Parenting NH January 2017

parenting

COMPLIMENTARY

JANUARY 2017

How to navigate Airbnb

How to choose a good wine

NEW HAMPSHIRE

THE How to plan a perfect Disney vacation

ISSUE ParentingNH.com

And more!

Your Health, Our Trusted Experts...

...in Newborn Intensive Care.

Elliot Health System’s commitment to caring for you and your family is close to home.

As the only Level III Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the greater Manchester area, the Elliot NICU has the high-tech resources and a team of neonatologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, and respiratory care therapists specializing in premature infant care. Babies in our NICU receive close observation, attention, and intervention for their very unique needs. Contact us to learn more about why expecting parents deliver their baby at Elliot Hospital and how the NICU plays a role in this critical decision.

Visit www.elliothospital.org or call Physician Finder at 603-663-4567.

2 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

Elliot Health System is a non-profit organization serving your healthcare needs since 1890.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

– Albert Einstein

“The exposure to creative elements including both music and dance through kindergarten age is something so unique and so enjoyed by the students. No other preschool program in the area offers this type of opportunity.”

– Meg Duhaime, parent

Programs and enrichment for students ages 2–6.

AN ARTS AND SCIENCES PRESCHOOL

603-472-3894 • 155 Route 101, Bedford, NH

january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 3 www.creativekidsnh.org

• contents 16

january

departments

10 features Get to know 21

Airbnb Nonpublic school 13 listing How to choose a 28 good wine Free events 16 in January

5 How to

The Short List 6 plan

I Want That 8 a perfect Cook with Your Kids 30 Disney

Dad on Board 32 vacation

Learning Curve 33

House Calls 34 Raising Teens & Tweens 34

Out and About 36 Five for Families 39

From the Editor’s Desk

28

ON THE COVER: Cover design by Nancy Tichanuk

4 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

NEW HAMPSHIRE PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER:

Sharron McCarthy, x5117 smccarthy@mcleancommunications.com EDITOR:

Melanie Hitchcock, x5157 editor@parentingnh.com GROUP ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR:

Kimberly Lencki, x5154 klencki@mcleancommunications.com PRODUCTION MANAGER:

Jodie Hall, x5122 jhall@nhbr.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER:

Nancy Tichanuk, x5116 ntichanuk@mcleancommunications.com MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES:

Barbara Gallaher, x5156 bgallaher@parentingnh.com Debbie Birch, x5133 dbirch@parentingnh.com OFFICE MANAGER:

Mista McDonnell, x5114 mmcdonnell@nhbr.com EVENT & MARKETING MANAGER:

Erica Baglieri, x5125 ebaglieri@mcleancommunications.com BUSINESS & SALES COORDINATOR:

Heather Rood, x5110 hrood@mcleancommunications.com DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST:

Morgen Connor, x5149 mconnor@mcleancommunications.com

10

150 Dow Street, Manchester, NH 03101 (603) 624-1442, fax (603) 624-1310

www.parentingnh.com Subscription: One year (12 issues) $15

13

©2017 MCLEAN COMMUNICATIONS, LLC

Parenting New Hampshire Magazine® is published by McLean Communications, 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101, (603) 624-1442. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any mistakes in advertisements or editorial. Statements/opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect or represent those of this publication or its officers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, McLean Communications, LLC.: Parenting New Hampshire Magazine disclaims all responsibility for omission and errors.

from the editor’s desk A NEW FOCUS ON TWEENS AND TEENS Around the time we are getting ready to turn the calendar, I give a lot of thought to what I would like to accomplish in the magazine for the upcoming year. An editor’s New Year’s resolution if you will. And this year I’m resolving to focus more on tweens and teens.

Arguably the toughest time to parent your child may be when they hit middle school and/or puberty. The person standing in front of you no longer resembles the kind, docile tot you packed a lunch for and sent off on the bus to elementary school. The days of putting them in time out are over. In your child’s quest for independence, and in the journey to figure out how they fit into the world, they are not only testing the limits, they are testing yours.

We have always striven to be the premier source of information and resources for all New Hampshire parents. But over the past few years we have been broadening that mission by adding content to about tweens and teens to Parenting New Hampshire magazine. We wanted to make sure those parents of children 12 and older had not been forgotten.

To that end, this month we are launching a new column, Raising Tweens and Teens (see it on page 35). Tracey Tucker, a licensed mental health counselor at Tradeport Counseling Associates in Portsmouth, has been writing our general

Camp Marist For the

Best Summer of your Life!

parenting column. But we agreed that narrowing the focus and writing a column for parents of tweens and teens instead could greatly benefit our readers who are wrestling with issues related to that age group.

The column will focus on social media, bullying, peer pressure, communication, and a variety of topics that you may be facing right now. Do you have a specific concern or question you’d like addressed or answered in the column? Feel free to send it to editor@parentingnh.com.

In our September, October and November 2016 issues, we ran a series of articles on parenting older children. If you missed it, you can find it at www.parentingnh.com, along with an archive of previous articles on teens and tweens and an electronic copy of Parenting NH’s specialty publication, NH Next: Your Guide to Life After High School.

Melanie Hitchcock, Editor

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the short list COMPILED BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK

This month on www.parentingnh.com:

Resolve to go outside and have fun Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? If you hope to head outdoors for some family fun, check out these web-exclusive lists available only online at www.parentingnh.com.

❆ ❆

Winter carnivals and festivals: www.parentingnh.com/wintercarnivals Where to go sledding in NH: www.parentingnh.com/sleddingNH

If it’s too cold outside, keep an eye on our online calendar for events you can take your family to that you don’t have to bundle up for. And If you are looking for more information on how to stay healthy or get fit, click on the “Health” tab on our home page for health articles and tips from PNH.

Get ready for Girl Scout Cookie season!

The 2017 Cookie Season begins Jan. 2, marking the 100th anniversary of the iconic annual treat. Girl Scout Cookies not only help Girl Scouts earn money for fun, educational activities and community projects, they also play a role in transforming girls into G.I.R.L.s (Go-getters, Innovators, Risk-takers, Leaders)™ as they learn essential life skills that will stay with them forever.

This season, cookie lovers will have another variety to choose from – the Girl Scout S’mores Cookie, a graham cracker sandwich cookie filled with creamy chocolate and fluffy marshmallow.

By supporting the cookie program, consumers help support local Girl Scouts and programs. All cookies are $4 a box, with the exception of the new S’mores variety and gluten-free Toffee-tastic variety. Boxes of S’mores and Toffeetastic are $5.

Using funds earned during Cookie Season, girls in New Hampshire and Vermont are able to pay their way to Girl Scout camp, go on trips, and enjoy life-changing experiences. Cookies will be sold door-to-door and in booths, as well as online via the Digital Cookie platform. Cookies will be delivered in early March. At that time, cookie booth sales will begin and will continue through early April. For more information, call 1-888-474-9686, or go to www.girlscoutsgwm.org.

Deadline for a NH Schoolyard Action Grant is Jan. 30 Grants are available to schools with students pre-kindergarten through grade 12 to engage in projects to enhance the schoolyard for wildlife habitat, to connect students with the outdoors and to integrate nature with student learning.

The recently created New Hampshire Partnership for Schoolyard Action Grants includes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service New England Field office, N.H. Project Learning Tree, N.H. Fish and Game and New Hampshire Audubon. The partnership was created to make it easier for school staff

to apply for a grant to enhance the schoolyard. Now, a common grant application works for all four of the partner organizations and simplifies the application process.

Examples of projects that have been funded by the partner organizations in the past include the establishment of pollinator gardens, creation of outdoor learning areas, solar-powered bird baths, and the replanting of school grounds with native plants that enhance wildlife habitat.

Other types of projects eligible for support include trail or pond building,

6 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

citizen science activities and water or bird feeding stations. Projects or items not eligible for funding include vegetable gardens, staff and field trips.

Both student and community involvement in planning and on-site work is strongly encouraged. Professional consultation is available for project planning. Grant applications are being accepted through Jan. 30.

For more information and a grant application, go to www.nhaudubon. org.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Calling all young artists—

bring some color to the cover of our March issue!

Is your child a master of the marker? A captain of the crayon? We are looking for some talented New Hampshire kids to bring color and personality to the cover of March’s Parenting NH, our special summer camp issue.

We will be choosing winners from three age groups: age 7 and younger; age 8-10; and age 11-13. Of the three, one will be chosen to be the cover and the other two winners will be featured inside.

Just cut out the drawing on the next page, and let them have fun coloring it in! Parents, please mail it back to us, along with your name, your child’s name and age, address, phone number and email.

Deadline to enter is Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. Crayons, colored pencils or markers will be accepted. Bold colors are encouraged. Feel free to leave the background area white.

For more information, or to download a PDF of the coloring page, go to www.parentingnh.com. Submissions will be accepted via mail to Parenting NH Magazine Editor, McLean Communications, 150 Dow St., Manchester, NH 03101 or as a PDF attachment to editor@ parentingnh.com.

Children of Yankee Publishing Inc. or McLean Communications employees are not eligible.

parenting

I want that COMPILED BY MELANIE HITCHCOCK

Your infant will be safe and snug Hugaboo offers 360 degrees of cozy support that provides babies the leg and back support they need to correctly stay propped up. Its durable and cushiony design comes with an attached seat bottom that prevents infants from sliding onto the floor or tipping forward or backward.

Perfect for babies who can support their own head. Equipped with a washable cover.

Available at www.myhugaboo.com; $59.99-$69.99

Resolve to organize your kitchen T-fal Ingenio storage units use an innovative "Lever-Lock" mechanism that creates an airtight seal and keeps dry foods fresh even longer. The storage units are designed for modular stacking so you can efficiently organize your countertop or pantry. Clear lid allows for top-down viewing. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Snack healthier With one simple, authentic ingredient – fresh produce – Crunchies has developed a snack food that’s not just addictive and delicious, but packed with impressive nutrition to boot. With flavors like pineapple, blueberries and beets, Crunchies can be used in recipes or enjoyed straight from the bag. They’re also non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan and kosher and halal-certified.

Available at Shaw’s Supermarket, CVS and Walmart; $28.99 for a six-pack

Available at www.amazon.com; $9.99-$15.99

Time to relax Enjoy your bubbly in the bubbly! The SipCaddy is a suctioned cup holder that fits your wine glass or beer can so you can enjoy an adult beverage after a long day. Seal it on any part of the shower or tub and you never have to worry about spills, or a broken glass.

Available in six colors.

Available at www.sipcaddy.com; $13.95

For the superhero in your life Underground Toys’ Captain America movie shield cutting board is perfect for the Marvel Comics fan in your family. The acetate construction makes it not only durable, but also resistant to household germs. This handy worktop saver provides a hygienic and odor-, heat- and stain-resistant temporary kitchen work surface, and is a great addition to any man cave.

Available at www.amazon.com; $14.99

8 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 9

Get to know Airbnb How to host, and more about the popular homestay service

By Mary Ellen Hettinger

atie Choo moved from Merrimack across the country. Though a single woman with a small dog, she drove back and forth four times last year and didn’t worry about her Airbnb accommodations. It was just part of the adventure.

“I just told myself I’d have to be willing to walk away if I got a bad feeling, to listen to my gut.” She only walked away from a place once, due to the neighborhood. Now she hosts Airbnb guests occasionally at her new place in the Southwest.

A new way to travel First, the name: “air” refers to the fact that it started out as air mattresses, and to the virtual nature of the homestay network. “Bnb” is for bed and breakfast—although breakfast or any meal is not necessarily part of the deal. It’s all up to the host.

It was started in 2007 by guys who plopped air mattresses in the loft of their pricey San Francisco apartment and rented them out during a conference. Now a major player in the “sharing economy,” Airbnb (www.airbnb.com) is a $25 billion company.

“Just about everybody treated me like family or a friend,” Choo said. “I got invited to cookouts, to dinner, had some good meals and good wine.”

One place she stayed was “very fancy – I didn’t want to leave,” and once she stayed in a 23-year-old’s apartment, which was “interesting in its own way.” Traveling with a pet is a little trickier, because not everyone takes them.

Airbnb handles the money transactions and hosts the online listing on their site, for which they take a small fee. Choo said, “As a consumer, I like it, because my credit card doesn’t get billed until I stay.” Hosts get paid after their guests leave.

Be the host or hostess with the mostest In New Hampshire, there are unique opportunities to host. Being near an airport – whether it is Manchester, Concord or Lebanon – is a big plus, and you could get one-nighters: someone jetting in for a job interview, government business or medical conference, or college look-sees.

If your place has a mountain view or is on water, even better for attracting longer stays (vacationers/skiers, honeymooners, romantic getaway weekends) and better rent.

Your house?

Picture perfect listing Upload your best photos. Showcase a mountain cabin or waterfront property with shots of fresh snow, summer wildflowers, and fall foliage.

Also, this is your place and you want people to enjoy their stay.

What might a guest need besides clean bedding and towels?

Your wi-fi password – if you are willing to share it Local map, listing of good spots to eat Hiking trails, outlet shopping info, wineries, theaters

• • •

TIPS ON BEING A GUEST

The Montessori program combines with creative dramatic play encouraging communication, imagination, social awareness and time to explore feelings and relationships.

 You’re not staying in a hotel, that’s why you’re paying less.

Don’t expect room service or spa-like amenities.  Read the “house rules” for the listing carefully. Ask questions through Airbnb’s message system.  Know what you’re getting.

Examine the photos and information carefully. Will the host be there? Are you getting the whole apartment, or just a bedroom?  Be fair when you review the place afterward. You’ll be reviewed too, by the host.

• Seasonal attractions such as maple sugar houses, marathons, craft fairs • Phone charger, docking station • How about a mini fridge?

• The nearest office business center

My son, Colin Hettinger, had an apartment in Chicago with a roommate. When she moved out, he couldn’t afford the place on his own. He painted it, furnished the tiny second bedroom, used a Christmas gift card for nice sheets and towels, and was in business. His downtown location was steps away from bus stops and trains.

He got a few quick reviews from out-oftown friends who stayed through Airbnb and was up and running. All reviews were great (most mentioned his cat). One guest was a wine distributor who had to haul his sample cases up to the third-floor walkup; another was an art student from China who stayed for six weeks one summer.

He provided a Chicago transit map and other items such as a bottle of wine in the room, and always had bagels and juice for breakfast.

“Renting the second bedroom out mainly from Thursday through Sunday let me live alone without a roommate and I met lots of interesting people,” he said. Half of his guests came from Europe or Asia.

It doesn’t cost anything to sign up for Airbnb – just fill out a profile on the site

T N E NV L F

IU R S E RE Y O and attach a credit card to pay for listings.

Airbnb suggests scales of what to charge and you should compare your offering with others in the area to have an idea of where to start.

Hettinger was anxious about what to expect with the first few guests, then he stopped worrying. Like Katie, he said, “trust your gut” when deciding to host. If someone has very few to no reviews, it’s OK to refuse to rent to them. Wait until they build a better history.

That said, if your place is new to the market, you should price “at rock bottom” to attract guests and start earning reviews.

“The site works through mutual trust and reviewing each other,” he said.

Hettinger recommends meeting the guests personally to ensure it’s whom you were expecting, showing them around, how to work locks, etc. Give them a contact number where they can reach you. For your safety, lock away important papers (such as credit card numbers) and valuables.

Like the founders, he was subletting space in his apartment, but Hettinger says he would only host again if it was his own place.

If you crave privacy, Airbnb may not be for you. But if you’re social and enjoy meeting new people, especially if you’re on a budget, Airbnb may be worth the ride.

Our new woodland outdoor education program offers children an opportunity to grow naturally and freely while improving academic and physical skills.

78 Rockingham Road Auburn, NH 603 • 627 • 1691 info@auburnmontessori.com www.auburnmontessori.com

Day, Evening & Online Classes to Suit Your Lifestyle

nashuacc.edu

505 Amherst St. Nashua, NH 03063

603.578.8900

Child Care that is accredited, safe, affordable and right around the corner!

Early Childhood Adventures at the

Adult Learning Center

offers high quality, affordable child care for ages 6 weeks through Pre-Kindergarten.

Find out more at

www.adultlearningcenter.org or

contact Jane Marquis, childcare coordinator, at 603-882-9080 x216 or jmarquis@adultlearningcenter.org, to schedule an appointment for an interview and tour.

Mary Ellen Hettinger, APR is an award-winning reporter, editor and writer, and accredited public relations professional.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR HOSTS: In New Hampshire, almost anyone earn-

ing money through renting a room is required to pay the 9% meals and rooms (rentals) tax, or the M&R tax to the state.

According to Shaun Thomas of the Department of Revenue, “If you are renting a room, you are an operator and you need to apply for an M&R license and file monthly returns on the fee charged for the room.”

Regarding Airbnb, Assistant Revenue Counsel Thomas said: “We’ve observed that compliance is definitely an issue, and we’re taking a look at it.” For more, go to http://revenue.nh.gov/efile/meals-rentals.htm. And consider yourself informed.

accredited

4 Lake Street, Nashua, NH 03060

january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 11

expert advice

Where Your Child’s JourneY Begins Matters Getting your child properly started on the right path to personal, social, and academic success is critical to giving him or her every opportunity to succeed and find fulfilment in the world ahead. The global society of the future needs strong individuals with the interpersonal skills and an appreciation of diversity to work towards common goals with people from all backgrounds with empathy and respect. That means there’s a very immediate mandate to educate, nurture, and enhance the development of young students through comprehensive, intentional, and authentic 21st century experiences. That is not to be taken lightly, although few programs understand the significance of such a journey.

World Academy believes in the importance and value of starting each child on the right path. That’s why we approach education as a never-ending opportunity for personalized teachable moments tailored to each child, and why we employ highly qualified educators who encourage and nurture each student’s innate quest for discovery. We work to develop the “whole child” in every student - from academic and intellectual skills to social, emotional, creative, physical, and cultural development - to build each child into a well-

rounded, inquiring person.

We deliver multi-accredited programs that provide families with a continuum of year-round quality education, care and recreation for children ages six weeks through Grade 8 while focusing on the whole family. With a mission to address each child personally we utilize an in-depth, quality curriculum, small classes, inspired staff, and a focus on excellence in education, student empowerment, diversity, values, and the attainment of conflict resolution and negotiation skills. Our curriculum focuses on literacy, character, diversity, enrichment and personalized learning.

For each student we create an Individual Student Plan, which scaffolds and lays the framework for each subsequent stage of the child’s education. Each stage focuses on developing progressive 21st century skills, including collaboration, critical thinking and communication.

Whether you’re in search of Early Childhood Care and Education for your infant or toddler or student-focused instruction for your elementary or middle schooler, it is important to understand key components of the choices available. World Academy would love the opportunity to help you become an expert in advocating for your child.

Where Your Child’s Journey Begins Matters Our seamless educational roadmap guides all of our students from Infants through Grade 8 to reach their maximum potential.

To learn more about our Cradle to Careers roadmap, visit us online or call Samantha Bonenfant, our Director of Admissions.

603.888.1982 WorldAcademyNH.com/Roadmap 138 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, NH 03062

12 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

Kathleen Nelson, Founder/Head of School World Academy 138 Spit Brook Road, Nashua, NH (603) 888-1982 www.worldacademynh.com

How to choose

a good bottle of

D

wine

on’t know your chardonnay from a shiraz, or champagne from sparkling wine? Not to worry — just follow your nose and taste buds. And you don’t have to travel to Europe either. Of the 33 wineries in the Granite State, 22 are professional-level wineries and members of the New Hampshire Winery Association, and many local wines have won national and international medals.

Lewis Eaton, president of the New Hampshire Winery Association, and his wife Stacey own Sweet Baby Vineyard in Hampstead. “Choosing a good wine is simple,” he said. “Go with what you like.”

Visit a local winery – or follow the NH Winery Trail from www. nhwineryassociation.com – and taste a half- dozen for yourself.

After that many, your taste buds get shoddy, Eaton said. Some seltzer water or a crisp apple (something with acidity) can help clear your palate in between tastings.

At Sweet Baby Vineyard, Eaton lets the consumer pick and choose. A good way to start, though, is “with a nice acidic dry white wine.” Anything too sweet or “oaky” will overpower your palate so that’s all you will taste afterwards.

Winery owners and employees love what they do, and want to share the love, so don’t worry about being intimidated by “wine snobs.” At most places you’ll get a nice tour and background on the property, the grapes and other fruit used, and the winemaking process. Ask lots of questions!

Not all varieties of wine may be available for tasting on a given day. Expect to get a “menu” describing the varieties and flavors to look for. Wine is an experience for all the senses, so take your time to savor each sip. Make your own notes as you go along so you can buy your favorites afterward.

Wine columnist Stefanie Phillips echoes Eaton’s advice to try before you buy. And you don’t have to spend a lot. “There are a lot of good wines in the $12 to $15 range,” Phillips said.

Try these tips on sips from local experts

By Mary Ellen Hettinger

Bottle of red, bottle of white Red or white? Although the “rule” used to be red with red meat and game, and white with chicken and fish, that’s no longer always the case. You should drink what you prefer.

Throughout history, however, local wines — in Germany for example — were developed to accompany the seasonal foods of that region. So if you were eating game, you would have enjoyed a local vintage with the “depth” of flavor to stand up to that particular meat.

In Italy, chianti is a typical accompaniment to pasta and meat with marinara sauce, because its full body complements tomatoes.

There’s a lot to learn, but enjoying fine wine can enhance your experience of any meal. Wine names may refer to a geographic location, type of

january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 13

“Wine speaks to all the senses: the eyes behold the color, tone and shade; the nose, the bouquet; the fingers and lips caress the cool crystal; the ears delight in the subtle swishing of the liquid; the tongue rejoices in the reward of a rich harvest.”

— MARYLOU POSCH

grape, how or if it’s aged, but you’ll pick it up as you go along.

The important thing is to enjoy.

So choose your designated driver and hit the NHWA Wine Trail. To avoid sour grapes, look up the wineries you’d like to visit first. Many have limited hours during the week, especially at this time of year. Some places may require a reservation, particularly if you’re coming with a crowd.

Another way to try different wines is at your favorite restaurant. The Common Man family of restaurants offers a delicious incentive for you to hoist a glass. On Wine Down Wednesdays, select bottles of wine are half-price with your meal. New Hampshire law allows you to take home “leftovers” in a sealed bag, so you can enjoy one glass at the table and another at home.

Or host your own wine tasting party. Phillips suggests having a theme, such as only cabernets, or an Italian wine night. Remember, a “taste” does not equal a glass or even half a glass.

Buying a number of bottles at the grocery store? Shaw’s Supermarket sells a reusable shopping bag with slots for bottles.

When you bring it back to the store and buy more wine, you get a discount.

Many vineyards, like LaBelle Winery shown here, offer guided tours of their buildings, vineyards and wine-making cellars. Most offer samples of select wines for tasting.

Mary Ellen Hettinger enjoys champagne, which was described by French monk Dom Perignon “like sipping stars.” Or not. Another theory says that story was created decades later by an ad writer.

Ready, Set, Connect!

ABA for Children with Autism Six-year-old Jameson loves dinosaurs, sharks, pizza, his iPad and his family. Yet his autism presented challenges including explosive behavior and difficulties communicating.

603.226.2900 www.cmf.org/aba

“One of Jameson’s biggest breakthroughs was his ability to receive and show emotion.

Thanks to the expertise and genuine affection from his ABA therapists at Ready, Set, Connect!, Jameson is thriving.

The sky is the limit for him.”

Now is the time to finish what you started OR start something new!

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! NOW ENROLLING FOR SPRING TERM Classes begin January 17th and March 20th

— Deborah (Jameson’s grandmother)

Now in Manchester and Concord, NH! 14 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

Photo ©Ed Wonsek

Meet Jameson in this video at www.cmf.org/jameson

www.mccnh.edu | 1066 Front Street, Manchester, NH 03102 | (603) 206-8000

expert advice

how to make an impact I don’t know about you, but when I’m looking to purchase something, whether it is a new product, service, or even a room at a hotel, I always look for and trust recommendations from my friends and family. These recommendations can come in person, on the phone or on social media. If something’s good enough for them, I know it’s good enough for me. I know my trusted circle will be honest, straightforward with their experiences, and I like that. And I’m not alone. According to Nielsen, 92% of consumers put faith in their family and friends’ recommendations over any other.

What I find most interesting is that this same phenomenon is true when it comes to making decisions about education. Ninety-four percent of our Catholic school families actively engage in conversation about their child’s school resulting in word of mouth being the number one way new families hear about us. Most Catholic schools in New Hampshire even offer referral incentives for both current and incoming families.

Have you considered looking into Catholic edu-

cation? I’ll bet you know someone (or someone who knows someone) whose child attends a local Catholic school. If you’re curious about their experience, or think you might want to learn more, ask them. Reach out on social media, send them a text, chat in line at the grocery store. Sometimes, if you’re ready to make a change, all you have to do is ask.

If you’re reading this and your child attends Catholic school, how many people have you shared your experience with? Have you opened up to your coworkers, neighbors and social media “friends”?

As parents, we tend to trust each other’s recommendations because in the end, we all want what’s best for our children. If you see a Catholic school sticker displayed on the back of a car, or while you’re in the grocery store, see a dad with his child in a school uniform, reach out and ask about Catholic schools. If you’re a Catholic school parent, share your story in your community. You never know the impact you might make.

Alison Mueller, Director of Enrollment Management Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Manchester 153 Ash Street, PO Box 310, Manchester, NH (603) 669-3100 www.catholicschoolsnh.org

Discovery ...when it matters most.

NH Catholic Schools Diocese of Manchester

catholicschoolsnh.org january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 15

How to plan the n formatio n i e d i s n I author from the of the nkies’ ‘Mouseju ies book ser

perfect Walt Disn

By Bill Burke

T

here was a time when preparing for a Walt Disney World family getaway involved making a few phone calls, stepping off the plane in Orlando and letting the magic wash over you.

Those were simpler times, back before planning such an undertaking required something less than a black belt in Disney-fu. Yet here we are, in a world where technology — a tool designed to make things easier — has actually complicated things in new ways. Where there was once a room key and a park pass, there are now Magic Bands and PhotoPass and FastPass+ and DME and ADRs. But fear not, it can be done, and you can see a decent portion of Walt Disney World — which leads us to the first tip: Don’t try to see it all, because you can’t. Adjust your expectations, because it’s a massive place with a million things to do, see, taste and experience.

Pregame Start by creating a My Disney Experience account. Download the My Disney Experience mobile app, where you'll find park maps, operating hours, current wait times, menus and a way to make reservations and manage itineraries. Shortly before your trip, you'll get your family's complimentary MagicBands (more on that later) and Disney's Magical Express (DME) documents.

When these things arrive, it means it's all about to begin.

But first, you’ve got to get there.

Luckily, here in New Hampshire, we have a few convenient travel options: Flights from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport leave for MCO every few hours — with a few direct flights every day. Southwest Airlines can be an affordable option from Manchester. Logan International is less than an hour down I-93, and there you’ll find JetBlue, which offers even more flights — again, many of them direct — at comparatively decent prices.

You can drive to Walt Disney World, but depending on your route it’s roughly 1,400 miles. Without traffic, sleep, restroom breaks or stopping at a single Waffle House, it can be done in a little under 24 hours. However, the novelty runs out by the time you hit Connecticut, and you can expect to arrive less rested than after a two-and-a-half to three-hour flight.

16 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

ney World vacation A STEP-BY-STEP CHEAT SHEET

✪ STEP 1: Pick a date to travel. While Disney is skilled at packing guests in, September, while hot, has lighter crowds. Mid-January (now-ish) after the Walt Disney World Marathon, has been quiet in the past.

Arrival Disney owns 28 of the 34 hotels on its expansive piece of central Florida property, and you’ll want to choose one of those from which to base your attack on the vacation kingdom. While they can be slightly to vastly more expensive than staying off-site, the benefits outweigh the costs. To start with, if you stay at an on-site Disney hotel, you won’t need a car. Disney’s Magical Express will shuttle you and your luggage straight from the airport to your hotel, and back again when it’s time to return home. While you’re there, you can take advantage of Disney’s motor coach transportation system, its boats or its monorails to get from your hotel to waterparks, theme parks or Disney Springs.

Staying off-site may seem less expensive on the surface, but daily resort fees, which are often not included in the initial quote, can add up.

Shuttles to and from the parks from off-site hotels are not as convenient or as frequent, you’ll have to pay for parking if you have a car ($20-$35 a day) and you’ll miss out on conveniences like Extra Magic Hours and the ability to make Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) and FastPass+ reservations earlier.

Disney’s hotels are divided into three categories: Value, moderate and deluxe – all with corresponding price points. Value resorts will get you a clean, colorful, convenient, if slightly smaller room. You still get access to all of the transportation options and all of the amenities that any on-site guest gets. Dining options are generally relegated to food courts with a wide variety of food options.

Depending on when you travel and your room location, value resorts (All Star Music, Movies and Sports, Pop Century and Art of Animation) start at $89 a night.

Moderate resorts include Port Orleans French Quarter/Riverside, the Caribbean Beach Resort and Coronado Springs, which can start as low as $162 a night. Those looking to splurge can stay at one of the Monorail line resorts (the Polynesian Village, the Contemporary or the Grand Floridian), the breathtaking Wilderness Lodge or return to turn-of-thecentury Atlantic City at the Boardwalk, or the nearby Yacht Club or the Beach Club. These deluxe-level resorts start at $275 a night, depending on season, but easily and quickly rise to infinity and beyond.

With scores of hotels on its expansive property, there are plenty to choose from. Amenities and proximity make the

✪ STEP 2: Choose a package – hotel, passes, dining.

✪ STEP 3: Customize your MagicBand on the My Disney Experience site and make your FastPass+ selections.

✪ STEP 4: Attach the Disney’s Magical Express tags to your luggage.

✪ STEP 5: Check-in, grab your MagicBands and head for the front of your resort where you can catch the bus to whatever theme park you want to visit.

✪ STEP 6: Allow yourself to get caught up in your surroundings. Notice the details. Take your time – after all, despite the preparation needed, this is a vacation.

Guests can use Disney’s Magical Express, top, which stops at all the resorts, including Port Orleans Riverside, middle, and the Boardwalk Resort, bottom.

january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 17

more expensive resorts worth a consideration, if your budget allows.

You’ll get into your room by using your MagicBand — a colorful wristband that acts as your room key, park pass, credit card, and PhotoPass identification. It will arrive a month or so before your scheduled arrival. Another tip: Pack your MagicBand in your carry-on luggage. Having it handy when you arrive in Orlando will make getting onto Disney’s Magical Express — and getting to your hotel — quicker and easier.

Park passes are a necessity, and they’re not an insignificant cost. However, the longer you stay, the less expensive the daily cost becomes. A one-day, single park pass may be $101, but springing for a 10-day pass works out to roughly $40 a day, depending on options.

Here’s a quick summary: A five-day, base park pass for two adults and one child is $1,000.

Children under 3 do not need park passes.

You’ve made your ADRs 180 days prior to your arrival, you made your FastPass+ choices 60 days ago, you’re checked-in to your hotel, bathed in sun-block and now you’re ready to experience the theme parks.

Ready, Set, Go DISNEY PLANNING TIMELINE

✪

499 DAYS FROM ARRIVAL: Technically, you can book your room 499 days out, but you’ll have to call Disney directly. Tickets can be added 330 days out.

✪

180 DAYS FROM ARRIVAL: Make your Advanced Dining Reservations.

✪

60 DAYS FROM ARRIVAL: Make your FastPass+ selections – three for a single park, per day. (30 days out if you’re staying off-site.) FastPass+ is essentially a process of making an appointment to ride an attraction or see a show while skipping the standby line.

✪

30 DAYS FROM ARRIVAL: Your MagicBands will arrive roughly a month before you arrive.

Here’s a quick primer on the theme parks of Walt Disney World: There are four of them – The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In addition, there are two water parks, five golf courses, two 18-hole mini golf courses and Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) — a shopping, dining and entertainment district that has just undergone a massive makeover. Here’s what you will not find at Walt Disney World: Harry Potter.

With a couple of exceptions, you can’t walk to the theme parks. You’ll need to either drive or catch a Disney bus. Here’s how that works: in front of your resort you'll see a row of bus stops. Each stop will be labeled with a sign — Magic Kingdom or Epcot or Disney Springs, for example. Just get in line for wherever you want to go and a Disney bus will pull up before too long and take you there. When you're done playing in the parks and you want to go back to your resort, just go to the bus stops in front of the theme park and queue up at the stop with your resort name.

Navigating the theme parks can take enough expertise and strategy to fill books (I should know). A simple approach is this: Make your FastPass+ selections, hit a few must-dos and enjoy the time with your family. If the standby queue is longer than 20-30 minutes, just keep walking until you find something new or different to try. Disney’s Imagineers have created a world filled with millions of possibilities and experiences, and the next one is usually just a few steps away.

✪

3 DAYS FROM ARRIVAL: The Memory Maker photo service (you get every picture taken by a Disney PhotoPass photographer) can be purchased at a 30 discount ( 169) as long as you order it three days prior to the first photo.

Bill Burke is the author of three Walt Disney World travel guides. The books, “Mousejunkies,” are available at all bookstores and all online book retailers. He is the Dad on Board columnist for Parenting NH Magazine and managing editor of custom publications for McLean Communications.

$

✪

$

1 DAY FROM ARRIVAL: Attach the yellow Magical Express tags to your checked luggage. When you arrive, do not go to baggage claim. Disney will transport your checked luggage right to your hotel. (Unless you arrive after 10 p.m., in which case you will have to get your own luggage.)

18 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

How To Disney: A Teen’s Perspective

By Katie Burke

was born into a family that goes to Walt Disney World a lot. So when I say that I’ve visited there 17 times in 14 years, it might sound a bit excessive. You can blame my dad.

Guests thrill to Dinosaur, upper left, and Expedition Everest, lower right, at the Animal Kingdom theme park.

During those trips, I've learned what people love about Disney. While you can read travel guides about how to avoid waiting in lines or how to save money, I'd like to give a few tips from a teen's perspective.

The first step is getting there.

Flying on a plane can get boring quickly, so bring something that will keep you entertained, such as a book or a laptop or movies. I've done everything from borrow my mom's iPod to listen to some Aimee Mann, to watching a few episodes of “Community” we downloaded onto a laptop. The wifi on the plane usually costs extra, so try downloading something before you leave, rather than paying to connect to the internet – especially if your mom won't let you use her credit card.

Hotels are a big part of Disney World. Needless to say, there are a lot of them. There are less expensive hotels like the All Star resorts (I liked how there’s music playing in the background no matter where you go) or resorts connected to the Disney Vacation Club like the Boardwalk (the shopping is great, and there's a bakery you can get breakfast at each day) which are more pricey. My favorite hotel is the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's amazing to wake up each morning and look out of your room onto the savanna and see giraffes and Ankole cattle walking by.

Next, the most important part of the trip — those famous theme parks. There are tons of things to do. My favorite park is EpThere’s plenty for teens, cot — the World Showcase is including resorts like the pretty, there's plenty of food, Animal Kingdom Lodge, especially during the Food and top, and attractions like Wine Festival every fall — and the Seven Dwarfs Mine some of my favorite attractions Train and the Aerosmith are there.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, bottom.

There are plenty of slower rides based around the Disney movies everywhere, but there are also more thrilling rides that would interest teens more. These are the attractions you’ll want to get FastPasses for: At the Magic Kingdom there are rides like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain and Space Mountain – they're fun and thrilling but not super intense. Epcot has Test Track and Mission Space. Hollywood Studios is where you'll find the Tower of Terror and Star Tours, but the best in all of Walt Disney World is the Aerosmith Rock 'n Roller Coaster. It's intense, super fast, starts with an inversion right away, and shoots right into a few corkscrews while Aerosmith music blasts. It sets the mood and it will absolutely spike your adrenaline.

If you want to slow it down, that's also where you'll find the Voyage of the Little Mermaid, which is a spectacular stage show for all ages. Head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to ride Dinosaur (go back in time, kidnap a dinosaur and get home before a comet hits) and Expedition Everest, which will send you right up the Forbidden Mountain and into the lair of the yeti. It’s not horrifying, but when you start whipping around corners backward, it will get your pulse pounding. Animal Kingdom is also a great place to relax and watch some amazing wildlife on the Kilimanjaro Safari, while also having a chance to catch stage performances such the Festival of the Lion King or the Finding Nemo show.

Of course, you can always get your picture taken with Mickey Mouse, which is fun no matter what age you are.

As for dining at Disney World, there are lots of options. I usually end up leaving the fancy dining to mom and dad and order some good pizza (you can build your own at the new Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza at Disney Springs) or chicken nuggets (everywhere). D-Luxe Burger is also a new place where you can get an

amazing burger, but I go there for the shakes. They use gelato and make amazing flavors – my favorite is the S’Mores shake. (Just don’t tip your parents off that they cost $7.) I order from the kids menu, which is less expensive, or the regular adult menu, since I’m kind of in the in-between phase. Ordering from the adult menu is fine, too, but can be challenging, especially if you have serious food allergies like me. However, Disney is cautious about that sort of thing. The chef always comes out to talk to me to tell me what's involved in making the dish to make sure it’s safe for me to eat.

There are many different things to order at the different restaurants in all the parks, especially in the World Showcase at Epcot, since they offer foods from different countries.

Another great option is the new food trucks in Disney Springs. They’re all in the same area, the West Side, so you have many different options for different types of food right in front of you, for when you might want pot stickers (my choice) but your dad wants sliders.

To sum up: Roller coasters, pot stickers, shopping and shows. Disney isn’t just for younger kids, and isn’t only about rides. Just plan ahead a little. Your vacation can be much more fun if you’re organized and know what you’re getting into. After all, Disney World is the most magical place in the world.

Katie Burke is a freshman at Timberlane Regional High School and has contributed to her dad’s books about Walt Disney World. She plays bass guitar, double bass in the school orchestra and chamber orchestra, and is quite skilled at playing Overwatch on the XBox.

january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 19

expert advice

Do Your Homework!

Wait – isn’t homework something that many schools are reducing, or moving away from? It’s true, the no-homework policy of a second-grade teacher in Texas went viral recently, earning praise from parents across the country who lament the heavy workload often assigned to young students (TIME Magazine, August 2016). But what if the assignment is choosing the right school for your family? Is homework the only thing you should consider?

Research the Options: When considering schools, it makes sense to do your “homework” – but where do you begin? Understanding the “assignment” and treating it just like a research project is a great approach.

Develop your Objectives: What are the key values or attributes that are important to you in choosing a school; whether it’s Pre-school, Kindergarten, or Elementary? Do you understand the different teaching philosophies that are unique to each school? Putting together a list of your values and touring schools with a prepared list of questions is a great place to start.

Don’t be shy, ASK! Be sure to include several schools in your research; just like in the scientific

method, your results are only as good as your data – so be thorough with your observations, and consider multiple sources.

• In addition to a personal tour, what do others in the community have to say? Does their environment match what they portray online and in their brochures?

• What is their policy on homework, recess, grading/evaluations, testing, discipline?

• Do they actively incorporate social and/or cultural traditions that are important to you?

• What level of parent involvement is expected/ welcomed?

• Is their academic curriculum traditional or more cutting edge/experiential? How do they approach technology?

Compare and Evaluate: Now that you’ve learned firsthand about the choices you have, you will have a pile of literature – and likely a good amount of “gut feelings.” Bring together your information and compare it to your objectives. A good old-fashioned “pros and cons” list is an easy way to quickly identify where each school aligns with your values. Now that you’ve done your homework, the answer is easy!

Debra A. Repoza-Hogan, Head of School Southern New Hampshire Education Center 603-818-8613 www.snhec.org

Visit our OPEN HOUSE! ◆ Saturday, January 21, 11-2 inspiring students from 18 months through 8th grade, with hands-on learning in londonderry, nh

603-818-8613 20 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

The information for this listing of private, prep, and religious schools was compiled primarily from the New Hampshire Department of Education website (www.education.nh.gov) the week of Dec. 5, 2016. Schools are listed in alphabetical order by town. Contact the school directly for the most up-to-date information on enrollment and tuition, admission deadlines, financial aid and specific programs offered. NOTE: This listing does not contain nonpublic special education schools.

Contact the NH Dept. of Education for more information.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Nonpublic school listing COUNTRY VILLAGE MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2 Overlook Drive, Amherst 672-3882/www.countryvillagemontessori.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-6; private school

WHITE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL 371 West Farm Road, Bethlehem 444-2928/www.whitemountain.org Grades: 9-12; private school

PROCTOR ACADEMY 204 Main St., Andover 735-6210/www.proctoracademy.org Grades: 9-12; prep school

WOODLAND COMMUNITY SCHOOL 809 Brook Road, Bethlehem 444-1221/www.woodlandcommunityschool.org Grades: K, 1-8; private school

UNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 593 Sullivan St., Berlin 369-7075/www.unitychristian.school Grades: K, 1-12; Christian school

MEETING HOUSE MONTESSORI 28 Logging Hill Road, Bow 224-0004/www.meetinghousemontessori.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-4; private school

BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 1858 Maple St., Bethlehem 869-5401; www.bethlehemchristianschool.ws Grades: K, 1-12; Christian school

CARDIGAN MOUNTAIN SCHOOL 62 Alumni Drive, Canaan 523-4321/www.cardigan.org Grades: 6-9; private school

Not just an education. A moral foundation.

Discover an education that challenges your child in all the ways that count.

Traditional academics paired with innovative classroom technology allow students to explore, experiment, problem-solve, and invent in their everyday learning.

Character development fosters meaningful relationships, leadership and communication skills, and personal responsibility.

Enrichment and extracurricular experiences ignite curiosity and creativity.

Visit us at an upcoming OPEN HOUSE! January 12 -- 9:30 - 11:00 January 15 -- 11:30 - 1:00

PINE HILL WALDORF SCHOOL An inspired education • Celebrating Childhood • Preschool - Grade 8 • Art-infused, Integrated Curriculum

s

ris ophe ChSCHOOL r

St. Christopher School

20 Cushing Ave. • Nashua, NH 03064 • 603-882-7442 PreKindergarten to Grade 6 • StChrisSchoolNH.org

www.pinehill.org • 603-654-6003 Sign up for a Morning Tour! january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 21

JESSE REMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL 15 Stevens Lane, Candia 483-5664/www.jesseremington.org Grades: 9-12; private school

CONCORD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 37 Regional Drive, Concord 228-8888/www.concordchristian.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-12; Christian school

WHITE MOUNTAIN WALDORF SCHOOL 1371 Route 16, Conway 447-3168/www.whitemountainwaldorf.org Pre-K, K, 1-12; private school

CLAREMONT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 97 Maple Ave., Claremont 542-8759/www.claremontchristianacademy.com Grades: K, 1-12; Christian school

PARKER ACADEMY 2 Fiske Road, Concord 410-6240/www.parkeracademy.com Grades: 6-12; In-State Spec Ed and Other Private

CADY MEMORIAL SCHOOL 1257 East Main St., Center Conway 447-6298/www.cadyschool.net Grades: K, 1-8; private school

NEW ENGLAND CLASSICAL ACADEMY 18 Central St., Claremont 542-6341/www.newenglandclassicalacademy.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-12; private school

SHAKER ROAD SCHOOL 131 Shaker Road, Concord 224-0161/www.shakerroad.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; private school

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 3 Moody St., Derry 432-2712/www.staderry.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; parochial school

UNIVERSAL SCHOOL OF LIFE 3 Angels Road, Unit A, Colebrook 237-9949/www.universalschooloflife.org Grades: K, 1-12; private school

ST. JOHN REGIONAL SCHOOL 61 South State St., Concord 225-3222/www.stjohnregional.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; parochial school

PORTSMOUTH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 20 Seaborne Drive, Dover 742-3617/www.pcaschool.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-12; Christian school

BISHOP BRADY HIGH SCHOOL 25 Columbus Ave., Concord 224-7418/www.bishopbrady.edu Grades: 9-12; parochial school

ST. PAUL'S SCHOOL 325 Pleasant St., Concord 229-4800/www.sps.edu Grades: 9-12; prep school

ST. MARY ACADEMY 222 Central Ave., Dover 742-3299/www.saintmaryacademy.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; parochial school

CAPITAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 310 Sheep Davis Road, Concord 224-3641/www.capitalchristianschool.net Grades: K, 1-8; Christian school

TRINITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 80 Clinton St., Concord 225-5410/www.tcsnh.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-12; Christian school

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL 197 Dover Point Road, Dover 742-3206/www.stalux.org Grades: 9-12; parochial school

ating Celebr s! r e Y 13 a

Preschool • Pre-Kindergarten

High Quality Montessori Education Children ages 18 months through 8th grade

Directors/Teachers: Monique & Darcie Sylvia,M.Ed. M.Ed. Monique Medeiros, B.E.S.Medeiros, & DarcieB.E.S. Gonsalves Sylvia,

The Cornerstone School prepares children for the challenges of becoming contributing, fulfilled members of society.

The Cornerstone School

The Meeting Place/across from The Black Forest /Amherst, NH

673-3022 • www.littleeinsteins.us

Ages 3 to 12 years old

6:30a.m. Day Care Opens • 5:30p.m. Day Care Closes Summer Camp 3 and 4 Year-old Preschool Classes Kindergarten Classes

Full Time Child Care

Afterschool Care from Northwest & Gossler Park Before School Care & Transportation to Northwest & Gossler Park 133 Wayne St. • Manchester, NH • (603) 668-2356 • stemarie.childcare@gmail.com

22 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

• Low student teacher ratio • Individualized instruction • Nurturing, compassionate environment • Beautifully prepared indoor/outdoor learning environment • Highly trained, dedicated Montessori teachers • Preparing students for academic and real-life pursuits

146 High St. • Stratham, NH • 603-772-4349 • cornerstoneschool.org

DUBLIN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 106 Page Road, Dublin 563-8505/www.dublinchristian.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-12; Christian school

HAMPSTEAD ACADEMY 320 East Road, Hampstead 329-4406/www.hampsteadacademy.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; private school

THE BEECH HILL SCHOOL 20 Beech Hill Road, Hopkinton 715-5129/www.thebeechhillschool.org Grades: 6-8; private school

DUBLIN SCHOOL Lehmann Way, Dublin 563-8584/www.dublinschool.org Grades: 9-12; private school

SACRED HEART SCHOOL 289 Lafayette Road, Hampton 926-3254/www.shshampton.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; parochial school

PRESENTATION OF MARY ACADEMY 182 Lowell Road, Hudson 889-6054/www.pmaschool.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; parochial school

MOUNTAIN SHADOWS SCHOOL Valley Road, Dublin 563-8170/www.mountainshadowsschool.com Grades: K, 1-12; private school

HERONFIELD ACADEMY 356 Exeter Road, Hampton Falls 772-9093/www.heronfield.org Grades: 6-8; private school

VICTORY HIGH SCHOOL 7 Knight St., Jaffrey 532-6119/www.victoryhigh.org Grades: 9-12; private school

PHILLIPS EXETER ACADEMY 20 Main St., Exeter 772-4311/www.exeter.edu Grades: 9-12; prep school

OLIVERIAN SCHOOL 28 Becket Drive, Haverhill 989-5100/www.oliverianschool.org Grades: 9-12; private school

KIDS CONNECTIONS 18 Meadows Road, Jefferson 586-4324 Grades: K, 1-6; private school

HEART CENTERED MULTI-AGE 21 Duffy St., Franklin 340-4939/www.heartcenteredmultiage.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-3; private school

HILLSBORO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 337 2nd NH Turnpike, Hillsboro 478-2233/www.hillsborochristianschool.com Grades: K, 1-12; Christian school

MONADNOCK WALDORF SCHOOL 98 S. Lincoln St., Keene 357-4442/www.monadnockwaldorfschool.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-12; private school

NAMASTE MONTESSORI SCHOOL 535 Mast Road, Goffstown 627-3503/www.namastechildrenshouse.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-3; private school

HOLLIS MONTESSORI SCHOOL 9 S. Merrimack Road, Hollis 400-1515/www.hollismontessori.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-9; private school

ST. JOSEPH REGIONAL SCHOOL 92 Wilson St., Keene 352-2720 Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; parochial school

Hollis Montessori School

Fostering independence, critical thinking, creativity, and a life-long love of learning.

OPEN HOUSE Sunday • Jan 29, 2017 • 1-3 pm

Accepting applications for Fall 2017 • Age 3 to 9th grade Special Info Session for Students entering 7th grade RSVP (603)400-1515 or HollisMontessori.org

9 SOUTH MERRIMACK ROAD · HOLLIS NH 03049

january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 23

TRINITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 100 Maple Ave., Keene 352-9403/www.tcskeene.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; Christian school

SOUTHERN NH EDUCATION CENTER 1E Commons Drive, Unit 28, Londonderry 818-8613/www.snhec.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; private school

MOUNT ZION CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 132 Titus Ave., Manchester 606-7930/www.mzcs.org Grades: P, K, 1-12; Christian school

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL 50 Church St., Laconia 524-3156/www.holytrinitynh.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; parochial school

VICTORY BAPTIST SCHOOL 78 Litchfield Road, Londonderry 434-2215/www.vbcnh.org Grades: K, 1-12; Christian school

NORTH END MONTESSORI SCHOOL 698 Beech St., Manchester 621-9011; www.northendmontessori.com Grades: K, 1-4; private school

LACONIA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 1386 Meredith Center Road, Laconia 524-3250/www.laconiachristian.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-12; Christian school

CROSSROADS ACADEMY 95 Dartmouth College Highway, Lyme 795-3111/www.crossroadsacademy.org Grades: K, 1-8; private school

ST. ANTHONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 148 Belmont St., Manchester 622-0414/www.stanthonyschool-nh.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-6; parochial school

LAKES REGION CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 85 Zion Hill Road, Laconia 524-8340 Grades: K, 1-12; Christian school

DERRYFIELD SCHOOL 2108 River Road, Manchester 669-4524/www.derryfield.org Grades: 6-12; private school

ST. BENEDICT ACADEMY 85 Third St., Manchester 669-3932/www.stbenedictacademy.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-6; parochial school

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL 9 St. Francis Way, Litchfield 424-3312/www.stfrancisschoolnh.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-6; parochial school

HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY 281 Cartier St., Manchester 644-7247/www.holyfamilyacademy.org Grades: 7-12; private school

ST. CASIMIR SCHOOL 456 Union St., Manchester 623-6411/www.stcasimirnh.org Grades: K, 1-8; parochial school

TABERNACLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 242 Derry Road, Litchfield 883-6310/www.tcslitchfield.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-12; Christian school

MOUNT ST. MARY ACADEMY 2291 Elm St., Manchester 623-3155/www.mtstmary.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-6; parochial school

ST. CATHERINE SCHOOL 206 North St., Manchester 622-1711/www.scsnh.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-6; parochial school

OPEN HOUSES: OPEN HOUSES: January 15 (snow date Jan. 16)

February 2017 • 6-8 p.m.

9:30-10:302, a.m.

– Mom & Me and16, 6:30-8:00 March 2017 •p.m.

6-8 p.m. (no snow date) January Or call for26a private tour!

2:30-4:00 p.m.

Come and see what we’re all about!

Come see what we're all about!

Pre-K through Grade 6

At Infant Jesus School, we believe that a lifetime of educational success begins with a strong foundation of academic excellence, in a nurturing environment that embraces strong moral values.

Academic Excellence for Pk-Grade6

• Automated Media Center • Smart Boards • Foreign Language • Math Enrichment Program • Reading Enrichment Program • STREAM Program • Latin and Greek Roots • Outdoor Classroom • Music, PE, Art, Computer

Extracurricular Activities • Band, Chorus & Strings • Boys & Girls Basketball • Cheerleading • Cross Country • Drama Club • First Lego League • Gardening Club • Math Olympiad • Outreach Programs • Ski Program and more!

Before and After School Care & Hot Lunch Program too!

Infant Jesus School Strong Faith • Strong Foundation • Strong Future

3 Crown St., Nashua, NH • 603-889-2649 • www.ijschool.org

24 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

SHORTRIDGE ACADEMY 619 Governors Road, Milton 755-3096/www.shortridgeacademy.com Grades: 9-12; private school

NASHUA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 55 Franklin St., Nashua 889-8892/www.nashuachristian.org Grades: K, 1-12; Christian school

TRINITY HIGH SCHOOL 581 Bridge St., Manchester NH 668-2910/www.trinity-hs.org Grades: 9-12; parochial school

2ND NATURE ACADEMY/NATURE OF THINGS 10 Groton Road, Nashua 881-4815; www.tnotgroup.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; private school

ST. CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL 20 Cushing Ave., Nashua 882-7442/www.stchrisschoolnh.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-6; parochial school

LAKELAND SCHOOL 40 Meredith Center Road, Meredith 279-5680/www.thelakelandschool.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; private school

BISHOP GUERTIN HIGH SCHOOL 194 Lund Road, Nashua 889-4107/www.bghs.org Grades: 9-12; parochial school

KIMBALL UNION ACADEMY 7 Campus Center Drive, Meriden 469-2000/www.kua.org Grades: 9-12; prep school

CHRISTIAN BIBLE CHURCH ACADEMY 205 Manchester St., Nashua 882-1055/www.cbcnashua.com Grades: K, 1-12; Christian school

SOUTH MERRIMACK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 517 Boston Post Road, Merrimack 880-6832/www.smcanh.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-12; Christian school

INFANT JESUS SCHOOL 3 Crown St., Nashua 889-2649/www.ijschool.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-6; parochial school

COLONEL SHEPARD MONTESSORI SCHOOL 29 Mont Vernon St., Milford 672-5875/www.colshepardmontessorischool.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-6; private school

NASHUA CATHOLIC REGIONAL JR. HIGH 6 Bartlett Ave., Nashua 882-7011/www.ncrjhs.org Grades: 7-8; parochial school

ST. JOSEPH REGIONAL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL 148 Belmont St., Manchester 624-4811/www.stjoesjrhs.org Grades: 7-8; parochial school

WORLD ACADEMY 138 Spit Brook Road, Nashua 888-1982/www.worldacademynh.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; private school NEW HAMPTON SCHOOL 70 Main St., New Hampton 677-3436/www.newhampton.org Grades: 9-12; prep school NEWPORT MONTESSORI SCHOOL 96 Pine St., Newport 863-2243/www.newportmontessori.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; private schools CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 129 Route 28, Ossipee 539-8636/www.cornerstoneabc.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; Christian school

Montessori School A peaceful Montessori school for children 3-9 years old.

Accepting applications for the 2017-2018 school year.

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday • January 28 • 9-11am 535 Mast Rd • Goffstown, NH • 603.627.3503 • www.namastechildrenshouse.com

Discover how every day is filled with wonder, laughter and most of all - FUN! 5:30p.m. a.m. :00 en 7 p O

year ‘r ound

Snacks Provided Sibling Discounts Low Student to Teacher Ratios Degreed & Experienced Teachers Individualized & Thematic Curriculum Full & Half Day options for children 1–4 years LEARNING ADVENTURES ECC • 51 OLD BEDFORD ROAD • BEDFORD NH 03110

603-669-2811 • LearningAdventuresNH.com • info@LearningAdventuresNH.com

january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 25

GREEN VALLEY SCHOOL 389 Pembroke St., Pembroke 485-8550/www.greenvalleyschool.com Grades: K, 1-9; private school

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL 95 Fay Martin Road, Richmond 239-6495/www.ihm.catholicism.org Grades: K, 1-12; Christian school

EL SHADDAI CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 68 Stiles Road, Unit H, Salem 912-5972/www.esca-nh.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-12; Christian school

THE WELL SCHOOL 36 Well School Road, Peterborough 924-6908/www.wellschool.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; private school

HAMPSHIRE COUNTRY SCHOOL 28 Patey Circle, Rindge 899-3325/www.hampshirecountryschool.org Grades: 3-12; private schools

ST. JOSEPH REGIONAL 40 Main St., Salem 893-6811/www.sjrcs.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; parochial school

ESTABROOK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 1050 Route 12A, Plainfield 675-2455 www.estabrook22.adventistschoolconnect.org Grades: 1-10; private school

HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 13 North St., Rindge 899-6700/www.hcsnh.org Grades: K, 1-12; Christian school

MONTESSORI HOUSE OF CHILDREN 748 New Hampton Road, Sanbornton 934-3005/www.montessorinh.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-3; private schools

CALVARY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 115 Yeaton Road, Plymouth 536-4022/www.ccsplymouth.com Grades: K, 1-12; Christian school HOLDERNESS SCHOOL 33 Chapel Lane, Plymouth 536-1257/www.holderness.org Grades: 9-12; prep school ST. PATRICK SCHOOL 125 Austin St., Portsmouth 436-0739/www.stpatsweb.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; parochial school

26 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 17 Heaton St., Rochester 335-1151/www.harvestofpraisecog.com Grades: K, 1-12; Christian school ST. ELIZABETH SETON SCHOOL 16 Bridge St., Rochester 332-4803/www.sesschool.org Grades: K, 1-8; parochial school THE COMMUNITY SCHOOL 1164 Bunker Hill Road, South Tamworth 323-7000/www.communityschoolnh.org Grades: 6-12; private school

SANT BANI SCHOOL 19 Ashram Road, Sanbornton 934-4240/www.santbani.org Grades: K, 1-8; private school TRI-CITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 150 West High St., Somersworth 692-2093/www.tcca-nh.com Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-12; Christian school CORNERSTONE SCHOOL 146 High St., Stratham 772-4349/www.cornerstoneschool.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-8; private school

MOUNT ROYAL ACADEMY 26 Seven Hearths Lane, Sunapee 763-9010/www.mountroyalacademy.org Grades: Pre-K, K, 1-12; parochial school TILTON SCHOOL 30 School St., Tilton 286-4342/www.tiltonschool.org Grades: 9-12; prep school WATERVILLE VALLEY ACADEMY 88 Boulder Path Road, Waterville Valley 236-4246/www.wvbbts.org Grades: 9-12; private school PIONEER JUNIOR ACADEMY 13 Mount Gilboa Road, Westmoreland 399-4803/www.pioneerjunioracademy.org Grades: 1-8; private school

Holy Cross Holy Cross EarlyChildhood Childhood Center Early Center

HIGH MOWING SCHOOL 222 Isaac Frye Highway, Wilton 654-2391/www.highmowing.org Grades: 9-12; private school

WhereEducation Education Where Of the Heart Of the Heart Is as important as Is as important as

PINE HILL WALDORF SCHOOL 77 Pine Hill Drive, Wilton 654-6003/www.pinehill.org Grades: K, 1-8; private school WHITING HILL SCHOOL 21 Whiting Hill Road, Wilton 654-2635; whitinghillschool.org Grades: K, 1-6; private school BREWSTER ACADEMY 80 Academy Drive, Wolfeboro 569-1600/www.brewsteracademy.org Grades: 9-12; prep school

Education of the Mind

Education of the Mind Flexible Schedules

Preschool - Pre-K – Kindergarten Flexible Schedules Full and Half Day sessions (6:30 – 5:30) Preschool - Pre-K – Kindergarten Year Round Program Full and Half Day sessions Individualized Curriculum (6:30 – 5:30) Year Program 420 IslandRound Pond Rd. Manchester Individualized Curriculum 603-668-0510 www.holycrossearlychildhoodcenter.com

420 Island Pond Rd. Manchester 603-668-0510 www.holycrossearlychildhoodcenter.com

MHT Elementary in New Castle Developing thinking, considerate, open minded and responsible life long learners.

Offering a tight knit community experience: • Outstanding academic scores • K-6 with multi-age classes • Excellent teacher-student ratios • Tight knit supportive community • Active PTO with many community events

Your Student will grow through enrichment: • Technology - ipads/laptops for each student • World Languages French and Spanish • Band - beginner and advanced • Clubs - DI, 3D printing, and homework club • Sports teams - soccer and track

Now Accepting Applications for 2017.

For a tour call 603-436-5416 or email dlatchaw@sau50.org. www.sau50.org/mht • 142 Cranfield St. New Castle, NH

january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 27

Events in the Granite State that will help you stick to your budget

By Jacqueline Tourville

Freefor-all

D

id you resolve to spend less and save more in 2017? With so many free events taking place this month, you can be frugal without sacrificing family fun. Here’s a roundup of where to take the kids that won’t cost you a dime.

Ring in 2017 on Sunday, Jan. 1, with outdoor adventure courtesy of First Day Hikes organized by New Hampshire State Parks in conjunction with select partners.

At parks and historic sites throughout the state, join organized hikes to some of Mother Nature’s most splendid spots in New Hampshire. The full list of hikes can be found at www.nhstateparks.org. One of the best kid-friendly hikes takes place at Mount Monadnock — a flat two-mile trek on the Parker Trail. After your hike, reward yourself with free hot cocoa and snacks while warming up next to the outdoor fire. This hike takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Do you have skates and a thermos filled with hot chocolate? Then you are set to take a spin at Strawbery Banke’s Puddle Dock Pond rink. With the help of local sponsors like the Portsmouth Rotary Club, the rink hosts special free public skating times throughout the week. Skate rentals are separate, so bring your own set of blades for maximum savings. Check out the Pond’s weekly schedule on the Strawbery Banke website: www.strawberybanke.org.

Lego lovers will want to head to the

Portsmouth Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 21, for a free day of Lego-building fun. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., unleash your inner engineer and dream up something big, then use Legos provided by the library to build it. Creations will be on public display for the remainder of the month. www. cityofportsmouth.com/library Celebrate winter at the 7th annual Nansen-Milan Winter Festival, taking place from Friday, Jan. 20, to Sunday, Jan. 22. Skate on the town’s outdoor rink, sip cocoa and warm up next to a giant bonfire, enjoy live entertainment, browse crafts at the Mid-Winter Market, play broomball, watch Nordic ski races, and visit the kids’ games and crafts area – all for free. For a complete schedule, go to the Nansen Ski Club’s website: www.skinansen.com/winterfestival.

Keep the festive feeling going at Concord’s Winter Festival at White Park, on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. The day of free fun includes a family parade, speed skating competitions and sledding contests. There will be a bonfire to warm up by and gooey s’mores to make

28 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

and enjoy. Plan ahead and bring a sign or banner that represents your family to carry in the parade. www.concordnh.gov Head to Barnes and Noble in Newington for its free Saturday Storytime. At 11 a.m., listen to a good book then take part in a game or craft based on the book. At the Saturday, Jan. 7, story time, children are invited into the happy world of Clifford the Big Red Dog and his friends.

Keep ‘em entertained at the Nashua Public Library where every Saturday in January, the Friends of the Library sponsors a free family film. Drawing from an assortment of new and classic flicks for kids, watch a movie on the big screen in the library’s theater and feel like you’re really at the cinema (without having to pay for the privilege). Films start at 2 p.m.; movie titles are released closer to show time. www. nashualibrary.org.

Watch history come to life at the Hooksett Library when musician and entertainer Steve Blunt takes to the stage for his living history program, Liberty Is Our Motto!: Songs and Stories of the Hutchinson Family Singers. Origi-

nally from Milford, the Hutchinson Family Singers were 19th-century singing superstars with an international following. Their songs touched on political causes such as abolition, temperance, women's suffrage, and the Lincoln presidential campaign of 1860. Get ready for some great stories and toe-tapping tunes. The event being held Monday, Jan. 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., is free to attend and best suited for adults and kids ages 10-plus. www.hooksettlibrary.org The Hooksett Library is also hosting a free Zumba class to help families get in shape in 2017. Taught by a certified instructor, all ages are welcome and no registration is required. The 45-minute classes are held weekly on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Not to be outdone, at the Manchester City Library kids and parents are invited to drop by the children’s room on Tuesday nights throughout the month for Family Game Night. From 5:30 to 8 p.m., try different board games and puzzles then browse for free books to take home. www. manchester.lib.nh.us Jacqueline Tourville is a freelance writer and children’s book author who lives on the Seacoast.

january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 29

cook•with•your• kids START THE NEW YEAR OFF WITH A HEALTHY BOWL OF SOUP

By Susan Nye

G

etting healthy is a popular resolution to make… and to break.

We sometimes set our expectations way too high. Instead of pledging to exercise 30 minutes five days a week, we resolve to run 10 miles every morning. We not only decide to become a vegan, we vow to cut all sugar, carbs and fat from our diet. However, moderation, not deprivation, is the key to a long, healthy life.

Make soup a part of your healthy winter kitchen. Soup is a terrific feel-good and good-for-you food. Warm and cozy, it fills you up and leaves you feeling more than satisfied. When it comes to soup, nothing beats a tasty mug of tomato-y goodness. Tomato soup is an indelible part of our childhoods. Your kids will love it as much as you do. Especially if you make it yourself and let them help.

Susan Nye writes for magazines throughout New England. She shares many of her favorite recipes and stories about food, family and friendship on her award winning blog, Around the Table, at www.susannye.wordpress.com.

TOMATO SOUP THREE WAYS Perfect for lunch or dinner, tomato soup is great in a mug with a half-sandwich or in a bowl for a wonderful one-dish meal.

BASIC TOMATO SOUP Makes about 3 quarts

• • • • •

Olive oil 1 onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped 3 carrots, chopped 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional) • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper • 3 cloves garlic, chopped

• 2 (28-oz.) cans crushed tomatoes • 4 c. vegetable or chicken stock • 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dry) • 1 bay leaf • 1 c. half & half or whole milk (optional)

Lightly coat a soup kettle with olive oil and heat over medium. Add onion, carrot and celery; season with pepper flakes, salt and pepper and sauté until onion is translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes more.

Stir in crushed tomatoes and stock, add the thyme and bay leaf, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Let soup cool for 20-30 minutes, remove the thyme twigs and bay leaf, and process in batches in a blender or food processor until smooth.

Return soup to the pot, add half & half or milk, reheat until steaming and serve.

Feel free to make a double or triple batch. This soup freezes very well.

NOTE:

30 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

HEARTY TOMATO & WHITE BEAN SOUP

Add a salad and a slice of warm whole grain bread for a delicious meatless Monday supper. Makes about 4 quarts

• Basic Tomato Soup • 4 c. cooked, rinsed and drained small white beans (about 10 oz. dried beans cooked according to package directions)

• 2-3 additional cups of vegetable or chicken stock • Optional garnish: grated Parmesan cheese, chopped crispy bacon and/or sage pesto

Make a batch of Basic Tomato Soup, adding the cooked beans with the crushed tomatoes and stock.

Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Let soup cool for 20-30 minutes, remove thyme twigs and bay leaf and process in batches in a blender or food processor until smooth. Depending on how thick you like you soup, add more stock.

Return soup to the pot. Reheat until steaming and serve.

TOMATO-Y PASTA E FAGIOLI

A hearty soup for a cold, winter evening, pasta, beans and greens come together for a yummy one-dish supper. Makes about 5 quarts

• Basic Tomato Soup • About 10 oz. baby kale or spinach • 4 c. cooked, rinsed and drained small • About 8 oz. angel hair pasta, broken into white beans (about 10 ounces dried beans 2-inch pieces cooked according to package directions) • Optional garnish: grated Parmesan cheese Make a batch of Basic Tomato Soup, adding the cooked beans with the crushed tomatoes and stock.

Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.

Do NOT purée the soup.

At this point, if you do not plan to eat all of the soup, cover and refrigerate or freeze the portion you won’t be eating. Proportionately reduce the amount of greens and pasta and continue with the recipe.

Raise heat to medium-high, add the greens in handfuls, and stir to combine. Add pasta and, stirring a few times, cook for 2-3 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Top with Parmesan cheese.

january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 31

dad on board Commence deprogramming AFTER A WEEK AT HER GRANDPARENTS, IT’S BACK TO THE HARSH REALITY OF HOME

BY BILL BURKE

M

y wife and I sent our 14-year-old daughter to stay with my in-laws for a week while we traveled recently. What we got back was a very different girl.

It’s not a bad thing, it’s just that her grandmother and grandfather did exactly what they’re supposed to do – spoil her and make sure she had a great time. Getting her back into the regular day-to-day life since then, however, has been challenging.

In order to start deprogramming the child, it may help to examine the situation.

Her grandmother woke her each morning with orange juice delivered to her bedside and greetings delivered in soothing tones. This must be a great way to greet the day, but I wouldn’t know because getting up at our house is a little more jarring.

I’m up around 4:30 a.m., and just before I leave I hit the lights, shout a bunch of things about dressing nicely and fire a bunch of questions at her about homework and after-school arrangements. To be fair, I always send her off with: “Don’t forget to be awesome today.”

ADVANTAGE: GRANDPARENTS.

Her grandparents gave her whatever she wanted for breakfast. Her grandmother asked her what she wanted for breakfast one morning. The answer: spaghetti and meatballs. Break out the colander, because that’s what she had. The first meal of the day around our house is a bit rushed – instant breakfast, toast and tea or whatever is left over from the previous evening.

ADVANTAGE: CHEF GRAM.

She had more free time at her grandparents’ house. She didn’t have to put the dishes away, take the dog out and it was quieter, she said. On the surface, this might mean that Grammy and Snub probably don’t blast their music every afternoon – though I’ve occasionally arrived at their house to some deafening Neil Diamond. What she was saying, in 14-year-old-speak, is that there wasn’t an Xbox One there. My kid is addicted to playing Overwatch, and the hardest part of her week away was Overwatch withdrawal.

ADVANTAGE: MOM AND DAD BECAUSE THE XBOX LIVES AT OUR HOUSE.

THE NEVERLAND YOU NEVER KNEW FEBRUARY 10th-19th, 2017 The new Tony-winning play, based on the best-selling novels, upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan boy becomes the legendary Peter Pan. An inventive theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s best-selling novels, the play was conceived for the stage by directors Roger Rees and Alex Timbers and written by Rick Elice with music by Wayne Barker. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair and the bonds of friendship, duty, and love. Peter and the Starcatcher uses ingenious stagecraft and the limitless possibilities of imagination to bring the story of the Neverland you never knew to life. A Play With Music, Rated PG

A YEAR with FROG and TOAD (March 10th-19th, 2017) GREASE (May 12th-21st, 2017) For more information on Mainstage Productions, Auditions, Theatre Arts Classes, Private Studio and School Vacation Theatre Camps please visit our website.

32 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

She missed some things while we were away. I asked her, “What did you miss most while you were at Grammy’s house?” She had an immediate answer: “Disney.” I mentioned that her mom and I were traveling. I left out that we were traveling to Walt Disney World. I think it’s great for our marriage to get away together now and then, but since we can’t pull her out of school all the time, we leave the kid home. We literally were on a video call with her from inside Pirates of the Caribbean. In retrospect, this may have been a less than excellent time to call.

ADVANTAGE: DEFINITELY NOT MOM AND DAD.

She got to sleep later. She attends a regional school a couple towns over that necessitates catching the bus at 6 a.m. Her grandfather dropped her off at school and picked her up every afternoon. This meant she could sleep in, which is one of her favorite things next to playing Overwatch.

ADVANTAGE: NOT THE PEOPLE WHO BOUGHT A HOUSE TWO TOWNS OVER FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL 20 YEARS AGO.

We’re thankful she has such accommodating and doting grandparents who are willing to take her in so we can run away now and then, but now I need to get my kid to stop playing Overwatch so she can take the dog out and put the dishes away. I’m sure she’s overjoyed to be home.

Bill Burke is the worst dad ever because he sometimes leaves his kid home when he goes to Walt Disney World with his wife. He is also the managing editor of custom publications for McLean Communications.

to learning.

Register now for this school year!

• 3 or 5-day options for 4 year olds • 2-day classes for 3 year olds

learning curve

to schedule a tour Enrollment isCall now626-0309 open for 2017-18 school year 673 Weston Rd. Manchester, NH www.immanuel-mnh.org

IMMANUEL CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

Extraordinary teachers make a difference

673 Weston Road ❋ Manchester, NH (603) 622-0309 ❋ www.immanuel-mnh.org

Open House: Jan. 26 12:00-1:00pm

❋

We offer hands-on experience that facilitates a developmental approach to learning

3 or 5 day options for 4-year-olds ❋ 2 day classes for 3-year-olds ❋ Call today to schedule a tour ❋

I LEARNED SO MUCH FROM MY TEACHERS AND I AM THANKFUL

M

BY ELIZABETH FEINGOLD

any of us have been influenced and transformed by our teachers. As we enter a new year, I’ve been thinking about those who have shaped me, and how thankful I am for the lasting impact they’ve had on my life.

My family may say that Mrs. Harris, my fifth-grade science teacher, created discord in our home when she allowed me to adopt one of the baby chicks we’d studied from fertilization to birth.

Penelope was a tyrant. She pecked everyone and pooped all over the place, but I was devoted to her. I thought I loved Penelope because she was amazing, but I realize now that I loved her because of her connection to my teacher. Mrs. Harris was one of the fiercest, most challenging and brilliant women I’ve ever encountered and I can still transport myself to her classroom, a place where I was challenged and connected.

Through her, I learned women had an absolute, inarguable right to an equal place at the table, in all arenas.

A quite different teacher was my grandmother, Sylvia Heaphy, through whom I learned countless things, not the least of which was how to make the perfect pie crust.

While watching my grandmother make that crust, I learned about the beauty of baking, the art of patience, and how much good could be brought into the world with quiet grace, endless kindness and gentle intelligence. Through her, I learned the importance of integrity, forgiveness, sacrifice and unconditional love. I also learned to love gardening (though I’ve never mastered her gift for growing roses).

When I was a sophomore in college, I took an advanced course in feminist history taught by Esther Barazzone. She reminded me of Mrs. Harris – brilliant, eloquent, powerful and intimidating. I had become a reserved, studious anthropology nerd who was overwhelmed by the senior history majors in the class, who were all supremely confident. Esther took time, however, to kick me in the butt and tell me it was time to find my voice. Because of her, I was able to regain and develop intellectual confidence and belief in myself.

Years later, I was surrounded by teachers as my path veered to special education.

Among them was the guy I knew my students would be most impacted by, from whom they would gain the same confidence and belief in themselves as I had from Esther, Mrs. Harris and Grandma. That guy was my colleague and friend, Tom McLoughlin, who embodied the traits of my most influential teachers.

Tom taught woodworking, metals, small engines and home repair classes. He was the one teacher to whom the most disenfranchised, the most defeated, the most challenging of students gravitated because of his empathy, his intelligence, his skills in his field, his wicked humor, and his devoted belief in these learners. I could always find my students covered in wood shavings smiling and engaged in Tom’s shop. Nowhere else in the school did they feel this accomplished.

We were colleagues in night school as well, Tom teaching history, me teaching English, and we had the same love for teaching – and learning from – our nontraditional students. Tom’s last few years were difficult as he battled a terrible illness, but to the end he was a master teacher, showing us all how to live with grace, dignity, humor, kindness and love.

I am a better teacher, and a better person, for having learned from and loved these extraordinary teachers. How lucky am I. Elizabeth Feingold retired from Kearsarge Regional School District, where she worked for over 30 years as a special education teacher and coordinator at the elementary, middle and high school levels. She is now a consultant and advocate. Email her at seacsvcs@gmail.com.

Hits for the

whole family!

Z107fm.com january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 33

Winter fun is here, but there are some precautions that should be considered. Helmets should be worn while skiing, snowboarding, skating and sledding to prevent head injury. Proper dress and being mindful of wind chill values should be observed. Pond ice must be at least 6 inches thick before skating is safe. And lastly, wrist guards should be worn with gloves while snowboarding.

Have fun this winter but be safe!

house calls Take the target off your kids HOW TO REDUCE YOUR CHILD’S EXPOSURE TO FOOD INDUSTRY MARKETING

BY MEGHAN R. LONGACRE, PHD

Your kids come first with us!

Our board-certified pediatric physicians give patients and their families their personal attention.

Our extended hours, and devoted staff provide your children the continuity of care they deserve.

Now accepting new patients ages newborn–18 years

25 Buttrick Road, Bldg. E, Londonderry, NH (603) 437-1003 • www.londonderrypediatrics.com

S

pongeBob SquarePants, Hello Kitty, Marvel’s superheroes – these characters are likely some of your child’s favorites. As parents, we know that our kids come to think of these endearing images as their “friends.” But these characters are also being used as part of a pervasive marketing strategy to get your child to consume unhealthy foods and beverages.

Food marketing to children is big business. Food companies spend nearly $2 billion every year advertising products directly to children and teens. The biggest spenders are fast food, breakfast cereal, and carbonated beverage industries. Not surprisingly, the vast majority of child-targeted food products are high in sugar, salt, and fat. Because of this, many of us in public health consider exposure to food marketing a critical risk factor contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic.

Most parents have experienced the allure of child-targeted food marketing firsthand.

Just think about grocery shopping with your child. When my children were preschoolage, I approached the cereal aisle with dread. I felt outnumbered by the numerous entertaining cartoon and brand characters on vibrant packaging, enticing my kids to eat high-sugar cereals. In comparison, the low-sugar cereal box in my hands looked unappealing. Even though I knew I was making the right choice for my kids, it was hard for them to understand.

Children also see images of their favorite characters when they watch kid’s TV channels. Next time your child is watching TV, pay attention to the food commercials.

Do the commercials look like they are advertising food, or toys? Kids are increasingly exposed to these images only, too -- in apps, banner advertisements, social media, and advergames (i.e., video games on a food product’s website). It seems nearly impossible to shield your child from the hundreds of visually enticing impressions for unhealthy products that appear in ads each week.

There are, however, strategies parents can use to reduce children’s exposure to childtargeted food marketing: Limit your child’s TV watching to less than an hour per day, and do not put a TV in your child’s bedroom.

Only permit your child to watch kids’ channels that do not contain food advertising, such as PBS. Watch TV with your child. If possible, pre-record your child’s favorite shows and fastforward through the commercials. Alternatively, have your child watch programming using one of the streaming options that does not contain ads, like Netflix.

Always supervise your child while online. Download educational apps for your child to play, instead of advergames. If possible, skip the ads that play before videos on YouTube.

Use the food label on the side of the box to choose the healthiest food option.

Be prepared for “pester power.” Before you get to the store, talk to your child about what you are going to buy. Agree on a healthy choice beforehand so you and your child are not influenced by in-store marketing.

Teach children about food marketing early on in an age-appropriate way, and empower them to help you make healthy choices. Here’s one strategy that has worked with my children. When a child-targeted food commercial is on TV, we play a game called “Guess the Product?” My kids love being the “detective” who figures out what the ad is actually selling (food, not toys). Yours will, too!

• • • • • • •

34 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

Meghan R. Longacre, PhD, is assistant professor of pediatrics at The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. For more information on pediatric services at the Children’s Hospital at DartmouthHitchcock, go to www.chadkids.org.

raising teens and tweens Parenting beyond the elementary school years PNH’S NEW COLUMN FOCUSES ON THE CHALLENGES OF RAISING TWEENS AND TEENS

BY TRACEY TUCKER

T

his year will usher in many changes for parents and families, some happy and positive and some challenging and disappointing.

But as all parents know by now, we face challenges on a daily basis, some easier than others and some presenting huge moral dilemmas that feel like life-changing moments.

I have written about the challenges we face throughout our child’s lifespan in Parenting in the Moment for several years now. And although all stages of our children’s lives are filled with both difficulties and joys, many parents face some of the biggest challenges in raising their tweens and teens. It is not uncommon that during this time communication breaks down and parents often wonder what their kids are thinking and why they are acting so completely differently than they did when they were younger.

Working with Parenting New Hampshire’s editor, Melanie Hitchcock, we are launching this new column, Raising Tweens and Teens, to address these years and the many questions and concerns parents share while raising their kids during this time.

The column will focus on many topics, including communication, mental health, social media, and bullying, to name a few. I will incorporate the latest research from the fields of parenting and adolescent development, as well as include youth voice to add in an important point of view for the topics. I will not only address the challenges and issues facing both parents and adolescents, but I will also provide tools and skills and resources that parents can use to help with the process.

The list of topics to discuss is long, but we are looking to you, our readers, for additional ideas. We want to know what you want to learn about and what will be helpful to all of you on your tween/teen parenting journey.

Feel free to email me at tradeportcounseling@gmail.com with your ideas, thoughts, concerns and issues that you would like to see addressed in this column. Also, if you know of a tween or teen that loves to write or has a story to tell, let me know, as we want to include youth voice in this column as much as possible. Sometimes the best information comes straight from the source.

Tracey Tucker is Executive Director of New Heights: Adventures for Teens and a licensed mental health counselor at Tradeport Counseling Associates in Portsmouth. She also authored the Parenting in the Moment column through December 2016.

Find Your Excuse to Play!

A community art studio for complete beginners

Winter session begins

January 16th!

One-Day Workshops and 10-week Classes Year-round Pre-registration is recommended

Ask about sibling and referral discounts!

Date nights • toddler play groups • home school and after school art • classes for kids, teens, and adults!

For a full schedule and class listing, visit our website

WWW.550ARTS.COM 603.232.5597 550 Elm Street, Manchester NH

january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 35

out about C

Y PH O O U R T ES

TO

january

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE 26-29 THURSDAY-SUNDAY

MANCHESTER – SNHU Arena, 777 Elm St. Celebrate the most memorable Disney tales with all your favorite characters in Disney on Ice presents Passport to Adventure. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy and Daisy on a journey to the timeless worlds of Disney’s The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, and Disney’s Frozen. You and your family will explore the African Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa, voyage deep under the sea to Ariel’s mystical underwater kingdom and tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy before flying to Neverland to meet up with Tinker Bell. Plus, travel to Arendelle for an extraordinary adventure with sisters Anna and Elsa, rugged mountain man Kristoff and everyone’s favorite huggable snowman Olaf, as they journey to discover that true love is the most magical power of all. Tickets: $15-$78.

Show times: Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. www.snhuarena.com

FOOD FIGHT: INSIDE THE BATTLE FOR MARKET BASKET 6-7 FRIDAYSATURDAY

ROCHESTER – Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St. Food Fight is the story of the battle to save Market Basket, and about the power of ordinary, passionate people to rewrite corporate history.

Throughout the summer of 2014, a corporate food fight played out in dozens of communities impacting tens of thousands of workers and the economies of three states. When the faction of the Market Basket board headed

by Arthur S. Demoulas fired his cousin and arch-rival Arthur T. Demoulas as longtime CEO of the successful supermarket chain, it set off a firestorm that sparked one

of the most unique corporate dramas in American history.

Tickets: $7. Film showing each night at 8 p.m. 335-1992; www.rochesteroperahouse. com

THE LITTLE RED HEN 8 SUNDAY

KEENE – MoCo Arts Black Box Theatre, 76 Railroad St. “The Little Red Hen” is the classic barnyard tale that features a hard-working and determined chicken and takes a twist as the farm animals learn the importance of teamwork and cooperation. Performed

by MoCo Arts students, The Little Red Hen boasts boot scootin’ hoe-down fun and lots of laughs. This musical theater performance will have everyone tapping along to the barnyard tunes. Tickets: $10.

2 and 4 p.m. 357-2100; www. moco.org

36 www.parentingnh.com january 2017

FULL MOON HIKE OR SNOWSHOE 13 FRIDAY

HOLLIS – Maple Hill Farm, 117 Ridge Road. Join BBA naturalists for a full moon night hike or snowshoe around the trails of Beaver Brook. Dress in layers.

Beaver Brook will supply the snowshoes or bring your own if you like. Return to Maple Hill Farm for warm beverages and cookies. $15. 7 to 9 p.m. www.beaverbrook.org

LES MISÉRABLES SCHOOL EDITION 13-14 FRIDAYSATURDAY

MANCHESTER – Palace Theatre, 80 Hanover St. Winner of over 100

international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. Epic, grand and uplifting, Les Misérables School Edition packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world. Tickets: Adults, $14; children, $11. Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, noon. 668-5588; www.palacetheatre.org

PAINT NIGHT 19 THURSDAY

MANCHESTER – Millyard Museum, 200 Bedford St. Head to the Millyard Museum for paint night. Shake off the winter doldrums with a night of wine, light refreshments, and good company. The MHA's own Kristy Ellsworth will lead you in painting your own Manchester scene in a fun, relaxed setting.

All canvases and supplies provided. $35 per person. 6 to 8:30 p.m. 622-7531; www. manchesterhistoric.org

FAMILY FUN NIGHT: RASCALLY RABBITS 20 FRIDAY

MANCHESTER – Amoskeag Fishways, 4 Fletcher St. What do New Hampshire rabbits do all winter long, and where can they be found? Hop on over to explore the lives of our long-eared, big-footed friends.

Family Fun Nights are for all ages and focus on Merrimack River ecology. Engaging facts and stories are followed by group activities and open crafts. Advance registration with payment required. Cost: $8 per family. 6:30 p.m. 626FISH; www.amoskegfishways. org

Visit

our online events calendar at

www.parentingnh.com

CONCORD – White Park. The friends of White Park, along with the Concord Park and recreational department, are organizing the second annual road race, White Park’s Ugly Sweater 5K, to help raise funds to rebuild the Monkey Around playground. This road race kicks off the winter carnival. A fun community event the whole family can enjoy. Games, face painting, food, bonfire and more. $30 race registration. Race starts at 10:30 a.m.; carnival is noon to 4 p.m. www. whiteparkuglysweater5k.com

MANCHESTER – Currier Museum of Art, 150 Ash St. Hear a children's librarian read Green, by Laura Vaccaro Seeger, then create your own artwork. Recommended for ages 2 to 5, but all are welcome. Free with museum admission: Adult, $15; student, $10; youth (13-17), $5; 13 and younger always get in free.

11:30 a.m. 669-6144; www. currier.org

DECADES REWIND

25-26 WEDNESDAYTHURSDAY CONCORD – Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St. Take a trip down melody

Manchester

Exhibit Space Available!

Call 603.413.5154

$ ONLY 49

e (POP) Pay-One-Pric Night ay rd tu Sa gives you One low price rentals, lesson access to lifts, ertainment ent , ing tips, tub 3-10pm and more from

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Want to send your child to summer camp but don’t know where to start?

Swing by one of Parenting New Hampshire’s Summer Camp & Program Expos!

Meet with representatives from over 50 overnight, day, arts, sports, adventure & abroad camps.

SH

Saturday, March 18, 2017 10am-1pm The Courtyard Nashua

JACKSON – Jackson Village Park. The Jackson Invitational Snow Sculpting Competition begins Friday at noon

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Nashua

27-29 FRIDAYSUNDAY

FA

Saturday, March 11, 2017 10am-1pm The Derryfield Country Club

SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION

E

21 SUNDAY

IT

23 TUESDAY

EN

STORYTIME IN THE GALLERY

when teams from all over the Northeast converge on Jackson Village. Sculpting continues throughout the weekend and finishes at noon Sunday. See firsthand how sculptors take compacted snow and create incredible art frozen in time. At night, during the event, the Sculptures are lit up, giving them an entirely different perspective. There will be a bonfire for roasting of marshmallows, a scavenger hunt, and more is planned.

Admission for viewing is free.

383-9356; www.jacksonnh. com

PA R

WHITE PARK’S UGLY SWEATER 5K EVENT

lane with Decades Rewind, featuring over 60 songs effortlessly blended into unique medleys from the most prominent decades in music history. This fully live concert experience features an eight-piece rock band and six rocking vocalists surrounded by rock and roll stage lighting, poignant videos of American culture, and more than 100 costume changes. From Abba to Zeppelin, Decades Rewind will have you singing along and dancing in your seats on a magical rock musical extravaganza you won’t forget.

Tickets: $35-$55. Shows each night at 7 p.m. 225-1111; www. ccanh.com

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january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 37 8/6/15 9:50 AM

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COMPILED BY JACQUELINE TOURVILLE

Have you resolved to be more active with your kids in 2017? Whether you’re into indoor or outdoor family fun (or both!), there’s plenty to do in January to help you keep your New Year’s resolution.

Disney’s Lion King Jr.: What better way to escape the January cold than with a trip to African savannah? On Monday, Jan. 25, and Tuesday, Jan. 26, the Palace Youth Theatre in Manchester wants to take your family along on the epic adventure of Simba, a curious lion cub who is struggling to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king. www.palacetheatre.org Family Yoga: Give family togetherness a new twist (and stretch) at YogaBalance’s yoga workshop for parents and kids on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The class combines physical exercise, partner poses, kid-approved yoga poses, breath work, and relaxation. Accommodations and variations will be offered to make sure everyone has fun. YogaBalance is located on Hooksett Road in Manchester.

For more information, call 625-4000.

Powder Bear’s Snow Fest: Head to King Pine Ski Area on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate King Pine’s mascot Powder Bear’s birthday. Festivities include a late morning breakfast and activities throughout the day. Hit the slopes and then join the festival for face painting, tattoos, balloons, music, cake and a magic show. Admission is part of regular lift ticket price. www.kingpine.com

World Snow Day: Head to Arrowhead Ski Area in Claremont on Jan. 15 to celebrate all things winter at World Snow Day 2016. Now in its fifth year, this day of fun in the snow includes tubing, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and the hybrid sport of slebogganing, which is a cross between bobsledding and tobogganing. Kids age 4-14 will receive a 50-percent discount on all lift tickets for events; ice skating is free for everyone. Participants can also snag a free hat, get discount coupons for area sporting good stores, and be entered in raffles. The event is organized by the Sleboggan Club of New England. www.facebook.com/SCNE16

Skate on Emerald Lake: If you are heading to the White Mountains for a ski weekend, don’t forget to pack your ice skates. In Jackson, a short drive from no fewer than seven ski resorts, you’ll find Nestlenook Farm Resort’s Emerald Lake, a magical skating pond decorated in Victorian splendor. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a resort guest to go for a glide. Skate rentals are available, as is hot chocolate and a warming house for cold toes and fingers. Lace up and take a spin! www.nestlenookfarm.com

Jacqueline Tourville is a longtime contributor to Parenting NH.

january 2017 www.parentingnh.com 39