30 minute read
Things
THANKSGIVING GUIDE, PGS. 48-57
FEATURES
NOVEMBER 2020
IN EVERY ISSUE
10 12 14 15 16 18 49
Date Night 5 Things Dear Teachers Word from Dad Tasty Treats Ask the Experts Craft Corner
SPECIAL SECTIONS
24 48 58
Party Guide Thanksgiving Guide Calendar of Events
32
Embracing Failure Lessons kids learn when things don’t work out.
36
Enough Sleep? Ways to make sure your child gets enough sleep.
50
Thankful Games 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 30 Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep? 36 Consistency in Parenting 38 Thank You Cards 49 Grateful Games 50 Fun Once the Turkey Is Done 53 Hassle-Free November 56
WAYS YOUR FAMILY CAN
SALUTE
A VETERAN
IMPORTANCE OF consistency IN PARENTING
ARE KIDS GETTING ENOUGH
SLEEP?
YOUR NO-STRESS Thanksgiving Guide
GRATEFUL GAMES & CRAFTS
HELPFUL TIPS AND SHORTCUTS
FUN ONCE THE TURKEY’S DONE
GIFT IDEAS GET A START ON HOLIDAY SHOPPING!
KC PARENT IS GIVING $500 TO SUPERHERO TEACHERS!
KC PARENT IS GIVING AWAY 25 FAMILY PASSES TO WINTER MAGIC!
DETAILS AT KCPARENT.COM Ilove 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.
Happy Thanksgiving, Kansas City!
Margaret Sarver, Editor
NOVEMBER 2020
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 CONTENT
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
WAYS YOUR FAMILY CAN
SALUTE
A VETERAN
IMPORTANCE OF consistency IN PARENTING
ARE KIDS GETTING ENOUGH
SLEEP?
YOUR NO-STRESS Thanksgiving Guide
GRATEFUL GAMES & CRAFTS
HELPFUL TIPS AND SHORTCUTS
FUN ONCE THE TURKEY’S DONE
GIFT IDEAS GET A START ON HOLIDAY SHOPPING!
kansas city’s #1 travel guide since 2010 fall/winter 2020-21
QUIRKY KC
THE UNUSUAL & UNIQUE
AGRITOURISM FUN ON THE FARM
3-DAY REUNION
MAKE MEMORIES
kcgoingplaces.com
500+ AMAZING ATTRACTIONS
TACO TOUR
TASTEBUDS TANTALIZED
BEAUTIFUL BYWAYS
SCENIC DRIVES maternitybaby&SINCE 2002
OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2020 | KCPARENT.COM
YOUR GUIDE TO BABY’S FIRST YEAR
MASTERING MATERNITY LEAVE
#PREGNANCY PROBLEMS
WAYS TO HELP A NICU FAMILY
TURN THE TERRIBLE TWOS INTO TERRIFIC TWOS!
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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
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.
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.
4. Hometown Holidays
5. Kids Eat Free
6. Thanksgiving Traditions
7. Fall Fun
8. Birthday Party Guide
9. Easy Recipes
10. Great Giveaways
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DATES WITH LETTER M
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.
Owner John P. Roth DDS and family Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry Specialist in Orthodontics
Locations: Overland Park 913-553-2492 Legends 913-948-8688 NEW OFFICE 435 and Roe coming Jan. 1 StartingPointDental.com
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 14744 West 119th Street Olathe, KS 66062 913-839-1759 Overland Park 9099 West 135th Street Overland Park, KS 66221 913-549-4242 Shawnee 11245 Shawnee Mission Parkway Shawnee, KS 66203 913-268-4455
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 5THINGS WE RIGHT NOW LOVE Podcast My cousin recommended Mike Rowe’s (from the TV time not ordering every one! Check them out and cross Compiled by Margaret Sarver show Dirty Jobs) The Way I Heard It podcast to me several people off your gift a while back, and I’m list! Workman.com sorry I waited so long to start listening to it! Each episode is short, and Rowe reads a story he’s written 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 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 and pops open to reveal marshmallows or some other goodie inside. Not only Pens are they fun, they are yummy! 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
November is National Peanut Butter Lovers
Item #: PCA20151383 QC: cs MUST INITIAL FOR APPROVAL PO: month. Celebrate with these local goodies! Best Peanut Butter Ice Cream: Sylas and Maddy’s, Multiple locations, 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! Brand: Bud Job/Order #:318752 Best Peanut Butter Cookie: PM: Closing Date: 10/10/20 Pub: K C Parent Mag AM: AD: 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:
Kate’s Kitchen, 8002 N. Oak Trfwy., Kansas City, MO, 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 CD: Bleed: none" T rim: 3.9" x 9.875 " CW: breakfast items, waffles remain a favorite. Adventurous patrons love “the King,” waffles topped with warm peanut butter, bananas, powdered sugar and butter! Best Peanut Butter Donut: Donut King, 2320 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO, QC: Live: 3.35" x 9.625" 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 UNDERAGE DRINKING!“
-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.
QA DEARTEACHERS &
BY PEGGY GISLER AND MARGE EBERTS
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.
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.
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.”
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Dr. Rachael Graue Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Dr. J. Reese Graue General Dentist
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 Lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, corn, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, etc.
Example Meal:
Snack – whole grain crackers with carrots, red peppers and green beans dipped in hummus
Protein Lean beef, turkey, chicken, salmon, tuna, eggs, deli meat, soy/garden burgers, nuggets, hot dogs, hummus, nut butters
Example Meal:
Snack – string cheese wrapped up in turkey or ham slices
Grains Always choose “whole wheat” or “whole grain.” Whole wheat crackers, pasta, pita bread, tortillas, bread, whole grain English muffins, crackers, waffles. Brown rice, quinoa, whole grain cereal, oats, etc.
Example Meal:
Lunch – whole wheat pita filled with diced chicken, lettuce, corn, tomatoes and beans, alongside a vanilla yogurt with berries
Dairy Look for fortified vitamin D or added calcium.
String cheese, cottage cheese, yogurts, deli cheese, cheese cubes, fortified milk, milk alternative
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.
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 KVC KANSAS 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
Thuylinh Pham, MD, FAAP CHILDREN’S MERCY HOSPITAL 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 FRY ORTHODONTICS 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 Jonah Nelson FAMILY TREE NURSERY 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.
Q
I’m interested in becoming a foster parent. How do I get started?
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. Megan Maciel Director of Recruitment and Communication KVC Kansas
Q
My teen needs braces, but would like to get Invisalign instead. Will that work to correct his teeth?
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. Dr. Jeremy Fry Fry Orthodontics
Q
Are energy drinks OK for kids?
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! Thuylinh Pham Urgent Care Pediatrician, Children’s Mercy
Q
What can I do to prepare my lawn for winter?
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. Jonah Nelson Store Manager, Family Tree Nursery
FIRST AID TIPS TO TEACH KIDS
Parents 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.
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.
For burns
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.
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.
For bug bites and stings
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.
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 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.
Sarah Lyons is a part-time freelance writer and full-time mom. She lives in Olathe with her family.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.
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
WHAT IS Operation Christmas Child?
NATIONAL COLLECTION WEEK (NOVEMBER 16-23, 2020)
The 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
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
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.
A Private Club Experience that the whole family can enjoy
n Located on 200 acres in the heart of Overland Park at 435 & Antioch.
n Award Winning Junior Golf Program and Family Golf Activities.
n Indoor Golf Studio and Simulator – Practice in the off season.
n A true fitness center with a dedicated aerobic room offering 35 small-size group classes each week.
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n Fully equipped free weight area.
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