. While the bottle design leaves a little to be desired (that’s another story for another day), the product inside the bottle makes for a tasty cup of coffee that is the perfect start to a crisp fall day! Available at local retailers.

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Lip Balm The cooler temps and drier weather in fall can sometimes wreak havoc on my lips. That’s why I always have a good lip balm handy. I keep one in my car, my purse, by the kitchen sink, next to my bed…you get the picture. For fall, the EOS Whipped Pumpkin Latte lip balm packs that one-two punch of having a lovely scent while also keeping lips super smooth! And, they come in a 2-pack, so I’ve got plenty to place around the house! Available at local retailers.

Almonds You know how you go through periods when different snacks are popular in your home? In the Sarver home right now, we’re snacking on a lot of almonds. We especially like those with a rub or flavor added. Seeing as I do love everything pumpkin, it’s no wonder that I found Sugar Plum’s handcrafted Kettle-Cooked Pumpkin Spice Almonds a delight! A crunchy, fall-tasting treat that I don’t have to feel guilty about enjoying! Available at local retailers or at Sugar-Plum.com.

ASK THE

EXPERTS Jonah Nelson

Anna Nicek, MD

FAMILY TREE NURSERY

ADVENTHEALTH

Family Tree Nursery is a team of passionate horticulturists, providing an unmatched selection of plants and gardening products for the KC area since 1964. 913.642.6503, FamilyTreeNursery.com

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

What are the benefits of planting in fall?

My child is constipated, what can I do to help?

Fall is the best season to plant the vast majority of plant material because of the soil temperatures that have been warmed from the summer sun. Typically, the air temperature cools in September evenings, allowing plants to focus their energy on developing a strong root system in the warm soil, as a strong root system is the main factor in successful establishment of plant material. In addition, the gentler autumn rainfall is more easily absorbed, compared to the gully washing rains that we can receive in spring. With this in mind, it is always important to water newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials thoroughly and weekly until dormancy for best results in establishment.

Constipation is very common, so don’t fret! Treatment is age dependent. If younger than 4 months, speak with your baby’s doctor. If your baby is eating, start with 2-3 ounces of prune, apple or pear juice. For children who have been constipated a short time, you can simply change what they are eating by focusing on high-fiber foods and adequate hydration. The goal is to have soft, painless stools daily. If your child has recurrent constipation or has been constipated for longer, speak with your pediatrician about evaluating for possible causes and getting guidance for a laxative clean-out and maintenance medicines that can help your child stay regular.

Jonah Nelson

Pediatrics & Internal Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Shawnee Mission

Family Tree Nursery

Anna Nicek, MD

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 october 2021

It’s the Little Things 14 PARENTAL TRIUMPHS

arenting success doesn’t always look like early potty training, meeting every developmental milestone or feeding your toddler snacks from each of the food groups on a daily basis. I think we should take time to celebrate the parenting triumphs that are sometimes overlooked. The ones we all feel secretly overjoyed about. Yes, I mean getting all of them to brush their teeth and take a bath. Or sneaking in a nap on the couch while your baby snoozes in her Pack ‘n Play. Maybe you finish your iced coffee before the ice melts, or you put that load of laundry away as soon as you take it out of the dryer. Heck, you should be rejoicing about the Cheerio you removed from your 1-year-old’s nose during lunchtime! (What goes through their curious little minds we may never know!) Parenting is complicated. Here is my letter of encouragement to you, moms and dads, filled with 14 triumphs you should feel proud of today. Celebrate every little victory. Dear Mama or (Dad),

1 2

You rock. Know why? You managed the impossible—your son took a bath today, which makes for more than twice in one week! I know how hard it can be. Great job! Your awesomeness is contagious—I can sense it all the way over here. You put that load of laundry away—not two days later—but immediately, fresh out of the dryer. You deserve a gold medal.

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

I am in awe. Your sink is not full of dishes, and the dishwasher is empty. Bask in that sparkling clean kitchen for a few moments. You’re a superhero. Congratulations on finding a match for every sock in the house. That’s no simple feat.

Parent of the Year award goes to you for picking up all the toys in the house and putting them away. Not a Lego remains to be stepped on. High-five for getting everyone loaded into the minivan to pick up that grocery order on a rainy day. You’re pretty much the coolest thing since sliced bread.

You answered a phone call in the middle of the day when it wasn’t even nap time. I’m so proud of you. You remembered to put the Play-Doh away before it dried out. You’re killing it. Hats off to you for barely making the deadline to register your kiddo for kindergarten. Seriously. Deadlines are hard. Great job dodging a toddler meltdown with fruit snacks.

Props for removing that apple juice stain from the carpet. Give yourself a pat on the back for remembering to take the trash out. Two thumbs up for remembering you have soccer practice tonight. You should feel great about removing that chocolate stain from your kid’s favorite shirt.

See? You guys are nailing parenting. Love, Emily P.S. Keep up the good work. 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.

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WORDFROMDAD

SLIMY PUMPKIN STRANDS I turned to James. “Do you want a happy pumpkin or a scary one?” “Um, happy.” James never hesitated. I scraped the inside of the pumpkin, cut the face and carved the final details. A jacko’-lantern with a cheerful demeanor. “How about you, Ian?” I already knew the answer, but they both needed the question as part of the Halloween ritual. “Do you want a scary one or a happy one?” Ian drew out the word in wavering tones. “Sca-aaa-rrr-yyy.” I stuck my arm into the second pumpkin and applied a fresh layer of slimy, pumpkin threads to my already sticky arm. The feeling isn’t pleasant, but I know why I’ve endured it for more than 40 Halloweens. I didn’t carve my first pumpkin until after I was married, and I did almost everything wrong. The knife was too big, I nearly made the lid wrong and I had nothing to scrape all the inside fibers. When I finally carved the face, it was way too small. I persevered and overcame my rookie ineptitude. I sat Jack out on the air conditioner of our second-floor apartment balcony, easily visible from the distant road. But, the damp, windy night didn’t cooperate, and I had to return several times to relight the candle. Each time, my frustration increased. I stepped out one more time to relight the candle, but something happened. Just before I closed the door, I heard two pairs of young feet cutting through the apartment grounds. And I heard voices. “Hey, look at that pumpkin.” “Cool!” My face lit up like the pumpkin’s. Oh, yeah. Forty years? All worthwhile. I lit the two finished pumpkins, then turned to the boys. “Hit the lights.” The candles grew brighter. The faces glowed, orange and gold. James and Ian spoke in unison. “Cool!” William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

Is your child struggling with their mental health? It can be difficult for children to understand and explain what they’re feeling so it’s important for parents and caregivers to watch for any changes in a child’s behavior. If you’re concerned about your child, complete a free mental health assessment with them at: www.kvchospitals.org/assess

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Breast Cancer Awareness With so many women facing breast cancer, understanding your risk is key

ith one in eight women facing breast cancer sometime during her life, you almost certainly know someone who has been impacted personally by the disease. Local mom Meagan Ingold is one of these women, and as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to stay informed and learn from the stories of survivors and insights of doctors.

Discovering cancer while breastfeeding When Ingold was pregnant with her second son in 2016, she thought she was feeling her milk ducts coming in early, so she mentioned it to her physician. Her doctor said that did not seem right and recommended getting imaging to check things out. Ingold’s imaging came back normal at that time, so she focused on her pregnancy and, subsequently, her son’s birth and breastfeeding. Yet as Ingold continued to feed her son, things still didn’t feel right. She even noticed some visible lumps. After a time,

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she ended up acting as her own advocate, calling back radiology herself to request more imaging. This time, the imaging showed the problem. At the age of 30, she had the early stages of breast cancer. A double mastectomy followed, but thanks to early detection and quick action, she is healthy today. Ingold’s message to other women is to be aware of your body even if you are not at a time in life when mammograms or other screenings are recommended, and do not think that if you are nursing that you cannot get breast cancer. “Just listen to your body,” she says. “If something feels off or your body is telling you something is off, listen to that thought and get it checked out.”

Understanding your risk The good news of Ingold’s story is that early detection and early action can result in favorable and healthy outcomes. Dr. Onalisa Winblad, division director of breast imaging in the department of radiology at the University of Kansas Cancer Center, said by the time women

are 30 years old, they should have a formal breast cancer risk assessment to determine their personal risk and whether they would benefit from early screening. She said even average-risk women should begin getting mammograms by the age of 40. Some of the most common risk factors for breast cancer include a family history of the disease, dense breast tissue, obesity, smoking and previous chest radiation, Winblad says. Limiting alcohol and maintaining an appropriate weight can help reduce risk as well. As Ingold’s story also proves, knowing your breasts and recognizing when something is abnormal is also important. Winblad says that although very common, dense breast tissue can sometimes makes finding cancer on a mammogram more difficult. As a result, health care providers often recommend additional screenings such as ultrasounds or MRIs for women with such tissue. She says they notify women who have dense breast tissue after having a mammogram and provide information about additional screenings.

Someone with a family history of breast cancer should begin discussions with their doctor about when they should start screening and what types of screening they should receive, advises Winblad. She says those women might need a breast MRI in addition to a traditional mammogram and might need to get genetic testing as well. Despite the growing awareness risk factors play in breast cancer, Winblad says most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer actually do not have any significant risk factors. And, surprisingly, other women who do have risk factors will never develop cancer. “Even if you don’t have any family history or any risk factors, you still have a risk,” Winblad says. “That’s why screening is so important.” Not only does screening save lives, but it can also help reduce the severity and length of treatment necessary if cancer is detected. Winblad says half of all fatal breast cancer diagnoses occur before the age of 50. She also says there is more data showing

minority populations are diagnosed with cancer at a younger age and have a worse prognosis. All these facts make having a formal risk assessment with a doctor important. Although some women might feel apprehensive at the thought of having a mammogram, Winblad provides assurance it is a simple and easy test. “Most patients don’t have any complaints of discomfort during a mammogram at all,” the doctor says. “We know when we find breast cancers early, they are treatable.” Ingold also emphasized that insurance should never be a reason to delay getting a screening. If screening is necessary, but insurance says you are too young for such, don’t hesitate to challenge them. Allison Gibeson is a Lee’s Summit writer and mom. As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

What are common risk factors for breast cancer?

• A family history of breast cancer • Genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2

• Early menstruation (before age 12) • Late menopause (after 55) • Dense breast tissue • Obesity • Smoking • Race (Breast cancer is more common in Caucasian women)

• Previous chest radiation SOURCE: National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. and NationalBreastCancer.org.

Building Great Smiles for Life!

Four convenient locations near you!

kcparent.com october 2021

PICTURE

PERFECT

t’s that time of year again when the seasons are changing, and the holidays are looming—which also means it’s the perfect time to get family photos taken! I have asked for parents’ input and advice from some mothers who are photographers on how to obtain those picture perfect moments. I have a few tidbits to add gleaned from my side hustle as a family photographer for the past few years, too. First of all, plan ahead. This is pretty obvious, but there’s a lot to consider when having family photos taken, and this is not something you want to do in a stressed out rush. First, you need to find a photographer who will both work for your family’s style and budget and who has availability. Ask your friends or neighbors who they recommend and do some research to see whether any of those professionals will work well for your family’s needs. There are numerous types of photographers with a wide range of styles and investment options. If you have high expectations and want a specific editing style, make sure you choose a photographer who can deliver that quality to you. If you would rather have some simple photos taken mostly for holiday cards, consider using an amateur photographer who’s doing photography as a

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side hustle or a small business. Perhaps your partner doesn’t see the point in having photos taken every year, so maybe on the years in between, you opt for booking a quick mini session for less, just to have a couple of photos to document your family during this year. Once you’ve decided on your photographer, you’ll need to choose a date and time that will work for both you and the photographer. Look ahead at your family calendar and have a few dates available to work with your photographer’s availability, as well as any weather cancellations that may pop up. Also, consider what you would like your family to wear, as well as what background you would like this year. If you have in mind a wooded background with your family wearing cozy sweaters, plan your session when it’s cooler out so that your group is as comfortable as possible. The opposite is true too. If you envision summer dresses in front of a lake, plan accordingly or expect your children to smile while freezing. Once you’ve decided on an overall feel, check with your photographer about choosing a location. You can go with your photographer’s ideas or ask about some locations that mean something to you and your family or that you would like to

display in your home. If your family loves to spend time at the lake, consider capturing that memory with your family in a photo. If you have had prairie backgrounds over the past few years, consider changing things up with an urban, downtown or wooded background. Stacy Marvin, mother of two and owner of Stacy Marvin Photography, says, “There are so many great backdrops in the Kansas City metro, from gorgeous trees, fields and even urban areas to get just the type of photos that you are looking for.” After the date, location and overall idea are nailed down, it’s time to choose your family’s wardrobe—well in advance. Attire can be simple if you stick to a few solid colors and mix and match those few colors among your family members. Think about where you plan to display these photos and whether they will go well in your living room, for example. Marvin says, “I always try to let my clients know that they should pick a couple of clothing colors that complement each other. Pinterest is a great place to look for ideas! Also, avoid any clothes with writing, as they distract from the people in the photograph!” One of the biggest things to consider when scheduling a photo session is timing. Many photographers love golden

hour shoots when the sun is setting and everything and everyone looks magical. But this isn’t always feasible with complicated work and kid schedules. Think ahead and know your family. If your partner is going to have to leave work early and fight traffic to be at a photo shoot he may not find as important as you, he might not be in the best mood, and that can affect the whole atmosphere of the session. Instead, consider everyone’s schedule and offer family members a few different options, so they can choose the one that will work best for them and ensure you have happy campers all around. As for kids, if you know your little one takes 30 minutes to become herself after naptime, don’t plan to whisk her from her dreams straight to a photoshoot with a stranger. If your children melt during witching hour, maybe golden hour light isn’t worth it this year. Plan on a pretty shaded area during the day. Likewise, if your child rises with the sun, early morning light can be very comparable to golden hour light. Run with it! Then everyone will be fresh, and maybe you can go out for breakfast afterwards to celebrate

getting that checked off the list before eggs are served. Speaking of that, rewards work wonders. Give your family some incentive to have their photos taken by planning on a special outing after the session. Whether it’s going out for dinner or ice cream or even getting the kids a happy meal at McDonald’s, a celebration can help make this an annual happy experience for your family. Another tip is to let the photographer do her job. A parent always wants the children to smile and to end up with that sought-after perfect picture, but trust your photographer. It’s her job. Your professional should know what she’s doing and will get some great shots if you trust the process. This means not yelling at your kids or family or standing behind jumping and being loud to get your kids to “look and smile!” These interventions create a stressful environment for all involved and can lead to fake smiles. Remember, if you asked for referrals and did your own research, you should feel confident in your choice of a photographer and should be able to trust that you will get what you planned for. Also keep in mind that your attitude goes a long way and that others will feed off your

outlook. I always say the parent in charge of getting everyone prepared for a photo session has the hardest job, so plan ahead as much as possible to keep scrambling to a minimum. Play some fun music, talk about your fun plans afterward and play along with the photographer. Many photographers like to use prompts and have you do random silly things to capture real smiles or because they see a shot that non-photographers might not. Trust them and enjoy the experience! Finally, enjoy those photos! Order those holiday cards to showcase your beautiful family on festive greetings to your family and friends. But don’t stop there. Order new prints for your home and maybe even some gifts for family. Again, this is about capturing memories of and for your family because, sadly, this year only happens once, so embrace your family’s unique personality.. Stephanie Loux is the mother of Layla, 11, Mason, 9, and Slade, 6, as well as a photographer at SaLoux Photography. She has lots of experience with family photography and, even if she’s stressing about her kids and dogs for her own photos, it’s always worth it in the end.

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party

KC Parent’s

guide

• fresh ideas • terrific themes • great venues

Princess at My Party

Have your child’s favorite character come to the birthday party! Choose from Elsa, Anna, Rapunzel, Moana, Elena, Ariel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Jasmine, Tiana and Snow White. Also, inquire about our new Super Girl, Wonder Woman, Batman, Captain America and Spider-Man parties! Watch the magic unfold as the children go on an adventure that includes a story, games, music, a makeover or face painting and a treasure hunt. See display ad on pg. 27. 816.830.4841. www.PrincessAtMyParty.com

Tick Tock Escape Room

At Tick Tock you’ll find exciting adventures filled with secret agents, eccentric billionaires, space travel and ancient Egyptian mysteries. Bring friends and family to experience our one-of-a-kind escape rooms. Then, you can celebrate your achievements in our party room. We design our rooms using cutting edge technology and innovative game design principles to ensure you’ll have an unforgettable experience, only available in Overland Park. Book online or call for Details. See display ad on pg. 25. TickTockEscapeRoom.com

Urban Air Adventure Park

Movies2U

Roll out the red carpet and celebrate that special occasion with a movie! Round up the kids to watch their favorite movie on one of our larger than life inflatable screens. Throw in our popcorn machine and the effect will be complete. The kids won’t forget it and you’ll love it as our professional staff takes care of every detail. One of our 4 differently sized screens is sure to fit your occasion and budget. See display ad on pg. 24. Movies2U.com

Urban Air Adventure Parks in Lenexa and Overland Park continue to be voted the Best Kids Birthday Party Place year after year. It’s the perfect place for indoor stress-free birthday parties for all ages! More than just a trampoline park, Urban Air has something for everyone. Let the kids fly through the park on our sky rider, take on our climbing walls, or reach new heights on our trampolines. Urban Air. Let ‘em fly. See display ad on pg. 26. UrbanAirLenexa.com, UrbanAirOverlandPark.com

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easy party favors Snacks

Bubbles What says classic fun more than a bottle of bubbles? Throw in a pack of water balloons and you are sending kids home with an afternoon of fun.

Movies

Plant

Everyone loves a movie night! Send kids home with a bag of microwave popcorn and a box of candy for their own at-home movie night.

Give each partygoer a pack of seeds and a small shovel. They will love planting and watching the seeds grow.

Health Supplies Have you noticed all the Band-Aids with different characters? Choose some that go along with the theme of the party and give each child a box to take home. Functional and fun!

Send kids home with a snack for later! Chances are good there’s a fruit snack to match your party theme. Don’t overlook those mini items—mini cereal boxes, packages of muffins, granola bars. Grab a few and place in a festive bag.

Color Kids love to create, and a blank sidewalk is the perfect canvas! Buy a pack of sidewalk chalk to allow kids to get creative.

Games Card games or puzzles are both the perfect cost and size for a party favor! Often you can find puzzles to match your theme at the dollar store.

Four THRILLING themes to make your fall festivities exciting!

Plan your autumn adventure at Tick Tock® Escape Rooms! Whether you're celebrating a birthday or a holiday event, Tick Tock makes it fun for everyone!

For more information see our website: TickTockEscapeRooms.com Tick Tock Escape Rooms · 6398 College Blvd. · Overland Park, KS 66211 · (913) 396-9144 kcparent.com october 2021

PARTYGUIDE

SEVEN TIPS

FOR SAVING ON BIRTHDAY GIFTS

don’t know about you, but I always seem to be toting my kids to a birthday party. Buying all those gifts can be a real budget buster, and nobody wants to go into credit card debt trying to impress little kids (and their parents) with lavish gifts. Below are some thrifty tips to save hundreds of dollars every year on birthday party presents.

Check your budget. This will be harder for some of you than for others, but I promise if you stop worrying about what other people think, you automatically will save some serious cash. Focus on your own finances and spend only what you can afford.

Plan ahead. Make a list of upcoming birthdays and parties and factor in several last-minute invitations to accommodate those you haven’t received yet. Computer-savvy mommas can set up a spreadsheet, but notebook paper also works just fine. If you have gifts ahead of time, you’re likely to spend less on a last-minute present.

Where fun

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Stock up. Stocking up on gifts saves money on gas, because

Card trick. I haven’t bought a greeting card for a child in

you aren’t running to the store every time you get a birthday party invitation. I also tend to spend more when my own kids are with me, helping me to pick out a present for their friend. It’s so comforting to know you have a stockpile of gifts in a big plastic tub somewhere for any birthday party invitation that may come your kid’s way. What to stock up on? Read on!

10 years, because they are expensive and just get thrown away or recycled. I used to make my own cards for kid parties, but then my own kids started wanting to do it. You can go old school and use construction paper, or have your kids make a card on the computer.

Wrap it up. If you have gift bags lying around the house,

for kids of different ages include stickers, crayons, sketch pads, baby dolls, Barbies, balls, puzzles, small cars, beads with string, lacing kits, Legos, tea sets, dinosaurs, Perler beads, DVDs and books.

use them up! I’ve been known to put birthday gifts in Christmas gift bags—year-round—and have never had a kid complain. Otherwise, you can wrap gifts in the Sunday comics section of the newspaper or have your kids decorate plain copy paper with markers, stickers and rubber stamps.

Where to find deals. Look at thrift stores, garage sales, consignment shops and Craigslist, because usually kids don’t care whether something is USED, as long as it is USEFUL to them. For new items, check back-to-school sales, sales after school has been in session a couple of weeks and going-out-of-business sales (Think of the huge book store that just folded and the savings that were offered!) There’s a large department store chain (hint: It has a bull’s-eye logo.) that has great $1 stocking stuffer-type items year-round.

Kerrie McLoughlin lives in Peculiar, MO, and has a blast raising her five kids on a budget. For more frugal living ideas, head to TheKerrieShow.com.

Know what a kid wants. Some classic, frugal gift ideas

P rincess at my Party

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TEACHING KIDS

ABOUT PERSONAL

SAFETY

eeping our kids safe and protected is one of our top priorities as parents. If you are like me, you can totally go down a rabbit hole thinking about all the ways harm can come to your child. But with a little proactivity, you can rest easier knowing your child has been armed with appropriate knowledge and skills.

BABIES AND TODDLERS

PRESCHOOL

General home safety should be an everyday part of living with babies and toddlers. Talk with and teach them about items around the house that are hot, sharp, breakable and so on. Be sure to warn your child of the dangers of climbing on furniture, such as shelves and dressers. Heavy or unstable items must be secured to the wall too.

Teach your child from an early age about car seat and seat belt safety. As you are buckling your children for a car ride, talk to them about why and how you are buckling them and that you are doing the same thing too! From a young age, our kids have always called out from the back “Seat belt, Dad!” if he starts backing out of the driveway without his on!

Street safety is important to teach early on as well. Even when our kids were babies in the stroller, we talked about street safety on walks. As we approached a corner, stoplight or stop sign, we spoke aloud about how we stop, look both ways and appropriately cross the street or wait for the signals.

Once children are mobile, you will want to begin teaching safe ways to get around the house. “I started teaching safety skills to my son as soon as he started rolling over. I showed him the safe way to get off the bed, couch and up and down the stairs,” says Ale Garcia, a North Kansas City mom of one. “I give him a lot of independence when doing so to make sure he understands the risks, but I also make sure I am there to avoid any major injuries. He is 15 months now, and it has really helped to teach him safety skills but also let him figure out the natural consequences of not being cautious—with supervision of course!”

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Preschool children need to know their name, address and phone number. You can quiz them at dinner, in the bath or before bed. We used to put a sticky note by our son’s bed with the info for him to look at and practice on his own. YouTube also has fun little tunes for learning addresses and phone numbers. As preschoolers get more curious and aware of their own bodies, it is a great time to reiterate and reteach the privacy of their bodies. Include in your conversation that no one should ever try to touch, look at or take pictures of their bodies, and no one should ever ask them to do those things either.

Teach your children if they are lost to stay put and yell your first name. Maggie Moffitt, an Olathe mom of two, says, “We talk about what other people call Mommy and Daddy, so if he were ever lost, he would know our real names.”

It is important to teach your child about “tricky people” and that an adult should never ask a child for help (e.g., to find their dog, for directions). Let your child know never to accept things given to her by a stranger or to go anywhere with a stranger. Encourage your child to get away quickly and find a trusted adult.

ELEMENTARY By now your child knows to call 911 and what to do in case of a fire. Sarah Gulledge, a Leawood mom of three, shares a crucial tip: “I taught our son when he was 6 how to bypass the password on my cell phone to call 911. No one has a landline these days, and it’s tricky to call from a cell phone.” Lenexa mom of two Kristen Potter shares their family plan: “We have a set meeting place during a fire. The kids know to get out and go to the neighbor’s driveway, so we know where to find them.”

BOOKS FOR TEACHING SAFETY

Being in Kansas City, many of the seasons here involve water in some way, be it a lake, river or pool. Water safety is key, as many neighborhood pools don’t have lifeguards anymore, and children are more confident than ever it seems. Don’t assume because they are confident—and maybe even a skilled swimmer—that they are safe. Never allow your child to swim alone and always make sure there is supervision. We take our kids on trails often in the winter and have to teach them about frozen lakes and ponds too!

MomJunction.com explains one of their 10 rules for children like this: “If I am uncomfortable, I will not do it.” This is a great all-encompassing phrase to share with your children for any situation they might encounter. It could be as simple as changing clothes in front of friends to go swimming, or as complicated as someone offering your child a cigarette. Teach your kids to listen to their inner gut feelings and, if uncomfortable for any reason, to get out immediately.

Digital citizenship, which refers to the responsible use of technology, starts really early these days. You will need to teach your child specifically about using devices responsibly, set up boundaries and rules, and go over internet safety. “I recently took a picture of my daughter that she was unhappy with because of her appearance. She begged us to delete it and not post it. I never had any intention of posting it, but this led to a great conversation about not posting things that could embarrass or hurt other people’s feelings. And what one person may find funny could really hurt someone else’s feelings,” shares Rae Ann McDaniel, Olathe mom of two.

The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers

Good Pictures, Bad Pictures by Kristen Jenson

Good Pictures, Bad Pictures Jr. by Kristen Jenson

I Said No!

by Kimberly and Zack King

I Won’t Go with Strangers by Dagmar Geisler

You don’t have to set aside time for a safety lesson each day to check these tips off your list, but rather look to weave them in throughout your days and weeks. Find natural opportunities for teaching safety and remember, what is listed here is only a small snippet of what to teach and how to teach it ... you’ll find your comfort zone and your own way! Julie Collett writes from Overland Park and is a mom of four. Safety lessons are ongoing in her house on a daily basis!

Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept by Jayneen Sanders

Once Upon a Dragon by Jean Pendziwol

Stop, Drop, and Roll by Margery Cuyler

kcparent.com october 2021

Unstructured time gives youngsters a way to explore ideas and develop their unique gifts.

Why Boredom Is Okay!

hen we were growing up, we dared not tell our parents we were bored lest they give us a chore to do to fill the time. That works some of the time, but even if they finish cleaning their room or taking out the trash or loading the dishwasher, kids will again tell you they’re bored! You’re not a bad parent if your kids goad you into letting them get on the computer or sit in front of their favorite movie. The point is children need to engage in some unstructured time once in a while, too. As do we. Even adults and teenagers struggle to manage time well. If kids have the experience of deciding for themselves how to use periods of unstructured time, they’ll be steps ahead. This is the beginning of creativity, giving them a chance to imagine, invent and create. Unstructured time gives youngsters a way to explore ideas and develop their unique gifts. For example, they may build a fort in

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the backyard, make a dog from clay, write a short story or song or simply study the bugs on the sidewalk. Einstein reportedly did this for hours! As we all know, many people believe we are raising a generation of children addicted to screens. They are so used to screen entertainment they aren’t practiced at looking inside themselves for direction. And remember, they need some parental connection. All kids need to check in with their parents for refueling during the day. For example, when your child tells you he is bored, stop what you’re doing and focus on your child for five minutes. If you use this time to connect, or just chat and snuggle, your child will probably get the refueling he needs and run off with a smile to build blocks, color or chase his little sister. Most of the time, children left to their own devices end up doing something

interesting. Once kids get used to limitations on TV and electronics, they become better at entertaining themselves. An idea parents and kids can try together is to create a Boredom Buster Jar. Write down ideas your child thinks will be fun do to and put them in the jar. Whenever she says she is bored, she picks three or so pieces of paper from the jar and chooses an activity. Of course, the real issue with young children is that they need supervision. In such a case, when you can’t supervise them, is it so terrible to put your toddlers in front of a screen for half an hour? Of course not. Choose something limited in length, so there’s a natural ending to eliminate fights when you turn it off, and to keep your kids from seeing commercials. Give your children something to look forward to afterward.

Once your child learns to read, there is never nothing to do! Schedule a weekly library trip to select books that interest your child. Hook your child on the book by beginning to read it together. Check the internet or consult with your children’s librarian to find age-appropriate books. Another idea is to include your child in whatever you’re doing. Small children enjoy washing windows, cooking dinner and helping fold laundry. Set a child-size table beside you and give children plastic food and cutlery or even provide their own little kitchen so they can be your mini me. Some other ideas are to let little ones wash the porch with water while you vacuum inside, or they can “clean out” the cupboard where you keep pots and pans. Audio books are another way to stimulate your child’s imagination. Try giving your child washable markers and paper to draw pictures of what she is hearing as she listens to the story. Another thought to consider is that boredom can serve as a relief from overstimulation and can even reduce stress. This freedom provides space for the mind to wander, the body to calm and the brain to process what’s important. It can even change your child’s outlook. Most kids don’t like to wait for something to happen. They want every minute of the day filled in with something. Yet boredom can change their outlook from “there’s nothing to do” to “I’m free to do whatever!” We can teach our kids that boredom is their chance to look for new opportunities. Being bored can be a gift to our kids because it gives them time to find that toy they shoved into the back of the closet or to practice the piano scales they’ve been avoiding. Raising children is a learning experience for us just as much as it means learning and growing for them! Learn to value boredom and enjoy growing and learning together. It’s our lifelong privilege with children. Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life. Sources: AhaParenting.com, AllProDad.com

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kcparent.com october 2021

Q&A DEARTEACHERS

BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS

ATTENDING CONFERENCES IS A MUST THIS YEAR

PARENTS: Hopefully, you were able to attend back-to-school night at the start of the school year. It should have given you a good picture of what your children will be studying this year. Soon, you should be receiving information about upcoming parent/teacher conferences. This year, conferences may return to in-person ones or could remain virtual, but either way, you need to attend to find out some specific information from the teacher. You need to know exactly where your child is academically at the start of this school year. While you participate in a conference, be sure to keep the focus on your child. It is very important to avoid lengthy discussions of subjects not related to the purpose of the conference. And be sure to make it clear to teachers that you want to work with them to help your child succeed in school, You should expect the teacher to give you answers to these questions: • Is my child performing at, above or below the expected grade level in all of his or her classes?

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• Does my child need special help in any academic subject? What help will be given? How can we help at home? • When will my child take state standardized tests this year to evaluate his or her progress in school? • How would you describe my child’s work habits? Does he or she regularly complete homework and classwork? • What goals are appropriate for my child this year? Above are the questions you need answers to before your conference time expires. If there is time, here are some more questions for which answers would be helpful: • How well does my child get along with his or her classmates and teachers? • Are there any discipline problems? How can they be improved or eliminated? • Can we look over some of my child’s work together? I would like to see specific areas where my child needs improvements or excels.

EducationCorner Before the conference, definitely talk to your child. You need to hear first-hand exactly what he or she thinks about how the school year is going so far. Your child might give you specific issues to discuss with the teacher. Another key step is to make sure you have looked over your child’s work—the quality of the work should not be a surprise to you. And you certainly should be aware of whether your child’s grades have improved, gone down or remained the same since last year. As part of your conference preparation, jot down anything you want to talk over with the teacher, from too much homework being assigned to your child’s difficulties with story problems. Try to limit your list to items vital to your child’s success in school. At the end of the conference, be sure you and the teacher sum up together any decisions

that have been made about your child. Also, remember to thank teachers for all the help they are giving your child. If necessary, you can schedule an additional conference. Your job is not done when the conference ends. In the busyness of life, don’t just forget about the conference once it’s over. Be sure to discuss it with your child’s other parent if he or she was not able to attend. And talk about the conference with your child. Begin by pointing out all the strengths brought out by the teacher. Then talk about the suggestions that were made for improvement. Agree with your child on a plan of action to improve any problem areas. Did the teacher suggest that your child needs a better study schedule? Did you agree to find a tutor to help your child in certain areas? Start to carry out these plans.

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kcparent.com october 2021

Teacher Trouble:

How to Resolve Child-Teacher Conflict

“I

hate school. My teacher is mean!” At one time or another, nearly every parent of a school-age

youngster has heard their child express displeasure with the entire educational establishment during a frustrating homework session or after a rough day. You may initially brush off these dramatic declarations, but what do you do if your child seems to be growing increasingly distressed with school and her teacher?

Why the grumbling? An elementary school child’s disdain for her teacher may grow out of a variety of factors, like adjusting from a beloved former teacher’s management style to a new teacher’s approach. Other influences on a child’s attitude toward his teacher include class size, peer competition, increased homework, more demanding, independent schoolwork, as well as differences between home and school environments.

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EducationCorner Do some digging. Allow your child time to adjust to his teacher’s expectations and rules. If his complaints persist, ask objective questions, like “How is the work for you? How are you getting along with the other kids?” “By doing that you can get a flavor of the environment rather than the situation,” says Stephanie Mihalas, a child psychologist and a nationally certified school psychologist, who frequently helps students and parents manage and resolve school conflicts. “You may get an idea that something else is happening that’s triggering the ‘meanness’ and then at that point, you have more information to call or email the teacher.” Review classwork. Notice patterns like red marks and notes from the teacher on classwork. If your student struggles and seems afraid to ask questions, discuss appropriate times for her to talk to her teacher about the work and what types of questions she should ask. Make real-world connections. A child may grow disenchanted with school and her teacher if she doesn’t understand how the subject matter relates to real life. Due to increased pressure to focus on testing and assessments, teachers devote less classroom time for experiential learning opportunities or class projects. That’s where a parent can help. “Engaging in the learning piece is key,” says Ashley Norris, assistant dean of the University of Phoenix College of Education. On the weekends, integrate classwork into your daily errands. For example, if your child is learning about the soil and the climate in science, take him to the Saturday morning farmers market. Practice multiplication skills to tally up the tip at a restaurant. “Parents (then) become a partner with the teacher. Once that engagement starts to happen, the perception of the student-teacher relationship changes,” Norris says. Signs of a child-teacher conflict. “The single biggest factor is a change in grades. If grades are starting to slip, that’s a huge indicator,” Norris explains.

Behavior changes, including disengagement at school, forgotten homework and lack of effort, can also indicate a problem.

Resolving a personality conflict. Rather than getting angry or defensive, take a calm, diplomatic approach when conferencing with the teacher. “The last thing you want to do is instigate more conflict between the teacher and your child, and if you start to pit sides, that’s what ends up happening,” Norris says. Also, ask if you can sit in during class one day. “Your presence might change the nature of how your child acts, but it will give you a flavor of how the teacher teaches,” Mihalas says.

“Behavior changes, including disengagement at school, forgotten homework and lack of effort, can also indicate a problem.” — Ashley Norris When to contact administration. Go over a teacher’s head only as a last resort. “One of the only times to bring in administration is if your child is covered by special education law and the teacher isn’t following special ed law,” Mihalas says. Other times you might seek help from administration: n The teacher agreed on a set of interventions, but isn’t following those strategies. n Your child comes home crying every day. n You talk with the teacher, but you’re unable to resolve the issue.

Request a different teacher? Sometimes a child’s personality and a teacher’s personality simply clash. Unless the teacher is abusive, help your child understand that she’s not always going to like everyone, stressing the importance of remaining respectful and learning how to manage personality differences. “In my humble opinion, I don’t think it’s a good idea to show children that because there’s a problem, then they need to move from that classroom,” Mihalas says. Instead, teach flexibility by creating a link between friendships and getting along with others. For a younger child, you might say, “Everyone is different. Just as Mommy and Daddy do things differently, this is how your teacher is. It’s really good to learn how to work with all different kinds of people.” Seek professional help. If interventions at school are unsuccessful, seek help from a child psychologist to rule out learning disabilities and anxiety.

Questions to ask the teacher: n Have you noticed my child struggling with a particular subject? n Does she participate in classroom discussions? n How does she seem to get along with her peers? n How can we work together to help my child better adjust?

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines is the mom of two high school boys. She is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

kcparent.com october 2021

TUTOR?

DOES MY CHILD NEED A

e parents strive to give our children the absolute best. When it comes down to how we give and receive information, why should that be any different? As much as I don’t want to admit or believe it, I can’t be in 10 different places at one time. I don’t always make gourmet meals. I forget my kids’ names sometimes and I’ve never used the Pythagorean Theorem in my adult life ever. So how on God’s green earth can I be trusted to tutor or know when my future shining star is in need of a tutor? If you struggle like I do, keep reading. You’re not alone. Who knows first? What are our resources? If you’re not sure whether your kid is struggling, test the theory with a few of these techniques:

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Make an appointment with the guidance counselor and talk to the teachers. You’d be surprised at how many parents avoid this step and how many teachers are ready and available to talk through your children’s strengths and weaknesses. When I was young girl, parent teacher conferences took place every quarter, and the school’s faculty made an event of it. In this new age, things are a bit different, so talk to your child, reach out to the school’s administration and see what’s going on. Reach out to the instructors via email. In this new age of COVID-19 and technology, communication is changing. You don’t have to send a note attached to your kid’s collar these days. Because

schools are going more digital, it’s much easier to gain an email address of your child’s teacher or someone else fluent in a subject your student struggles in. Use it! Hybrid learning and tutoring in this new age works for everyone. Embrace it with open arms. Talk to your children and ask them what they love or hate. Talking about school doesn’t have to be a hard conversation—talk about it during dinner. You can even open the floor by going first. I used to love when my mom told us about her childhood and classes. She killed it! Or use story time as a way to get your children to reveal their least and favorite subjects in a safe environment. From there, you can give suggestions and hone in on how you can help.

EducationCorner It’s not always easy to see trouble, but if you do that initial digging, you’ll find a flag or two. The very first red flag for me and my kiddo was his taking a little more time. Before the kids in my house can go play or hang with their friends and have fun, we get “the business” taken care of. “The business” in our house consists of homework, chores and dinner prep (simple things like table setup or bringing in the groceries). When my youngest child started coming to the table 20 minutes after everyone else did, or when he started missing fun events and took a little longer to finish his chores, I did a little investigating. I remember my first ah-ha moment with tutoring like it was yesterday. I peeked into his room to find him stretched across the bed with wads of balled-up paper circling him. When I asked him whether

everything was okay, his initial response was, “I can’t do this fast.” When he looked up, and I saw those big brown eyes filled with despair, mommy mode kicked right in. Before I knew it, we both were stretched across that same bed with a book, wads of paper and division on the menu. By the end of the night, we got it together, but the key was noticing the red flags and acting on them early. Now, he’s a pro with division and is even teaching me the new waves in math. Now, it’s great to jump in and take care of business when you have to, but knowing when you’re out of your league and need to solicit help is crucial. Although counting and equations come easy to me, science and all the elements of the periodic table simply do not. So if my child ever struggles with molecules or atoms, I’m calling in the cavalry and every science wizard I know.

Keep a sharp eye out for red flags your child might be waving. When you see them, remember to get right to work, stay engaged, be patient and always encourage your child to keep learning.

T IS FOR TUTOR Ask questions. Be confident. Be flexible. Be honest. Be patient. Collaborate. Do the work. Lead the way. Listen. Share experiences. Stay engaged. Teach.

Jessica Samuel lives in Kansas City and is a freelance writer and photographer.

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e have all heard that motherhood can feel like a roller coaster ride— lots of highs and lows along the way. Although that statement is true, many days seem to feel mundane and repetitive. The ride can feel less like a rollercoaster and more like a slow moving monorail. Whether you feel like your life is a roller coaster or a monorail, every mom wants to be happy and a positive influence on her children. Is there a secret to being a happy mother? No one can be happy in every moment, but here are some tips to keep smiling and feel contentment during the highs, lows and mundane days of motherhood. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF When flight attendants review safety information before a flight, they remind passengers to put on their own mask before assisting others. As moms,

ALLOWING YOUR OWN HOBBIES AND INTERESTS TO DEVELOP AND ALLOWING YOURSELF TIME FOR THEM CAN BOOST YOUR MOOD AND HELP YOU FEEL HAPPIER OVERALL.

kcparent.com october 2021

we often put others’ needs before our own, but those preflight instructions can be applied to motherhood. Although moms can’t always put themselves first, it’s still important to make sure our basic needs are met. “I’ve made self care a priority,” says Olathe mom Bekah Bayer. “I go to bed early enough that I can wake up before the boys do. This gives me time to drink my coffee and start my day off in a peaceful way.” Get adequate rest, eat regular healthy meals, exercise regularly and take care of your mental health. Assuring these basic needs are met will help you feel healthier and happier so that you can take care of your loved ones. SCHEDULE TIME FOR YOU “I like to get up before the kids for quiet time alone with my coffee,” says Liz DeArmond of Olathe. “I also make sure to give myself time for running, reading or sewing, all my favorite things, at some point during

HABITS OF HAPPY MOMS

the day. I feel it’s important to model this for my kids.” Allowing your own hobbies and interests to develop and allowing yourself time for them can boost your mood and help you feel happier overall. “I love having time away scheduled so I have something to look forward to during the hard times,” says Kara Thomas of Shawnee. “My rotations include lunch with friends, pedicures and book clubs.” Give yourself permission to do the things you enjoy both with and without your children.

Being happy every moment of every day is an unrealistic expectation, but you can have a general feeling of contentment with your life as a mom. If you are having feelings that seem out of control or hopeless, please seek professional help. Not all sadness can be simply brushed away, but for many of us moms, simply slowing down to appreciate how great our children are while also taking time to take care of our own mental and physical health can make all the difference in staying happy and healthy.

ENJOY YOUR KIDS One secret of happy moms is they enjoy their children. “Allow yourself to relax and have fun with your kids,” says Olathe mom of three Heather Lewis. “Include your kids in the things that make you happy.” Choose an activity that brings you joy, such as gardening, cooking, reading, sports or travel, and show the kids why you find it fun. “Ask them to help you and then let them do it their way. It will build their confidence and give you a break from feeling like you have to do it all.” Try not to compare yourself or your kids to other families and enjoy your own circumstances.

Sarah Lyons is an Olathe mom of six children, including 7-year-old triplets.

LET IT GO Try to pinpoint what is bringing your mood down. If it is a messy house, have the family pitch in and help you clean it up. Don’t expect things to be perfect and do try to appreciate that everyone is pitching in. If getting them to help is a battle, leave the house for the day and do something fun. The mess may be waiting when you get home, but your mood may be lighter and it will seem easier to tackle after you’ve had a break. Try to remember that your relationship with your kids is more important long term. You may find your mood is improved just by taking time to play, laugh and be silly with your kids.

QUICK WAYS TO BOOST YOUR MOOD After taking care of your family’s needs, working and doing household chores, you can feel like your gas tank is running on empty, which can, in turn, drain your energy and your mood. Here are some quick ways to boost your mood. n

Sing along. Turn up your favorite song and sing

along. Dancing and singing are sure to boost your mood. n Laugh it off. Call a friend who always makes you laugh. If your child is doing something frustrating, try to laugh it off. Turn on a funny TV show or podcast. Laughter is the best medicine.

Take a bath. A relaxing soak in the tub is always a good mood booster and relaxes tense muscles helping you feel physically better as well. n

Take a walk. Physical exercise and a break from your house and chores makes for a great way to change your mood.

Let it go. Do you have piles of dishes and laundry to do? Is it overwhelming? Let it go. You can’t leave it forever, but you can for now. Find something fun to do instead, just for the day. You might find after a break away you come back to it with a better attitude.

Take a nap. There is nothing better than a nap to help you recharge your batteries. If your baby is sleeping, take the time to rest as well. If you have older kids, put in a movie and rest next to them on the couch. You will feel recharged and ready for the rest of the day. n

kcparent.com october 2021

SPEAK UP!

Teaching Kids to Use Their Voices Effectively

n our youth, many of us were taught that saying no or asserting a boundary was rude. Were you ever forced to hug the uncle that gave you the creeps so you wouldn’t seem impolite? Or asked

to perform your dance recital at a moment’s notice for a room full of strangers?

kcparent.com october 2021

I’m shuddering. Thankfully, in these more modern times, the expectation for a child’s autonomy has blessedly shifted. Kids aren’t performing monkeys, nor are they meant to be “seen and not heard.” Children are now recognized for the human beings they are, complete with feelings, fears and boundaries. Specifically, your children’s need to assert their needs is real and important. And as with almost everything else, that assertive skill is not inherent. It’s learned. Guess who gets to teach them this skill? Spoiler alert: It’s you. Kids are whole people. And as they develop cognitively and emotionally, our job as parents is to help them learn and exercise growing independence in small, digestible, age-appropriate amounts until one day— wham! They’re ready for the world. Here are three tips to raise children who can effectively and respectfully assert themselves today and, more importantly, beyond tomorrow.

Support physical autonomy and boundaries This is the first building block of assertiveness. Your children’s bodies belong to them. As early as possible, implement the mindset that your child has a choice with whom and when to give physical affection or allowance. This even applies to how the children interact with us as their parents. If your children are experiencing a moment when they don’t want to be touched (c’mon, we’ve all been there), they can safely say, “No thanks, not right now.” That is their boundary, and you must respect it. Why does this matter? Down the road, if someone tries to violate their physical boundaries, they are much more likely to mention it to you, a teacher or someone of authority. By the way, it’s never too late to have this discussion. Encourage open communication about who is allowed to touch your child and who is not at every stage of growth. If your child is comfortable early on with asserting boundaries, it will be a reflex later on. So when someone tries the ol’ “Nice to meet you! I’m a hugger!” your grown children will assert themselves and confidently respond, “No thanks, I’m actually not a hugger. How about a handshake?”

Allow for decisions We can’t let our children decide every single aspect of their lives when they’re young. If we did, they’d eat Oreos for breakfast and wear shorts in the snow. But we should seek out ways to allow them decisions in their day-to-day doings. Find pathways to give your children the confidence to choose what’s right for them, within appropriate parameters. Every kid wants a snack. A lenient “choose your snack” response is a recipe for a disaster, tears and screaming. “Would you like an apple or some graham crackers for a snack?” is a clear-cut way to offer a sense of autonomy without sacrificing nutrition or your sanity. But wait - don’t get too comfortable. You aren’t done yet. Although the “two option” approach is often necessary to keep the day moving, it’s also a good idea to expound a bit. Scooch over to make some room for mistakes. When your child insists that he must wear his socks in the rain puddles, let him. When wet feet and heavy socks are the result, don’t judge and say, “Told you so!” Instead, simply demonstrate how to clean up the mess (notice I did not say that you should clean up the mess) and have a conversation. Explain that although you can understand the choice he made, ultimately it didn’t work out this time. Then sit back and let it process. Allowing a child to make a wrong decision entirely alone allows for assertiveness in its most basic form: Speak up, even if you aren’t 100 percent sure. What’s the worst that can happen? You get wet socks. Failure and disappointment are okay. After all, when people are afraid to fail, they will fail to speak up. Teach that disappointment is inevitable and completely normal.

Firm is appropriate; mean is not Our children are perpetually watching us. Even when they’re tuned into a TV show or ignoring us while they play with their toys. Trust and believe they are learning by example. As children get older, their level of responsibility over their own life grows.

This means eventually they’re going to have to deal with uncomfortable situations. Their flight might get canceled. Perhaps they discover they’ve been double-charged at the grocery store. Real life situations are impossible to predict, so begin demonstrating proper assertiveness now. When possible, let your child (or teen) watch you navigate an uncomfortable situation. As an example, let’s say a restaurant loses your reservation and can’t take your party.

• Educate: Explain what’s happened. You booked a reservation at a certain time and there was a mistake made on the part of the restaurant. You are now going to call the manager to request that the reservation be honored. • Empathize: Before calling, verbalize to your child that incidents like this happen. The restaurant is busy and likely overwhelmed, but you were promised a reservation. Whomever you speak with will be treated with respect but will be expected to provide a resolution.

• Execute: If you can, put the call on speaker, so your child can hear both sides of the conversation. Let your child hear you describe in a kind—but firm—tone what has occurred and what you expect to be done. • Elasticity: There’s a real chance that whatever your grievance is can’t be resolved the way you want. (Thanks, COVID!) Show your child that you are willing to be pliable and find an acceptable resolution. No matter what, you don’t lose your cool, call names or treat the employee with disrespect. We’ve all heard that children are sponges, and it’s true. They absorb and then reflect back into the world what they’ve seen and heard. Raising children to use their voice effectively and appropriately starts on day one, minute one. Treat people how you want to be treated, lead with love and madly respect all those around you … including yourself. Your child will mirror your footsteps, so walk a path that’s worth following.

Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for KC. She lives in Liberty with her husband, stepdaughters and son. kcparent.com october 2021

Fall Fun! GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS 43 creative pumpkins 44 trail games 46 october festivals 47 pumpkin patch tips 48 fall day trips 50 pumpkin patch guide

kcparent.com october 2021

CRAFTCORNER

Tissue Paper Papier-Mache Pumpkins ooking for a quick and easy way to decorate pumpkins this fall? Look no further! This easy craft is messy but not nearly as messy as carving pumpkins!

Step one: Cut squares of tissue paper.

Step two: Make a mixture of about half glue and half water in a cup using the paintbrush. Step three: Paint glue/water mixture onto the pumpkin, placing tissue

Materials needed:

• Tissue paper—we used

white with silver polka dots.

• Scissors • Glue • Plastic cup • Paintbrush • Water • Pumpkin • Old newspaper to put down on table.

squares as you go. Paint over the tissue paper squares to help the tissue paper stick and lie down.

Step four: Allow to air dry and repeat sections as needed. Step five: Paint glue mixture over the whole pumpkin to help keep the pumpkin fresh and last longer!

Bonus Craft: Pumpkin Play Dough Step one: Put pumpkin purée into the bowl. Step two: Slowly add in cornstarch, mixing as you go. We used just less than 2 cups of cornstarch. Step three: Add in tiny drops Materials needed:

• One can of

pumpkin purée

• Cornstarch (just

less than 2 cups)

• Large mixing

bowl • Spatula • Water if needed

of water if needed if the play dough is too dry.

Step four: Keep mixing until you get the right consistency. Step five: Store in the fridge!

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. kcparent.com october 2021

The fresh air and freedom that come with being outdoors do wonders for a person’s mind, body and soul.

Trail Games:

ways to keep kids moving and motivated

ur family loves the outdoors on any given day but has found the outdoors to be even more restorative during the worldwide pandemic. Although our house allows us to spread out some and we have a yard to play in, getting out on a trail just does something different for us. The fresh air and freedom that come with being outdoors do wonders for a person’s mind, body and soul. With six of us cooped up in the house together month after month, we regularly need a respite. Going out to a trail gives us a change of pace and scenery, and somehow sets things right … until we get back in the car and everyone starts arguing again! Regardless, if your family is getting bored with “just another walk,” read on for a few ways to spice it up the next time you are out.

• B ring a camera and let each person

snap a close-up photo of something you find on the trail, then take turns guessing what each person photographed. Ideas could be tree bark, gravel, a rock, leaves, dirt, stick, a shell, water and so on.

• T ry an A to Z alphabet hunt. This

isn’t easy, but see how many things you can spot on your walk that begin with different letters of the alphabet … acorn, bee, cicada shell, dandelion, elm tree, feather, etc.

• P lay Red Light, Green Light, Simon Says, follow the leader or have a

kcparent.com october 2021

good old-fashioned race. Look out for other trail users though!

• S lip in a little math activity and

count how many squirrels you see or how many cicada shells and sticks you can find.

• Have your children make checklists with items they want to find: jogger, dog, stream, leaf, squirrel, hose, flower, bug, fish—the possibilities are endless! The great fun with having a scavenger hunt is you can change the list each time or change it depending on which trail you are exploring. Kathleen, an Overland Park mom of two, says, “My boys love to do scavenger hunts when we are out on a trail walk or exploring a new park. They love looking for various nature items and crossing them off their list!”

• P lay I Spy! This activity offers

numerous options, but a few to try might be to spot fairy houses, kindness rocks, a house, someone wearing black, something slippery or scratchy, an item beginning with the letter W, and so on.

• B ring your own painted rocks and have fun hiding them!

• S peaking of hiding … we are always up for a good game of hide and seek! My husband is notorious for walking ahead of us and “disappearing” while we are engrossed in looking at something! Or he will shout out, “Everyone has

Fall Fun! GUIDE

30 seconds to hide! GO!” The kids (and sometimes me too!) scatter like crazy. Word of caution, though: Be careful your kids don’t go too far and do look out for poison ivy.

• T ake sidewalk chalk and draw fun

Fall Fun Scavenger Hunt

As you embark on autumn adventures with your kids, try to find one item on this list each day in October!

pictures or leave encouraging words.

• B ring along bubbles … they are always fun!

• F ind a trail where there is a lake, pond or stream and skip stones. This is one of our faves! Kathleen agrees: “My boys could spend an hour throwing rocks in the water, looking for fish or just splashing and playing in the water!” Don’t forget to wear water shoes too!

•W hile you are at the water, make up

some other fun little games to play. We will do silly games like who can throw a stone to the other side and have it land closest to the water or who can hit a specific tree, etc.

• I nstead of a scavenger hunt, make nature bingo boards! Play five in a row, corners or total blackout and see who gets bingo first. You can even use nature items like acorns as your bingo markers!

• G ive your children a target number of

items to collect. For example, find one leaf, two pinecones, three bugs, four rocks and five sticks. Just remember, many trails ask you not to take things home with you, so your kids will have to leave their “collection” for someone else to find. If you feel like you are in a rut outdoors, pick one or two of these activities to try the next time you venture out. It may feel like pulling teeth to get your kids to go, but I can nearly promise they will have fun once they do.

Jack-o’-lantern

Corn maze

Scarecrow

Trick or treat decoration

Squirrel Orange twinkly lights Skeleton Red leaves Orange leaves Brown leaves Apple tree Spider web Purple twinkly lights Bat Black cat Candy corn Full moon Pumpkin patch

Cemetery Haystack Tractor Farmer Pig Goat Horse Donkey Rabbit Apple cider Marshmallows Fire pit Train

Julie Collett writes from her Overland Park home where the wonderful trails around the metro have been a lifesaver for her family over the past many months.

kcparent.com october 2021

festivals

OCTOBER

ACROSS KANSAS CITY The Great Pumpkin Fest Weekends Sept. 18-Oct. 31 at Worlds of Fun. Hooray for fall! Hop on your tractor, pirate ship or witch’s broom and hurry on over for a super-sized celebration of all things fall at Worlds of Fun’s Great Pumpkin Fest.

Gladfest Oct. 1-3. Gladfest is a wonderful fall festival with something for everyone! The carnival is open all three days for kids of all ages. Kids Corner, presented by Oakhill Day School, and the interactive Funfield have many family-friendly activities to check out.

kin Fest

at Pump

The Gre

Weston Applefest Oct. 2-3 at Weston, MO. There will be more than 50 art and craft booths along the downtown Main Street to peruse, and you’re also invited to browse the many unique Weston shops during your visit. Missouri Town 1855 Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music Oct. 2-3, Missouri Town 1855. Skilled interpreters, crafters and artisans will bring this antebellum living history site to life with period music, dance, games, crafts, a fun-filled hay wagon ride and delicious foods.

Lenexa Chili Challenge Oct. 8-9 atOld Town Lenexa. About 200 teams compete in the chili, salsa and hot wings contests in hopes of taking home the Grand Champion prize. Activities include musical entertainment and JDRF fundraising both days, fireworks on Friday night, and the Kids Kornbread Contest on Saturday. Weston A p

plefest

Fall Festival at Shawnee Indian Mission Oct. 9-10 at Shawnee Indian Mission. The Fall Festival, the mission’s largest event of the year, is a time to watch, eat, play, ride, learn, listen and celebrate the wonder of fall on the prairie. You’ll find something for all ages and interests. Holiday Treasures Craft Festival Oct. 23 at Shawnee Civic Centre. Beat the crowds this holiday season and pick up some unique, handcrafted holiday gifts while you are at it! Admission is free—you have nothing to lose and the perfect holiday gift to gain!

Mildale Farm Fall Fest Oct. 30 at Mildale Farm, Edgerton, KS. Bring the family and spend the day exploring the Mildale Farm property and enjoy a number of fall activities during this free public event.

ee Indian Fall Festival at Shawn

kcparent.com october 2021

Mission

Find the complete Festival Guide on KCParent.com!

Fall Fun! GUIDE

10 Tips for a Great Day at the Pumpkin Patch Local pumpkin patches are open for the season mid-September through Halloween. Follow these tips to have the best experience at the patch. 1. Visit KCParent.com and use our Pumpkin Patch Guide to get the inside scoop on all the local patches. Use our tips to choose the best patches to visit this season. 2. Dress for the weather. Remember sunscreen, bug spray and appropriate Later in the season, it may be Local pumpkin patches are open forlayers. the season chilly early or late in the day but may mid-September through Halloween. Follow thesewarm tips up as the sun shines in the afternoon. to have the best experience at the patch. 3. Wear comfy shoes for playing on a farm. Visit KCParent.comTennis and use our Pumpkin Patch to getwork the well. shoes, rubber boots or Guide farm boots inside scoop on all the local 4. patches. Come Use our tips to choose the rested. Plan your visit around nap times. best patches to visit this season. 5. Plan to spend a half to full day. Weekdays are less Remember crowded and more relaxed, this the ideal time to visit Dress for the weather. sunscreen, bug making spray and are bustling appropriate layers. with Lateryoung in thechildren. season, itWeekends may be chilly early orand latecan be an extra in the day but may special warm up as to thevisit sunwith shines in the afternoon. time friends and relatives. Bring grandparents along for the fun! Wear comfy shoes for playing on a farm. Tennis shoes, rubber 6. Check the patch’s calendar of activities on boots or farm boots work well. KCParent.com (under the Pumpkin Patch Guide) for special Come rested. Plan your visit around nap times.throughout the season, including events they may be hosting live entertainment, special festivals or holiday-themed events for Plan to spend a half to full day. Weekdays are less crowded and Grandparents Day, teacher Halloween and more. more relaxed, making this the ideal time to visitappreciation, with young children. and can 7. be an extra If youspecial have a time favorite attraction, Weekends are bustling to visit with for instance the jumping pillow, plan to hit it up first or last to make the start friends and relatives. Bring grandparents along for the fun! and end of your visit extra special. Check the patch’s calendar of activities on KCParent.com (under 8. Buy some goodies to enjoy at home! Cider the Pumpkin Patch Guide) for special events they may be hosting donuts, pumpkin donuts and kettle corn are all great snacks to throughout the season, including live entertainment, special enjoy with a relaxing movie after a day at the patch. festivals or holiday-themed events for Grandparents Day, teacher 9. Decide in advance whether you want to choose appreciation, Halloween and more. one big pumpkin for the family or a small one for each child. If you have a favorite attraction, the pillow, Having a planfor caninstance save a lot ofjumping stress when everyone is drawn to plan to hit it up firsttheir or last to make the start and end of your visit choice for a “perfect pumpkin.” extra special. 10. Take lots of pumpkin photos!

10 TIPS

FOR A GREAT DAY AT THE PUMPKIN PATCH 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

8. Buy some goodies to enjoy at home! Cider donuts, pumpkin

donuts and kettle corn are all great snacks to enjoy with a relaxing movie after a day at the patch.

9. Decide in advance whether you want to choose one big pumpkin

for the family or a small one for each child. Having a plan can save a lot of stress when everyone is drawn to their choice for a “perfect pumpkin.”

10. Take lots of pumpkin photos!

kcparent.com october 2021

Autumn Adventures Autumn inspires the adventurer in me to seek out new experiences and learn new things. Locally, about an hour away, these two fantastic day trips offer new larks perfect for the family scrapbook.

Biking the Katy Trail and Adventures with Alpacas

id you know that America’s longest recreational rail trail runs 240 miles, mostly along the northern bank of the Missouri River right through the heart of Missouri? The trail follows the right-of-way of the former Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad. A visit to Missouri’s Pleasant Hill and Holden gives visitors a chance for unforgettable bike rides, alpaca adventures and small town charm. The Rock Island Spur of Katy Trail State Park, with the trailhead in Pleasant Hill, is a 47.5-mile trail across the west-central portion of the state. Visitors may bike, hike or ride on horseback (bring your own horses or bikes), enjoying nature and Missouri history. Along this portion of the trail, you will go over and under bridges, cross Big Creek and see wildflowers and wildlife seasonally. The trail is built on the former corridor of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad (commonly called the Rock Island line). Just four miles from the state park, you can enjoy a now-trendy tourist attraction. Have you noticed how you can hardly stroll through Target without spotting an Alpaca on a shirt, socks or water bottle? The fluffy creatures have captured the hearts of many children (and adult women—let’s be honest), and thanks to a local family, you can enjoy an incredible one-of-a-kind alpaca experience in person. Green Meadows Alpaca Ranch in Holden (GreenMeadowsAlpacaRanch.business.site) is a local ranch, Airbnb and agritourism attraction we have come to love. Melissa and Jason Ashley operate the ranch, along with their kids, and they welcome guests to stay overnight or come for an afternoon Paca Picnic.

kcparent.com october 2021

The scenic farm is home to 33 Suri and Huacaya alpacas. Suris are known for their twisted strings and locks, and Huacayas are fluffy and soft. Both are beautiful, and all alpacas have their own unique personality. The farm is also home to two llamas, one llama/alpaca cross, goats, sheep, turkey, guineas, chickens, ducks, cats and dogs. I recently stayed overnight at the beautiful log cabin-style Airbnb with my oldest daughter and her two best friends to celebrate her birthday. Overnight guests stay in luxurious bedrooms, or they may opt to bring a tent and camp outside. Guests get to feed the animals a few times during their stay, spray down the alpacas to cool them off if it’s hot, and pet and hold them. Holding a brand-new baby goat was a highlight of our visit. We learned about the different types of alpacas and other animals, their fleeces, their care and their individual stories and personalities. If you’d like to make a day trip rather than an overnight, consider a Paca Picnic where two to 10 guests get to feed the alpacas and bring their own picnic to enjoy on the farm. Nearby, visit downtown Holden. Walkers 5 & 10 Variety Store is a fun stop that sells many novelty items, including a variety of old-fashioned sodas and candies. The town is also home to antique stores, an ice cream shop and many restaurants. Autumn is our favorite time for a day trip, but the farm—and the town—are open year-round.

Fall Fun!

The First Lady of Flight and the Most Haunted Town in Kansas

visit to Atchison is perfect in the autumn. The small town is situated on the bluffs of the Missouri River defying the stereotype of Kansas prairie land with its deep, rolling hills and beautiful trees. Famous as the birthplace of the First Lady of Flight, Amelia Earhart, and the most haunted town in Kansas, the destination offers much to see on a day trip getaway. Begin your visit at the Atchison Visitors Center and Historical Society Museum (NPS.gov/places/atchison-county-historicalsociety.htm). The visitors center provides free information on local attractions. If you have questions about sites, shopping or restaurants, the staff is very helpful. The museum presents exhibits on Amelia Earhart, Lewis and Clark, the town of Atchison, Native American artifacts, the origin of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad and more. On weekends through October, you can visit the Atchison Rail Museum and enjoy a ride aboard the 12-inch-gauge train. A local train club runs a model steam train and a gas electric train. After riding the train, explore historic rail cars and engines, including a steam locomotive engine, more than one caboose, passenger cars, freight cars and a snowplow. For train lovers, this is one stop you don’t want to miss! A visit to Atchison without touring Amelia Earhart’s childhood home would be like a visit to St. Louis without seeing the Gateway Arch. When you tour the Amelia Earhart Birthplace (AmeliaEarhartMuseum.org), you will find that the home has been restored to its original décor by the Ninety-Nines, the organization of female pilots that operates the museum. Amelia, nicknamed Meelie, was born in the home built by her grandparents and lived there throughout most of her childhood. The museum displays many

GUIDE

Earhart artifacts and model planes, but the one I found most interesting was Meelie’s Coaster, a replica of the coaster Amelia built with her sister when they were young girls. They attached it to the roof of a small shed and went for a ride. She got hurt but was undaunted, declaring that it was just like flying and she dreamed of flying someday. Throughout the home you will see paintings and sculptures of Earhart and her planes, but my favorite was the painting in the upper hall by Robert Wilson showing Earhart with her first airplane, a Kinner Canary, purchased on her 24th birthday. The home is inspirational for young people as it tells the story of one of Kansas’ most famous women. Another famous Earhart attraction in town is the Warnock Lake Park/Amelia Earhart Earthwork (178620 274th Rd.). The Amelia Earhart Earthwork is a one-acre portrait of Earhart created by Kansas artist Stan Herd in 1997. Permanent plantings, stone and natural materials create a portrait of Atchison’s legendary lady. Drive into the park and you’ll find a viewing deck to take photos of the portrait. Thanks to special tours offered at historic homes (VisitAtchison.com/highlight_type/haunted-atchison) and through Haunted Atchison Trolley Tours, autumn is a favorite time to visit the town for those who love a spooky story. The trolley’s fall weekend tours carry visitors throughout the historic town to hear legendary haunting tales of the past (VisitAtchison.com/highlight/atchison-trolley-tours). Kristina Light loves trying new things and embarking on new adventures. You can read more ideas and autumn inspiration where she writes regularly on KCParent.com.

kcparent.com october 2021

pumpkin patch guide pumpkin patch map 4 3

I-435 I-435

I-470

K-10

I-35

71 Hwy

69 Hwy 169

5 2

1 Carolyn’s Country Cousins 17607 NE 52nd St., Liberty, MO 816.781.9196 CarolynsCountryCousins.com

4 Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch 650 N Jefferson, Kearney, MO 816.628.0028 FunFarmPumpkinPatch.com

2 Johnson Farms & Pumpkin Patch 17701 Holmes, Belton, MO 816.331.1067 JohnsonFarms.net

5 Louisburg Cider Mill 14730 Hwy. 68, Louisburg, KS 913.837.5202 LouisburgCiderMill.com

3 Weston Orchard & Vineyard 18545 Co. Rd. H, Weston, MO 402.209.4117 WestonOrchardAndVineyard.com

KC Parent is giving away 50 FAMILY 4-PACKS to all of your favorite pumpkin patches! PLUS find our geo-based ONLINE PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE. All the details are at KCParent.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.

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kc pumpkin patches Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch

Looking for a fall adventure? Visit KC’s #1 destination pumpkin patch… Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch! Enjoy dozens of attractions including the historic Country Carousel, Little Bud’s Railroad, the petting barn, Uncle Lester’s Pig Races, and much more! Find your perfect pumpkin in our u-pick pumpkin fields. Enjoy a wine slushie in our depot. Just don’t forget to pick up some of our famous pumpkin donuts! Carolyn’s is open six days a week (closed Tuesdays) from Sept. 18 to Oct. 31. Visit CarolynsPumpkinPatch.com to purchase season passes or discounted tickets. Come to Carolyn’s this fall and help us celebrate 30 years of farm fun!

Weston Orchard and Vineyard

Enjoy a u-pick pumpkin patch, u-pick apple orchard, hayrack rides, apple cannons, rat racers, bouncing pillow, low ropes course with zip line, kids corn maze and more! If you play hard enough to work up an appetite, enjoy kettle corn and caramel apples to keep your energy up. Open seven days a week, 9:00-5:00. Apple cannons available on weekends only. OrchardWeston.com

Johnson Farms

At Johnson Farms, you’ll be in the country, but close to your home at a real farm. Take a wagon ride out to the u-pick pumpkin patch, veggie patch, sunflower or apple orchard. Experience our

giant jumping pillows, giant tunnel maze, rally cars, authentic fire truck, barnyard arcade and animal corral all INCLUDED in your admission. Delicious food and Safe Health protocols in place each time you visit! Plenty of parking and outdoor fun for all ages. JohnsonFarms.net, 816.331.1067 @johnsonfarmsMO

Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch

When you buy a ticket to Fun Farm, included is your hayride out to our vast pumpkin patch. We have over 60 varieties of pumpkins to choose from on our farm, so get pickin’! Come out to the farm and pick out a pumpkin (or two…maybe three) to carve with the kids, use as porch decorations or to make your favorite pumpkin recipe! Enjoy tons of kids activities, shows, performers, play areas, specialty equipment…and yes, farm stuff. FunFarmPumpkinPatch.com

Louisburg Cider Mill and Country Store

Store hours 8:00-6:00 (Mon-Sat), 9:00-6:00 (Sun). Live music, food trucks, kettle corn and caramel apples. Watch as fresh cider is pressed and enjoy the delicious cider donuts! Fall family fun will be happening Sept. 17 to Oct. 31. Enjoy the Family Farm 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (Mon-Thur), 8 a.m.-10:00 p.m. (Fri-Sat) and 9:00 a.m.-6 p.m. (Sun). Venture through the 10-acre corn maze, huge pumpkin patch, farm animals, children’s play area, jump pillow, wagon rides and more! 913.837.5202. LouisburgCiderMill.com

KC Parent is giving away 50+ FAMILY 4-PACKS to all of your favorite pumpkin patches! PLUS find our geo-based ONLINE PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE. All the details are at KCParent.com.

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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 – $12/person, Fri. - Sun. – $9/active military, Mon.-Fri. – $7/person, $6/active military

WINE TASTINGS DAILY

13 Estate Wines to Sample 18545 Co Rd H | Weston, Missouri 816.601.5314 | OrchardWeston.com

kcparent.com october 2021

october

FOR EVEN

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

No part of this calendar may be reproduced in print or web format. Please call to verify event details.

CALENDAR

Boo at the Zoo at the Kansas City Zoo

54 october 2021

kcparent.com

visit

taste

learn

enjoy

celebrate

On Oct 2-3 enjoy the Kaw Valley Farm Tour at various locations. Stop by 30 locations and enjoy family farms, wineries, alpacas and more! KawValleyFarmTour.org

Visit Old Town Lenexa on Oct 9 for the Lenexa Chili Challenge. Activities include musical entertainment, chili samples and the Kids Kornbread Contest. Lenexa.com

Register to attend the Wonderfully Made Conference Oct 25-29. Empowers families with their involvement in the special needs community. WonderfullyMade KC.com

Head to the Wonders of Wildlife Museum in Springfield, MO for Spooks & Splashes Oct 24-30. Enjoy candy, costumes and thrilling themed activities. WondersOfWildlife.org

Bring the kids to Boo at the Zoo Oct 30-31 at the Kansas City Zoo. Kids trick-or-treat the zoo and enjoy Halloween activities and entertainment. KansasCityZoo.org

1 Friday Oktoberfest Art & Craft Show 10:00, the Pavilion at John Knox Village. Explore more than 100 booths and a wide variety of products to prepare for fall! IBDPromotions.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 Gladfest Thru Sunday, Linden Square. Parade, carnival, live entertainment, kids corner and many more family-friendly activities. GladstoneChamber.com/gladfest Into the Night Fall Festival 5:30, Ironwoods Park. Festivities include a petting zoo, live performers, train rides, crafts, photo ops and more! Pre-reg at Leawood.org or 913.663.9154. Night at the Museum—Scout Edition 6:00, Johnson County Museum. Scout groups enjoy a hands-on look at history, an art project, scavenger hunt and more! Pre-reg at 913.715.2570.

Log Cabin Festival Today & tomorrow, Harrisonville Square. Enjoy a parade, carnival, entertainment and much more! Facebook.com/LogCabinFestival

Ciderfest Today & tomorrow, Louisburg Cider Mill. Enjoy good old-fashioned apple cider fun. Free admission; cost for some activities. LouisburgCiderMill.com

KC Oktoberfest Today & tomorrow, Crown Center. A two-day festival celebrating authentic German-style bier, food, entertainment and more! KCOktoberfest.com

Alphapointe & CCVI Beep Kickball 10:00, Roanoke Park. Kids with vision impairments can enjoy a game of kickball with a special ball and bases.

Ward-Meade Garden Glow 7:00, Old Prairie Town. Experience historic buildings at night with hand-crafted electric light displays.

Applefest Celebration 10:00, Historic Downtown Weston. Parade, crafts, food, kids games, apple dumplings, entertainment and more! WestonMO.com/applefest

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

2 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.

Scarecrow Festival 9:00, Shawnee City Hall. Scarecrow making, pumpkin decorating, a farmers market and seasonal displays. CityOfShawnee.org

Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music 10:00, Missouri Town 1855. Historic interpreters, artisans, musicians, crafters and more! MakeYourDayHere.com

Hoots and Howls Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Head out to the zoo for some spooky, not scary, activities and entertainment. KansasCityZoo.org

Out of the Darkness Walk 10:00, Sprint Campus Paige Field. Annual walk held to remember all of those lost to suicide. We walk for awareness and prevention. AFSP.org/kansascity

kcparent.com october 2021

Somos Amigos: Songs on Common Ground 11:00, Midwest Trust Center. Bilingual program includes old and new songs. Free, but reservations required. JCCC.edu/MTCArtsEd

Kaw Valley Farm Tour Today & tomorrow, various locations. Visit 30 locations and enjoy family farms, wineries, alpacas and more! KawValleyFarmTour.org Slavtoberfest Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Public Library (Sugar Creek). A celebration of Slavic heritage. Featuring music, dance, food and more! SlavicFest.com Oktoberfest 7:00, Downtown Kearney. A full day of live music, local vendors, kids carnival, games and more! 816.635.0566 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 Waterfire 7:00, Country Club Plaza. A unique, multisensory experience of music, fire and water. Pop-up food and drink stands. WaterFireKC.com

3 Sunday Scarecrow Run Linden Square. Run or walk through the downtown Gladstone Area in your favorite costume! Gladstone.mo.us/Recreation 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 Electric Poe 6:30, Union Cemetery. The Coterie presents readings of two moody masterpieces by Edgar Allen Poe. Bring blankets and chairs. Purchase tickets online at TheCoterie.org.

4 Monday 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.

Celebrate National Family History Month at Your Library! October is Family History Month and no better time to begin preserving your family’s story. Whether you need a “Tell Me a Story” kit to record a loved one’s anecdotes, are looking for free online genealogy research resources, or need family tree forms to print at home, we can help get you started.

For more ideas, visit the in person today or mymcpl.org/FamilyHistory. 3440 S. Lee’s Summit Rd., Independence, MO Mon. – Sat. 10-8 and Sun. 1 – 8. 56 october 2021

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Parent & Me Swim Time 10:00, the View Community Center. Parents with children 4 and under can get acquainted with the water and enjoy the indoor pool. Oddity Odyssey Thru Oct 15, Wonders of Wildlife (Springfield, MO). Themed activities to celebrate the odd and unusual creatures of WOW. Full schedule at WondersOfWildlife.org.

5 Tuesday

6 Wednesday 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 Babes in the Woods 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Hike out with your little one to the Bethany Falls Trail to explore unique limestone boulders. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov.

Witches Eve 5:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Grab your ghoul squad for a wicked night out filled with plenty of cackles and boo’s! DowntownLS.org The Reminders 7:30, Midwest Trust Center. This duo uplifts and entertains all at once with a unique mashup of rhymes, vocals and hip-hop beats. JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center

8 Friday

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

Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Listen to a story and meet a special animal friend. Today’s theme: Fabulous Fall. 913.826.2800

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

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

Garment District Grooves 11:30, Garment District Place. Grab some lunch and listen to live music in this quaint downtown park!

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

Free Admission Day Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Visit today and pay no admission fee! OPKansas.org/events/freeadmission-day Grow a Reader 6:00, MCPL. Join library staff for a virtual story time brought directly to your home! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

7 Thursday Community Blood Drive Noon, Legends Outlets. Donate blood and receive either a Royals t-shirt, hat or two tickets to an upcoming game. Pre-reg at LegendsShopping.com. Fairfax Festival Kaw Point Park. Live music, local food, lawn game tournament, boat rides and flyover of American B25-D Mitchell Bomber plane. FIAKCK.org

Festa Italiana 2021 Thru Sunday, Zona Rosa. Experience great authentic live entertainment, delicious food, vendors and historical informational booths. UNICOKC.org Tween Night 6:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. A safe space with station-driven activities along with organized group activities. Dinner included. Pre-reg at RecreateShawnee.org.

kcparent.com october 2021

9 Saturday Race for the Future 5K Run/Walk 8:00, Lee’s Summit West HS. Lace up your sneakers to run or walk the 5K course. Pre-reg at RunSignUp.com. Cars in the Park 9:00, Theatre in the Park. Shine up your vehicle for the car show! See trucks and big rigs for kids starting at 10:00. Vendors, a DJ and more! JCPRD.com 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. Fall Scout Day 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. All Scouts are invited to earn a patch by helping out with harvest—1860s style! Mahaffie.org Lenexa Chili Challenge 10:00, Old Town Lenexa. Activities include musical entertainment and JDRF fundraising, chili samples and the Kids Kornbread Contest. Lenexa.com Sugar Mound Arts & Crafts Festival Today & tomorrow, Linn County Fairgrounds. More than 400 booths of arts and crafts handmade by the exhibitors. 913.795.3003 Vampires of Missouri 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Look at the creepy adaptations these “vampires” need to survive and how you can avoid them. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov. Heritage Craft Festival Today & tomorrow, historic Arrow Rock. Handcrafted items, historic reenactments, living history presenters and more. ArrowRock.org Fall Festival 10:00, Shawnee Indian Mission. Watch, eat, play, ride, learn, listen and celebrate the wonder of fall on the prairie. ShawneeIndianMission.org Autumn Architecture Tours 10:00, Truman Home. Historic architectural walking tours offered on second Saturdays each fall. 816.254.2720 Bat House Building 11:30, 12:30 or 2:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Create your very own bat house and learn how to support local bats. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov/events. Fall Sensory Carnival 12:30, PossAbilities Children’s Therapy Group. Fall fun includes slime, pumpkin bowling and lots of other excitement. ChildrensTherapyGroup.org Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too 6:30, Kansas City Zoo. Date night! Enjoy live music, great food and tastings from more than 25 breweries and wineries. KansasCityZoo.org

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The Rat Pack Is Back 7:00, John Knox Pavilion. The Lee’s Summit Symphony is performing favorite tunes from the Rat Pack! LSSymphony.org/tickets

10 Sunday Hoots and Howls Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Head out to the zoo for some spooky, not scary, activities and entertainment. KansasCityZoo.org The Great Pumpkin Fest 10:00, Worlds of Fun. Halloween-themed activities plus Peanutsthemed rides and attractions in Planet Snoopy! WorldsOfFun.com

NOW OPEN! LIMITED Group Size Morning and Afternoon Sessions Enhanced Cleaning

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.

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

8788 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS jocoahc.com

Museum

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

Oddity Odyssey Thru Oct 15, Wonders of Wildlife (Springfield, MO). Themed activities to celebrate the odd and unusual creatures of WOW. Full schedule at WondersOfWildlife.org.

12 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.

“ ST R E N GT H F O R TO DAY, H O P E F O R TO M O R ROW ” S P EC I A L N E E D S PA R E N TS ! ! !

Gold Over America Tour 7:30, T-Mobile Center. Straight from the world stage, the best gymnasts headline the Gold Over America Tour. T-MobileCenter.com

13 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 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. Story Time in the Park 10:15, Indian Creek Library (Outdoor Amphitheater). Join for stories, songs and fingerplays. Geared toward ages 3-5. OlatheLibrary.org

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 october 2021

SIX-STOP TOUR WESTON

1. APPLE CIDER & PUMPKINS Situated on the bluffs of historic Weston is Weston Orchard and Vineyard. This familyowned farm is a beloved autumn destination. Enjoy a u-pick pumpkin patch, apple orchard, hayrack rides, apple cannons, bouncing pillow, low ropes course with zip line, kids corn maze, yard games and more!

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2. HIKE AND BIKE

3. SHOPPING AND DINING

Weston Bend State Park is a beautiful state park overlooking the Missouri River. Enjoy a 3-mile paved trail ideal for a nature walk or bicycle ride. The serenity of the trail is inviting as the path takes adventurers through forests of cottonwood, sycamore and maple trees.

Spend a day in historic Downtown Weston and discover beautiful antebellum homes, boutiques and local restaurants, bed and breakfasts, the old distillery, an award-winning winery, an operating brewery at the site of the oldest brewery west of New York’s Hudson River and more.

4. A BLAST FROM THE PAST On a visit to the Weston Historical Museum you’ll see rare Native American moccasins, Civil War relics, a newspaper office and many antiques. The museum tells the story of early residents in Platte County all the way through World War II. The Nostalgia Store in the museum features a variety of books, games and candy.

5. WESTWARD EXPANSION Visit the Weston Depot where you will find the exhibit “In the Wake of Lewis and Clark.” The exhibit chronicles the history and environment of the region and the Missouri River beginning with Lewis and Clark’s expedition in 1804. The exhibit also tells the story of Weston’s role in the story of Westward Expansion.

6. CHEESE MADE FROM SHEEP Green Dirt Farm Creamery sells cheeses made on their farm and ice cream made in the shop, plus lots of other small-batch artisan edibles. You may purchase sandwiches or a cheese and charcuterie board perfect for a picnic to enjoy at one of their outdoor picnic tables. Visitors may book a tour of the dairy farm to learn more.

14 Thursday 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 Electric Poe 6:00, Union Cemetery. The Coterie presents readings of two moody masterpieces by Edgar Allen Poe. Bring blankets and chairs. Purchase tickets online at TheCoterie.org.

15 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 Grow a Reader 10:00, MCPL. Join library staff for a virtual story time brought directly to your home! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org. Trick or Cache Various times, Antioch Park. GPS units will be provided for this modern-day scavenger hunt for Halloween treats. Pre-reg at 913.831.3359. 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. HOWLoween 5:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Explore nature stations like Track or Treat, the Bone Yard, the Bat Cave and much more. MDC.mo.gov Cornucopia: KC’s Ultimate Fall Festival Today & tomorrow, Power & Light District. Overflowing with opportunities for entertainment and fun. CornucopiaKC.com

16 Saturday Maple Leaf Festival Today & tomorrow, Baldwin City Farmers Market. Parade, antique cars, crafts for sale, quilt show and more! MapleLeafFestival.com Hoots and Howls Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Head out to the zoo for some spooky, not scary, activities and entertainment. KansasCityZoo.org International Lineman’s Rodeo 10:00, National Agricultural Hall of Fame. Rodeo competition plus petting zoo, train rides, face painting and bucket train rides. VisitKansasCityKS.com Miami County Fall Farm Tour Today & tomorrow, various locations. Plan a day trip full of rural heritage. Visit ADayOnTheFarmInKansas. com for participating farms.

Pumpkin Painting Party 10:00, Meadowmere Park. We provide the pumpkins, paint and brushes, you bring the creativity! Pre-reg at GrandviewParks.org.

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

Fire Station Open House 10:00, Lenexa Fire Station #3. Meet firefighters, get quick safety trainings, tour the station, sit in a fire truck and more!

Tots on Tuesday 10:30, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Sing songs, read books, explore art and make your own art. KemperArt.org

Slime Saturday 10:30, ScrapsKC. We have ingredients for clear or glitter slime and mix-in options so you can make and take your perfect slime. ScrapsKC.square.site

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.

KC Grilled Cheese & Mac Festival 12:30, Berkley Riverfront Park. Sample a huge variety of gourmet, chef-inspired twists on your childhood favorites.

Child & Parent Craft Time 4:30, Indian Creek Library (Olathe). Join for a fun craft for ages birth-Pre-K. Little ones may need assistance to complete craft. Pre-reg at OlatheLibrary.org.

Zombie Forest Night 6:30, Louisburg Cider Mill. Live music, bonfire, hayrides and more! Bring your flashlight to go through the maze in the dark. LouisburgCiderMill.com

20 Wednesday

17 Sunday Dogtober Fest 10:00, Kemper Outdoor Education Center. Explore booths, take part in contests, including the ever-popular Halloween costume contest. MakeYourDayHere.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 Winterlude 7:00, Midwest Trust Center. Enjoy a performance by native Kansan Bob Bowman, who began playing bass at 12 years old. JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center

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 Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Listen to a story and meet a special animal friend. Today’s theme: Fabulous Fall. 913.826.2800 Trunk or Treat 5:00, the View Community Center. Put on your costume and head to the View for a fun night of music, games and candy!

21 Thursday

18 Monday

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

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

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

Everything Pumpkins! Workshop 7:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. From planting to harvesting and carving to smashing, we’ll take a look at everything pumpkin! Pre-reg at Mahaffie.org.

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

19 Tuesday

Fairy Tale Forest 5:30, Martha LaFite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Walk through a trail, meet native animal characters, make a craft and more! NatureSanctuary.com

Open House 8:30, Whitefield Academy. Come take an inside look at our loving, Christian culture and vibrant learning environment. Pre-reg at WhitefieldAcademyKC.org. 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

Enchanted Forest 7:00, George Owens Nature Park. Travel down the paved trail through the Enchanted Forest to see stories enacted at several stops along the way. 816.325.7115

kcparent.com october 2021

Spookfest Oct. 30, Science City. Put on costumes and celebrate Halloween with Science City at this fun, kid-friendly evening event. ScienceCity.com

22 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 Grow a Reader 10:00, MCPL. Join library staff for a virtual story time brought directly to your home! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org. 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 Ghost Tours 6:30, Alexander Majors Home. Performance by Team Shakespeare, spooky ghost stories and more! Some themes may be scary for young kids. WornallMajors.org Night at the Arboretum 7:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Come roam the trails with your flashlight and look at the stars after dark. OPKansas.org

ERS NOW OFF

Kansas City Jazz Orchestra 8:00, Midwest Trust Center. Enjoy one of the nation’s preeminent big bands, performing classic and original repertoire. JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center

23 Saturday Truck or Treat 8:00, Lenexa Municipal Service Center. Kids will love checking out equipment while collecting treats! Lenexa.com/festivals Holiday Treasures Craft Festival 9:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Shop for unique, handcrafted holiday gifts. Admission is free. CityOfShawnee.org Hoots and Howls Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Head out to the zoo for some spooky, not scary, activities and entertainment. KansasCityZoo.org Howl-O-Ween 10:00, Tails and Trails Dog Park. Dress your pooch for the costume contest, vendors, prizes and more! 816.316.4888

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Bird-Feeding Stations Under Construction 10:00, 11:30 or 2:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Learn about Missouri songbirds and how to plan a feeding station. Pre-reg at MDC.mo.gov. Alpaca Open House Today & tomorrow, Manna Meadows. Fun for all! Enjoy alpacas, demos, crafts, hayrides and shopping. MannaMeadowsAlpacas.com

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Annual Fall Muster Today & tomorrow, Fort Osage. Annual event is recognized as one of the most authentic interpretations of the period. FortOsageNHS.com

10% OFF infant room for Two Convenient Locations: Child Development nd & enrollment. MetcalfCenter Ave 127th &year Antioch first with162 new “Where Your Child is Special” 913.681.2191 913.681.2190 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

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

Somos Amigos: Songs on Common Ground 11:00, Midwest Trust Center. Bilingual program includes old and new songs. Free, but reservations required. JCCC.edu/MTCArtsEd

Electric Poe 6:00, Union Cemetery. The Coterie presents readings of two moody masterpieces by Edgar Allen Poe. Bring blankets and chairs. Purchase tickets online at TheCoterie.org.

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

Main Street Cruise Night 3:00, Belton Historical Society and Museum. Check out all of the cool classic rides parked on Main Street. BeltonParks.org

The Interactive Beatles Experience 7:00, Midwest Trust Center. All-request show where the band is ready to play any Beatles song at the drop of a hat. JCCC.edu/midwest-trust-center

Petite Picassos 10:00 or 11:00, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. Bring budding artists into the art studio for a mini art project made just for them. Pre-reg at JCPRD.com.

25 Monday

27 Wednesday

Wonderfully Made Conference Thru Oct 29, virtual. Empowers family and ministry leaders with their involvement in the special needs community. Pre-reg at WonderfullyMadeKC.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

Spooks & Splashes Thru Oct 30, Wonders of Wildlife (Springfield, MO). Enjoy candy, costumes and thrilling themed activities sure to put a spark in your jack-o’-lantern. WondersOfWildlife.org

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.

Grow a Reader 10:00, MCPL. Join library staff for a virtual story time brought directly to your home! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

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

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

Haunted Swamp 6:30, Olathe Community Center. Pumpkin decorating, lifeguard trick-ortreating. Then at 6:45 we will have a pumpkin dive. Pre-reg at Active.com/olathe-ks.

24 Sunday

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

26 Tuesday 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

28 Thursday Enchanted Forest 4:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. The park is transformed into the Enchanted Forest, where there is something to delight everyone! Lenexa.com Trail for Treats 5:00, Broadway Street (Oak Grove). It’s time again for a most-loved tradition! Dress up the kiddos and head down Broadway to gather treats!

Inspiring kids and parents to walk, roll and stroll across the Kansas City region Visit KCWalks.org to learn more kcparent.com october 2021

Boo Bash! 6:00, Celebration Park (Gardner). Mark your calendars for this much-loved annual event! Enjoy lots of family fun! GardnerKansas.gov

29 Friday 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 Trick or Treat Trail 5:00, Theatre in the Park. Ghouls and goblins enjoy trick-or-treating on the trail, a Halloween movie, face painting and s’mores by the fire. Pre-reg at 913.826.2950. Enchanted Forest 7:00, George Owens Nature Park. Travel down the paved trail through the Enchanted Forest to see stories enacted at several stops along the way. 816.325.7115

30 Saturday Mildale Farm Fest 9:00, Mildale Farm. Explore the farm property and enjoy a number of fall activities at this free public event. 913.826.2957 Boo at the Zoo Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Kids trick-or-treat the zoo, enjoy Halloween activities and entertainment. KansasCityZoo.org

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Fall-O-Ween Tour Thru Oct 31, City of Lenexa. Enjoy the beauty of fall and the spooktacular fun of Halloween on a self-guided tour. Lenexa. com/festivals

Spookfest 5:00, Science City. Put on costumes and celebrate Halloween with Science City at this fun, kid-friendly evening event. ScienceCity.com

Ciders & Spiders 10:00, Louisburg Cider Mill Family Farm. Join us for a fun-filled time of trick-or-treating, games and a costume contest! LouisburgCiderMill.com

Halloween on the Lawn 6:00, Legends Shopping. Enjoy a movie screening, as well as activities like face painting, a magic show and more! LegendsShopping.com

Fall Open House 10:00, Lanesfield School Historic Site. Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail with period music, games, crafts and more! 913.715.2550

Spooky Springs Halloween Bash 6:00, Wilbur Young Park. Spooky trail, trick-or-treating, food trucks, pumpkin decorating, ghouls and ghost hunt! Pre-reg at BlueSpringsGov.com.

Spooky Nature Clue Trail 1:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Search for clues while meeting costumed and real life “creepy” critters at stations along the trail. MDC.mo.gov

31 Sunday

Historic Howl-o-Ween 2:30, Alexander Majors Home. People have always loved their pets! Enjoy this family and dog-friendly event! WornallMajors.org

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

Trick-or-Treat off the Street 3:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop. Dress in costume and enjoy 1860s fall living history experiences. Mahaffie.org

Downtown Trick-or-Treating 4:00 Downtown Excelsior Springs. Enjoy trick-or-treating along with amazing eateries, drinking spots, shops and more. VisitExcelsior.com

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KC Parent October 2021

Articles inside

Date Night

Ask the Experts

Day Trips

Is a Tutor Needed?

Media Mix

Word from Dad