KC Parent Magazine August 2014

Where you ďŹ nd family, you will ďŹ nd us.

FREE August 2014 KCParent.com Since 1985

race into the new

school year

+ caffeine and kids beneficial boredom make no mean NO

18 PAGE BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE less stress back-to-school planner tips to save $$$ on supplies fun once the bell rings kcparent.com august 2014

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Sallie L. Veenstra, MD Barbara S. Trites, MD Lisa B. Fletcher, MD Deann E. DeWitt, MD Allison C. Henschel, MD Sarah J. Gladstone, MD Bryan L. Phillips, MD Daniel E. Gershon, DO Veronica Manka, MD Jeffrey P. Yannette, MD Jennifer M. Sauer, MD Ashley Campbell, DO Danielle Leivian, MD

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AUG 2014

DEPARTMENTS 18 PAGE BACK–TO–SCHOOL GUIDE, PG. 34

FEATURES

12

18

26

Getting Ready

Drinking Caffeine

Volunteering

Ensure student athletes are ready to play

Is it safe for kids to have caffeine?

Raise a child who gives back

10

Women’s Health

16

Media Mix

38

Craft Corner

39

Healthy Kids

50

Word from Dad

51

Faith & Family

SPECIAL SECTIONS 28

Party Guide

34

Back-to-School Guide

52

Calendar of Events

Our cover boy is Brant from Shawnee. Cover and select interior photos by KiaBondurant.com Where you find family, you will find us.

FREE August 2014 KCParent.com Since 1985

ON THE COVER Make No Mean NO

race into the new

14

school year

Caffeine & Kids 18 Beneficial Boredom

24

Less Stress Planner

36

Money Saving Tips

44

After School Fun

48

+ caffeine and kids beneficial boredom make no mean NO

18 page Back-To-School guide less stress back-to-school planner tips to save $$$ on supplies fun once the bell rings kcparent.com august 2014

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EDITOR’SLETTER AUGUST 2014 Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com

D

family faves It’s time for Family Faves!

Be sure to nominate and vote for your favorite local businesses.

See details on pg. 12

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Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Kim Tappan Tappan Design Kim@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Lynn Hawkins Advertising@KCParent.com Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Susan Hawke Calendar@KCParent.com Proofreader Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com Local Contributing Writers William Bartlett (Belton), Karah Chapman (Kansas City), Wendy Connelly (Overland Park), Tisha Foley (Belton) Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Jessica Heine (Olathe), Jennifer Higgins (Kearney), Karen Johnson (Olathe), Megan Kapple (Kansas City), Alyssa Klimek (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Jane Blumenthal Martin (Overland Park), Kate Meadows (Louisburg), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Jim Strahle (Kansas City), Melanie Yunger (Shawnee)

Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax OUR PRODUCTS Where you find family, you will find us.

kansas city’s #1 attraction guide

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baby&

Where you find family, you will find us.

do you worry?

mega-fun attractions

common pregnancy concerns answered

+ caffeine and kids beneficial boredom make no mean NO

18 page Back-To-School guide less stress back-to-school planner tips to save $$$ on supplies fun once the bell rings kcparent.com august 2014

THINGS I

DIDN’T

EXPECT WHILE EXPECTING

Plus the best on: starting solids

50 WAYS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH KC watch it made DIY destinations magical waterfalls city nights for grown-ups

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BABY’S 1st SUMMER

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THE PREGNANCY DECISION ISSUE 1 kcparent.com july-sept 2014

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

Member of:

Margaret Sarver, Editor

100% LOCAL

.com

idn’t I just write about the start of summer and how much I enjoy the time off from school?

How in the world did August arrive so quickly?!? Ready or not, it’s here, and it’s time to get prepared. Never fear, KC Parent has you covered. When planning the editorial for this August issue, I wanted articles that would help make back-toschool time less stressful in your home (and mine!). Just the sight of the back-toschool ads makes my blood pressure rise, so I obviously need all the help I can get.

From making the most of the few minutes you have with your kids each morning to fun once the bell rings, and everything in between, our back-to-school guide will help you stay on course.

Confession time. The school year chore that I dislike the most is making lunches.

I really, really dislike it. Why? I’m not 100 percent sure. Part of it is trying to come up with varied options so that my girls aren’t eating the same thing every day (Like I did as a child—for one solid year I ate a cheese sandwich for lunch. Two slices of white bread, cheese and mayonnaise. Yuck!).

Another reason is that making lunches causes me about 15 minutes of extra work in the morning before sending them off to school. I’d personally rather use those 15 minutes for sleep. I also want my girls to eat a nutritious lunch, and I find it a challenge to pack healthy options. Are school lunches the healthier choice? Olathe mom Jessica Heine looks at school lunches vs. homemade lunches. And, if anyone has any tips to help ease the lunch-making stress in my home, I’m all ears!

Whether lauded or loathed, cheered or jeered in your home, the school year is upon us, and I hope that yours is off to a smashing start!

Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com

Circulation verified by:

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

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

We walk to give us time to talk about our day.

Learn more about Walk to School day and the joys of walking to school at WalktoSchoolKC.com.

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WOMENSHEALTH

know your numbers

k

nowing your numbers, in part, pertains to knowing your cholesterol.

Surprisingly, cholesterol isn’t all bad.

In fact, our bodies make all the cholesterol we need to keep us healthy. Cholesterol is also found in the food we eat, specifically animal sources. If we have too much cholesterol in our body, plaque will form within our arteries, making it harder for blood to circulate. Plaque can break open

and form blood clots, too. If this happens in the brain, it is called a stroke. If this occurs in the heart, it is called a heart attack.

Understanding your cholesterol numbers can be quite confusing. Total cholesterol is the sum of your high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglycerides. Total cholesterol should be 200 mg/dl or lower. The HDLs are often referred to as the “good” cholesterol, because they can decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke. So generally speaking, the higher this number, the better! For women, doctors like this number to be 50-60 mg/dl or higher.

The LDLs are called “bad” cholesterol. The higher this number is, the higher your risk for a heart attack or stroke. Ideally, this number should be below 100mg/dl and even lower if you already have heart disease or diabetes. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in our body. Ideally, this number should be below 150 mg/dl.

How do I lower my cholesterol?

• diet: Eat more plants and fewer animal

products. Make sure you are eating at least 9-13 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

• drink plenty of water, at least half your weight in ounces per day.

• move your body. Current

recommendations are to walk at least 30 minutes daily, with aerobic exercise 3-5 times per week. One easy way to document your movement is to purchase a pedometer to calculate your steps daily.

Your goal is 10,000 steps per day.

• start checking cholesterol early — even in childhood. Cholesterol buildup begins as early as age 2.

• decrease or eliminate alcohol from your diet.

• take cholesterol lowering medications when needed.

• monitor closely if you have other

risk factors, including diabetes or high blood pressure.

Melanie Yunger is a wife, mom and nurse practitioner encouraging you to eat a heart healthy diet!

As always, if you have questions or concerns, please visit with your health care provider.

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11

f ensure student athletes are ready for the season

or many kids, playing sports is an important part of growing up, and that’s a good thing. Sports are a great way for children and adolescents to develop lifelong exercise habits, build relationships and learn teamwork.

“Parents can play a vital role in ensuring young athletes train and condition properly,” says Dr. James M. Perrin, 2014 president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “From staying hydrated to wearing safety gear, kids may need periodic reminders.”

Here are ways to help your child avoid common sports hazards:

condition

Athletes reduce their risk of injury by strengthening muscles to protect vulnerable ligaments. This is especially important in certain sports — including soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and lacrosse — in which athletes are prone to injuring their anterior

family faves

cruciate ligament (ACL), which provides stability to the knee.

Girls need to be especially careful, according to statistics.

Adolescent girls are four to eight times more likely to suffer ACL injuries than boys, according to the AAP. Neuromuscular training programs that strengthen the core muscles, hamstrings and hips can significantly reduce one’s risk for injury. This type of training also helps athletes improve their form and have a greater awareness of how to safely pivot, jump and land.

stay hydrated

Water is the best way for kids to stay hydrated while playing or exercising. Sports and energy drinks are heavily marketed to children and adolescents, but in most cases kids don’t need them — and some of these products contain ingredients that could be harmful to children.

Sports drinks that contain carbohydrates and electrolytes can be helpful for young athletes

TUT TUESDAYS

LAST CHANCE!

Log onto KCParent.com and nominate your favorite business in our KC Parent’s Family Faves. Nominations taken from Aug. 14-29. Then, come back and vote beginning Sept. 11. Winning businesses will be featured in the December issue.

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kcparent.com august 2014

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Kansas City, we want to hear from you!

EVERY Tuesday this summer, KC Parent is giving away 2 family 4-packs of tickets to The Discovery of King Tut at Union Station (a total summer value of $3,000). Follow KC Parent on Facebook for instructions every Tuesday with #TutTuesdaysKC.

engaged in prolonged, vigorous exercise, but in most cases they’re unnecessary. Plain water is usually best, as sports drinks contain extra calories and sugar. Energy drinks, which contain stimulants like caffeine, are not healthy for children or teens, according to the AAP. Read the label to know exactly what you’re giving your child. When in doubt, stick to water.

protect your head

Because young athletes’ brains are still developing, it’s important to take head injuries seriously.

Adolescent concussions can cause long-term brain injury. If your young athlete sustains a concussion, he or she should be evaluated by a physician and receive medical clearance before returning to play.

While concussion symptoms usually resolve in seven to 10 days, some athletes may take weeks or months to recover, and some students may need accommodations at school during this recovery.

don’t overdo it

The most common types of sports injury are from overuse. Ignoring pain can worsen the injury and cause long-term damage.

“The best way for parents to prevent overuse injuries is to pay attention to their child’s training schedule,” Dr. Perrin says.

Limit your child to a single sport or team per season, and the training schedule to no more than five days per week. Alternating sports can help avoid burnout. More sports safety tips can be found at HealthyChildren.org.

While sports are an important part of childhood and offer valuable health benefits, parents, coaches and athletes should work together to make sure children participate safely.

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

Did you know?

Soccer has almost doubled in popularity over the past 20 years.

In 1990, 1.6 million kids in the US played soccer. In 2014, that number is just over 3 million!

Are sports drinks

okay for your athlete?

Head to KCParent.com and read about the pros and cons of these popular drinks.

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kcparent.com august 2014

13

make no

mean

o

no!

ne of my boys’ favorite books is

to set limits doesn’t mean they will always

they will eventually give him a different

Dr. Suess’ Horton Hatches the

be well accepted, but learning how to be

answer. Thankfully, these negative habits

Egg. In it, Horton the elephant

consistent will help you develop credibility

can be undone when a child learns that it’s

honorably offers to serve as what might be

with your child as someone who is secure

not worth the effort, because his parents

the least likely substitute mom one could

in his or her answers. Getting there can

are resolute and unswayed. Parents must

think of when the mama bird, Mayzie,

be a process, though. We’ve all seen (or —

acknowledge that these behaviors prohibit

decides she would rather fly off on a

cough, cough — may have) a child who’s

obedience in two ways: They prevent

vacation than fulfill the duties of caring

thrown a fit in the grocery store all because

obeying in the now, and they are a symptom

for her egg. Horton takes her place and, in

he didn’t get what he wanted. Just how do

of disrespect for parental authority.

doing so, endures wind, rain and snow all

you come to a place where, when you say

the while voicing his mantra:

“no,” your child no longer begs, pleads and

negotiating when you’ve already told them

“I meant what I said and I said what I meant... an elephant’s faithful one hundred percent!”

whines in response?

no, avoid engaging in the conversation

First and foremost, establish a clear

If your child is insistent on nagging or

further. Lynn Lott, author of Positive

definition of what obedience is. Within

Discipline, recommends using a method

our home, we use the phrase “obedience is

called “Asked & Answered.” Let’s say Johnny

right away, without delay and with a happy

asks if he can have dessert for breakfast,

Dr. Suess might have been a comical

heart.” There are certainly other ways to get

and you tell him no. Instead of engaging in

children’s writer, but in the midst of this

the point across, but it’s helpful for children

a battle of future protests, let Johnny know

silly tale, he provides some sage parenting

to know that obedience takes place in the

after he asks again that you have already

wisdom within Horton’s creed. Children

immediate (because if it were on their

answered his question and you are not the

hunger to know that their parents say what

timetable, it wouldn’t be obedience!) and

type of parent who will change your mind

they mean and mean what they say. And

is done in a respectful way.

by being asked over and over. Throughout

even though they might protest, it is no

Arguing and back-talking are learned

time, if you maintain this technique, all you

truer than when you, as a parent, lay down

behaviors that come about when a child

need to tell your children when they plead

the law and say no. Just because you need

thinks he can wear his parents down until

is “Asked and answered.”

14

kcparent.com august 2014

Children hunger to know that their parents say what they mean and mean what they say.

Some children may be less inclined to challenge but instead disobey simply from a lack of focus. If your child is highly distracted, have him make eye contact and repeat back to you the rule that you just established to confirm he understands your expectation. Do not count to three as that invalidates your request to obey now.

Limit your no’s to what is absolutely nonnegotiable. If you’re willing to reconsider, say maybe.

Kansas City mom Karen Lang has found that consistency is key. “Realistically ‘no’ doesn’t stick the first time.” she says. “Not

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watering your ‘no’ down by giving in will help children learn over time that your no is no, not a maybe-worth-trying-tomanipulate-into-a-yes.”

Gladstone mom Robin Carroll agrees, adding that finding her children’s form of currency sealed the deal. “We’ve

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made certain that our kids know what is acceptable and what the consequence will be if they decide to do the unacceptable.

When things come up that we haven’t talked to them about, we will give them one warning, along with the consequence if they choose to continue the behavior.”

Remember that it’s your job to enforce limits, not control how your child reacts to them. Overland Park mom Val Uria adds, “There is no harm in offering a hug to maintain a healthy relationship and separating out your affection from the action denied.”

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15

MEDIAMIX

what dreams are made of New Titles Inspire and Motivate Kids to Think and Dream

By McGeath Freeman

Dream Dog

By Lou Berger Illustrated by David Catrow Best for: Ages 3-7

When Harry can’t get a dog because of his dad’s allergies, he does the next best thing–brings his imagination to life.

Using his X-35 helmet, Harry imagines a giant, blue, cloud-like dog. He calls his dream dog Waffle, and they do everything together. But when circumstances

change, Harry’s dad brings home a real dog. It’s rough going until Harry finds a way for Waffle and his new dog, Bumper, to get along. This well-crafted story touches the heart, and Catrow’s signature illustration style adds high energy and humor to the characters.

What’s good: Good for kids with imaginary friends.

What’s bad: : This picture book is a little on the lengthy side.

The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art

By Barb Rosenstock Illustrated by Mary GrandPré Best for: Ages 4-8

Any budding artists or children trying to be themselves can take a lot away from reading about Kandinsky. When his aunt gave him a paint box at a young age, he found that he could hear the colors.

This made Kandinsky want to paint music. But everyone else wanted him to

paint a house or a flower. Kandinsky’s abstract images were far too different and hard to understand. But Kandinsky’s disorder, synesthesia, was also his blessing, and as he grew older, he began to explore the music and sound of colors through abstract art.

What’s good: Vibrant illustrations bring the art to life.

What’s bad: Once again, this is a long picture book and skews to older children.

Lantern Sam and the Blue Streak Bandits

By Michael D. Beil Best for: Ages 8-12

This 1930s adventure follows 10-year-old Henry and a talking cat named Sam as they set out to solve the mystery of a missing girl and capture jewel thieves.

Set on the Shoreliner Express from New York to Chicago, Lantern Sam has an old-time movie appeal that’s hard not

to enjoy. The pacing is quick and the story entertaining, with well-developed lead characters. Lantern Sam’s autobiography is spread throughout, giving a respite from tension on board the train.

If you like trains, cats and mysteries, you can’t go wrong with this book.

What’s good: Plenty of twists to keep even avid mystery readers guessing.

What bad: Secondary characters are difficult to keep straight.

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kcparent.com august 2014

I am ... ... a Mickey Mouse fan. ... a future rock star. ... a little brother. ... a dreamer. ... a blood recipient. ... fearless. ... the man. ... ornery. ... happy. ... fun.

Jack is already a rock star! He is an energetic boy who one day hopes to rock out on the big stage. In the mean time, he continues to battle Acute Myloid Leukemia for the second time.

Jack has needed more than 100 units of blood and platelets to help fight his battle. He is thankful for blood donors who took just 60 minutes out of their day to help save his life.

Who are you?

savealifenow.org kcparent.com august 2014

17

kids and caffeine: is it safe?

In a perfect world, when it comes to kids’ health, they shouldn’t consume any caffeine.

a

bout 73 percent of kids and adolescents consume caffeine daily, according to a 2014 study published in Pediatrics. And although there have been studies to calculate the prevalence of caffeine consumption in our society, the long-term effects that caffeine has on a child’s health have not been adequately studied.

“There isn’t an established U.S. guideline on how much caffeine is safe for a child to consume,” says Dr. Julie Ehly, pediatrician at St. Luke’s Health System. However, Dr. Ehly notes that Canada does have recommended guidelines for caffeine consumption for an elementary-aged child: approximately 43 milligrams of caffeine per day.

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kcparent.com august 2014

Even though there may not be hard evidence dictating how much caffeine is safe for a child, certain side effects may signal that a child is consuming too much of the substance. They can include headaches, jitteriness, nervousness, stomachaches, difficulty sleeping or insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure, high heart rate, irritability, restlessness, weight gain and dehydration. Rare but severe side effects, including seizures, hallucinations, cardiac arrest and even death, also have resulted from high caffeine consumption, but mostly from consuming purified forms of caffeine or medical grade caffeine.

“It can also aggravate a problem that parents may not know that their child has, like an underlying heart issue, anxious condition or behavior problem,” says Dr. Ehly.

To avoid disruptions in sleep, Dr. Jason Graff, medical director of sleep disorders for St. Luke’s Health

System, says that children should avoid caffeine 6 – 7 hours before bedtime. “Caffeine will not only prolong the amount of time it takes a child to fall asleep, but also can increase the number of awakenings, which negatively affects sleep quality,” he says.

When you work to eliminate caffeine from a child’s diet or lessen his consumption, be alert for withdrawal symptoms, which are uncommon but still possible. “It just depends on how frequently the child is ingesting caffeine,” says Dr. Stephen Thornton, medical director of the poison control center at the University of Kansas Hospital.

“It’s a good idea to wean a child off caffeine products slowly with a good plan in place, in order to avoid any withdrawal symptoms.”

“If they get used to the caffeine and then stop using it, they can get headaches and experience fatigue,” says Dr. Stephen Lauer, associate chair of the department

of pediatrics at the University of Kansas Hospital.

“In a perfect world, when it comes to kids’ health, they shouldn’t consume any caffeine,” says Dr. Graff. “The goal is to have kids not drink caffeinated drinks,” says Dr. Lauer. “It’s a stimulant drug, so it’s not a good idea to give it to a child.”

Alyssa Klimek is an adjunct instructor at Johnson County Community College and a local freelance writer. She currently lives in Kansas City.

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

counting caffeine Not all food and drink labels include how much caffeine the items contain, but Dr. Stephen Thornton stresses the importance of reading labels carefully. “When you look at the ingredients, it will list caffeine, but it will also list many other sources of caffeine, like guarana,” he says. “You might see caffeine listed once, but there might be other natural products listed that contain caffeine as well, so the actual caffeine content is actually higher than people think.”

Here are some common items, including how much caffeine is in each.

Sunkist orange soda: 41 mg Can of Coke: 35 mg

Send her back to school with the Safe, proven protection of vaccineS. Making sure that your child receives all her vaccinations is one of the most important things you can do as a parent to ensure her long-term health—as well as the health of friends, classmates, and others in your community.

Ask your child’s health care provider if she has all the recommended vaccines before sending her back to school or call 913-826-1261 or visit www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Bar: 31 mg Barq’s root beer: 23 mg

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19

not just for grown-ups exploring some of kansas city’s most “grown-up” museums

w

riting has always

to begin to appreciate art and find their

been my first love —

favorite pieces. I want them to ask and

specifically writing about

inquire about historic inventions that

Kansas City. But, once

may seem archaic to us but were perhaps

upon a time, it was my dream to be a

used by our grandparents and great-

museum curator. Once, in my teens, while

grandparents just a few generations ago.

I volunteered at a local museum, I was

I want their world to be larger than their

visiting with the curator about her job.

bedrooms and playrooms, and so we

She told me how she dreamed of working

visit museums.

at a museum, going behind the scenes and discovering the secrets held within. And

just-for-grown-ups attractions in Kansas

that is exactly what intrigued me. I loved

City and why we, as a family (including

learning stories about the people who

young children), love them:

Photos Courtesy of the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association.

lived long ago, who shaped the world we live in and who once held in their hands the artifacts we now admire.

Yes, I abandoned my career in

20

kcparent.com august 2014

The National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial

museums for my greater love of writing,

(100 W. 26th St., Kansas City, MO,

but museums still hold a special place

816.888.8100, www.TheWorldWar.org).

in my heart. And so, I take my children

More than 50 years ago, my grandfather

to museums, including those typically

proposed to my grandmother at Liberty

considered “grown-up” attractions.

Memorial, and more than 10 years ago my

Every one of my daughters has visited

husband proposed to me at the same spot.

the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art,

We make it a tradition to revisit every

the Truman Presidential Library, the

year and take photos, and we especially

National World War I Museum at Liberty

love to go to the top of the tower for

Memorial and other similar sites in

spectacular views of the city. Within the

strollers, holding hands and, now as early

museum walls below, however, lies one

elementary girls, with notebooks in tow.

of the best historic sites in the Midwest,

I want my children to be comfortable National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial

These are a few of our favorite not-

the National World War I Museum. With

learning, exploring, asking questions

tremendous state-of-the-art exhibits

and discovering new things. I want them

telling the story of World War I and, more

importantly, the soldiers and civilians of the era —their sacrifices, their journeys—this is one of Kansas City’s most important attractions.

Before our visit, we talked a bit about the war, and the girls visited with our elderly neighbor whose father fought in World War I. Realizing that World War I is a complex era of history for anyone to grasp, but especially the youngest visitors, the museum provides a free family gallery guide booklet for children.

The guidebook includes a map of the galleries, games, puzzles, question and answer sections for various exhibits and a scavenger hunt to complete throughout the galleries. The guidebook is wonderful and helped my children appreciate learning about the artifacts and exhibits throughout the museum. We learned about German spiked helmets, the American Red Cross, the role of women during the war and differences between the various militaries.

Union Station Kansas City

Hands-on exhibits throughout, including largescreen technology allowing visitors to design propaganda, explore World War I-era Kansas City and learn more about the period, helped shape our girls’ perspective of history.

The museum takes a full afternoon to explore, and they do offer a café for a snack break, as well as trips to the top of the tower (an elevator ride followed by climbing several dozen stairs to the top) for photos.

The Discovery of King Tut at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.460.2020, www.UnionStation.org). Union Station brings world-class touring exhibits to Kansas City for wonderful educational opportunities without the price of a travel fare, and as a local mom, I love this! The Discovery of King Tut exhibit offers a recreation of King

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

kcparent.com august 2014

21

Tut’s tomb and treasure. The exhibit takes

vendors in the district, a variety of fantastic

excavated her remains, creating one of the

visitors on a journey to learn about the 1922

restaurants to choose from and dozens

most fascinating museums in the metro.

discovery of the young pharaoh’s tomb and

of art galleries to explore, First Fridays

Families learn about life in the 1850s and

an exploration of more than 1,000 treasures.

are a firsthand arts experience unlike

the day-to-day objects families would use

Audio tours are included, allowing guests

any other. Visitors will find a variety of

in their homes, all discovered in the bottom

to select which portions of the tour to

galleries to enjoy, each featuring different

of the Missouri River in the shipwreck.

listen to in their chosen order. The exhibit

artists working with a variety of media

The exhibits cover the discovery of the

first teaches about King Tut’s Egyptian era

and exhibiting all types of art. So much

steamboat, her rescue and the restoration of

and culture, then it covers the discovery

to see and enjoy! Before visiting, I always

the treasures aboard. Before visiting, read

of his tomb and treasure. Finally, visitors

explore the Crossroads district website

about life in the 1850s with classic children’s

experience firsthand a replica site of the

for information on current exhibits. Some

books like Little House on the Prairie or the

burial chamber and learn about ancient

exhibits are more family-friendly than

works of Mark Twain.

Egyptian burial practices, religious beliefs

others, and some are more interesting to

and customs.

our family than others. We never have

all the nuances of history or art when

Before the tour, we read about Egypt and

I know my children do not understand

time to see them all, so I choose in

we visit a museum, but I also know that

King Tut in particular (thanks to the local

advance which galleries to explore. It is

learning about historic treasures, having the

library), and we visited the Egyptian art on

a wonderful free way to learn about a

opportunity to ask questions and explore

display at the Nelson-Atkins Museum

variety of current art forms, and many

and seeing things firsthand spark a curiosity

of Art (www.Nelson-Atkins.org).

of the artists are on hand to answer

and interest that will serve them well. And,

questions about their art.

in my opinion, discovering the secrets of

First Fridays in the Crossroads

treasures is, well, amazing fun!

(www.KCCrossroads.org) On the first

Arabia Steamboat Museum

Friday of each month, the Kansas City

(400 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO,

Kristina Light has many fond memories of

Crossroads district becomes a celebration

816.471.4030, www.1856.com) The

discovering treasures at historic sites in her

of the arts for the entire community. With

steamboat Arabia sank in 1856 in the

youth with her friend Evelyn, and now she

live music on street corners, food truck

Missouri River, and the Hawley family

takes her girls on “treasure hunts.”

Kansas City Crossroads District

22

kcparent.com august 2014

Will you be my s uperhero?

Are you interested in changing a child’s life by welcoming a boy or girl with intellectual/developmental disabilities into your home and becoming their “real-life superhero”?

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For more information on how you can become a therapeutic foster family for a child with special needs, please contact Lakemary’s Supported Family Living Coordinator at (913) 671-1800 ext. 207 today.

older kids need immunizations, too!

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s kids get older, they are at increased risk for some infections. Plus the protection

provided by some of the childhood vaccines begins to wear off, so kids need a booster dose. There are four recommended vaccines that preteens should get when they are 11 – 12 years old. Plus, it’s not too late to get any shots they may have

www.lakemaryctr.org

missed. You can use any health care visit, including sports physicals or some sick visits, to get the shots your kids need. The vaccines for preteens and teens are:

• HPV vaccine for both boys and girls, which protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cancer.

• Tdap vaccine, which is a booster against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

• Meningococcal vaccine, which protects against meningococcal disease.

• Influenza (flu) vaccine, because

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Want to learn more about the vaccines for preteens and teens?

Check out CDC.gov/vaccines/teens or call 1.800.CDC.INFO. As always, please consult with your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Learn how you can educate your child at home with our tuition-free K–8 option and personal support.

Visit our events page for more information and a schedule of upcoming activities!

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23

beneficial boredom:

A great new book offers activities for when kids say, “I’m bored.” Check out this cool activity from the book.

Having nothing to do can be best

i

t is the end of summer, and the pool is no longer a novelty. Camps are coming to a close, and school is not in session for a few more weeks. This is when the “I’m so bored” chant begins. While those words and the tone in which they are uttered are like nails on a chalkboard, they also can open the door to encouraging healthy creative skills in your child.

“Children are often used to having activities planned for them, so when they have time that is not structured, it can lead to the “I’m bored” scenario. And they struggle with what to do with themselves in this seemingly unfamiliar situation,” says Jessica Woodruff, a licensed clinical social worker (MO) and licensed specialist clinical social worker (KS).

While it may seem important to keep your child busy with activities, allowing him

to face times without structure is beneficial.

“Unstructured playtime can result in their finding out what they are really good at, and it encourages them to be creative,” Woodruff says. “Many of our most successful ideas and inventions in this society came from people having time to sit and daydream and envision what they wanted to make or become in the future.”

Meagan Patterson, a Kansas City-area mother, says that over time her only son has become accustomed to filling his time, but that it took modeling those behaviors and encouraging him to structure his own time.

“When our son, who is now 7, was younger, we made a conscious effort to not give in to his every demand to be entertained or for constant attention from others,” says Patterson. “We knew how important it was for him to be able to fill his own time.”

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Woodruff also encourages families to have a supply box that can be pulled out when that boredom bug hits, to provide a source for the creative freedom to get started.

“When our son complains of boredom, we usually give him some suggestions or choices of things that he could do,” says Patterson.

So next time the pouting, moping “I’m so bored” situation begins, embrace the opportunity to encourage brainstorming skills, foster problem solving abilities and strengthen the natural curiosities that make childhood such a great time.

Karah Chapman is a school psychologist in the Kansas City area who believes that some of the best childhood creations are started by using boredom effectively.

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pocket puzzle game

in the graph paper. Repeat with the other colors of foam sheets. Try to think of a wide variety of shapes and designs, following the lines of the graph paper — so the puzzle will fit together when done. Tape a piece of graph paper inside the lid on the tin.

Have your kids play with their puzzle solo or as a group, taking turns adding a new piece. The goal is to fill the entire lid so that there aren’t any blank spaces without pieces.

101 kids activities that are the bestest, funnest ever!

Excerpt from 101 KIDS ACTIVITIES THAT ARE THE BESTEST, FUNNEST EVER!

by Holly Homer and Rachel Miller Page Street Publishing/June 2014

modifications for younger kids Make the pieces bigger and use a lunchbox instead of a small tin to hold the parts.

Using foam pieces, magnets and a metal mint container, you can create a puzzle to work together at home or on the go.

materials (to make one pocket puzzle)

• • • • •

A variety of colored sticky foam sheets Magnetic sheet or old magnetic business cards Graph paper Scissors Small tin box

Peel the backing from the foam sheets and stick the magnets to the foam. We worked with small sections so we didn’t waste all the magnets or foam. Lay the graph paper over the magnetic foam sheet and cut out a collection of shapes, following the lines If your child is facing challenges in school, “excelling” may seem out of reach. We specialize in working with students who don’t always “fit into the box.”

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modifications for older kids Add the rule that they can’t have pieces of the same color touch. Or have them try to create an image, like a house, inside the puzzle. You can also make this a timed event. Give them 3 minutes to completely fill the surface with no gaps. Shorten the time if they need more challenge. To make the game more complicated for older kids, make a rule that they can only place pieces of one color.

tip Make a set of puzzle pieces for the fridge.

Great for both holding to-do notes and helping entertain a child during meal preparation!

When kids say “I’m bored,” hand them this book. It includes tons of great activities, many of which can be done with materials found in your home. The ideas in the book are sure to spark their imagination and creativity!

“Boredom is the garden in which play grows. It is a motivation for action and a blank slate for creativity.”

Growing young minds around the world.

Growing young minds around the world.

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25

raising a child who gives back “Volunteers are paid in six figures... S-M-I-L-E-S.” – Gayla LeMaire

w

hat does it mean to “give back” to the community, and why is it important that our children participate? At what age should we begin to instill this value in our kids? And how do we, as parents, foster volunteerism?

“Giving back,” or performing acts of service in the community, will…

•

uild your children’s confidence, B self-esteem and self-worth.

• Teach your children responsibility.

• M ake your children feel powerful and believe that they can change the world!

• H elp your children appreciate their world and all that they have.

• I mprove bonds between you and your children.

We, as parents, should start having our children “give back” to the community at a very early age. As young as 2 or 3, children can perform simple acts of community service, drop a nickel into a donation bucket or donate an old toy to a child who is less fortunate. It helps to make “giving back” a regular part of life—a tradition on a weekly, monthly or yearly basis. Working with your child’s interests and abilities is also essential.

As parents, we should not overdo it or underdo it. If it seems random and half-hearted, it will be meaningless.

However, if it is forced, it will also be meaningless. Find something your child is good at or enjoys and work within those parameters. If your son loves to read, help him organize a book drive. If your daughter bonds with animals, have her volunteer at the local animal shelter. Ask for THEIR input and have them brainstorm ideas

26

kcparent.com august 2014

with you. Most importantly, TALK about the experience, before and after. Beforehand, help them know what to expect. If they are visiting the elderly, prepare them for the types of conditions they may see. Afterward, ask them how they felt as they were helping others.

Listed below are some ideas for helping your children “give back” to the Kansas City community. Also listed are some websites with additional resources and local organizations your children can join.

birthday/holiday season ideas: Play “One Comes In, One Goes Out.” Basically, for each new gift your child receives, he/she puts one in a bag to donate.

Fill a bag for Santa. The idea is to fill a bag with toys your children are ready to part with and leave the bag near the Christmas tree. Santa will then pick it up on Christmas Eve and bring it to children who are less fortunate.

Visit the elderly or infirm at hospitals or senior citizen centers.

Have your kids make Christmas tree ornaments or homemade gifts and deliver them in person. You also can Christmas carol through the halls! In February, kids can deliver valentines, or in October, they can trick-or-treat at hospitals or assisted living centers.

(These events need to be set up ahead of time, so you would need to contact administrators to organize a visit.)

year-round ideas: Teach your children to regularly give a portion of their allowance or birthday money to a church or charity.

One idea is to have three cups for dividing their money: one cup for

spending, one cup for saving and one cup for giving.

Collect and donate teddy bears to your local police and/or fire station. When police officers or firefighters have to comfort children in times of distress, especially if the children are apart from their parents, the officers often like to have teddy bears in their cars to help calm the children.

While back-to-school shopping, fill a backpack with school supplies for a child in need. Contact your local elementary school and ask where donations are most needed.

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”

– Oscar Wilde

pay it forward!

• Rake a neighbor’s lawn or

• Walk the dog or care for a pet

• Leave a welcome gift (such as

• Hand out cold water to

• Write thank you notes to

shovel a neighbor’s driveway.

of a neighbor who is elderly, ill or has just had a baby.

a coffee mug filled with candy or a bouquet of flowers) as a welcome gift on the porch of a new neighbor. construction workers or police officers on a hot day. firefighters and police officers and deliver them in person.

Karen Johnson is a former high school English teacher turned stay-at-home mom.

She lives in Olathe with her three children, ages 5, 3 and 1. Follow her adventures at 21stCenturySAHM.blogspot.com

kcparent.com august 2014

27

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tv alternatives for tots

t

he American Academy of

Story time. Many TV shows tout

If you are looking for more structured

Pediatrics recommends that

educational benefits, but nothing has

activities, consider signing up for a

children 2 and older get no

been proven to grow a child’s mind

mommy and me music class or swim

more than two hours of screen

like reading to him. By encountering

lessons. And don’t underestimate

time a day, while those under 2

new stories and familiar favorites, a

the value of simply stepping outside

watch none. For most parents, this

child develops improved speech and

and letting an adventure begin in

isn’t new information. We all know

critical language skills, mastery of

your own backyard. Dig holes, blow

excessive TV time is linked to some

language, increased attention span

bubbles, plant a garden and jump in

unfortunate consequences, such as

and the added benefit of discovering

puddles!

childhood obesity, language delays

that reading is fun. Plus, moments

and shortened attention spans. Yet

spent snuggled together with books

Play dates. Play dates are a

all too often the television inevitably

in hand cultivate sweet memories for

win-win, as little ones get a chance

finds its way into most little ones’

you and your child!

to practice their social skills while

days in the hope that it can provide

Mom (or Dad) enjoys some adult

entertainment or educational value

Outings. Field trips need not be

(if not allow Mom and Dad bit of free

reserved for the elementary school

time and a much needed break).

crowd. Toddlers are innately curious.

Rotate simple toys. Electronic

Reducing or completely eliminating

Channel that inquisitive spirit by taking

toys that flash, jiggle, talk and make

screen time is only half the battle.

your little one to places where he can

music seem alluring, but the more a

Providing alternative means of activity

ask numerous questions and engage

toy does for a child, the less the child

is essential.

his senses. Go on a nature walk,

has to do with the toy. Simple toys like

venture to a new park system, visit

blocks, chunky puzzles, Legos and

the zoo or attend a library story hour.

Lincoln Logs allow a child to direct the

30

kcparent.com august 2014

conversation at the same time!

enjoyed for long amounts of time

Imaginative play. Why watch

Self-directed play. So often,

a show when you can put one on

parents feel obligated to schedule

with no batteries required. By rotating

yourself? Encourage your little one

every moment of their little one’s

toys over a given course of time,

to take center stage in her own

day, but children do not need to

you can keep toys in better shape—

production by keeping costumes,

be entertained 24/7. In fact, young

and they hold greater appeal long

puppets and finger puppets in a

children are much better served by

term. This tactic also helps keep

place where she can easily access

having free time to discover, explore

clutter at bay!

them.

and grow through imaginative and

Exhaust the art supplies.

Turn it up! Nothing breaks up

activity of the toy and can be

Chalk, finger paint, play dough and

the monotony of the day like busting

crayons can get a serious amount

out some good tunes. Pandora has

of mileage with the toddler crowd.

multiple children’s stations available

And why not? It’s fun to make a mess

for free (our family’s personal favorite

all in the name of being creative!

Art supplies can be simple and

is Disney Stories & Songs).

independent play. By setting up designated safe spaces within your home for free play, you encourage your child to cultivate independence — all under your watchful eye.

Olathe mom Lauren Greenlee aspires to watch less and do more with her

inexpensive. Reserve an old bed sheet

Movie for the mind. Audio

exclusively as a tablecloth and an

books, particularly those that are

old T-shirt as your child’s smock. Dollar

dramatized, make for entertaining

stores stock coloring books, drawing

alternatives to screen time, too (and

paper, paint and crayons year-round,

young children passively listening

Foundation study, 74 percent of all

while most retailers sell art supplies on

continue to gain exposure to good

infants and toddlers have watched

steep discount soon after the school

grammar and expanded vocabulary).

TV before the age of 2, 48 percent of

season is in full swing.

What’s not to love about that?

which view television on a daily basis.

family faves We want to hear from you!

three little ones.

Did You Know?

According to a Kaiser Family

Teaching children and adults the love of dance for 43 years.

now enrolling!

recreation & competitive levels ages 2 & up Log onto KCParent.com and nominate your favorite business in our KC Parent’s Family Faves.

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Then, come back and vote beginning Sept. 11. Winning businesses will be featured in the December print issue.

913.764.4146 135th St. & South Arapaho Dr. www.leighsschoolofdance.com kcparent.com august 2014

31

Choose your favorite summer fruits and flavors to make Fruity Frozen Pops and Cubes — a frosty treat made with four simple ingredients.

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kcparent.com august 2014

celebrate national peach month with a delectable peach treat from a local restaurant!

■ If you’re in the mood for old-fashioned homemade ice cream, visit Murray’s Ice Cream (https://Facebook.com/ MurraysIceCreams) and try peach melba, a favorite summer flavor!

■ After enjoying the ultimate soul food buffet, including peach marmalade ham, top it off with the best peach cobbler in town at The Peach Tree (two locations: PeachTreeRestaurants.com).

■ For a taste of New Orleans, try the peach beignet at Beignet in the City Market (307 Main St., Kansas City, MO, 816.472.0777).

■ Lollicup in the River Market (409 Main St., Kansas City, MO, 816.527.0056) is the place for the most refreshing peach tea in town.

■ For the foodie, Glace Artisan Ice Cream (locations at GlaceIceCream.com) is a favorite destination. Known for unique gourmet ice cream made with fresh ingredients, the shop’s caramelized peach ice cream is a summer favorite!

JOIN THE 15,000 PEOPLE WHO ALREADY ENJOY OUR WEEKLY E-NEWS.

■ The Johnson County favorite Sylas & Maddy’s (11925 S. Strang Line Rd., Olathe, 913.393.3500) offers a creamy peach smoothie.

■ Steak ‘n Shake (locations at SteakNShake.com) also serves a tasty peach shake.

■ Yogurtini (locations at Yogurtini.com) is one of our favorite frozen yogurt shops with delicious peach yogurt and peach slices as a topping (menu varies weekly).

■ Treat your sweet tooth to something special with a raspberry peach cupcake from GiGi’s Cupcakes (locations at GigisCupcakesUSA.com).

Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar Development An Intervention Study

JUST WHAT YOU WANT THE BEST WEEKEND PLANNER FOR FAMILY FUN IN KC!

■ Enjoy a delicious breakfast of peach crepes at Succotash (2601 Holmes St., Kansas City, MO, 816.421.2807), where they use ingredients from local farmers for a healthy, natural and local menu.

Does your child have a language delay?

To study the effects of adult speech on grammatical development of preschoolers with language delays.

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Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar Development in Preschoolers with Specific Language Delay PURPOSE

BENEFITS

To study the effects of adult speech on grammatical development of preschoolers with language delay.

Caregivers receive a summary of all testing for their child, whether or not the child qualifies for the study.

WHO QUALIFIES?

CAREGIVER RESPONSIBILITIES

Children 4 and 5 years old with developmental delays that appear to be specific to language.

Bring your child to KUMC for up to 4 preliminary evaluations of your child’s communication skills.

Attend 10 study sessions at KUMC or at home.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY AT Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar Development KCPARENT.COM Contact: Dr. Marc E. Fey PLUS, JOIN OUR 14,000+ FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS!

PURPOSE

Contact: Dr. Marc E. Fey Hearing & Speech Dept. • KU Medical Center Hearing & Speech Dept. • KU Medical Center (913) 588-0574 • mfey@kumc.edu or visit our website alliedhealth.kumc.edu/school/research/fey (913) 588-0574 • mfey@kumc.edu

Children receive 24 intervention sessions either in their home or at KUMC. Children receive a gift card good for new books.

Caregivers receive a summary of all testing for their child, whether or not the child qualifies for the study.

WHO QUALIFIES? 3 and 4 year old children with developmental delays that appear to be specific to language.

CAREGIVER RESPONSIBILITIES Bring your child to KUMC for up to 4 preliminary evaluations of your child’s communication skills.

Allow your child to participate in 24 intervention sessions, twice a week for 12 weeks. Bring your child to KUMC for testing sessions half way through and at the end of the study. Families are reimbursed for travel to KUMC.

FACEBOOK/KANSASCITYPARENT kcparent.com august 2014

33

BACK TO SCHOO L It’s August, and kids all over the metro are preparing to head back to school. The KC Parent back-to-school guide has you covered to make the most of the upcoming year. From tips for a fantastic first day to terrific ideas for fun once the bell rings, we’ll help you rock this year!.

table of contents

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kcparent.com august 2014

35

Fantastic First Day

36

Less Stress Planner

38

Pencil Creatures

39

School Lunches

40

Smart Start

42

Morning Routines

44

Back to Savings

46

Carpool Time

48

After School Fun

50

How Was School?

51

Gather the Outcasts

5

tips for a fantastic first day pack a snack

Remember that aforementioned breakfast? Kids will be hungry, tired and most likely grumpy when you pick

get up early

No matter how much you plan, you are sure to hit at least one snag the first morning. Whether it’s a camera with dead batteries, a glob of jelly spilled on the new shirt or hair that just won’t cooperate, plan on a few extra minutes to deal with the drama.

them up or they arrive home in the afternoon. Be sure to have a protein snack in the car or waiting at home to help fill them up after a long day of settling back into a routine.

remember you

After drop off, don’t head back to an empty house.

Plan a coffee with friends or head to a local breakfast spot to dine with your hubby. Celebrate the start of the

make breakfast

to school on the first day, on time, with school supplies.

You’ll notice I didn’t say to eat breakfast. That’s be-

That, my friends, is an accomplishment in and of itself

cause kids are nervous, and tummies have butterflies.

and deserves to be toasted.

But starting the day with breakfast is still important.

Serve something a bit on the lighter side — toast, a waffle with Nutella or a smoothie — so at least a few bites can be taken before heading out the door.

new school year and celebrate you! You got the kids

While Lenexa mom Margaret Sarver doesn’t look forward to getting back into the school routine, she does love the first day coffee with friends.

Cartoon by Jim Strahle who makes his home in Kansas City.

take pictures

After making sure your camera has batteries and the memory card isn’t full, fire it up and start clicking away. We take first day photos in the same spot every year. My girls love to look at how they have changed from year to year. Bring the camera into school and snap a shot with the teacher, as well. Your kids may roll their eyes now, but they will cherish these photos in the future.

kcparent.com august 2014

35

a

s s e l s s e r your st r e n n a l p l o o h c s o t back few years ago I took my two young children backto-school shopping just a week before the big day.

We had a mile-long list of supplies and clothing to buy and three stores to hit.

It was tax-free weekend in Missouri, and I thought by leaving the house fairly early in the morning we would beat the rush.

Well, evidently I wasn’t the only one who had that thought. The stores were absolutely packed with harried parents, whiny kids and overflowing shopping carts blocking the aisles.

When we arrived home hours later, the kids were having meltdowns, we were still missing a few

items on our list and I was beyond stressed. “Never again!” I vowed.

Since that nerve-racking day, I have avoided tax-free weekend, deciding that saving a few bucks is not worth losing my sanity. However, I still tend to wait until the eleventh hour to finish our todo list before the new school year begins.

Do you also feel the stress of back-to-school time? Are you scrambling around in the days prior to that first bell, searching for the right pencils and the kids’ immunization records? If so, here is a guide to help you space out those tasks in the weeks leading up to the big day.

one month before school starts make appointments. Book all the checkups • your child needs: doctor, dentist, optometrist, etc. Be sure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date now.

• closets, donate old clothes, toss or file last purge time! Now is the time to organize

year’s school papers and get rid of the used-up glue sticks and such that your kids toted home in May.

go shopping. Choosing new clothes now • ensures that the selection won’t be picked over

two weeks before confirm fall childcare. If your kids will need • childcare before or after school — whether

through the school, a center or an individual — verify their registration and make sure all paperwork is signed.

and stores won’t be too crowded.

on a schedule. Tracy Sample, principal at • get Lee’s Summit Elementary, says, “Two weeks out,

tion. If your school doesn’t, find out when open enrollment is, where you need to go and what paperwork you need.

get haircuts. Now’s the time to trim those • locks, before the stylist gets backed up. Also, if

Many school districts, including the • register.

Blue Valley School District, offer online registra-

three weeks before buy supplies. Most districts post supply lists on • their websites. Figure out which items you need to buy and do it now so you won’t be traveling to Timbuktu to find a specific brand of glue come mid-August.

• for your children and fill a caddy with plenty of

organize at home. Create a homework center

36

pencils, erasers and rulers. Assign a bin or drawer for this year’s school papers and artwork.

kcparent.com august 2014

kids need to start following their school routine in regard to sleeping, eating and taking medication.”

she nicks those bangs a little too short, they’ll have time to grow out a bit before the big day.

transportation. Go over bus routes, • confirm make a test run of the drive to a new school or verify carpool schedules.

your calendar. Mark half days, holi• update days, school breaks, sports practices and after school care on the family calendar for everyone to see. Remember to request off days at work if needed.

one week before have an outing with the kids. Ease back• to-school the school. Most schools host a back-to• visit anxiety by treating the kids to a fun school night around this time. Your child can use this opportunity to meet his teachers, familiarize himself with the school and ease any anxiety by having his questions answered.

a school year schedule. Sit with your • make children and brainstorm home routines. When will they do homework and chores, practice sports, etc.? Set house rules: No electronics until homework is done, for example.

plan an outing with your friends. Ecstatic • the kids are going back to school? Sad that

your baby is starting kindergarten? If possible, arrange a coffee or lunch date with your friends for the first day of school; they will join in the enthusiasm or be a shoulder to cry on.

three days before

• lunch foods and after school snacks. Stores

stock up on food. Purchase breakfast and

usually have these items on sale now, and coupons are plentiful — check the newspaper and online.

a breakfast menu. Choose simple, • create protein-rich foods that will give your kids the boost they need to make it until lunchtime.

Sample menu: whole wheat toast with peanut butter, yogurt cup and fruit.

excursion. Belton mom Lisa Ochieng says, “Our big tradition is to go on a back-to-school date. We get pedicures and then pick a fun place to play.”

the night before

• pack backpacks. lay out first-day outfits, down to socks, shoes • and hair accessories.

• charge camera/phone for first-day photo ops. prepare lunches and have breakfast items • ready to go. have everything — backpacks, shoes, keys, • lunchboxes, camera, purse, etc. — in one place, preferably by the door you’ll be exiting.

• review tomorrow’s routine.

• start the bedtime routine early.

• set alarm clocks. allow plenty of time for bedtime snuggles, • stories and chitchat. Kids often feel anxious

before a new school year and may need to “talk it out” and get reassurance from you.

Rushing them into bed won’t help their stress.

Tisha Foley’s two children will be in the fifth and second grades. They make their home in Belton.

fast facts

• 2012 was a record-setting year for back-to-school spending. The average family spent

$688.62 on items such as clothing, electronics, backpacks and other supplies. (National Retail Federation)

• The average pencil can write 45,000 words and draw a line 35 miles long. More than 2 billion pencils are used in the United States every year. (Discover magazine)

• In 1995, approximately 50 percent of American schools had internet access. Today, that number is 100 percent. (U.S. Census Bureau)

• According to a study done by Yale University, the smell of a crayon ranks #18 on the list of most recognizable scents for adults.

BACK TO SCHOO L

kcparent.com august 2014

37

CRAFTCORNER

make

these adorable pencil creatures with your kids as a way to

pass the time until school starts, as well as to send them off with some funky pencils that will stand out from the rest of the class!

back-to-school craft: pencil creatures it’s

that time of year. School sup-

plies are filling up the shopping carts,

step 1:

Remove the eraser from the pencil.

and kids are getting antsy as the last few weeks of summer wrap up. Make these adorable pencil creatures with your kids as a way to pass the time until school starts, as well as to send them off with some funky pencils that will stand out from the rest of the class!

step 2:

Cover the pencil in

washi tape. To prevent wrinkling,

wrap a piece around the top and bottom of the pencil. Then, wrap the middle portion of the pencil, holding the tape at an angle.

step 3:

Fill the end of the pencil with hot

glue and place on your pom poms.

materials needed: Pencils

Washi tape Pom poms

step 4:

Use small dots of glue to add the

eyes. Make them as silly or crazy as you want!

Googly eyes Hot glue gun Megan Kapple is a blogger from Kansas City, MO, where she lives with her husband and three young daughters. She loves anything DIY and crafty and blogs about her adventures at www.HomemadeGinger.com.

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kcparent.com august 2014

HEALTHYKIDS

t

school lunch vs. sack lunch eaching children to eat healthily

1/2 cup of fruit or veggies. Second, the meal

are eating healthily and abiding by your

is easy when they are at home and

must provide at least two other food groups

food choices.

only face the choices we stock in

(protein, dairy, carbohydrates and either a

our own pantries and fridges. Away

fruit or vegetable, whichever was not chosen

oldest was in preschool — that even when

from home, things become a little trickier.

previously). Shawnee Mission, Olathe and

I packed a lunch I thought she’d love, she

All of us have been in the grocery store and

many other local districts do not have these

still exercised some nutrition independence.

had hungry little kids attempt to bargain

specific requirements but state that each of

Many times the first things she ate were the

some junk food into our purchase, maybe

their meals contain fruit, vegetables, whole

pretzel and any other carbs that I packed,

even trying to slip something into the cart

grains, meat and low-fat dairy. All of these

and the apple slices and baby carrots came

when our attention was elsewhere. So, what

school districts also say they monitor

back home with her.

happens when the lunchtime hunger hits at

calories, saturated fat and sodium weekly

school?

and meet the criteria and regulation of

packed lunches, I don’t know whether one

the USDA.

option is healthier than the other. Children

Many local school districts have pro-

I learned early, though — when my

When it comes to school or home-

grams in place to provide healthy options to

Regulations may be in place, but does

our children and offer a variety of food in all

that mean our children will pick the healthi-

make, and even if they eat the fruit, they

five food groups. Blue Valley, Blue Springs

est item on the menu? Mine won’t. If yours

may also choose the chocolate milk.

and Lee’s Summit follow two requirements

do, please tell me your secret! Packing a

to make their lunches qualify as complete

lunch yourself may seem like a surefire way

Jessica Heine is a labor and delivery nurse.

meals. First, lunches must contain at least

to make sure your children

She lives with her family in Olathe

healthy choices when packing a lunch:

are going to make the choices they want to

• Apple slices with PB dipping sauce • Turkey and cheese rolled up (held by a toothpick) • Pasta salad (can be eaten at room temp and add whatever veggies you want) • Carrots, cucumber or pepper with hummus or ranch • Cheese, crackers, pepperoni to stack (homemade lunchable) • Frozen grapes • hard boiled eggs and muffin • Peanut butter and jelly sandwich or PB and honey • Any frozen veggie (by lunch time it becomes thawed) • Build your own pizza (whole wheat pita or tortilla, marinara sauce and cheese)

BACK TO SCHOO L

kcparent.com august 2014

39

get a smart start tips on setting goals for a successful school year

“What do they want to learn and how do they want to accomplish it?

Asking themselves these questions really helps [students] to take ownership of their own learning.”

–Danelle Marsden, principal, Linden West Elementary School

a

At New Mark Middle School in Kansas City, students need only look as far as their school mascot to discover five expectations their teachers and peers have of them during any given school year. The Northstars are expected to be selfstarters, trustworthy, ambitious, respectful and success-driven. Together, the first letter of each goal forms the acronym STARS. It’s easy and largely expected for teachers to lay out goals for their students at the beginning of a school year. But equally important is students’ setting goals for themselves.

“The bottom line is that we want kids to have direction and goals for themselves,” says Danelle Marsden, principal of Linden West Elementary School in Kansas City. “What do they want to learn and how do they want to accomplish it? Asking themselves these questions really helps them to take ownership of their own learning.”

“Routine” seems to be the key word when it comes to settling in for another school year. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent or a student, knowing how to anticipate your days can set the stage for nailing down concrete goals.

“The first few weeks I focus on trying to get routines down so we can make sure quality learning will take place for the rest of the year,” says Megan Darby, a fourth grade teacher at Bethany Lutheran School in Overland Park.

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kcparent.com august 2014

A student’s own quality investment in

She says she always hopes to hear

accountable to meet those goals. It is not

goals that aren’t exclusively focused on

a “hands-off ” approach but rather letting

academic improvement. The socializa-

go of the reins just enough to encourage

academics and actually track the success

tion piece of school–being in tune to

kids to be their own advocates when it

of meeting these goals, they are more

what’s going on in their classrooms–is

comes to their learning.

engaged in class,” says Terri Stirlen, prin-

equally important.

that learning process is significant.

“When students set goals for their

cipal at the New Mark Middle School.

And finally, when a goal has been

One specific goal a student might set

met, a student can ask herself how she

for a new school year, then, would be to

can celebrate her success and who she

ic, overly broad goals that so commonly

make three new friends, or to reach out to

can celebrate it with. What better way to

surface with students in a new class-

one new student. Another goal might be

come full circle? Set a specific goal, work

room. Goals such as “I want to get good

to set aside one night per week to study

toward it with adult guidance and sup-

grades” or “I don’t want to get in trouble”

with friends in designated study spaces.

port as necessary, meet it and acknowl-

But Stirlen isn’t referring to the gener-

aren’t worth much, because they’re not

By setting their own goals, students

easy to measure. Stirlen stresses the

decide for themselves what they will ac-

importance of setting specific goals,

complish and how they will go about it.

goals that can be easily measured and

Goal setting also provides opportunities

concretely mastered.

edge the success with those you love.

It gives “reaching for the stars” a whole new feel.

for students to ask themselves how to

Kate Meadows writes from Louisburg,

Marsden agrees.

improve and who to turn to for support

where she is busy with her two boys

“When we sit down with our students

when it’s needed, Marsden says.

playing baseball, jumping in mud puddles, singing the “ABC” song and

and start talking to them about their

To be sure, parents play a key role in

goals at the beginning of the year, we

helping their children meet their goals.

helping them recognize and sound out

see the same responses over and over: ‘I

Stirlen emphasizes the importance of

letters. She recently launched a new

want to be a better reader’ or ‘I want to

parents’ taking a genuine interest in their

website of writing and editing services

be better at math,’” Marsden says.

children’s goal setting and holding them

at www.KateMeadows.com.

facebook poll top 3 challenges teachers face at the beginning of a new school year:

top 3 challenges students face at the beginning of a new school year:

1 2 3

1 2 3

Re-acclimating to the pace and schedule of a school setting Establishing a healthy rhythm in the classroom Getting to know students

Learning the expectations teachers have Navigating the social and academic structures of the classroom Developing strong homework habits and organizational skills

BACK TO SCHOO L

kcparent.com august 2014

41

make the most of 2,700 seconds getting your kids off to school in the morning doesn’t have to be a drag

y

Years ago, after a year’s worth of challenging—okay,

downright difficult—mornings getting everyone ready

and off to preschool, I came upon a Working Mother article that changed our morning routine...and my san-

ity level. I have no idea where that article is anymore, but the key point was one action item: preparation.

To this day, preparation is a key element of making our mornings go smoothly. Now with my kids helping out, I still set the table for breakfast and pack lunches the night before, get up five minutes earlier than I think I need to and have some fun “getting ready” games in my back pocket in case anyone wakes up tired and crabby.

And now, with the first day of school right around the corner, it’s more important than ever to make the most of our 2,700 seconds (that’s 45 minutes to those of us who are math challenged) in the mornings!

Here are some great ideas from Wendy Petricoff, an Overland Park native who is now an independent Love and Logic Parenting expert in Charlotte, NC.

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kcparent.com august 2014

set the stage Don’t just tell them what to do, show your kids what you want. Do you lay your clothes out? Put your own shoes by the door? Show the kids how you take care of yourself in the mornings and lead by example.

Taking some of the decision-making out of the morning equation helps, too. “I lay everything out the night before: their clothes and my clothes,” says Megan Orth, director of internal controls at www.FreightQuote.com and Leawood mother of two. “We also have the same breakfast every morning. The kids love the routine, I don’t have to think about what we’re eating and, most importantly, there’s no negotiating.”

practice Yes, that’s right, practice getting ready over the weekend, when you’re not in a hurry. Together, make a list of things to do in the morning, using pictures as cues for young children. Teach your kids what you want them to do. Not only will it help on a hectic morning, but it also will help foster their independence and make your own routine less harried.

Joy Ginsburg, senior director of program integration at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and Leawood mother of one agrees. “Once she was old enough, we had easy-to-pack snacks and simple breakfasts available

to where she can reach them herself helped create that independence. Now that she is going into third grade, my daughter is usually ready 15 minutes before I am!”

declare “me” time Get up a little bit earlier on the first few days of the routine to give yourself some extra time, suggests Petricoff. Let kids know that you are happy to help them when you are completely done getting ready. Again, with a slant toward helping your children become independent human beings, making yourself a priority can help you be an effective role model and teacher.

give choices Drop the commands and give your child a lot of little fun choices, like juice vs. milk or green cup vs. yellow cup.

go to plan b “Put a bag of your child’s clothes in the car…just in case!” says Petricoff. “And leave at the precise time you need to go...again, with a back-up plan. Maybe that includes hot lunch for the day instead of a packed lunch.”

So take these last days of summer to find out what works for your family. Best of luck on a smooth first morning of school!

that she could typically make on her own, or with little

Jane Blumenthal Martin and her husband both enjoy

help from us,” she says. “Even moving cups and plates

actively parenting their two children in Overland Park.

top tip In my own home, we play a distraction game

then four somersaults before getting dressed, etc.

we call the “Getting Ready Olympics,” where the

It’s a great distraction for a crabby kid, and it

kids get to do some sort of fun activity between

adds an element of excitement to each task. The

morning chores. For instance, we all have to do

kids can’t wait to get their teeth brushed so they

five jumping jacks before we brush our teeth,

can find out what the next Olympic event is!

BACK TO SCHOO L

kcparent.com august 2014

43

back to savings i

smart shopping for back to school

f you’re looking to save on back-to-school shopping, you’re in good company. Parents

everywhere are feeling the pinch of the economy, and four out of five have reduced

their school-related spending. The National Retail Federation reports that 56.2 percent of

back-to-school shoppers are looking for discounts, 41.7 percent are ditching brand-names in

favor of generics and 40 percent are using more coupons.

Welcome the new school year in frugal fashion with these tips for back-to-school savings.

start at the beginning make it a family affair Get organized and get “the list.” Review

your child’s list of required supplies and take

Back-to-school season is a great time

never stop shopping

Buy the basics on sale year-round and

squirrel them away for back-to-school.

inventory of what you’ll need. If you don’t

to teach kids valuable lessons in budgeting

According to Jonni McCoy, author of

have a list, contact your child’s school or

and prioritization. Together, set a budget for

Miserly Moms: Living Well on Less in a

friends with older children.

supplies and separate needs from wants. If

Tough Economy, shopping over time spreads

your child is set on a pricey item that isn’t

out the expenditures and maximizes your

Forget a few items, and you’ll find yourself

in the budget, have him cover the difference

purchasing power.

fighting with the masses—and paying full

out of his allowance.

Aim to be thorough in your shopping.

“Don’t try to get it all done in one day,”

price—for picked-over supplies at the last

says McCoy. “Not everything is on sale on

minute. Instead, save money and hassle by

one day. Every week, check what school

checking everything off the list before the

items are on sale and get those. Then do the

first day.

same the next week, and the next.”

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kcparent.com august 2014

cash in on the coupon craze Budget-minded shoppers are couponing like never before. Promotional transaction vendor Inmar reports that coupon use is reaching record highs.

Cents-off coupons can add up to big savings, but you can raise the stakes considerably with a little extra legwork.

Major retailers like Target and Rite-Aid offer discounts up to $25 for transferred

join the club

bulk up your budget

deluxe coupons and other perks delivered to

stores sell high quality office and school

your inbox from major retailers, including

supplies in bulk. If you have a large family,

the Gap and Old Navy. Sign up online or in

the supersized packages of pens, highlight-

a store. If you don’t want to clog your per-

ers, binders, tape and folders make sense.

Register to get exclusive discounts,

Big-box discounters and warehouse

sonal account with marketing email, snag

You can take advantage of bulk deals

a free email account just for promotional

even if you don’t have a large brood. Gather

sign-ups.

a group of moms, divide the list and pool

dollars and sense

the savings.

You local dollar store is a great place to

grab some inspiration

prescriptions. Find a local store that doubles

find basic supplies for less. McCoy recom-

the value of manufacturer’s coupons at

mends shopping for supplies at discount

me-down binder with a digital photo col-

www.Couponing.About.com, and you can

stores and taking advantage of sales to

lage. Protect school books with covers made

buy supplies for next to nothing.

stretch your dollar even further. Staples

from gift wrap or newspaper. Refresh last

and Walmart host well-known sales, offer-

year’s backpack with new buttons and iron-

the web to score coupons, as well. Inmar

ing back-to-school supplies for pennies.

on patches. The possibilities for inspiration

reports that online coupon access is up 92

Mark your calendar for sale days and scoop

— and savings — are endless.

percent, and redemption of online deals

up the savings.

has increased 360 percent. Websites like

swap to save

save big on clothes

Shoppers are increasingly turning to

www.Smartsource.com, www.RetailMeNot. com, and www.Coupons.com offer printable coupons, many with savings of $1 or more.

surf the savings

Score some new-to-your-kids clothing

by hosting a swap. Lay down a few ground rules — clothing should be free of stains and rips, and no payment or bartering is

Sites like www.Craiglist.org and

allowed. People take what they want and

www.Ebay.com offer everything from

leave what they don’t. Afterward, leftover

computers to graphing calculators to brand-

items can be donated to charity.

name backpacks at huge discounts. While

say yes to yard sales

you’re at it, why not unload things your kids have outgrown? Last year’s trendy outfit, bike or winter coat can yield cash to put toward this year’s list.

Summer is yard sale season. Binders,

notebooks, pencil cases, scissors, staplers, loose-leaf paper and more are yours for the finding. Bring small bills and change and

Creativity is in. Spice up a plain or hand-

Stretch your shopping budget! With five

locations all over town, Children’s Orchard makes back-to-school clothes buying much more reasonable. Check them out for gently used clothes for children of all ages. You’ll find the fashions kids love at the prices parents love.

Malia Jacobson is a nationally published journalist and mom. Her latest book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.

don’t be afraid to haggle. Carry a reusable bag to tote home your treasures.

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kcparent.com august 2014

45

ways to constructively use carpool time

“I show up early when I can and read. That is the only time I have quiet time and can read with no interruptions.”

i

It’s back-to-school time, and for some moms, that means sitting in the car rider line waiting for their child to come out.

Sometimes, that wait can be a half hour long if you want to be one of the first ones in line. That time doesn’t have to be wasted—check out these seven activities to use your time constructively while waiting.

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kcparent.com august 2014

1 clean out your car This is a great time to clean out your car! Organize the console or glove box, gather up the chip bags, water bottles and wrappers that inevitably inhabit the backseat. Grab a washcloth and wipe down the dash.

or play a few games on my phone. It’s my time to relax,” Maria Knowles, Kansas City mother of three, says.

6 make a grocery list or plan upcoming meals Waiting is a good time to make lists — plan what

2 make phone calls If you’re alone in the line, this is a perfect opportunity to make doctor or dentist appointments, call the insurance company or just ring a friend you’ve been meaning to

you need to buy at the grocery store or plan upcoming meals. Look up recipes on Pinterest for dinner that night.

7 volunteer to help the school For some mothers, getting into the classroom to help

talk to.

can be difficult, but they want to help. Using the time in

3 take a nap

the car rider line to count box tops, grade quizzes for a

While this one might seem strange, this might be the

teacher or cut laminating for them is a way to use your

only time you have to close your eyes and rest for a few

time constructively to help the school.

minutes before the busy evening begins.

“Counting box tops in the car rider line saves me from

“For me, it’s the only time I completely unplug. I have

having to do it at home, when the husband and kids

no distractions or anything pressing I have to do. I never

are all competing for my attention,” Duncan says. “I

nap at home because I feel guilty for all the things I

can focus on what I need to and help the school at the

should be doing,” Kelly Pope, Kearney mother of two,

same time.”

says.

Jennifer Higgins is a teacher, wife and mother from Kearney who usually does #5 in the car rider line.

4 read Oh, the joy of uninterrupted reading time! Start a new novel, or finish the one you’ve been meaning to read.

Cartoon by Jim Strahle who makes his home in Kansas City.

Check out a book from the library or read one on your iPad or Kindle.

“I show up early when I can and read. That is the only time I have quiet time and can read with no interruptions,” Jennifer Duncan, Kearney mother of three, says.

5 social media/games Sometimes after a long day, some mindless scrolling through Facebook or playing a game like 2048, Candy Crush or Words with Friends on your phone is just the thing you need.

“The only time I get to be by myself and relax a bit before the crazy starts is the car rider line. Sometimes I look forward to car rider lines so I can catch up on Facebook

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kcparent.com august 2014

47

After school activities are an

skills. And experiencing loss builds

essential and fun way to round

resilience as kids learn to persevere

out your child’s overall educational

through disappointment.

experience. Integrate both

Individualized sports like

structured and DIY activities

swimming, martial arts or

that complement your child’s

tennis are also beneficial,

disposition, age and interests.

helping kids develop fo-

“Students in these activities learn important social skills, are

cus and self-discipline.

DIY: Burn off energy by shoot-

given the opportunity to meet a

ing hoops in the driveway, running

wider variety of peers and gain

through a homemade obstacle

more confidence and self-esteem,”

course or groovin’ to funky music

says Matt Johnson, director of

before homework time.

student services and athletics, Shawnee Mission School District.

Furthermore, involved kids are more motivated to do well academically.

A popular and ancient game of strategy, chess fosters patience and impulse control as players learn to plan and visualize their moves on the board.

Saint Thomas Aquinas High

Art education contributes to problem-solving and critical thinking skills, not to mention creativity. Independently-run studios and museums offer classes

While variety is the spice of life,

for kids of all ages, with topics like painting, drawing and sculpture.

DIY: Put together an “imagination bucket” with art supplies, including

don’t overwhelm

recyclables, construction paper

your kids with

your children to present their

activities.

family at dinner.

and other doodads. Encourage individual masterpieces to the

School, Overland Park, has had a chess club for 20 years and facilitates an annual summer camp to introduce the game to youngsters.

“Chess can help increase a student’s focus and concentration, along with helping students with personal skills, such as problem solving and critical thinking,” says Rick Hetzel, Saint Thomas Aquinas chess club moderator.

DIY: Start a club at your child’s school or challenge your kids to a

Team sports nurture social, communication and leadership

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kcparent.com august 2014

family board game or cards.

They gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the world Learning to prepare healthy The Kansas City Symphony’s “Instrument Petting Zoo” travels to area schools giving students the chance to see and touch musical instruments. Kids who learn to play an instrument learn to read music and gain a sense of timing, beat and rhythm.

DIY: Make your own music. Fill drinking glasses with different levels of water. Tap each jar lightly with a spoon and listen for the varying pitches and vibrations each emits.

meals is a life skill. Plus, when following recipes, kids practice reading and math skills like measurements

shelter, help a neighbor with yard work or gather canned goods for a food pantry.

and fractions. stores and culinary centers offer kids’ cooking classes.

DIY: Include your kids in the process of meal preparation.

Check out cookbooks geared to kids, like Chop Chop: The Kids Guide to Cooking, The Little House Cookbook and Wookie Cookies: A Star Wars Cookbook.

“There are many volunteer

children and can enhance read-

opportunities that students can

ing comprehension and verbal and

pursue in the community, where

non-verbal communication skills.

they can give of their

Also consider debate,

time and learn new

photography and journalism clubs.

skills,” says Cindy

DIY: Help your child set up a blog

DIY: Volunteer together at a local

Many local grocery

The performing arts offer a positive outlet for expressive

around them.

While variety is the spice of life, don’t overwhelm your kids with activities, which can cause stress and affect grades.

“It is all about identifying the delicate balance that helps foster their development of skills in activities that they may be involved in for a lifetime,” Johnson says.

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two active boys. Look for Christa’s new book Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise Thoughtful Communicators in a Digital World, available at ChristaMelnykHines.com.

Neely, counselor co-

to share his writing and photos with

ordinator for Shaw-

a select audience. Check out

nee Mission West

www.KidzWorld.com, which

High School.

• Will there be extra fees for uniforms/equipment?

offers kids a safe and

Scouting, Boys & Girls Club,

fully moderated

the YMCA and youth groups are

place to blog

examples of service organizations

• Is the staff friendly and energized?

(geared for 9-

that offer real-life experiences

• Are activities well-organized?

to 14-year-olds).

outside of the classroom, fostering

• Is the environment clean and safe?

Younger kids can hone

confidence, leadership and

their storytelling chops by writing

communication skills. Through

a story, dressing in costumes and

engagement in their communities,

acting it out.

kids are less likely to feel isolated.

BACK TO SCHOO L

• Is the activity well-staffed?

• Do the kids appear to be having fun?

kcparent.com august 2014

49

WORDFROMDAD

how was school today?

i

pulled my chair to the table and made eye contact with each boy.

“What did you learn in school today?”

They glanced at me, then resumed eating.

“C’mon, guys, work with me.” I’ve read articles and tips and know to ask open-ended questions.

James heaved a sigh and placed his fork beside his plate. He pursed his lips, tapped the table, then brightened and turned to face me.

“Nothing. Can I have some dessert, please?”

“And you, Ian?” “Nothing.”

Grudging or not, Mr. Congeniality had replied. However, I wasn’t satisfied. Did they have a meeting to go over talking points? Was this something covered during classroom drill?

But, Ian wasn’t finished. “Can I have dessert?”

I cleared my throat and glared at him.

He rolled his eyes. “Can I have dessert? Please?”

OK, technically, they’d both answered my questions, and their plates were clean. I gave them two cookies each.

The school year passed, but I persisted each night.

“James—” “I learned that the sun will become a red giant in about four to five billion years and destroy the earth, but all life will end in about two billion years when the sun gets too hot.” His words spilled out in a rush.

“Can I have my dessert, please?”

I gloated in silence. Not just success, sweet victory.

But something didn’t feel right. “Two billion years? Are you sure? I learned five billion. When the sun goes nova.”

“I heard it, too, Dad. James is right,” Ian said, in a rare show of support for his brother.

At last, the boys had answered, and I rewarded them with three cookies each. But joy eluded me, and their answer filled me with an irrational disquiet. I was counting on that time. Where did my three billion years go?

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

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kcparent.com august 2014

FAITH&FAMILY

gather the outcasts

y

ou’d think we were in Pamplona, Spain, at the annual

girl kicking up dirt, pick the boy with two left feet for the gym

running of the bulls, but no. This, folks, is the back-to-

team and fraternize with the friendless. Why? Because Jesus said,

school ice cream social. At an appointed time, and not

“You did it unto me.”

a moment too soon, an elementary staff member plasters the

Christianity, welcome to the classroom.

glass doors with the rosters of this year’s classes. If your child happens to be trampled underfoot in the hordes of squealing

Wendy Connelly, mother of two, is co-founder of the “Live and Let

classmates, not to worry! The lists cover the walls of social media

Think” dialogues on Christianity and a graduate student at St. Paul

in light seconds, to be analyzed by parents like a play-by-play at

School of Theology in Leawood.

Sporting Park. And the obsessing begins.

I find it’s easy, as an adult, to forget how important social capital is to children, until I remember how hungry I was to be liked — popular — in school. Fitting in feels good. On Maslow’s

“He gathers the outcasts…”

–Psalm 147: 2

Hierarchy of Needs, belonging ranks just after survival and safety as our third fundamental need. Not only does this extend to adults but, if you’ll remember back to those forever-ago formative years, the need to be liked and accepted is doubly intense in a child’s world.

For as much as we want to be liked, children want it all the more.

I think it’s important, then, before school starts back this month, to have a heart-to-heart with our kids about the chemistry and cliques within the classroom. To remind them that fitting in isn’t everything, that social capital rises and falls faster than the Mamba, that integrity trumps popularity. Every time.

It’s a bit of a stretch, but if Jesus were a boy combing over those class rosters, I’m pretty sure he’d be making plans to save a seat for the shunned, team up with the teased and make “in’s” with the outcasts. That’s how Jesus rolls. He empties himself to fill others to the full. Jesus loves a good underdog.

As we approach those glass doors, head on and full speed ahead for yet another school year, let’s remind our children to be intentional about friendships. To scan the playground for the lone

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kcparent.com august 2014

51

august

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

CALENDAR

MISSOURI STATE FAIR

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

explore Visit Powell Gardens Aug 1-3 and 8-10 when it’s transformed into a temporary butterfly house for the annual Festival of Butterflies.

Storytelling, catch and release, kids’ crafts and much more!

PowellGardens.org

52

kcparent.com august 2014

see

create

dance

Take your family View the night sky to the fair! The aglow with balloons Missouri State Fair at the Great runs from Aug 7-17 Midwest Balloon in Sedalia. Ride Fest on Aug 8 & 9 at carnival rides, see Kansas Speedway. livestock, watch Enjoy a hot air shows and eat the balloon race, music, yummy (but not carnival for the necessarily good kids and more! for you) fair food. MidwestBalloonFest.org MOStateFair.com

Cool off from summer heat at the Nelson-Atkins!

Every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 is the art + family = FUN program. Tour the museum and enjoy free activities the entire family will enjoy!

Nelson-Atkins.org

The Kansas City Ballet presents the 4th annual KC Dance Day on Aug 23. Take a free class, watch an open rehearsal of the KC Ballet and enjoy the many performances throughout the day.

Lunch available for purchase.

KCBallet.org

play

1 Friday Tax Free Weekend Missouri’s tax free weekend takes place through Sunday. Shop particular back-to-school items without paying sales tax.

Festival of Butterflies Thru Sun and Aug 8-10, Powell Gardens. See hundreds of tropical butterflies and much more during festival days! $5-$12. 916.697.2600 Toddler Time 9:30, Sky Zone. If you can walk, then you can jump! Toddler Time is for the little ones to have their own jump time. $7.

913.213.5900 Back-to-School Tax Free Weekend Thru Sun, Children’s Orchard (Olathe, Indep, Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, KCMO). Double your sales tax savings, even at Olathe location. ChildOrch.com Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze and Fire.

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

913.661.2529 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 11:00, 1:30 & 7:00, the Coterie. Take a musical adventure with an outof-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. TheCoterie.org Fine Art Friday 11:00, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. A family-friendly guided tour of the museum with a take-home art activity. Free. 816.753.5784

Leavenworth County Fair Thru Sat, County Fairgrounds. Enjoy a classic American experience with plenty of fun for the entire family! LeavenworthCountyFair.com

Family Nature Hike 9:00, George Owens Nature Park. Hike with park staff to view seasonal changes in the park. Wear sturdy walking shoes. Pre-reg at 816.325.7115.

Johnson County Fair Thru Sat, County Fairgrounds. The fair features a wide variety of fun family entertainment. Admission to fairgrounds is free. 913.715.7000

Build a Pencil Holder 9:00, Home Depot locations. Free hands-on workshop. Build your own mini-crate pencil holder. Workshops.

HomeDepot.com

First Fridays 7:00, Crossroads Art District.

Galleries and shops remain open the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org

Kids and Clay 9:30, Ceramic Café. Kids learn basic skills such as hand building, slab work, pinch pots, etc., and create a fun masterpiece. $16. 913.383.0222

Heartland Chamber Music Festival Scholars Concert 7:00, Carlsen Center (JCCC).

Performance by Heartland Chamber Music Festival scholars. Free. 913.735.4532 WeekEnder Crown Center Square. Date night!

Festivities begin at 5:00, music at 6:00 and movie at 9:00. Free admission. 816.274.8444

2 Saturday

Back-to-School Day 9:30, Kansas City Zoo. Get ready for another year at the zoo’s back-to-school day. General admission.

KansasCityZoo.org Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Experience what it was like to live and work on a truck farm in the 1920s summertime. $3/adult, $1/child. 913.248.2360

Organic Farmers Market 8:00, Minor Park.

Organic farmers offer fresh picked, locally grown produce, natural meat, edible flowers and more. KCOrganics.com

Living with Wildlife 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Explore the grounds and view the examples of urban wildlife in their native habitats. Free. 816.759.7300

First Saturdays 9:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. This family fun event includes reenactors, food and craft vendors, crafts and demonstrations. Free. 816.792.2655

Door Hanger 11:00, Lakeshore Learning.

Rainbow scratch paper gives this decorative craft a personal touch! Free. 913.432.3998

August 1 - 3 & August 8 - 10, 9 A.m. to 6 p.m.

Butterfly festival

Magic MONARCH

FestivAl FuN

• Storytelling with ‘Fancy Nancy’ • Costume Parade • Caterpillar Petting Zoo • Caterpillar Hunts and Butterfly Safaris • Monarch Watch exhibit • Butterfly Plant Sale • Interactive Art

see hundreds of butterflies from around the world in the Martha Jane Phillips starr Butterfly Conservatory, plus find out how yOu can help support the magical monarch butterfly. Join the fun and make a difference!

FAMily NigHt A new way to experience the butterflies, plus home-made ice cream! 7-9 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 2 Reservations suggested: powellgardens.org/butterfly evening or 816.697.2600 x209.

816.697.2600 | powellgardens.org/butterfly |

Instaa Inst

kcparent.com august 2014

53

Clown Show Noon, Crown Center. Bring the family to see a special stage performance in the atrium by area clowns. Free. 816.274.8444 art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278 Wind in the Willows 2:00, WestportRoanoke Community Center. StoneLion Puppets presents this free puppet show.

StoneLionPuppets.org Cruise Night 4:00, Downtown Parkville Farmers Market. Find your ultimate dream car while you listen to the cool tunes of yesterday.

Shop and dine! ParkvilleMO.org Strange Satellites 8:30, Powell Observatory. A talk on astronomy, a tour and (if skies are clear) viewing through various telescopes of the moon, planets and stars. $4-$6. ASKC.org Saturday Night Movies 8:45, Mulberry Lake.

Enjoy Despicable Me 2 with your family under the night sky. Don’t forget lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. 816.741.8540

3 Sunday Art of the Machine Car Series 10:00, City Market. Car enthusiasts can view custom, restored and vintage vehicles. Free. 816.842.1271

Ice Cream Social 3:00, Holy Trinity Church (Weston). Browse the country store, enjoy meals from the grill, ice cream, kids games, bingo and more. 816.640.2909

Tots in the Park 10:00, Webb Park (Oak Grove).

Bring little ones to the park to play, hear a story and enjoy a snack. Pre-reg at CityOfOakGrove.com.

Music in the Park 6:00, Rotary Park (Blue Springs). Bring a blanket and enjoy music in a park setting. Free. 816.228.0137

Monday Mania Swim Party 8:30, the Bay Water Park. Music, games, prizes and swimming fun for the entire family. $3.

816.513.7500

Oliver 7:00, Gladstone Amphitheater. A musical based on the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist. Free. 816.423.4091

4 Monday Visit Warm Springs Ranch Thru Oct 31, Warm Springs Ranch (Boonville). Take a day trip to the state-of-the-art Budweiser Clydesdale breeding farm. Pre-reg at WarmSpringsRanch.com.

Winston Churchill: The Artist 10:00, Hallmark Visitors Center. Enjoy a rare opportunity to view the art of Churchill. Learn about his connection with Hallmark. 816.274.3613

5 Tuesday

TUT TUESDAYS

See details pg. 12 Toddler Time 9:30, Sky Zone. If you can walk, then you can jump! Toddler Time is for the little ones to have their own jump time. $7.

913.213.5900

Tots in the Park 10:00, Webb Park (Oak Grove).

Bring little ones to the park to play, hear a story and enjoy a snack. Pre-reg at CityOfOakGrove.com.

Thomas Hart Benton Display 10:00, National World War I Museum.

View a display describing the impact of Benton’s US Naval experience on his art. 816.888.8100

All-You-Can-Play Day 10:00, Cool Crest. On Mondays and Thursdays get unlimited mini golf, two go-kart rides and 10 arcade tokens for only $10.99. CoolCrest.com

Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000

KC DANCE DAY •

AUGUS T 2 3 , 2014 •

at THE

TODD BOLENDER CENTER FOR DANCE & CREATIVITY

FREE dance classes for all ages | FREE local & world dance performances

WWW.KCBALLET.ORG Event sponsored in part by:

54

kcparent.com august 2014

for the full event schedule OR to register in advance

Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under.

Inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys!

OverlandParkMOPS.com Free Summer Movies Every Tue-Thu, Phoenix Theatre (Legends). Cool off from the summer heat with a free movie. Different movies each week. Doors open at 9:00.

PhoenixTheatres.com Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café.

Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222 Go & Enjoy 11:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center.

Get out and enjoy the great outdoors before heading back to school. Fun for the entire family. $13-$14. 913.831.3359 New Homeschool Orientation 6:30, North Kansas City Library. Informational meeting for those new to or considering homeschooling.

Pre-reg at NewHomeschoolCoordinator@ cphecorp.org.

6 Wednesday Farmers Market 7:00, Feldman’s Parking Lot (Liberty). All products grown locally in northland. Many organic fruits and veggies to choose from. LibertyFarmersMarket.com

Creative Fun for All Ages Glass Fusing • Pottery Painting • Clay Workshops

Ask about our summer camps, birthday parties and monthly classes

913-383-0222 www.ceramiccafekc.com

Creative Fun for All Ages Glass Fusing • Pottery Painting • Clay Workshops

• Glass Fusing

Ask about our summer camps, birthday andPainting monthly classes • parties Pottery

• Clay Workshops

Creative Fun for All Ages Ask about our school fundraisers, Glass Fusing • Pottery Painting • Clay Workshops

birthday parties and monthly classes

Ask about our summer camps, Creative Fun Allclasses Ages 913-383-0222 birthday parties andfor monthly

www.ceramiccafekc.com Glass Fusing • Pottery Painting • Clay Workshops Ask about our summer camps, birthday parties and monthly classes

913-383-0222 www.ceramiccafekc.com 913-383-0222 www.ceramiccafekc.com kcparent.com august 2014

55

EE AL KS !

W FIN

DON’T MISS SUMMER’S

BLOCKBUSTER

Janie Next Door 9:30, Johnson County Museum. Join the fun as local musician, singer and songwriter Janie Next Door performs. $3. Pre-reg at 913.715.2575.

1860s Living History 10:00, Mahaffie Farmstead. Enjoy stagecoach rides, cookstove and blacksmith demonstrations. $4-$6. 913.971.5111 Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $5 plus tax!

913.631.7000 What’s for Dinner? 3:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Watch as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast. 816.228.3766

7 Thursday Missouri State Fair Thru Aug 17, Sedalia. The 400-acre fairground in Sedalia features livestock shows, competitive exhibits, carnival rides and more! MOStateFair.com Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists (Olathe). Play on the equipment for a couple of hours. The hardest part will be leaving the fun! $2.

913.307.6023 Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Experience what it was like to live and work on a truck farm in the 1920s summertime. $3/adult, $1/child. 913.248.2360

HIS TOMB HIS TREASURES THE BREATHTAKING RECREATION

UNIONSTATION.ORG/TUT

Presented by

Create. Explore. Experiment.

Hazards of the Trail 2:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. During this 30-minute guided tour, explore hazards that pioneers faced on the trail.

816.3257575 Teacher Appreciation Night 4:00, Nelson-Atkins. A night to celebrate educators with workshops, vendor hall and more. Nelson-Atkins.org Music in the Gardens 6:30, Overland Park Arboretum. Enjoy live entertainment during a stroll through the gardens. 913.685.3604 Legally Dead 6:30, the Golden Ox. Date night! The Mystery Train presents this interactive show that includes dinner. $59-$69. 812.813.9654

8 Friday Festival of Butterflies Thru Sun, Powell Gardens. See hundreds of tropical butterflies and much more during festival days! $5-$12.

916.697.2600 Discovery of King Tut 10:00, Union Station. Let your footsteps retrace the paths of the breathtaking ancient Egyptian archeological site. $12.50-$19.95. UnionStation.org Kids SciFri 11:00, National WWl Museum. A one hour class in which kids use all of their senses to explore the connection between science and history. Free with admission. 816.888.8100 Story Time 11:00, Reader’s World (Lee’s Summit). Listen to a story, make a craft and have a snack every Friday morning. Free. 816.246.7323 WeekEnder Crown Center Square. Date night! Festivities begin at 5:00, music at 6:00 and movie at 9:00. Free admission. 816.274.8444 Great Midwest Balloon Fest Thru Sun, Kansas Speedway. Hot air balloon race, carnival, music, kidz zone and more. $8-$26.

MidwestBalloonFest.org Second Fridays 5:00, Downtown Excelsior Springs. Enjoy feature artists, music, dining and shopping. EXSPGSchamber.com

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kcparent.com august 2014

Middle School Teen Night 7:00, Paradise Park. Mini golf is the featured fun at tonight’s event. DJ, ping pong, pizza and more! $15.

Paradise-Park.com

Ice Cream Train 7:00, Belton, Grandview and KC RR. Enjoy a train ride and an ice cream treat. A great summer evening! 816.331.6630 Sky Mania 9:00, Sky Zone. A 90-minute, all-access pass to everything at Sky Zone. Includes two slices of pizza and a drink. Ages 10-15. $18.

913.213.5900

9 Saturday Farmstead OP5K 7:00, Deanna Rose Farmstead. Eighth annual 5K at the farmstead. Gather friends and join the fun! $25-$30. 913.897.2360 Farmers Market 7:00, Shawnee City Hall. Purchase locally grown produce along with fresh baked goods, handmade crafts and more. 913.248.2360 Tails on the Trails 9:00, Ad Astra Park (Lenexa). Pet-centered vendor booths, pet swims, pet talent show and safety demonstrations. Free admission, charge to swim. 913.477.7100 New Parent Expo 9:00, Parkway Montessori. Parenting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Have questions answered by professionals.

ParkwayMontessori.com

SHOP ONLY CITY’S Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Experience what it was like KANSAS

to live and work on a truck farm in the 1920s summertime. $3/adult, $1/child. 913.248.2360

Lowe’s Build and Grow 10:00, Lowe’s stores throughout S IV E LUmetro.

E X Cthe Join the fun today! Kids will create a monsters vs aliensL trolley. Free.e i m it e d Ti m LowesBuildAndGrow.com

SHO SHOP

KANSAS CITY’S

ONLY

E X C LU S IV E Lim

it e d Ti

me

KANSAS CIT

SHOP ONLY KANSAS CITY’S

E X C LU

E X C LU S IV E Lim

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me

Summer Nature Walk 10:30, Fort Osage. A naturalist leads a guided tour along the banks of the Missouri River. $3-$7. 816.503.4860 Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-astic” adventure! 816.753.5784 Wonderpalooza 10:30, Wonderscope. Enjoy a special performance by Mr Doolittle. Different performers each month. 913.287.8888 Summer Spinning Top 11:00, Lakeshore Learning. Glue together, decorate and spin! Kids make their own top to play with. Free.

913.432.3998 Sprint Family Fun Days 11:00, Power & Light District. Today’s theme is ice cream social. Enjoy all things cold and creamy at today’s fun event!

Free admission. 816.842.1045 Talkin’ Truman 11:00, Truman Presidential Library. Archivists present informative program that highlights unique items from the library’s collection. TrumanLibrary.org Second Saturdays 4:00, Downtown Weston. Stroll into unique shops and galleries for late night shopping. Live entertainment. WestonMO.com Saturday Night Feeder Saturdays thru Oct, 4:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Watch the cats being fed. $5. 816.739.0363 Our Amazing Moon 8:30, Powell Observatory. A talk on astronomy, a tour and (if skies are clear) viewing through various telescopes of the moon, planets and stars. $4-$6. ASKC.org

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10 Sunday Super Kid Saves the World 11:00, Crown Center. Hands-on exhibit for kids to explore. The big message is reduce, reuse, repair and recycle. Free.

CrownCenter.com KC Northern Railroad Rides Noon, Vaydik Line Creek Park. Restored trains run on a half-mile track. 50 cents per ride. KCNRR.com

It’s what Legends is made of |

STYLE. SELECTION. SAVINGS.

I-435, Exit Parallel Pkwy West 913.788.3700 • LegendsShopping.com kcparent.com august 2014

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it e

Pay for Play

Every Thursday, Backyard Specialists (Olathe). Play on the playground equipment for a couple of hours. The hardest part will be leaving the fun! $2. 913.307.6023

Story Time for Preschoolers 1:30, NelsonAtkins Museum. Drop in for story time in the Creative Café. Free. Nelson-Atkins.org Music in the Park 7:00, Santa Fe Commons Park. The Anchovy Fishermen will be performing at the Downtown OP Music in the Park series. Free. 913.344.8656

11 Monday Visit Warm Springs Ranch Thru Oct 31, Warm Springs Ranch (Boonville). Take a day trip to the state-of-the-art Budweiser Clydesdale breeding farm. Pre-reg at WarmSpringsRanch.com.

Winston Churchill: The Artist 10:00, Hallmark Visitors Center. Enjoy a rare opportunity to view the art of Churchill. Learn about his connection with Hallmark. 816.274.3613 PM Farmers Market 4:00, Downtown Overland Park. Evening shopping hours available with an ice cream social by Shatto Dairy. OPKansas.org

12 Tuesday

TUT TUESDAYS

See details pg. 12 Missouri State Fair Thru Aug 17, Sedalia.

The 400-acre fairground in Sedalia features livestock shows, competitive exhibits, carnival rides and more! MOStateFair.com Tee Off Tuesday 10:00, Cool Crest. Unlimited miniature golf and 30 arcade tokens for only $12 per person. CoolCrest.com Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under.

Inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys!

OverlandParkMOPS.com All Day Play in Sky Maze 10:00, Amazing Play.

For only $6, kids of all ages can run, climb and play in the Sky Maze. 816.994.2160

Sprint Family Fun Days Aug. 9, KC Power & Light District (PowerAndLightDistrict.com).

The monthly Sprint Family Fun Series is back on the second Saturday of each month!

Festival of Butterflies Aug. 1- 3, 8-10, Powell Gardens (PowellGardens.org).

Each August Powell Gardens transforms its 2,500-square-foot conservatory into a temporary butterfly house, filled to the brim with gorgeous blooms and hundreds of tropical butterflies. Highlights include a native butterfly breezeway by master gardeners, Monarch Watch and the Idalia Society, kids’ crafts, storytelling, a costume parade, a butterfly catch-and-release area and much more. Festival admission includes free parking, admission to exhibits and free trolley rides.

Missouri State Fair Aug. 7-17, Sedalia, MO (MoStateFair.com). The 400-acre fairgrounds will present premier livestock shows and competitive exhibits and firstclass professional entertainment. Admission charged. Read our tips for the Missouri State Fair at KCParent.com before you go!

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Ethnic Enrichment Festival of Kansas City Aug. 15-17, Swope Park (KCParks.org) Admission charged. Parking is free (handicap parking available). More than 60 nations participate each year with booths showcasing unique food and crafts, and live dance, music, martial arts and skills demonstrations on stage. Purchase food from each nation to create a flavor smorgasbord.

Lawrence Busker Festival Aug. 22-24, Lawrence, KS (LawrenceBuskerFest.com).

Now in its fifth year, the Lawrence Busker Festival is the area’s largest gathering of street performers in the area. Come enjoy three days of family fun with some of the most talented freaks, geeks, artists and musicians around. And while the festival may be large, planning your visit is easy. Check out the performance schedule to make sure you don’t miss your favorite acts.

13 Wednesday Kids Create: LEGO Palooza 10:00, MCPL (Liberty Branch). Spark your imagination and express yourself through art and craft activities.

Ages 5 and up. Pre-reg at 816.781.9240.

Hard Hat Tour 10:00, Kansas City Museum.

Take a hard hat tour of Corinthian Hall and see how it looks mid-renovation.

KansasCityMuseum.org

Parkville Days Aug. 22-24, Parkville, MO (ParkvilleMO.org). One of downtown Parkville’s biggest festivals, the annual Parkville Days offers great family entertainment and fun in historic downtown Parkville. Browse and enjoy dozens of art, craft and food and specialty booths. The Evans Midland Empire Carnival runs all weekend, beginning Friday at 6:00. There will be great jazz and blues on the main stage Friday night and Saturday starting at 1:00.

Santa-Cali-Gon Days Aug. 29Sept. 1, Independence, MO (SantaCaliGon.com). This premier annual festival on historic Independence Square features more than 400 crafters/vendors and more than 100 food booths, free local and nationally known country western music on a community stage, a midway carnival and old-fashioned contests, like watermelon seed spitting, ice cream eating and root beer chugging.

Power Hour 1:00, Little Monkey Bizness.

Arrive between 1:00 and 3:00 on Mondays and Wednesdays and admission is just $5 plus tax!

913.631.7000 Farmers Market 3:00, Waldo (303 W 79th St).

Bring the family and stroll through the market, which features veggies, meats, eggs, cheese and more. WaldoFarmersMarketKC.com Family Archery 6:00, Parma Woods Range.

Bring the family out to learn about and experience archery shooting together. Pre-reg at 816.891.9941.

14 Thursday Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists (Olathe). Play on the equipment for a couple of hours. The hardest part will be leaving the fun! $2. 913.307.6023 Time Travelers 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929.

Experience what it was like to live and work on a truck farm in the 1920s summertime. $3/adult, $1/child. 913.248.2360 Music in the Gardens 6:30, Overland Park Arboretum. Enjoy live entertainment during a stroll through the gardens. 913.685.3604

15 Friday Stock Up and Save 10:00, Children’s Orchard (Olathe, Indep, KCMO, Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs). Buy two regularly priced items and get a third for free. ChildOrch.com Shawnee Story Time 10:30, Shawnee Books & Toys. Listen to a story, make a craft and have a snack every Friday morning. Free. 913.962.1428 Ethnic Enrichment Festival Thru Sunday, Swope Park. Festival features more than 60 nations that sell native foods, crafts and offer performances of ethnic music and dances. $3.

KCParks.org Buffalo Bill Days Today & tomorrow, Haymarket Square (Leavenworth). Live music, historical entertainers, vendors, outhouse race & more. 913.306.0944 Englewood Art Walk 5:30, Englewood Shopping District. See artists in action, enjoy demonstrations and relish live music and refreshments. 816.252.3372 City Market Cinema 6:00, City Market Park.

Come early to enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the City Market and bring a lawn chair and blanket for the movie. TheCityMarket.org

Kansas Soccer 7:00, Rock Chalk Park. Bring the family to watch Kansas vs South Dakota State.

Multiple ticket options available. 785.864.7953

16 Saturday Farmers Market 5:00, Independence Square.

Check out the farmers market to pick up fresh produce for your family. 816.325.7000 Pooch Plunge 9:00, Young’s Pool. Bring a pet and watch him splash away in the city’s pools Only dogs allowed to swim. $5/dog.

913.895.6390 K-9 at the Cove 9:00, Splash Cove. Four-legged friends can enjoy the pool for the day. Pre-reg at ShawneeKCCVB.com.

Wild Backyard 10:00, Anita B Gorman Discovery Center. Learn about animals that call your backyard home through fun hands-on activities. 816.759.7300 Farmstead Safety Day 10:00, Deanna Rose.

Hop aboard a fire truck, climb in a police cruiser or helicopter and learn all about public safety. $2. 913.897.2360 Family Fun Day 10:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. Enjoy dancers, flute performances, American Indian crafts, games and demonstrations. Covered wagon tour.

816.325.7575

kcparent.com august 2014

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take note: august ’14

Aug. 2: National Ice Cream Sandwich Day: Locally

Aug. 3: Watermelon Day: Nothing says summer like a slice of fresh watermelon. Visit a local Farmers Market and purchase one today! A complete list of area farmers markets can be found at KCParent.com.

owned and operated Shatto Dairy Farm sells delicious Ice Cream Sammiches—gourmet ice cream sandwiches. The four varieties to savor are chocolate chip cookie and vanilla ice cream, brownie and vanilla ice cream, oatmeal raisin cookie and caramel sea salt ice cream, and sugar cookie with strawberry ice cream. You can find them at many local grocers, including Hy-Vee, Cosentino and McKeever Price Chopper stores, Whole Foods, Sunfresh, Hen House and a number of other independent grocers.

Aug. 6: Wiggle Your Toes Day: Our favorite place to wiggle our toes is in the sand and water at a local swim beach. Enjoy these local sandy swim beaches for affordable family fun in the sun: Blue Springs Lake (816.503.4870), Longview Lake (816.503.4870), Shawnee Mission Park Beach (913.312.8847), Kill Creek Park Beach (913.312.8847), Smithville Lake Beach (816.407.3400) and Watkins Woolen Mill State Park Lake (816.580.3387).

Aug. 9: Book Lovers Day: Treat your children to a day

Aug. 26: National Dog Day: Kansas City is home to many fun-filled dog parks for your favorite canine pal. Take your dog for a day of play at a local park. You can find area dog parks at DogsLifeKC.com/ DogParks.html.

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at one of Kansas City’s most whimsical libraries. The Central Library of the Kansas City Public Library (14 W. 10th St., Kansas City, MO), housed in the former First National Bank of Kansas City, is one of the city’s most beautiful best-kept secrets. Enter the Children’s Department by walking through the pages of a book to a place where kids will discover a wonderful world of reading.

Aug. 10: National S’Mores Day: Treat yourself to a frozen twist on the favorite campfire treat with a visit to Sheridan’s Frozen Custard (locations across the metro, www.SheridansFrozenCustard.com), where you can enjoy a decadent s’mores concrete.

Aug. 17: National Thrift Shop Day: You know the saying: “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” Find a treasure at a local thrift shop, plus most thrift shops donate their proceeds to charity.

Visit www.TheThriftShopper.com to find a shop near you.

National Picnic Month: Pack a picnic and head to one of the best parks in Kansas City! From pirate ships at Listowel Park, to the Wild West at Antioch Park, to giant penguins at Penguin Park and Brumble’s Forest at Meadowmere, Kansas City’s parks spark the imagination.

Ethnic Enrichment Festival

Aug 15-17, Swope Park. Festival features more than 60 nations that sell native foods, crafts and offer performances of ethnic music and dances. $3. KCParks.org

What’s Out at Night 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Learn about nocturnal creatures both in our backyards and outdoors in general. Free.

816.361.2861

Train Rides 2:00, Belton, Grandview & KC RR. Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride Saturdays and Sundays through October.

816.331.0630

Archaeology Day: Digging the Past 10:00, Ft Osage. Professional archaeologists will present an overview of more than 60 years. $3-$7.

816.503.4860

18 Monday

Blooming Numbers Garden 11:00, Lakeshore Learning. Children practice addition skills as they create a colorful summer garden! Free.

913.432.3998 Snakes Alive 1:30, Burr Oak Woods. Learn all about snakes during this hands-on, interactive program. Watch as snakes are fed.

816.228.3766 Back-to-School Bash 4:00, Roeland Park Aquatic Center. Have one more day of fun at the pool before getting into a school routine. $3-$4. 913.432.1377

Meet the New Baby 11:00, KCPT. Meet the new baby on today’s episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. KCPT.org End of Summer Intensive Thru Aug 21 and Aug 21-29, Miller Marley. Learn from some of the best! Open to the public. 913.492.0004

19 Tuesday

TUT TUESDAYS

Stories for Ones 9:30, Waldo Library. Bring your 1-year-old to a story time geared toward this age group. 816.701.3486 What’s for Dinner? 3:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Watch as the captive amphibians, fish and turtles enjoy their feast.

816.228.3766

See details pg. 12

21 Thursday

Red Guitar 5:00, Legends Outlet. Live at the Legends concert series presents Red Guitar tonight. Concert held in front of movie theater.

Free. 913.788.3700

Toddler Time 9:30, Sky Zone. If you can walk, then you can jump! Toddler Time is for the little ones to have their own jump time. $7.

913.213.5900

Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists (Olathe). Play on the equipment for a couple of hours. The hardest part will be leaving the fun! $2. 913.307.6023

Back-to-School Bash 6:00, Paradise Park. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a musical evening under the stars. Free concert. 816.246.5224

Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under.

Inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys!

OverlandParkMOPS.com

1860s Living History 10:00, Mahaffie Farmstead. Enjoy stagecoach rides, cookstove and blacksmith demonstrations. $4-$6.

913.971.5111

Tee Off Tuesday 10:00, Cool Crest. Unlimited miniature golf and 30 arcade tokens for only $12 per person. CoolCrest.com

Hard Hat Tour 10:00, Kansas City Museum.

Take a hard hat tour of Corinthian Hall and see how it looks mid-renovation.

KansasCityMuseum.org

Summer Concerts 7:00, the Colonnade (KCMO). Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the sounds of Beau Bledsoe. Free.

NortheastArtsKC.org The Fade Aways 8:00, Cutter’s Smokehouse.

Great barbecue and great ’60s rock music make for a great summer night! Family friendly fun!

785.542.1100 Overnight Fishing 11:00, Kill Creek Park. The park will be open for fishing only, and park police officers will be on duty throughout the night. 913.888.4713

17 Sunday KC Kosher BBQ Competition and Festival 11:00, Ritz Charles. Musical entertainment, great food, hot dog eating contests and more!

Free. 913.210.4174 art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278

Tots on Tuesday 11:00, Kemper Museum. Bring in your preschooler for a fun and fashionable get-together every third Tuesday. 816.753.5784 Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222

20 Wednesday Farmers Market 7:30, Downtown Overland Park. Shop for fresh produce, flowers and more.

Free. 913.642.2222

Tiblow Days Festival Thru Aug 23, Downtown Bonner Springs. Fun for the entire family, including parade, car show, city band concert, food and craft vendors and much more!

913.422.5044

22 Friday JBF Consignment Sale Thru Aug 24, The Pavilion at John Knox (Lee’s Summit). Save big on clothes, gear, toys and more. JBFSale.com

Pixie Skate 9:30, Skate City (OP). A program for ages 6 and under to learn how to skate safely and have fun. $5 includes skate rental and snack. 913.888.6668

Kids SciFri 11:00, National WWl Museum. A one hour class in which kids use all of their senses to explore the connection between science and history. Free with admission.

816.888.8100

Pop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum.

A drop-in program with age-appropriate activities for children 9 months to 3 years old.

913.715.2550

KU Kickoff 6:00, Corinth Square. A pep rally to kick off the year! Hear from KU coaches and enjoy food, drink, inflatable games and more!

Free. KUAthletics.com

kcparent.com august 2014

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Ice Cream Train

Fridays in August, Belton, Grandview and KC RR. Enjoy a train ride and an ice cream treat.

A great summer evening! 816.331.6630

Parkville Days Thru Aug 24, English Landing Park.

Great family fun in historic downtown Parkville.

Something for everyone! ParkvilleMo.org

KC Northern Railroad Rides 10:00, Vaydik Line Creek Park. Restored trains run on a half-mile track. 50 cents per ride. KCNRR.com

Lawrence Busker Festival Thru Aug 24, Downtown Lawrence. Largest gathering of street performers in the area. Loads of family fun! 785.749.2226

Lowe’s Build and Grow 10:00, Lowe’s stores throughout the metro. Join the fun today!

Kids will create a monsters vs aliens robot.

Free. LowesBuildAndGrow.com

Kelly Hunt Concert 8:00, Nerman Museum (front lawn). Bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy free music under the stars. JCCC.edu

Silly Face Magnetic Note Holder 11:00, Lakeshore Learning. Children will never miss a message…with this magnetic holder that keeps important notes close by. Free.

913.432.3998

23 Saturday

Neon Dash 6:00, Kemper Arena. Fun-filled, illuminating 5K race that will leave you glowing in head-to-toe goodness. NeonDash.com

Farmers Market 8:00, Brookside. Organic, local, vendor-only market. Find just picked, farm fresh veggies, herbs, flowers and more!

BrooksideFarmersMarket.com

Puppets: Can you Dig it? 11:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. Watch Otis, a small anthropologist, work with his shovel in this lively variety show. $5. 816.833.9777

KC Dance Day 9:00, Bolender Center. Free dance classes and free performances. View an open rehearsal by Kansas City Ballet dancers!

KCBallet.org

Saturday Night Feeder Saturdays thru Oct, 4:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Watch the cats being fed. $5. 816.739.0363

Saturn, Lord of the Rings 8:00, Powell Observatory. A talk on astronomy, a tour and (if skies are clear) viewing through various telescopes of the moon, planets and stars. $4$6. ASKC.org

Benefit Horse Show 6:00, Longview Horse Park. Fun filled and entertaining evening for all horse enthusiasts. $3; under 12 free.

816.537.6855

Overnight Fishing 11:00, Shawnee Mission Park. The park will be open for fishing only, and park police officers will be on duty throughout the night. 913.888.4713

Scavenger Saturdays 10:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-astic” adventure! 816.753.5784

North America’s Leading Children’s & Maternity Consignment Sales Event.™ • Shop and get unbelievable deals on brand-name favorites!

Lee’s Summit • Aug 22-24 • Sell your items and earn up to 70%! Sign-up online!

The Pavilion at John Knox Village • Save and earn even more by being part of our JBF Team!

Friday-Sunday • 10am-7pm Sat 25% off SALE* | Sun 50% off SALE* • Smart! Savvy shoppers and sellers know there’s no better budget helper around! Find all the details online!

Do you Tweet? We do! Follow us on Twitter: @JBFKC

Questions? leessummit@jbfsale.com

Join us on Facebook & Instagram @JBFLeesSummit

Overland Park • Sept 11-14 Overland Park International Trade Center

Thur & Fri • 9am-8pm Sat & Sun • 9am-5pm

Sunday 50% off SALE* Questions? tmetzger@jbfsale.com

Join us on Facebook & Instagram @JBFOverlandPark * Many items reduced, items with a star on their tag remain full price.

jbfsale.com

shop. sell. save. smart!™

Helping our neighbors in need, these sales benefit, in part, local non-profit organizations dedicated to helping kids and families in need.

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not valid for Prime Time Pre-Sale Shopping

Admission $2 first day, all other days free!

Shoppers - we prefer cash but also accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and Debit Cards

8/31/14

24 Sunday Jackson County Triathlon 7:30, Longview Lake. Long running race presented by Elite Cycling. JacksonCountyTriathlon.com Tour de Shawnee 7:30, Power Play Entertainment Center. Get in the action with the annual bike tour. Choose from 12- or 24-mile routes. 913.631.6545 Art of the Machine Car Series 10:00, City Market. Car enthusiasts can view custom, restored and vintage vehicles. Free.

816.842.1271 Kansas Soccer 1:00, Rock Chalk Park. Watch the Jayhawks take on SMU. Multiple ticket options available. KUAthletics.com Train Rides 2:00, Belton, Grandview & KC RR. Enjoy an old-fashioned train ride Saturdays and Sundays through October.

816.331.0630

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

All-You-Can-Play Day 10:00, Cool Crest. On Mondays and Thursdays get unlimited mini golf, two go-kart rides and 10 arcade tokens for only $10.99. CoolCrest.com Winston Churchill: The Artist 10:00, Hallmark Visitors Center. Enjoy a rare opportunity to view the art of Churchill. Learn about his connection with Hallmark. 816.274.3613

26 Tuesday

TUT

Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under. Inflatables, scooters, balls and other toys!

OverlandParkMOPS.com

27 Wednesday Pop ‘n Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum.

A drop-in program with age-appropriate activities for children 9 months to 3 years old. 913.715.2550 Stories for Ones 9:30, Waldo Library. Bring your 1-year-old to a story time geared toward this age group. 816.701.3486

TUESDAYS

See details pg. 12 Toddler Time 9:30, Sky Zone. If you can walk, then you can jump! Toddler Time is for the little ones to have their own jump time. $7.

913.213.5900 Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while parents enjoy a coffee drink. 913.393.3000 Visit Warm Springs Ranch Thru Oct 31, Warm Springs Ranch (Boonville). Take a day trip to the state-of-the-art Budweiser Clydesdale breeding farm. Pre-reg at WarmSpringsRanch.com.

Gypsies and Cowboys Kia Bondurant Photography. Have photos taken in the late summer fields. KiaBondurant.com Farmers Market 2:00, Hy-Vee Parking Lot (Gladstone). Grab fresh vegetables, fruit and more for dinner tonight.

Gladstone.MO.US Story Time and Craft 4:00, Farmers Market (Excelsior Springs). Enjoy story time and craft and science projects.

EXSPGSchamber.com

TRAIN RIDES Cool & Creative on hot summer days FREE STUDIO FEE

(up to $8 value)

and

1/2 pRICE DRInk

Offer expires 8/31/14. One coupon per customer per visit. No reproductions accepted. May not be combined with any other offers. No cash value.

KCP 0714

paintglazeandfire.net 127th & Metcalf • Overland Park, KS

913-661-CLAY

Ice Cream Train $10.50 Every Friday, June - Aug. 7 pm

Kids under three FREE

Train Rides

$9.50; Regular Trains Depart Sat, 2 pm [May - Oct] Sun, 2 pm [May - June/Sept - Oct] Sat., 11 am [June - Aug only]

Hot Dog Train $10.50 2nd Sat., July & Aug. 7 pm

Charters • Field Trips or Birthday Parties, plan by appointment.

Tickets go on sale one hour before train departure time.

Cash or check only.

Purchase online with credit card.

Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad Co.

502 Walnut •Belton, Missouri • 816-331-0630 • www.beltonrailroad.org kcparent.com august 2014

63

28 Thursday Pay for Play 10:00, Backyard Specialists (Olathe). Play on the equipment for a couple of hours. The hardest part will be leaving the fun! $2. 913.307.6023 1860s Living History 10:00, Mahaffie Farmstead. Enjoy stagecoach rides, cookstove and blacksmith demonstrations. $4-$6.

913.971.5111 Farmers Market 4:00, Belton Memorial Park.

Local farmers market with fresh produce at new location this year. Belton.org Jammin’ on the Green 7:00, Shawnee Town 1929 Museum. Grand Marquis will be playing their music. Bring the kids along with a picnic dinner. Free. 913.248.2360

29 Friday Hard Hat Tour 10:00, Kansas City Museum.

Take a hard hat tour of Corinthian Hall and see how it looks mid-renovation.

KansasCityMuseum.org Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story, create a pottery piece and enjoy a simple snack. 913.383.0222

Shawnee Story Time 10:30, Shawnee Books & Toys. Listen to a story, make a craft and have a snack every Friday morning. Free. 913.962.1428 Ice Cream Train 7:00, Belton, Grandview and KC RR. Enjoy a train ride and an ice cream treat.

A great summer evening! 816.331.6630

30 Saturday

make all by themselves. Free. 913.432.3998 art + family = FUN 1:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for free activities for all ages!

816.751.1278 Saturday Night Feeder Saturdays thru Oct, 4:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Watch the cats being fed. $5. 816.739.0363

Farmers Market 7:00, Parkville. Support local Missouri farmers and take home healthy assorted fruits and vegetables, meats, farm fresh eggs and more. 816.330.3279

Life Cycle of Stars 8:00, Powell Observatory.

A talk on astronomy, a tour and (if skies are clear) viewing through various telescopes of the moon, planets and stars. $4-$6.

ASKC.org

Touch a Truck 9:30, Downtown Topeka. Kids of all ages can climb on and get inside vehicles and equipment. Bring canned goods for donation. 785.234.9336

31 Sunday

Kansas City Renaissance Festival Thru Oct 13, Bonner Springs. Join the fun for a one-of-akind experience and relive history the fun way! $10-$30. 913.721.2110 Planted Paper 10:00, Burr Oak Woods. Create a recycled paper decoration with seeds that can be planted next spring. Pre-reg at 816.228.3766.

Whimsical Wind Catcher 11:00, Lakeshore Learning. Kids will love to watch the breeze blow…with this beaded wind catcher they

Discovery of King Tut 11:00, Union Station.

Let your footsteps retrace the paths of the breathtaking ancient Egyptian archeological site. $12.50-$19.95. UnionStation.org Football Fundays Noon, Paradise Park. With 15 TVs. Paradise Park is the best place for football fans to watch the big game each week!

816.246.5224 KC Northern Railroad Rides Noon, Vaydik Line Creek Park. Restored trains run on a half-mile track. 50 cents per ride. KCNRR.com

psst... piano

lessons

Learn to play piano and have FUN doing it!

we’re busy whipping up a juicy new issue for

september

Ages 4+ • All Skill Levels • Affordable Flexible • Experienced Teacher (9 yrs)

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL: SIGN UP FOR THE FIRST MONTH AND RECEIVE ONE FREE LESSON!

Daytime lessons available for homeschoolers!

Call Spring Terburgh at 913-636-4472

LESSONS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED RIGHT OFF I-35 AND 119th ST IN OLATHE

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• birthday party guide • fall day trips • have we taken bullying too far?

Grammy winner and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Buddy Guy with 15-year-old blues guitar sensation Quinn Sullivan

8 p.m., Saturday, September 6

jccc.edu/TheSeries 913-469-4445 Performing Arts Series Johnson County Community College

We Welcome your children to our Warm, fun environment, Where every child is treated With personalized care.

Dentistry for infants, children, teens and all those with special needs

• Comprehensive pediatric dental care including orthodontics • Low radiation digital x-rays • Individualized oral health education

Dr. John T. Fales, Jr.

13496 S. Arapaho Drive • Olathe, KS 66062 913.782.2207 • 913.489.0028 Fax

www.KIDZDENTIST.com

find us on facebook kcparent.com august 2014

65

HEALTHY DINNERS MAKE FOR HAPPIER HOMEWORK! LET DREAM DINNERS HELP!

LET DREAM DINNERS HELP! TRY US ONCE WITH 6 MEALS FOR ONLY $74.95!

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www.dreamdinners.com 119METCALFKS@DREAMDINNERS.COM 913.491.6733

速

ALICE (IN WONDERLAND)

OCTOBER 10-19, 2014

Dancer: Laura Hunt. Photography: Kenny Johnson.

DON’T MISS THIS MAGICAL FANTASY!

S P O N S O R E D I N PA R T BY:

Estelle and Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation

Connect with us

Follow our blog for behind-the-scenes information.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM $25 WWW.KCBALLET.ORG OR CALL 816-931-2232

kcparent.com august 2014

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EXPLORE KANSAS

CITY ZOO Watch Polar Bears Flip and Splash at Polar Bear Passage, Penguins Waddle and dive at Helzberg Penguin Plaza and much, much more!

Always a new adventure!

2014 FOTZ Memberships NOW AVAILABLE! kansascityzoo.org 816.595.1234

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kcparent.com august 2014

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.