FREE | November 2020 | KCParent.com | Since 1985
YOUR NO-STRESS
WAYS YOUR FAMILY CAN
SALUTE A VETERAN
Thanksgiving Guide GRATEFUL GAMES & CRAFTS HELPFUL TIPS AND SHORTCUTS
IMPORTANCE OF
consistency
FUN ONCE THE TURKEY’S DONE
IN PARENTING
ARE KIDS GETTING ENOUGH
SLEEP?
GIFT IDEAS
GET A START ON HOLIDAY SHOPPING!
Offering wholeperson care for every age at every stage
We’re here for you when it comes to providing your family with the quality health care you need.
Schedule a Video Visit Download the AdventHealth app on your phone or tablet from your app store. Talk to a medical specialist via a live video chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Prescriptions are sent to your local preferred pharmacy and no appointment is necessary. Learn more at AdventHealth.com/eCare.
To find a primary care physician who’s just right for you, visit MyHealthKC.com.
Nine locations throughout Johnson County
AdventHealthKC.com
IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE
Christma
Every November, we transform our garden centers into magical winter wonderlands. Our stores are lined with forests of decorated trees, lights, fresh-cut greens, wreaths, garlands, ornaments, and much more. Stop by any of our 3 Family Tree Nursery locations to get into the holiday spirit. Also, be sure to follow us on social media for details on upcoming events. WWW.FAMILYTREENURSERY.COM
Don’t Miss the Magical Traditions of
Kansas City’s
Home Holidays for the
at Union Station
DinoSAUR
Join us for the
Spectacular Sights and Sounds of the Season!
FINAL WEEKS AT
UNION STATION
ESCAPE to PURE FAMILY FUN
Ready to Get Out and Explore?
Experience KC’s Most Anticipated and Newest Early Learning Destination . . . NOW OPEN and part of Internationally-Awarded Science City! Over 13,000 sqf of bright, open, dedicated space for your youngest learners.
Fascinating space topics are making frequent headlines. It’s time to join the excitement and explore with us. Regular departures as low as $4
UNIONSTATION.ORG
FOR COMPLETE SCHEDULES, DETAILS AND COVID-19 RESPONSE INFO
LOVE WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO KEEP HER HEART BEATING.
Ziah was born with half a heart. Thanks to an at-home heart monitoring app invented by Children’s Mercy, her parents enjoy these smiles every day. It’s another way that love drives lifesaving innovations to give families more moments just like this. Learn how your LOVE WILL help more kids by giving today at childrensmercy.org/lovewill.
NOVEMBER 2020
IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Date Night 12 5 Things 14 Dear Teachers 15 Word from Dad
THANKSGIVING GUIDE, PGS. 48-57
16 Tasty Treats 18 Ask the Experts 49 Craft Corner
SPECIAL SECTIONS 24 Party Guide
FEATURES
48 Thanksgiving Guide 58 Calendar of Events
32
36
50
Embracing Failure
Enough Sleep?
Thankful Games
Lessons kids learn when things don’t work out.
Ways to make sure your child gets enough sleep.
Fun activities to help families find thankfulness.
Our cover features Evelyn from Kansas City. Photo by Melissa Rieke Photography. MelissaRiekePhotography.com FREE | November 2020 | KCParent.com | Since 1985
ON THE COVER Ways to Thank a Veteran Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep? Consistency in Parenting Thank You Cards Grateful Games Fun Once the Turkey Is Done Hassle-Free November
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30 36 38 49 50 53 56
YOUR NO-STRESS
WAYS YOUR FAMILY CAN
SALUTE A VETERAN
Thanksgiving Guide GRATEFUL GAMES & CRAFTS HELPFUL TIPS AND SHORTCUTS
IMPORTANCE OF
consistency
FUN ONCE THE TURKEY’S DONE
IN PARENTING
ARE KIDS GETTING ENOUGH
SLEEP?
GIFT IDEAS
GET A START ON HOLIDAY SHOPPING!
EDITOR’SLETTER NOVEMBER 2020
I
$500
TO SUPERHERO TEACHERS!
Happy Thanksgiving, Kansas City!
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 Digital Media Intern Anna Hiestand Copy Editor Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers Kim Antisdel (Liberty), Christian Barnes (Kansas City), Bill Bartlett (Belton), Hannah Berry (Kansas City), Julie Collett (Overland Park), Janelle Cumro-Sultzer (Overland Park), Allison Gibeson (Lee’s Summit), Judy Goppert (Lee’s Summit), Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Amy Hundley (Olathe), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Sarah Lyons (Olathe), Kerrie McLoughlin (Peculiar), Emily Morrison (Independence), Jessica Samuel (Kansas City)
Mailing Address 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS FREE | November 2020 | KCParent.com | Since 1985
25 FAMILY PASSES TO WINTER MAGIC!
DETAILS AT KCPARENT.COM
Margaret Sarver, Editor
kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010
fall/winter 2020-21
baby&
SINCE 2002
kcgoingplaces.com
YOUR NO-STRESS
WAYS YOUR FAMILY CAN
SALUTE A VETERAN
Thanksgiving Guide GRATEFUL GAMES & CRAFTS HELPFUL TIPS AND SHORTCUTS
IMPORTANCE OF
consistency
FUN ONCE THE TURKEY’S DONE
IN PARENTING
ARE KIDS GETTING ENOUGH
SLEEP?
QUIRKY KC THE UNUSUAL & UNIQUE
500+
AMAZING ATTRACTIONS
AGRITOURISM FUN ON THE FARM
maternity
YOUR GUIDE TO
BABY’S FIRST YEAR
MASTERING
TACO TOUR TASTEBUDS TANTALIZED
3-DAY REUNION MAKE MEMORIES
OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2020 | KCPARENT.COM
MATERNITY LEAVE
WAYS TO HELP
A NICU FAMILY
BEAUTIFUL BYWAYS SCENIC DRIVES
#PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
TURN THE TERRIBLE TWOS INTO
TERRIFIC TWOS!
GIFT IDEAS
GET A START ON HOLIDAY SHOPPING!
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love children’s books. As an elementary teacher, I read aloud to my class every day, typically after lunch. As a mom, I read aloud to my girls every night before bed. My husband and I would take turns—one night I’d read to Tori while my husband read to Ally, and then the next night we’d flip flop. We continued this until the girls were in about fifth grade. I would gladly have kept reading to them, but they were of the mind they were too old to be read a bedtime story by their parents. One of my most favorite books to read with kids is The BFG by Roald Dahl. It’s such a fun story, and I love the relationship between Sophie and the Giant. If you haven’t read it, check it out! If you’re looking for not only great titles to read with your kids, but great activities to go along with those titles, we’ve got you covered! Check out Stephanie Loux’s article on pg. 42. Can you believe it’s November and the holidays are upon us? The craziness of this year has really affected my sense of time, and I find it extra hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here, with Christmas just around the corner. A lot of work and prep go into Thanksgiving Day, and we’re here to offer some tips and ideas to make the day a smooth and enjoyable one in your home. Head to our Thanksgiving Guide for ways to have a nostress November, ideas on what to do with the family once you’ve eaten turkey, a cute craft and many more tips and suggestions! And be sure to check out our Toy Guide on pg. 44 to help you get a start with your Christmas shopping.
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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, 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213
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kcparent.com november 2020
KCPARENTWEBSITE
KCPARENT.COM Even More Local Parenting Information, Articles, Events and Surprises
SEARCH KCPARENT.COM FOR MORE AFFORDABLE FUN IDEAS: 1. Best of November 2. Money-Saving Coupons 3. Best Pies in KC
4. Hometown Holidays 5. Kids Eat Free 6. Thanksgiving Traditions
SPOTLIGHT
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Grab a jacket and don the tennis shoes or hiking boots and discover your outdoor Kansas City! The area features so many natural wonders, all enhanced by the fact that each is a short trek. Find a complete list at KCParent.com.
7. Fall Fun 8. Birthday Party Guide
LABOR & DELIVERY GUIDE Choosing the best hospital for the arrival of your baby is an important decision. Use the KCParent.com Labor & Delivery Hospital Guide to find the perfect location for you and your child.
9. Easy Recipes 10. Great Giveaways
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 2020
9
DATES WITH LETTER M
DATENIGHT
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kcparent.com november 2020
How about a date this month that’s M’mm M’mm good?! MURAL HUNTING Free and so much fun! Tons of murals decorate the city and more are added all the time. You can start your hunt in the River Market area, where you will find a few unique works of art, including one celebrating Chiefs Kingdom and a very colorful one with ice cream on Betty Rae’s wall. From there, head downtown for some love for the Royals, a celebration of jazz, and oversized classic novels at the KC public library’s parking garage. Next stop is the Crossroads, where you definitely will have to park and just walk around. Our suggestion is to start near 18th & Locust and explore a couple of blocks in each direction. More fun murals can be spotted on sides of buildings all over Kansas City. Some of my favorites are the ever-popular Kansas City, I’m So in Love (near Novel restaurant), I Love You Like a Summer Night (behind Ibis Bakery), Well That Was Fun (The Well Bar & Grill), Greetings from Kansas City (near 81st & State Line) and Kansas City Never Better (in Union Hill).
MELTING POT One of our favorite places for a fun and and a special date is Melting Pot. Whether it’s for all four courses or just for chocolate fondue, we always have a good time. And if you are celebrating something special, like a birthday or anniversary, you can prearrange to have flowers, rose petals and champagne, or a private curtain booth, to up the fun and romance! On a recent visit, we double-dated for dessert. My favorite chocolatedipped items are the blondie brownies, bananas and Rice Krispies treats, and I usually enjoy a few more than I need to. Melting Pot routinely has a number of great specials going on. Currently, you can go for happy hour during the week and enjoy $6 cheese or chocolate fondue. They also serve a great weekend brunch from noon to 3:00. Our favorite brunch deal is the three-course Power Lunch of cheese fondue, salad and chocolate fondue for $21.95.
MTH THEATER MTH Theater at Crown Center is a local professional theater company that produces musicals, cabarets and original revues. My husband and I recently attended a virtual Musical Monday & Tuesday show called Let’s Dance. The show featured four soloists singing songs from various Broadway musicals, including Guys and Dolls, Westside Story, A Chorus Line, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Newsies and Hamilton, among others. There were special appearances by a local professional tap dancer and a dance academy. The production was high quality for being virtual, and all the featured artists were quite talented. I have been to several in-person shows at MTH as well, and they are always quite good. Be sure to check out Musical Theater Heritage’s website for all their upcoming shows. You’re bound to find something of interest. 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.
FOR GREAT DATE NIGHT IDEAS STARTING WITH A-L, HEAD TO KCPARENT.COM!
The starting point for a healthy smile. We specialize in giving kids the care and special consideration they need for successful dental care. Locations:
Overland Park 913-553-2492
Legends 913-948-8688
NEW OFFICE
435 and Roe coming Jan. 1
StartingPointDental.com Owner John P. Roth DDS and family Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry Specialist in Orthodontics
Here for You With
Trusted Urgent Care AdventHealth Centra Care is your home for quality, family urgent care designed to get you on the path to feeling whole. We provide an affordable alternative to the emergency room for non-life-threatening injuries and conditions including pink eye, minor broken bones, allergies and sports injuries. Make an online reservation or walk in for a diagnosis, prescription and plan for restored health.
Make an online reservation at CentraCareKC.com. Olathe
9099 West 135th Street Overland Park, KS 66221 913-549-4242
Shawnee
11245 Shawnee Mission Parkway Shawnee, KS 66203 913-268-4455
20-CentraCare-09868
14744 West 119th Street Olathe, KS 66062 913-839-1759
Overland Park
kcparent.com november 2020
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FIVETHINGS Mini Super Glue What’s the most annoying thing about Super Glue? If you said the fact that you use just a little and then the next time you need it, it’s all dried up, then you and I are on the same page. My husband recently found mini one-time use Super Glue tubes, and it was one of those “why didn’t I think of that?” moments. Each tube is the perfect size to take care of one job, and then you toss it and don’t have to worry about it clogging or drying up. Brilliant! Amazon.com
Daily Calendars As I’ve mentioned in the past, I still use a paper planner and calendar. And I’m a big fan of Page-A-Day calendars for my desk. If you aren’t familiar with them, they are the daily calendars that contain a puzzle or trivia or fun fact for each day. I often find one that’s just perfect for someone and I end up giving several as Christmas gifts. This year, as I looked through all the offerings, I had a hard time not ordering every one! Check them out and cross several people off your gift list! Workman.com
5
THINGS WE
LOVE RIGHT NOW
Compiled by Margaret Sarver
Hot Chocolate Bombs I didn’t know about hot chocolate bombs until recently, but once I made the amazing discovery, I was on a mission to locate and try them for myself. My phone knows my every thought, so I had ample ads and info pop up about these treats and was able to find a local source through Facebook. These are so fun! You place one in a mug, pour hot milk over and, voila! The “bomb” melts and pops open to reveal marshmallows or some other goodie inside. Not only are they fun, they are yummy!
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kcparent.com november 2020
Podcast My cousin recommended Mike Rowe’s (from the TV show Dirty Jobs) The Way I Heard It podcast to me a while back, and I’m sorry I waited so long to start listening to it! Each episode is short, and Rowe reads a story he’s written about a familiar subject— but with a bit of a twist or different take. You don’t find out what he’s talking about until the end of the podcast. It’s fun to try to guess (I’m typically wrong). In addition, Rowe has the perfect speaking voice. Check it out! MikeRowe.com/podcast
Pens I love to find a good pen to write with and I recently purchased a pack of Bic Cristal Xtra Bold pens—my new faves! They have the perfect feel when I put pen to paper and come in a lot of fun colors, which makes writing lists, notes, journal entries and more extra fun! And because they are ball point and not gel, they are cheap, which works out well for me because I love to stock up on office supplies. Try them; I think you’ll like them! Available at area retailers.
a peanut butter lover’s guide to kc goodies
FAMILY TALK ABOUT DRINKING
PO: AD:
Trim: 3.9" x 9.875 " Bleed: none"
CD:
816.436.7200, KatesKitchenKC.com Kate’s Kitchen serves up diner-style meals with the freshest ingredients and friendly service. Even among a variety of breakfast items, waffles remain a favorite. Adventurous patrons love “the King,” waffles topped with warm peanut butter, bananas, powdered sugar and butter! CW: QC:
Donut King, 2320 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO,
Live: 3.35" x 9.625"
Best Peanut Butter Donut:
Closing Date: 10/10/20
AM:
Kate’s Kitchen, 8002 N. Oak Trfwy., Kansas City, MO,
Pub: K C Parent Mag
McLain’s Bakery, Multiple locations, McLainsBakeryKC.com Since 1945, this bakery has been a local landmark and favorite. They are well loved for perfect baked goods, including the best peanut butter cookies in town!
Best Peanut Butter-Topped Waffles:
816.472.1412 A Northland favorite since 1969, Donut King makes all their donuts from scratch behind the counter where you watch. Their diverse menu features 44 types of donuts, all with that delicious homemade quality customers love, including the much-loved peanut butter and jelly cronut.
“STAY
INVOLVED
IN THEIR LIVES TO PREVENT
PM:
Best Peanut Butter Cookie:
Job/Order #:318752 QC: cs
SylasAndMaddysIceCream.com Sylas and Maddy’s makes fresh homemade ice cream and waffle cones daily and a variety of delicious flavors loved by customers since 1997. They won our hearts with their scrumptious Peanut Butter Freak ice cream and Peanut Butter Crunch!
UNDERAGE DRINKING!
“
Sylas and Maddy’s, Multiple locations,
Brand: Bud Item #: PCA20151383
Best Peanut Butter Ice Cream:
MUST INITIAL FOR APPROVAL
November is National Peanut Butter Lovers month. Celebrate with these local goodies!
-MJ CORCORAN PARENT COACH
Parents are the number one influence . on teens’ decisions about drinking alcohol.* Learn how to be a positive influence in your child’s life.
© 2015 ANHEUSER-BUSCH, ST. LOUIS, MO
*SOURCE: 2015 GFK ROPER YOUTH POLL, CONDUCTED USING GFK’S WEEKLY OMNIWEB STUDY.
kcparent.com november 2020
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Q&A DEARTEACHERS
LATEST NEWS ON CURSIVE HANDWRITING QUESTION: What is the latest on cursive writing? Is it
making a comeback or gone forever? All my children have been taught is how to write their names in cursive. – Love Cursive
ANSWER: The decision of states to drop cursive handwriting instruction from their curriculum was definitely influenced by the dropping of this skill from the Common Core standards in 2010. However, by 2016, cursive instruction began making a comeback, especially in the South, and is continuing to do so throughout the nation. Today, the older generation laments the passing of cursive instruction. But the younger generation questions its role in a time when both cursive and print handwriting are being replaced in schools by keyboarding on computers and typing on mobile devices. Both advocates of teaching printing and cursive agree that each plays a major role in child development and each needs to be taught. An MRI scan study has shown that physical writing fires up a “reading circuit” in the brain that is not engaged in children when they are typing. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence that learning cursive contributes to developmental gains in children. Research does show, however, that it can benefit children with dysgraphia (a handwriting learning disability.) Plus, cursive handwriting is typically faster than printing by hand and reduces the confusion between “b” and “d.” Most experts now say that one form of handwriting is no better than the other.
BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS
IS CHILD’S READING PROBLEM AN EYE PROBLEM?
QUESTION: I just read the parent letter about her second grader’s choppy reading. This sounded exactly like what my son experienced. The school reading intervention program did not result in improvements, so I took him to a pediatric ophthalmologist who determined that he had an ocular misalignment. One of his eyes didn’t immediately focus on the word, so he had to look at each word until it came into focus. The problem was easily fixed within 90 days, at no cost, with daily vision exercises. Please get back to this parent and recommend an eye exam with a pediatric ophthalmologist (nonpediatric ophthalmologists may miss the problem). Our doctor told us that if this is not addressed at an early age, it is irreversible. – Solution Found ANSWER: Whenever a young child has a reading problem, both eyes and ears should definitely be checked out. Thanks for the good advice for our readers. However, keep in mind most reading problems are not caused by a medical problem. Choppy reading in second grade can be caused because students did not learn their basic phonics and sufficient sight words in first grade and may also be due to a fluency problem. Improving reading fluency is definitely a big part of the language arts learning process. Not only does fluency improve comprehension, it also makes children confident oral readers in the classroom. Plus, fluency is one skill that is relatively simple to improve in students who don’t have serious reading or communication disorders.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.
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kcparent.com november 2020
WORDFROMDAD
Let our family take care of your family!
FOOTBALL
ON THANKSGIVING “Mom, I’m going outside with Bob.” With Thanksgiving dinner over, Mom and Grandma enjoyed one another’s company as they cleaned while Dad and Grandpa watched TV football, leaving the kids free to find their own amusements. Mom handed a wet platter to Grandma. “Okay.” A few minutes later, Bob and I joined some friends at the vacant field near our home. Before long, our number swelled to nine, and we settled down to choose teams. If the numbers were even, I’d be the last one picked. I knew my athletic skills hadn’t bloomed, so I didn’t mind. At least I could play. Most days, the two best players alternated picking teams, but today’s odd number presented a challenge. Bob Plaskett spoke. “Why don’t Mark Williams and I play on the same team with Johnny? We’ll take Bill to even things out.” That left my brother Bob, Mark Lloyd, Steve, Mike, and Dave, a team of five, against the four on my side. Everything set, we went to our respective ends for the kickoff. Twohand touch, between the neck and knees, and two complete passes for a first down. My team started off with the ball and we huddled up. “What do I do?” Plaskett gave me a steady look. “Hike.” “Then what?” “Block.” We broke, and I straddled the ball. After scoring, my captain nodded toward the opposing quarterback. “You, rush.” No problem. Small teams meant an all passing game, anyway. After we finished, Bob went straight to his room while I loitered with the adults. Grandpa cast me an inquisitorial glance. “Who won?” “My team beat Bob’s, eight touchdowns to five.” “Really? What position did you play?” Only good enough for the most minor positions, my primary role was as an impediment to my own team. “Um… Drawback.”
Kid friendly environment serving infants through adults
Providing Family & Pediatric Dentistry
6004 N. State Route 9, Parkville, Missouri 64152 (816) 746-KIDS (5437) www.parkvillepediatricdentistry.com
Dr. Rachael Graue Dr. J. Reese Graue Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
General Dentist
William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family. kcparent.com november 2020
15
TASTYTREATS
all grateful nutrition Tis the season to be grateful! And good health for you and your kiddos is always something to be thankful for. Build that health—and a healthy dose of gratitude— by decking your plate with all the vital food groups. May you and yours enjoy a lifetime of good health with gratitude!
CRAFT A MEAL Crafting a perfectly balanced meal means including whole grains, protein, fruit and vegetable, all topped off with a serving of dairy. Examples below are given so you can craft your own all-inclusive nutritious meals.
Fruits Apples, bananas, berries, pineapple, etc.
Example Meal: Breakfast – whole grain waffle with nut butter, topped with fresh diced strawberries, along with a glass of milk
Vegetables
Protein
Grains
Lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, corn, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, etc.
Lean beef, turkey, chicken, salmon, tuna, eggs, deli meat, soy/garden burgers, nuggets, hot dogs, hummus, nut butters
Always choose “whole wheat” or “whole grain.”
Look for fortified vitamin D or added calcium.
Whole wheat crackers, pasta, pita bread, tortillas, bread, whole grain English muffins, crackers, waffles. Brown rice, quinoa, whole grain cereal, oats, etc.
String cheese, cottage cheese, yogurts, deli cheese, cheese cubes, fortified milk, milk alternative
Example Meal: Snack – whole grain crackers with carrots, red peppers and green beans dipped in hummus
Example Meal: Snack – string cheese wrapped up in turkey or ham slices
Example Meal: Lunch – whole wheat pita filled with diced chicken, lettuce, corn, tomatoes and beans, alongside a vanilla yogurt with berries
Dairy
Example Meal: Dinner – Whole wheat pasta with tomato marinara sauce and turkey meatballs topped with parmesan cheese, with a side of whole wheat roll and butternut squash. Dessert – vanilla smoothie made with milk, yogurt, pineapple and bananas.
If you incorporate all the nutritious foods on a daily basis, you and your kids will enjoy the blessing of better health now and in the years to come. 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: Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, Institute of Medicine, USDA
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ASK THE EXPERTS
MEET THE
EXPERTS We have a wide range of experts on hand to answer your questions on everything from dental visits and playdates to dance lessons, lawns and so much more! If you have a question that needs answering, get in touch.
Megan Maciel
Thuylinh Pham, MD, FAAP
KVC KANSAS
CHILDREN’S MERCY HOSPITAL
KVC Kansas provides heart-centered services to children and families through in-home family support, foster care, adoption, behavioral healthcare and children’s psychiatric hospitals. 913.499.8100, Kansas.kvc.org
Children’s Mercy is one of the nation’s top pediatric medical centers. With hospitals and specialty clinics in Missouri and Kansas, we provide the highest level of care for children. 816.234.3000, ChildrensMercy.org
Dr. Jeremy Fry
Jonah Nelson
FRY ORTHODONTICS
FAMILY TREE NURSERY
At Fry Orthodontics, we have been providing superior service to patients of all ages for more than 40 years while helping them achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. 913.469.9191, FryOrthodontics.com
Family Tree Nursery is a team of passionate horticulturists, providing an unmatched selection of plants and gardening products for the KC area since 1964. 913.642.6503, FamilyTreeNursery.com
ASK THE EXPERTS...If you have a question, send it our way and we’ll ask one of our experts to answer. Email editor@kcparent.com and put “Ask the Experts” in the subject line. As always, please consult your health care provider with any medical questions or concerns.
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kcparent.com november 2020
ASK THE EXPERTS
Q
Q
I’m interested in becoming a foster parent. How do I get started?
Are energy drinks OK for kids?
Start by asking yourself a few simples questions: Am I 21 or older? Do I have reliable transportation? Is my home a safe environment with enough space for another child (a separate bed for each child)? Do I agree to positive parenting techniques and non-physical discipline for children? Something else to consider is the financial aspect, but typically becoming a foster parent requires little to no cost. If you’ve answered yes, next steps include a background check and completing a 30-hour free training course, which helps you build skills for caring for children who have experienced neglect or abuse and, as a result, may have physical, emotional or educational difficulties. This is also a great opportunity to decide whether fostering is right for you.
Pediatricians agree that energy drinks are never OK. Sports drinks and energy drinks are everywhere, and it’s important to highlight their differences. Sports drinks contain carbohydrates with electrolytes for rehydration during vigorous exercise. Energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine and supplements that do NOT assist with rehydration. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends kids avoid energy drinks because the high caffeine content can lead to health complications such as heart arrythmias, high blood pressure, high heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, withdrawal symptoms (headache, fatigues, tremors, mood changes) and caffeine overdose (sudden cardiac death). Better to stay hydrated with water and save your health and your wallet!
Megan Maciel
Thuylinh Pham
Director of Recruitment and Communication KVC Kansas
Urgent Care Pediatrician, Children’s Mercy
Q
Q
My teen needs braces, but would like to get Invisalign instead. Will that work to correct his teeth?
What can I do to prepare my lawn for winter?
Invisalign is a great option for teens! Twenty years ago, when Invisalign first began, many thought that Invisalign would only be an option for adults. Today, we find that teens actually have even higher success than adults! In comparing braces to Invisalign: 1) price is almost exactly the same, 2) results are equally great, 3) fewer appointments, which means less time missed from school, 4) easier to keep your teeth clean, and 5) less painful! Our doctors at Fry Orthodontics routinely recommend both options for teens in nearly every situation. Invisalign’s technology has come a long way in 20 years, and we recommend Invisalign over any of the other new aligner options with less technology.
To prep your lawn for the winter months when grass stores nutrients, apply two applications of a quick-release, high nitrogen fertilizer in October and November for heavy root and stem development. These are important months of vegetative growth when grass typically grows roots, rhizomes, leaf blades, and crowns. During these months, proper fertilizing and watering produces thicker roots, stronger crowns, aggressive rhizomes, and lateral growth for a healthy, thick, winter-hardy lawn. Family Tree Nursery offers Solutions Winterizer, a quick-release, environmentally friendly fertilizer for the perfect lawn next spring. Remember, October and November are the perfect months to get your lawn ready for winter.
Dr. Jeremy Fry
Jonah Nelson
Fry Orthodontics
Store Manager, Family Tree Nursery
kcparent.com november 2020
19
FIRST AID TIPS TO TEACH KIDS
P
arents can take every precaution possible to keep their kids safe, but accidents happen. Start teaching your kids early some basic first aid skills and what to do in an emergency. If your child gets injured, remain calm and talk him through the steps you are taking while applying ice, bandaging a boo-boo or treating a bug bite. The skills you teach youngsters now will be used for a lifetime. Here are some basic first aid tips you can start teaching kids now.
For bumps and bruises Explain that bumping into something can cause bleeding under the skin—which is a bruise. Apply an ice pack to the bruise to prevent swelling and reduce pain. Show your child where you keep the ice pack and how to wrap it in a towel, so the ice isn’t directly on the skin. Call for help if … your child has a head injury and is acting strangely or experiencing nausea, vomiting, confusion or vision changes.
For cuts If your child has a cut, teach him to use a clean cloth to put pressure on it to slow bleeding. When the bleeding has stopped, clean the wound and apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage. Call for help if … the cut is deep, will not stop bleeding, has something stuck in it or if you can see ligaments or bone.
If your child has a mild burn, run it under cool tap water for 15 minutes and repeat as needed. Do not apply ice directly to the wound. If the burn blisters, ask your child to leave it alone as much as possible as this will help with the healing process.
bones, you can use role playing to help kids understand what to do. Set a date on your calendar at least once a year to go over first aid, fire safety and what to do in an emergency. This regular practice will help your children remember what they learned and remain calm if they are faced with one of these situations.
Call for help if … the injury makes your child unable to move. If the injury is waxy looking or bigger than the palm of your hand, seek medical attention.
Sarah Lyons is a part-time freelance writer and full-time mom. She lives in Olathe with her family.
For bug bites and stings
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.
For burns
If your child has a bug bite, wash the area and apply ice for swelling and pain. You can also apply calamine lotion to help with itching. Call for help if … your child has an allergic reaction to a sting or bite.
For choking If someone is choking, remain calm and ask the person questions. If he can answer, he is still able to breathe. If he is coughing, wait and see whether he can clear the airway on his own. Older children can be taught how to do the stomach thrusts (formerly known as the Heimlich maneuver) to help dislodge the item choking them. Older children also can be taught how to perform stomach thrusts on others. Call for help if … someone is struggling to breathe and is unable cough or speak. In that case call 911.
For sprains and broken bones Any time a broken bone is suspected, your kids should ask for help from an adult. Teach them to not touch the injured area and to apply ice while waiting for help. Call for help if … the bone is bent or sticking out or if you cannot move or put weight on the injured area.
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First aid is an important life skill for anyone to have, and it is never too early to begin teaching basic skills. You can model what to do in an emergency situation by remaining calm and talking your child through minor injuries. For other emergencies, like fire safety and broken
When to Call 911 Once your children can read numbers, teach them how to use a phone to dial 911 for emergencies. Create a list of people to call in an emergency, including 911 and family and friends who would be willing to help if needed. Write your home address on the paper as well, so kids can refer to it if needed. Try role playing with your children so they know what to expect. Here are some quick do’s and don’ts to help you know when to call
DO call 911
• If there is a fire • If someone is struggling to breathe • If someone is unconscious • If someone is choking (cannot talk and is not coughing) • If there is a car accident • If there is a crime
DON’T call 911
• If there is not an emergency • If your pet is sick • For a prank • For minor injuries
Building Great Smiles for Life!
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kcparent.com november 2020
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T
he Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child collects shoebox gifts filled with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items—and delivers them to children in need around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. For many of these children, the giftfilled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, has collected and delivered more than 178 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 160 countries and territories. In 2020, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach another 11 million children in countries like Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda and Ukraine. More than 10.5 million shoebox gifts were collected worldwide in 2019, with more than 8.9 million collected in the U.S.
PROCESS
WHAT IS
Operation Christmas Child?
Anyone can pack a shoebox. Individuals, families, churches and groups fill empty shoeboxes with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys, such as dolls or soccer balls. During National Collection Week (November 16-23, 2020), Samaritan’s Purse will collect the gift-filled shoeboxes at nearly 5,000 dropoff locations in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Learn how to pack a shoebox, view gift suggestions, get your Follow Your Box label and find the nearest dropoff location at SamaritansPurse.org/occ. Do not include candy; toothpaste; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; seeds; chocolate or food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items, such as snow globes or glass containers; or aerosol cans. Participants can donate $9 per shoebox gift online through Follow Your Box and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Participants who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse SamaritansPurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement. Shoebox gifts are prepared for overseas shipment at eight major processing centers across the U.S.—Atlanta; Baltimore/ Washington; Boone, NC; Charlotte, NC; Dallas/Fort Worth; Denver; Chicago; and Fullerton, CA.
SCOPE
NATIONAL COLLECTION WEEK (NOVEMBER 16-23, 2020)
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Shoebox gifts are collected in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Finland, Spain and New Zealand. Nearly 575,000 volunteers worldwide—with more than 270,000 of those in the U.S.—are involved in collecting, shipping and distributing shoebox gifts. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. Samaritan’s Purse currently works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine.
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Experience Social Distancing at Brookridge Golf & Fitness this fall. We would love to show you around the club! Please contact Kamerin for more information or to schedule a tour at kamerin.ellis@brookridgegf.com or (913) 948-8639
PARTY GUIDE
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Instead of giving your child a birthday gift or even a party, consider giving an experience. Ideas include a trip to an indoor or outdoor amusement park, the zoo or water park.
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For very young children, consider giving just one fun gift from you and ask everyone else to gift money for a savings account. I know my babies were too young to care about gifts, but they sure are proud of the money they already have saved for their future.
the no-gift birthday party
C
hances are your kid will attend dozens of birthday parties over the course of the next few years. At even $10 a pop for a gift, that can really add up. Now think of all the gifts that come into your own home for birthdays and other holidays. Picture at least half of that stuff eventually going into a landfill or to charity. Talk about a bunch of wasted money! So I’m proposing a radical idea: the no-gift birthday party. You’ll have a lot less cleanup, and the other parents just might thank you. Try it just once and see what you think! Here are some ideas:
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3
Cook up some fun at a place where kids can cook. Businesses like this often offer birthday parties where kids can make their own pizzas or decorate their own little cakes.
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Have a party at a cool place like a nature center and ask for donations. Jaime Perreca, mom of four, says, “More parents are saying ‘no gifts, please’ or are doing a donation thing. We went to a party last month at a nature center and were asked to donate money. Most families put in $10-20. The nature center was SO happy to have our donation.”
P rincess at my Party
5 6
Go to a shop where the kids can paint their own pottery creation, which is super fun. Then have cake and ice cream bars.
Throw a party with an animal theme. Shari Fresorger, mom of Hunter, says, “We have done two no-gift parties because my son has a December birthday. [At the first] we did animal-themed Christmas ornaments, and gifts were donated to the local animal shelter. The second party, I ended up with a large SUV packed with supplies for the animal shelter. Lots of large bags of dog food, blankets, toys and even checks to be donated in my son’s name.”
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Ask guests to bring an item from home or even a new book or toy for charity. Your child will get a kick out of taking donations to a local center that helps those in need. If you do it right, nobody will be thinking about presents at all. They’ll be too busy having fun! Kerrie McLoughlin is the mom of five. Check out her adventures at TheKerrieShow.com.
Have your favorite princess at your party! Parties Include: Story Games Facepaint Music Prizes & More
PAINTING AT HOME AT-HOME BIRTHDAYS
You host the party, Ceramic Café provides the fun!
CREATIVE STORY TIME PACKAGES Purchase the supplies and watch a video of the story at home!
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visit the virtual
party guide at KCParent.com
Have a WILD Birthday Party at the Zoo! oo.org for details Go to kansascityz rty today! pa and to book your
for your guide to throwing an unforgettable party in kc!
OPEN DAILY kansascityzoo.org 816.595.1234 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. kcparent.com november 2020
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dealing with an
underachiever
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ife is filled with opposites. Up and down, highs and lows. Sweet and salty and, last but not least, we have the haves and have nots. What exactly does this have to do with my child and the fact that she’s underachieving? Well, plenty! After you read this article,
you’ll walk away with a lot more understanding—and a little bit more information on how to deal with your underachiever.
RULE # 1 – No one strives to be an underachiever. Don’t compare. From early childhood, people are programmed to go out into the world and give their absolute best effort. We tell our children they can be whatever they want to be and buy toys that help them create or fix things. Naturally, we tell our children what is considered good behavior and what is considered bad. Ultimately, kids just want to be liked,
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and in their minds, whoever gets the attention, whether good or bad, wins. Overachieving and underachieving can be part of that vying for attention. The Davidson Institution describes this as the “First Best” and “First Worst,” a complex described as competing to be the best but on two opposing ends. Now the drawin: how children gain attention. The real message is how we as parents idolize one good thing over the other and forget
everything else in between. Simply put, we praise the first-place winner and forget all about the third-place champ. Now, imagine if your child were that third-place champ. What if your child were the fifthplace runner? Last, imagine him or her coming in fifth place every single race. Bestkept secret? Don’t reward bad behavior or mediocrity and never make your kid feel like his personal best is not the best you’ve ever seen.
RULE #2 – No one is to blame. It’s easy to throw a pity party for yourself or to blame your child for not trying hard enough. In cases of achievement, don’t do it! The best approach is to be supportive and remain positive. Help your child find what he is good at and support him in his journey; don’t criticize him in hopes he’ll get it. Pushing kids to work harder at something they simply have no interest in or are not good at will only kill their self-esteem, infuriate you or thin your patience. Instead of using your energy to urge your child to work harder at the same thing, try to challenge your child to understand that “thing” in a different way. Alter the approach. Growing up, I had the toughest time trying to understand long division. I had no problem with multiplication and the basics of understanding beforehand.
I just didn’t understand why I had to use long division to divide things or why remainders even existed. My mom would get frustrated and ask my older siblings to help me with my homework. My older siblings would quit halfway through my homework lesson, and I’d be left at the kitchen table to figure it out by myself. It wasn’t until my great-grandmother came over to babysit that we discovered I just needed someone to slowly describe the process of division. In that moment, I didn’t feel pressured, pushed to understand something or criticized for not knowing the answers. I was given the same information with a different and more sensitive approach. Now, I can do long division in my sleep, with my hands behind my back, with no paper and with no help. Just think outside the box. You’ll get to the bottom of things for sure.
RULE #3 – It’s okay to ask for help. It takes a village to raise a child, and asking for help doesn’t make you desperate, nor does it make you ignorant. In fact, asking for help can only make you better. Reach out to a professional if your child is consistently exemplifying negative behavior. Turns out Newton’s third law doesn’t apply just to physics. “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” There may be a deeper reason or more than one reason as to why your child is scraping the bottom of the barrel. Ask your parents how they dealt with situations like your child is dealing with. Their insight could really help both you and your child. Jessica Samuel lives in Kansas City and is a freelance writer and photographer.
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The Importance of Finding Your Tribe
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hen my first child was born 13 years ago, I was thrilled to be a mom and so in love with my son. This was the moment I had been looking forward to for months. My husband and I had decided I would become a stay-at-home mom, and I was looking forward to all the time I could spend with my son. But after just a few months of adjusting to becoming a mom, I began to feel lonely. I had given up my job and, while I was still head over heels in love with my son, something vital seemed missing. I realized quickly that I lacked adult interaction. Whether you work outside the home or stay at home, have one child or five children, whether you are struggling through the exhausting days and sleepless nights of babies and toddlers or the busy schedules of school-age kids, you need a tribe. Many moms define their tribe as other women who understand where they are in life without having to explain a single thing. They get
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you, they accept you and they cheer you on as you struggle your way through it. If you’re feeling lonely and are seeking a friend, or two, to laugh and cry with through your current stage of motherhood, I encourage you to find your tribe. Unsure of how to find this invaluable group of women? Here are a few places to start.
Be open and accepting The first step to finding authentic people you can relate to and build lasting relationships with is to be your authentic self. When you’re an open, honest and accepting person, you’ll encourage others to behave the same. Be yourself, listen to what others have to say, accept others for who they are, and relationships will happen organically. It can be uncomfortable—scary even—to put yourself out there, but the relationships far outweigh the risk when you find true friends.
Scope out common interests Sometimes, finding people to build friendships with can be challenging. Especially when you have a big life change like a move, becoming a parent or changing jobs. Take inventory of what you love to do or what groups are already existing that you could join. For example, if you love running, join a running club. If you love to read, join or start a book club. If you are a mom, join a playgroup or a mother’s group at a local church. Does the PTO at your school need help? Would you consider being a soccer coach or Boy Scout leader? All these examples are great ways to get involved in your community and make friends along the way. After the birth of our triplets, I joined an online group of triplet moms. Four years later, I am surprised to say that they are some of my closest friends and one of my biggest support systems.
Give support and ask for it One of the main things that makes a tribe so important is the support given and received during the times when it’s needed most. When my daughter was hospitalized for several weeks, my mother’s group supplied meals, gave my
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other kids rides to and from school, helped with childcare, sent flowers and cards and basically kept my family going when my husband and I couldn’t have done it on our own. They would not have known how to help if I hadn’t reached out to them and asked. Asking for help can be hard for people who are used to managing the family and are good at it too, but remember, during difficult times friends want to help. Just ask. Conversely, you’ll have the chance to be that kind of blessing to others when they need it. Giving a ride to school, making a little extra food to share, sending a text or talking with a friend when she needs a listening ear doesn’t take much extra effort but goes a long way to building your tribe. Finding your tribe can mean stepping outside your comfort zone and reaching out to others when you’d be more comfortable withdrawing. Although the efforts can be difficult, the rewards of deep friendship and mutual support will make your life richer. Sarah Lyons is a part-time freelance writer and full-time mom. She lives in Olathe with her family.
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HHHHH 11 Ways Families Can Salute a Veteran HHHHH
D
uring this month of Thanksgiving, don’t forget our military service members. Many organizations and veterans groups offer ways to help support and show gratitude to members of the armed forces. Help a veteran, a deployed service member and military families know you appreciate their sacrifices. Here’s how:
Help an expectant military mom. Nothing relieves a soldier’s worries more than knowing his family is supported back home. Soldiers’ Angels Baby Brigade (formerly Operation Top Knot), an organization started by college student Audri Cid in 2003, is a nationwide network of individuals who sew, knit and create gift baskets to support new and expectant mothers whose husbands are deployed. To donate baby blankets, diapers, bottles, clothing and other items, visit SoldiersAngels.org/Baby-Brigade-Team.html.
Write a letter. Remind veterans and their families you’re thinking about them and appreciate their commitment to our nation. Write a letter to a deployed soldier, a wounded warrior or a veteran who has served in past wars through OperationGratitude.com or OperationWeAreHere.com.
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Support their furry friends. Raise money to go toward fostering pets of active duty service members, wounded warriors and homeless veterans. Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet is a nonprofit organization that finds qualified foster families to care for pets while soldiers are deployed or when military families transfer overseas. The foster families also care for pets whose warriors have died.
Contribute to Paralyzed Veterans of America. This organization supports veterans who suffer from a spinal cord injury. Participate in one of the organization’s sporting events or fundraisers, make a monetary donation or collect and donate bags of clothing, shoes, belts, hats, books, CDs and small household goods. For more information, visit PVA.org.
Assist disabled and wounded veterans. Volunteer at your local Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital or help disabled veterans by running errands, doing yard work or assisting them with transportation. Contact DAV.org for more information. Also, check out the Wounded Warrior Project for other ways to help injured service members.
Share your points. Fisher House, which builds homes where military and veterans’ families can stay while their service member is receiving treatment at a nearby VA hospital, also runs programs called Hero Miles and Hotels for Heroes. Consider donating your frequent flyer airline miles or hotel points to help loved ones be near their sick or injured service member. Visit FisherHouse.org to learn more. Aid service dogs. Patriot Paws trains dogs to serve disabled veterans. You can volunteer to help the organization by bathing and walking dogs, running errands or fundraising. For more information, visit PatriotPaws.org. Clip coupons. Don’t toss your expired coupons! Military families stationed overseas can use coupons for up to six months past the expiration dates. Visit CoupsForTroops.com for drop-off sites or to find out where to mail your coupons.
Donate DVDs. DVDS4Vets is a nonprofit organization started by Dr. Richard Landis, an orthopedic surgeon who helped build clinics in Afghanistan, and James F. Nicholson, who served as an Air Force pilot in Korea between 1950 and 1953. Landis and Nicholson saw a need to provide basic
entertainment for veterans who returned home with traumatic brain injuries and other serious wounds and were undergoing long-term rehabilitation. To donate used or new DVDs to veterans, visit DVDs4Vets.org.
Send a care package. Soldiers who are serving far from home look forward to receiving mail. Visit AnySoldier.com to learn how to send a letter and what is appropriate for care packages. If you’d like to help support a veteran who does not have family to assist in the transition to home and civilian life, check out the Adopt a Veteran program through SoldiersAngels. org. Those who volunteer to be an Adopting Angel make a 12-month commitment to send a letter each week and a small gift once a month, tailored to the individual veteran’s specific needs.
Say thank you. If you see a soldier in uniform or a veteran, a simple “Thank you for your service” is a considerate way to express your gratitude. For more ways to thank a vet, visit KidsThankAVet.com.
Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines, daughter of retired USAF SMSgt. Walter Melnyk, is thankful for all of our veterans and their families for their sacrifices and service.
H Veterans Day Quiz H Veterans Day originated after this war:
A. WWII B. Revolutionary War C. WWI
Answer (C): Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, to mark the one-year anniversary of Germany’s signing of the armistice to formally end WWI.
What year did Veterans Day become a national holiday?
A. 1919 B. 1938 C. 1945
Answer (B): Veterans Day became a national holiday in 1938.
Which U.S. president changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day?
A. Dwight D. Eisenhower B. John F. Kennedy C. Franklin D. Roosevelt
Answer (A): In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to change the name of the holiday to Veterans Day, to honor all those who served in American wars.
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Embracing Failure
Failing needs to be a lesson on the road to maturity. And it’s just as important as achieving success.
R
eady, set, ... fail? So often, in the course of raising children, we keep our gaze looking toward the next milestone, achievement or success. But did you know that failing needs to be a lesson on the road to maturity? And it’s just as important as achieving success Perhaps the most important work that needs to be done when embracing failure is defining it. What does failure mean to you? For some people, it’s the end of the world. For others, it’s simply a mistake, a learning and growing experience. One of those perceptions inspires dread, the other gives hope. But the question is a valid one, because what you believe as a parent will be passed down to your children. Your fears will become theirs if you aren’t careful.
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“Kids need to learn how to fail so they know they can survive it. When they fail and overcome, they learn that failure doesn’t define them,” says Kansas City teacher Sheri Thompson, who has spent 23 years with children. She has a degree in early childhood education and has taught kids from kindergarten to high school. She is a big believer that parents need to learn to embrace failure in their children’s lives and not try to avoid it at all costs. “When you’re young, you learn the coping mechanisms to overcome failure,” she says. “It’s important because as you grow older, the consequences of failing become greater.” If children never fail, they never learn they can get past it. This is a huge stumbling block that can develop into a fear of failure
and result in kids’ being afraid to try new things. Unless kids deliberately work through this, the fear can continue into adulthood and limit opportunities. As a parent, you can help your child overcome a fear of failing by focusing more on the effort put into achieving something than the actual goal. Sometimes your child will go into a situation as a top contender. Other times, she may be the underdog. Both of these situations can hold equal victory if you recognize and applaud the fact that she’s giving everything she has toward reaching the goal. Of course, coming out on top, getting the grade or winning the prize is more fun, but recognizing the effort over the outcome gives her the courage to go after the goal again if she falls short. Thompson says failure teaches persistence, a key to a successful life. “It’s healthy development to learn how to persevere. We want our kids to keep trying. It inspires creativity and tenacity,” she says. It also keeps doors open. Let’s face it. Everyone fails at something. In fact, the first time you try something, there’s a good chance you will fail. But do you really? If you are stepping out and trying something new—a sport, a hobby, a career—and you don’t come out on top, should that really be counted as failure? Or should it be applauded as going after something new? As having courage? It’s unrealistic to think your children will be an immediate success at whatever they try. Some kids are natural athletes and hit every shot they shoot or ball that’s pitched. Others have to work hard just to keep their eye on the ball. Some kids seem to be born reciting multiplication facts, and others have to battle through math each step of the way. That’s just the reality of abilities and aptitudes, but they have nothing to do with whether your child is a success or failure. In raising whole and healthy children, help them learn that giving everything they’ve got, no matter how talented they are, should count for more than anything that comes naturally. We also need to be realistic in our efforts to encourage our children. Not every Little League player is going to make the MLB, nor is every gymnast going to make it to the
Olympics. We parents need to manage our expectations and help kids manage theirs. Dr. Kate Roberts says in her article “When Parents Lie,” the words we use are very important. “Researchers at MIT have found that children are not gullible and can, in fact, sense when parents are lying to them, causing them to distrust the very people who are their caretakers. Children also know when parents are withholding information.” Instead, work on giving children a healthy perspective of self. You can start by telling them what you aren’t good at. Share a time you tried and failed or when you realized you weren’t going to be the Broadway star or the next Albert Einstein. Laugh at yourself and teach your child to do the same. Sign kids up for sports because you want them to exercise and socialize instead of wanting them to get a scholarship. It lessens pressure and allows events to take their course. Thompson recounts a group outing where a boy walked into the room and said, “Okay, I’m going to be the worst bowler
Checking in: • Is your child reluctant to try new things? • Does he procrastinate? • Is she filled with overwhelming anxiety when faced with a project? • Is your child a perfectionist? • Or say things like “I’m not smart enough” or “I’ll never get on the team?” If you answered yes to several of these questions, your child might be focusing too much on the goal and may need help recognizing that effort, not just outcome, defines success.
here.” He then proceeded to bowl poorly— but he was able to laugh at his inability and still have a great time with his friends. His lack of skill did not hinder his enjoyment. Embracing failure doesn’t mean kids give up on their dreams or settle for less
than they can be. In fact, it means just the opposite and can be extremely important in achieving success. Thompson says, “It’s okay to have high expectations, just help them recognize they’re going to have setbacks along the way. Help them to be realistic about what they can achieve and encourage them to go for it.” And if you’re looking for a way to introduce the concept to your kids, I highly recommend the movie Meet the Robinsons by Disney. It focuses on a boy genius named Lewis who spends most of his time looking back at the past and his failures. This quirky movie has an awesome message about focusing on the good that can come out of bad and celebrates the lessons that come from failure. It’s a great way to open the door for your child to see the value of the journey to success. Christian Barnes lives in Kansas City with her husband and two nearly grown sons. She’s fascinated by how children think and learn and enjoys sharing any information she’s gathered with others.
be a part of MORE THAN just another school.
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15000 W 63rd St. • Shawnee, KS 66217 • 913-631-0637
kcparent.com november 2020
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The Quiet P lace FINDING PEACE IN YOUR OWN HOME
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ur home has its own soundtrack. During the weekdays, the house is alive with giggles and squeals and the occasional scream as our son prepares for, and arrives home from, preschool. The dogs are constantly barking—especially if FedEx is making a visit—and the smoke detector is likely to go off at least one or twice because I burned the chicken. Again. The weekend brings its own special audio mix of swinging hammers and electric saws slicing into 2x4’s as my husband works on his latest home reno project. The Moana soundtrack likely blares from Alexa as she entertains my son during his bath. The refrigerator diligently hums along through it all. There’s always noise. Not most of the time. Not a great deal of the time. ALL. THE. TIME. In more recent months, the sound has seemed to swell even more. For this we can thank COVID-19, which has forced our family of five to stay within these walls for what I can only describe as an insurmountable length of time. We seem to have no escape from the constant barrage of clamoring throughout this space. We’re many months into this journey of constant togetherness, so we made some adjustments to help tune out the crazy clatter. Here’s what we’re trying:
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Give permission for quiet. Our family is a mixed bag of introverts and extroverts, but the fact is, we all need a little time to ourselves. We’ve made a priority of giving our kids—and ourselves—permission to be alone. With our teenage daughters, this is a foregone conclusion. A fully charged phone and a subscription to Netflix are just the ticket. With our 5-year-old son, it’s not so easy. We recently began turning off the “boob tube” (for you youngsters, that’s slang for “television”) and requiring that, for at least one hour, he do something on his own. He can play in his room, take a nap, read, build a city with his trains. But he must do it on his own, quietly. He fought the decree initially but caught on quickly when he realized we were serious. Now, it’s not so hard to convince him. Get out–literally. Speak with your partner and preserve one hour of “no talk zone” for each of you per day. Just like the parameters we gave our son. No one can bother your partner while he’s in his hour zone, and vice versa for you. And if I can make a suggestion, use the time for a long walk alone. You will be amazed at how much better you feel after an endorphin boost while birds sing your praises. Or Ozzy Osbourne screeches in your headphones. To each her own.
Get up earlier than everyone else. Okay, you probably already do this to get a jump on the dishes, laundry or lesson plans for home learning. But if you can swing it, get up an extra 30 minutes before that. Grab a steaming a cup of coffee and just sit … in silence. No phone. No TV. No distractions. Take deep breaths in and let them go. Then get going on the dishes.
Establish a no-phone zone. Our phones are easily one of the biggest sources of noise. Even if our phones are silenced, we can still hear the vibration or see the light
from a notification. Did someone like our Facebook post? Did I just get an interesting notification about a stock I invested in? The sound may not be audible, but phones create mental noise that’s not healthy. Consider taking a few hours a day to turn off your phone. Power it down or put it in airplane mode and leave it alone. Take that walk or go out to the garden. I promise, your notifications will be there when you get back.
Strip down social media. If you’re like me, you love seeing your best friend’s family photos with cute captions about bubblegum smiles. You get your daily dose of news from Facebook and cheap entertainment from Tik Tok. But guess what? Social media is not real life. The whole intent of Instagram and similar sites is to show a life that isn’t attainable. And real research shows we actually feel worse about ourselves when we see others in their chosen reality. So do yourself a big ol’ favor and set limits on the amount of time you spend on these sites. A quick Google search will show you how to limit your time consumption on apps; you won’t even have to think about it.
Read. Read. Read. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t matter what you read. It can be gore. It can be a dishwasher manual. It can be dark psychological thrillers where people get axe murdered left and right (but that’s just me). Find a quiet corner in your house for 20 minutes a day. Tell yourself you won’t stop reading until you’ve finished two chapters. Reading quiets our minds so we can process the words and make room in our imaginations for the content we’re consuming. It’s one of the best activities you can do to better yourself, your mood and your outlook on life. Also, get yourself a library card and download the Libby app. You can check books out using your library card and have them delivered to your phone. Life changing.
Truly connect. We’re always hearing, but how often do we really listen? Try an experiment. Ask your spouse or partner a question that requires true thought one night over dinner. For example: “What was the first movie you went to? Tell me about the whole experience.” Then sit back and focus on nothing but the answer. Tune out everything else and intensely listen. Believe me, your partner will be shocked that you care so much about this very ordinary question. As humans, we’ve been trained to all the noises except those that are most important. Really listen; chances are, you’ll be asked the same question in return.
Kim Antisdel lives in Liberty with her husband, stepdaughters and son.
Three Quick Ways to Cut the Noise: 1. Hear healthy noise: Hundreds of apps and white noise makers are available that help drown out the sound of leaky faucets, crickets and neighborhood parties. Get one today and sleep better tonight. White noise is the best noise. 2. Noise cancelling headphones: If you’re working from home, consider purchasing some high-performance noise canceling headphones. Your concentration is only as good as the noise you’re letting in. 3. Tap into the positive voice in your head: Download some meditation apps that help you to hear the good things in life. You have a spectrum of things you can listen to; focus on the ones that fill your heart and soul.
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is your child getting enough
? z s z Zzz
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s the days get shorter and holiday excitement approaches, a bit of stress may begin to plague bedtime. Parents can waylay this and provide a smooth transition by following a few simple guidelines. Adjust and modify these tips to individual children, as you know what they respond to best! Attempt to set an individualized bedtime. Children vary a lot in their sleep needs and patterns, and most children have patterns that don’t change much—no matter what you do. Early risers will still rise early even if you put them to bed later, and night owls won’t fall asleep until their bodies are ready. Create a wake-up routine as soon as your children understand what they need to do to get ready for preschool. Be consistent. Letting children sleep too much later on weekends may seem fun, but it can backfire in the long run. Those extra hours of sleep can make it hard for their bodies to feel tired at bedtime. Keep bedtime and rising time within an hour or so each day. By the same token, begin setting a bedtime routine when your child is a baby. Pediatricians recommend that after dinner,
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the rest of the evening should include light playtime, bath, brushing teeth, a bedtime story, then bed. Find things that are comforting and relaxing to your child, such as turning on a soft nightlight or singing a song. When kids expect this atmosphere, those little bodies start to become sleepy on cue. Turn off those screens a minimum of two hours before bedtime! Research has shown that blue light from a TV screen, phone or computer monitor may interfere with the production of natural melatonin. These activities can keep your child up an extra 30 to 60 minutes, according to one study. And don’t carry your own phone into your child’s bedroom. Allowing the brain to rest encourages zzz’s. Just as we know we should calm down and not bring up serious subjects or worries at bedtime, the same goes for your children. The stress hormone cortisol interferes with sleep. Also, soft sheets, room darkening shades and quiet help your child realize it’s night, not day. Try a white noise machine to fill the bedroom with the sound of ocean waves, birds or crickets.
Try regulating the temperature to a little cooler setting. Not only does light affect sleep, being too hot or too cold can as well. Psychologists and sleep specialists recommend dressing your child in breathable cotton pjs and keeping the bedroom temperature between 65 and 70 degrees at night. Ghosts and other scary creatures may not actually hide in the closet and under the bed at night, but instead of dismissing bedtime fears, talk about them with your child. If simple reassurance doesn’t work, try using a special toy to stand guard at night, or spray the room with “monster spray” before bedtime. Then schedule a time during the day to discuss any fears, avoiding bedtime for these conversations. Smart little ones will learn they can stall bedtime by bringing up monsters or fears at night. Kids can have trouble shutting their brains off for the night. Instead of increasing anxiety by insisting that it’s time to go to bed now, consider focusing more on relaxation and keeping your children calm. Deep breathing calms the body. A good technique is to breathe in through your nose for four seconds, hold for five seconds, then
exhale through your mouth for six seconds. Little ones can just simply look into your eyes, take a deep breath, then blow out. Sleep disorders are uncommon, but if all your bedtime planning and ideas are not working, talk to your pediatrician. If your little one consistently struggles to fall asleep, has persistent nightmares, snores or breathes with the mouth open, a sleep disorder could be to blame. Sometimes a sleep consultant can have successful suggestions, so your entire family can get a good night’s sleep! When you lay a nice groundwork, your children will have good habits to make bedtime pleasant—and that can last their entire lives. An avid outdoors girl, Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.
Want More in Life? Here’s a way to experience the joy of parenthood and help children 4,000 Kansas City area children are in crisis due to child abuse, neglect or other family challenges. The need for new foster and adoptive parents is greater than ever. Whether you are single or married, own or rent your home, have children already or don’t, work full-time or stay home, you may qualify. We provide free training, 24/7 support, and monthly reimbursement to meet the child’s needs.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.
How much sleep do healthy humans need? Many of us experience some sort of sleep disruption, especially lately, and seeing what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends is interesting.
Newborn, 0-3 months: A good parameter is 14 to 17 hours a day. Infant, 4-12 months: Including naps, 12 to 16 hours per 24 hours.
Toddler, 1-2 years: Also including naps, 11 to 14 hours per 24 hours. Preschool, 3-5 years: Naps and sleep adding up to 10-13 hours per 24 hours. School-age, 6-12 years: A goal is 9 to 12 hours per 24 hours. Teen, 13-18 years: Try for eight to 10 hours per 24 hours.
And you, the adult parent: At least seven hours per night. Sources: Healthline.com, CDC.gov
Contact us to learn more. (888) 655-5500 | www.kvckansas.org
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Importance of Consistency in parenting
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onsistency is a critical component to good parenting. By instituting rhythms to your days, as well as responding similarly to conflict or bad behavior, you assure a child that certain factors in life are dependable. Making a concerted choice to remain calm, cool and collected when speaking to your child is an investment in your relationship that can help greatly with building emotional bonds. Likewise, providing structure and routine helps children process information and determine how to implement it within the given boundaries. And believe it or not, consistency is just as important for parents. Establishing your ground rules gives you freedom to rest within them. With consistent boundaries in place, you can refer to your own guidelines for appropriate discipline and household
management, avoiding the mistake of making overly harsh or rash decisions in the heat of the moment. Everyone wins when a sense of order prevails in their days and relationships.
How to Be Consistent (Especially When You’re Not) Two factors often plague parents as they try to establish consistency for their families. The first is a feeling of failure before the job has even begun. For a parent with a Type B personality, the goal of consistency may seem unachievable because to-do lists and personal planners aren’t even personally appealing, let alone translatable to imposing on others. Just how can you enforce a routine on a child if you can’t even manage one for yourself? On the other side of the spectrum is the highly-organized individual
who loves having systems and personal goals in place but struggles to translate that into something that isn’t overwhelming for the rest of the crew. The only thing worse than no sense of order to your day is having a meticulous plan that’s not realistic for the life that your family leads! Thankfully, both can be remedied. Being consistent doesn’t mean you have to be governed by the clock. Instead, it can be as simple as establishing a rhythm that works best for you. An afternoon routine might solely consist of a quiet hour when your kids come home from school, a time where they can relax by reading, taking a nap or listening to an audiobook in their room. Nighttime routines can be as simple as brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, reading a book and singing a song before lights out. Sometimes a visual reminder, such as a picture chart on the fridge, can help a child process what activity comes next. Habits take time to build—it’s said to take close to a month to form new ones and only three days to break them—so be gracious with your children and yourself if you find yourselves in the early stages of building or revamping a routine.
Consistency in Discipline Nothing is more confusing to a child than inconsistency in discipline. If one day Mom yells at an infraction and another day she gives it a free pass, a kid is left wondering what’s acceptable and what’s not. This uncertainty can produce several challenging behaviors in children, ranging from passivity to aggression. For others, a lack of predictability can cause extreme anxiety. Being consistent with consequences and boundaries is assuring to children because it lets them know what they can expect. That doesn’t mean your little cutie won’t test your boundaries. In fact, many times kids push and prod to see whether Mom or Dad will cave. But when testing is met with loving firmness, kids feel a sense of safety and reassurance. Make sure you and your spouse are on the same page when you establish your ground rules for family life and put those values on display so both
you and your children can refer to them when a situation arises. Having a chart with consequences for certain behavior means your kids will quickly know what to expect in your home, so you’re not left to fumble for a response in the heat of the moment. Parenting is hard work, and oftentimes, expediency trumps predictability. If you want a child to clean his room and he balks at it, it’s easier to clean it up yourself than to train him to persevere until the job is finished. Being consistent requires more of your time and energy initially, but the effort is an investment in your child’s character formation. That investment pays dividends into your relationship, which will strengthen as he grows and matures. And ultimately, it will build confidence and security in a child to do what’s right, whether you are there or not.
Consistency Produces Freedom Allowing kids to make choices and gain independence is an integral part of a healthy childhood. When you or other caregivers (such as grandparents or babysitters) are inconsistent with the amount of freedom you give, kids can get confused, and a power struggle can ensue. Make sure you maintain an open line of communication with other caregivers so you all remain consistent with the amount of liberty you give. For instance, when homework needs doing might not be up for negotiation but choosing which subject to tackle first can be up for grabs. Other choices include picking out what to wear, choosing a snack or deciding which book to read at night. Similarly, giving children input in how they would like to contribute to family chores helps everyone out. If chores are put on rotation, hold a family meeting and discuss who would like to feed the dog, take out the trash or vacuum the bedrooms next. Being able to have some degree of autonomy within a secure framework produces happy, healthy kids. Lauren Greenlee is a boy mom hailing from Olathe. She falls into the selective type-A camp—a personality that loves lists and planners but equally cherishes the freedom to go on an adventure at a whim. kcparent.com november 2020
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THE ART OF THE
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e all know as adults how hard it is to admit wrongdoing. But don’t you think that apologizing for that wrongdoing is even worse sometimes? Why is apologizing so hard?! According to PsychologyToday.com, apologizing “requires humility and temporarily reduces one’s self esteem.” For some people, apologizing simply feels too close to humiliation … and no one likes to feel humiliated. Some even see apologizing as a sign of weakness. Sometimes our pride gets in the way of an apology, and other times we may not really be sorry for our behavior, so the apology may not be heartfelt. Regardless of whether you like to do it, learning to apologize is a skill that everyone should know. Let’s find out more about what apologizing can look like for our children. As parents, we need to understand there is a developmental continuum for apologizing—meaning you need to have the age and stage of your child in mind when teaching apologies. Although very young children can repeat the words “I’m sorry,” they have no actual understanding to accompany the apology. In effect, the exercise is pointless. Parents.com suggests focusing on teaching children 2 and under what the rules are, because by learning them, they will have less to apologize for later. By nature, 2-year-olds do not care or understand how other people are feeling. In this situation, you can simply make an apology for your child and move on. Children ages 3-5 are developmentally all about “me” and have a hard time putting themselves in someone else’s shoes, but parents still need to point out how others might be feeling based on their actions. Around the age of 6, children start to better grasp the idea of right and wrong and
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how their choices can impact others. They may not jump for joy about apologizing, but the reasoning behind it will sink in a bit more. Older children often have more invested in relationships so are more apt to make amends. They’re also capable of offering other ways to make a situation right, ways young children can’t come up with. When it comes to the art of the apology, some appropriate steps can guide us through the process. Boys Town social curriculum recommends the following:
• Look the person in the eye. • Use a sincere voice. • Say, “I’m sorry for…” • Don’t make excuses for your choices but do explain how you can do better next time. • Offer to compensate or make the situation right. • Thank the other person for listening.
Apologizing doesn’t come naturally to children, so be available for specific coaching and helping your child find the right words. Children need language and guidance on how to accept an apology too. I can remember a counselor explaining to my first grade class that when a person apologizes to you, you do not have to say, “That’s okay.” Oftentimes, what happened is not okay. What you can encourage children to say instead is “I accept your apology” or “Thanks for telling me.” Children take in so much of what they see and hear around them, so remember, we must set the example. Do not be afraid
I think teaching children the art of apology comes from modeling it yourself. to apologize to your own children. This both sets a good example and shows kids that making mistakes is part of being human—and it shows kids how to handle it when they do. Katie, an Overland Park mom, says, “I think teaching children the art of apology comes from modeling it yourself. If I say something to hurt my children’s feelings or raise my voice if my son is not behaving, I always go back later and apologize to my child. It is important to show vulnerability and admit to your child that you have made a mistake. Apologizing teaches your child to take responsibility for their actions and also models empathy by realizing you hurt someone and need to make it right.” When it comes to helping children learn to apologize, parents must remain patient and committed because it is a gradual learning experience that will take time. Rome wasn’t built in a day … and staying the course will only add to the amazing little (or big!) person you are raising! Julie Collett writes from Overland Park where, even as a grown-up, apologizing is hard!
• Give some space and time before walking children through an apology. No good can come when emotions and tempers are still high. • We must be mindful as parents not to force our children to apologize. This will only lead to insincere apologies, embarrassment and possible shutdown or acting out. Encourage your children to apologize and help coach them through it. • The power behind the apology is the sincerity of the words. It won’t hold much weight if the behavior never changes. • If your child won’t apologize, don’t stress. You have the option to do it for him and then handle your child later away from the situation.
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Favorite Books Come to Life
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e all know reading is a fundamental skill all students must master to make the rest of school easier. We also know that this fall, school may look a little different. Here are some favorite children’s books and authors, as well as ways to make those stories come alive with supplemental activities to occupy your children for a few more minutes throughout the day.
Age: Elementary
Age: Preschool Sandra Boynton is a great author to introduce your littles to with her fun rhymes and illustrations. Barnyard Dance, The Going to Bed Book and Blue Hat, Green Hat are a few of our family’s favorites. Create story-themed bins with props your children can use to act out the tales with a parent, older sibling or even on their own. For example, a bin of plastic farm animals can help kids learn animal sounds or sort colors. Another bin for building dressing skills might hold things like a button snake, zippers and other fasteners. Storyline.online has excellent videos that let your children listen to others read aloud to them—which means more guilt-free screen time to me! Another title is Drawn Together by Minh Lê and Dan Santat that was brought to my attention by Anna Francesca Garcia, mother of a teen and a former education librarian for the Kansas City Public Library. She says, “This is an amazing story of a boy who visits his grandfather. Since they speak different languages, the boy feels lost. However, via the interaction between the art they create, they find their common ground. Their different styles meld beautifully. I love how this book, with very minimal language, depicts the relationship between a grandfather and grandson, some of the immigrant experience and the power of art.” There is a phenomenal activity book on Books.Disney.com, and Garcia especially likes the activity on pg. 8.
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As your early elementary students begin to figure out reading, Dr. Seuss and Mo Willems are great authors to stock up on for your own home library through classroom Scholastic book orders, the Dr. Seuss Book Club from EarlyMoments. com, or ThriftBooks.com. If borrowing books is more your cup of tea, simply place them on hold from your local library. Dr. Seuss’ use of simple words, rhymes and repetition is why he is a classic and beloved author. The accessible language patterns give your student confidence in being a reader. Mo Willems is a beloved author as well because his books are simple and comedic. A multitude of resources can be found on ThePigeonPresents.com. A couple of favorite early reader book series in our house include The Princess in Black by Shannon Dale and Dean Hale as well as Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown. The Princess in Black series tells the story of Princess Magnolia, who changes into the Princess in Black when she needs to fight monsters. These are funny, action packed books about a courageous princess. Flat Stanley tells about Stanley Lambchop who has a bulletin board fall on him, leaving him only half an inch thick. He is able to experience life and help out in unique ways thanks to his flatness. Find activities at ThePrincessInBlack.com and FlatStanleyBooks.com. As your child progresses, series such as Dinosaur Cove by Rex Stone and Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park will appeal. Dinosaur Cove is the story of Tom and Jamie who find a secret entrance into a world of dinosaurs. Visit Scholastic.com for further activities for Dinosaur Cove. Junie B. Jones is a hilarious series based on the 6-year-old title character who makes reading a fun activity to do! Check out JunieBJones.com for a plethora of activities to add to your child’s enjoyment of the series. Roadl Dahl has been a favorite author of mine since I was a little girl, and I have since passed down my original copies to my children to read, as well as reading several aloud because I wanted to revisit the stories. Favorites like James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, and The BFG never lose their attraction. Head on over to RoaldDahl.com for ways to add on to these beloved stories.
Young Adult (YA)
Middle Grades My 10-year-old daughter is in this sweet spot. This year I specifically sought out more diverse books by authors of color to help her grow up with a more expansive world view. That sounds heavy, but reading is a great way to dip your toes into different cultures and gain some empathy through stories. Author Renee Watson has many books with Black protagonists in Black settings, and one title my daughter read and enjoyed was her book Ways to Make Sunshine. It has been compared to the Ramona Quimby series and is more for the younger crowd, but more advanced readers could zip through some of these and still get something out of them thanks to the books’ themes. The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez is another suggestion from Garcia. “As soon as I finished this book, I gave it to my daughter to read. She was just slightly younger than the main character, Malú, and the empowering message of being yourself is one that I wanted to share,” she says. “Throughout, there are zine pages created by our protagonist, and this helps give us insight into how she is processing her life. As a divorced mom, I loved the example of responsible, loving co-parenting that Malú’s parents have. Also, ever since reading this, we have both been intrigued by independent vinyl stores like the one that Malú’s dad runs.” Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a zine, as written by the book’s author: ReadBrightly.com/ how-to-make-zine/.
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo is a Garcia suggestion for older readers. She says, “Acevedo tells a compelling story. I listened to the audiobook which shows how responsible the protagonist, Emoni, is. She is a teen mother who lives with her grandmother. She works very hard and is an aspiring chef. Her journey to use her talents to grow into the woman she is becoming is inspirational, but the text feels authentic—never preachy.” This may inspire your teen to try her hand at some new recipes too. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a fantastic book that dives into the themes of racism, justice, activism and identity that are all at the forefront this year. I highly recommend buddy reading this with your teen to have some important discussions throughout. Then on a lighter note, if your family or teens have succumbed to all things Hamilton as most of us have, American Royals by Katherine McGee may be a fun look at an alternate version of American history based on the premise of “What if America had a royal family?” This could lead to some fun discussions on American history.
Read-Alouds and Audiobooks for the Whole Family
A couple of favorite series that both my eldest and I have read are Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Both of these series are tremendously popular and have many activities you can find with a quick search. Do a family read-aloud time or have multiple children listen to these tales together while you catch up on work or house tasks. Both series can be enjoyed again at different ages as well. The Underlander Chronicles by Suzanne Collins and The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer (from Glee) are both amazing series with wonderful audio versions. Often, we listen to the first book on audio in the car while running errands and traveling to extracurricular activities, and then the kids want to continue reading the rest of the series on their own. An avid reader, I find book podcasts to be a great source of recommendations for not only myself, but for my kids also. Shows such as What Should I Read Next?, The Currently Reading Podcast, Literally Reading and Read Aloud Revival have episodes geared toward the younger readers, and there are even children’s book podcasts such as Book Club for Kids to keep reading fresh and engaging for your children this year. Oftentimes, we celebrate finishing a read-aloud book by watching the movie together. You could even encourage your children to write to their favorite authors. Check out other ideas at ReadingRockets.org.
Stephanie Loux is an avid reader and loves all things books. She delights in sharing her love of reading with her children, Layla, 10, Mason, 8, and Slade, 5. Follow her Bookstagram account @stephanielovesbooks over on Instagram for more titles for you and your family. kcparent.com november 2020
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BEST GIF TS for the holidays
Purrfect Counting Purse Soft, multi-textured fabric cat purse comes with loads of personality, accessories and learning content. Learn, pretend and music modes add playful variety. Ages 6+ months. Store.LeapFrog.com
BY ELENA EPSTEIN DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL PARENTING PRODUCT AWARDS
For more product reviews, visit NAPPPAAwards.com
Go! Go! Cory Carson Cory’s Stay & Play Home Explore every room with Cory, Mama and Chrissy Carson mini characters in this 360° playset. Built just for cars with a pretend bathtub car wash complete with scrub brush, ramps and more. Ages 2+. VTechKids.com
The Animal
Eloise the Elephant This adorable pal is knit with a luxe marl gray yarn and has the sweetest baby trunk and little tasseled tail. As part of the cuddle + kind family, each doll sold provides 10 meals to children in need. Ages birth+. CuddleAndKind.com
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An unboxing truck where the Animal can claw and climb over anything in its way— including its own box. The Animal can be placed back inside its box, and the entire unboxing can be repeated over and over again. Ages 4+. SpinMaster.com
Ice Hopper A glitter-filled take on a classic toy perfect for active play. Available in four dazzling colors. Ages 6+. Kess.co
Batman Launch and Defend Remote Control Batmobile Race your Batmobile around Gotham City and launch Batman into action. This iconic vehicle comes with an exclusive 4-inch Batman figure. Ages 5+. SpinMaster.com
Real-Action Fire Engine Features a ladder that extends to more than 2 feet high and rotates a full 360 degrees, a retractable fire hose and more. The truck opens to reveal an exciting command center with all kinds of authentic details built right in. Ages 3+. LakeshoreLearning.com
Pets Alive Frankie the Funky Flamingo Let’s get groovy with Frankie and her hilarious neck twirling, wing flapping movements, while getting down to three funky jams. Includes a surprise flamingo egg with a baby flamingo. Ages 3+. Zuru.com
DinoMazing Egg Decorator Veterinarian Practice with Pets Lovingly treat a variety of animal patients back to health. Includes x-ray image hanging on the wall, examination table, doctor’s case and much more. Ages 3-8. Schleich-s.com
Explore your inner paleontologist with this dynamic craft kit that’s two activities in one. Decorate and then crack open the shell to discover a surprise collectible covered in colored slime. Ages 3+. Eggmazing.com
Rainbocorns Sweet-Shake Surprise For the first time, Rainbocorns sings, talks, speaks and repeats. Sporting iconic jelly hearts filled with goodness and delight and six new characters, each offering 15 layers of fun surprises. Ages 3+. Target.com
BUILDZI The fast-stacking, nerveracking, block-building game. Be the first to build your tower, but don’t let it tumble. Ages 6+. ILoveTenzi.com
Silly Skaters Unicorn Inflatable Ride-On Toy by Kid Trax Make playtime fun and fanciful with this soft, inflatable unicorn on light-up roller skates. Ages 1-3. KidTraxToys.com
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Artsy Fartsy From dragons to dog farts, not much is off limits in this fast-paced, hilarious game where you draw, guess and steal clues. Ages 10+. ArtsyFartsyGame.com
FailFix
Spirograph Scratch & Shimmer
Takeover the makeover and create headto-toe transformations. Comes with a new outfit, face and hair tools. Dolls available in diverse styles and body types. Ages 6+. MooseToys.com
Create amazing art in a whole new way. The glitter gears and wheels can be used with your own pens and markers on regular drawing paper as well $Ages 8+. PlayMonster.com
Drone Home Smashers Dino Ice Age Surprise Smash, fizz, build and battle. The giant blue dino egg comes with more than 25 different icy surprises inside. Follow the arctic scratch map through different Ice Age-themed compounds to uncover each piece of your Smash-O-Saur. Ages 4+. Target.com
Launch aliens down the ramps, racing to land inside the drone so they can fly home. Watch out— there’s a delay once you make it in, so others can knock you out. Ages 8+. PlayMonster.com
Blue’s Clues & You! Really Smart Handy Dandy Notebook Learn what’s new with Blue and Josh! Includes 14 light-up app icons to introduce colors, counting, shapes, weather, health and hygiene, and phone, music and mail apps for pretend play. Ages 2+. Store.LeapFrog.com
Monster Jam Megalodon Storm
Back to the Future: Dice Through Time It’s up to you to help Doc and Marty repair the space-time continuum. Jump in your time machine, complete events, return items and help restore temporal order. Ages 10+. Target.com
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A remote control vehicle that can dominate water AND attack land. Performance tires allow you to conquer any terrain—water, dirt, rock, snow— while performing 360-degree spins and wheelies. Ages 4+. SpinMaster.com Target.com
Scribble Scrubbie Pets Grooming Truck Features a working spray pump that easily allows kids to wash their pets and doubles as a storage solution. Ages 3+. Crayola.com
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Visit our website at KCTigerRock.com! kcparent.com november 2020
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FUN GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS 49 Thankful Thank You Cards 50 Grateful Games 52 Christmas Lights 53 Fun Once Turkey Is Done 54 Guilty Pleasures for Mom 56 Hassle-Free November
CRAFTCORNER
Materials needed:
• White paper • Assorted paints–red, yellow,
W
thankful thank you cards
ith Thanksgiving right around the corner, what better time to express our thanks and gratitude than now with these cute little homemade cards! These cards can be sent to family and friends or used as decor for the Thanksgiving table—a pleasant way to start the holiday meal!
orange and brown
• Paintbrush • Paint dish • “Thank You” stamp
or marker
• Ink pad (or use paint)
Step one: Fold paper into a card. Step two: Paint palm brown, with fingers whatever colors you choose! If easier, paint whole hand brown and add “feathers” after handprint dries, using a paintbrush or fingers. Step three: Add “Thank You” using stamp or handwrite it with a marker. Step four: Decorate turkey and card using paintbrush or fingerprints. Step five: Let dry. Step six: Once dry, use inside of the card to write notes to those you’re thankful for this time of the year! Janelle Cumro-Sultzer lives in Overland Park with her husband, son and two dogs. Janelle is a former health care executive director and is a mediator in Kansas, helping families in conflict. Janelle loves to focus on learning through play and getting messy with crafts.
Turkey Place Cards
Tin Can Thankful Trees
Finger Print Turkeys
For TONS more great craft projects, log onto KCParent.com! kcparent.com november 2020
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Being intentional about thankfulness all year long brings some long-lasting benefits. Most importantly, finding joy in thankfulness can be a fun family affair.
finding the fun and games in
thankfulness
t
Reflecting on your blessings can provide entertainment for the whole family
his year has brought some stress, challenges and disappointment to everyone, but one of the best ways to stay positive and grounded in difficult circumstances is to maintain a thankful attitude. November is the perfect time of year to renew a focus on gratitude. As a matter of fact, being intentional about thankfulness all year long brings some long-lasting benefits. Most importantly, finding joy in thankfulness can be a fun family affair. Here are some fun family games and activities that will keep everyone remembering the good things in life:
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Use music to boost spirits. If your family has musical talent, why not create a fun (and perhaps silly) song that lifts spirits, makes everyone smile and helps them remember their blessings? Not everyone is that musically talented, so perhaps create your own playlist of happy-memory recorded music everyone loves. Music often sets the mood, so playing positive music around the house is bound to make everyone appreciative of the small things in life.
Play some blessing bingo. Create a bingo board filled with things that make your family thankful. Repeatedly calling out your blessings to your family is bound to bring those positive things to the forefront of your minds. When someone gets a bingo, you can even have that person share some favorite memories or associations from each of the blessings that were part of the winning lineup.
FUN GUIDE
Create a scavenger hunt of blessings.
Be intentional about creating new memories.
Don’t just talk about your blessings— get competitive in your ability to remember and document them. Come up with a list of things your family is thankful for and divide it in two. Team up and go around your home, or perhaps the whole city, and take pictures of the different blessings on your list. Perhaps you’ll drive to a familiar park and take pictures of your favorite spot, or your team might capture an image of your favorite family game. The team that documents everything on their list first wins, but they also must reflect on why they are thankful for the family members on the other team.
This year has given us enough less-thanstellar circumstances, so work to create new memories to overshadow the negative. It might be something as simple as watching the stars, taking a walk or going on a drive together. Find a new place in nature to enjoy and use that time together to reflect on the positive. As a bonus, consider adding dance moves to the music. Singing and dancing around the house in a positive, grateful spirit is bound to create some hilarious memories you will cherish for a long time.
Use your blessings to inspire charades or Pictionary.
Create some reflective artwork of good memories and favorite things. Documenting your blessings in creative ways is a part of cherishing them. Have everyone in the family make some drawings, paintings or other types of artwork inspired by the things you are thankful for and place the artwork in a prominent place in the house. Every time you walk by, think about what the art represents.
A game of “grateful telephone” will make everyone laugh. The simple game of telephone is always a good way to stir up some laughs with younger kids, as the message is almost always changed by the end of the line. If you have littles, play the game of telephone by stating a blessing or something that makes you thankful. If the message has changed by the end, the person at the end must guess the original message.
Charades and Pictionary are always favorite family games—just consider focusing the content a bit. Let the things you act out or draw be things the family considers blessings. The game is bound to result in lots of laughs and will give insight into what stirs gratitude in other family members.
Keep a thankful jar. Having something to reflect upon always is important. Write out different things you are thankful for and put them on strips of paper in a jar. Any time one of the kids begins complaining or feeling a bit down, take out some of the strips of paper to read and reflect upon. Follow that up with writing another blessing on a new strip of paper and putting the replacement in the jar. Make it a point to have everyone write out two blessings for every complaint they voice. Most importantly? Don’t limit this activity to the kids—make sure they see you practicing it as well.
Create a thankfulness memory box. Have a special box where you collect keepsakes from favorite memories and good things you experience in life. It might be a rock from a special walk, a souvenir from a trip or a scarf that reminds you of Grandma. Go through the items from time to time and reflect on why you put them in the box. You could turn the items into time capsule treasure that you bury and reflect upon in the future. When you engage in these games and activities, you might find your family comes to count some surprising things as blessings. Even though it all seemed like chaos at the time, perhaps the kids really did appreciate your ability to teach them math when school was cancelled, and perhaps the kids really enjoyed getting to eat lunch with you every day when you were working from home. You might also realize the extra family time this year was a unique gift, especially considering the kids might be all grown up the next time you blink. When you are intentional about being thankful together, the whole family can become closer. Allison Gibeson is a Lee’s Summit writer and mom who is looking forward to keeping a thankful jar. kcparent.com november 2020
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Lee’s Summit Magic Tree
KC’S BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
K
ansas City sparkles in holiday splendor with magnificent displays across the metro! These are our top picks for the best Christmas lights in KC! Most displays operate from Thanksgiving through Christmas, from sunset (5:30) to 10:00; however, there are a few exceptions. Check websites to verify times.
Crown Center Mayor’s Christmas Tree: Crown Center Square (2450 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, CrownCenter.com). The 100-foot-tall tree is adorned with 7,200 lights.
Legendary Christmas: Legends Outlets Kansas City (1843 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, KS, LegendsShopping.com). Unique lighting display on a 45-foot holiday tree created by a worldrenowned technology-driven holiday lights team, all synchronized to music.
Festival of Lights – Enchantment: Powell Gardens (1609 NW U.S. Hwy. 50, Kingsville, MO). Festival-goers walk a mile-long path spread out over 25 acres through the gardens featuring a variety of immersive light displays. Christmas in the Park: Longview Lake Park (I-470 & View High Drive, Kansas City, MO, 816.503.4800). With more than 500,000 lights, 175 animated figures and splashes of Christmas color, this enchanting drive-thru winter wonderland’s magic will delight the entire family.
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Lee’s Summit Magic Tree: Lee’s Summit Magic Tree is located at I-470 & View High Drive. The tree is lit with more than 12,000 LED lights in every color of the rainbow.
Winter Magic: KC Parks and Rec introduces a new holiday light experience this year in historic Swope Park. Tickets must be purchased in advance for this holiday light experience. WinterMagicKC.com Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane: Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, 138th & Switzer in Overland Park. The display will run each night 5:00-10:00, Thanksgiving through early January. The 38-minute show is synchronized with music.
ALTA Sciences Animated Lights: Alta Sciences (101st & Metcalf, Overland Park). From mid-November through Christmas, the 175,000-LED light display is beautifully choreographed to music for an animated light show your children will love!
Stagecoach Park: (1205 E. Kansas City Rd., Olathe). The show features 41,000 lights and more than 16 million color combinations.
Gardner’s Christmas in the Park: Cornerstone Park (215 N. Center, Gardner, KS). Christmas lights decorate Cornerstone Park.
Candy Cane Lane: Outlook & 79th Street in Prairie Village. This neighborhood decorates with amazing displays. See candy canes, giant Christmas trees and beautifully lit homes.
FUN GUIDE
Fun Once the Turkey’s Done
I
t’s no secret the highlight of most everyone’s Thanksgiving holiday is the big meal. You probably dream about your favorite side dishes the week before (or maybe that’s just me). Sure, greeting Aunt Martha after months apart is exciting, or catching up with Grandma Susan is sweet, but the food sure helps bring families together. To maintain that engagement and socializing after the plates are cleared, you may need some fresh ideas before guests slowly sneak out the door. We’ve compiled a list of activities to help you continue the fun after the turkey’s done. Make the most of time with your loved ones this year.
Mad libs
Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Set Up the Christmas Tree
This is a family favorite for all occasions on my dad’s side, so you might give it a shot this season. Each silly story usually brings the family to tears from laughing so hard. You can find printables online, but writing your own can be entertaining.
This would be fun to set up right after eating (in case you’re already thinking about a nap). A scavenger hunt gets the kids up and moving around if they’re antsy after the meal.
I don’t know about you, but immediately after Thanksgiving I am in the Christmas spirit. A good reason to start setting up is that your whole family is already over to help, and it’s a great way to continue the holiday spirit.
Guess How Many Fill a jar with candy corn, place it in the center of the table and have guests take a gander. The person who guesses correctly gets to take the whole thing home. This, at least, could serve as a nice icebreaker.
Thanksgiving Charades You may start out with Thanksgiving themes, but favorite movies or TV shows might soon take the spotlight. That’s okay, because anything that entertains your inlaws and the kiddos is a win.
Browse Through Photo Albums In an era of selfies and Snapchat, sifting through old photo albums can fascinate. I enjoyed browsing through the same two photo albums at my grandparents’ house each time I visited. Sit down with your relatives and take some time to ask questions about each photo’s unique story.
Take a Family Photo
Make a Hot Chocolate Bar
You have plenty of random selfies on your phone, but it’s not often the whole family is in one spot. Humor your mom and take a group photo, a photo with just the siblings, any and all shots. You will be happy you have these to look at later.
A hot chocolate bar is another great opportunity to mingle. Set up a table with add-ons like marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips and candy pieces. Have a crockpot full of homemade hot chocolate ready to go after your meal.
Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, 5-year old son and dog. kcparent.com november 2020
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12 GUILTY PLEASURES THAT COMBAT
HOLIDAY STRESS
I
f you’re like many busy moms, you may think taking time to treat yourself is a crazy indulgence during the hectic holiday season. But when you nurture your spirit, you decrease stress and boost your happiness, creating a positive domino effect throughout your family. “Guilty pleasures are very important if they are done in moderation,” says Laura Murphy, a marriage, parent and financial coach. “Self-care is crucial to being the best you can be. Putting yourself last is not healthy.”
Schedule mini-moments. Schedule time on the calendar for yourself each week. Take a walk or join a yoga or dance class.
“Look for ways each day that you can have ‘minimoments’ that give you energy,” Murphy says, “such as a 10-minute power nap, reading a magazine for 15 minutes, calling up a friend just to share a good joke––laughter is a great indulgence!”
Play. Dee Kauffman plays puzzle games on a portable gaming system to relax. “I feel ... mentally fine-tuned. It’s a way to use my brain in a non-stressful way and helps me unwind after those long days,” she says. “I may be the only house on the block where the kids do not have a handheld game system, but Mom does!”
FUN GUIDE
In fact, studies show that video games, board games and mind puzzlers, like crosswords and sudoku, are excellent ways to reduce stress and improve brain function and memory. Researchers at the University of Rochester report that video games also improve players’ abilities in everyday life, like driving, multitasking and quicker decisionmaking.
Catch up over coffee. Join a friend for a cup of coffee
Find a healing touch. Self-care, whether you spend a full day at the spa or sneak in a quick hand or foot massage, can brighten your mood, boost your self-esteem and help you feel beautiful and relaxed. According to a study from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Swedish massage, in particular, reduces the stress hormone cortisol in the body and boosts immunity by increasing white blood cells, which fight infection and disease.
Hit the mall. Bargain hunt or indulge in a daydream. “Go into a very nice dress shop and just start trying on clothes,” Murphy says. “Think of the places you would dream of wearing it––Paris? San Francisco? London?”
Watch TV. Television can take you out of your own reality, allowing you to indulge in other people’s dramas. Kasey Weidman sets aside every Thursday night to watch her favorite reality show alone in the “grown-up room” (her formal living room) with a frozen mojito in hand.
Read. About once or twice a month, following a hectic evening of extracurricular activities and homework, Caroline Winkler spends the next morning reading in bed after her kids leave for school. “Reading takes you out of yourself and your daily concerns and brings you back refreshed and ready for more,” she says.
Get creative. Try your hand at scrapbooking, sewing, knitting or cooking. Even if you feel creatively challenged, the act of focusing your attention completely on a project is meditative and calming. Need ideas? Check out continuing education classes, craft or pottery places, or Pinterest.
Indulge your sense of smell. Aromatherapy, which is the use of natural essential plant oil like lavender, clary sage and geranium, plays a subtle role in influencing mood and physical well-being. Even some hospitals integrate aromatherapy to create a more healing environment. Something as simple as the smell of cookies baking, for example, provides sick patients, anxious families and busy staff with a homey scent and a warm, delicious treat.
and conversation. Socializing is good for your emotional health, boosting your levels of oxytocin, a natural hormone that decreases stress anxiety. And enjoyed in moderation, coffee is an antioxidant-rich drink. Research reveals that coffee drinkers are less likely to suffer from Parkinson’s Disease, Type 2 diabetes and liver cancer.
Eat out. Plan a special dinner out with friends or your family. Each month Jennifer Gouteriez takes her family to an expensive, non-chain restaurant: “Fine dinner with a bottle of wine––$30 to $50 a plate.” She says after working hard all month, the special dinner is a way to treat herself and her family while also trying something new.
Take a hike. Exercise is good for your body and lifts your mood. If you can, take your fitness routine outdoors and you’ll reap even greater benefits. A Japanese study found that time spent among plants and trees improves the body’s immune function while also reducing blood pressure and lowering the stress hormone cortisol.
Head for the hills. If you can swing it, escape for a day. Rebecca Rowley, who lives in Colorado, plans an annual, late-season ski day with a friend. The day restores her sense of adventure. “I like having time for myself and I think that it is good to know that my family will be fine for a day without me and that they appreciate it when I’m around,” she says. Whatever you do, sprinkle your life with small treats to add a sense of delight to those otherwise routine days. After all, as Murphy says, “Taking care of yourself so that you are revived, energized and ready to lead your busy family is one of the best gifts you can give your family.” For Christa Melnyk Hines, an Olathe mom of two active boys, a little chocolate every day is an essential guilty pleasure.
kcparent.com november 2020
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Hassle-Free
L
et’s face it, 2020 has thrown moms the ultimate curveball, over and over—and over—again November marks the beginning of the holiday season, which, for many moms, abounds with anxiety. This year poses additional challenges. I am planning to rely on many great strategies I learned early in motherhood as our family navigates this holiday season and strives to make happy memories together. From the time I learned I would become a mother, I spent a lot of time thinking about the holidays and what I wanted them to mean for our family. Pinterest, shop windows and magazine covers showcase perfectly decorated homes with delicious foods. These images are really fun to look at for ideas and inspiration, and as a person who loves holidays and traditions, I enjoy implementing ideas. Still, I have to be wise and selective, or those creative ideas quickly can become very long to-do lists that shift my priorities and distract my focus. When my girls were young, I attended MOPS. One of our speakers shared some of the best advice I ever received as a mother. She said, “Make sure your priorities are accurately represented in how you spend your time. There are many things vying for your attention in this world. Choose the things that line up with your priorities. If spending time with your children means a neglected garden, that’s okay, because your priority is making memories with your children.” I’ll never forget one of the first opportunities I had to put her advice into practice. I love to bake and I love to bake with my children. All my girls have grown up helping me in the kitchen from the time they could sit up. I have had toddlers help tear lettuce for salad, preschoolers slice bananas and my older girls are adept at the stove. However, one Christmas season I had to loosen the standards. My third daughter was
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November born 12 days past her due date, arriving on Dec. 14. My husband never had paternity leave from work, so I was home alone with a 4-year-old, a 2-year-old and a newborn just weeks before Christmas. The girls and I were watching a Christmas special, and they saw a family baking cookies. Right away they implored that we bake Christmas cookies that day. I was exhausted but wanted to fulfill their holiday wish. During that same special, a commercial came on for the Pillsbury cookies you buy in the freezer section—the sugar cookies with cute snowman faces. I am a bake-from-scratch mom, but that day—newly home from the hospital with a newborn and caring for two little ones—baking was not on my to do list. (I was still hoping to find time for a shower.) I called my husband and asked him to pick up the Pillsbury cookies from the store on the way home from work. That night, we popped the cookies in the oven, and my girls were thrilled! They weren’t the delicious sugar cookies we enjoy (and did bake in January when things slowed down), but we did have a great time, and I was not stressed. Now, every year they request the snowman cookies as part of our holiday tradition. I learned the value of choosing when to say yes and when to say no and where to allow myself the grace for shortcuts. Applying that lesson, a few years ago, reclaiming Thanksgiving in our family became very important to me. Thanksgiving had become my least favorite holiday. It was very stressful, and I dreaded it every year. I grieved over losing the vision of Thanksgiving’s real meaning, so our family found new traditions and learned to cut down the stress—introducing a no-stress (or at least a lot-less-stress) November. These are my favorite Hassle-Free November traditions that help our family enter the holiday season with a focus on love, making happy memories and sharing time together—and learning to laugh if the turkey burns!
FUN GUIDE
Five Tips for a Hassle-Free November: 2020 Edition We plan to make a few modifications to our traditions this year, but we know they’ll still be special family memories together.
Celebrate Thanksgiving Eve: Almost every year, Disney rolls out a new family movie over Thanksgiving. My husband’s boss typically ends the workday early, so we plan to enjoy an at-home matinee movie party with a new film or a family favorite. In the evening, we look forward to having friends over for a Thanksgiving Eve Friendsgiving featuring soup and sandwiches or pizza. Then, the kids enjoy hunting for candy canes I have hidden in our backyard. We give the kids flashlights and lunch sacks to collect their treats. Finally, we top it off with a drive through Christmas light displays and some cookies and cocoa.
Save some traditions for January: Baking every cute cookie, trying every new recipe or making each Pinterest craft is impossible. Save some ideas for January, February and March when life slows down. Our family loves baking cookies throughout the winter, so we purposely save some recipes for slower months and choose absolute favorites (for flavor and simplicity) during the holidays.
Make time for fun: Put some downtime on the calendar. I found that simply putting “Movie Night” on the calendar and holding to it as a priority (just as I would a meeting) made it happen. Schedule at least one night a week in the winter months for relaxation and use the paper plates. Get outside: Nothing helps me relax more than spending time outdoors walking and enjoying nature. Take the family for a stroll through the Overland Park Arboretum or Powell Gardens. Or search “Hiking Kansas City” on KCParent.com for our favorite local trails.
Cut corners: Just as I incorporated Pillsbury cookies into our Christmas traditions, I have a few shortcuts I love at Thanksgiving too. We splurge on a Honey Baked Ham (I prefer it over turkey), but I make the mashed potatoes from scratch. Choose the foods that matter most to you and find shortcuts for the rest or nix them from the menu entirely. Whatever you do this month, remember to prioritize and do only the things that really matter. If it isn’t important, take if off the calendar, because spending time hugging your kids, laughing as a family and making memories with friends is always more important than baking the perfect pie or setting the prettiest table.
Kristina Light is grateful to be looking forward to a “less stress Thanksgiving” and wishes that for every KC family this year! kcparent.com november 2020
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FOR EVEN
MORE EVENTS, HEAD TO THE ONLINE CALENDAR AT KCPARENT.COM
november
CALENDAR
Holiday Luminary Walk
No part of this calendar may be reproduced in print or web format. Please call to verify event details.
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learn
celebrate
shop
see
explore
On Nov. 3 & 10, head to Missouri Town 1855 for Drive-thru History Tuesdays. Selfguided driving tour and visits with the living history interpreters. 816.229.8980
Visit the National World War I Museum and Memorial on Nov. 11 for a Veterans Day Ceremony that features dignitaries, musical performances and more. TheWorldWar.org
Start holiday shopping at the Just Between Friends Sale Nov. 12-14 at the Overland Park Convention Center. Get ready for great deals on tons of kids items! JBFSale.com
Visit the Overland Park Arboretum for this year’s Holiday Luminary Walk on Nov. 27-28. See a wonderland of candles, music and holiday fun. OPKansas.org
On Nov. 25, head to the Johnson County Museum for Museum Free Day. Start the holidays by bringing the family to enjoy the museum at no charge! JCPRD.com
1 Sunday
3 Tuesday
Turkey Bowl Event 12:30, Ceramic Café. Parent and child work together making a cute keepsake for Thanksgiving. Pre-reg at CeramicCafeKC.com.
Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com
Back to the 50s Noon, Summit Lanes. Enjoy Back to the 50s when games, shoe rentals, hot dogs and sodas are just 50 cents each with a $5 cover charge. SummitLanes.com
Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Bring the kids to see the Doodle Reef, the touch pool, Stingray Bay and more! Purchase tickets online at VisitSeaLife.com.
Kansas City Chorale in Concert 3:30, National World War I Museum and Memorial. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music on the southeast lawn. TheWorldWar.org
Drive-thru History Tuesdays 10:00, Missouri Town 1855. Self-guided tours driving through Missouri Town 1855 and visits with our living history interpreters. 816.229.8980
2 Monday Dinosaur Road Trip 9:00, Union Station. A walk-through prehistoric adventure with 26 life-size animatronic dinosaurs that you and your family won’t want to miss! UnionStation.org Elephant Expedition 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. The new elephant exhibition is open at the zoo. Reserve a time online and plan a visit with the family. KansasCItyZoo.org
4 Wednesday MATS 10:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Field trip on the historic grounds with activities that align with Nearpod lessons (available on Mahaffie website). Mahaffie.org Nature Hike 10:00, Prairie Oak Nature Center. Join for a casual walk through our nature trail. Realistic decoys will be placed on the trail— search for the hidden animals. 913.681.0902
Preschool Pals 9:00, Lenexa Rec Center. Program for children ages 3 to 5 to help with developmental milestones through hands-on learning. Pre-reg at Lenexa.com.
5 Thursday Bridging the Gender Divide 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Exhibit explores how toys once marketed to boys have evolved over time to encourage all children. 816.235.8000 Forest Secrets Preschool Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Visit the nature center for stories, songs and surprises geared to preschool children. Pre-reg at 913.826.2800. Nature Story Time 10:30, Prairie Park Nature Center (Lawrence). Each week will feature a story and a live animal. Color a coloring page after the presentation. 785.832.7980
6 Friday Opening Day Crown Center Ice Terrace. KC’s only public outdoor rink opens for its 48th season. Visit CrownCenter.com for admission policies and procedures.
Need a Story On The Go? Mid-Continent Public Library has a fun new story for you to listen to each week no matter where you are! Enjoy a new story every Thursday selected and read to you by our storytime experts! Call 816.701.6904 or visit mymcpl.org/story to listen online.
Access Your World
For more early literacy tips and ideas, visit GrowAReader.org/KCBaby. kcparent.com november 2020
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Kids Day Out 7:30, Johnson County Museum. Discover history through hands-on activities and exploration of KidScape, play games and more! Pre-reg at 913.831.3359. Holiday Open House Today & tomorrow, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Check out all the wonderful gift and decorating ideas. DowntownLS.org First Fridays 5:00, Crossroads Arts District. Galleries and shops remain open later the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org
NOW OPEN! LIMITED Group Size Morning and Afternoon Sessions Enhanced Cleaning
Museum
8788 Metcalf Ave Overland Park, KS jocoahc.com
For more info & to book your session: JCPRD.com/Museum
HAVING A BABY SOON? Check out KC Parent’s Interactive Virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide at KCParent.com
7 Saturday Holiday Extravaganza 9:00, Belton High School. Shop a variety of vendors selling art, handmade crafts, boutique items, holiday items and more! BeltonMOChamber.org Polar Bear Weekend Today & tomorrow, Kansas City Zoo. Celebrate International Polar Bear Weekend with themed fun at the Kansas City Zoo! KansasCityZoo.org Holiday Open House 10:00, Leavenworth Main Street. Kick off the holiday shopping season with special activities that capture the Christmas spirit! LeavenworthMainStreet.com Stuff ‘n Fluff 11:00, the View Community Center. Watch your kiddos’ eyes light up as you help them make an adorable stuffed animal to take home. Pre-reg at Grandview.org. Girl Scout Daisy Badge Event 9:00 or 1:00, TimberRidge Adventure Center. Work to complete two badges. Minimum one paid adult per five children. Pre-reg at 913.826.2807. Owl Prowl 7:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Come for a talk featuring live owls and an evening hike through the park. Pre-reg at 913.826.2800.
8 Sunday Visit Incredible Pizza 11:00, Incredible Pizza. Bring the family to enjoy the buffet along with indoor rides and lots of games! Visit KCParent. com for a coupon! IncrediblePizza.com Winter Magic Thru Jan 2, 5:00, Oakwood Drive (Swope Park). Drive through nearly one mile of a magical holiday light show experience. Purchase tickets online at WinterMagicKC.com.
Our interactive virtual Hospital Labor & Delivery Guide has images, complete descriptions, video, social media links and much more. SEARCH HOSPITALS BY: LOCATION | NICU LEVEL | CLASSES OFFERED
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9 Monday Veterans Appreciation Week Thru Friday, KCKS Community College. Stop by the Veterans Center throughout the week for different ways to honor veterans. KCKCC.edu
Dinosaur Road Trip 9:00, Union Station. A walk-through prehistoric adventure with 26 life-size animatronic dinosaurs that you and your family won’t want to miss! UnionStation.org Visit the Nature Center 9:00, Lakeside Nature Sanctuary. Visit the nature sanctuary with the family. Download a scavenger hunt from LakesideNatureCenter.org.
10 Tuesday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com Elephant Expedition 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. The new elephant exhibition is open at the zoo. Reserve a time online and plan a visit with the family. KansasCItyZoo.org Drive-thru History Tuesdays 10:00, Missouri Town 1855. Self-guided tours driving through Missouri Town 1855 and visits with our living history interpreters. 816.229.8980
11 Wednesday VETERANS DAY Thank a veteran for his or her service to our nation. Veterans Day Ceremony 11:00, National World War I Museum and Memorial. Join for a moving ceremony featuring dignitaries, musical performances and more. TheWorldWar.org Veterans Day Parade 10:30, Historic Downtown Leavenworth. Parade honors and pays tribute to all veterans of the US Armed Forces, both past and present. LVVetsParade.com
12 Thursday Just Between Friends Sale Thru Nov 14, Overland Park Convention Center. Get ready for great deals on tons of kids items! See ad on pg 61 for free admission! JBFSale.com Nature Story Time 10:30, Prairie Park Nature Center (Lawrence). Each week will feature a story and a live animal. Color a coloring page after the presentation. 785.832.7980 19th Century Quilting Workshop 7:00, Mahaffie (Heritage Center). Join us as we look at historic quilts and talk about the process of quilting! Pre-reg at Mahaffie.org. kcparent.com november 2020
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13 Friday Festival of Lights 4:00, Powell Gardens. Walk a mile-long path spread out over 25 acres that features a variety of immersive light displays. PowellGardens.org
Kids Spread Out for Art Noon, Westport Presbyterian Church. Artists instruct and inspire kids on how to complete their projects. All supplies are included. Pre-reg at 816.931.1032.
15 Sunday
17 Tuesday Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com
Scout Night 6:00, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. Activities include a flashlight scavenger hunt art project, KidScape exploration and more. Pre-reg at 913.715.2570.
Pysanky Ukrainian Egg Decorating Class Noon, Strawberry Hill Museum. Come and learn the old ethnic technique of decorating hollow eggs. StrawberryHillMuseum.org
Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. Take the kids to the ultimate indoor playground for the biggest fans of Lego. Purchase tickets at LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com.
14 Saturday
Puzzle Palooza 2:00, Ironhorse Golf Club. Gather your team of two to four people and race to be the first team to complete a 500-piece puzzle! Ages 12+. Pre-reg at 913.663.9157.
Winter Magic Thru Jan 2, 5:00, Oakwood Drive (Swope Park). Drive through nearly one mile of a magical holiday light show experience. Purchase tickets online at WinterMagicKC.com.
Indoor Triathlon 8:30, the View (Grandview). A 10-minute swim, 25-minute walk, jog or run, and 25 minutes on a bike at your own pace! Pre-reg at Grandview.org. Tea Party in a Box 10:00, Shawnee Indian Mission. Sign up to receive a box to have a special pioneer tea party at home! Boxes limited; pre-reg at 913.262.0867. Stanley Station Second Saturday 11:00, Stanley Station. Live music, food trucks and vendors! A responsible, socially distanced outdoor event. 913.283.3733
16 Monday Operation Christmas Child Collection Week Thru Nov 23, various locations. Pack your shoeboxes and drop off during the week to spread the Gospel. SamaritansPurse.org Mom & Me Bumper Bowling 9:30, Summit Lanes. For just $3 per person, you get a game, shoe rental and drink on Mondays and Wednesdays. SummitLanes.com
18 Wednesday Dinosaur Road Trip 9:00, Union Station. A walk-through prehistoric adventure with 26 lifesize animatronic dinosaurs that you and your family won’t want to miss! UnionStation.org Retro Story Time 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Enjoy a story from long ago read by a special guest, plus a craft activity is included! Pre-reg at 913.831.3359.
piano lessons
Learn to play piano and have FUN doing it! AGES 7+ | ALL SKILL LEVELS | AFFORDABLE | FLEXIBLE VOICE LESSONS | EXPERIENCED TEACHER (12 YRS)
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We are sorry to announce all events scheduled for the rest of 2020 will be canceled. We hope to see everyone in the 2021 season! SHOAL CREEK LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Both daytime and evening lessons available!
7000 Northeast Barry Road Kansas City, MO 64156
816.792.2655
Call Spring Terburgh at 913-636-4472 LOCATED RIGHT OFF I-35 AND 119TH ST IN OLATHE AND IN SOUTH KCMO
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ShoalCreekLivingHistoryMuseum.com
19 Thursday Turkey Gobble: Preschool Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Visit the nature center for stories, songs and surprises geared to preschool children. Pre-reg at 913.826.2800. Festival of Lights 4:00, Powell Gardens. Walk a mile-long path spread out over 25 acres that features a variety of immersive light displays. PowellGardens.org
20 Friday Bridging the Gender Divide 10:00, National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Exhibit explores how toys once marketed to boys have evolved over time to encourage all children. 816.235.8000 Family Fridays 10:00, IBEX Climbing Gym. Children 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult day pass. Kids gear included. ClimbIbex.com
21 Saturday Black Friday Deals Thru Dec 1, Backyard Specialists. Shop the Black Friday sale for great savings on a gift the entire family will enjoy! BackyardSpecialists.com
Tellebration 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Celebrate the International Day of Storytelling with nature stories with live animals. Pre-reg at 913.826.2800.
Becoming a Babysitter Today & tomorrow, Roeland Park Community Center. Class for ages 12-16 to learn how to become a babysitter. Prereg at 913.826.3061.
Folly Frolic 7:30, Folly Theater. Date night! Enjoy a show that is a collaboration of two soulful artists who happen to share the same name. FollyTheater.org
Turkey Break Camp Thru Nov 25, Lenexa Rec Center. Get ready for Thanksgiving while kids enjoy fun and festive activities, swimming and more! Pre-reg at Lenexa.com/getactive.
Lighted Christmas Parade 6:00, Excelsior Springs. The parade rolls through the lit streets of downtown with floats, walkers, bands and thousands of lights! VisitExcelsior.com
24 Tuesday
22 Sunday
Elephant Expedition 10:00, Kansas City Zoo. The new elephant exhibition is open at the zoo. Reserve a time online and plan a visit with the family. KansasCItyZoo.org
Visit Incredible Pizza 11:00, Incredible Pizza. Bring the family to enjoy the buffet along with indoor rides and lots of games! Visit KCParent. com for a coupon! IncrediblePizza.com
Visit Sea Life 10:00, Sea Life Aquarium. Bring the kids to see the Doodle Reef, the touch pool, Stingray Bay and more! Purchase tickets online at VisitSeaLife.com.
Winter Magic Thru Jan 2, 5:00, Oakwood Drive (Swope Park). Drive through nearly one mile of a magical holiday light show experience. Purchase tickets online at WinterMagicKC.com.
23 Monday Kids Day Out 7:30, Johnson County Museum. Â Discover history through hands-on activities and exploration of KidScape, play games and more! Pre-reg at 913.831.3359.
25 Wednesday Museum Free Day 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Bring the family and enjoy the museum for free today! JCPRD.com Christmas in the Park 5:30, Frank White Jr Softball Complex. The entire family will delight in the magic of this drive-thru winter wonderland. MakeYourDayHere.com
H H H AMAZING BLACK FRIDAY DEALS! H H H NOVEMBER 21 THROUGH DECEMBER 1 Delivery and Set-up by Specialist Install Team
Visit our Olathe store, website, or Facebook page for more information
2227 E. Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS 66061
913-307-6023
Visit our outdoor showroom
kc@backyardspecialists.com | www.backyardspecialists.com www.facebook.com/BackyardSpecialistsKC/ kcparent.com november 2020
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29 Sunday
Thanksgiving Day Happy Thanksgiving, KC Parent readers! We are thankful for your 35 years of readership and support!
Jumperoo 9:00, Urban Air (Lenexa). A special time when entire park is open for children 5 and under with a parent. Jump, bounce and crawl! UrbanAirTrampolinePark.com
Visit Incredible Pizza 11:00, Incredible Pizza. Bring the family to enjoy the buffet along with indoor rides and lots of games! Visit KCParent.com for a coupon! IncrediblePizza.com
Holiday Market Today & tomorrow, Union Station. Shop an open air, European-inspired market featuring KC’s best makers and artisans. TheStrawberrySwing.com
Back to the 50s Noon, Summit Lanes. Enjoy Back to the 50s when games, shoe rentals, hot dogs and sodas are just 50 cents each with a $5 cover charge. SummitLanes.com
Thanksgiving Day Run & Walk 8:30, 85th Street & Ward Parkway. Kick off Thanksgiving Day with a morning run. WardParkwayThanksgivingDayRun.com
27 Friday Black Friday Deals Thru Dec 1, Backyard Specialists. Shop the Black Friday sale for great savings on a gift the entire family will enjoy! BackyardSpecialists.com 1860s Living History Noon, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm. Take a stagecoach ride, see cookstove and blacksmith demonstrations and more. Mahaffie.org Festival of Lights 4:00, Powell Gardens. Walk a mile-long path spread out over 25 acres that features a variety of immersive light displays. PowellGardens.org Holiday Luminary Walk Today & tomorrow, Overland Park Arboretum. The arboretum transforms into a wonderland of candles, music and holiday fun. OPKansas.org
Small Business Saturday 10:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Find holiday gifts and enjoy lunch or dinner while supporting local businesses. DowntownLS.org The Elves and the Shoemaker Thru Dec 26, City Stage (Union Station). A new dramatization of the classic story of elfin kindness. UnionStation.org Wildlife: Critter Care 2:30, Anita B Gorman Park. Join as we care for our turtles, amphibians and fish and see what these animals eat. Prereg at 816.759.7300. Tree Lighting 5:30, Louisburg Cider Mill. Enjoy the third annual tree lighting ceremony. Enjoy delicious food along with hot apple cider in our Country Store. LouisburgCiderMill.com
30 Monday Dinosaur Road Trip 9:00, Union Station. A walk-through prehistoric adventure with 26 lifesize animatronic dinosaurs that you and your family won’t want to miss! UnionStation.org Visit Legoland 10:00, Legoland Discovery Center. Take the kids to the ultimate indoor playground for the biggest fans of Lego. Purchase tickets at LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com. Winter Magic Thru Jan 2, 5:00, Oakwood Drive (Swope Park). Drive through nearly one mile of a magical holiday light show experience. Purchase tickets online at WinterMagicKC.com.
ORDER ONLINE FOR CONTACTLESS CURBSIDE PICK-UP OR DELIVERY ORDERS.CHARLESTONS.COM
8 8 1 7 S TAT E L I N E R D | K A N S A S C I T Y, M I S S O U R I
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C H A R L E S T O N S R E S TA U R A N T
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SIX-STOP TOUR
HISTORY, HERITAGE AND NATURE: EXPLORATIONS IN OLATHE 1. STEP BACK IN TIME
2. GO FOR A HIKE
3. SUNSET AT THE LAKE
4. FEAST ON BARBECUE
5. EXPLORE DOWNTOWN
Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm is one of the best living history museums in the area. Visitors are invited to learn about the 1860s working farm with horses, chickens, sheep and other livestock. As the only working stagecoach stop on the Santa Fe Trail, this historic site has a rich story to tell. Mahaffie.org
The Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe is a 113-acre park. The park offers miles of paved and rugged nature trails featuring both prairie and wooded areas, as well as ponds and creeks. The nature center is home to indoor exhibits with live turtles, snakes, amphibians and birds. ErnieMiller.com
Take a walk at Kill Creek Park where you can enjoy sunset at the lake. One of the most spectacular sites at the park is the 58-foot-tall Russell and Helen Means Observation Tower. You can enjoy fishing as well as biking, hiking and exploring mountain bike and equestrian trails.
Joe’s KC Bar-B-Que is one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Kansas City. Started in the 1990s, the eatery has won the hearts of local families and celebs alike. Their penultimate barbecue sandwich, the Z-Man, has a faithful following of loyal fans across the metro, and it always goes best with a side of Joe’s signature seasoned fries. JoesKC.com
Downtown Olathe is home to many great local shops and restaurants. The Junque Drawer is “a modern day general store” housed in a restored 1920s home. Favorite places to eat include the Sunflower Café, Park Street Pastry and Olathe’s Downtown Diner. In addition to local businesses, the downtown district also features public outdoor art.
6. CLIMB A BOULDER … INDOORS RoKC Olathe opened this year. Adventurers have a blast bouldering and rock climbing on walls up to 50 feet tall! The facility offers introductory classes and walkin programs for beginners and experts alike, with a variety of styles for every skill level and interest. ClimbKC.com
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kansascityzoo.org | 816.595.1234 | Open Daily
