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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.
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race into the new
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school year
Caffeine & Kids 18 Beneficial Boredom
24
Less Stress Planner
36
Money Saving Tips
44
After School Fun
48
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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.
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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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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
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Kansas City Parent Magazine is published 12 times a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Parent’s opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication. However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.
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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I am ... … a Displays Curator. … an aquarium designer. … an outdoorsman. … a scuba diver. … a blood donor. … an educator. … a listener. listene … a leader. … caring. Aaron has an amazing job as Displays Curator at SEA LIFE Aquarium Kansas City! He is always busy making sure the sea creatures and reptiles, like Speedy, the African Spurred Tortoise are cared for and have great living spaces. Aaron’s busy job doesn’t stop him from being a loyal and dedicated blood donor who takes 60 minutes of his time every 56 days to help save a life in his community.
Who are you?
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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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.com
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.” Freelance writer Lauren Greenlee and her
Personalized education for all Visit us online to learn more about K12 options available for Kansas students.
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family live in Olathe. kcparent.com august 2014
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”?
did you know?
More Superheros Needed.
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!
a
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
Want to learn more about virtual school?
even healthy kids can get the flu,
Grades K–8 tuition-free
and it can be serious.
Curriculum by
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!
Calvert.LeavenworthVS.org
Call: (913) 684-1540 kcparent.com august 2014
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.” For almost 40 years, concerned parents have turned to the Accelerated Schools for individualized learning programs that help students of all academic levels with unique educational needs overcome challenges and excel academically. • Full Day School - Grades 4 - 12 • After School Tutoring - Grades 1-12 • Accredited • Low Student-Teacher ratio • Daily Report Cards • Transportation Available • Effective Reward System • Free Academic Testing
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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.
Back to school fun for little ones, too!
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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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29
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. Nominations taken from Aug. 14-29. 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.
BENEFITS
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
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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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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
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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
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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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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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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.
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• 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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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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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
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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:
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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
it e d Ti
Lim
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
Back to School
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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
57
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
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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
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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
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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
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lessons
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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
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find us on facebook kcparent.com august 2014
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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
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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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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.