KC Parent Magazine November 2018

FREE | November 2018 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

turkey day guide 24 WAYS TO

REFRESH & RECHARGE

what happens when you take away the screens? the answer is surprising!

ways to enjoy it more and stress less

+

date nights toy guide foster care

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Caring Adults Needed Foster parenting is one of the best ways to help children in crisis In the Kansas City area, there are 4,000 children and teens who have experienced abuse, neglect or other family challenges.

Foster parenting provides a child with a safe, loving environment.

It will also enrich your life with joy and meaning. People from all kinds of life situations can qualify!

We’ll guide you every step of the way by providing: • Free training and ongoing support available 24/7 • A sense of community with other foster parents who share your passion • Assistance finding local resources • A fun weekend away at our Resource Family Conference, which provides a fantastic learning experience for parents and children • And of course, monthly reimbursement to meet the child’s needs plus assistance with back-to-school supplies and holiday gifts.

Contact us to learn more. (888) 655-5500 | www.kvckansas.org We offer FREE training classes and support you every step of the way. kcparent.com november 2018

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WHAT WILL

MAKE A HEALTHIER

WORLD

FOR KIDS? LOVE WILL. Driven by love, we’re working to ensure that children everywhere spend less time as patients, and more time as kids. Learn more at childrensmercy.org/lovewill.

LO VE W I LL.

Tic

a t ke ts $12 st .50 art *

Touch Real Dinosaur Bones!

™

Complete Details @ UnionStation.org *Excludes fees.

Experience a Magical Kansas City Tradition

HOLIDAYS

at Union

Station

NOV 17

HOLIDAY KICK OFF EVENT • Quixotic Special Performance • Holiday Stage Performances including Harmonium, Dan Riggs Band & KC Ballet 2 • Family Friendly Hands-On Activities including Mesner Puppets, Face Painters, Letters to Santa & More!

• Magical Lighting Ceremony • FREE Mini Train Rides 7-8:30pm

For complete and up-to-date details:

UnionStation.org

NOVEMBER 2018

IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Media Mix 12 Date Night 14 Mojo for Moms 19 Word from Dad

THANKSGIVING GUIDE, PGS. 38-49

39 Craft Corner 44 Insta-Worthy 45 Tasty Treats

FEATURES

SPECIAL SECTIONS 22 Party Guide 34 Toy Guide 38 Thanksgiving Guide 52 Calendar of Events

28

34

48

Screen Time

Toy Guide

Holiday Weekends

What happens when you take away the screens

Tons of great gift ideas for kids of all ages

Ideas for family fun all over KC during the holidays Our cover features Levi from Springhill. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com.

FREE | November 2018 | KCParent.com | Since 1985

ON THE COVER Date Nights

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kcparent.com november 2018

12

Foster Care

20

Take Screens Away

28

Ways to Refresh

30

Toy Guide

34

Thanksgiving Guide

38

turkey day guide 24 WAYS TO

REFRESH & RECHARGE

what happens when you take away the screens? the answer is surprising!

ways to enjoy it more and stress less

+

date nights toy guide foster care

DISCOVER WONDER FIND THE GIFTS YOU’RE LOOKING FOR ALL IN ONE PLACE!

EDITOR’SLETTER NOVEMBER 2018

M

2 SETS OF TICKETS to the

SUGAR PLUM FAIRY CHILDREN’S BALL on Dec. 1 at the Muehlebach Tower, followed by a performance of

Happy Thanksgiving, Kansas City!

KC BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER

A $300 VALUE! Details at KCParent.com

Margaret Sarver, Editor

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

LOCAL CONTENT

Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Wendy Connelly (Overland Park), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Alexandra Hombs (Riverside), Amy Hundley (Olathe), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Sara Keenan (Brookside), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Kerrie McLoughlin (Peculiar)

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

kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010

fall/winter 2018-19

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OCTOBER- DECEMBER 2018 | KCPARENT.COM

the

turkey day guide 24 WAYS TO

REFRESH & RECHARGE

ways to enjoy it more and stress less

pregnancy weight gain instaworthy kc: eye-catching sites

how much is

NORMAL

NICU issue

valuable tips for parents

after hours:

evening fun for all ages

wild things:

exotic animal excursions

what happens when you take away the screens? the answer is surprising!

mistakes parents of toddlers make

STROLLER WORTHY

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outings in kc

500+

ways to experience the best of kc

BOUNCE BACK AFTER BABY

.com

KC Parent is giving away

any moons ago I was student teaching during the holiday season.

My cooperating teacher told me that to decorate the room, I could just have the kids make the ornaments she always makes with them. I appreciated not having to come up with something on my own. She described the ornaments to me and then said she used clothes pins to affix them to a small tree. It sounded easy enough. So I had the kids create the ornaments, and I clipped them to the tree with the pins. When I was finished, I stepped back and thought to myself, “Well, it looks like a tree of clothes pins to me, but I did what she said.” Later in the day, my cooperating teacher stopped by and burst out laughing when she spied the tree. What she had meant in her instructions was to have the kids affix the ornaments to the clothes pins, then put them on the tree. I simply pinned them up. That episode is just one of many that have shown I am a visual learner. I have to see something to grasp it. Knowing your child’s learning style has many benefits. What is your child’s style? Find out on pg. 32.

Are you ready for Thanksgiving? Ready or not, it’s on its way! Although I have so, so much for which to be thankful, I have to say as I write this, my carpets are being cleaned—and so today, I am thankful for clean carpets! What’s one little thing for which you are thankful today? Finding one thing each day for which to give thanks can help kids develop a grateful heart. For other ways to raise thankful kids, check out pg. 40. And, if you have relatives in town for the holiday, we have you covered on pg. 48.

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

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

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

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KCPARENT.COM

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

SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE FUN IDEAS: 1. Best of November 2. Turkey Spottings 3. Thanksgiving Traditions

4. Money-Saving Coupons 5. Fall Fun Under $5 6. Kids Eat Free

kansas city’s

SPOTLIGHT

LIGHTING CEREMONIES

FREE

IIt’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! For a complete list of lighting ceremonies all over the metro, visit KCParent.com! Your #1 source for the holidays in Kansas City!

Expecting?

kids eat (or cheap) guide

7. KC Going Places Guide 8. Best Pie in KC

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

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

the best medical care for Mother and Baby.

9. Hometown Holidays 10. Leaf Peeping in KC

4 MORE WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED

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

kcparent.com november 2018

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MEDIAMIX

gobble up new titles

autumn brings new tales to empower all ages

By McGeath Freeman

My Mouth Is a Volcano

Bugs in My Hair!

By Lemony Snicket Illustrated by Jon Klassen

By Julia Cook

Best for: Ages 5-8

Best for: Ages 5-8

Illustrated by Carrie Hartman

The Dark

By David Shannon

Best for: Ages 4-6 Who is afraid of the dark? Many people—both old and young—are afraid of what they can’t see. In this tale, Lazlo knows that the Dark is in his house. Usually it stays down in the basement and leaves Lazlo alone. One day Lazlo notices the Dark in his room and outside his window.

He decides the time has come to have courage and confront the Dark.

Snicket, best known for his A Series of Unfortunate Events books, brings his quirky humor to this tale of a common fear.

Snicket uses a soft touch to humanize the Dark and turn “him” into a good guy. This book will help young children think of the dark in a new light and dispel some of their fears.

What’s good: Great way for children to overcome fears.

What’s bad: Younger children may find this book to be a little dreary.

Interruption of conversations, important moments and general quiet is commonplace when children are around. My Mouth Is a Volcano takes a humorous look at how to help children control their impulses and emotions.

Louis is a very smart boy and he has a lot to say. Unfortunately for those around him, Louis struggles with controlling his words. They just explode from his mouth like a volcano. One day when Louis is giving a presentation to his class, he experiences what it is like to be constantly interrupted, and he doesn’t like it. Louis’ mom helps him with a plan to control his explosive mouth and not be known as “the great interrupter.”

My Mouth Is a Volcano takes on a serious subject with a lighthearted touch.

In doing so, Cook offers a suggestion to end interruptions and opens the door for quality classroom and family discussions.

What’s good: A teacher’s activity book is also available.

What’s bad: A little long, and some children may lose interest.

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Just the mention of lice makes me itch. Lice have been around for thousands of years and are dreaded more than any ghost or goblin. At this time of year, the most feared thing parents can see is a letter that confirms lice in their child’s classroom. Not to worry! Let David Shannon interject humor and smiles into a subject otherwise devoid of laughter.

Shannon uses big, bold illustrations— full of life and laughter—to walk children and their parents through an entire lice event. This book helps children, and their parents, understand lice. It takes the taboo away from this pesky problem and offers simple rules and treatment for prevention.

What’s good: A good book for the elementary classroom and health lessons.

What’s bad: Heavy-handed on facts and light on story.

5,000 YEARS OF CIVILIZATION REBORN

Jan 25–27 Kauffman Center Feb 12 Lied Center of Kansas 913-701-SHOW • ShenYun.com “Absolutely the No.1 show in the world.”

—Kenn Wells, former lead dancer of the English National Ballet

“There is a massive power in this that can embrace the world. It brings great hope…

It is truly a touch of heaven.”

—Daniel Herman, former Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic

“This is the highest and the best of what humans can produce.”

—Olevia Brown-Klahn, singer and musician

Here for Your Family During Flu Season Centra Care provides comprehensive flu care from vaccinations and rapid flu tests to prescription anti-viral medication.

Walk in seven days a week or make an online reservation at CentraCareKC.com.

Four convenient locations: Lenexa, Olathe, Overland Park and Shawnee

913-676-6800

Shawnee Mission Centra Care will soon be kcparent.com november 2018

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DATE NIGHT ADVENTURE

DATENIGHT

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kcparent.com november 2018

Are you aiming for adventure for your next date?

Check out one of these fun and different date ideas!

Target Practice Recently, my husband and I decided to try our hand at target practice at Frontier Justice in Kansas City, KS. Their shooting packages start at $79 for adults; we opted for the $89 Bold and Beautiful package, which included the guns, range fees, and eye and ear protection for each of us. I had not shot a gun for at least 10 years, and only one other time prior to that, so I admit I was a little nervous. However, I quickly warmed up to holding and using the guns and to loading the magazines. My husband was better at it, and we both managed to get some shots right in the “heart” of the target—albeit from different distances. In addition to the shooting ranges, Frontier Justice has an array of classes and other events. They also sell clothes and home goods and have a café.

Ax Throwing Try the latest craze sweeping the nation: ax throwing! On a recent weeknight, my hubby and I ventured out to Blade & Timber in the West Bottoms. If you don’t mind sharing a lane with other lumberjacks and jills, the cost is $20 per person for an hour and a half. We, however, lucked out and had the lane all to ourselves! One of their coaches demonstrated proper safety and ax throwing techniques. Then we practiced on our own. Of course, my husband caught on immediately and got a bulls’s-eye within his first few throws! I, on the other hand, spent about 30 minutes trying to get the hang of it. Eventually, I hit the target regularly—including one bull’s-eye! If you’d rather not risk sharing a lane with others (and either embarrassing yourself or showing off!), you can book a private lane.

Archery A third adventurous option is to visit Archery Excellence in Independence. For $20 per person, you can attend a 15-minute basics class, followed by 45 minutes of practice on your own. We were lucky enough to have a Level 4 coach who is certified to train beginners through Olympians. She was patient with us and went through each step in detail. The coach presented such detail that I wasn’t sure I would do well when it came time to put it all together. But I caught on quickly, and the action seemed more natural when we practiced on our own. My lucky husband went into the adventure with some experience. In addition to lane rentals, you also can attend classes, book private lessons and play archery tag. It was a different and unique date, and I’m glad we tried it.

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

Getting into our ERs is as easy as pie.

Thanksgiving — a holiday of tradition, gratitude and LOTS of food. But hot pans, sharp knives and a turkey that spent too much time in the oven can be a recipe for disaster. While you’re enjoying the family bonding and an all-you-can-eat buffet, remember to practice kitchen safety. And if the unfortunate does happen, with 11 ER locations and the shortest wait times in the area, getting into an HCA Midwest Health ER is as easy as grabbing another slice of pie.

Visit KCfastER.com for ER locations and average wait times.

ER CARE FOR KIDS & ADULTS Belton Belton Regional Medical Center I-49 (Hwy 71) & Hwy 58

Kansas City Research Medical Center Hwy 71 & Meyer Blvd.

Independence Centerpoint Medical Center 39th St. & Little Blue Pkwy

ER of Brookside Rockhill Rd. & Holmes Rd.

Lee’s Summit Lee’s Summit Medical Center Northeast of Hwy 50 & Todd George Rd. Lexington Lafayette Regional Health Center 15th St. & State St.

Olathe ER of Olathe East of Black Bob Rd. on 135th St. Overland Park Menorah Medical Center 119th St. & Nall Ave.

Overland Park Regional Medical Center • Main ER • Dedicated Pediatric ER I-435 & Quivira Rd. Shawnee ER of Shawnee West of I-35 on Shawnee Mission Pkwy 5848 A

ER wait times are approximate and provided for informational purposes only. If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

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

THANKSGIVING with difficult relatives

Are you about to reunite with difficult relatives this Thanksgiving? For some of us, the thought of passing the gravy to that obnoxious uncle, competitive cousin or insufferable sibling induces a feeling of dread. If you’re wishing the holidays away because of a difficult family member, here are some self-coaching strategies to help you cope.

1 Caricature Flaws

2 Extend Compassion

As much as you’d like your Annoying Aunt Nellie to change, her behavior is beyond your control. What if, instead of wasting your mental energy wishing for her to change, you could teach yourself a strategy to tolerate her better?

Picture your annoying aunt as an overblown caricature of her most irritating attributes. What would she look like as a vivid character in a children’s book or movie? Amplify her personality flaws, embellish her appearance and carry this image around as an inside joke in your own mind. When Aunt Nellie starts jabbering at dinner, picture her inflating like Harry Potter’s Aunt Marge.

Use the power of your imagination (and a slightly sick sense of humor), and Annoying Aunt Nellie becomes a little less dreadful. Possibly, even, slightly endearing.

Ask yourself what your unpleasant relative might be thinking and feeling that would cause such obnoxious behavior. Is it possible your mother-in-law, who plays the martyr and points out everythingshe’s-ever-done-for-this-family, is grasping for love because she feels so unlovable?

Perhaps that judgmental relative is looking for other people to criticize in order to avoid stewing in her own self-loathing.

The truth is, you get to choose the stories you tell yourself about your relatives.

Why not choose to tell compassionate stories? Compassion doesn’t mean you dismiss or tolerate horrible behavior, or even that you fully understand the motives driving it. Compassion is simply your generous attempt to recognize the suffering that drives other people’s negative actions. Compassion doesn’t fix other people’s hard edges, but it does make your own heart just a little softer.

3 Decide How You

Want to Show Up You may not get to choose your family, but you do get to decide how you want to show up so you don’t resemble the worst of them. You might even choose not to show up at all, or to step away from the family drama when relatives act like turkeys.

To show up as your best self: 1) Set healthy boundaries and consequences to teach difficult relatives how they may or may not treat you.

2) Rehearse ahead of time how you’ll respond to words and behaviors that push your buttons.

3) Decide how you want to show up. Picture how your best self, or someone wise whom you admire, would act around your negative relative.

Wendy Connelly, M.Div., is a podcaster (MoJo For Moms podcast), Christian life coach and mother of two.

She’s the admin for the MoJo For Moms Facebook group and posts her latest podcasts and content at MoJoForMoms.com.

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REFRESH &

24 WAYS TO BRING FRESH Each year around this time, I take a step back to mentally and physically recharge and appreciate my life. Here are 24 easy ways for you and your family to slow down and smell the pumpkin spice.

STRETCH YOUR BRAIN

GET MOVING

Read a book, try a crossword or play a game of solitaire. Pick something that makes you think for a change. We fill our brains with mindless junk food every day. Step away from the Candy Crush and nourish your brain with some healthy stuff.

Hike up your leggings for something other than Netflix and try a little downward dog. Or just put on your shoes and take a 20-minute walk. Get your body right, and your mind will fall in line.

DO SOMETHING NICE For yourself! You are constantly doing for others; it’s time to do something for you. Pick up a flower bouquet, take yourself to lunch or buy your favorite candy bar and don’t share. It’s okay to spoil yourself every once in a while!

REFRESH YOURSELF HEAVEN SCENT The strike of a match. The flicker of a flame. Light a few cozy candles in a cozy space and relax. This indulgence takes only a moment, and the aroma love will last all day.

MAKE A PLAYLIST We’re surrounded by music, but how often do you listen to what you want to hear? Hop on your favorite music platform and create a 30-minute playlist of songs you adore. Old, new, rap, country…it doesn’t matter. Pop in some ear buds and play that funky music.

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BAN THE BOOZE Drinking’s negative effects on your body are no secret.

Bloating, dehydration and extra empty calories all add up to a body that isn’t functioning at its best. Take a step away for a few days.

First things first. When you are at your best, everything else follows suit. Take the time to take care of you.

SAY NO Although this time of year is amazing, the season can take a toll. Know that you don’t have to sign up for every activity, bake sale, sports event and gala in existence. You gotta fight for your right to party poop.

MAKE A CONNECTION Social media has nearly eliminated actual face-to-face conversation.

Make a coffee date or book a yoga session with a friend you haven’t seen for a long time—and don’t cancel! Reconnect and remember what it’s like to see a smile in person.

REPLENISH ENERGY TO YOUR FALL

FILTERS AREN’T JUST FOR INSTAGRAM THE DONATION CREATION Your kids haven’t played with that PJ Masks action figure set in months. You haven’t worn those shorts that will fit “someday” in at least 365 “somedays.”

Grab a box and set a timer for 15 minutes. Go through as many rooms in your house as you can during that time and fill the box with things to donate.

It’s fast, easy and no one will even notice things are gone. Besides, it’s the season of giving.

Change all the filters: the air filter, vacuum filter, even the water filter on the fridge. You’ll be surprised how many appliances and products requite a filter change every six months to a year, and chances are, you haven’t done it recently. Make a list of the filters you need, hit up the hardware store and swap them out the minute you get back.

UPDATE YOUR PHOTOS We all have the best of intentions to keep our photo frames updated, but it’s easy to fall behind. If your toothless toddler is now a snarky preteen, take a minute to print out some new pics and swap out the old. Your whole room’s vibe will feel reorganized and fresh.

LET THE LIGHT IN

PLANT IT OUT The outdoors need to come in.

Consider selecting a few plants to pot together with your kids. Afraid you won’t be able to keep them alive? Believe me, you can! Ask a local greenery shop to help you choose low maintenance plants.

Your air will thank you.

NOOKS AND CRANNIES Give each person in your family—even the littles—a cleaning job outside their everyday duties. A teen can clean the dusty windows. Your spouse can tidy up the garage or the cobweb-covered ceiling. You give the inside of the washer and dryer a long overdue scrub. Help each other out and be proud of how much better your home looks, feels and smells!

RESTORE YOUR HOME Your home is your castle.

Unfortunately, if the castle is messy and unorganized, you’ll hardly feel like royalty. Put in a little bit of time and be amazed at how good it feels.

WASH YOUR PILLOWS Small effort, huge impact. Toss those Cheeto-covered throw pillows and covers in the wash. Voila! Instant refresh.

Ok, it’s not the most fun chore in the world, but how long has it been since you cleaned the windows? Start with one room and clean just those windows (water and vinegar do just fine) and the next week tackle another room. A little light is a great mood lifter.

DECLUTTER The school year is in full swing, and the papers are already piling up.

I hereby give you permission to become judge and jury on what to keep and what to toss. Designate a folder in the family filing cabinet for each child and fill it as full as you want. Throw everything else out. Do this for yourself and your spouse, too. kcparent.com november 2018

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REFRESH & REPLENISH BE A CONFIDANT Make a promise to tell your spouse about your highs and lows rather than texting to a friend. Choose your partner as your first call when something goes wrong. Reconnect on the seemingly mundane things and you’ll find that your intimacy grows in a way it never has.

I Love You!! a UNEXPECTED MOMENTS CHANGE THAT ONE THING Piling dirty dishes in the sink. Leaving the gas tank empty. We all have a marriage crime we commit regularly.

This season, fix it. Don’t hope for a thank you or for credit, just do it because you love your spouse. There’s truly no better reason.

When’s the last time you texted your spouse how much you love him rather than a reminder to pay the cable bill? Take the time to send an “I love you” text with an ear-to-ear grin selfie and turn his day right around. Tip: a hilarious GIF works wonders, too!

d DATE NIGHT (OR DAY) Even if it’s something as simple as running to McDonald’s for a soda and 15 minutes spent catching up, dates are an important way to connect.

If a date night is out of the question, try a morning coffee or a trip to the library in the afternoon. Make it a priority to get out and about with your spouse.

START A LOVERS’ JOURNAL This isn’t high school; it’s okay to be corny. Purchase a notebook and each night, have one partner write a short and sweet love note for the other. The following night, switch. At the end of one month, go back and read what you’ve written to each other and let the ooey-gooey love flow.

REIGNITE YOUR MARRIAGE

Couples set the tone for the family. Allow too much space to get between the two of you, and the ties that bind will start slowly to unravel. Take time this fall to reconnect with each other for the sake of everyone.

TOUCH Hold hands. A seemingly small gesture, touch is synonymous with love and affection—you can never have too much.

TURN OFF YOUR PHONE No really, turn it OFF off.

After 8:00 in the evening, leave just one phone on for emergencies, but keep it at least 10 feet away. If you need an alarm clock in the bedroom, buy an actual alarm clock. Disconnect for a few hours and focus on the person you love.

BE KIND You’ve had a stressful day. Work is busy, kids are arguing and you just spilled your coffee. It’s easy to take out your frustrations on your spouse, but take a step back for a moment and remind yourself this is your partner for life. Kindness wins, every time.

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

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WORDFROMDAD

broccoli

“b

ill, eat some broccoli.”

I studied the sodden lump of faded green on my plate. This Thanksgiving found me in my fourth year, and Mom included an unfamiliar vegetable in the feast. I knew and had a slight fondness for other produce. Onions and I were old friends. I kind of liked green beans.

Cooked carrots were tolerable, especially when swimming in butter, and I loved corn, preferably on the cob. Broccoli, however, was unknown to me and it looked awful.

I lowered my partially-consumed drumstick. “I don’t like it.”

“How do you know? You haven’t even tasted it.”

“It doesn’t look good.”

Mom’s voice turned hard. “This is Thanksgiving and you have to try at least one little bite.”

I tasted a small morsel and recoiled.

Unlike anything I’d ever eaten, I didn’t even want it near my mouth.

“I still don’t like it.”

Mom relaxed. At least I’d tasted it, and, if it didn’t appeal to me, she had no complaint.

I spent the next 15 years rejecting that oddlooking variety of garden greenery until my girlfriend coaxed me into a nibble.

I chewed and my eyes opened wide. How on earth could I have never liked it before?

All those years when I could have been eating broccoli? Wasted! I became a fanatic and gobbled up broccoli whenever I could, especially at Thanksgiving.

My younger daughter, Laura, loved it, too. And, on Thanksgiving when it was served with a rare cheese sauce, she was in seventh heaven.

This Thanksgiving, Laura sat next to her cousin, Anita, who held out a bowl of steaming broccoli. “Want some?”

“Mmm,” Laura said.

Anita looked puzzled. “I thought you liked broccoli.”

Laura’s face turned earnest. “I do. I said, ‘Mm-mmm,’” she replied and placed a healthy portion on her plate.

That’s my girl.

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William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family. kcparent.com november 2018

19

finding open hearts and homes Ways to impact the lives of children in foster care

N

ovember is National Adoption Month and a time when many families celebrate how they came together. Yet many children in our community are still waiting to find their forever family—and many more simply need a family who will care for them during a brief season of their life.

The scope of the need easily overwhelms. In Kansas, 7,500 children are in foster care with fewer than 2,700 licensed foster homes, and the numbers are just as disproportionate in Missouri. The need is great, but the good news is there are many ways for everyone to get involved to make a difference in the lives of these children. Here are just a few:

Consider becoming a foster parent.

Kellie Hans Reid, director of communication and recruitment with KVC Kansas, says during the last five years, they have seen a 49 percent increase in the number of children in the Kansas foster care system. On any given day they have to find homes for about 90 children in the Kansas City area. And that’s just for the Kansas side.

Hans Reid says people often don’t realize the need is this great or even consider they potentially could be a foster parent.

In fact, she says the main requirement is an open heart, and foster parents can be single, married, working, stay-at-home and of various ages.

Although fostering is a huge commitment, Hans Reid says anything worth investing time and energy in isn’t easy.

“We really are altering the course of a child’s life,” says Sarah Oberndofer, a foster mom from Basehor, KS. “No matter how long they stay with you, they see what it’s like to live in a family and what it’s like to be valued.”

Eudora mom Sarah Chrislip has been a foster parent for about six years. She says the experience has helped expand her family’s view of life, and her biological children are excited to make a difference. Chrislip says most people don’t realize the number of children in such need, and she herself didn’t understand the need until a family member began fostering.

Having an abundance of available foster families in each community is important so, ideally, children can be placed with someone who lives nearby or someone who even knows them.

“We would rather keep them with safe adults that know the child than move them to a stranger,” Hans Reid says.

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kcparent.com november 2018

FAMILY TALK

Allison Gibeson is an adoptive mom from Lee’s Summit who loves to see children find their forever family.

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Many families are able to become licensed foster parents, but not everyone is able to make that commitment. Even if they can’t, families can support foster parents in many ways.

Foster parents often find themselves feeling isolated when they take in the children, according to Hans Reid. Sometimes the people close to them retreat because they don’t understand foster care, or sometimes the number of children in the family becomes a barrier to being able to get together.

Overall, fostering is a big change to a family’s dynamic, which always presents challenges. To remedy this, Hans Reid, Chrislip and Oberndofer all agree that inviting foster families over for dinner, keeping them in your social circle and getting to know their kids is very important.

Chrislip says simple acts, such as encouraging a family if a child has a behavioral meltdown or offering to bring over food and gift cards, are a huge help. Oberndofer says foster children often have visits with their relatives in the evening, and having a meal provided on those evenings is helpful.

In addition to providing general support, people are also needed to provide respite. Put simply, sometimes foster parents need a break, Hans Reid says, and they need people willing and able to care for their children briefly.

Perhaps one of the best ways to support a foster family is to simply listen, be there for them through the process and ask them about their specific needs. As a result, you will undoubtedly learn more about the needs of children in the community.

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Yet too often, lack of nearby foster families forces a further search for families. Oberndofer says in these instances, children are taken out of the county they are from and away from their connections, which adds additional trauma.

Not only does moving a child a significant distance require him to get used to a completely new setting, it also adds more travel time in order to be able to visit family members. Moving children out of their community also disrupts their education because they need to change schools as well. An abundance of foster homes would eliminate these issues, and agencies could more easily focus on finding a good match between foster parent and child.

Among some other requirements, becoming a licensed foster parent involves taking classes and completing a home study. On the Kansas side, KVC is a licensing organization. In Missouri, Foster Adopt Connect and Cornerstones of Care are licensing agencies.

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party guide

a

birthday party may look like just a birthday party to you now, but what I see is a breeding ground for life lessons kids can learn that will carry them through their lives to help make them successful, happy and kind. Read on to check out a few teaching opportunities for your child’s next birthday party!

birthday party life lessons

Graciousness and Disappointment

Birthday parties are for life lessons kids can learn that will carry them through their lives to help make them successful, happy and kind.

I’m lumping these two together because they seem to go hand in hand. The birthday child gets disappointed by not getting something she really wanted or sometimes not getting anything she wanted at all during the entire party.

That’s when it’s time to step in and talk about how disappointment is okay, but that we should be gracious about it. It’s kind of like being a sore

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loser versus being a happy loser.

Even though there is disappointment going on, you want your child to learn how to say thank you and show appreciation for the gift giver’s time and money or skills that went into the gift.

Consideration Yes, it’s your child’s party, but consider where everyone would have a good time when planning your party venue. If it’s at your house, think up some fun games everyone might enjoy and build in plenty of time for just playing around.

Have a friend with food allergies, such as gluten or dairy? Make sure to pick up something special for that friend—cookies or his own piece of cake—it’s easier than ever these days.

Sharing Your kid may get some pretty good stash at his birthday party, and other kids are certainly going to want to play with the new goods. Explain to your child before the party that she is going to be getting some cool new stuff and that she can put some of her favorite things up right away but that she should share some of the things and play with them with her friends, not hide them all away.

Giving Back and Donating This year, consider having your child ask for gifts for someone else. In my town, our local food bank supplies a birthday cake and all the fixings as long as the guests bring canned goods, take the tour and help out for a bit. Also, if your child has a particular love for, say, animals…how

about hosting a birthday party for or at a local animal shelter? Instead of presents, ask guests to bring donations like pet food and other supplies.

Instead of lecturing, which we all know gets tuned out anyway, get your party on with some cool hidden lessons that will take your kid beyond their kid years and into a fun and full life!

Kerrie McLoughlin lives in Peculiar, MO, and puts on five chaotic birthday parties per year for her kids and lives to tell about it at TheKerrieShow.com.

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25

gap year guide

y

why taking a year off can jump-start your teen

our child has just finished a rigorous four years of high school filled with tests, studying, college applications, work and extracurricular activities. She’s burned out and needs a break. But can high school graduates afford to hit “pause” when they are so close to the finish line and a college degree? The answer, in short, is yes. Students are no longer expected to jump full-steam-ahead from high school to college to a job. More and more students are taking a gap year between high school and college, or between college and settling down with a job.

Gap Year 101

The basic definition of a gap year is a break between life stages designed for personal development and exploration.

Typically, they are taken by high school graduates who are planning to attend college, and they aren’t always a year long— most students take only a semester off.

Gap years can involve travel, volunteering, work, meditation, taking classes or whatever you choose. Gap years are quite common in Europe and Australia and recently have been catching on in the United States. Even Malia Obama took a gap year before she started Harvard!

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What was once seen as an option only for the lazy or wealthy is now looked at as an opportunity for all who want to take a break, explore their options or learn about themselves and the world. Traditional gap years occur between high school and college, but more and more people are choosing to take a gap year between college graduation and getting a job, between jobs, before having children, or even a “family gap year” with children.

What Do Teens Do During a Gap Year?

A gap year most often includes some element of travel. Whether it’s backpacking across the globe or just spending a year in another nation, a gap year abroad can give a young adult a new perspective and teach him about other cultures. Living and traveling abroad can literally open up a whole new world for your child as he begins to form his future plans. And if traveling overseas isn’t an option, just living in another city or state can give a young adult a new perspective.

Gap years also can include getting a job.

Although some may look at a gap year as “lazy,” it’s really an opportunity to detour from the expected path and explore different options. For some, that might include working. And for many, a job is necessary to

pay for their gap year expenses. Jobs can vary from corporate internships to working at a surf shack on the beach. But working during a gap year can give your teenager experience in the real world and a chance to try out a profession that is interesting to her. Or, it can just provide a little bit of extra cash.

Many students choose to volunteer during their gap year. Organizations like Go Overseas (GoOverseas.com) offer formal programs for students interested in a volunteer-based gap year. Students should choose volunteer opportunities that interest them from a personal perspective but also from a potential career lens. A student interested in marine biology could volunteer to clean up beaches or rehabilitate injured animals. Someone interested in teaching can volunteer to help students in developing countries learn English. This type of volunteering can lead students to a deeper dedication to future goals or perhaps lead them to change directions to a career they never considered before.

Though a gap year is looked at as a break from academics, many teens choose to take classes during a gap year. Some learn a new language. Others focus on a passion they didn’t have time for in high school, like dance or music. Still others might take

a couple of general education courses at a slower pace while working or volunteering.

A gap year doesn’t have to mean a break from education.

Whether your teen chooses to work, volunteer, go to school or just travel, be diligent when researching programs and companies that offer gap year programs.

Many excellent programs are available...just do your research! Visit GapYearAssociation. org as a starting point for a list of accredited gap year providers.

What Are the Benefits?

The benefits of a gap year are many, which is part of the reason why the practice is growing in the United States. According to the Gap Year Association, the vast majority of students (around 90 percent) who take a gap year after high school go on to enroll in college after that year is up. Those students go on to higher GPAs in college and higher job satisfaction later on in life, according to recent studies.

Students who have completed gap years report they developed as a person, learned about themselves, increased in self-confidence and maturity, and grew their communication

and life skills. Many say the experience helped them solidify their career path or gain skills necessary for their chosen career.

Gap years also can lead to increased cultural understanding and a focus on global citizenship. Alice Shanks, a Kansas City native who took a gap year between high school and college, says, “I was always interested in other cultures and loved learning languages, but, until that time, I hadn’t had the opportunity to experience them first hand. I am so thankful to my parents for giving me such a great opportunity to experience the world! I was able to feed my wanderlust and embrace it as part of who I am.”

Is It Right for Your Child?

A gap year can be good for anyone with the right planning and perspective. If your teen is burned out after the rigors of high school, a gap year can help recharge her batteries. If your teen is indecisive about college and career, a gap year can help him explore options and discover new passions and interests. Teens that need to “grow up” before heading to college could find a gap year increases their maturity and prepares them for the responsibility of college.

A gap year might not be right for your child if she lacks the discipline or desire to make it a learning experience. A year spent on the couch playing video games will not lead to the kind of personal growth that a well-planned gap year does. Also, before you agree to a gap year, make sure that the college your child has been accepted to will allow deferred admission.

Whatever the reasons for a gap year, going into it with a plan and clear expectations is important. A financial plan needs to be established from the beginning. Whether you are funding the gap year or your child is, be sure expectations are clear and a budget is set. Next, set expectations for how your teen will spend the time. Even if the plan is just to travel, have a loose itinerary set and a plan for the trip. If you prefer a more structured plan, look into volunteer organizations or studyabroad organizations to find a set program for your child.

Resource: GapYearAssociation.org Sara Keenan is taking a year-long sabbatical from her job at Rockhurst University for a family gap year in Germany.

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27

what happens when you take away

the s n e e scr

a

few months ago my family unintentionally started an eye-opening experiment that magnified just how addicted to screens we are. Although we had time limits on electronics for our kids, even the small amount of time my son spent on them affected him negatively. His grades slipped, his attitude changed and his overall work ethic suffered.

After some warning and discussion among the three of us, my husband and I decided we would take his electronics away until his grades improved. Grudgingly, my son handed them over for a three-month period. The change in him is hard to dismiss.

Perhaps the most obvious change is the simple fact that he found other things to fill his time. Suddenly, my son, who hadn’t touched his Legos in months, started rebuilding all the broken Lego sets and designing his own creations. He even (gasp) cleaned his room!

I found him reading books that had been collecting dust on shelves, playing with his younger siblings, and journaling and sketching more than usual. These were things he had enjoyed before, but suddenly he had more time and fewer distractions.

After rediscovering hobbies like writing, reading, making art and creating, his attitude and overall mood experienced a total turnaround. He began to spend time talking to us and his siblings and even invited us to play board games with him. While we played games, we snacked on popcorn, laughed and chatted without looking at our phones or checking in on social media.

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One day he decided to ride his bike through the neighborhood to explore streets he had never been down; later he came home and drew a map just for fun.

He admitted to me that he was bored and missed playing video games but that he had found something fun to do anyway.

Over time, not only did his attitude improve, his grades rose. He even seemed more rested and reported sleeping better. The time came to make the decision to return his electronics. He had put in his time and improved in the areas we asked him to address. He had earned their return. We set shorter time limits and handed over the electronics.

After rediscovering hobbies like writing, reading, making art and creating, his attitude and overall mood experienced a total turnaround.

Since that day, I have noticed a difference when he has exceeded time limits, even accidentally, and he realizes the hold electronics can take on you. I also notice that when we give the warning to set them aside, he does so more willingly because he relies on them less for his entertainment.

People today have a constant wealth of information at their fingertips and access to social media for keeping up with family and friends. But at what cost?

I am ashamed to admit that I, too, am addicted to screens just as much as my son is. They affect my attitude and distract from my responsibilities. Most of all, they take away from time spent with family. They make me impatient, and I feel a loss when I don’t have one of them in the palm of my hand. What fun would I seek out if I didn’t have my phone? What would I create? What hobby would I rediscover if I put my phone down? What would rejuvenate me and elevate my mood if I had time to fit it into my day? What about you? What would you do if your screens were removed?

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

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Should you pay kids for chores? Find out at KCParent.com.

P

make housework a family affair

arents, trust me here. Society will frown on you if you set your kid loose at age 18 with zero life skills (like how to do laundry without turning it all pink or how to take out an overflowing bag of trash without being asked). It’s never too early to start your child helping out around the house. But where to begin? What can a teeny 2-year-old do?

Check out these ideas to turn housework into a fun family affair.

tots

Toddlers might surprise you with their mad cleaning skills. They can fold napkins and towels or pick up their own toys, even if that just means tossing them into a catch-all like a toy ottoman or set of colorful bins.

They also can water plants, feed animals, dry pots and pans, toss wet laundry into the dryer, throw things away, recycle and help put away groceries.

little kids

Preschoolers can do all the things a toddler can do—plus empty smaller trash

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cans into a big one, put away silverware, match socks, dust, “mop” and “vacuum,” and even put away their laundry (hang a wooden rod in their closet low enough for them to be able to hang up their clothes). Set up a chart with simple pictures so your child knows the chores you want her to do.

Jayna Ely, mom of a 7-year-old son, says, “When my son was a preschooler, we started a game called ‘clean up hide and go seek.’ While one person counts, the other people go hide. Once a person is found, we pick up two, three, four or five (depending on how messy the house is) things in the room they hid in.”

big kids

School-age kids can do dishes, empty the dishwasher, start a load of laundry, take out the trash, help with bathrooms, vacuum (for real!) and put away their own laundry. A great way to connect with your child as he gets older is to dump the laundry out on the bed, then fold it together as you chat.

When things get really messy, I like to write tasks on pieces of paper, fold them up and put them in a bowl. I have one kid pick a task and then choose a helper. For harder tasks, create an instruction sheet, put it in a sheet protector and then do the task with the child until he gets the hang of it.

Whether or not you use an incentive system is up to you. Some parents pay out cash per chore to older kids, while some may pay with a sticker or the promise of a small toy for a preschooler. Some parents simply use the promise of an outing (park, pool, playdate) as incentive to clean up.

Remember these helpers are kids, and the job doesn’t have to be done perfectly. They will learn it well in their own time. The point is they are learning a life skill, so be patient.

And don’t forget to put on some upbeat cleaning music!

Kerrie McLoughlin, of TheKerrieShow.com, lives in Peculiar, MO, and is the mom of five.

She still is amazed that her 17-year-old son does his own laundry without being asked!

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31

what’s your child’s

learning style?

d

oes your child love reading and writing? Does he have a knack for music? When she tells a story, does she tend to use her whole body to describe what happened?

Is she drawn to groups or does she prefer to work alone? These traits can give a clue about your child’s learning style. A learning style is the method a person uses to learn best and should be applied to maximize learning. When parents understand their children’s learning styles, they can help their youngsters find study methods, environments and activities that help them learn best. (Classroom.com)

VISUAL Visual learners prefer seeing pictures and images to learn new things. They usually have good spatial awareness skills.

Kids with this learning style understand maps and have a good sense of direction.

They usually love doodling and drawing.

Study habits best for these learners are writing information down, underlining or highlighting as they read, and using colorful diagrams, charts and pictures to enable them to visualize what they want to remember.

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AUDITORY People who are auditory learners are typically drawn to music. They may sing, play a musical instrument or have the ability to identify individual musical instruments playing within a piece of music. They may hum, sing or tap their feet while they work. Using music and rhythm to remember information can be helpful for kids with this learning style. Other helpful tactics are to record and play back things they want to remember, or read and recite information aloud.

VERBAL Kids with a verbal learning style easily can express themselves in both spoken and written communication. Verbal learners have a strong understanding of the meaning of words and consistently will seek out new words to master, which they later will use to communicate with others. Have them try using acronyms or reading information aloud while learning new things. Role playing also can be helpful for the verbal learning style.

PHYSICAL Kids who prefer using their bodies, hands and sense of touch prefer the physical learning

style. Many of these learners enjoy drama, dancing, woodworking or exercise. They would rather go for a run or walk when something is bothering them than sit at home and think it through. These kids use hand gestures and body language to communicate and are very aware of the world around them. Sitting and listening to a lecture can be a challenge for kids who prefer a physical learning style, so they often fidget and look forward to when they can move around.

To help them learn try actually incorporating the physical objects they are learning about or allowing movement whenever possible. Writing, drawing and using flashcards also can be helpful for kids who have this learning style. Frequent breaks help the physical learner feel more prepared for study time. These learners also can try standing while reading, using a computer for studying or making review into a gross-motor style game.

LOGICAL Kids with a logical learning style generally excel in math and critical thinking. They can recognize patterns and commonalities in seemingly unrelated content. They often understand and work complex calculations

in their heads. These kids usually tackle problems in a systematic way, and they enjoy creating lists, agendas, charts and procedures. Kids with this learning style will retain information if they understand the logic behind it. They need not simply memorize information; truly understanding the concepts and reasons for the information helps them to retain long term.

SOCIAL People who are drawn to the social learning style love working in groups or participating in classes. They enjoy sharing their ideas with others and listening to what others think. Kids with this learning style are good at both verbal and nonverbal communication and understand others as well. People typically like being around social learners and seek their advice or input when faced with problems. These learners prefer to work through challenges in a group and often will be found staying after class to chat with friends. Kids with this learning style enjoy role playing, studying in groups or sharing what they have learned with others.

SOLITARY People with a solitary learning style often prefer working alone and enjoy thinking and reflecting on things. They tend to be independent, introspective and private.

They are good at focusing on a task and have strong concentration skills. They also may enjoy keeping a journal to reflect on personal thoughts and feelings. Kids with this learning style prefer to study alone in quiet spaces.

Understanding your children’s learning styles is important so you can help them get the most out of their education and identify ways to handle any challenges that may occur because of their preferred learning styles.

Also, parents can use this understanding to their advantage, appealing to their kids’ interests when they learn new things. Don’t be surprised if your child seems to possess a combination of learning styles—this is very common. When caring adults understand a child’s strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning, the school experience and study habits at home can only improve.

Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe with her husband and six children.

Careers by Learning Style VISUAL – Art, architecture, photography, filmmaking, interior design, strategic planning, graphic design and navigation AUDITORY – Performing, conducting and/or composing music, sound engineering and interpreting

VERBAL – Law, public speaking, politics, speech pathology and journalism PHYSICAL – Construction, sports, dance, drama, mechanics, farming and handyman work

LOGICAL – Science, mathematics, engineering, accounting, detective work and computer programing SOCIAL – Counseling, coaching, teaching, human resources and sales

SOLITARY – Researcher, author, park ranger and security guard Sources for study habits based on learning styles: Gavilan.edu, Time4Learning.com/ learning-styles.shtml, Classroom.Synonym. com/definition-learning-style-6551473.html

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GUIDE best finds for the holidays With the holidays approaching, it’s time to think about toys! The folks at National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA) have had a fun year unboxing, testing and playing with lots of toys and other family products. Here are the best of the best for this year.

By Elena Epstein, NAPPA Awards Director

Fun & Learning

Avengers Hero Inventor Kit

KidiBuzz This smart device does it all: send texts, voice messages, photos and drawings. It’s also a multimedia player for music and videos. Includes more than 40 learning games and awesome apps. $99.99, ages 4-9, VTechKids.com

Snap Circuits BRIC: Structures

With their favorite Marvel Avengers, kids become their own superheroes by building and customizing high-tech hero gear and a unique identity. Comes with a companion app that walks you through the steps of creating circuits. $149.99, ages 8+, Shop.LittleBits.com

K’NEX THRILL RIDES: Bionic Blast Roller Coaster Building Set

Wire up your brick builds with lights, sounds, moving parts and 3D circuits to create almost anything and make it go. Teaches electricity, engineering, circuitry and more. $44.95, ages 8+, Elenco.com

With more than 800 parts, this roller coaster set includes rods and connectors, roller coaster track, coaster car, chain lift, cardboard VR viewer and the first Ferris wheel coaster car lift.

Activate the K’NEX Ride It! app to ride this coaster in the virtual world. $99.99, ages 9+, KNex.com

Really Rad Robots MiBro

Crayola Color Chemistry Lab Set

Take control of this robo buddy through his Really Rad Remote and play, prank, spy and command. Plays music, dances and lights up, and kids can speak through him or put him into stealth mode to be an undercover agent. $39.99, ages 5+, MooseToys.com

Itty Bitty Buggy Fun, versatile and Lego-compatible STEM education toy that allows kids to build and program five different vehicles: buggy, sloth, ladybug, dodo bird and alien. $59.99, ages 8+, MicroDuinoInc.com

Ooze Labs Chemistry Station See how much fun chemistry can be as you do slimy, fizzy, colorful and bubbly experiments. Comes with lots of different vessels and lab equipment. All experiments use nonhazardous chemicals. $39.95, ages 6+, ThamesAndKosmos.com

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Equipped with STEAM-infused, playful experiments exploring color and packed with 50 colorful science activities. Enough Crayola supplies to do 15 experiments right out of the box. $24.99 ages: 7+, Shop.Crayola.com

LeapStart 3D Learning System Magically bring activities and animations as you build math, reading and problem-solving skills and more. The LeapStart library of more than 25 books (each sold separately) covers a variety of preschool through first-grade subjects. A total of more than 400 activities across the LeapStart library. $49.99, ages 2-7, Leapfrog.com

PJ Masks Super Catboy Learning Watch by VTech Put on the watch and save the day while playing four exciting games that explore shapes and early math skills. Includes nine different PJ Masks clock faces, an alarm clock with three alarm tones, timer, stopwatch and cuckoo clock. $14.99, ages 3-6, VTechKids.com

My First Learning Tablet

by LeapFrog

Hatchimals CollEGGtibles

Tap, swipe and experience a learning light show with this kid-tough toddler tablet. Introduces letters, numbers, shapes, animals, colors and more. Five icons on the bottom of the tablet include phone, clock, Scout button, camera and music player for role-play excitement. $17.99, ages 1+, Leapfrog.com

With the all-new Hatch Friends Forever! You will hatch and discover best friends—two characters from separate eggs who come together to form special poses. Piggybacks, whispering secrets, Hatch-fives and more. For the first time, you also can hatch twins: two Hatchimals from one egg! $2.99-19.99, ages 5-8, Hatchimals.com

Surprise Collectibles

Game Time

Disney Doorables

Candygrams

Behind every door, a surprise is in store.

The Disney Doorables Multi Peek pack includes five, six or seven favorite Disney characters from favorites including Frozen, Monsters Inc., Tangled, Moana and many more. $29.99 (mega set), ages 3+, DisneyDoorables.com

A new crossword game that’s fun and challenging and will help develop word skills. $24.99; Ages 7+, CandyGrams.com

Beasts of Balance Consider this Jenga for the 21st century!

Players work together to stack beasts onto the augmented reality play base, which connects to an app. $99, ages 8+, BeastsOfBalance.com

Hairdorables These new surprise dolls combine fun, fashion and colorful hair. Every package is a surprise: Pull, peel and reveal 11 accessories that unwrap the unique style of the of the Hairdorables girl hidden inside. $12.99, ages 3+, JustPlayProducts.com

Pikmi Pops Super soft and fluffy, Pikmi Pops include a jumbo reversible plush and one to two medium exclusive reversible scented plushes. The Super Flip also comes with eight different fun surprises like badges, gel pens, stickers, charms and more. 44.99, ages 4+, MooseToys.com

Laser Chess A two-player laser chess-like strategy game where you must eliminate your opponent’s players by hitting his target before he hits yours. $39.99, ages 8+, ThinkFun.com/products/laser-chess

Shadows in the Forest Play in the dark as you move the LED lantern around in search of Shadowlings—the mysterious creatures who avoid the light. $24.99, ages 8+, ThinkFun.com/products/ shadows-in-the-forest

Treasure X Combines classic “you dig it” play with the trends of collectable action figures and “extreme” unboxing. Ten levels of discovery. Pack includes a treasure map, X-Marks coin, X-Cavator digging tool, a buildable figure embedded in “stone” and a treasure chest. $9.99, ages 5+, MooseToys.com

Smooshy Mushy Babies A magic baby bottle with a disappearing reveal. Pop the top to find out who the stork brought you.

Tons to collect. $14.99; Ages 5+, SmooshyMushy.us

Cat Crimes A feline crime has been committed, and it’s your job to identify the culprit. A deductive reasoning game with a lovable cast of characters—who may be up to no good. $12.99, ages 8+, ThinkFun.com/products/cat-crimes

Cahoots A cooperative hint and sync card game. $14.99; ages 8+, Gamewright.com

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Imaginative Play Rescue Runts Adoptable puppies you rescue, groom and love. Includes grooming kit to remove fleas, wipe away tears, clean paws and comb fur to complete the transformation from ragged runt to sweet pet. $19.99, ages 3+, RescueRunts.com

Wizard Training Wands Harry Potter fans, it’s time to unleash your inner wizard. Interactive wands cast 11 different spells. Includes spell training guide.

Wands recognize movement and provide sound feedback. Each wand includes five modes of play: two modes of stand-alone play and three modes to play with a friend. $24.99, ages 8+, Jakks.com

Crayola Silly Scents Sticker Maker Transform any piece of paper into a scented sticker to decorate electronic devices, book covers, school lockers and more. $19.99, ages 6+, Shop.Crayola.com/toys-and-activities/ toys/silly-scents-sticker-maker

Sing & Spin Minnie Inspired by the hit Disney Junior series Minnie’s Happy Helpers. Tap Minnie’s signature bow and she will sing a catchy song while she scoots, twists and rides. $39.99, ages 3+, JustPlayProducts.com/products/minniemouse-sing-spin-scooter-minnie

Talking Fancy Nancy Doll Press the interactive doll’s necklace to hear more than 35 phrases. Or sing the Fancy Nancy theme song together and watch Nancy’s dress change colors in a très belle light show. $39.99, ages 3+, Jakks.com

Fingerlings HUGS Swing these cuddle monkeys for a silly reaction, shake them for a funny fart or pat their backs for a crazy burp. With the new KissTech technology, your cuddle monkey will give you a big smooch in return when you press your HUGS’ mouth to your cheek or skin. $29.99, ages: 2-8, Fingerlings.com/hugs

Jack-Jack Attacks Poke his tummy to see and hear fiery flames, laser eyes, electric sparks, teleport and more.

Includes Raccoon sidekick. $39.95, ages 3+, ShopDisney.com/jack-jack-attacks-talkingaction-figure-incredibles-2

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Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Pets Adorable, colorable and washable pet figures that kids can customize and collect.

Design on the furry friends with the six included washable markers, clean them up in the included Scrub Tub. Expansion packs sold separately. $19.99, ages 3+, Shop.Crayola.com/toys-and-activities/toys/scribblescrubbie-pets-scrub-tub-playset

Squishmallows All new, jumbo-size squishy buddies—great pillows, bedtime buddies, travel companions and best buds to relieve stress and anxiety. $29.99; for all ages, Squishmallows.com

Sharingland Cardboard Playhouses Pop-up playhouses made from cardboard. Five unique and playful models come ready-to-play. Select from Grand Palace, the Epic Castle, Space Odyssey, Ancestral Teepee or Windmill Farm. $99, ages 3+, SharingLand.com

Disney Junior Doc McStuffins Pet Rescue Mobile Race to save pets with this on-the-go set, equipped with lights, music, phrases, play medical tools and accessories.

Comes with Doc’s pet friend Oliver. $49.99, ages 3+, JustPlayProducts.com

cuddle+kind Hand-knit by artisans in Peru using sustainable, fair trade practices, these dolls have a mission. For every doll sold, the company gives 10 meals to children in need around the world. $50-$72, ages birth-5 years, CuddleAndKind.com

Disney Junior Vampirina Rock N’ Jam Touring Van Rock out with the Ghoul Girls.

The van transforms into a spook-tacular stage, and when Vampirina is ready to perform, she magically rises on a light-up platform. Vampirina and Poppy figures included. $39.99, ages: 3+, JustPlayProducts.com

Armistice and Veterans Days in Kansas City We salute the men and women who have fought to protect America’s freedom.

This year, commemorate Veterans Day at one of these local events.

National WWI Museum and Memorial

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This year, the museum is commemorating the centennial of the armistice of World War I (Nov. 11, 1918). They will be hosting special events throughout the weekend to mark the occasion.

On Nov. 9 through 11, veterans and active duty military members are invited to enjoy the museum for free. General admission for the public will be half price.

Special programs include: n

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Armistice Ceremony Nov. 11, 9:3010:30. Multinational commemoration of the Armistice of 1918.

Bells of Peace Nov. 11, 10:45. Wreathlaying ceremony culminating in tolling of bells to honor those who served in the Great War.

Reflections of Hope: Armistice 1918 Through Nov. 11. Installation by artist Ada Koch in the Reflection Pool at the National WWI Museum and Memorial to remember American service men and women who lost their lives in World War I. Each of the 117 poppies represents 1,000 U.S. lives lost, but not forgotten.

TheWorldWar.org

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The World Remembers Through Nov. 11. Displays the names of those who perished in the war. Provided by participating nations, the exhibition is part of a four-year project that remembers those whose lives were lost.

It also marks the first comprehensive attempt to compile the names of all U.S. soldiers killed during World War I (spearheaded by the National WWI Museum and Memorial).

Veterans Day Salute at the Truman Library TrumanLibrary.org

On Nov. 11 from noon to 5:00 the museum celebrates Veterans Day. The day will include a ceremonial wreath-laying, a public program featuring the descendants of Battery D soldiers who served with Truman in World War I, musical performances, kids activities and more. The Truman Library is open free of charge in honor of this important day and in gratitude to our nation’s veterans.

Military Appreciation Weekend KansasCityZoo.org

In honor of Veterans Day, the zoo is proud to honor those who have served. All military personnel (retired, active, veterans, etc.) with a valid ID will receive complimentary admission on Saturday, Nov. 10, and Sunday, Nov. 11.

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GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS 39 fingerprint turkeys 40 teaching kids to have grateful hearts 42 gratitude games 44 blessing boards 45 tasty treats 46 thanksgiving rogue 48 entertaining family over holiday weekends

CRAFTCORNER

These are so easy to make and can be turned into name cards for the kids table on Thanksgiving.

fingerprint turkeys

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hanksgiving will be here before we know it, and if you want an easy craft perfect for little fingers, try these fingerprint turkeys! These are so easy to make and can be turned into name cards for the kids table on Thanksgiving—or just make them for a rainy day activity.

You will love making these sweet little turkeys this Thanksgiving!

Materials Needed:

• Orange, red, yellow and brown paint • Googly eyes • Sharpie • White paper

Step One: Place finger in yellow paint and make a half circle shape on the paper with fingerprints.

Step Two: Place another line of orange fingerprints under the yellow ones.

Step Three: Add a third row of red fingerprints under the orange row.

Step Four: Add a brown thumbprint in the center for the turkey head.

Step Five: Once the paint is dry, add googly eyes and draw legs with a black sharpie.

Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and four children. She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at HomemadeGinger.com.

Tin Can Thankful Trees

Indian Corn Napkin Holders

Candy Party Favors

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

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Gratitude Is a Muscle Every time you instruct your children to say thank you or show appreciation toward a kind gesture, you’re helping them build gratitude muscles. Baking a plate of warm cookies for the new neighbor is merely bench pressing those gratitude muscles.

Writing a thank you card? Squats for those gratitude muscles. Making a homemade gift for Grandma on her birthday? You guessed it—a 5K for those gratitude muscles! Every opportunity your child has to say thank you, whether verbally, through service or gifts, is a means to strengthen thanksgiving. The beauty of a grateful heart is that it begets even more thanksgiving that much more easily.

20/20 Vision

teaching kids to have a

grateful heart

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hanksgiving is right around the corner, and chances are, between endless plates of turkey and pumpkin pie, you and your child will discuss what you’re thankful for this season. I personally love that we Americans have a built-in holiday that centers on gratitude, right on the cusp of the holidays. After all, the human heart is not inherently grateful, and Black Friday fistfights and tramplings in post-Thanksgiving news reports confirm this. How ironic that just the day after Thanksgiving, young and old alike quickly switch gears from counting blessings to counting how many presents they hope to have under the tree! Although celebrating a holiday dedicated to giving thanks might be a good start, if we want our kids to be truly grateful, we need to cultivate gratitude year round.

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What’s Not to Love It turns out gratitude has a lot more value than just wiping out a case of the “gimmes.” The attitude is also good for your physical health. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A happy heart is good medicine,” and research from the Greater Good Science Center agrees. Their findings conclude that gratitude not only blocks toxic emotions but also helps its ascribers have higher senses of self-worth and be more stress resistant. Just like taking your vitamins and getting plenty of sleep, practicing gratitude is a choice to be implemented daily in order to reap its full effect. And, thankfully, an appreciative spirit is the very best kind of contagious. Those who choose to be joyful, in turn teach and inspire others to be grateful in the process.

A thankful heart offers the gift of perspective. Human nature often says circumstances need to change in order for us to be truly happy. Gratitude flips that view on its head and helps its followers discover that through being thankful for what we have, we find we already have what we want most in life.

This isn’t a Pollyanna way of living. “When we cultivate an attitude of gratitude, things don’t just look better—they are better. Thankfulness feels good, it’s good for you and it’s a blessing for the people around you, too,” Ocean Robbins says in his article “The Neuroscience of Why Gratitude Makes Us Healthier.”

An Rx for Entitlement Have you ever noticed that children don’t need to be educated in how to grumble or complain? It just seems to come naturally!

Entitlement often is the result of a life that’s self-centered. One of the best ways to shake selfcenteredness is to cultivate the virtue of service.

Service is the hands and feet of gratitude. It goes beyond saying thank you for a specific thing to showing appreciation for no other reason other than the delight of being kind.

Ways to Build a Grateful Heart Commit to Writing Thank You’s. Early scribbles and drawings (or simply tracing around a toddler’s hand and signing his name inside) can be turned into thank you

GUIDE cards. Retailers like Target and Hobby Lobby offer pre-scripted thank you cards for the younger set, allowing children to fill in the blanks such as who the card is for, what they’re saying thank you for and a spot to sign their name in closing.

As children get older, consider getting them their own stationery and stamps reserved for writing thank you notes.

When birthday parties and Christmas roll around, keep a running list of who gave what so your child can thank appropriately each gift giver soon after.

Do a Community Service Project as a Family. Rake an elderly neighbor’s yard. Clean litter at the local park. Or build a shoebox full of goodies for Operation Christmas Child. Look for ways to serve together, especially in capacities where your child can fully participate. Not only does this make your children more aware

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of how they can be a blessing, but it’s also a great way to make family memories.

Join the Secret Service. Call a family

meeting and tell your children that they will be joining the “secret service” (doing good deeds anonymously for a family member for a set amount of time).

Children can conjure up all kinds of ways to do nice things for a sibling, parent or grandparent, such as secretly cleaning out the car for Mom, surprising Big Brother by making his bed or leaving a sticky note of encouragement for Dad on the bathroom mirror. Draw names and see how long each person can secretly do good before getting caught! The beauty of focusing on service instead of secret Santa presents is that this can be done all throughout the year, not just at Christmas!

Just Say No. Establish healthy limits on the things you allow in your home and the

amount of activity on your calendar. Saying no to some things makes a later yes that much sweeter.

Keep a Gratitude Journal. A cheap spiral notebook fits the bill, but if you want a beautiful book reserved for recording your blessings, consider getting something like an official gratitude journal (my favorite one is published by Chronicle Books). November is a perfect month to break one out and start listing what every member of the family is thankful for.

Set an Example. Encourage your spouse

and your children, telling them what you appreciate about their personalities, as well as what character traits they display well.

Lauren Greenlee breaks out her gratitude journal every November and gets teary eyed looking back upon old entries. She writes and raises three boys from her Olathe home.

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gratitude games:

make giving thanks fun for the whole family Here are some ways to instill gratitude and thankfulness in your children not just at Thanksgiving, but year round!

The gratitude scavenger hunt. This activity will get your kids up and moving and will help them to really see the world around them. Give your children a list of categories and ask them to find things around the house or neighborhood that they are thankful for. Have them snap a photo of each object or just have them write everything down. For older kids you may want to make it a competition to see how many they can find in a set amount of time. If you have little children who can’t write yet, just walk around with them and each point out things that fit each category. Use our sample checklist or make up your own categories…choose things that are important to you and your family.

The turkey ticket. Most children can list a couple of things they are thankful for, but it’s good to press them to really think about how many things make them happy and

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GUIDE healthy. For this activity, find a long sheet of paper (or use a blank receipt roll) and ask every member of the family to FILL the sheet with things they are grateful for. Make the paper as long as you’d like, but try to push everyone to go beyond the basics and think of things that they take for granted. (Adapted from Lets-Get-Together.com)

Thanksgiving ABCs. Print out a sheet with the alphabet

Whatever activities you choose, make gratitude a priority this month and throughout the year. Your children will learn empathy and become more selfless as they realize how much they have to be thankful for. And you just might have fun together as a family while you give thanks!

Sara Keenan lives in Brookside with her family.

down the left side and have kids think of one thing they are thankful for that begins with each letter of the alphabet. Work together with younger kids or make it into a game for older kids by timing them.

Sample Checklist for the Gratitude Scavenger Hunt:

Thanksgiving placemats. Help your children create placemats for your Thanksgiving. Cut out leaf or pumpkin shapes from colorful paper and have kids (and adults!) write the things they are thankful for on each shape. Be sure to include the family members who will be joining you on Thanksgiving and other things important to your family. You can even include real fall leaves if you like! Glue these shapes and leaves onto a larger sheet of paper or cardboard and laminate or cover with contact paper to make them easy to wipe off. You will be able to use these for years to come!

We are surrounded by things to be thankful for! Find something….

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That tastes good

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That gives you comfort

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That you use everyday

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You can share with your brother/sister/friends

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You enjoy learning about

n Colorful

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That makes you laugh

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That used to be hard/scary for you

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That loves you

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You couldn’t live without

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That is beautiful

WINTER CLASSES

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INSTAWORTHY

blessings board

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ovember is finally here with all its fullness! We all can get excited about family gatherings and heartwarming events, plus this month is a great time to reflect on blessings and cultivate thankfulness. Now that my kids are old enough to talk, I thought it would be sweet to find out what they are thankful for and teach them about blessings.

Felt message boards are one of the newest trends on social media and a great avenue for expressing messages of blessing and gratitude. (If you aren’t exactly sure what I’m talking about, definitely take a peek on Pinterest when you get a chance!)

Lots of moms have been using felt boards for simple communications, such as birth announcements, back-to-school photos, accomplishments, and funny or sentimental little messages to hang in the home. The boards are also good for posting menus at parties and weddings.

What’s so fun about these boards is their old-fashioned, vintage feel. Before the

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digital age, many businesses used them; I distinctly remember the one at the post office when I was younger. So for me, these are very nostalgic, but with a modern, revamped feel. The best thing about felt message boards is that I can change the message whenever I want—which is way better than being locked in with all the manufactured décor on the market nowadays.

Felt boards used to be for sale just at vintage stores and with predetermined messages, but now you can purchase these at several online craft sites and in stores too. Since the felt board trend has taken off in such a big way, shoppers can find them more easily in a home goods or craft store. I even saw one at Big Lots! I purchased mine on Amazon and two days later was posting a picture of my child for his first day of school holding a felt board that had a funny little message along with what class he would be in that upcoming year.

As this trend ramps up, we moms have the perfect opportunity to use it for so many life events we want to document and remember. And although we tend not to keep things short and sweet, this board format makes us!

So while you’re getting your house ready for family and friends to gather for the big feast, take this perfect time to get yourself a felt board. You can create a Thanksgiving saying, share a quote or even post a simple “Thanksgiving 2018” on the board, then hang it on a wall to welcome your guests.

You also can use the board as a perfect photo prop. Just head outdoors and pose your children or family group with the message. Then click, upload and share your Thanksgiving memories with everyone! So simple, yet so perfect!

Alexandra Hombs is a freelance writer and designer who lives in Riverside, MO, with her husband and two children.

TASTYTREATS

GUIDE

harvest a nutrient-filled feast As you and your kiddo sit down to say Thanksgiving grace, embrace this cherished holiday with a nutrient feast. Read on to discover what you should joyfully gobble all day and year long.

turkey

cranberries

It’s hard to picture a holiday feast without the turkey.

After all, this bird has been an American staple since Plymouth (although it wasn’t on the original Thanksgiving holiday menu).

Cranberries are a favorite part of Thanksgiving celebrations, consumed as cranberry sauce, a juice or added to stuffing, casseroles and dessert. Relish this sweet and tart fruit.

Health Benefits

Health Benefits

Protein. Turkey is fully stocked with all the amino acids that are the building blocks for protein synthesis, which helps your kids develop and maintain muscle mass.

Protein also provides the sense of satiety, meaning you can keep that rumbling tummy quiet awhile.

Vitamin C. Loaded with this powerful vitamin that fosters overall immune health, cranberries don’t dare skip out on the holiday festivities.

Tryptophan. This amino acid helps support healthy levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that supports and contributes to feelings of a positive, good mood.

Antioxidants. The antioxidant proanthocyanidins in cranberries benefits oral health by preventing bacteria from binding to teeth, according to researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Cranberries also may be beneficial in preventing gum disease.

green beans Conquer this giant with pride, whether fresh and whole or in a creamy casserole.

Health Benefits Vitamin K. This vitamin pays dividends to overall bone health. It improves the bones by modifying bone matrix proteins, enhancing calcium absorption and reducing urinary excretion of calcium.

Folate. Meeting daily folate needs helps with depression. This mineral can help prevent the harmful chemical homocysteine from formulating in the body. Studies indicate that too much homocysteine can stop blood and other nutrients from reaching the brain and interfere with the production of feel-good hormones.

create helping hands Your cooking load can get quite hefty for the holidays, making now the ideal time to teach your children about cooking and nutrition. To keep your kiddos enthusiastic about pitching in with the food prep, assign ability-appropriate tasks for a holiday recipe. Here are some ideas depending on your children’s ages: 5- and 6-year-olds: Snap green beans, prepare lettuce for a salad, pour liquids into batter.

7- and 8-year-olds: Rinse vegetables, mix and shake ingredients, measure dry ingredients.

9- and 10-year-olds: Stir hot mixtures, broil foods in toaster oven, cut foods with a table knife.

Children age 10 and older: Slice or chop vegetables, microwave foods, bake foods in the oven, simmer ingredients on the stove.

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

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

Sources: EatRight.org, Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, National Institutes of Health. kcparent.com november 2018

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go a little rogue for a more gratifying thanksgiving

Make food that makes you happy; make your own traditions. At the end of the day, you will remember the laughs and time spent together.

w

hen we think of Thanksgiving, our thoughts naturally drift to traditional roast turkey, pumpkin pie and family gatherings.

But if the holiday feels more like a tired list of ho-hum

obligations rather than an energizing way to revel in your blessings, maybe this is the year to revolutionize your Thanksgiving.

Eat this, not that. “Thanksgiving is absolutely one of our favorite holidays, especially in terms of food,” says Caroline King, Lenexa mom of six kids, ranging from 4 to 16.

But, no one in the family really liked turkey all that much.

“We spent years making the traditional feast, but always had a second or third ‘main side’ for the kids, and that was just silly,” she says.

King says her husband, Rich, does most of the cooking and decided one year to punt the turkey and try a roast pork tenderloin with chipotle wine sauce instead.

“Everyone loved it—the adults and the kids.

Now, it’s our go-to for Thanksgiving,” she says.

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Choose your own adventure.

Jocelyn Chilvers says she and her husband, Jim, enjoy being spontaneous and creative with the holiday.

“It also helps that we like all kinds of food and find no appeal in eating the same dishes year after year,” Chilvers says.

With families more far-flung than ever, not everyone is able to get together with extended family for the holiday. That’s one reason the Chilvers’ family chooses to surround themselves with good friends instead.

For more than 10 years, they’ve invited friends and neighbors over for a “Turkey Fry Open House” in their backyard from 9:30 to 3:00 on Thanksgiving Day.

“We set up a turkey fryer on our lawn or driveway, away from any structures, and use a piece of drywall—pro tip!— as a base to catch any spills,” Chilvers says.

The couple sends out invitations two to three weeks in advance and friends can select a time when they’d like to fry their turkey—or, in some cases, their chicken, game hen or duck.

Many guests just show up to socialize and enjoy beverages and light appetizers—often bringing their own foods to share.

“This varies from cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit in the morning to stuffed jalapeños and bruschetta in the afternoon,” Chilvers says.

“It’s a very fluid event with folks coming and going throughout the day.”

No bluffing, baby. Some friendly competition in the form of board games and card games can bring generations of family members together.

Anita Smith, Lenexa mom of two, says she and her family like to play Texas Hold ’em each year after the big meal.

Among the roughly 30 guests who attend the family’s annual Thanksgiving, around 10 like to circle around the card table to play a few hours of low-stakes poker. “The big pot might be $3, but we act like it’s $500,” laughs Smith.

The conversation and camaraderie make the game extra special.

“It’s fun because it crosses all generations,” she says. “We have the 80-year-olds, those of us in our 40s, and the kids playing.”

Smith’s sons, Evan, 15, and Collin, 12, are the youngest players at the table. She says the game offers a natural segue into conversations between the older family members and her children.

“My kids get to know them, their personalities and stories from way back when.”

Fire up holiday spirit. Stacey Moorehead, Grandview mom of six girls, says she and a group of families started the tradition of “Friendsgiving” five years ago on the day before Thanksgiving. The event is a fun way for the families to kick off the entire holiday season.

The group gathers together with fall soups and foods, and the kids take part in a candy cane hunt.

GUIDE “Our many, many children all have a great time playing and running in our friends’ large backyard until the real show begins,” Moorehead says.

The much anticipated “real show” is the Christmas in the Sky fireworks event near Longview Lake.

“We all load up, bundle up, pack hot chocolate and candy canes, and spend the evening watching fireworks,” Moorehead says.

After that, the caravan drives through the Christmas in the Park holiday lights display set to festive music at a local campground.

“What better way to start the holiday than with friends who truly are family!” she says.

You rebel, you. Families change and grow. Often, what once worked well no longer makes sense for any number of reasons.

Maybe you’re sick of every year making candied yams that no one eats. Or you daydream of skipping the cooking and cleaning for a relaxing family vacation on the beach instead.

“It seems that a lot of people live under unrealistic expectations, especially when it comes to holidays,” King says. “The focus needs to be on family celebrating what they are thankful for, not to be stressed out that the green beans aren’t up to snuff. Make food that makes you happy; make your own traditions. At the end of the day, you will remember the laughs and time spent together.”

So go ahead and resist! Rather than running yourself into the ground chasing society’s prescribed picture-perfect holiday, create a meaningful Thanksgiving tailored just for your special crowd. You will be grateful you did.

Christa Melnyk Hines loves spending Thanksgiving at home in Olathe with her family. One year, she tried quitting the cranberry sauce that slides out looking like the can, but her husband rebelled. Holiday rogues must choose their battles wisely.

Fun Facts About the First Thanksgiving • The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe celebrated the first Thanksgiving for three days in 1621.

• Potatoes and sweet potatoes weren’t on the menu.

• Pumpkin pie, made with pureed pumpkin, hadn’t been invented.

• Although the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag ate cranberries, cranberry sauce wasn’t introduced until 50 years later.

• Historians say the group dined on waterfowl and venison, not turkey.

Source: Plimouth Plantation, Plimoth.org.

THE

PER FECT GIF T IS J UST A

G I F T C A R D AWA Y AVA I L A B L E I N S I D E O R O N L I N E A T W W W. C H A R L E S T O N S . C O M

8 817 S T A T E L I N E R D K A N S A S C I T Y, M O 6 4114

kcparent.com november 2018

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memorable holiday weekend reunions Reunions don’t have to take place in the sweltering heat of summer. Gathering together is a cherished part of the holidays, making a perfect season for reunions. Whether you’re hosting out-of-town family, friends, or planning a group get-together to celebrate the season, we have ideas for a variety of ages and interests.

Make memories and enjoy a taste of Kansas City as you host an amazing reunion.

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN NIGHT If your family is creative….

Head to Paint, Glaze & Fire (PaintGlazeAndFire.net) on the second Friday of the month for family night. Their $45 special includes four studio fees, a large pizza and soda, plus 15 percent off pottery. You can add guests for $6 each and add pizza as well—so this package accommodates any family perfectly. They offer a wide selection of ceramics, from ornaments to mugs to figurines, featuring favorite animals, characters and seasonal pieces. If the second Friday doesn’t work, the shop is open every Friday (and throughout the week), and you’ll find great coupons on KCParent.com.

If your family loves holiday traditions…

Make some hot cocoa and warm cookies and bundle up for a light-seeing tour. Lights are on starting mid-November, and you’ll find a complete guide to local lighting ceremonies on KCParent.com. We love the whimsy of the Legends tree synchronized to carols, the 100-foot-tall mayor’s Christmas tree at Crown Center, and the Magic Tree in Lee’s Summit near Christmas in the Park.

Visit KCParent.com for a guide to the best Christmas lights in Kansas City.

If your family loves adventure…

Paradise Park (Paradise-Park.com) offers a variety of group packages. Book an Exit Room (specifically designed for families so tweens and teens can participate) and work together to crack the code and escape in under an hour. Then, enjoy some of the adventures like laser tag, rock wall climbing, foam factory or arcades. Save with coupons on KCParent.com.

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SATURDAY IN THE CITY If your family wants to experience a taste of Kansas City…

The Crown Center District is ideal for entertaining a variety of ages. If you have children in your group, book a session at Kaleidoscope (reservations will ensure they have space for your group). Then, enjoy a spin on the ice at the Crown Center Ice Terrace, or explore Sea Life Aquarium or Legoland. The day after Thanksgiving, the mayor’s tree is lit in a ceremony complete with music and fireworks. Once the decorations are ready, be sure to snap photos under the mayor’s tree and enjoy the outdoor playground. For lunch, children love Fritz’s, where trains deliver food to your table, but grown-ups may be partial to Unforked, where the delicious menu is prepared with locally grown ingredients.

After lunch, walk the Link to Union Station.

Catch a film on the Extreme Screen, explore Science City and, after Nov. 17, enjoy holiday traditions including the Jones Store Train, holiday films and beautiful decorations. For dinner, treat your guests to a Kansas City classic at Jack Stack at the Freight House (reservations recommended).

Then, drive home through the Country Club Plaza lights (lit beginning Thanksgiving evening) for a finale to the evening.

GUIDE

SUNDAY FUNDAY If your family enjoys reminiscing….

If your family enjoys history and holidays…

Spend the day at the National World War I Museum, a world-class museum telling the story of the Great War. On Nov. 11, the museum is commemorating the centennial of Armistice Day with special events. Enjoy lunch in the museum’s café. Then, take a tour of Downtown aboard the streetcar (see KCParent.com for a scavenger hunt to enjoy). Choose one of many great restaurants in the KC Power & Light District for dinner. On Saturday evenings after Thanksgiving, you can enjoy Downtown Dazzle (DowntownDazzle.com), as the city comes to life with holiday decorations. A nighttime trolley ride is our favorite way to experience the beautiful views.

If your family loves the arts…

Spend a day enjoying the fine arts.

Begin at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art where admission is free. Explore this world-class museum where you can enjoy everything from ancient to modern art.

Dine at the Rozelle Courtyard, or choose a nearby restaurant on the Country Club Plaza. Then, take the family to the Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol, where you’ll enjoy the heartwarming classic on stage.

Visit the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures (ToyAndMiniatureMuseum.org), one of our favorite multigenerational outings.

Something is so special about our childhood memories of playing with beloved toys, whether that favorite electric train set, a special dollhouse, a keepsake tea set or the greatest pinball game ever. Toys connect generations, and there is no place better to reminisce and create family connections. Explore the largest collection of nostalgic toys, fine-scale miniatures and marbles in the Midwest.

Our family took a trip to the museum with four generations. As we culled through room upon room of treasures, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and children shared their favorite memories playing with marbles, a favorite Barbie doll or Raggedy Ann, ride-on pedal toys, paper dolls, Teddy bears and dollhouses. The

children loved discovering surprises in every dollhouse and each room of the museum, and the adults loved watching their reactions and remembering their own childhoods.

If your family loves animals…

The Kansas City Zoo (KansasCityZoo. org) is home to several amazing indoor exhibits, and the holidays are especially fun.

Santa dives with the penguins on weekends (beginning Thanksgiving weekend), and the zoo hosts several holiday-themed events (all on the calendar on KCParent.com). You’ll love watching Berlin and Bam Bam, the zoo’s resident polar bears, play in their polar oasis.

The penguins are always a delight, and you can head next door to experience the stingray touch tank. These are just a few of our favorite indoor exhibits at the zoo, perfect to enjoy on a brisk winter’s day. Tip: Bring your own picnic or dine at one of the zoo’s restaurants.

If your family is daring…

Sign up for a group session at iFly (iFlyWorld.com/Kansas-City), where you can experience the magic of flight with indoor skydiving. Coaches at iFly guide each member of your group through the process in their fun and safe environment. This is an unforgettable family adventure.

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll find more inspiration on KCParent.com, where our Going Places guide features hundreds of attractions sorted by category, budget and neighborhood. Our online calendar is another great tool for planners. And always remember to check the coupons on KCParent.com for great savings.

Kristina Light loves sharing her city with others and will be sharing more holiday ideas on KCParent.com all season long. kcparent.com november 2018

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NOV. 22 -- DEC. 31 Downtown KC’s all-encompassing holiday experience features five unique neighborhoods and something for everyone, including tours of trendy, urban homes, exclusive shopping offers and other festive sights and sounds.

EXPLORE KC IN SEASONAL STYLE Free Urban Homes Tour – Dec. 8 Free Dazzle Deals Booklet – All season long Spirited Pop-Ups – All season long

DazzleKC.com • #DazzleKC

november

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

CALENDAR

Holidays Come Alive at Union Station

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

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party

give

enjoy

shop

watch

It’s Marty’s Party all month long at local Mid-Continent Library branches!

Celebrate with stories, songs, refreshments and fun!

MyMCPL.org

Nov. 12-19 is collection week for Operation Christmas Child.

Pack a shoebox full of gifts to help spread the Gospel.

SamaritansPurse.org

Start the holiday season with Holidays Come Alive Nov. 17 at Union Station.

Quixotic performs, face painters, letters to Santa and more!

UnionStation.org

Get a jump on holiday shopping on Black Friday at Legends Outlets on Nov. 23. Stores open early at 6:00 for great Black Friday deals.

LegendsShopping.com

See Störling Dance Studio’s Child of Hope Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at the Culture House Stage & Studio (Oak Park Mall). The Nativity story told through dance.

CultureHouse.com

1 Thursday

2 Friday

3 Saturday

Arrival of Mayor’s Christmas Tree 9:00, Crown Center. The first sign of the holiday season arrives from Oregon in the morning, around 9:00. CrownCenter.com

Opening Day 6:00-9:00, Crown Center Ice Terrace. KC’s only public outdoor rink opens for its 46th season. Enjoy free morning skating, coffee and hot chocolate. 816.247.8411

Rock It! 9:00, Union Station. A morning of fun, hands-on activities to help build stronger families. SaintLukesKC.org/RockIt

Indoor Playground 9:30, Sylvester Powell Community Center. A safe, clean indoor play area for kids 6 years and under. $2/child.

913.722.8200

Holiday Open House Today & tomorrow, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Check out all the wonderful gift and decorating ideas.

DowntownLS.org

Toddler Time 2.0 9:30, Blue Springs Fieldhouse.

Play inside the fieldhouse on mats, scooters, slides, a bounce house and more. $2-$3.

BlueSpringsGov.com

Animal Amigos! 10:00, Mesner Studio. Gather ’round the Tree of Life for retellings of delightful Mexican folktales. MesnerPuppets.org

Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists.

Kids will enjoy our outdoor play sets that are available for open play. $2 (cash). 913.307.6023 Midwest GameFest Thru Sunday, Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center. Game convention brings game organizations under one roof.

816.868.1194 Sister Act Thru Sunday, St Thomas Aquinas. See the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film. STASaints.net/theater

Writers Conference Thru Sunday, Central Resource Library. Network with other authors; special sessions for teen and young writers.

JoCoLibrary.org First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Art District.

Galleries and shops remain open the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Today & tomorrow, Yardley Hall. Step into the enchanted world of this modern classic performed by Culture House. CultureHouse.com

Great Pumpkin Smash Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Watch as the zoo’s animals crush, kick, bounce and play with those big orange pumpkins! KansasCityZoo.org Harmonious Hues 10:00 & 2:00, Nerman Museum. Learn about color schemes and then create a monochromatic painting. Ages 5-7.

Pre-reg at NermanMuseum.org.

The Pigeon Comes to Topeka Thru Jan 4, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Exhibition inspired by the art and characters of Mo Willems. KansasDiscovery.org Hands-On History 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. History is brought to life.

Handle Great War artifacts. TheWorldWar.org Nature Nuts Story Time 11:00, Anita Gorman Discovery Center. Join naturalists for a journey through magical places. 816.759.7300

Get next year’s Gold Pass and get unlimited visits and free parking for WinterFest 2018 Get unlimited visits and free parking in 2019

©Cedar Fair L.P., WF18-178

kcparent.com november 2018

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Rosie Revere Engineer Nov. 7, Folly Theater. A play based on the book that tells the story of a girl and her dream to become a great engineer. FollyTheater.org

British Faire & Tea Shawnee Civic Centre. Join the Daughters of the British Empire for the British Faire & Tea. Tea served at 11:00, 12:15, 1:30 and 2:45. DBEKansas.org

The Fab Four–The Ultimate Tribute 7:00, Carlsen Center. Note-for-note live renditions will make you think you’re watching the real thing! JCCC.edu/theseries

Parents Night Out 6:00, Sky Zone (Shawnee).

Drop off the kids at Sky Zone for a fun night of games and activities while you get a night out!

Pre-reg at SkyZone.com/kansascity.

Owl Prowl 7:00, Ernie Miller. Enjoy an informative talk featuring live owls and an evening hike through the park. $8-$9. Pre-reg by calling 913.826.2800.

Major League Improv 7:30, Comedy City. A comedy sporting event where everything is based on suggestions from the audience. $9-$13. 816.842.2744

5 Monday

4 Sunday Day of the Dead Family Festival 10:00, Nelson-Atkins. This lively festival celebrates Mexican art and culture. Fun for the entire family! Nelson-Atkins.org Fall Lantern Walk 5:00, Various parks . Families gather before dusk, sing songs, light lanterns and enjoy an outdoor walk in the park. 913.461.0210

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Indoor Play Park 9:00, New Century Fieldhouse. Run and jump, play with balls, blocks and more! $3. 913.826.2850

Splash with Me 10:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Kids can swim, play and become more confident in the water at the kiddie pool. $2. 913.477.7100

Moms Free Monday 9:30, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224

Marty’s Party 10:30, MCPL (Red Bridge).

It’s Marty’s birthday! Meet Marty and enjoy stories, songs, refreshments and fun! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

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

Monday Night Madness 4:00, Main Event.

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

MainEvent.com

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

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com Indoor Playground 9:30, Sylvester Powell Community Center. A safe, clean indoor play area for kids 6 years and under. $2/child.

913.722.8200 Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. $12. CeramicCafe.com

7 Wednesday Rosie Revere Engineer 9:45 & 11:30, Folly Theater. A play based on the book that tells the story of a girl and her dream to become a great engineer. FollyTheater.org Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free.

JumpCityKC.com Retro Story Time 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Enjoy The Pokey Little Puppy and an art activity for little hands. JCPRD.com/museum

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

8 Thursday Just Between Friends Sale Thru Sunday, Overland Park Convention Center. Save big on kids clothing, baby gear and more! See KCParent.com for free admission coupon. JBFSale.com Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries 10:00 & 1:00, Carlsen Center. Prepare to be amazed when math, theater and digital technology collide. JCCC.edu/theseries

Scribble Workshop 10:00, North Kansas City Community Center. A parent-child art event with a new theme each month. $10.

816.513.7741 Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire.

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

Holiday Bazaar Noon, Lake Quivira Clubhouse.

Local vendors offering a variety of boutique home decor, jewelry, clothing accessories and more. 913.482.6269

Open House 8:30, Pembroke Hill (Wornall Campus). Experience Pembroke Hill and all we have to offer. For ages 2 through 5th grade.

Pre-reg at PembrokeHill.org.

Winter Stargazing 6:30, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Look at the winter sky to see constellations. Pre-reg at 816.781.8598.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Thru Sunday, Peters Theatre (William Jewell College). CYT presents this funny and touching holiday classic. CYTKC.org

Middle School Teen Night 7:00, Paradise Park. For $20 get unlimited play on a variety of adventure attractions, a $5 fun card and a personal pizza. Paradise-Park.com

9 Friday

Night at the Arboretum 7:00, Overland Park Arboretum. Walk the trails and search for raccoon habitats. Stop by the visitors center to learn more. OPABG.org

Ladies Day 9:00, Family Tree Nursery. Enjoy 20 percent off all regularly priced items. Live music, food and refreshments starting at 3:30.

FamilyTreeNursery.com

Be the reason someone smiles this season!

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Good thru 11/30/18.

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127th & Metcalf • Overland Park, KS 913-661-CLAY kcparent.com november 2018

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Gatsby Swing 8:00, Union Station. Gatsby Swing at the Station featuring live music from the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. $15.

UnionStation.org

Veterans Day Parade 10:00, Main Street (Belton). Join to remember not only those who died in service but also those who continue to serve. Belton.org

10 Saturday

City School Fair 10:00, Central Library.

More than 50 schools, 20 partner organizations, entertainment, food and fun!

ShowMeKCSchools.org

Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair 9:00, Franklin Smith Elementary (Blue Springs). Support local businesses and get holiday shopping done early. 816.224.1375 Kids in the Kitchen 9:30, Johnson County K-State Extension. Class covers recipes, food safety, basic cooking skills and nutrition. Prereg at 913.715.7000.

Military Appreciation Day 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. All military personnel (retired, active, veterans, etc.) with valid ID receive complimentary admission. KansasCityZoo.org Exploring Drawing 10:00 & 2:00, Nerman Museum. Learn about different styles of drawing and create a sketchbook. Ages 8-11.

Pre-reg at NermanMusuem.org.

Touch a Truck 10:00, Indian Heights UMC. Explore police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, antique cars and other cool cars and trucks.

Free. 913.649.9040

Tea Party 2:00, Shawnee Indian Mission Museum. Enjoy finger foods and high tea cookies, as well as story time and a craft. Prereg at 913.262.0867.

Holiday Open House 5:30, Downtown Weston. Holiday parade with Father Christmas, followed by tree lighting. Shops open late.

WestonMo.com Parents Night Out 6:30, Code Ninjas. Kids play games, assemble puzzles, build robotics, and more. Pre-reg at 913.735.9346.

Don Felder 8:00, Carlsen Center. Don Felder performed with the Eagles for more than 20 years. He’ll perform his hits plus other rock classics. JCCC.edu/theseries

11 Sunday Veterans Day Thank a veteran for his or her service to our nation.

Gobbler Grind 8:30, Corporate Woods. Race features three great distances to get you ready for the feast of all feasts: Thanksgiving!

GobblerGrindMarathon.com Armistice Ceremony 9:30, National WWI Museum and Memorial. Readings of poems and letters from soldiers, musical performances and more. TheWorldWar.org Salute to Veterans Noon, Truman Library and Museum. Patriotic activities, craft tables along with presidential salute and wreath-laying.

TrumanLibrary.org Meet the Experts 2:00, the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. A look at how global conflicts shaped and influenced toys in the 20th century. 816.235.8000 A Christmas Carol with Gerald Dickens 2:00 (Colbern), 7:00 (Woodneath). The great-greatgrandson of Charles Dickens brings the classic to life. Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

BLACK FRIDAY Gift Card Giveaway (November 23) Gather the family and head to Summit Fair, for festive Black Friday fun! Stores will be offering huge holiday savings all weekend long, but between the hours of Noon and 2:00pm(in the Macy’s courtyard) parents, and shoppers aged 18+, will be able to draw for a free gift card from our holiday grab bag! *While supply lasts.

ELF Night at Summit Fair (December 7) Join us from 6:00PM-9:00PM for a FREE Christmas celebration featuring cookies and cocoa, crafts for the kiddos, free visits with Buddy the Elf, balloon art, holiday face painting, giveaways and more! *Located in the space next to Cato, across from H&M. For more information visit: summitfairshopping.com

840 NW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO, 64086 | 816.607.5420 | @summitfair

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Veterans Day Celebration 4:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Ceremony honoring all men and women who have served or are currently serving. 913.631.5200

12 Monday Operation Christmas Child Collection Week Thru Nov 19, various locations. Pack your shoeboxes and drop off during the week to spread the Gospel. SamaritansPurse.org Veterans Day Parade 10:30, Leavenworth.

Veterans and active duty military are honored at the parade through historic downtown Leavenworth. LVVetsParade.com Monday Night Madness 4:00, Main Event.

Choose from three super specials, each just $10.95.

Available Mondays 4:00-close. MainEvent.com Parenting Teens with Love and Logic 6:30, Pleasant Lea Middle School. Learn about communicating with teens, brain development, peer pressure and more. LSCares.org

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

UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com

AND

PRESENT

2018

H O L I DAY L U M I N A RY WA L K AT T H E O V E R L A N D P A R K A R B O R E T U M & B O TA N I C A L G A R D E N S

N OV E M B E R 2 3 , 2 4 & 3 0 , D E C E M B E R 1 , 7 & 8 TICKETS ARE LIMITED P U RC H A S E O N L I N E AT O PA B G . O RG kcparent.com november 2018

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Stray Cat Lee Rocker Nov. 17, Yardley Hall. Come hear this Stray Cat perform worldwide mega hits live on the Yardley Hall stage. JCCC.edu/theseries

Indoor Playground 9:30, Sylvester Powell Community Center. A safe, clean indoor play area for kids 6 years and under. $2/child.

913.722.8200

Open Gym Noon, Integrity Gymnastics.

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

The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Stories 9:45 & 11:00, Folly Theater. Stories retold on stage through the magic of black light and fanciful puppets. FollyTheater.org

Owl Prowl 6:30, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Hike the trail and hoot for owls. Then, dissect an owl pellet. Pre-reg at 816.781.8598.

Marty’s Party 11:00, MCPL (Oak Grove). It’s Marty’s birthday! Meet Marty and enjoy stories, songs, refreshments and fun! Pre-reg at MyMCPL.org.

Teen Suicide: A Necessary Conversation 7:00, Hope Alive Church. Event to help open doors to honest, transparent communication. Pre-reg at HopeAlive.church/events.

Christmas 1860s Style 7:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Make ornaments, try Christmas pudding, play games and more. $5.

Pre-reg at Mahaffie.org.

14 Wednesday The Pigeon Comes to Topeka Thru Jan 4, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Exhibition inspired by the art and characters of Mo Willems. KansasDiscovery.org

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15 Thursday Narnia Photos Bondurant Studios. Celebrate the season with photos in a winter-themed background. Schedule at BondurantStudios.com.

Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists.

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

Big Fall Kids Book Sale Thru Saturday, Central Resource Library. Thousands of gently-read books and A/V materials available at bargain prices. JoCoLibrary.org Playdate Thursdays 11:00, Children’s Play Area (Independence Center). Fun, free monthly events for kids! Move, learn, create and connect.

816.795.8602 Pie Baking 101 6:00, Kansas State University (Olathe). Class will cover the basics in making, rolling and handling pie dough. Ages 18+. Prereg at 913.715.7000.

Topeka_Pigeon-ad_SQUARE_SPONSOR_revised.pdf 1 8/17/2018 1:13:04 PM

Steven Curtis Chapman 7:30, Folly Theater.

See Steven Curtis Chapman, the most awarded artist in Christian music history, perform.

FollyTheater.org

16 Friday Splash with Me 10:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Kids can swim, play and become more confident in the water at the kiddie pool. $2. 913.477.7100 Open Play 10:00, Jump City. Bring the kids to Jump City—where excitement and laughs are found daily! $8/child; parents are free.

JumpCityKC.com

C

M

Y

CM

Best Little Arts & Crafts Show Today & tomorrow, Roger T Sermon Community Center.

Enjoy 110 vendors with original merchandise.

816.325.7370

MY

CY

CMY

K

Holiday Container Workshop Thru Sunday, Family Tree Nursery. Create your own holiday container starting at just $39.99.

FamilyTreeNursery.com Holiday Classic Movie: Christmas Vacation Thru Nov 21, Union Station. See the classic story of the Griswold family on the big screen.

UnionStation.org

Breakfast with

Santa

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2ND 9AM-NOON Fun for the entire family!

• Continental Breakfast • Create a clay impression Santa or snowman

• Ornament painting • Visit with Santa at your leisure

No need to wait in line!

9510 Nall | 913-383-0222

CeramicCafeKC.com kcparent.com november 2018

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what’s your

NOVEMBER KC IQ?

test your local smarts with this quiz 1. This year marks the centennial of

2. On Nov. 4, the Nelson-Atkins

Armistice Day, the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. Two Assyrian sphinxes guard the south entrance of the Liberty Memorial, which commemorates the conflict. One faces east toward the battlefields of France, shielding its eyes from the horrors of war. The other faces west, shielding its eyes from an unknown future. What are their names?

A) Wilson and Pershing C) War and Peace

Museum of Art invites families to the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival. This festival celebrates which nation’s art and culture?

A) Spain B) Belize C) Argentina D) Mexico

B) Memory and Future D) Axis and Ally

3. The first sign of the holiday season shows up at Crown Center as the culmination of a journey from Oregon. The mayor’s tree arrives at 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 1 and is put into its stand at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 2.

How tall is it?

4. Sky watchers can

enjoy a meteor shower that typically peaks around Nov. 17 or 18. The shower is known for the point in the sky from where the meteors seem to emerge, which is found in which constellation?

A) Leo C) Ursa Major

A) 75 feet B) 60 feet C) 125 feet D) 100 feet

B) Draco D) Cassiopeia

5. Number of seasons the Kansas City Repertory Theatre has brought A Christmas Carol to the stage:

6. Lit annually on

B) 41 D) 46

5. C) 38 4. A) Leo 3. D) 100 Feet 2. D) Mexico 1. B) Memory and Future

ANSWER KEY:

A) 35 C) 38

6. A) 1973

A) 1973 B) 1980 C) 1950 D) 1964

Thanksgiving night, the Plaza Lights have shined every holiday season since 1925 except one.

The President of the United States asked Americans not to use Christmas lights in order to reduce dependence on foreign oil imports.

What year was this?

Journey to Judea Thru Sunday, Countryside Baptist Church. Experience the sights and sounds of God’s story. Free, but tickets required.

JourneyToJudea.com

Christmas Kickoff Celebration 11:00, various locations, Excelsior Springs. Mistletoe market, elf factory, Christmas parade, tree lighting and more! 816.630.6161

Bonding with Board Games 5:30, Johnson County K-State Extension. Bring the family to play a variety of games in a positive environment. Pre-reg at 913.715.7000.

Christmas in the Country 11:00, Mt Gilead Historic School & Church. Crafts, music, hot cider and cookies, and Mr and Mrs Claus.

816.835.8500

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

EnglewoodStation.com

Nutcracker Tea Party Today & tomorrow, Sheraton Overland Park. A festive tea, a magical ballet and an amazing time!

NutcrackerTeaParty.org

Ararat Shrine Circus Thru Sunday, Silverstein Arena. Enjoy high-flying acrobats, mesmerizing aerialists, daredevils and those hilarious clowns!

816.442.6100 Mayor’s Tree Lighting 6:00, NKC City Hall.

Snack on treats while enjoying festive entertainment and have a picture taken with Santa. NKC.org Holiday Lighting 6:00, Independence Square. Enjoy a brief lighting ceremony followed by crafts, visits with Santa and more.

TheIndependenceSquare.com Mayor’s Tree Lighting 6:30, Downtown Lee’s Summit. More than 100,000 sparkling lights will light up Downtown Lee’s Summit! Many shops open late. DowntownLS.org

Winterfest 5:00, Worlds of Fun. Sparkling lights transform the park that features live shows, holiday characters and activities, cookie decorating and more! WorldsOfFun.com Legendary Tree Lighting Ceremony 6:00, Legends Outlets. Ring in the holiday season with the 14th annual tree lighting ceremony.

LegendsShopping.com Comedy City at Culture House 7:00, Culture House Stage & Studio (Oak Park Mall). Five of the funniest improvisers create hilarious sketches. $10. CultureHouse.com Stray Cat Lee Rocker 8:00, Yardley Hall.

Come hear this Stray Cat perform worldwide mega hits live on the Yardley Hall stage.

JCCC.edu/theseries

19 Monday Kids Day Out Thru Wednesday, Johnson County Museum. Have fun when school is out!

Enjoy crafts and projects, visit KidScape and more. Pre-reg at 913.715.2570.

Dinosaurs Revealed 10:00, Union Station. Take a hands-on trek that brings you face to face with 26 life-size dinosaurs. UnionStation.org Toddler Town 10:00, Roger T Sermon Community Center. Indoor play area little ones will enjoy! $1/child. Ci.Independence.mo.us

20 Tuesday Tots on Tuesday 10:30, Kemper Museum. Sing songs, read books, explore art and make your own art with a Kemper Museum educator.

KemperArt.org Let’s Talk Turkey 3:00, Antioch Library. Touch a real turkey egg and feel turkey feathers, take a turkey food scavenger hunt and more! Pre-reg at 913.826.4600.

Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting 6:00, Linden Square. Enjoy music from school choirs, a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus and more!

LindenSquare.Info

21 Wednesday Let’s Go Luna! KCPT. Premier of new show that follows the hilarious adventures of three friends as they travel the globe. KCPTKids.org

Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 6:30, Downtown Overland Park. A familyfriendly night full of hayrides, carolers, Santa and more! DowntownOP.org

A Christmas Carol 8:00, Spencer Theatre. The KC Rep’s performance returns for its 38th season.

A favorite holiday tradition! KCRep.org

17 Saturday

18 Sunday

Holiday Craft Show 9:00, High Blue Wellness Center (Belton). Enjoy more than 40 great holiday shopping options all under one roof.

BeltonParks.org

Farmers Market 8:00, City Market. The market features a mix of dining, shopping and entertainment in an open air setting.

816.842.1271

US Capitol Tree 9:00, Independence Square.

See the US Capitol Christmas tree as it makes its way from Oregon to Washington, DC. 816.461.0065

Feline Frenzy Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Spend a cat-terrific weekend with us and learn all about our wild cats! KansasCityZoo.org

Toddler Time 9:00, Sky Zone. A time for little ones to bounce under the supervision of their parents and without interference from the big kids. SkyZone.com

The Pigeon Comes to Topeka Thru Jan 4, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. Exhibition inspired by the art and characters of Mo Willems. KansasDiscovery.org

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

816.751.127

Let’s Talk Turkey 10:00, Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Learn about turkeys, try your luck at a turkey call, take a hike and more. Pre-reg at 816.781.8598.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical 2:00 & 4:00, Coterie Theatre. Get into the Christmas spirit with a play based on the television special. TheCoterie.org

Christmas in the Sky 5:00, Longview Lake.

Fireworks set to music kick off the season and are the opening to Christmas in the Park. Free.

816.503.4805

Holidays Come Alive 10:00, Union Station.

Celebrate the start of the season at the Holidays Come Alive kickoff ceremony. UnionStation.org Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-tastic” adventure! 816.753.5784 Tellebration 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center.

Hear nature stories with live animals that will delight audiences of all ages. Pre-reg at 913.826.2800.

Free Day 9:00, Johnson County Museum.

Come to the museum for free and enjoy a fun Thanksgiving week outing. JCPRD.com/museum

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Holiday Luminary Walk Nov. 23, 24 & 30 and Dec. 1, 7 & 8. Overland Park Arboretum. The arboretum transforms into a wonderland of candles, music and holiday fun. $8. OPABG.org

22 Thursday

23 Friday

THANKSGIVING DAY

Black Friday 6:00, Legends Outlets. Legends Outlets is closed on Thanksgiving Day and opens at 6:00 on Friday for Black Friday deals.

LegendsShopping.com

Happy Thanksgiving, KC Parent readers! We are thankful for your 33 years of readership and support!

Thanksgiving Day Run & Walk 8:30, 85th Street & Ward Parkway. Kick off Thanksgiving Day with a morning run.

WardParkwayThanksgivingDayRun.com Pilgrim Run 5K/Children’s Dash 9:00, Pilgrim Chapel. Jumpstart your Thanksgiving morning with a fun family walk or run through Hyde Park. PilgrimRun.org 89th Annual Plaza Lighting Ceremony 5:00, Country Club Plaza. Enjoy a holiday tradition like no other. CountryClubPlaza.com

Santa Dives with Penguins Thru Sunday, Kansas City Zoo. What’s red and swimming with the penguins? Santa! Get a photo as penguins torpedo around him.

KansasCityZoo.org Family Day 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Enjoy exploring the museum with family and create a tiny tinsel Christmas tree. 816.235.8000 Jack and the Beanstalk 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Enjoy a classic fairy tale of humor, adventure and puppet whimsy!

PuppetryArtsInstitute.org

Gift Card Giveaway Noon, Summit Fair.

Black Friday deals all day, with gift card giveaway between Noon and 2:00.

SummitFairShopping.com 1860s Living History Noon, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Take a stagecoach ride, see cookstove and blacksmith demonstrations and more. Mahaffie.org Holiday Classic Movie: Elf Thru Nov 29, Union Station. See the classic story of Buddy the Elf on the big screen. UnionStation.org

KCBALLET.ORG | 816.931.8993 BUY NOW FOR BEST SEATS!

NOV. 30 - DEC. 23, 2018 Dancer: Kevin Wilson. Photography: Kenny Johnson.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts See your children’s wonder ignite and feel the glimmer once more as your childhood dreams return and inspire you to

IMAGINE AGAIN. Sugar Plum Fairy children’s ball

DECEMBER 1 | 10:30 AM VISIT KCBALLET.ORG FOR MORE INFO

Hotel Phillips is the host hotel of KC Ballet

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kcparent.com november 2018

Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 5:30, Crown Center. The 100-foot-tall mayor’s Christmas tree is lit up to kick off the holiday season. CrownCenter.com

Lanesfield School Country Christmas 1:00, Lanesfield Historic Site. Write a letter to Santa with pen and ink and create your very own ornament. JCPRD.com

Christmas Candlelight Tour Today & tomorrow, Harris-Kearney House. Experience Christmas 1850s style. $8-$10. 816.561.1821

Winterfest 5:00, Worlds of Fun. Sparkling lights transform the park that features live shows, holiday characters and activities, cookie decorating and more! WorldsOfFun.com

Holiday Luminary Walk Today & tomorrow, Overland Park Arboretum. The arboretum transforms into a wonderland of candles, music and holiday fun. $8. OPABG.org

24 Saturday Open House 8:00, Louisburg Cider Mill. Shop for unique gift items and enjoy tasty samples, festive music and more. LouisburgCiderMill.com Breakfast with Santa 8:30, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Enjoy breakfast, make an ornament and visit with Santa! Pre-reg at Mahaffie.org.

Small Business Saturday 10:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Find holiday gifts and enjoy lunch or dinner while supporting local businesses.

DowntownLS.org

Olde World Christmas Night Time Tour 6:00, Strawberry Hill Museum. Tour the chapel, house, orphanage and museum.

StrawberryHillMuseum.org

25 Sunday art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages! 816.751.127 A Christmas Carol 1:00 & 5:00, Spencer Theatre.

The KC Rep’s performance returns for its 38th season. A favorite holiday tradition! KCRep.org Holiday Lights Tour 7:00, Union Station. Enjoy Holiday music while riding through Crown Center, the Plaza and houses along Ward Parkway. DowntownDazzle.com/events

26 Monday Indoor Play Park 9:00, New Century Fieldhouse. Run and jump, play with balls, blocks and more! $3. 913.826.2850 Monday Night Madness 4:00, Main Event.

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

MainEvent.com Christmas in the Park 7:00, Cornerstone Park (Gardner). A Christmas message from the mayor, seasonal music and the arrival of Santa!

GardnerKansas.gov

27 Tuesday A Modern Farmhouse Christmas Bondurant Studios. Celebrate Christmas with a wonderful photo experience for your child.

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

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

JumpCityKC.com

Session 1:

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

Indoor Playground 9:30, Sylvester Powell Community Center. A safe, clean indoor play area for kids 6 years and under. $2/child. 913.722.8200

Letters to Santa Thru Dec 14, Fieldhouse (Blue Springs). Put Christmas wishes into writing and drop them off at the fieldhouse.

BlueSpringsGov.com

Toddler Time 2.0 9:30, Blue Springs Fieldhouse.

Play inside the fieldhouse on mats, scooters, slides, a bounce house and more. $2-$3.

BlueSpringsGov.com

28 Wednesday

Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists.

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

Toddler Time 10:00, Sky Zone. A time for little ones to bounce under the supervision of their parents and without interference from the big kids. SkyZone.com Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical 10:00 & Noon, Coterie Theatre. Get into the Christmas spirit with a play based on the television special. TheCoterie.org Happy Birthday, Marty 6:00, MCPL (Liberty).

It’s Marty’s birthday! Join Dino O’Dell as he celebrates with singing, dancing and fun! Prereg at MyMCPL.org.

29 Thursday Gym for Me 9:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Play items available, including push toys, riding toys, balls, and inflatables. $2. Lenexa.com/getactive

Deck the Stage Thru Sunday, Blue Springs City Theatre. A holiday-themed play for the entire family. BlueSpringsCityTheatre.com

30 Friday Holiday Lighting Ceremony 3:00, City Hall (Kansas City, KS). Arts and crafts, movies, snacks, dance performances, a visit with Santa and Christmas tree lighting! WyCoKCK.org Sar-Ko Aglow 6:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Kick off your holiday festivities this year with the lighting of Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Lenexa.com Christmas on the River 6:00, Downtown Parkville. Live entertainment including Park Hill school choir, family fun, dining, treats and holiday fireworks. ParkvilleMo.org

Journey to Judea Thru Sunday, Countryside Baptist Church. Experience the sights and sounds of God’s story. Free, but tickets required. JourneyToJudea.com Child of Hope Thru Dec 2, Culture House Stage & Studio (Oak Park Mall). See Storling Dance Studio’s portrayal of the Nativity story.

CultureHouse.com Holiday Luminary Walk Today & tomorrow, Overland Park Arboretum. The arboretum transforms into a wonderland of candles, music and holiday fun. $8. OPABG.org HOlly Jolly, HOliday Lights & HOmemade Soup 6:30, Merriam Marketplace. Annual tradition of lighting the tree and time with Santa. 913.322.5550 The Nativity Thru Dec 2, Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral. Paul Mesner Puppets brings 7-foot biblical puppet characters to life.

816.756.3500 The Nutcracker Thru Dec 23, Kauffman Center. The classic story set to the celebrate Tchaikovsky’s score and wrapped with sparking costumes. KCBallet.org

FREE to the public • Dessert Buffet included • Childcare provided (ages 3 & under) www.lenexabaptist.com • 913.599.6447 • 15320 W. 87th St. Pkwy | Lenexa, KS 66219

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kcparent.com november 2018

Endless Variety, Matchless Talent!

2018-19 Season on Sale Now!

Dec. 8

Two Shows!

Under the Streetlamp Hip to the Holidays!

These “Jersey Boys” perform a joyous collection of your favorite holiday tunes plus songs from the American Radio Songbook.

Feb. 2

Feb. 28

Hear Loeb perform her hit single, “Stay (I Missed You),” from the film Reality Bites, along with “Do You Sleep,” “I Do” and many more.

This awesome musical features wild comedy and countless favorite songs from the Emmywinning PBS kids show Peg + Cat. One big dog = one big problem!

An Evening with Lisa Loeb

Peg + Cat – LIVE!

Over 30 performances! Build a season package of five shows (or more) and save 10%.

jccc.edu/CarlsenCenter | 913-469-4445 NO ONLINE FEES | FREE PARKING | WINE & BEER AVAILABLE

FAMILY TREE NURSERY

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Every November, we transform our 3 garden centers into magical winter wonderlands, lined with forests of decorated trees, lights, decorations, and holiday gifts. Join us at any of our 3 locations for the following upcoming events:

LADIES DAY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9 9AM-8PM

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WORKSHOPS NOVEMBER 16–18 10AM–4PM CREATE A FABULOUS HOLIDAY CONTAINER STARTING AT JUST

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7036 Nieman Shawnee, KS 66203 913.631.6121

familytreenursery.com

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830 W Liberty Dr. Liberty, MO 64068 816.781.0001 @family_tree_nursery

Explore

Kansas City Zoo

November 3 & 4 Great Pumpkin Smash November 10 & 11 Military Appreciation Weekend November 17 & 18 Feline Frenzy November 23–25 Santa Dives King and Gentoo Penguin Marches

STINGRAY BAY STINGRAY & SHARK TOUCH TANK

NOW OPEN!

Always a New Adventure!

Open Year Round Check online for more Zoomazing experiences!

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