KC Parent Magazine September 2013 by KC Parent Magazine

FREE Sept 2013 KCParent.com Since 1985 Where you find family, you will find us.

ARE VIDEO GAMES

SO BAD? +

quitting can be GOOD for kids homework help: do’s & don’ts birthday party guide: cute & creative ideas

kcparent.com september 2013

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Discover the Sion Difference. Kansas City’s premier Preschool – 12th grade Catholic academic institution is now accepting applications for the 2014 – 2015 school year. Visit siondifference.com today for registration requirements and campus visit information. A limited number of openings are currently available across all grade levels.

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kcparent.com september 2013

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• Served as Secretary, Vice President and President of the Kansas Dental Association. • Recipient of the Humanitarian Award from the Kansas Fifth District Dental Society. • Pediatric Dental Coordinator for the Kansas Mission of Mercy since 2002. • Appointed by the Governor to serve as a member of the Kansas Dental Board

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Blossom Into a New You at the 16th annual Speaking of Women’s Health Conference. Join with loved ones, friends and co-workers and dedicate a day to living life more healthy.

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kcparent.com september 2013

SEPT 2013

DEPARTMENTS

WILD, WILD WEST, KC STYLE, PG. 20

Word from Dad

Media Mix

Women’s Health

Healthy Kids

Blog Bits

SPECIAL SECTIONS 36

Party Guide

42 Calendar of Events

FEATURES

Fall Play Dates

Quitting

Great ideas for your kids and their friends

How it can sometimes be beneficial

Homework Help Suggestions on how parents can assist kids FREE Sept 2013 KCParent.com Since 1985 Where you find family, you will find us.

ARE VIDEO GAMES

ON THE COVER Quitting Can Be Good 26 Are Video Games So Bad? 30 Homework Help 34 Creative Birthday Party Ideas 36

SO BAD? +

quitting can be GOOD for kids homework help: do’s & don’ts birthday party guide: cute & creative ideas

kcparent.com september 2013

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editor’s letter SEPT 2013 Publisher Michael Gimotty Michael@KCParent.com Associate Publisher Darrell Dean Darrell@KCParent.com Editor Margaret Sarver Margaret@KCParent.com Art Director Lauren Goldman Lauren@KCParent.com Advertising Sales Darrell Dean Lynn Hawkins Advertising@KCParent.com

Enter to win KC Parent’s NASCAR giveaway! One lucky reader will win a NASCAR prize package valued at over $1,000! See details on pg. 55. Hurry! Contest ends Sept. 25!

Enjoy the start of fall, Kansas City!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

kcparent.com september 2013

Electronic Media Manager Kristina Light Kristina@KCParent.com Event Calendar Marisa Frymire Calendar@KCParent.com Proofreader Susan Crainshaw Susan@KCParent.com Distribution To be added to our distribution list, e-mail Distribution@KCParent.com

100% LOCAL

Local Contributing Writers Bill Bartlett (Belton), Kerry Chafin (Independence), Amanda Doll (Lenexa), Jennifer Duxbury (Olathe), Tisha Foley (Belton), Jessica Heine (Olathe), Christa Melnyk Hines (Olathe), Sara Keenan (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City), Stephanie Loux (Overland Park), Melanie Yunger (Shawnee) Business Office 11936 W. 119th #335, Overland Park, KS 66213 913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

OUR PRODUCTS kansas city’s #1 attraction guide

summer 2013

FREE Sept 2013 KCParent.com Since 1985

FREE July-Sept 2013 KCParent.com

Where you find family, you will find us.

Since 2002

ARE VIDEO GAMES

500+ IDEAS FOR FUN!

summertime in kc!

SO BAD? +

Where you find family, you will find us.

free summer fun for little ones in KC

tips on how to choose

the best:

UNIQUE URBAN ADVENTURES

MUST SEE KC

GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREETS

quitting can be GOOD for kids

OB/GYN hospital for delivery childbirth class

homework help: do’s & don’ts

KC MOMS ASK:

“Is it okay to exercise while pregnant?”

birthday party guide: cute & creative ideas

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onfession time. I am a video game junkie. I’m hooked not on the current, cool and hi-tech video games, but the classic video games. In fact, I am the proud owner of an arcade size Frogger machine. It’s currently in the unfinished part of the basement, but now that the girls are older, I need to bring it out and reclaim my bragging rights as the family high score holder! When I was a child, we had several of the cocktailstyle game systems in our basement. I spent many hours playing video games (while listening to my 45s and LPs on our Fisher Price record player). To this day I have trouble walking by a classic machine without stopping to play at least one game. Not only does it bring back memories, but it provides a truly enjoyable and relaxing break for me. When people think of video games and kids, they often envision kids who are lying around, wasting time and brain cells. Today’s video games offer so much more and don’t necessarily have to be all bad. When I found a kindred spirit in fellow gamer and KC Parent contributor Kerry Chafin, I was thrilled for her to shine a positive light on video games. Check out “Are Video Games Really So Bad?” on pg. 30. Birthdays are a big deal! That’s why twice a year we run our birthday party guide, which includes terrific venues all over the Metro to host your child’s next party. If you are in the mood for a party at home, check out the great ideas submitted to us by KC Parent readers. We ran a contest earlier this summer looking for your creative party ideas, and I have to say, there are some talented parents in Kansas City!

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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

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because we are a community.

SCHOOL

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

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kcparent.com september 2013

s grandparents age, families sometimes have to make the decision to move them to a care facility. Seeing Grandma or Grandpa move out of their home and into an unfamiliar place can be frightening for children. Here are ways to make the transition easier: Keep your children informed. Explain the move to your kids in ageappropriate terms as soon as you know it’s going to happen. Let your children know they will still be able to spend time with their grandparent on a regular basis. Focus on the positives. Don’t say, “Grandpa’s getting too old to take care of himself.” Instead, say something like, “Grandpa’s moving to a new home where they will take care of his lawn and fix him delicious meals.” Talk about the fun activities the new home has. Put on a happy face. It’s normal for you to feel anxious about the move or sad that you can’t take care of your parent, but try not to show those feelings in front of your children. They will pick up on your anxiety and view the move as negative. Read a book. Numerous children’s books focus on grandparents’ living in a care facility. Still My Grandma and Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas are two examples. Doing a search on Amazon.com or visiting your local library will turn up dozens of books to help your kids deal with aging grandparents’ moving to a new home. Involve the kids. Children love to feel included, so ask them for help in making decisions about the move. Maybe your kids would like to make beautiful artwork for a grandparent’s new home or create a scrapbook for Grandpa to take with him.

Helping with the move will go a long way in easing anxiety. Explore together. Assisted living facilities are not the drab, boring places of yesteryear. They are bright, warm, caring homes with exercise rooms, classes and busy activity calendars. Dwayne J. Clark, author of My Mother, My Son and founder of Aegis Living, recommends that parents explore with their children to find all the facility has to offer. Many places have activities for grandparents and grandchildren to do together—even Wii bowling tournaments! Get connected. Make a point to introduce your kids to caregivers and other residents to help them stay engaged in their grandparent’s life. Older children may enjoy volunteering at the facility or reading the newspaper to residents. Younger kids could make crafts or play games with residents. Keep a memento. Does your child have a favorite thing in Grandma’s house? Maybe it’s a pretty apron Grandma wears when they bake cookies together or a knickknack on the mantle. Have your child ask if she can keep that special item as a reminder of Grandma’s home and their good times there. Take additional steps if necessary. Sometimes serious and sudden health issues can result in a move to a senior home. Families can benefit from the advice above, but parents may need to take additional steps to help children cope with their grandparents’ health changes, too. Tisha Foley lives in Belton with her husband and two kids.

I am ... … a school board president. … a Mom and a wife. … a business owner. … an aspiring yogi. … a photographer. … a blood donor. … a Rotarian. … a gardener. … an activist. … driven. … caring. Amy is on the go! She is a small business owner, the President of the Olathe School Board and she shares her time with many community organizations. Her busy and active lifestyle doesn’t get in the way of giving back in the most basic of ways. Amy is also a loyal and dedicated blood donor who takes 60 minutes of her time every 56 days to help save a life in her community.

Who are you?

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piano lessons

word from dad

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“H

ow’d you know that, Dad?” I asked. To my 4-year old eyes, the world seemed like a bowl with me at the center, looking up at the rim. It was an extraordinary bowl, because, no matter where I went, I was still in the center. When I asked Dad about it, he explained about how the world was actually round. He also told me of illusions and how the eyes can play tricks on us. He didn’t answer my other question, though, so I asked again. “How’d you know that?” Dad remained quiet for a moment while his eyes grew distant. “The Dad Manual.” “Is that a book?” “A special kind of book. No one can see it, but every dad knows it.” “That doesn’t make sense.” “Give it time.” So, I did. After more than 25 years had passed, my son, Patrick, then 5, asked me a question. “Dad, how do they make cars?” Where do I begin? Technological development? Design? Production of raw materials? Fabrication? What can a 5-year-old absorb in a coherent answer that’s still the truth? “First, they get all the car parts, then they put them together.” “Oh.” He thought a moment. “How do they make trucks, then?” I gave him a sidelong glance. How’d he get this bee under his bonnet? “It’s… the same as making cars, but instead of using car parts, they use truck parts.” The light came on. “Ohhh.” He cocked his head in thought. “How’d you know that?” My father’s words echoed in my mind as if he’d just pronounced them 30 seconds ago. “The Dad Manual.” “Is that a book?” “A book like no other. You can’t read it or touch it, but, if you’re a dad, you know it.” His face scrunched up. “That doesn’t make sense.” “Give it time.” William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

kcparent.com september 2013

H O W -T O

alligator This great gator is held together mostly with wooden coffee stirrers and glue; like his amphibian pals, he’s made up of many parts. A simple scale design on his back and a set of sharp painted teeth bring him to life. Watch out for those chompers!

SUPPLIES:

BASIC STEPS:

• Paper and pencil

1. S K E TC H

• • • • • •

to sketch Rocks Modeling clay Cement glue, such as 527 Wooden coffee stirrers Scissors Acrylic paint and fine paintbrush

your idea on paper. For creatures that require more than one rock, A R R A N G E the rocks until the figure looks right. G LU E large body parts together; you can use modeling clay to support the pieces while the glue dries (putting the clay in the alligator’s mouth, for example). For body parts that don’t overlap each other a lot, G LU E lengths of wooden coffee stirrers underneath for more support. on small stones for feet, eyes, and other details. When glue is dry, PA I N T the sticks to match the stones, A D D paint to create features, and R E M OV E clay.

2. G LU E

C R E AT E A F E W C H A R A C T E R S

TJ145-4-2013 IMUS 7/CRA5085 Martha stewart’s favorite crafts with kids W:7.375”xH:9.125” 150L 128gsm Gold East M/A Magenta

BRIGHT IDEA: ROCK CRAFTING FOR KIDS

27 TJ145-4-13 P012-067 150L CTP.indd 27

13-4-16 PM5:59

Reprinted from the book Martha Stewart’s Favorite Crafts for Kids by the editors of Martha Stewart Living. Copyright © 2013 by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. Photographs copyright © 2013 by Stephen Lewis. Published by Potter Craft, a division of Random House, Inc. kcparent.com september 2013

put some fun in fall play dates

all has always been a special time of year for me. The change of season seems to bring with it a feeling of magic. This magic starts with a new school year and the beginning of the holiday hustle and bustle. To help celebrate this enchanting time of year, why not host an exciting fall themed play date? Of course, play dates will appear differently depending on the age of the participants but can be modified for all ages. Because, after all, who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like having fun and playing?

For TONS of great ideas all fall long, follow the Fall Bucket List blog on KCParent.com.

up at Ernie Miller Nature Center to stroll on the trails or taking a walk around your own neighborhood. Let the children feel the bark of the trees and collect pretty colored leaves to make a leaf wreath when you return home. To make a leaf wreath, simply glue leaves onto construction paper wreath cut-outs, let dry and hang up to enjoy! Sensory activities are also great and could include ripping or smashing dried leaves or playing in a premade bin of dried leaf bits with scoops and cups. Raking up and jumping into leaf piles is also a must! Then let the children decorate leaf-shaped sugar cookies for a fun leaf themed snack.

craft time

Fall seems to begin with the falling of leaves, so why not simply host a leaf themed play date? Autumn is a great time for youngâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;uns to experience their senses and the changing world around them. Begin your play date by either meeting

kcparent.com september 2013

pumpkin time

Moving deeper into autumn, I think of pumpkins. Pumpkins before Hallow-

For the younger crowd, simply meet at a green space to play with some footballs. Teach the youngsters how to throw, kick and punt the football and let them have fun! een, mind you. There are so many fun things to do with pumpkins, including carving them into jack-o’-lanterns as Halloween draws nearer. As for a play date, Laura Loeffert, Gardner mother of one (soon to be two!), hosted a “Paint Your Own Pumpkin Play Date” last fall at Brougham Park in Olathe. “For the pumpkin painting I had everyone bring a pumpkin of whatever size they wanted. I provided acrylic paint, paint brushes, cups, water, paper towels and wipes. Basically, the kiddos came, chose some paints and painted their pumpkins with the guidance of a parent. While the pumpkins dried, we played on the playground,” Loeffert says. She also adds that it was a “very cheap play date and lots of fun!” You could even use masking tape to make a design for the children to peel off after they’re done painting. One neat science experiment I saw on Pinterest.com (where else?) is to cut off the top of a pumpkin and fill the inside with dirt to watch the pumpkin seeds grow within the original pumpkin. A quick and easy pumpkin snack is Pumpkin Fluff, made from one tub of Cool Whip, one package of instant vanilla pudding and one can of pumpkin. Mix ingredients together, chill for two hours and serve with graham crackers, pretzels or apple slices.

football time

The cooler nights of fall remind me of my days of cheerleading for the high school football team, so here are some ideas for a football themed play date. For the younger crowd, simply meet at a green space to play with some footballs. Teach the youngsters how to throw, kick and punt the football and let them have fun! Then come back inside for a football lacing craft. Cut out two medium sized footballs from some brown construction paper and punch spaced holes around the edges. Then have the children lace the pieces together using yarn. Once they’ve completed a few lacings, add crumpled newspaper or cotton balls to the inside of the football. Many of these steps could be done ahead of time depending on the age and abilities of the children involved. A tip I have used with my 3-year-old when threading or lacing yarn is to wrap a twist tie to the end to make it easier to push through the holes. After the craft, a fun snack idea is juice boxes covered in brown construction paper with white laces drawn on them. For the older kids, you may want to host a backyard flag football game followed by a pizza party with the pepperoni in the shape of a football in the center. There are many fun fall themed ideas out there for whatever you may be interested in—and there’s always the tried-and-true hot dog roast followed by s’mores! Stephanie Loux is active in local mom’s groups and enjoys being outside with her little monkeys. Originally from Iowa, she now resides in Olathe with her husband, Mike, and children, Layla, 3, and Mason,1.

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kcparent.com september 2013

PARENTING 4C MAG

enjoy the arts in your

backyard

n the past several years, downtown Kansas City has made great strides in all things arts. From the picturesque Kauffman Center to the new home for the Kansas City Ballet at the Todd Bolender Center, Kansas City offers so many new and exciting ways to enjoy all forms of art. But did you realize that just a few miles outside of downtown, in Overland Park, lies an arts community that is equally as vibrant and diverse? Johnson County Community College (JCCC) not only is the largest undergraduate institution of higher education in Kansas, but is also home to the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art and the Performing Arts Series at JCCC. This fall, try exploring the arts outside the city center.

kcparent.com september 2013

The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art Did you know that the largest contemporary art museum in a four-state region is the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, housed on the JCCC campus? The 41,000-square-foot museum, which opened its doors in 2007, hosts 16 temporary exhibitions annually and showcases the museum’s Oppenheimer Collection. The museum gets its name from local residents Jerry and Margaret Nerman (along with their son, Lewis), who are among the area’s most prominent collectors of contemporary art. The building was designed by architect Kyu Sung Woo and is made of Kansas limestone. The museum welcomes visitors with two lobbies: the Cantilever Entrance and the glass and metal Atrium Lobby. Throughout the museum’s two levels are 10 galleries for temporary exhibitions and the permanent collection. In addition, the museum houses the Hudson Auditorium, Café Tempo, two classrooms and a museum store. The museum’s hours are Tue.-Sat., 10:00-5:00; Fri., 10:00-9:00; and Sun., Noon- 5:00 (closed Mondays and all JCCC holidays). Admission is free, and self-guided tours are available anytime the museum is open. The visitor’s orientation guide is helpful and allows you to tour the museum at your own pace. If you

prefer something more structured, visit the website for information on guided tours. After your tour of the museum, enjoy a picnic lunch on the campus grounds or grab a bite in the museum restaurant, Café Tempo. In addition to touring the museum, your family can enjoy one of the many classes offered there throughout the year. The Early Explorations (for ages 5-7) and the Contemporary Creations (for ages 8-11) classes combine interactive museum tours with hands-on studio projects. During each session, students explore and discuss selected works of art, developing critical thinking skills while expanding cultural awareness. After viewing and discussing the artwork, students create their own original works of art. The instructors demonstrate basic techniques, teach principles of design and guide students as they express their own ideas through a variety of media. Classes are offered on Saturdays throughout the academic year and weekdays in the summer. Visit the website for a list of upcoming topics.

The Performing Arts Series at JCCC The mission of the Performing Arts Series (PAS) at Johnson County Commu-

She’s off to college. Is it too late to talk about alcohol?

Lenexa mom Margaret Sarver loves that such wonderful art opportunities are available in both downtown Kansas City and in the suburbs.

Trim:3.6x9.88 Bleed: none Live: 3.35x9.63

Amanda, daughter of Scott, Anheuser-Busch employee

It’s never too late to help our kids make smart choices about alcohol. As parents, we have to use our influence so it works even when they’re no longer under our direct supervision. As we prepare our kids for college, we should focus on asking open-ended questions—such as, “What will you do if there’s drinking at the party?”—that encourage them to think through real scenarios. Through honest and open conversations, we can equip them to make the right choice when it matters most. To learn more, join us on Facebook and download our free Parent Guide.

kcparent.com september 2013

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nity College is three-fold. It serves to present professional performing arts programming with a variety of high quality artists, both familiar and new. It serves as a comprehensive arts education resource for the community, and it leads, partners and collaborates on campus, in the community and across the country. Each year the series presents shows appealing to a wide variety of ages. “We pride ourselves on offering a variety of performers to the community, so the target audience has broadened considerably over the past few years and has become more diverse,” Emily Berhmann, general manager for the PAS, says. Variety is certainly the theme of this year’s series. Orchestra Jakobsplatz Munich performs on Oct. 20 in their first U.S. tour! They are an exquisite chamber orchestra that performs works by composers who were victims of the Holocaust. On an entirely different note, Ballet Memphis will perform The Wizard of Oz on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, in a new production they premiered in Memphis just two years ago. The story is familiar, but the presentation is fresh and beautiful. If your little ballerinas like The Nutcracker, this is a perfect fit for them. This performance also will feature several local young dancers as munchkins and Emerald City townspeople. For a complete listing of all 2013-14 series events, visit JCCC.edu. Commenting on what makes the PAS series unique, Berhmann says, “Our uniqueness lies in the wide variety of events we present each year. From Broadway, to rock, pop, blues, bluegrass, dance, family shows, comedy and theater, we have something for everyone! We’re also the only comprehensive performing arts center in Johnson County, so I think we present a suburban alternative for those who appreciate being only minutes from home at the end of the evening.”

media mix

saved by the bell New Books Offer Lessons for Both School and Home By McGeath Freeman

Aesop’s Fables

By Ann McGovern Illustrated by Ricardo Tercio Best for: Ages 6-10

Ann McGovern’s retelling of Aesop’s fables was first published back in the early 1960s. This new edition offers the same clear, kid-friendly language that has made McGovern successful in children’s literature for more than 35 years. Illustrator Ricardo Tercio also brings new life to the timeless fables with energetic black and white illustrations. This collection brings more than 60 of

the famous tales together, including the popular “The Tortoise and the Hare” and the not-so-well-known “The Fox with the Grapes.” Entertaining and easy to read for emerging readers, these tales are packaged well for school story times and family bedtime. No fable is complete without a moral, and McGovern does a good job of rewriting the morals so that they are succinct and digestible by young minds.

What’s good: Kid-friendly text and short stories are exceptionally easy to read. What’s bad: Some fables are too short to make an impact.

Bugs in My Hair

By David Shannon Best for: Boys, ages 5-10

Do you get sympathetic itches? Then you may not want to read this book about a bug that is the bane of grade schools everywhere. This book is lousy with head lice. But if there is a fun and entertaining way to discuss the subject of head lice without shaming anyone, Bugs in My Hair has found it. David Shannon put his award-winning talents to work telling the story of a boy who gets head lice. The boy discovers

what lice are, what they eat and—most importantly—how to get rid of them. This is a fast, fun and vibrant book that is quite enjoyable to read. Unless you’re squeamish, you and your children might learn a few things about lice and how they have affected the English language. Bugs in My Hair may take the shame and horror away from head lice, but it leaves the itch. See how many times you scratch while reading this one with your kids.

What’s good: Lively illustrations and text that make head lice almost bearable. What’s bad: It’s a story about head lice, so it has a limited audience.

The Silver Six

By A.J. Lieberman Illustrated by Darren Rawlings Best for: Ages 9-13

This sci-fi graphic novel is perfect for preteens and reluctant readers. It follows six children who were all orphaned by a tragic shuttle crash. Their parents were brilliant scientists working on a new energy source. Yes, there is some propaganda messaging about the evils of

rampant energy exploitation, but mostly this story focuses on the characters, the action and humor. What more could a kid want in a book? With six main characters, there is someone to whom each reader can relate. And they have to work as a team to save the world. Yay!

What’s good: Wonderfully illustrated, with appeal for both boys and girls. What’s bad: A little eco-politics being spoon-fed to young readers.

kcparent.com september 2013

I am ... … a Justin Bieber fan. … a roller skater. … very outgoing. … a little sister. … a blood recipient. … a Christian. … a singer. singe … caring. … brave. … strong.

Sierra has a smile that can warm your heart. She is an outgoing and caring child who loves to entertain. She has hopes and dreams of being a singer and dancer one day. She is also a blood recipient who has Sickle Cell Disease; Sierra receives monthly blood transfusions to combat the pain of that disease. She is thankful for blood donors who took just 60 minutes of their time to help save her life.

Who are you?

savealifenow.org kcparent.com september 2013

kansas city’s Y

ee Haw! If you’re looking for a rip roarin’ good time with old-fashioned fun, then look no further! This is your guide to Wild, Wild West fun:

KANSAS CITY’S SIGNATURE WESTERN EVENT

american royal 20

kcparent.com september 2013

The American Royal is part of the fabric of Kansas City. With horse shows as early as 1905, the rodeo in 1949, the World Series of Barbecue® that’s grown yearly since the 1980 inaugural event and, of course, the parade, the Royal is a KC signature! The American Royal experience celebrates Kansas City’s legacy. Make plans to celebrate the Royal with the entire family at these must-see events: The American Royal Parade, Sept. 28 at 9:45. With nearly 4,000 people marching in the parade, including active duty military, veterans from every conflict, 2,000 Boy Scouts, combines and tractors, 4H and FFA youngsters, some of Kansas City’s best marching bands and drill teams, saddle clubs, vintage cars, civic groups and decked-out parade floats, this is an annual family favorite. Route: the parade will again

travel north up Grand Boulevard from Pershing to Truman Road. The American Royal World Series of Barbecue®, Sept. 28-Oct. 6. The best day to bring the kids is Saturday, Oct. 5, when they can enjoy the Royal Kids Korral and petting zoo. Enjoy mutton bustin’, calf roping, a mechanical bull, petting zoo, pony rides, inflatables and more. The event features barbecue tasting and contests, cooking demonstrations, live music and tours of the American Royal. The American Royal Pro Rodeo, Sept. 27 & 28. Watch bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc, steer wrestling and more. Before the rodeo, families can enjoy live music, shopping and kids’ activities. Live music featuring favorite country music entertainers continues the fun after the rodeo.

WILD, WILD WEST HERITAGE & FUN

Visitors learn the history of the infamous outlaw at the Jesse James Bank Museum (103 N. Water, Liberty, MO, 816.781.4458. Admission charged. ClayCountyMO.gov/Historic_Sites). Located on the historic square in Liberty is the site of America’s very first daylight bank robbery. On Feb. 13, 1866, a group of horsemen rode into town and robbed the local bank of $60,000 in cash (equivalent to $6 million today). The burglars were never caught. While Jesse James was not one of the burglars, his brother Frank was a participant, and it is believed that Jesse was the mastermind. On a tour of the bank, built in 1858, you’ll see the restored site as it was in 1866 with period furnishings and the original vault. A guide tells the tale of the robbery. The museum also offers a gift shop with books, toys and souvenirs. The Jesse James Farm and Museum (21216 James Farm Rd., Kearney, MO, 816.736.8500. Admission charged.) offers visitors a tour of the birthplace of outlaw Jesse James. Learn about the James Gang and the border

misty river equestrian center warfare between Missouri and Kansas. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm (1200 Kansas City Rd., Olathe, KS, 913.971.5111) is one of our favorite historic sites to visit any time. Telling the story of westward expansion through the eyes of the Mahaffie family and the last remaining stagecoach stop open to the public on the Santa Fe Trail, the site hosts Wild West Days every autumn. This year’s event will be Sept. 28-29, and visitors will enjoy hands-on activities and live performances, including the Whip Crackin’ Dare Devils, Wicked Liars, the Santa Fe Desperadoes and Gunsmoke and Petticoats. Tickets are $5 for ages 5 and up, or 5 tickets for $20. Some activities may require an extra fee. “Yippee ki yay yay” with your buckaroos at Antioch Park (6501 Antioch Rd., Merriam, KS). The favorite feature at the 44-acre park is Old Dodge Town, a Wild West village featuring nearly a dozen small buildings from a general store to a sheriff’s office perfect for imaginative play or hide and seek.

HORSIN’ AROUND

America’s love affair with horses is celebrated at these attractions where you can tour stables, enjoy a trail ride or watch an unforgettable dinner show! The Budweiser Clydesdales are world famous for their commercials and public appearances, and now visitors can meet them up close and personal. Warm Springs Ranch (25270 Missouri 98, Boonville, MO, 888.972.5933), located approximately halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis, offers tours of the 300acre Clydesdale breeding facility. On a tour, visitors are given the opportunity to pet and pose with beautiful Clydesdales, tour the veterinary center, stables and pasture and watch as staff members care

for, bathe and feed horses. Misty River Equestrian Center (21400 Eureka Rd., Independence, MO, 816.220.2332) offers horseback riding lessons, trail rides, stables and facilities for special events. “Children learn a sense of accomplishment and pride in goals reached as they progress to become accomplished riders and knowledgeable horse people,” Misty River’s Cindy Strahm says. “They also learn to respect their horses and learn consideration for the care and well-being of the horse. All of these and more constitute valuable life lessons that can be of great benefit not only to children of all ages, but adults as well.” The Dixie Stampede (Shows in Branson, MO, and Pigeon Forge, TN, DixieStampede.com.) is a dinner show unlike any other! The event includes horse acts, comedy, music and a menagerie of animals from ostriches to pot belly pigs. Everyone is served a full meal with one fun catch: the entire meal is “finger food.” If you enjoy tractor-pulled hayrides and some beautiful pumpkins, then Faulkner’s Ranch (10600 Raytown Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.761.1234) is the place for you! We’ve long been fans of Faulkner’s for their hospitality as a party venue, but pumpkin season is special in its own right. Faulkner’s Ranch brings a Western style to the whole fall experience with cowboys, rope tricks, Conestogas, pony rides and country music. Make a visit a family autumn tradition during their pumpkin season from mid-September through October. Kristina Light looks forward to the American Royal Parade, cowboy fun at Faulkner’s and tours of Kansas City’s historic sites every year.

real life rides Stagecoach rides at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop (Mahaffie.org).

Tractor-pulled hayride (weekends mid- Sept. thru Oct.) at Paradise Park (Paradise-Park.com). Pumpkin season wagon rides (typically mid-Sept. thru Oct.) at Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch (CarolynsCountryCousins.com), Johnson Farms Pumpkin Patch (JohnsonFarms.net) or Faulkner’s Ranch (FaulknersPumpkinFarms.com). Wagon rides and pony rides at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (OPKansas.org). Horse-drawn wagon rides with Pioneer Trails Adventures (PioneerTrailsAdventures.com), on the Square in Independence, MO, featuring historic interpretation. Learn about the town where three trails began, two Civil War battles were fought and, of course, Harry Truman made his home. Or ride a mule-drawn covered wagon to see Independence as a pioneer would. Trail Rides with Misty River Equestrian Center (21400 Eureka Rd., Indepen- dence, MO, 816.220.2332), Saddle Creek Stables (5915 Norfleet, Kansas City, MO, 816.803.7406, SaddleCreekHorses.com), Lone Wolf Ranch (22801 State Line Rd., Cleveland, MO, 816.618.ROPE (7673), LoneWolfArena.com), Wild Rose Equine Center (17105 Old Pike Rd., Dearborn, MO, 816.450.8636, WildRoseEquineCenter.com). kcparent.com september 2013

women’s health

EXCUSES, EXCUSES Y

ou know the drill….every Sunday evening you decide that this will be the week. Exercise begins Monday, but when Monday rolls around you have a million excuses to not do it. Some are legit, but most are just instances of effectively talking yourself out of exercising. We have all been there, ladies! Here is a list of the top excuses and how to beat them! I’m too busy: Laura Vanderkam, author of 168 Hours:You Have More Time Than You Think, says that even if you work 50 hours per week and sleep 8 hours per night, that leaves you with 62 hours per week for other things. Just schedule it in like it’s your job! Try exercising in short bursts, such as taking the stairs, jumping rope for 5-10 minutes at a time while at work or waiting for dinner to cook. The good news is that three 10-minute sessions are almost as good as one 30-minute session. Finally, purchase a pedometer and try increasing your steps to reach a goal of 10,000 each day. I’m too tired: Truth is, working out actually increases your energy. In fact, it releases feel-good hormones (endor-

kcparent.com september 2013

phins) into your body, and you will feel better! I can’t because of the kids: Believe it or not, if you aren’t exercising, your kids won’t either. They are learning good and bad habits from us! Use your family as your buddy system. Go for bike rides, play ball with your kids, take them for a walk and, when the weather is bad, play on the Wii or walk the mall. I always end up quitting: Set small goals, such as exercising 10 minutes a day three times a week. Once that goal is achieved, you will feel like doing more. Try the buddy system; it makes you more accountable. Finally, if you exercise one day, then give yourself a pat on the back, but if you miss a day, just keep moving forward and try again tomorrow. Any movement is better than no movement. Check in with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. It is much harder to start an exercise program than to stay in one, but in the words of Nike…“Just do it!” Melanie Yunger is a local wife, mom and nurse practitioner who loves to play Dance Dance Revolution with her kids.

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eading back to school, for many, is bittersweet. What’s not so sweet? All the germs and illnesses that make their way home with our little ones. When children stay home, parents often have to leave work, as well. Determining whether the symptom your little one is complaining of is serious enough to warrant a day home or whether they may be sent to school can be a challenge. For any questions or concerns, be sure to seek the opinion of a health care provider. Consider the following guide for those busy mornings when the germs strike: My tummy hurts! Does the child have diarrhea or vomiting? Both could signal a stomach bug, and the child should stay home. Keep the child well hydrated and home for 24 hours after the symptoms have resolved. Allison Birnbaum, Olathe, says, “As a school para and parent, I see instances of students’ coming back too soon and spreading the illness on to other children.” My head hurts! If your child has no additional symptoms, such as light disturbances or increase in temperature, than it is okay to return to school. My throat hurts! A sore throat alone is not enough to keep a child home from school. If it is accompanied by a

kcparent.com september 2013

fever, strep throat is a possibility. What’s this on my skin? A rash can often be the first sign of an infectious illness, such as chicken pox or measles. Keep children home until they are cleared by a health care provider. My nose is stuffy, and I’m coughing! What color is the drainage? Are there any additional symptoms, such as shivers or drowsiness? If the child is having trouble sleeping and performing everyday activities, he should stay home. Drainage that is a green or yellow color is another reason to keep him away from other children. My ear hurts! Ear infections are not contagious, so if your child is up to performing everyday activities, then she is able to attend school. I have a fever! A fever is the body’s way of dealing with and destroying an illness. If the temperature is greater than 100.4, a child should stay home and not return to school until he has been fever free for 24 hours. Jessica Heine lives in Olathe with her husband and two young children. As always, please consult your health provider with any questions or concerns.

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Great Games

e like to stay home and enjoy our game collection. With kids ranging from 1 to 7, some able to read, others not reading super well yet, and others not reading at all, and nearly 8 years of Candy Land under our belts, we’re always excited to find a game we can enjoy with the kids.

Qwirkle

Stats: 2 to 4 players, recommended for ages 6 and up. Takes 30-60 minutes to play. Play when you’re in the mood for: Something a bit brainy, but still super fun.You’ll like it if you like: Dominoes and/or rummy games. Summary: This is a strategy game matching colors and shapes to create rows. This game is a Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner and Mensa Select. It’s a great game for building math concepts, and even adults enjoy playing. Brainy and fun! Tip: Children do not have to read to play, and our 3-yearold partners with us in finding colors and shapes.

Video monitors in each room so parents get access via video anytime. Quality care for children ages 6 weeks to Kindergarten with School age care in the summer time. Activities include Art, Science, Math, Reading Readiness, Computers, Outside & Inside play area, Fine & Gross motor skills and special activities such as Dance, Soccer and Spanish available. Mon-Fri., 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.

7260 W. 121st St. • Overland Park, Kansas • 913.547.4060 www.ivyleaguelc.com

Clue Jr.

Stats: 2 to 5 players, recommended for ages 5 and up. Takes 30-60 minutes to play. Play when you’re in the mood for: Clue, but your kids can’t read yet (or at least some of them are still learning). You’ll like it if you like: Clue Summary: As the Jr. games go, this is my favorite to play as a mom. It is similar to classic Clue, but appropriate for non-readers (images are used in place of words), and the crime is missing cake, not a murder—more G-rated and great for kids. Unless, of course, they think their mother looks Suspic-ee-ous. Tip: Children may get excited and blurt out a clue. Pretend you don’t hear. For eight more fun games, visit KCParent.com Kristina Light lives in Kansas City with her family. She and other moms (and dads) blog daily at KCParent.com. Join the conversation today! kcparent.com september 2013

“I don’t wanna practice piano!”

“I HATE SOCCER!”

quitting

why can actually be good for kids EXPERTS ESTIMATE THAT MORE THAN 70 PERCENT OF CHILDREN QUIT ORGANIZED YOUTH SPORTS BY AGE 13. THE NUMBER ONE REASON FOR DROPPING OUT WAS THAT IT “WAS NO LONGER FUN.”

kcparent.com september 2013

ost parents have heard some version of these complaints from their children. As kids grow up they are bound to try out activities that they don’t enjoy. As parents we worry about letting them quit these activities. Will they grow up to be a “quitter” and never follow through on anything? Will they miss out on academic, social or health benefits if they quit? It may surprise you to learn that there are many reasons why quitting can actually be good for kids. Next time your child ends up in an activity that is not a good fit for him, keep in mind that quitting can sometimes be the best option for both your child and your family. To avoid dealing with a child who wants to quit something in the first place, it’s important to use good judgment when signing kids up for activities. With younger kids who are trying out a variety of sports, activities and lessons, try to choose programs with a short time commitment. Signing up for four weeks of karate lessons is a great way for a child to try it out to see whether it’s a good fit. Committing to two practices a week for six months may not be the best choice for any new activity. Give kids a natural “out” when they are trying something new and only continue on if they enjoy it. Also, as children get older, they really should have the final say in what activities they are involved in. Don’t sign kids up for lessons just because you think they may like it or because you want them to like it…ask them. Talk about the commitment beforehand and make sure they are prepared for the work involved. Make sure they know what they will be giving up to participate (free time, other activities, etc.).

Make a real effort not to over-program your children so they don’t end up hating all of their activities. But what about those times when your child is miserable despite your best efforts? First, talk to him about WHY he wants to quit. Does he just not like the activity as much as he thought he would? Does he feel like he isn’t any good at it? Does he not gel with the teacher? Are other kids on the team being unkind? Find the REAL reason that your child wants to quit before you throw in the towel. If it’s a mismatch with the teacher or other kids on the team, then you may be able to find another option that will be a better fit for him and allow him to continue an activity that he enjoys. If he feels like he isn’t good at something, extra practice or lessons or a less competitive league may do the trick. If kids just don’t enjoy the activity, then it is okay to let them quit.Yes, it’s really okay. As local mom Elona Charney says, “We all have things we’ve quit, and being okay with cutting our losses when something isn’t worth it is just as important as toughing out a situation when something IS worth it.” Quitting an activity that no longer brings a child joy can teach him to set priorities in life and to work toward the things he loves the most, leaving behind those things that don’t lead him toward achieving those goals.

Forcing children to participate in activities that they don’t enjoy can rob them of joy in their lives now and, worse, can turn them off of those types of activities in the future because of the bad experience they had as children. Letting your children take a break from their activities can also sometimes lead to their developing a new appreciation for that activity—or at least allow them to move on without feeling angry and defeated. They will be more likely to try new things if they know that they will be allowed to make a thoughtful decision about whether to continue them. Once you allow your child to quit an activity, move on. Help him find a new passion. Don’t dwell on the past or try to make him feel bad for quitting. Don’t worry that he will grow up to be a “quitter” just because he didn’t like this one activity. He may not be a concert pianist or a Major League Baseball player, but he will grow up to be a well-rounded adult with good memories of his childhood. Sara Keenan lives in Brookside with her husband and two children. She quit gymnastics, basketball and karate as a kid, but she’s really glad that she stuck with piano and tennis!

We asked KC Parent’s FB Fans, is it okay to let your child quit an activity? I always hear adults say they wished their parents had not let them quit their instruments, never the opposite. My kids will play an instrument as a part of their well-rounded education. -Kristen B. With sports — not until the season is over. I tell them that it’s important to stick to their commitments. -Erin F. We have gone through this with my son on gymnastics and karate. After fighting him every lesson, I wondered, “Why am I paying so much for this and fighting my kid to go?” His problem was how serious the sports became on a competitive level for an 8 year old. Let kids be kids. -Heidi T. I put my daughter in short community sessions like ballet, gymnastics, T-ball, swimming, cheerleading, etc., to test the waters. -Vong H.

Source: Michigan State University’s Institute for the Study of Youth Sports

kcparent.com september 2013

gh the mag u o r h t t ic o ec n n f co

storytelling The 14th Annual Kansas City Storytelling Celebration is Nov. 6-9. Sponsored by Metropolitan Community College-Maple Woods, events are free and many will be at the Kansas City Public Library on the Plaza. For more information, visit Facebook.com/KCStorytelling.

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Two Convenient Locations:

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162nd & Metcalf Ave 913.681.2191

Family Owned and Operated since 1990

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kcparent.com september 2013

“W

hy do you have a badger skin?” inquired my 6-year-

old nephew. My family, along with a small group of other adults and children, formed a semicircle in the shadowy quiet of the Indian encampment earth lodge at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park. Christine Freeman, an employee, had been guiding us through the lifestyle of the Kanza Indians, showing us how the Plains tribe crafted bows and arrows and used turtle shells for soup bowls and as calendars. She reached over and picked up the skin. “This is actually a raccoon,” she said as she placed it over her shoulder. Sitting down, she ran her hand along the fluffy, circled tail. “If you have time for a story, I’ll tell you how the animals worked out night and day,” she said. We all leaned in a little closer. Listening to Freeman recount the myth about the animals, we learned how the Indians taught their children about why days are split into nighttime and daytime hours. Freeman, who is also a mom of two adult sons, knows that when she weaves information into a story, her audience is more likely to listen and retain the information. “Storytelling is ageless. It appeals to everyone,” she says. “With children, it’s a great way to catch their attention.”

Learn through storytelling.

Stories put our experiences into perspective, comforting us with the knowledge that we aren’t alone in our human experiences. Stories serve to entertain, inspire, teach compassion and other values and stoke admiration and respect for the generations of individuals

who came before us. Studies also show storytelling enhances a child’s language development, emergent reading and comprehension skills.

Expand creativity.

Just like imaginative play, stories help children sort through problems and work through issues. “The more stories that kids can relate to others, the more ability they have to use their imaginations and to become problem solvers,” says Joyce Slater, artistic director for the Kansas City Storytelling Celebration, performing arts teacher and a Missouri touring performer for the Missouri Arts Council. Research suggests that families who tell stories report higher levels of happiness, closeness and adaptability.

“Storytelling is ageless. It appeals to everyone.” - Christine Freeman

“My favorite thing about storytelling has to be showing my kids how fun it is to really embrace one’s own creativity and to not be shy about exploring and sharing one’s imagination,” says Kevin Doyle, Lenexa, a children’s book author and father of two, ages 7 and 3. He began telling stories to his daughter when she was just a toddler. Doyle’s children especially desire

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imaginative, adventurous stories with pretend characters. “Those are my favorite to think up and the kids’ favorites to hear,” he says. “Bedtime is our primary story time. That’s the best time to unwind and help everyone relax.” As staff writer for Knowonder.com, an online children’s story site, Doyle knows a thing or two about spinning yarns that appeal to kids. But, you don’t have to be a professional storyteller to entertain your kids with your tales.

Tell life stories.

Kids love to hear about parents’ adventures when they were kids. Family stories, in particular, shape a child’s understanding of his family’s values, a sense of right and wrong and appropriate social behavior both in the family and in the world. “One of the stories that kids should always know is the story about their birth,” Slater says. “‘What was the day like? Who was there? Why do I have this name?’ It becomes a real self-identifying process if you know how you came into being and why somebody chose your name.”

Encourage listening.

Most of all, storytelling creates space for you to connect with your children. Begin with books. “Find a subject that you like, read the story and then talk about it. It’s a great way to open up a conversation with your children,” Freeman says. “Listen to each other. Sometimes we don’t listen enough. There’s nothing wrong with just sitting and talking.” Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines, Olathe, thinks it’s magical how the question “Can I tell you a story?” turns her rambunctious sons into captive listeners.

Is technology impacting the art of storytelling and our kids’ ability to share stories?

“[Kids] are so tied to relating through email, Facebook or computer that they don’t know how to voice their narratives. They don’t know how to formulate their narratives fully so that they’re understood,” Slater says. Which is why Slater, like many storytellers and educators, encourages the integration of technology into storytelling. Digital storytelling combines multimedia technology with traditional storytelling and is a growing trend across the country. The Kansas City Public Library and Science City at Union Station recently opened the Kansas City Digital Media Lab, a free resource for teens ages 13 to 18. Located on the lower level of Union Station, “the lab allows young people to employ cutting-edge digital tools to tell their own stories,” according to a Kansas City Public Library statement.

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kcparent.com september 2013

ARE VIDEO GAMES SO BAD?

kcparent.com september 2013

ideo games get a bad rap in the parenting world. Many times, they're characterized as an almost evil influence on our kids. Like most parents, I have been warned. Yes, I've heard that it makes our children lazy couch

potatoes. Their brains will rot. That they're so violent it makes our kids violent. As a mom straight from the first generation of

gamers, I always look at these claims with a jaundiced eye. I'll admit I love video games. From Atari to theÂ Wii, I have been a big geek of a fan since the beginning. I have happily devoted hours to playing more than my fair share of video games and, as a result, have a differing view on these evil time killers. I can see the potential, the good and the bad when it comes to video games. Video games have evolved over these last few decades to include a wide range of gamers. Video games are not just for kids anymore. With systems like Nintendo's Wii and Xbox's Kinect, kids can get up and get moving off the dreaded couch. Educational games specifically for preschoolers and young children are everywhere. Now, instead of video games made specifically for young boys ages 8 to 16, games are made with the entire family in mind. kcparent.com september 2013

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913.998.3652

That's not to say that all video games are great for all kids. Just because it's a video game does not mean any kid can play it. Because video games now have a very wide consumer demographic, we have to take the time to consider each and every game carefully. That wide demographic includes adults now, too. Grand Theft Auto is not equal to Mario Kart. Pay careful attention to the ESRB ratings. You wouldn't let your 6-year-old watch a rated-R movie, so don't let him play a rated-M video game. And what would be more important than you, as the parent, knowing ESRB ratings? Your children’s knowing the ESRB ratings! Set them up for some serious gaming success by teaching them what each symbol means and which ones are strictly off limits. It's also important to remember that just because a well-known and loveable character is in the game doesn't mean that the game itself is appropriate. Super Mario Galaxy is rated E, but Super Smash Brothers (a game that includes Mario, Kirby and a host of other Nintendo characters) is rated T for Teen.

The best thing about video games, especially familyfriendly ones, is that everyone can get in on the fun. As wonderful as ESRB ratings can be, there's only one way to truly know whether that video game is right for your child. Play it. Play through a few levels before handing the controller over to your child. Almost every game has an opening video. Watch it. You may find the ESRB rating doesn't fit with your own judgment. Gaming is not inherently evil. In fact, video games can be a great teaching tool

You wouldn’t let your 6-year-old watch a rated-R movie, so don’t let him play a rated-M video game. GOAL SETTING

Video games are filled abundantly with goals. Getting to the next level, solving the puzzle, working to beat the boss. These may seem silly at first, but are great lessons for life. This is where you come in. Talk to your kids about what you can do to set goals and how great it feels to reach them.

DEALING WITH FAILURE

Failure is the most frustrating thing about video games and life. Sometimes those levels feel like an impossible task. An insurmountable hurdle. It can be easy to just let your kid give up and shut it down. After all, it is just a game. Instead, take this opportunity to teach children how to manage their frustration and anger. Help them calm down and keep trying. Add lots of encouragement, and when they finally win, give them lots of praise.

EXERCISE

This might be the last thing you would think of when you think of video games, but getting physical while playing has never been easier. Even really young kids can get in on the action with games like Nickelodeon Fit. Get them moving and off the couch by using video games. And hey, why not use that system to help you get some exercise in, too?

FAMILY TIME

The best thing about video games, especially family friendly ones, is that everyone can get in on the fun. Just like board games, use these video games for some family bonding time. Wii Sports is a great game for all skill levels and gets everyone moving. Look for games that fit in with each family member's skill level.

EDUCATIONAL GAMING

There was a time not that long ago when games with "educational" in the description were automatically synonymous with "lame." Not anymore. Somewhere along the way, educational games became fun. Now they even branch out into more artistic endeavors. Draw to Life and uDraw are a big step up from Mario Paint. There are games that teach math, science and even simple brainteasers. Of course, you should still limit video game time. Too much of anything can be bad for your children. So keep an eye on the clock as you play. But don't eschew all video games because you heard they could be a bad influence or make your children lazy. The real key to making video games work for you is to spend some time playing them with your children. Yes, video games can be a solitary form of entertainment. The image of a child sitting alone on a couch in front of the television, soda in one hand and a controller in the other is not what you want. Playing these games does not mean you've given your child a one-way ticket to lazy-ville. Gaming can be, and often is, a social form of entertainment. Get in there with your children. Have fun, laugh, high five and take it to the next level together. Kerry Chafin is a freelance writer and gaming geek from Independence.

ESRB RATINGS

Early Childhood (EC) Great for preschoolers. These are usually educational in nature and geared toward very young children. They work best for children ages 3 and over. Everyone (E) This is a fairly safe zone for kids 6 and over. In this category, the games may include mild cartoon violence. Many of the popular Mario games reside in this category. Everyone 10+ (E10+) The difference between E and E 10+ can be tricky for parents, especially those that have multiple kids between the ages of 6 and 13. Think of it as the difference between PG and PG-13. This category usually has games that would not be appropriate for kids below 10. So consider the age of all the children in the home when looking at these games. Teen (T) This is the category parents with young children should start to avoid. Anything T or above will not be appropriate. Games in this category are usually more violent, have crude humor, some blood or suggestive themes. These are categorized for 13 and above. Some games get the rating for Teen, but are still not appropriate for 13- to 16-year-olds. Mature (M) This is for people 17 and over. Here are the games that would be equivalent to a rated-R movie. They are graphic with blood and gore, sexual themes and bad language. I cannot stress enough that these games are not meant for any child. Adults Only (AO) You probably won’t come across this kind of game in the store. Most retailers don’t carry AO games, and the major systems don’t allow AO games to be made for their consoles. The only time you should see an AO game in your child’s possession is when they are living on their own. kcparent.com september 2013

HOMEWORK HELP I

THESE ARE ALL LIFE SKILLS THAT WILL SUPPORT SUCCESSFUL FUNCTIONING IN FUTURE CAREER AND FAMILY LIFE.

’ve heard some creative excuses for missing homework over my 10+ years of teaching. Some noteworthy ones include “It got burned on the stovetop,” “Someone stole it” and, my personal favorite, “It flew out the window of my car on the way to school!” Ahh…the timeless issue of homework. Let’s face it—most kids don’t LOVE homework, and who can blame them? I know I don’t want to come home and do more work after clocking in an 8-hour day. But it is a fact that they will have to do homework to make it through their schooling career.

RESEARCH SAYS

A leader on the effects of homework is Harris Cooper, a neuroscience and psychology professor from Duke University. He and his colleagues analyzed dozens of homework studies over the course of years to evaluate its impact. Here are the basics of their findings: • Homework at the elementary level has little impact on school achievement. • Homework at the middle school level has modest benefits. • Homework at the high school level has clear and significant benefits. Practice assignments do have an overall positive effect on class tests at all grade levels (even if slight at the elementary level). Even though research suggests a low impact on student achievement at the elementary level, students need to develop homework skills for future success. The practice of homework supports content and skill reinforcement, confidence

The Do’s and Don’ts of Homework: DO • Establish a set time and location. • Show enthusiasm toward their subjects. • Remember what it was like to be their age. • Help them find solutions. • Develop an incentive system if necessary.

kcparent.com september 2013

DON’T • Expect them to start immediately after school. • Show frustration with their pace or attitude. • Compare to others. • Provide the answers. • Set up homework in a punitive light.

building and achievement. It also teaches responsibility, time management, organization and problem solving. These are all life skills that will support successful functioning in future career and family life.

HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

Cooper says, “My feeling is that homework policies should prescribe amounts of homework consistent with the research evidence, but they should also give individual schools and teachers some flexibility to take into account the unique needs and circumstances of their students and families.” From Cooper’s findings emerged his “10 minute rule,” which has been endorsed by the National Education Association. The “10 minute rule” equates 10 minutes of homework per day per grade level. If traditional assignments from school aren’t sent home consistently, use this time to help your child engage other learning opportunities. These include anything from taking a hike to playing a card/board game or cooking something together.

BOTTOM LINE

When it comes to homework, let the school and teacher be your initial guides. Support your student and watch for signs of frustration, overload and even boredom. Communicate with the teacher to find a way to make homework effective and worthwhile for your child. Amanda Doll’s current homework is changing diapers, doing laundry and chasing two little guys around her Lenexa homestead.

Here is a general breakdown of homework formats by grade level: Grade

K-2

Time

Parent Help

0-20 minutes

The best thing you can do to boost your child’s brainpower at this age is engage in activities such as cooking together, playing pretend, interacting as a family and, above all, reading!

If assignments are sent home, avoid spending excessive amounts of time on them. A good maximum guideline is 20 minutes a night.

0-50 minutes

3-5

Homework may increase in these grade levels. The expectation to master math facts, spelling words and reading skills will come into play at these grade levels, as well as the transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” Up to 90 minutes

middle school

Cooper notes that students at this age may stop producing a return at the 90-minute point. Students will experience more assignments with the more distinct separation of subjects and teachers. Organization will be key at this age. Up to 2 hours

high school

The high school level has the strongest case for the positive benefits of homework. This level also has plentiful extracurricular demands that will require a step up in the time management and balance departments…a taste of the “real world.”

Be in tune with frustration levels and provide emotional support. Begin to encourage more independence and avoid rescue. Again, if assignments are not sent home, encourage and provide opportunities for reading, exploring, writing, interacting and problem solving, which are all beneficial. Assist your child with establishing an effective organizational system to manage the homework from multiple classes and teachers. Provide a quiet location, uninterrupted time and emotional support.

Help your teen find a balance between it all and watch for signs of distress and anxiety. Shannon Thimmesch, mother of three, says, “For teenagers, homework needs to be solely their responsibility. I try to support them by helping them stay organized, and assist them when they become stuck on a question.” kcparent.com september 2013

Special Advertising Section

with bubbles, ribbons and dances in tutus. Each child is dressed in a matching costume and with a ballerina hostess, the story comes to life with props, dances, and music! Parties available at our Prairie Village studio or in your home. Ages 2-8. 913.671.7944. See display ad on pg. 12. www.AFairytaleBallet.com

Faulkner’s Ranch

fresh ideas + terrific themes + great venues

party guide KC Parent’s

Ceramic Café Celebrate your child’s birthday at Ceramic Cafe. All parties are scheduled for one-and-a-half hours, giving you time to open presents and serve cake and ice cream. We have three different packages for kids parties, and another for mixed-age group celebrations. Call 913.383.0222 or visit CeramicCafeKC.com for more details. See display ad on pg. 40.

Encore School of the Arts Encore School of the Arts at the JCC offers hasslefree Dance & Tumbling Birthday Parties! Let us take care of your party- and the cake, table wear, decorations, setup, clean up, & a wand party favor, too! We offer a number of party themes, or we can make a party just for you. Parties are $230/12

Have a Giant Screen Outdoor Movie Night! Birthdays, Communities, Schools, Churches, Corporate Events

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kcparent.com september 2013

guests, each additional guest is $10. For more information, contact Maggie at maggieo@jewishkc.org or 913.327.4612. See display ad on pg. 38.

Exotic Animals R Us We can bring a little bit of the wild to you! Our animals have been featured on such television shows as Rachel Ray, David Letterman, The Early Show, Martha Stewart and more! Call us to talk about the exotic animals your child would like to see at their birthday party! 816.985.2901. See display ad on pg. 36 for a $10 coupon. www.ExoticAnimalsRUs.com

A Fairytale Ballet Your little ballerina can choose her favorite fairytale and we’ll bring it to life! The magic starts

Faulkner’s Ranch Pony Parties are easy to plan and fun to enjoy! Indoor pony parties take place year round in our climate controlled adorably decorated pony party facility. 90 minute parties include a professional cowpoke hostess to facilitate the 1st hour of activities.Your little buckaroos will enjoy rocking ropers, cow milking contest, pin the tail on the donkey, a miniature petting farm and of course, PONY RIDES! Reserve today at http://www.faulknersranch.com/birthdays.html or call 816.761.1234. See display ad on pg. 38.

Fun Flicks Having a birthday or neighborhood block party? Have an exciting Giant Screen Movie Event in your backyard or neighborhood! We provide inflatable movie screens, premium projection equipment, concert-grade sound system & crew to host event. We host indoor and outdoor movie events for birthdays, corporations, schools, pools, neighborhoods, churches and other organizations. Outdoor movie equipment rental for KS, MO and surrounding areas. Watch movies, play video games, or dance to your favorite videos. 913.787.2234. See display ad on pg. 36 for a $50 coupon. www.FunFlicks.com

Gymboree Choose your child’s favorite theme and we’ll create a private, personalized party experience filled with kid friendly activities guaranteed to be continued on pg. 38

TWO GREAT NEW WAYS TO CELEBRATE A BIRTHDAY!

www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com

www.visitsealife.com

Win an Your Ultimate Birthday to LEGOLAND Center SEA LIFE! Host Birthday Party atParty LEGOLAND DiscoveryDiscovery Center or SEA LIFEorAquarium! Premium Party for 15 includes: Party packages starting at $25 perpeople child (min 10 guests) include:

• Admission for each guest guest • Private • Private LEGO build/aquarium tour Birthday • Beverages • Admission for each party room • Personalized Cake • Beverages • Private party roomVisit for 75 • Personalized Birthday Cake816.471.4FUN•(4386) Papa Murphy’s Pizza us minutes online for more information or call

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100% fun with zero clean up! We specialize in 1st birthday parties all the way through 5th birthday parties. Gymboree Play & Music Parties are available to members and non-members. Call to find out more details. 913.393.0203 (Prairie Village), 913.393.0203 (Olathe), 816.525.7529 (Lee’s Summit) or 816.505.3344 (Zona Rosa). See display ad on pg. 38. www.GymboreeClasses.com

KU Athletics Celebrate your child’s special day with the Jayhawks by hosting his or her birthday party at a Kansas Athletics home event! Receive Jayhawk Birthday invitations, food, drinks, cake and more! For questions or to book your party call 785.864.7988 or log onto kuathletics.com and

select Birthday Program under the Fan Central tab. See display ad on pg. 37.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center At LEGOLAND Discovery Center, it’s like you’ve stepped into the world’s largest box of LEGO bricks! Celebrate the special day of your little Lego fan with one of our birthday packages. A standard party includes a personalized birthday cake, an hour in the party room, and unlimited play time in the attraction. The premium package includes the addition of pizza and a private model building workshop. Party guests can keep the custom model they build! See display ad pg. 37. www.LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com

The MagiComedy of Reggie Gray Reggie Gray has been entertaining children and families since he was 12 years old throughout

Where kids come to play! 10% OFF Weekend Party Olathe location

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Open Play Both locations

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Mission Bowl Looking for a place to host your child’s birthday party? Head over to Mission Bowl! A family owned center for the past 53 years, Mission Bowl is a clean, non-smoking facility suitable for all ages. With its cosmic party lights and family friendly music, Mission Bowl is the perfect place to celebrate any occasion! 913.782.0279 (Olathe) or 913.432.7000 (Mission). See display ad on pg. 45. www.MissionBowl.com

Offering dance and tumbling birthday parties!

Sept. Only Shawnee Only $249 & up

Hours and Prices are Subject to Change at Anytime

Monkey Bizness 20800 W. 151st St. Olathe, KS 66061 913-780-2500

the east coast. Gray is a professional magician, juggler, balloon artist, emcee and motivational speaker NOW serving MO & KS.Your child will be the star of the show, making Furball the live bunny appear. Prepare to be amazed! 816.606.6815. See display ad on pg. 38. www.DiscoverTheMagicInYou.com

Photo by J. Smith Innovations

party guide

Litttle Monkey Bizness 12219 S.M. Pkwy Shawnee Mission, KS 913-631-7000

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KC Parent recently hosted a contest looking for creative party ideas from our readers. Wow! We have some very creative moms and dads in Kansas City. Below are the two winners with their party themes. Give your child a fairytale with a

tea party

Princess Party Book your party in September and receive

Call For Details!

Alexandra Dill, Overland Park Theme: Be Sweet We used Candyland for the decorations and incorporated the concept of kindness through giving by asking guests to bring diapers to donate instead of gifts.

127th & Metcalf â&#x20AC;˘ Overland Park, KS

913-661-CLAY

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be sweet

My daughter loves to wear pretty dresses and role play with tea, so it was the perfect theme for her birthday.

Party must be held before 12/31/13. Minimum 8 painters required. Various princess pieces available.

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Angie Lee, Shawnee Theme: Old Fashioned Tea Party

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Now parents can search by location through Google Maps and party type PLUS see photos and video.

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kcparent.com september 2013

party guide Monkey Bizness & Little Monkey Bizness Monkey Bizness & Little Monkey Bizness takes the hassle out of party planning for parents. We provide personalized invitations, balloons, party favors plates, cups, forks, napkins and an optional pizza and soda package. Private play and party rooms. We do all the cleaning! All that’s left to do is show up and have fun! Little Monkey Bizness has full gourmet coffee bar and free Wi-Fi. See display ad on pg. 38 for money saving coupons. www.MonkeyBizness.com

Paint, Glaze & Fire Ceramics & Coffee House Paint Glaze & Fire is PARTY CENTRAL & KC’s only paint-your-own pottery studio with a full service coffee bar. Creating beautiful ceramics is fun & easy for everyone from young children to experienced adults. Visit us for birthday parties, Scout/Brownie outings, corporate team building, girls’ night out or “just because.” 127th & Metcalf, 913.661.CLAY (2529). See display ad on pg. 39 for 20% off princess party. www.PaintGlazeandFire.net

Paradise Park

Tiger Rock Tae Kwon Do

Kansas City’s premier party destination offers an incredible experience for the birthday child and easy, hassle-free party for Mom and Dad. We take care of it all! Choose from 5 different awesome party packages, starting at $199. Visit www.Paradise-Park.com for online booking. 816.246.522. See display ad on pg. 55.

Tired of the same old birthday parties? Kick, jump, tumble at a Super Fantastic Tae Kwon Do Birthday Party at Tiger Rock. Our hassle-free parties include a mini Tae Kwon Do lesson by a Black Belt Instructor, fun games and more. No fuss or mess for you to deal with...the kids will have a ball! 913.829.8818 See display ad on pg. 32. www.KCTigerRock.com

Princess at My Party Have your child’s favorite princess come to her birthday party! Choose from Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. Then watch the magic unfold as the birthday girl and guests go on an adventure that includes a story, games, music, a makeover or face-painting and a treasure hunt. 913.558.3110. www.PrincessAtMyParty.com. See display ad on pg. 36.

SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium will transport you into the amazing underwater world. With over 5,000 creatures in 30 different displays, it’s the perfect location to celebrate the birthday of any young ocean enthusiast! A standard party includes an hour in the party room with a fin-facts presentation, a personalized birthday cake and aquarium admission. Premium package includes the addition of pizza and a guided tour led by an educational specialist! See display ad on pg. 37. www.VisitSeaLife.com

Union Station Real Pirates is here for only a limited time so why not give your guests a fun and unique experience they will never forget! Choose from several options. The Pirate Party package includes exhibit ticket for each child, a 30 minute Pirate craft, 30 minutes in the party room and special exhibit ticket prices for the parents attending. The Scavenger Hunt party includes a scavenger hunt lead by a real pirate. 816.460.2020 or email kniehaus@ unionstation.org. See display ad on pg. 43.

US Toy Company Our unique store offers a variety of items: teaching aides, games, books, party goods, decorative and holiday items, craft materials, carnival & magic items, infant and educational toys. U.S. Toy Company is your one stop toy, learning and party shop! 913.642.8247. See display ad on pg. 40 for $10 off entire purchase of $50 or more! www.USToy.com

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create school auction projects made with either glass or pottery after school September special 1/2 studio fees from 3-6 monday thru thursday 95TH & MISSION ROAD

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We don’t address the symptoms of ADHD. We address the cause. At Brain Balance Achievement Centers, we tackle your child’s ADHD at the most fundamental level — with a unique, drug-free, whole-child approach that goes beyond symptoms to address root causes. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest social and academic potential. Stop in or call to learn more about the Brain Balance Program® and how we can help your child succeed.

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kcparent.com september 2013

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

september

CALENDAR

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

kcparent.com september 2013

LENEXA SPINACH FESTIVAL

help

eat

enjoy

support

watch

On Sept. 7, Paradise Park is hosting the Carnival for CASA. This benefit includes face painting, bounce houses and more while raising money for a great cause. 816.785.4097

The Lenexa Spinach Festival is Sept. 7 at 9:00 at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Enjoy entertainment, food, music, kids’ activities and, of course, spinach! Lenexa.com

On Sept. 21, head to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art for a puppet parade at 6:00. Participate in art and other activities, along with the parade from StoneLion Puppets! 816.751.1278

Visit Little Monkey Bizness for their annual gala supporting Alex’s Lemonade Stand on Sept. 25 at 5:00. The fun event raises funds and awareness for childhood cancer. 913.631.7000

Join Kansas City for the American Royal Parade on Sept. 28 at 9:45 on Grand Boulevard—a KC tradition since 1926. Close to 4,000 will march in the parade! 816.221.9800

1 sunday

Art of the Machine 10:00, City Market. Under the pavilion, take a look at a great lineup of classic cars from the past. 816.842.1271 KC Northern Railroad Saturdays (10:00) & Sundays (Noon), Frank Vaydik Line Creek Park. Ride on our trains for only 50 cents per person! KCNRR.com Santa-Cali-Gon Days Today & tomorrow, 10:00, Independence Square. Features more than 400 crafters and vendors, country western music, food and more. SantaCaliGon.com Jackson County Beaches 11:00, Longview & Blue Spring Beaches. This is the last weekend to enjoy beach season! 816.503.4876 First Sunday Family Fun Day Noon, KC Museum. Share a great family moment and have a little fun, too! 816.483.8300 Lake Jacomo Cruise Tours! 2:00 & 4:00, Sat & Sun, Lake Jacomo. Take an hour-long scenic tour of beautiful Lake Jacomo! 816.795.8888 5 Acre Concert and Car Show 2:00, Cornerstone Wesleyan Church. More than 60 cars on display, music, free hot dogs, children’s play area and more! 816.454.4839 The Tallest Tree in the Forest Thru Sept 28, 7:00, KC Rep. Songs performed by award-winning

playwright and performer Daniel Beaty. KCRep.org

2 monday Early Bird Special 9:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Arrive before 10:00 on Monday and Wednesday, and admission is just $5 plus tax! 913.631.7000 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 Pops in the Park 7:00, Theatre in the Park. The Kansas City Symphony’s free Labor Day concert celebrates the holiday with familiar classics. 913.831.3355 CPR for the Soul Ceramic Café is offering a new monthly program where you can create, partake in snacks and relax with friends. Call for dates and times! 913.383.0222

3 tuesday

Concordia Fall Festival Thru Sept 8, Concordia, MO. A great getaway with dancing, food, crafts, contests, parades and much more! ConcordiaFallFestival.com Alien Worlds and Androids 9:30, Science City. This interactive exhibit allows visitors to join scientists in their quest for life beyond our planet. UnionStation.org Coffee Playground 10:00, OP First Assembly of

God. Free play in the gym for kids 5 and under. OverlandParkMops.blogspot.com Creative Story Time 11:00, Ceramic Café. Hear a story and paint a special mug for grandparents in honor of Grandparents Day. Snack included. 913.383.0222 Pooch Pool Party 4:30 & 6:00, Wollman Aquatic Center. Small dogs and large dogs have separate swim times. Call for more info. 913.651.2203 Pooch Paddle 6:30, Merriam Aquatic Center. Summertime may have ended, but there’s still one last swim for your special pooch! $5/dog. 913.322.5518

4 wednesday

Open Play 9:00, Stanley Presbyterian Church. Every first Wednesday, bring your kids and their toys to play while you sip your coffee with other moms. 913.681.8180 Children’s Corner 10:00, Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. Magician Eric Vaughn will create magic and illusion for all ages. 913.344.8656 Let’s Get Curious! Thru Sept 8, 10:00, Crown Center. Minnesota Children’s Museum has created a hands-on exhibit centered on George! 816.274.8444 Jayhawks Football Consider buying a family four-pack to see seven football games this fall for

kcparent.com september 2013

only $350. Includes two adults and two youths. 785.864.7988 Animal Tales Story Time 10:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Participate in a listen and learn activity about worms geared toward 2- to 6-yearolds. $2/person. 913.764.7759 Farmers’ Market 2:00, Gladstone (525 NE 70th). Purchase vegetables, locally-grown produce, fresh fruit, plants, herbs and much more. 816.423.4100

5 thursday

lutions for the home this fall. KCHomeShow.com Pint Size Playtime 10:00, Harris Park Community Center. Bring your preschoolers to the gym to run some of their energy out each month! Pre-reg. 816.969.1540 Kansas State Fair Thru Sept 15, Hutchinson, KS. Celebrating 100 years with a wide array of events. KansasStateFair.com Creative Story Time 10:30, Ceramic Café. Hear a story and paint a special mug in honor of Grandparents Day. Snack included. 913.383.0222

Quarter Horse Show Thru Sun, Hale Arena, American Royal. See the nation’s best quarter horses up close in their stalls, then watch them compete! 816.221.9800

Art Westport Thru Sun, Westport. Local KC artists will be on hand to display their art. Live bands and food for purchase. ArtWestport.net

Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Every Thursday, preschoolers can bowl with lighter weight balls, rent shoes and enjoy a small drink for $3. 913.432.7000

KC Juggling and Yoyo Festival Thru Sun, 5:00, Rockhurst High School. KC Juggling will teach all levels and ages to juggle! KansasCityJugglingClub.com

Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00, George Owens Nature Park. Children are invited to attend a nature focused story time with craft. 816.325.7115

Barbeque Blaze-Off Today & tomorrow, 6:00, Hidden Valley Park. Attend one of the oldest contests in the four-state area as we enter our 30th year! 816.228.0137

Highlights of the Museum 2:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. This guided tour examines aspects of frontier trail history. 816.325.7575

6 friday

Home Show 10:00, OP Convention Center. Visit nearly 200 exhibitors that will bring ideas and so-

52nd Annual Greek Festival Thru Sun, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Enjoy live Greek music, traditional dancing, costumes and delicious food. 816.942.9100 KC Improv Festival Thru Sept 14, Off Center Theatre & Kick Comedy Theater. The longest running

comedy festival in the country! KCImprovFestival.com First Fridays 7:00, Crossroads Art District. Galleries and shops remain open late on the first Friday of each month. KCCrossroads.org Asphalt Orchestra 7:30, Lied Center of KU. Asphalt Orchestra combines Western classical, rock, pop music and jazz to produce a one-of-a-kind sound. 785.864.2787 Moths in the Moonlight 7:30, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Like a moth to a flame, be drawn into the secret lives of these fascinating insects. $3. 913.764.7759

7 saturday

Brookside Farmers’ Market 8:00, Brookside. Purchase fresh, local produce and breads while enjoying live music. BrooksideFarmersMarket.com Home Depot Kids’ Workshop 9:00, Home Depot stores. Bring in the kids for a free hands-on workshop and build something together. HomeDepot.com Lenexa Spinach Festival 9:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Join us at the festival for entertainment, food, music, kids’ activities and so much more! Lenexa.com First Saturdays 9:00, Shoal Creek Living History Museum. Re-enactors will bring the village to

Bring in this ad & receive $1 off single admission. Cannot be combined with other offers.

kcparent.com september 2013

life while you enjoy activities, food and crafts. 816.792.2655 Big Shoal Country Fair 10:00, Atkins-Johnson Farm. Free event includes period craft demonstrations, live music, games and more! Gladstone.Mo.Us Grandma and Me Tea Party 10:00, Roeland Park Community Center. Celebrate Grandparents Day with a special tea, games and light sandwiches! 913.826.3160 Nature Nuts Story Time 10:00 or 1:00, Anita B Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. Hear nature stories and participate in hands-on activities. 816.759.7300 KC Northern Railroad Saturdays (10:00) & Sundays (Noon), Frank Vaydik Line Creek Park. Ride on our trains for only 50 cents per person! KCNRR.com Hike Swope Park with a Naturalist 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Enjoy a hike with the family! Not appropriate for children in strollers. 816.513.8960

TRAIN RIDES Kids under three FREE

Regular trains run Sat./Sun. at 2 P.M. all of Sept. and first weekend of Oct.

Grandparent’s Day Sept. 8, one grandparent rides FREE with a paid child’s admission.

Pumpkin Express Train

Rides in October weekends of the 12th, 19th & 26th. Trains depart at 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30.

Prices of Regular and Pumpkin Express are $9.50 for anyone 3 and older.

Santa Train

Garden Railroad Tour Today & tomorrow, 10:00, Kansas City Metro area. Join us for our annual tour of 14 locations in Kansas City! 913.669.1597

Departures are 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm., Sat., Nov. 30 and Sat., Dec. 7, 2013.

Carnival for CASA 11:00, Paradise Park. Support CASA and enjoy the fun! Bounce houses, face painters, balloon artists, petting zoo and lunch

Check website for price. Reservation required for this event.

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

Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad Co. 502 Walnut •Belton, Missouri 816-331-0630 • www.beltonrailroad.org Tickets go on sale one hour before train departure time.

2013 youth clubs

Kids ages 4 to 19 years old.

Why Bowling? No one ever sits on the bench • Learn a lifetime sport • Enjoy an outing in a healthy, smoke-free environment • No matter what challenges someone has EVERYONE can bowl • Bumpers available for kids under 6 • Coaching staff on hand Mission 5399 Martway Mission, KS 66205

913-432-7000

Olathe 1020 S. Weaver Olathe, KS 66061

913-782-0279

www.missionbowl.com kcparent.com september 2013

Gymboree at the Lee’s Summit Farmers’ Market Sept. 21, 7:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit at the Farmers’ Market. Enjoy a kid’s craft along with bubbles and other fun. Check us out! 816.525.7529 included. 816.842.2272 Chalk and Walk Festival Today & tomorrow, Crown Center Square. Artists fill squares of asphalt with magnificent works of art from chalk! 816.274.8444 Heartland Open Adventures Noon, Heartland Center. Enjoy the rock wall, zip line, vertical playground and more! Ages 10+. 816.891.1078 Dippin’ Dogs Swim Party Noon, the Bay Water Park. Bring your family and your dog for a special dip in the pool! $10/pooch. 816.965.9218 Fall Family Festival Noon, Beanstalk Children’s Garden. Garden crafts, face painting, make peanut butter, scavenger hunt, horse rides and more! 816.931.3877 Kids Fishing Derby 1:00, Gardner Lake. Grab your kids and we’ll provide worms and fishing poles for fun and prizes! GardnerKansas.gov Music on Main 3:00, Main Street Grandview. Bring your lawn chairs and listen to music on Main Street! Food vendors, Kids Zone and more. 816.761.6505

Parkville Cruise Night 4:00, Parkville, MO. Find your ultimate dream car here, visit the local shops and grab a bite to eat! ParkvilleMO.org Prairie Village Jazz Festival Harmon Park. Enjoy a free evening of music, artistry, delectable food and drink and fun! PrairieVillageJazz.org Sunset in the Park 6:30, Shawnee Mission Park Pavilion. Support local children’s charities and enjoy a live auction, great food and music. SunsetInThePark.org Dance in the Park 6:30, Roanoke Park. Kick back with family and friends and enjoy music and dancing! KCParks.org 7 Bridges Road: A Tribute to the Eagles 7:00, Paradise Park. Enjoy a night celebrating the music of the Eagles! 816.246.5224 Miss Saigon Thru Sept 13, 8:00, Starlight Theatre. An emotional tale about forbidden love, war and sacrifices for the American Dream. 816.363.7827

8 sunday: grandparent’s day Dippin’ Dogs Swim Party 1:00, the Springs Aquatic Center. Bring your family pooch for a dip in the pool! Call for details. 816.880.0279 Story Time for Preschoolers 1:30, Nelson-Atkins Museum (Noguchi Court). Drop in with your family for a story time. 816.561.4000

Sept. 21 11 a.m. & 2 p.m Comedy Cabaret on Strings Melchoir Marionettes from Greenwood, Indiana featuring 3 generations of puppets. Music & colorful scenery complement this all marionette variety show. PLUS visit our wonderful Puppet Museum or participate in one of our hands-on puppet workshops or field trips.

Puppetry Arts Institute

11025 E. Winner Rd. Independence, MO 64052 USA 816.833.9777 | www.hazelle.org

kcparent.com september 2013

Grandparents Ride Free 2:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. One grandparent rides free with a paid child’s admission. 813.331.0630 Concert on Grandparents Day 4:00, OP Arboretum. Bring lawn chairs along with your grandparents to hear music at the Arboretum. 913.685.3604 Jazz in the Roses 4:30, Rose Garden in Loose Park. The Mike White Quartet plays jazz outdoors for free. KCParks.org Michael Bublé 8:00, Sprint Center. Touring in support of his new album To Be Loved, Michael Bublé returns to the Sprint Center. SprintCenter.com

9 monday

Legos Brick Sculptures Thru Sept 29, 9:00, Powell Gardens. See how we are celebrating Lego bricks and nature together with our unique art exhibit. 816.697.2600 Moms of Grace 9:15, Grace Church. This ministry group seeks to support, equip and encourage moms in the journey of motherhood each week. 913.814.7223 Midtown Playgroup 10:00, Westport Roanoke Community Center. Bring youth to an indoor playground setting. $1.50/child. 816.784.5200 All-You-Can-Play Days 10:00-6:00, Cool Crest.

Unlimited mini golf, two go-kart rides and 10 arcade tokens for just $10.99/person. 816.358.0088

10 tuesday MOPS Meetings 9:00, Olathe Bible Church. Find support and encouragement for the journey of motherhood. OlatheBible.org Preschool Indoor Playground 9:30, Irene B French Comm Ctr. Children 5 and under can play indoors on bouncers, riding toys and more for just $2. 913.322.5550 Janie Next Door 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Join the fun as a local musician, singer and songwriter performs! $3/child; members free. 913.715.2550 Family Night 4:00, Little Money Bizness. Every Tuesday and Friday, enjoy playing and pizza with the whole family! 913.631.7000

11 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 Gym Tyme 10:00, Shawnee Civic Centre. Every Wednesday, toddlers and preschoolers can play in our gym for just $2. 913.631.5200 Farmers’ Market 2:00, Gladstone (525 NE 70th). Purchase vegetables, locally-grown produce, fresh fruit, plants, herbs and more. 816.423.4100

12 thursday

Plant Sale Thru Sat, 9:00, OP Arboretum. Purchase beautiful plants from the arboretum in time for fall! 913.685.3604 JBF Sale Thru Sun, 9:00, OP Int’l Trade Center. Outfit your children in style with a budget at the nation’s leading children’s consignment sales event. JBFSale.com Fall Home School Day 10:00 or 1:00, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. Two of our most popular school programs will be offered. 913.971.5111 Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Every Thursday, preschoolers can bowl with lighter weight balls, rent shoes and enjoy a small drink for $3. 913.432.7000 Nature Story Time 10:00 & 11:00, George Owens Nature Park. Children are invited to attend a nature focused story time with craft. 816.325.7115 Free Women’s Health and Fitness Day 11:00, Gamber Center. Learn about special health and fitness issues and see various exercise demonstrations. 816.969.1580 Myths and Trivia about Washington 11:00, Truman Library. Explore fact, fiction and the little known about our nation’s first president! 816.268.8200

Get creative at the

Nerman Museum! Contemporary Creations classes (ages 8-11) and Early Explorations classes (ages 5-7) combine engaging, interactive tours with hands-on studio projects, and students explore different topics each week. Pre-registration is required. Saturdays, Sept. 28-Dec. 7 10 a.m. – noon or 2 p.m.-4 p.m. $15 / $10 for Museum Members Register through JCCC Continuing Education. 913-469-2323 • www.jccc.edu/youth

Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art Johnson County Community College kcparent.com september 2013

Buffalo Bill Days Today & tomorrow, 6:00, Downtown Leavenworth. Enjoy Wild West entertainers, music, food and an arts and crafts show. BuffaloBillFestival.com

Parkville Junk Extravaganza Today & tomorrow, Parkville, MO. Find a wide assortment of vintage treasures, antiques and unusual finds. 816.918.0057

Tween Night Paint, Glaze & Fire. Tweens, grab a friend for a fun and creative night out! 913.661.2529

Halloween Thriller Children’s Orchard (Olathe & Independence). The selection of costumes is thrilling, just like the low prices! ChildOrch.com

ET Movie 7:30, Legacy Park Amphitheater. Free movie begins at 8:20! Snow cones and soda for sale; bring your own blankets and chairs. CityOfLS.net

CAF Open Hangar Days 10:00, Commemorative Air Force Hangar. See the fully-restored WWII airplanes and tour our museum. Crafts for young children. 913.907.7902

Brush Creek Art Walk Brush Creek Walkways and Trails. Enjoy art along Brush Creek while classical musicians play. BrushCreekArtWalk.org

Romeo and Juliet Today & tomorrow, 8:00, Penn Valley Park. Just Off Broadway Theatre performs a classic tale of tragedy mingled with love. 816.784.5020

Monarchs & Wildflowers 10:00, Ernie Miller Nature Center. Celebrate the monarch butterfly’s amazing annual migration. $4/person. 913.764.7759

Antique Engine and Tractor Show Thru Sun, Forest Park (Ottawa, KS). Music, activities and equipment up close. 785.242.2686

14 saturday

Highlights of the Museum 2:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. This guided tour examines aspects of frontier trail history. 816.325.7575

13 friday

Corn Maze Grand Opening 10:00, Louisburg Cider Mill. Plan a day trip or a night out and head to the cider mill for some corn maze fun! 800.748.7765 Mission Arts & Eats Festival Today & tomorrow, Mission, KS. Enjoy a wide variety of activities and entertainment for the whole family. 913.722.8206

Belton Fall Festival Today (4:00) & tomorrow (9:00), Main Street Belton. Entertainment, food and craft vendors, Chris Cakes Pancake breakfast and more. Belton.org Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival and Parade Thru Sun, 5:00, Downtown Blue Springs. There’s something here for everyone! 816.229.8558 Friday Family Night 6:00, Cool Crest. Every Friday for only $21.99, enjoy unlimited soft play (4 guests), 100 arcade tokens, large pizza and 4 drinks. 816.358.0088

Brookside Farmers’ Market 8:00, Brookside. Purchase fresh, local produce and breads while enjoying live music. BrooksideFarmersMarket.com FARE Walk for Food Allergy 9:00, Theatre in the Park Pavilion. A family-friendly event to raise funds for food allergy research, education and awareness. 913.515.9535 Apple Festival 9:00, First Baptist Church of Raymore. Handmade crafts, quilts, children’s area, apple-related food and much more! MBCH.org

Zootastik Learning Fest—Butterflies Bonanza 10:00, KC Zoo. “Butterflies Bonanza” explores the life cycle of butterflies and their environments. 816.513.5800 LEGO Star Wars Days Today & tomorrow, 10:00, Legoland. Join us for an amazing Star Wars event featuring Legos! 816.471.4386 Second Saturdays by the Grinter Stove 10:00, Grinter Place. Explore traditional recipes through cooking demonstrations. 913.299.0373 Harvest Day 10:00, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Enjoy old-fashioned activities, crafts and family fun at the farmstead today. 913.634.7165

apple goodness on kc menus Pure, wholesome Americana…we have uncovered an array of yummy apple goodness across the Metro! All-American Apple Pie: The Upper Crust Pie Bakery (7943 Santa Fe, Overland Park, KS, 913.642.2999 or lower level of Pryde’s Old Westport, 115 Westport Rd., 816.561.4990, UpperCrustPieBakery.com), a made-from-scratch pie shop, offers more than one delicious pie to choose from. Try Grandma’s apple pie with a hint of nutmeg, blackberry apple or French apple with a streusel crumb topping. Apple Crisp Ice Cream: For the foodie, Glace Artisan Ice Cream (GlaceIceCream.com) is a favorite destination. Known for unique gourmet ice creams made with fresh ingredients, the shop offers an apple crisp ice cream that’s an autumn favorite! Apple Donuts and Cider: Louisburg Cider Mill (14730 Highway K68, Louisburg) Kids love watching the cider pressing and apple cider donut making process. The donuts are delicious and the cider is great hot or cold! Be sure to call ahead

kcparent.com september 2013

(1.800.748.7765) for a cider making schedule or to book a group tour. Apple Fritters: Lamar’s (many locations, www.Lamars.com) is a Kansas City original, serving some of the best donuts in town. The apple fritters? Absolutely amazing! Apple Cinnamon Coffeecake: One of Kansas City’s most beloved bakeries for more than 60 years, McLain’s is famous for its chocolate cup cookies, but they also make a mean coffeecake with apple cinnamon as one of their most popular flavors. Caramel Apples: Sweet Caroline’s (7723 W. 151st St., Overland Park, KS, 913.495.9993, SweetCarolines.com) is one of the most decadent shops in the Metro. From your first step inside, you’ll savor the sweet scent of goodies, but the fall specialty is the candied apple! With large delicious apples, Sweet Caroline’s serves up many flavors and combinations of coatings for apples that are almost too pretty to eat!

Adults Only: Beautifully situated on a hill in Weston, MO, you’ll find Pirtle Winery (PirtleWinery.com), a quaint little winery famous for their mead, but also many delicious wines—including apple wine. In Lee’s Summit, you can visit Stonehaus Farms Winery (StonehausFarms.com) where they serve an autumn favorite— apple cranberry wine. Other nearby Missouri wineries with apple wines include New Oaks Vineyards in Wellington, Baltimore Bend (BaltimoreBend.com) in Waverly and Three Trails Winery (ThreeTrailsWinery.com) in Lexington.

Jesse James Festival Today, Sept 17 & 19-22, Kearney, MO. Family-friendly event with a craft fair, food, rodeo and more! JeseJamesFestival.com

10-ACRE

14730 K68 Highway, Louisburg, KS 66053

Sprint Family Fun Days 11:00, KC Power & Light. The carnival theme includes stilt walkers, carnival games, bounce houses and more! PowerAndLightDistrict.com Myths and Trivia about Washington 11:00, Truman Library. Explore fact, fiction and the little known about our nation’s first president! 816.268.8200 13th Annual Music Fest and Backporch Jam Noon, Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site. Bring your banjo, fiddle, guitar and other instruments to join the fun! 816.580.3387 Heartland Open Adventures Noon, Heartland Center. Fun includes the rock wall, zip line, vertical playground and more! Ages 10+. 816.891.1078

Pumpkin Patch

Ciderfest Weekends Sept. 28-29 & Oct. 5-6 8:00am to 6:00pm

MILL e & CIDER tor C ®

SINCE 1977

ountr y S

100% Pure Apple Cider • Craft Booths Moonwalk • Face Painting • Giant Slide Live Entertainment • Pancake Breakfast Wagon Ride • Fresh Cider Donuts Great Food & Plenty Of Old Fashioned Fun!

OPEN 7-DAYS-A-WEEK For hours, to shop, more information or Free Catalog:

www.louisburgcidermill.com • 913-837-5202 AMAZING 10-ACRE

Scarecrow Corn Maze Friday, Sept. 13 Thru Oct. 31

• Puzzling Clues • Wagon Ride • Jump Pillow • Hill Slide • Teepees • Live Music • Farm Animals & Bonfire on • Straw Fort Selected Evenings • Play Area

“Independence Uncorked” Wine Festival 1:00, Bingham-Waggoner Estate. An event just for Mom and Dad lets you sample wines from Missouri wineries. 816.325.7575 TAKE Foundation Self-Defense 1:00, Kauffman Stadium. Join us for our free self-defense class. 913.826.2950

Aerial view from 500 feet.

Second Saturdays 4:00, Historic Downtown Weston. Stroll into unique shops and galleries

Fri. & Sat.: 10am to 10pm Sun.: 10am to 6pm Weekdays: Groups by Appointment Fri. & Sat.: 7pm to 10pm: Bring a flashlight & go through the maze IN THE DARK!

TRU HISTORY. TRU HERO. TRU INSPIRATION.

TRUMAN OUR KIDS LOVED THE MUSEUM! – TripAdvisor Review

Ranked #1 attraction on TripAdvisor.com

DON’T MISS