MetroFamily Magazine December 2020

5

HOLIDAY happeninฌs

DECEMBER 2020

All is Calm

Tips to skip holiday stress

Collateral Damage

How COVID has affected working moms

Shop Local

22 creative gift ideas

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40

EXPLORING OKLAHOMA

Features

Departments

12 2021 Cover Kids

8 Local Family Fun

18 Supporting Kids Who Stutter

20 Real Moms of the Metro

26 Gift Local

30 Calendar

Meet the winners and finalists of our annual search Dispelling myths, inspiring kindness and advancing research 22 creative ideas to wrap up #okcfamilyfun

36 Green Cleaning 101

Top tips for staying safe this winter

44

Cultural celebrations with metro families How COVID has affected working moms

’Tis the season for festive fun

38 Family Mental Wellness

Expert advice to skip holiday stress

40 Exploring Oklahoma

Art adventures around the state

44 Super Kids of the Metro

Aspiring author celebrates Black heritage

46 Last Look

Eat local for culinary connection

4 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

38 On the cover Holiday Happenings pages 8 & 30 Collateral Damage page 20 Shop Local page 26 All is Calm page 38

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 2020

2020

2020

2020

2020

2020

2020

Publisher

Sarah Taylor

Managing Editor Erin Page

Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo

Contributing Writer Simi John

Contributing Photographer Bridget Pipkin

Art Director Stacy Noakes

Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder

Director of Events Marissa Raglin

Sales

Dana Price Laura Beam

M

y kids wore their Halloween pajamas while we put up the Christmas tree before Thanksgiving several weeks ago. And that perfectly sums up how 2020 has forced this type A mama to let go of expectations and just live. As I glance around my living room that features both pumpkins and holiday décor, I find that’s a spot-on representation of how disjointed I feel as we move into what is usually one of my favorite seasons. I’m not sure what in the world happened this past year, or what’s in store for next, and I’m trying desperately not to let that dampen the festive spirit of our household.

As we close out what has been one of the most unexpected and challenging years of many of our lives, I want to pause to thank you, our MetroFamily community, for all the ways you have provided encouragement, grace and affirmation to other parents throughout the metro and state.

Living through a pandemic has presented challenges we never even knew existed. But there have also been some silver linings.

I’ve watched families (my own included) get back to the basics of spending quality time together. More people are engaging in heartfelt conversations about and stepping up to share the responsibilities in moving toward racial and social justice and equity. We’re all getting more real with each other about the challenges of parenting, the need for mental wellness resources and our inability to hold it together all the time.

MY CHRISTMAS FANATIC

Thank you for being the family that has carried me and so many others through some dark days this year. I hope you and yours can find the time and space for whatever holiday traditions you cherish. May we all find brighter days ahead.

Happy holidays!

Erin Page Managing Editor

Office Manager Andrea Shanks

Contact us

318 NW 13th St, Ste 101 OKC OK 73103 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com

MetroFamily Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2019 by Inprint Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

Circulation audited by

Proud member of

This Month’s Cover Moriah, 7, and Gideon, 4, are Norman siblings who share a love of burgers, anything chocolate and spectacular Oklahoma sunsets. Moriah is in the second grade and she loves to read, sing and dance and watch Mira the Royal Detective. Gideon loves to run and dig outside, watch Aladdin and “make” pretend meals for his family. They are the children of Simi and Jayson, and the family’s favorite place to visit in the metro is the OKC Zoo. Read more about their family's favorite local restaurants on page 46.

Also a member of Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Edmond Chamber of Commerce & Moore Chamber of Commerce

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

5

Off the Pages Give the gift of #okcfamilyfun!

Parents and caretakers need support and convenience now more than ever. That’s why we launched MetroFamily Insiders to provide our magazines filled with pro tips, parenting hacks, family fun ideas and mental wellness resources straight to your door. Plus get early bird tickets to events like Kids Fest, Cover Kids and Geekapalooza, special discounts and other insider-only deals!

For the moms, dads, grandparents or other caregivers in your life this holiday season, wrap up the gift of becoming a MetroFamily Insider for just $25, or gift it to yourself! For $50, pair a MetroFamily Insider gift with wine, a candle or tea — we'll even do the wrapping! Visit metrofamilymagazine.com/insider for more details.

Visit metrofamilymagazine. com/insider for more details.

Ultimate Holiday Giveaway We’re adding some extra sparkle to your holidays by giving away three HUGE prize bundles from our partners in the Ultimate Holiday Giveaway! From toys and gifts to attraction tickets and even vacation packages, find out what you can win when you enter daily through Dec. 12 at metrofamilymagazine.com/contests.

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7

LOCAL FAMILY FUN

Honoring Heritage 4 holiday traditions

[

]

Spoiler alert: togetherness with loved ones seemed to rise to the top in every household!

Hanukkah Dec. 10-18

Pamela Richman is a mother and former director at Camp Chavirm in Oklahoma City and says family celebrations are more important now than ever.

Hanukkah is typically a three week celebration, and the dates change with the Jewish calendar, which is a combination of the lunar and solar calendars. In contrast to the production of Christmas, Hanukkah is usually a quiet holiday to celebrate with family and friends.

Hanukkah is translated as “dedication” in Hebrew and historically celebrates when the Jewish people rose up against oppression in the second century B.C. Currently, this holiday is sometimes called the Festival of Lights and is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts.

The Richman family plans to celebrate with their closest friends and family. Food traditions include items made with oil,

Each year as the holidays draw closer, so do my nerves in planning.

Logistics, meal prep, schedules and expectations seem to consume the holiday spirit. If there is anything good to come of the pandemic this year, it has made me reevaluate what is truly important and what can be left by the wayside.

Four families share how their holiday traditions are typically observed and how they are still creating special moments in spite of the challenges 2020 has presented.

BY KIRSTEN HOLDER. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

1

honoring the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days. While they may not be making a few thousand latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiyot (Israeli jelly donuts), it will still be a special occasion.

“Lighting menorah candles in the windows is especially meaningful this year due to division within our country,” said Richman. “The lighting of the menorah not only helps us remember and honor the oppression of our people but also is a visual stand against anti-semitism and racism in our world today. That principle is very important within Judaism.”

Richman’s children are now at an age where they may be hosting their own celebrations, but either virtually or in person, they will find a way to celebrate together, too.

“Hanukkah should always be something you look forward to and enjoy sharing with friends and family,” said Richman.

8 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

THE RICHMAN FAMILY CELEBRATES HANUKKAH WITH FAVORITE FOODS AND CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

Catholic Holy Days

2

Lisa Lesseg’s family observes the Catholic Holy Days, including Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8), Feast of Our Lady Guadalupe (Dec. 12), Feast of the Holy Family (Dec. 30) and Christmas. While the celebration of the holy days this year might look different, her family will find a way to be together.

after a neighbor they used to celebrate with), mashed potatoes and gravy and different kinds of drinks contributed by guests.

“Usually, our large family gathering starts on Christmas Eve around 10:30 a.m.,” said Lesseg. “We celebrate together with games like Dirty Santa, then attend Midnight Mass.”

While many churches are offering limitedcapacity in-person services, or even virtual services, Lesseg said, “Our family will focus on what we can do! We will focus on what is important, let go of what we can’t change and hold tight to the things that really matter: our family being together.”

The Lesseg family invites close friends and family members to celebrate with a comeand-go meal, which they plan to continue this year. Each year, popular menu items include roast tenderloin, Brownrigg bread (named

“One of my passions is cooking,” admits Lesseg, “But it’s really just about everyone being together; it’s all very lively and informal.”

THE LESSEG FAMILY CELEBRATES THE CATHOLIC HOLY DAYS TOGETHER.

3 La Posadas

Dec. 16-24

Family law attorney Robyn Hopkins and her family actively work to keep her Latina roots alive within her busy household of five children under 5: three biological children and two foster children.

Robyn and her wife Courtney celebrate Las Posadas, literally translated to mean “The Inn,” a celebratory festival commemorating the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to baby Jesus. This Catholic and Hispanic tradition typically includes live nativity scenes, folklórico dance and lots of buñuelos, which are sopapillas made like a donut.

Hopkins is hoping this year her church will hold virtual celebrations in light of the pandemic, but either way, she plans to host Las Posadas within her home.

“Everybody has their own traditions, but I’ve made it a point to celebrate these traditions to

THE HOPKINS FAMILY CELEBRATES LAS POSADAS.

honor my Hispanic heritage,” said Hopkins.

“It doesn’t matter what is going on, we’re a family and we are celebrating the birth of Christ together. This season is not about all the gifts ... It’s about togetherness and memories created.”

Due to CDC recommendations against large group gatherings, Hopkins and her family

will feel a little less of the typical hustle and bustle of this season.

“We are not going to be running house to house like we normally do,” said Hopkins.

“We are going to stay home and do activities and games together as a family — and that’s what it’s all about.”

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

9

4 Christmas & Eid al-fitr Mohamed and Nicole Daadoui are forming their own traditions this year, observing and celebrating the best of Christmas and Eid al-fitr, a Muslim tradition. Nicole was raised celebrating the secular festivities of Christmas: decking the tree, waiting for Santa, making cookies and exchanging gifts with loved ones. Mohamed’s traditions included a small, quiet celebration of Eid with family in Morocco. Now that they have a family of their own, they want to be sure their young son, Malik, knows and enjoys the heritage of both his parents.

“Split households just make everything more fun,” said Nicole.

Eid al-fitr, also called the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of the month-long dawnto-sunset fasting of Ramadan. Mohamed reminisces on holiday traditions such as the wearing of traditional Moroccan clothing,

exchanging small gifts and going to Mosque with family to pray, reflect and celebrate togetherness.

“And of course all the traditional Moroccan dishes,” Mohamed adds. “Lamb is a big staple within Moroccan culture, as are sweets made with nuts and desserts such as almond butter cookies.”

Overall, Mohamed and Nicole hope son Malik looks back and remembers togetherness with his family as well as his community. Eid traditions also include a financial contribution.

When Nicole asked Malik if he would rather spend his piggy bank money on toys, candy or giving to another family in need, Malik said, “Let’s go give this money to someone who doesn’t have milk.”

“For our family, that’s what matters,” said Nicole. “What are you doing for others?

How are you caring for your community?”

THE DAADOUI FAMILY CELEBRATES THEIR FAVORITE TRADITIONS FROM BOTH EID AL-FITR AND CHRISTMAS.

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Thank you to everyone who took part in our 2021 Cover Kids Search!

Congratulations to our Cover Kids winners:

The Oklahoma City metro is not short on kids with dazzling smiles, bright personalities and kind hearts! We loved meeting each and every child who participated in our 2021 Cover Kids Search event, which occurred virtually this year. After the registration period, our readers and fans voted on their favorite Cover Kid hopefuls in each

category, choosing our finalists, who then went on to the interview round with a panel of local judges.

In addition to meeting our 2021 Cover Kids here and on their respective covers, our finalists are also recognized in these pages and you’ll get to meet them more in depth in 2021 as well.

Ages 2-3: Warren

Ages 4-5: Sadie

Ages 6-7: Anabelle

Warren embodies joy and is adept at making others smile and laugh. He is crazy about football, soccer, music, reading and playing outdoors, especially at the OKC Zoo.

Sadie is a bubbly artist with a sparkling personality who delights in creating, performing and playing piano. Her favorite places in OKC are Scissortail Park and the OKC Zoo.

A talented dancer, Anabelle takes classes in ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop. She has a passion for drawing and singing and loves to visit the OKC Zoo.

Ages 8-9: Iker

Ages 10-12: Myles

Siblings: Gracie & Madison

Thoughtful and with a great sense of humor, Iker’s hobbies include math challenges and creating origami. He is especially hip to OKC’s local restaurant scene.

12 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

Myles is an actor who enjoys visits to The Plaza District and Lyric Theatre. Funny and easygoing, he’s also into archery and video games and loves to read.

Sisters Gracie and Madison have fun together making slime, dancing, swimming, playing volleyball and watching scary movies.

The duo checks out local splash pads and restaurants whenever possible.

Congratulations to our reader-voted Cover Kids finalists!

Finalists Ages 2-3

Finalists Ages 4-5

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

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Supporting kids who stutter

BY ERIN PAGE

Dr. Katerina Ntourou has spent the last 10 years of her life hyper-focused on researching and teaching about stuttering in children. She is the director of the Child and Family Stuttering Lab and an assistant professor at the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

According to the National Stuttering Association, more than 3 million American adults stutter and 1 out of 30 children confronts the challenge daily.

A mom herself, Dr. Ntourou feels honored every time she has the opportunity to develop a trusting relationship with a family whom she can guide through the sometimes painful journey of helping a child who stutters become a confident communicator.

Dr. Ntourou is seeking participants for a research study on children who stutter, so we asked her to share what she wishes the general population knew about stuttering: How prevalent is stuttering among children?

If you go to a preschool or daycare, you’ll find about 5 percent of kids in this age range stutter. Eighty percent of those kids who begin to stutter between ages 2.5 and 3.5, when stuttering is most common, will stop stuttering without any treatment. If you follow up with those kids when they are elementary age, only about 1 percent will continue to stutter and potentially have a lifelong stutter. Boys are far more likely to persist in stuttering than girls. If a child stutters and also has a speech/articulation problem, they are more likely to persist in stuttering, as is a child who starts to stutter later, like ages 4 or 5.

What causes a child to stutter?

Stuttering is not learned or related to something parents have done wrong, and it does not persist into adulthood because parents or others draw attention to it. Rather stuttering is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the complex interaction of different factors including genetics, environment and brain structure and function.

About 60 percent of children who stutter have someone else in their family who stutters. Also, there is ample research evidence to suggest differences in brain structure and function between children who stutter and those who do not.

When should a child be referred to a professional for stuttering intervention?

Sometimes there is an assumption, often by pediatricians, that professional help should be sought if the child is at an increased risk to persist in stuttering, like if the child has been stuttering for more than a year and his stuttering has gotten more severe.

But if I see that a child’s stuttering is impacting the child and the family, regardless of whether they are predisposed to persist, I would consider treatment. In the early preschool years, the goal of therapy is not only to enhance fluency but also to empower

18 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

and educate the family about stuttering, reduce the impact of stuttering on the family and foster acceptance of stuttering.

Parents often, understandably, start to project to the future — will my child be made fun of, will they do well in school — and while we acknowledge and validate parents’ fears, it is important to help them focus on the here and now.

In later years, when children are introduced to speech tools that can help them be more fluent it is important to maintain a very fine balance between encouraging them to use their speech tools while reinforcing the message that stuttering is OK and they can be competent communicators and successful in life regardless of their level of fluency.

What are some strategies parents can employ at home to support a child who stutters?

Let the child finish what they are saying and don’t interrupt. Get to their eye level and show you are truly listening to what they saying, not how they are saying it. Encourage everyone in the family to do the same. Above all, show your child not just with words but with facial expressions that you accept him the way he is. While parents’ intentions are good in giving advice like “speak slower, take a deep breath, think before you talk,” I suggest resisting giving that advice because it’s so hard for kids to do so.

How can parents teach kids who don’t stutter how to support those who do?

It all comes down to teaching kids how to react to someone who is different from them. First and foremost, teach kids not to tease.

It’s normal for kids to ask questions — like why does he speak like that? — when they hear someone stutter. Depending on the relationship, they can ask the other child or person about their stuttering. Especially if the child who stutters is older and in therapy, it can be very empowering for them to educate others about stuttering. They are the experts!

What do you hope to learn more about in your current research on kids who stutter?

For a person who stutters, there are a bunch of things happening under the surface, including how they feel about themselves.

School-age kids and adolescents often feel shame, embarrassment and like they aren’t as competent as other kids.

Adults who stutter are at a dramatically increased risk to develop social anxiety than adults who do not stutter. Social anxiety can negatively impact their progress in speech therapy and increase their chances of relapsing after therapy. Although it is likely stuttering contributes to the development of anxiety, not everyone who stutters has anxiety. Through my research I want to identify early risk factors in anxiety development so we can recognize kids who stutter who might be prone to develop anxiety later in life. The participants will help us learn more about stuttering, which in turn will help us develop novel and better treatment approaches to help children who stutter.

Do you have a child who stutters or know someone who does?

Who is eligible to join Dr. Ntourou’s research study on stuttering: Kids ages 3 to 6 who stutter who can commit to one Zoom visit and one in-lab visit for three hours over two sessions. Children receive a speech-language assessment and assessment of stuttering from an expert in the field and will complete tasks on a computer while parents fill out questionnaires. Parents are compensated for time and travel. Find out more by contacting Dr. Ntourou at 405-271-4214, ext. 46069 or OUStutteringLab@ouhsc.edu.

SPONSORED BY THE CHILD AND FAMILY STUTTERING LAB AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

19

REAL MOMS OF THE METRO

ANDREA BRYANT IS DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE AND CULTURE FOR KIMRAY INC. AND A MOM OF TWO. PHOTO

BY LAURA ECKEL PHOTOGRAPHY.

Collateral damage

The effect of the pandemic on working moms As an attorney and business owner, Christine Cave has always made a point to separate her professional and home lives. Enter the COVID-19 pandemic, and she found herself on a video chat with a client while her 3-yearold sat on her lap. In another situation, she negotiated the settlement of a case over the phone, punctuated by the noise of her kids playing in the background.

BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

“This has required redefining what it means to be a professional,” said Cave, who owns Employers Legal Resource Center, where she works with metro small businesses and nonprofits in her specialty of employment law. “Can’t you be a professional and also have kids? There is room for both to coexist.”

But that doesn’t mean it’s not agonizingly difficult.

Tanzeena Francka, a mom of three and a senior human resources business partner with Boeing in Oklahoma City, says navigating the pandemic has been one of the biggest challenges she’s experienced as a parent. But she’s been appreciative of her company’s flexibility and support, which has strengthened her professional commitment.

“If I wasn’t with an employer this flexible, I’m not sure what my family would have done,” said Francka. “We are all really feeling the mom guilt, but I have appreciated knowing even though I have extra parenting responsibilities right now that it’s not limiting my opportunities at work.”

Even as Francka is working with her team on initiatives like engaging employees working virtually to keep a sense of camaraderie and reinforcing the expectation with managers to make flexibility and understanding a priority, she’s also navigating her two older kids’ virtual school days.

Shontrice Sharpe, human resources manager for the AGS Oklahoma City office, reminds her employees they must communicate their needs during

20 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

TANZEENA FRANCKA IS A SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS PARTNER WITH BOEING AND A MOM OF THREE. PHOTO BY CHAD AND BRIE PHOTOGRAPHY.

this pandemic, just like she has negotiated a more flexible schedule so she can help manage her three kids’ virtual schooling.

Andrea Bryant, director of people and culture for Kimray Inc. and mom of two, has led initiatives to survey employees about their struggles with school or childcare so the company could address them proactively.

Kimray has allowed remote working for non-production employees for the first time.

While these metro moms have found or created new flexibilities for their workforces and themselves as the pandemic has drastically changed childcare and school schedules, they recognize not all working moms have been so fortunate and acknowledge even with supports in place, they are still struggling.

“We’ve seen a rise in the diversity of the workforce [including] women in higher positions, but we’re likely going to see a reverse of that as a lot of women have to step back,” said Matt Tipton, owner of Why HR in Oklahoma City, of the pandemic’s effect on working moms. “Many moms especially are going to quit their jobs because it’s not worth it, trying to juggle employers who aren’t being helpful or trying to cut their pay.”

The perfect storm Women make up 50 percent of the workforce in the United States, and in half of the 30 million families with kids under 18, a breadwinner mother contributes at least 40 percent of household earnings, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy. From 2015 to 2020 in America, the representation of women in senior vice president roles grew from 23 to 28 percent, and from 17 to 21 percent in the C-Suite; while women, particularly women of color, remain grossly underrepresented, the numbers were improving.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit and women's careers have been disproportionately affected. According to Women in the Workforce, the largest comprehensive study of women in corporate America, 1 in 4 women are considering downshifting their careers or leaving the workforce. Their primary reasons are lack of flexibility, housework and caregiving burdens and burnout from feeling the need to work all hours while also worrying their performance is being judged because of caregiving responsibilities (mothers worry about this twice as much as fathers).

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“There’s a false sense of ‘you’re a mom so you can juggle it all,’” said Tipton.

“Businesses can’t fall into that.”

More than three-quarters of women surveyed by Women in the Workforce with children under age 10 said childcare has been one of their top three challenges during the pandemic, with just 54 percent of fathers sharing that same concern. Mothers are more than three times as likely as fathers to be responsible for most of the housework and caregiving. For the 1 in 5 moms who don’t live with a spouse or partner, or for dual mom households, the challenges are even greater.

“It’s hard to find that balance when you need to be teacher and support while still having a full-time job,” said Bryant. “I put a ton of pressure on myself to be the best I can professionally and as a mom and wife. Over the last few months I’ve felt I’ve failed at every one of those on more than one occasion. In reality, I haven’t failed; I need to have grace with myself and find the balance I need to meet the expectations I have for myself.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports women made up 80 percent of the nearly 1.1 million workers who dropped out of the labor force in September 2020. So while women’s official rates of unemployment fell in September, that doesn’t account for those who left the workforce entirely. And while the overall unemployment rate of women fell to 7.4 percent in September, Hispanic and Black women’s rates rose to 11 and 11.1 percent respectively.

One third of working women are employed in two industries hit hardest by the pandemic, the health and social assistance industry with increasing demands and potential burnout, and the leisure and hospitality industry, which is experiencing closures.

While the underlying issues of women’s underrepresentation in leadership, the gender pay gap and women baring the brunt of household and caregiving responsibilities aren’t new, they’ve been exacerbated.

“This is an incredibly stressful time, but for working parents, these aren’t novel issues, they’re just novel times,” said Cave.

“Someone lit the match and we’re seeing things on a much more intense level.”

How employers can support working moms While the Family First Coronavirus Relief Act provided some American parents with provisions to take partially-paid leave to

care for children out of school or daycare because of the affects of the pandemic, Cave says many working moms took that leave at the front end of the pandemic when the population largely assumed disruptions would be short-lived.

With those provisions expiring at the end of 2020 and a pandemic still raging, some employers, which Cave calls not adaptable by nature, have chosen to become more flexible to support employees.

“No business thinks this is going to be their best sales period, but maybe they will be building loyalty and commitment from their employees that translates to more productivity when they are able to return in a more traditional way,” said Cave.

Even with a predominantly male workforce, especially in the Oklahoma City location, AGS has made accommodations for working parents. While full remote work isn’t possible for all administrative level staff because of the nature of the manufacturing business, some employees like Sharpe now work remotely a few days per week.

“We want our employees to have a presence but we also don’t want their kids to suffer because this isn’t their fault,” said Sharpe.

Sharpe, Bryant and Francka’s companies have each proactively asked employees what support they need at various points during the pandemic. Even if a specific situation can’t be assuaged to an employee’s exact specifications, management may be willing to compromise.

“Employees have said there is value in flexibility, and it [should be] addressed on an individual level because there isn’t just a one-size fit,” said Bryant. “Small tweaks on the business side could be monumental for an employee.”

Bryant now works from home three days per week, and thanks to flexibility in her schedule is able to drop her kids off at school for the first time in her career. Kimray team members are managed and evaluated on the quality of performance and work produced, not necessarily set hours during the course of the day.

“We have started to do business in a different way and we’ve actually become better,” said Bryant. “Offering remote working has made some employees much more efficient.”

Even supported working moms cite burnout, particularly those working from home. Francka’s days no longer have a set schedule, with constant shifting between mom and work modes. She spends

22 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

BY CHARLES DICKENS • ADAPTED BY MICHAEL BARON CO-DIRECTED BY MICHAEL BARON & ASHLEY WELLS

SHONTRICE SHARPE IS THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER FOR AGS OKLAHOMA CITY AND A MOM OF THREE.

weekends preparing for her kids’ virtual school days, planning lunches and snacks and coordinating work obligations with her husband. Though Sharpe’s kids have a virtual teacher, it’s up to Sharpe and husband Terrence to teach new material, and even with an organized schedule, sometimes chaos ensues.

“Study after study shows employees who feel appreciated and engaged are more efficient and effective,” said Francka.

“Feeling like we’re all in this together is so important.”

“There are still constant interruptions,” said Sharpe. “Some days are great, they stay on task and I can get work done, and other days I am helping with school work all day.

I try not to be so hard on myself and stay in communication with my employer about deadlines.”

"It may take a while, but it will pay dividends when it comes to retention, and that all goes to the bottom line,” Tipton.

How moms can advocate for themselves

Especially because of the propensity for burnout, mental health support for employees has never been more critical.

Many businesses can and do provide the Employee Assistance Program, a common component of which is free or reduced cost counseling services. Boeing launched a new tele-health service partnership during the pandemic and has actively reminded employees of their access to EAP services.

“We should also be reminding employees to exercise, to take a break from the computer and walk around, to give them permission [when it comes to] caring for mental health,” said Tipton.

When Boeing’s employees said they missed personal interaction, an internal photo sharing site was developed to help them stay connected. Managers are consistently trained in engaging employees virtually.

After-work virtual book clubs, game nights and happy hours have added a sense of camaraderie and fun.

Tipton says businesses that support their employees during challenging times will see returns.

While Tipton believes it’s imperative for women to understand their worth and negotiate with power both in a new job and a current situation, he says it’s ultimately employers’ responsibility to review longtime policies related to hiring, promotions and support to address systemic issues creating gender gaps. But that doesn’t negate the opportunity women can and should seize to advocate for themselves in the workplace.

Tipton advises working parents to over communicate to their supervisors during the pandemic, especially if they are working remotely, to well-document time spent, tasks completed and goals achieved.

Working moms should research the requirements of their job and what alternative arrangements could look like to achieve them. At Boeing, employees must work a specific number of hours but the company has provided employees with flexible options to consider, from job sharing to making use of personal time or sick leave.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

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“It’s easier to have a conversation when you come to the table with potential solutions,” said Francka.

Francka was concerned the pandemic and her added parental responsibilities would halt her career progression and employee development, but the opposite has held true in her situation, and she encourages other working moms to stay focused on long-term goals.

“I worried in the beginning I might miss out on opportunities or [my employer] wouldn’t want to overload me because I have kids at home,” said Francka. “We’ve built a life around having two working parents, so it’s not just important to me but to my family.”

Working moms can advocate for themselves by saying no to mom guilt and finding time to care for themselves.

“Most of the time we hold stuff in, try to be strong, carry the weight and keep pushing through, but it’s not good in the long run,” said Sharpe.

Sharpe says talking through her feelings and challenges with her husband or a

professional, taking breaks from social media and making time for activities she enjoys provide peace. The added weight of being an African American female during a time when racial injustice is such a relevant and sensitive topic has added an extra layer of stress and pain during the pandemic.

“I have to show up to work and put on a smiling face when I may be hurting,” said Sharpe. “Still dealing with this in this day and age is hard for me to wrap my head around.”

Sharpe finds empowerment in pausing to recognize her own strengths and professional knowledge.

“I have a voice, I’m proud of who I am and I’m in a position where I can educate employees,” said Sharpe.

Cave firmly believes a focus on grace in situations of ongoing stress makes a difference for employees and employers both.

“You can be a great mom and still get emails done, even on a Saturday,” said Cave. “I’m trying to make sure I’m giving myself grace when the balance tips in one direction because of work deadlines and making time

on the other end to go get root beer floats and have fun.”

Each of the working moms also acknowledges that changing jobs or leaving the workforce entirely may be the right answer for some, and that’s OK. “By nature, some businesses will not have the ability to provide the flexibility they need,” said Bryant. “People have to find what is right for them, and that may be completely different than what was right six months ago.”

The gender gap The Economic Policy Institute reports that on average women are paid 23 percent less than men with similar education and experience.

White women are paid 79 cents for every dollar paid a white man, and that number drops to 62 cents for Black women, 57 cents for Native women and 54 cents for Latinas, according to the National Partnership for Women and Families.

Normal recessions close the gender pay gap by 2 percent, but a pandemic recession widens it by 5 percent, reports the National

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away from the job is just as important as their careers, and supporting them in those efforts reinforces their professional commitment.

Bureau of Economic Research. Further, women often incur a pay penalty on returning to work after a prolonged absence — like after having a child or now withstanding a pandemic — earning up to 7 percent less than men in the same position, according to PayScale. And only two in five of the 12.1 million jobs lost by women from February to April have returned, according to the National Women’s Law Center.

employees alike, government initiatives like tax support and FFCRA may have felt like a Band-Aid, Cave says they were both fairly unusual and a good example of policy-level changes to examine for the future.

For moms who have exited the workforce to care for kids and want to return years later, Cave hopes for a future where employers or government policy would provide for reentry education and training to fill in gaps in areas like technology.

Sharpe says when employers create more flexible policies that support working parents, they’re ultimately choosing success for their business.

“You don’t need two years to catch up, but you might need an 8-week course,” said Cave.

“On a societal level, we have to figure out what the value of [working moms] is and if there are social policies to help support that.”

Some of the practices businesses have put into place during the pandemic to support working parents could morph into longterm options to increase retention. Sharpe’s company is considering more flexible workfrom-home policies. While to businesses and

“This is a good opportunity for us to all take a minute and reflect where our priorities are, from the working parent to those in a position of policy making in business to policy makers on state or national levels,” said Cave.

“Studies have shown women in leadership positions have led to more successful organizations,” said Sharpe. “You want employees to show up happy to be at work because ultimately they are creating your product. For your customers to be happy, that starts with the employee.”

Bryant is proud that Kimray pays employees 100 percent of their salary when on maternity or paternity leave. She believes for longlasting change businesses have to realize that what working parents are doing in their time

“We have to reevaluate how we’re compensating team members and ensuring people don’t fall behind,” said Bryant of assessing the gender pay gap. “When something [like the pandemic] becomes so widespread that it affects everyone and brings to light the issues we have, it’s the perfect time for working women to use our voices.”

Francka has used her position to help educate those around her about the hardships of being a working mom and the value in supporting them. She finds hope in watching how other moms around the metro — and the globe — have been open about the challenges, too.

“That fact opens the door for all of us to talk about our experiences as working moms, and that door will remain open after the pandemic and only help us from an equity perspective,” said Francka. “If we all band together and talk about how important this stuff is, we’re either in leadership positions where we can make change or we can influence leaders to make change.”

For more information, contact Rebecca Skarky, Director of Admissions, at 405-524-0631 ext. 123

Pre-K through eighth grade 600 NW 44 Street, OKC 405-524-0631 westminsterschool.org

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

25

Gift local The best gifts are those that inspire time together laughing and learning. From family fun and skill-building activities to unique toys and memory-making experiences, support locally-owned businesses while also wow-ing the kids, parents or grandparents in your life with these 22 gift ideas.

Edmond Ice Rink

Enjoy the colder weather this season by skating at this fun ice rink, open through Jan. 4 at Mitch Park. Tickets (which make great stocking stuffers!) are only $12 each for adults or $8 each for children ages 5 & under (includes skate rental). Details at edmondicerink.com. 405-923-8345

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma

Give the girl in your life experiences that will build her leadership skills, develop her entrepreneurial spirit and expand her passion for STEM. Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma now offers virtual and inperson activities for individuals, troops and families. Camp Trivera, located just east of the OKC Zoo, offers 19 acres of tent, treehouse and bunk room-style camping, along with a state-of-the-art STEM lab, climbing wall and underwater robotics. Now booking for days, overnights, weekends and events for girls and private groups.

To learn more about Camp Trivera or to purchase a Girl Scout membership, call 405-528-GIRL or email info@gswestok.org.

Memberships start at $25. gswestok.org

Hyatt Regency Frisco - Dallas

This just-opened hotel is perfectly situated for your family to enjoy the fun museums and attractions in Frisco, Texas. It’s connected to the Stonebriar Centre Mall with more than 150 shops and restaurants, and KidZania, AMC Theaters, Dave and Busters and much more are located within walking distance. The Radiance!

Package is a special holiday option that includes a ticket to a drive-thru holiday light experience. Find them on social media @hyattregencyfriscodallas for more information. Rooms start at $139/night. hyattregencyfriscodallas.com

K9 University, LLC

Fido’s manners need a brush-up? Give the gift of dog training and get your pup in shape before the family arrives for the holidays.

Or give a certificate to your favorite dog owner. Five weeks of obedience classes are only $175. K9 University is following CDC guidelines to keep class participants safe. Find more at myk9u.com or by calling 405-231-4335.

Learning Tree Toys, Books and Games

Come see why this store has been named a “Family Favorite” by MetroFamily readers for years. Located in Nichols Hills at 7638 N Western, Learning Tree offers a large inventory of safe, durable and innovative toys, books, games and activities for all ages. Staff specializes in child development and will help you pick the best toys for your child’s age and interests! Find more on their Facebook page (search Learning Tree OKC), at learningtreeokc.com or call 405-848-1415.

Goldfish Swim School - Edmond

This holiday season give the kids in your life the gift of swimming at Goldfish Swim School! Their Big Splash Holiday Package comes beautifully wrapped and ready to be placed under the tree. The package includes two months of group swim lessons plus a special tote bag, board book, towel, Christmas ornament and more, all for only $178 (retail $246) if bought before Dec. 31, 2020. Call 405696-7500 or visit them online at bit.ly/goldfishswimholidaypackage.

FIND THESE AND HUNDREDS OF OTHER TOYS AT LEARNING TREE: KULLERBÜ CITY STROLL, $98; TREKKING THE NATIONAL PARKS BOARD GAME, $49; CYBER TALK ROBOT, $79

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

SPECIAL ADVERTISER SECTION

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

With the Cowboy Family Membership, your family will experience this popular museum in a completely new way.

Membership includes the museum’s new outdoor play experience: Liichokoshkomo’, an interactive space to discover history and the many influences that shaped the West. Its unique focus on children and the value of hands-on learning transforms the museum experience for families. Membership includes free admission for your family and is just $65; purchase online at nationalcowboymuseum.org/memberships, by calling Jordan Hopkins at 405-478-2250, ext 243 or emailing jhopkins@ nationalcowboymuseum.org. The museum also has a large gift store with jewelry, home décor, books, a large children’s section of toys and books, art prints and more.

Once Upon A Child, North OKC

Find a great selection of gently-used holiday apparel and shoes at great prices and while there, pick up some unique stocking stuffers like slime, air dough, cars and magic bottles from Toy Smith. Gift certificates are also a great gift. Find them at 13801 N Pennsylvania Ave. 405-286-3114, onceuponachildokcnorth.com

OUI AND SÍ FRENCH AND SPANISH LEARNING BOXES

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Encourage your child's interest in art with a membership to this downtown museum. Memberships include free admission to exciting special exhibitions, like the upcoming Painters of Pompeii, family program discounts, discounts in the museum store and more. Dual memberships are just $75. Upgrade to the $100 Fellow membership for reciprocal free admission to select museums across the nation! Visit okcmoa.com/familymembership to learn more.

Also offered this year in conjunction with the blockbuster Painters of Pompeii exhibition are a series of expert-led conversations for all ages that will explore topics such as Southern Italian food and wine to daily life in Pompeii and Ancient Roman deities and mythology.

Classes are $40-$45. okcmoa.com/pompeii-programming

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center

Oklahoma Contemporary opened their new location this year in the Automobile Alley/Midtown area. In the museum store, find unique gifts from art prints to artist-made home goods and more, priced from $1 to $500. In-store pickup and online orders available.

A membership or art classes for kids or adults make great gifts as well. okcontemp.org

Oklahoma Hall of Fame

Find unique Oklahoma items at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame's fun museum store. From T-shirts and art prints to Christmas ornaments and books by Oklahoma authors, there’s something for everyone at a variety of price points. Check their website or Facebook page for open hours. Located in Midtown near NW 13th and Shartel. oklahomahof.com

Oklahoma History Center

For a truly unique selection of "Made in Oklahoma" gifts, visit the Oklahoma History Center's Museum Gift Shop located right inside the museum’s entrance at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive. Shop in the store or online at bit.ly/okhistorygiftshop. A Family Membership also makes a great gift! Memberships cost only $75 and include free admission to the museum and other perks. Purchase at the “Support” tab at okhistory.org.

Oklahoma Swim Academy

Give the perfect experience gift of Survival Swim Lessons at Oklahoma Swim Academy – the only gift that allows a child to have fun in the water while providing them with a life-saving skill.

Purchase the amount of your choice to use toward Private Survival Swim Lessons, Parent-Tot Classes or the OSA Gift Shop! OSA recently located to their new state-of-the-art facility in NW OKC and they are following CDC guidelines to keep participants safe. oklahomaswim.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISER SECTION

Oui & Sí!

Want your child to learn French or Spanish this year? Check out Oui & Sí French and Spanish Learning Boxes, designed to give children a head start in learning language, counting, sorting and spelling through play. Each box also includes a code to an online interactive lesson plan created by French and Spanish professors.

Say “yes,” “sí” and “oui” to making learning fun! $30-$50. ouiandsi.com

Pink Gazelle Boutique

Pink Gazelle Boutique carries the latest in affordable women’s fashions including hard-to-find styles, accessories and gifts. In addition to brands such as KanCan and Mono B, they have popular gifts such as the Fun Times Leopard Sneaker for $39.99 and mini backpacks in leopard and black for $54. Their website has a wide selection of great gift ideas for the special mom in your life. Use code FALL2020 for 10% off your order. pinkgazelleboutique.com

RIVERSPORT

Opt outdoors in 2021 with RIVERSPORT! Season passes are 50% off (limited time offer) and now include surfing, an expanded bike park and family tubing, plus all your faves like whitewater rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, the Youth Zone, Sky Trail, Sky Slides and more! NEW for 2021 – SKI OKC opens in Spring 2021. RIVERSPORT is open seasonal hours, March through October. $99.99-$124.99. Buy online at riversportokc.org.

Scissortail Park Foundation

The holidays are the perfect time to get a Scissortail Park Membership for everyone on your gift list! Membership benefits include free boat rentals and roller skating, as well as discounts on concessions at The Perch boathouse café and Scissortail Park branded merchandise. Members also save at local community partners including the Devon Ice Rink at Myriad Gardens, Factory Obscura, Social Capital, Wheeler District Ferris Wheel, Ride OKC, Riversport OKC, Florence’s Restaurant and EMBARK. Memberships start at $40. Find more information at scissortailpark. org/become-a-member.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

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SkateGalaxy OKC

Roller skating is an excellent way to get physical exercise while also enjoying family fun times together. Skate passes are available for the holidays that give you five admissions for the price of four, usable at any of their skate sessions. Call 405-605-2758 to purchase. skategalaxyokc.com

SoccerCity OKC

Enroll your child (ages 18 months to 9 years) in Soccer City’s Lil’ Kickers program, an age-appropriate soccer development program.

Sessions last 10 weeks and cost about $165, which includes a jersey. Sign your child up at 405-748-3888 or by email at hayden@ soccercityokcity.com. Mention MetroFamily and get two free lessons upon registration.

Unpluggits Paint & Play

This fun venue in Edmond provides ceramic making among other creative offerings. Bring the whole family to paint a favorite customized coffee mug for Grandma ($18-$28). She’ll treasure her special gift! Find this idea and many more at unpluggits.com or by calling 405-340-7584.

Velocity Dance Center

Give happy, give dance! Dance is an amazing gift to give to any child this year. Velocity’s elves have planned three great options: a digital dance class package with six classes and the tools for a great class at home; a basic class package including two months of classes; and an all-inclusive package that includes classes and an end-of-the-season performance. Contact 405-721-8807 or admin@oklahomcitydancestudio.com to purchase.

Watonga Community Cat Foundation

Now is a great time to adopt a sweet kitten or cat for your family. The Watonga Community Cat Foundation is hosting a special adoption experience called “Cocoa and Kittens.”

Families first need to apply for adoption at their website. Once the adoption application is approved, a counselor will call to set up an appointment for a private meet-and-greet. Adopters will arrive at a Christmasthemed adoption center in Watonga (located about 65 miles NW of Oklahoma City) with hot cocoa and other holiday treats! Dozens of kittens will be available to meet and interact with your family. One (or maybe two) special kittens would be happy to find their forever homes with your family this year. The adoption fee is only $65 for kittens and $50 for adult cats. Start your application today at watongacommunitycats.org/adopt. 580-310-3068.

SPECIAL ADVERTISER SECTION

MetroFamily Insiders You asked, we listened.

In a time where convenience is key, let us deliver straight to your doorstep! Become a MetroFamily Insider and receive a mailed subscription to MetroFamily Magazine, discounted and early bird tickets to annual MetroFamily events (such as Kids Fest, Cover Kids, Geekapalooza and more), special downloadable activities and be the “first to know” about new openings and events around the metro.

The MetroFamily Insider package is a fantastic stocking stuffer for any mom, dad, grandparent or caretaker in your life!

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

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CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

S O C I A L LY- D I S TA N T hot cocoa and the chance to meet Santa for socially-distanced photos. Masks are required. 1-4 pm. edmondhistory.org

Tuesdays in December

Popular holiday films return to the big screen at Harkins Theatre (150 E Reno Ave) during their Tuesday Night Classics.

Families can watch Polar Express, Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. $5. 7pm. harkins.com

Norman’s FREE Christmas Parade will work in reverse this year. Spectators will be the ones on the move as they drive by festive displays set up around the perimeter of Andrews Park (201 W Daws St, Norman). Families can vote for their favorite to win “Best of Show.”

6pm. normanchristmasparade.com

Dec. 5

Celebrate the holidays with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd St) during the Holidays at the Museum event. Make Westerninspired ornaments, sample sarsaparilla and frontier food, visit with Santa and more. Activities are free with admission for children while supplies last. Best suited for ages 4-12. 10am2pm. nationalcowboymuseum.org

Arts Council’s Opening Night New Year’s Eve celebration is moving to the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark (2 S Mickey Mantle Dr). Celebrate the end of 2020 with live music, magicians, interactive art for kids, family-friendly entertainment and a fireworks display at midnight to welcome the new year. $8-$10. 7pm-midnight. artscouncilokc.com/opening-night

Dec. 12-23

Hop aboard a festive Christmas Train at the Oklahoma Railway Museum to sing carols with Santa. Food vendors will be on site with hot chocolate, roasted nuts and other food items for families to enjoy.

Social distancing will be observed on the trains and masks are required. $14; kids (under 3), free. See website for departure schedule. oklahomarailwaymuseum.org

Dec. 12

Take part in an old-fashioned FREE Holiday Hop at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard, Edmond). Enjoy crafts, themed activities,

E V ENTS

Dec. 31

Cocoa + kittens Holiday Adop�ion Event • All meet-and-greets are private by appointment • Available cats are vaccinated, spayed/neutered and micro-chipped • Low adoption fees ($65/kittens; $100/pair of kittens; $50/adult cat) • Apply online at watongacommunitycats.org/adopt

580-310-3068 30 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

Watonga Community Cat Foundation 314 South Wikoff, Watonga OK 73772 Watongacommunitycats.org

Holiday Performances Through Dec. 27

Lyric Theatre continues its all-new outdoor production of A Christmas Carol at Harn Homestead (1721 N Lincoln Blvd).

The 75-minute, walk-thru performance takes patrons from scene to scene with Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley and a host of unforgettable characters. Adults, $61 & up; kids, $35 & up. See website for showtimes. lyrictheatreokc.com

Dec. 6

Canterbury Christmas returns to the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) with performances by Oklahoma City University Faculty Brass Quintet and the talented students from Canterbury Youth Voices. Enjoy a full orchestra and a Christmas carol sing-along. $15-$62. 7pm. canterburyokc.com

Dec. 11-20

Celebrate the holidays with the heartwarming story of Annie performed by Sooner Theatre (101 E Main St, Norman). Offered both in-person and via live stream, this community theater production is based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray. $30-$35. Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday, 2 & 7:30pm; Sunday, 2pm. soonertheatre.org

Dec. 12-20

The OKC Ballet is hosting The Nutcracker: Short & Sweet at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave), a one-act production of the classic ballet with all your favorite characters from the dancing snowflakes to the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker Prince. $30-$90. Friday, 7pm; Saturday & Sunday, 2 & 7pm. okcballet.org

Dec. 3-5

OKC Philharmonic has reimagined their A Classics Christmas concert at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) offering families a musical production in a socially distant setting. Enjoy Christmas favorites and sacred pieces as well as special guest performers Mandy Jiran and Vince Leseney. Also available via digital stream.$20 & up. Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday & Saturday, 8pm. okcphil.org

Editor's note: Due to COVID-19, events are subject to change. Please check with each venue for updates.

PHOTO BY SHEVAUN WILLIAMS. DANCER DAYOUNG JUNG, PRINCIPAL.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

31

CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

đ&#x;™Œ Teens đ&#x;Ž…☄đ&#x;”Ľ ⛄Toddlers đ&#x;”?đ&#x;‘ś TOP EVENTS FOR

TOP EVENTS FOR

Through Dec. 31

Dec. 5

Dec. 12

Thursdays in December

Through Jan. 3

Fridays in December

Take part in Saints Virtual Santa Run. The race can be completed on your favorite jogging trail or on the suggested route in Midtown. Wear your most festive attire during your run and post a photo on social media with #SaintsSantaRun to be entered to win prizes. $25$35. downtownindecember.com/saints-santa-run

Witness the Geminid Meteor Shower, one of the year's most active meteor showers, at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial Rd) during a FREE Viewing Party. Telescopes will be set up and hot apple cider and hot chocolate will be provided. Preregister. 8-9:30pm. okc.gov/parksignup Enjoy Christmas lights, rides, holiday shows, outdoor s’mores fire pits and more during Holiday at the Park at Frontier City (11501 N I-35 Service Rd). Prices vary. Friday, 5-9pm; Saturday & Sunday, 4-9pm; open daily beginning Dec. 18. sixflags.com/frontiercity

Learn how to become a nature detective and look for clues creatures leave behind at the FREE What Did That? workshop at Lake Thunderbird State Park Discovery Cove Nature Center (13101 Alameda Dr). Visit with park staff and explore the trails to see what clues you can find.

1-2:30pm. 360-3572, bit.ly/thunderbirdnaturecenter Toddler Open Gym at Metro Gymnastics (7420 Boradway Ext) features open playtime in the gym for kids age 4 & under with a caregiver.

Reservations are encouraged but not required. $6-$7. 9:30-11:30am. metrogymokc.com Little Blocs at Blocsworks Indoor Climbing Gym (104 S Broadway, Edmond) features a discounted kids-only climbing session for ages 8 & under. A waiver and adult supervision is required. $10. 9-11am. climbblocworks.com

HOLIDAY FAMILY PHOTO CONTEST Break out the family jammies, ugly sweaters and all-around awkward family photos and enter MetroFamily's Holiday Family Photo Contest! Submit a photo of your funny holiday family photos for a chance to win.

Entries will be voted on by our readers to determine the winners!

Enter from Dec. 1 - 31 at metrofamilymagazine.com/contests Photo by Kennon Bryce

32 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

JUMBLE AT SCIENCE MUSEUM OKLAHOMA

LOOKING INTO THE NEW YEAR! Jan. 8-10

See majestic eagles in their natural habitat during Arcadia Lake’s annual Eagle Watch. Begin at the Arcadia Lake Park office (9000 E 2nd St, Edmond) to learn where the eagles can be found and check out the raptor wingspan display, videos and more. $3 per vehicle.

8am-4pm. arcadialakeok.com

Jan. 10

MUSEUM EXHIBITS Through Jan. 3

Through Jan. 30

Through Jan. 4

Through Oct. 2021

Wild Wooly Western Wildlife in 3D at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 SE 63rd) features a selection of sculptures of bison, pronghorn, moose, mountain lions, bears and other critters in bronze, wood and plaster from the 19th and 20th centuries. Adults, $12.50; kids (6-12), $5.57; kids (5 & under), free.

Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. nationalcowboymuseum.org

FREE Bright Golden Haze at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center (11 NW 11th St) explores the ways in which artists use light to create place, both geographic and conceptual. WednesdayMonday, 11am-6pm; Thursday, until 9pm. oklahomacontemporary.org

Through Jan. 10

Share Lives, Distant Places: Recent Acquisitions in Photography at Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features contemporary photographers who employ different photography styles, like documentary, photojournalism and street photography, to capture the global human experience, offering alternative ways of seeing and understanding the people, places and events that shape the world in which we live. Adults, $12; kids (17 & under), free. Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm. okcmoa.com

FREE Darci Lynne’s Got Talent at the Edmond Historical Society & Museum (431 S Boulevard, Edmond) features America’s first-ever museum exhibit dedicated to Darci Lynne, winner of NBC’s America’s Got Talent.

Artifacts featured include clothing from her television performances, her first practice puppets, tour posters and scripts. Tuesday-Friday, 10am-noon & 1:30-4pm. edmondhistory.org

In anticipation of an upcoming exhibition at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art focused on Pompeii, families can join in a Digging and Discoveries: Meet an Archeologist Zoom to talk with an archeologist based in Rome about exciting discoveries, how to become an archeologist and more. Best suited for ages 7-12. Members, $35; nonmembers, $45. 1-2pm. okcmoa.com

JUMBLE at Science Museum Oklahoma (2020 Remington Pl) activates the senses by encouraging play and collaboration.

Up to 16 visitors at a time can interact with the exhibit by pressing buttons that create a unique composition of sounds and visuals. Adults, $16.95; kids (3-12), $13.95. Monday-Friday, 10am5pm; Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm. sciencemuseumok.org

Through Dec. 2021

Launch to Landing: Oklahomans and Space at the Oklahoma History Center (800 Nazih Zuhdi) features a Skylab 4 Apollo Command Module (CM-118), lunar samples, personal items utilized by astronauts and items associated with Oklahoma aviators and the U.S. air and space program, such as Oklahoma flags flown in space, a NASA Mission Control console and more. Adults, $10; kids (6-17), $5; kids (5 & under), free; families (up to 6 people), $25. MondaySaturday, 10am-5pm. okhistory.org

Jan. 23

Tour Lake Thunderbird State Park in search of eagles in their winter home during the FREE Eagle Watch. Meet at the Discovery Cove Nature Center (13101 Alameda Dr, Norman) for an informational session. Preregister, space is limited. 12:45-4pm. 3214633. bit.ly/thunderbirdnaturecenter

Find the best of OKC's wintertime and holiday events, plus our favorites in frugal family fun, at metrofamilymagazine.com/winter-fun-guides.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

33

CALENDAR #OKCFAMILYFUN

Where to find Santa in OKC Santa keeps busy this time of year and he will be popping in to venues across the metro!

A family tradition continues at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, courtesy of Devon Energy.

Kids can safely visit with Santa at the Gardens and pose for photos from a safe social distance this December. Visits are free but preregistration is required and families should bring their own cameras. Visit myriadgardens. org for dates and more information.

Santa and his helpers will be at Bass Pro Shop (200 Bass Pro Dr) & Cabela’s (1200 W Memorial Rd) daily until Dec. 24. During their "Contactless Claus" visits, families receive a free 4x6 studio-quality photo as well as a free digital download. Preregistration required at basspro.com/santa or cabelas.com/santa.

Santa welcomes families to North Pole Adventure (2215 W I-240 Service Rd) where kids can explore a life-sized replica of the North Pole and pose for photos in a safe environment through Dec. 24. Masks are encouraged and a personalized

mask will be provided with admission. See website for ticket prices and hours of operation. northpoleadventure.org

Find more metro spots to visit Santa at metrofamilymagazine.com/where-to-find-santa-in-okc.

Coming Soon!

Launch to Landing: Oklahomans and Space.

We made it through 2020!

We couldn't have done it without your support.

www.okhistory.org

(405) 522-0765

800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr./OKC

34 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

Thanks for being part of o r MetroFamily.

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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

35

Green Cleaning

101

Top tips for staying safe this winter

BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

Amanda and Amy King launched Kings Green Cleaning in 2006 using only green products after carefully researching the benefits to their own health and the environment. Amy previously cleaned homes and was often sick with upper respiratory infections and rashes.

Her doctor advised her to find a new profession because the traditional cleaning products she was using were making her ill.

After a client with a newborn provided Amy with green products to use in her household, Amy began researching the benefits.

She bought them for her own home and business, and her health issues disappeared. She and Amanda then launched Kings Green Cleaning to safely and effectively clean clients’ homes and businesses while also ensuring the health of their employees and low impact on the environment.

As we enter the holiday season, the twindemic of flu and COVID-19 and more time spent in our homes during the winter months, we asked the moms and business owners for their top tips on keeping families safe.

36 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

What does the term “green cleaning” mean and what are the biggest benefits to using green products?

We really believe in the positive health effects of using green products as opposed to traditional products with harsh chemicals.

Green cleaning refers to using cleaning methods and products with environmentally-friendly ingredients and manufacturing procedures designed to preserve human health and environmental quality. When purchasing products, look for the Green Seal Certification — that ensures the ingredients are safe and that the manufacturer is making good choices in terms of limiting effects of production and packaging on the environment.

Volatile organic compounds (or VOCs) found in traditional cleaning products can affect indoor air quality and also contribute to smog formation in outdoor air. And for both people and pets, they can cause skin and eye irritation, allergies and asthma flare-ups, as well as even more serious health issues.

Especially when we’re all spending a lot of time in our homes during the winter or due to quarantines, it’s important that the products we’re putting on our home’s frequently-touched surfaces and in the air we’re breathing are safe. Changing to green cleaning products not only helps protect your family from VOCs it also helps the environment by not polluting our water. In addition, green practices like using microfiber cleaning cloths instead of paper towels and using refillable jugs for cleaning products reduce waste and benefit the environment.

As we enter cold and flu season in the midst of this pandemic, what are the high-touch areas in the house parents should pay extra attention to sanitizing?

If you have guests dropping by unexpectedly and you want the house to look clean(ish!), what tasks or areas should you focus on in the 20 or 30 minutes before the doorbell rings?

Frequently clean your door knobs, light switch plates, drawer and cabinet pulls and faucets. It’s also important to regularly sanitize the items we bring into our homes — like school backpacks and lunch boxes, which should be washed at least once a week. Purses or work bags should also be cleaned regularly. The bottoms of our shoes track in bacteria and dirt, so take your shoes off, and ask guests to do the same, before entering the home. Vent covers, baseboards, the fronts of cabinets, insides of appliances and upper light fixtures often get neglected so remember to clean those regularly, too.

Start with getting all of your clutter out of the living room — and if that means piling things on your bed and then shutting the door, so be it! Next, clean out your sink of dirty dishes. Light a soy candle or turn on a scent diffuser.

Friends may not care about a little dust on your TV but they will notice if they can smell your trash can! Finally, clean your front door — glass or storm doors show everything from doggy paw prints to kids’ fingerprints, and that is the first thing your guests will see.

If families are preparing to welcome guests for the holidays, what measures can they take to ensure their home is safe and clean for guests and themselves?

Make sure you properly disinfect surfaces prior to your guests’ arrival. Sanitize all high-traffic areas and touch points. When your guests arrive, provide and encourage guests to use hand sanitizer throughout the gathering. Open windows and doors to increase air ventilation, or if that is not an option due to weather, use an air purifier. Encourage family and friends to wear masks and practice social distancing while indoors.

Speaking of disinfecting, that’s not as straightforward as it sounds.

How can we ensure surfaces are properly disinfected?

Dirt and grime are what hold germs and bacteria, so you have to clean surfaces of all of that first before you can disinfect.

After you’ve deep cleaned the area, the disinfectant needs to sit wet on the surface for 10 minutes to disinfect properly — and that goes for any disinfectant, from green products to Lysol.

At our house, we have been keeping disposable masks, hand sanitizer and shoe covers by the door to make sure everyone is staying safe.

For those looking to hire a cleaning service, what are some important considerations in choosing the right one for your family, especially during a pandemic?

Since the pandemic began, we have seen an increase in our business, for commercial and elderly clients especially, but also for families because parents are home with kids trying to do everything from working to teaching, and it’s nice to have one less plate to spin. Ask about the types of cleaning products used and what kind of safeguards are in place — for example, we wear masks, gloves and shoe covers on request, even if the client isn’t home while we are there. We can also use separate cleaning products for each home, and we separate our microfiber cloths by color so there isn’t cross-contamination between those used to dust, clean kitchens and clean bathrooms. Ask if the company offers call-in, call-out services so you don’t have to be in direct contact with the cleaners if you’d prefer not to be.

To learn more about Kings Green Cleaning and request a home or commercial cleaning estimate, visit kingsgreencleaning.com.

SPONSORED BY KINGS GREEN CLEANING

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

37

Holidays at the Museum December 5 • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Celebrate the holidays in Prosperity Junction. Make Western-inspired ornaments, pine cone birdfeeders, decorations, meet historical Western figures, sample frontier food or mosey up to the sarsaparilla bar before dropping off your holiday wish list with Santa! Find Howe and Dee the Cowboy Elves to earn your own special badge.

Free for members or with Museum admission.

All activities available while supplies last.

#HashtagTheCowboy

nationalcowboymuseum.org/kids 1700 Northeast 63rd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111

FAMILY MENTAL WELLNESS

Cultivating calm Tips to help kids manage holiday stress

All is NOT calm in my household this holiday season, and I’d venture to guess the same is true of yours. More treats, later nights, holiday traditions … plus navigating the challenges of seeing family and seasonal events in the midst of a pandemic.

While the holidays are certainly full of fun, meaningful and magical moments, they’re also stressful — and not just for adults. Kids can be prone to more challenging behaviors, meltdowns, stress and anxiety, too. Throw in a pandemic and it COULD be a recipe for disaster, but it doesn’t have to be. We asked registered behavior therapist Jeanae Neal for her top tips in helping mitigate kids’ holiday stressors, creating a calmer household for the whole family.

38 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

1

Focus on quality, not quantity. Holidays can cause a sensory overload with all of the sounds, lights, sweets and events. Try not to dump all of this on your child in one day but instead choose your favorite traditions, spaced out throughout the season. Parents often get caught up in the excitement or expectation of wanting their kids to experience every possible holiday event or memory-making experience. But what kids will remember most are happy times spent with those they love.

Ensure your child is getting enough rest and nutritious foods, and try to keep their schedules as close to normal as possible.

2

Know your child’s limits. We know our children best and can often predict when behaviors may happen or what might trigger a behavior. Some children need a lot of downtime or opportunities to recharge, so building those into the family routine is important. Most children thrive in a predictable schedule, and when that is thrown out of whack, challenging behaviors can follow. While we can’t control all the triggering events that may occur, anticipating them and trying to limit them can be a tremendous help to lowering kids’ holiday stress.

3

Create proactive strategies. The next step after anticipating those triggers is to think through proactive interventions to help reduce the occurrences of behaviors. If a family event extends past your child’s bedtime, take pajamas for the car ride home or make a plan to leave early. If your teen will have to miss a holiday happening with friends due to a family obligation, discuss when and how they could get together with friends at another time. If you feel obligated to bake cookies with your kids but the activity sets your teeth on edge because you know there will be more sprinkles on the floor than the cookies, choose a different activity you all enjoy or commit to a messy floor that everyone will help clean up afterward.

4

Create a culture of consent. Never force a child to hug, play with or be around anyone they are not comfortable with.

The holidays are often a time when families see relatives or friends they haven’t been around for a while, and the unfamiliarity and expectations to engage or hug can be very stressful for kids. We especially don’t want children to feel as though they do not have control of their bodies and instead want to promote that it is their right with whom they interact.

In terms of greetings or goodbyes, talk to kids about what they are comfortable with, whether that’s hugging, fist bumping or waving, and be their advocate if relatives request an interaction they aren’t comfortable with.

5

Expect the unexpected. Assess your expectations of holiday traditions or events and try to ensure those expectations are realistic. Meltdowns are likely to occur during the season, for kids of all ages, and they aren’t the end of the world. Think about how you’ll react when your child throws a tantrum or lashes out. Give grace to your kids and yourself.

Jeanae Neal, MA, RBT, grew up in Edmond, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology from the University of Central Oklahoma and recently earned a master’s of psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Neal has worked as a Registered Behavior Therapist for the past three years and is currently working from home while enjoying time with her 4-monthold baby girl and husband.

Editor’s note: This column is the sixth in a year-long series on family mental wellness, written by local experts on topics pertinent to parents and children. Columnists include Neal, Dr. Erica Faulconer, pediatrician at Northwest Pediatrics and mom of three; Thai-An Truong, LPC, LADC, in private practice as a postpartum therapist and mom of two; Stacey Johnson, LPC, (@staceyjohnsonlife) in private practice at The Purple Couch and mom of eight; and Dr. Lisa Marotta, a psychologist, writer, speaker and mom in private practice in Edmond.

Ultimate Christmas Giveaway Looking for a safe holiday vacation with gifts all wrapped into one package? That's why we have the Ultimate Christmas Giveaway! Enter to win one of three close-to-home or staycation getaway packages including family stays at Hyatt Regency in Frisco, TX, 21C Museum Hotel, the Classen Inn, plus local attraction tickets and up to $250 in toys and games.

Enter daily Dec. 1 - 12: metrofamilymagazine.com/contests

21C Museum Hotel

Classen Inn Motel

Thanks to our sponsor:

Hyatt Regency Frisco METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

39

EXPLORING OKLAHOMA

CRE ATIVE OKL AHOMA

Experience art and history at two family-friendly destinations Sparked by their creativity, curiosity and seemingly endless energy, children have a unique way of seeing beauty. They find it sometimes in the most unexpected places.

Fan your child’s artistic flames and learn about history with a visit to one of these two world-class Oklahoma destinations.

BY LINDSAY CUOMO. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY ARE ON DISPLAY AT THE MUSEUM OF THE RED RIVER.

40 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

MUSEUM OF THE RED RI V ER Tucked in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, the Museum of the Red River in Idabel (about 4 hours from the metro) is a hidden treasure. The ethnographic cultural institution was built to preserve the history being uncovered during archaeological research in the 1970s. Since the area did not have a place to store and preserve the artifacts as they were unearthed, recovered materials were sent out of state.

“The local people weren’t being given the opportunity to appreciate the early history of this region because all of the materials were being sent away,” shared Henry Moy, The Quintus H. Herron director for the museum. “The founders of our museum started the museum with their own collection.”

Today the museum is home to art and archeology from around the world. With a

collection of about 35,000 pieces, visitors can explore Caddoan pottery, Amazonian featherwork, contemporary sculptures and art from all over the Americas, East Asia, West Africa, Europe and the Pacific Islands. The museum also displays a fossil cast of our state dinosaur.

Acrocanthosaurus atokensis — or Acro — was first discovered in Atoka, but the most complete skeleton was discovered less than 20 miles from the museum. The cast is a copy of that skeleton and the museum’s dino exhibit was made possible by a group of third and fourth graders who raised $150,000 in a 2-year, county-wide effort.

“It’s a pretty a spectacular skeleton and a highlight of our permanent collection,” said Moy. Moy adds the Museum of the Red River is a traditional museum that focuses on aesthetic quality while celebrating artistic heritage and emphasizing contributions made by Native groups.

About half of the complex is dedicated to public spaces and offers families an interactive learning center that connects the arts, history and natural sciences. Some of the programming has been modified to incorporate safety precautions during the pandemic but museum staff still organizes monthly drop-in art activities and classes that dive deeper into varied artistic styles.

“Our facility is big enough that social distancing is fairly easy to do,” said Moy. “We have hand sanitizer stations throughout and masks are provided for free, if needed.”

DON ’ T MISS

Throughout December, local organizations and businesses will add a festive touch to the museum during the annual Festival of Trees. Decorated trees by community groups vie for coveted prizes like best school, best business and the People’s Choice Award.

Enjoy workshops in January, including one on Jan. 16, where visitors learn to make their own dream catchers from household items while learning about traditional dream catchers and their place in Native American cultures. A local soap maker will lead a class on Jan. 30 exploring soapmaking processes used by homesteaders for decades, creating soaps for a variety of household jobs.

PL A N YOUR V ISI T

Admission is free and the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Plan your visit at museumoftheredriver.org.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

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GILCRE A SE MUSEUM In a unique partnership, the Gilcrease Museum (located about an hour and a half from the metro) is owned by the City of Tulsa and cared for by the University of Tulsa. As a result, the Gilcrease owns the largest public holdings of American West art as well as hundreds of pieces representing Indigenous cultures from across North and South America.

But it might surprise you to know the museum also houses a collection of manuscripts, photographs, maps and rare books related to the history of North America from the 15th to the 20th centuries.

The diverse archive includes a certified copy of the Declaration of Independence signed

by Benjamin Franklin and an authorized edition of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln as well as beautifully illustrated personal letters.

The Gilcrease possesses more than 350,000 objects in its permanent collection, many of which have been digitized for families to interact with online. Museum staff has crafted a fun way for kids to explore art virtually, which is a great way to get your kids excited about an upcoming visit.

“Our Seek and Find activities encourage kids to look closer,” explained Alison Rossi, director of learning and community engagement.

A “Where’s Waldo” type hunt sets the focus on the often overlooked details, and is a great way for parents to engage kids while inside the museum, too! Rather than racing through the collections, families can slow down and search for the treasures tucked away by the artist.

“The educational goal is to get people to look closer, to imagine and wonder,” said Rossi. “Kids are really great at that.”

Another fun feature at the Gilcrease is scavenger hunts that lead families on self-guided adventures both inside and outside the museum. The Gilcrease sits on 460 acres with curated gardens that complement the museum’s collections by mirroring styles and techniques from the American West. The scavenger hunts change seasonally and often coordinate with monthly themes and exhibitions.

“We have wonderful grounds for children and families to explore,” said Rossi. “Our upper grounds gardens have picnic tables and lots of places to hang out and run around. Adjacent to the museum is Stuart Park, and it's a great place to see wildlife and enjoy nature. I've seen lots of deer, a blue heron and many turtles and frogs. You can see a beautiful view of the Osage Hills from Stuart Park.”

42 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

DON ’ T MISS

On display until late February, Landscapes on Fire: Paintings by Michael Scott highlights elemental forces of nature and the fragile beauty of the land. An ongoing rotating exhibition called Americans All! showcases paintings and sculpture by first generation immigrant artists, including those from the Tulsa area.

PL A N YOUR V ISI T

The Gilcrease is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday. Admission is $8 for adults and children under 18 are free.

The museum is open with limited capacity and visitors are encouraged to make reservations in advance at gilcrease.org.

The gardens and park areas are free and open to the public from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Watch at MetroFamilyMagazine.com /raising-okc-kids or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

ART, HISTORY AND BEAUTIFUL PARK-LIKE GROUNDS ALL ADD UP TO REASONS TO VISIT GILCREASE MUSEUM IN TULSA.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

43

KEITH ROSS' CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN CO-WRITING FOUR BOOKS WITH HIS MOM.

Penning

Perseverance

Keith’s story

of the Metro

SPONSORED BY

BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

Much has changed in fourth-grader Keith Ross’ life since the beginning of the pandemic. But that hasn’t stopped the charismatic 9-year-old from chasing his dreams.

Inclusion includes biographical information about, expressive imagery of and engaging activities related to 45 leaders of color.

After transitioning to all-virtual school and more time spent at home, Keith and mom Dr. Tamecca Rogers, who’s pivoted to working full-time from home, began brainstorming a project to inspire creativity and give purpose to pandemic life. The Tulsa residents both love to read and write, so they landed on the idea of writing an interactive book and journal highlighting the achievements of African American heroes. Now You’re It: Journaling to Perseverance. An Interactive Journal Highlighting the Achievements of African Americans While Encouraging Literacy, Critical Thinking, Perseverance, Diversity and

The development of that first book has snowballed into three more, picture books Daddy Can I Decide? and Momma Can I Be Me? as well as a children’s book on Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre.

When schools closed in the spring and Rogers was engaged in Keith’s at-home education, she realized there were no characters in his school books who looked like them.

“It’s important to know about history,” said Keith, who hopes kids who read his book will be inspired to make a difference, too. “They can be successful and take a stand, just like Martin Luther King, against how people are treating us right now.”

“How uninspiring is it when you see no one that looks like you — from the teachers and textbooks to even the posters on the walls,” said Rogers.

44 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

Super Kids Becoming an author

Keith brings a wealth of imagination and creativity to the book projects. Mom and son write the books together, feeding off each other’s ideas, and Keith has been responsible for developing kid activities in Now You’re It to help readers connect on a deeper level.

He’s also engaged in the business aspects, interviewing and hiring illustrators for each book as well as setting and meeting deadlines.

Though it’s hard to choose, Keith’s favorite individuals depicted in Now You’re It include some he learned about through his research, like track star Usain Bolt, and others he was already familiar with, like Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges. When Keith and Rogers face writers’ block, they often watch documentaries together, and the movie Ruby Bridges made a lasting impact on them both, depicting the journey of 6-year-old Bridges, who was the first African American child to desegregate an all-white elementary school

in New Orleans in 1960 amidst protests. Now You’re It invites readers to contemplate how Bridges was feeling and how the protesters were feeling.

your hair in braids. But I am growing through him, and this is about the importance of kids being their true selves and parents respecting those differences.”

“Everybody was telling her to leave and being rude and disrespectful to her because she is Black,” said Keith. “Sometimes I am scared because I think [those things] could still happen today.”

Daddy Can I Decide? takes Keith’s experience of wanting to engage in different activities than his dad, brothers and extended family and expands to helping kids find and explore their own passions.

Keith has a knack for thinking beyond himself and realized many of his Hispanic friends might like to read his books in Spanish. Both picture books will be printed in Spanish with plans to translate the journal as well.

That freedom and support from his family led Keith to announce his interest in acting, and he’s since served as an extra in several commercials. Keith also loves to play basketball, and in school his favorite subjects are math and reading. The newly-minted author has found learning history is pretty intriguing, too, and he and Rogers have been learning about Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre together, inspiring their fourth book. Rogers wasn’t taught about either in her school days and says it’s been both painful and enlightening to learn about the powerful business sector and its demise alongside her son.

Real-life experiences gave Keith and his mom a jumping off point for their picture books. Momma Can I Be Me? was written as a nod to Keith and Rogers’ disagreement over his getting dreadlocks, for which he advocated for more than a year before Rogers, who was worried about Keith being stereotyped, acquiesced.

“We’re taught there’s a certain way we have to present ourselves,” said Rogers, “like if you go to a job interview you shouldn’t wear

“It’s been amazing to go through this with him,” said Rogers. “We would have never had

this opportunity if we weren’t forced to be home together by this pandemic.”

Though Keith sometimes feels scared about the visibility of racial injustice in our world today, he doesn’t shy away from learning about hard things, using his voice and being himself, and he hopes the words he pens help others do the same.

“Every Black life is important,” said Keith. “Every life is important, but we say that because of how people are treating us right now.”

Give the gift of a book by this Super Kid! Momma Can I Be Me? is available for purchase on Amazon. Keith's other books are still in production and expected to be available for purchase in early 2021.

Changing Lives– One Dog at a Time Thirteen-year-old Caleb White volunteers every weekend at Oklahoma City Animal Welfare.

Whether it’s featuring a dog for #FreeMeFriday, taking pets to events for potential adoption, or playing ball with a furry friend for an afternoon, his passion for animal rescue is a prime example of why we’re inspired by kids like Caleb. At Kimray, our mission is to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Caleb exemplifies this by living out that mission in the service he provides to his community. And that’s The Kimray Way.

METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

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LAST LOOK

EatLocal for culinary connection

BY SIMI JOHN. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

Food has an incredible way of disarming people and often is the first way we are introduced to another culture. Food is also common ground. At the table hard conversations are made easier, we see how our stories are more similar than different, we learn diversity is beautiful as we taste how many ingredients and spices come together to make one delicious meal.

As we head into the holidays, I invite you to connect over a meal with those you love and help support a local business at the same time! Here are three of our family’s favorite locally-owned restaurants:

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Dining In: Empanada extravaganza The owners of Ganache Patisserie opened Domenico and surpassed all my expectations! Sit outside to enjoy the beautiful view of Chisolm Creek. Owner Laura, born in Argentina, showcases her favorite dish growing up: empanadas. They offer 10 varieties, with bacon and eggs the most popular flavor. Also try their shakes, ice cream, cocktails and crepes (lemon curd and chicken pot pie are my favorites).

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Dessert: Cold treats To-Go: Curry in a hurry

As an Indian American I am always on the lookout for the best curry and mango lassi. My family loves CAFÉ 47 in Edmond, serving fresh and authentic Indian food. Try the chicken tikka masala or my favorite, chicken biryani, which is like a rice and chicken casserole. Their mango lassi is sweet, tart and refreshing.

46 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / DECEMBER 2020

My husband and kids are obsessed with ice cream, even though some are lactose sensitive, so we are huge fans of Freezing Cow’s lactose-free ice cream. They also offer sugar free, dairy free and keto options. My kids enjoy watching owners Sean and Jordan roll out the ice cream on a stainless steel surface. I highly recommend the banana pudding ice cream with cinnamon toast crunch topping!

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