April 2017• Moms Just Know
Special Section!
and
Serving: Granger • Mishawaka • Elkhart • South Bend • Goshen & Surrounding Communities
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On the Cover: A special thank you to Colin for brightening up our cover with his smile! Also, FAMILY Magazine would like to give a big shout out to Heartland Small Animal Rescue for providing the animals in the photos. You can visit their website, www.heartlandsmallanimalrescue.org, to see how you can adopt an animal!
Contributors President & Publisher:
Family Magazines of Michiana would love to hear from you! Please submit press releases, event information and inquiries to: Jessy@Michianafamilymagazine.com
Managing Editor: Jessica Haviland
The FAMILY Magazines P.O. Box 577 Granger, IN 46530 PH: 269.228.8295 • FX: 574.217.4700 www.MichianaMom.com
Sue Heinrich Sue@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
AD COORDINATOR & INSIDE SALES MANAGER Amanda Oiler
Meet the Cover Photographer:
Amanda@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
Over the last 14 years, Nicole Waldron, photographer and owner of Classic Image Photography has lived, traveled and established photography clients throughout the country. With east coast and west coast influences, Classic Image Photography provides clients with unique images, custom art work and exceptional customer service. Specializing in family, senior and corporate photography, Nicole looks forward to serving you with all of your photographic needs. 574.855.1435 nicole@classicimage-photography.com www.classicimage-photography.com
TheFamilyMagazineOfMichiana
GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud
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Medical Editor: S. Jesse Hsieh, M.D. Distribution Manager: Chad Haviland
The FAMILY Magazines March 2017 Established in 2006. All rights reserved. Permission from the publisher is required for any reproduction or reprint of this publication. Read The FAMILY Magazines online each month! Go to www.MichianaMom.com and flip the pages, cover-to-cover the organic and green way! Volume 11: Number 3
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www.MichianaMom.com Please use the information compiled by Michiana Family Magazines for your research. Michiana Family Magazines recommends that parents and families interview each business or organization to make sure that it is safe and a good fit for your family. The information presented here and provided by Michiana Family Magazines is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, Michiana Family Magazines does not, in any way, accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information and/or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents and families to confirm any information given herein through additional research. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of Michiana Family Publishing LLC, its officers, editors, staff or contributors.
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F R O M T H E PU B LI S HER
Things We
Love Right Now! (at FAMILY)
I
t’s April and that means spring! I am really in the mood for spring in spite of the mild
1. Easter Egg Hunts
winter. My crocuses are in bloom and
2. Resurrection of Jesus Christ
the daffodils and tulips aren’t far
3. Tulips & Easter Lilies
behind. Even the lilac bush nearby is already budding. I worry that we will have a late frost and destroy all these young buds that have ventured out so early in the year. I suspect the local fruit farmers are even more worried. However, these signs of spring are making me think about what flowers to plant this year and how soon to plant them.
4. Bright Spring Clothing 5. Nude Nail Polish 6. Spring Cleaning – Decluttering 7. Longer Days
This year, Easter and Passover come in the middle of April with Passover
8. Spring Showers Bring May Flowers
on April 10-11 and Easter on April 16 - the weekend everyone is working
9. Fruit Plates
on taxes with tax day on the 17th. Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor? With Easter so late, it is quite likely that we will have good weather for Easter egg hunts this year as well as Easter fashions. April also brings spring break and thoughts of vacation whether spring or summer. April to me is also the time of renewal and rebirth as the outdoors come alive with new growth both plant and animal. The birds come back and
10. Baby’s First Words 11. Outdoor Family Games 12. Evening Walks 13. Leggings 14. Girls Night 15. Floral Scented Candles
new baby animals are everywhere. Think spring and enjoy this issue of FAMILY Magazine!
APRIL 2017
Check it Out!
free!
N O54
Perf
Evalu ormance ation
spring into
actio
n
Commu
The Imp orTan ce
nenity
Involvem
Darla Herna nDez
liPPer t
cHang ing
of
t
lives one cHarit y
at a time
Please take one!
4Keeps
By: Casey Kiel
Like '4Keeps' on Facebook or visit CaseyKiel.com
FAMILY contributors
Meagan Church is married to her high-school sweetheart and is the mother of 3 kids. She is a writer and children’s book author. She is also the brainpower of the online resource Unexpectant, exploring the realities of birth, babies and beyond.
Noelle Elliott works in publicity. She is a writer and has been published on several websites and print publications. She is the owner and creator of the esteemed bowchicabowmom.com where she humorously shares the triumphs and failures of raising her four young sons. She is also the creator of the succesful local staged production, The Mamalogues. She happily lives in South Bend.
Reader Testimonials
Jill Lebbin is a wife, mother, craft fanatic and DIY blogger at www.EveryDayisanOccasion. com. She and her husband Marcel have been married for nine years and love living in Granger with their two spunky kids, Marcel Jr. and Lilly.
We’d LOVE to hear from you! CONTACT US AT....jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
“I love FAMILY Magazine and look forward to reading every new issue that comes out!”
“The Centerfold Calendar is always full of fun things to do with your kids, husband and girlfriends!”
“One article that I always enjoy reading in the FAMILY Magazine is the ‘Dear Mom’ column. It always lifts my spirits and keeps me motivated!”
– Deeanna R.
– Haley B.
– Jenny E.
THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017
5
the FAMILY magazine 14 14
table
Of
contents Live Your Best 4 4 5 5 8 16 25 26
From The Publisher Things We Love Right Now 4Keeps Comic Contributors & Testimonials The FAMILY Month Calendar Centerfold Calendar Coloring Contest Crossword
20
Special Section!
FAMILY Community 7 Chasing A Dream
Family Craft
9 Tattoo Easter Eggs
Mommy and Daddy By: Meagan Church
20 How To Keep The Family Balance Intact
By: Jackie Sager Folkert
12 5 Facts About Breast Pumps By: Meagan Church
14 Preparing Your Child For The New Sibling
By: Judy M. Miller
28 The Benefits Of Music Lessons Outweigh The Costs By: Gayla Grace
By: Noelle Elliott
10 Winning Isn’t Everything
Family Pregnancy
and
18 Dear Mom, Someday You’ll Throw Away The Sticker
By: Jill Lebbin
Family Kids
27
Family Fiction
22 The Diary Of A Modern Mom: When Nothing May Be Something
By: Meagan Church
30 Choosing A Daycare That Works For Your Child And You By: Judy M. Miller
FAMILY community
Chasing a Dream Cheri Hallwood, an award-winning, local children’s book author, hosted an open house at the Niles District Library on February 13, 2017 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the publication of her first book Winter’s First Snowflake. Students from Eastside Connections School provided amazing performances to mark the occasion. Mrs. Prenkert’s kindergarten class performed an adorable dance to “Suzy Snowflake” by Rosemary Clooney, one of Cheri’s favorite childhood songs. They were all dressed in hats, scarves and mittens like the little girl on the cover of the book. Then the students from Ms. Wiemuth’s class acted the entire story of Cheri’s most recent book – Frogwilla, A Treefrog’s Story. The students made their own incredible sets and costumes. All of Cheri’s books have won Mom’s Choice awards. Winter’s First Snowflake received the Mom’s Choice Award 2007 for the Most Outstanding Children’s Book. Cheri’s second book, The Curious Polka-Dot Present, was the Silver Recipient of the Mom’s Choice Award in 2008. Her third book, One Wish for Winifred Witch, won the 2010 Mom’s Choice Award for the Most Outstanding children’s Book. These three books are all picture books beautifully illustrated by Patricia Rose. Her fourth book, Frogwilla, A Treefrog’s Story, is a chapter book which she wrote at the request of her granddaughter Hannah who loves frogs. FrogWilla is illustrated by Hannah’s older sister Aubrey. Following the performances, Cheri signed books while the guests enjoyed cake and snowflake cookies in honor of the book. Cheri spends a lot of her time getting children interested in reading at a young age which was part of her inspiration for writing books for children. Cheri, a lifelong Niles resident, was somewhat overwhelmed by the support of the community, the schools, the teachers and the locally owned stores that carry her books. You can find more information about Cheri’s books on her website: www. ForeverYoungPublishers.com where you can also purchase her books which might be a good idea since April 2nd was Children’s Book Day. THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017
7
APRIL
1
Goodwill “Stuff A Truck” Donation Drive, 7:00 A.M.,
Goodwill Retail Store – Mishawaka
6-8
17
10:00 A.M., Downtown Goshen
5-6
7:30 P.M., Morris Performing Arts Center – South Bend
Corvilla’s Survivor 2 Dodgeball Tournament, 6:00
P.M., Kroc Center South Bend
- 6:30 P.M., Elkhart Environmental City
SuperHero 5K And SideKick Fun Run,
P.M., Century Center – South Bend
22
Meditation Yoga, 5:30 P.M.,
29
Taste Of Michiana, 5:00
Lerner Theatre, Crystal Ballroom – Elkhart
Dyngus Day
10
26
Rescued On The Runway Fashion Show, 5:00 P.M.,
Happy Easter
River Bend Film Festival,
Riverdance,
20
16
9:00 A.M., Civic Plaza – Downtown Elkhart
27
Little Black Dress Fashion Show & Boutique, 10:00 A.M., Hilton Garden – South Bend
2 3 4
7 8 9
11 12 13 14 15
18 19
21
23 24 25 28
30
Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su M Tu W Th Fr Sa Su M Tu W Th F Sa Su
FAMILY Giveaway: SING on DVD Enjoy this year’s most upbeat movie, SING! FAMILY Magazine is giving away THREE copies to THREE lucky winners on April 14th. Winners will be announced April 17th at noon! Scan the QR code to
DIY Easter Crayons What You Will Need - Crayons - Silicon Bunny Mold
enter-to-win! (Image by MPRM Communications.)
Directions 1. Break crayons into small pieces. 2. Fill each mold to the top and mix and match different colors. 3. Bake the crayons at 300 degrees F for 10 minutes and let them cool completely. 4. Take crayons out of the mold and ENJOY!
Fun Easter Baskets
Found on www.moonfrye.com.
Photos Courtesy: www.moonfire.com
Trolls Easter Basket
Baby’s First Easter Basket
Teen Easter Basket
(www.thekeeperofthecherrios.com)
(www.etsy.com)
(www.southernmomloves.com)
Tattoo
FAMILY craft
Easter Eggs By: Jill Lebbin I love creating projects that you can create as a family together. My heart is in teaching children and adults how to create projects the easy and fun way!
Photo Provided By: Jill Lebbin
Materials: • Wooden Eggs or Plastic Eggs • Tattoo Paper • Printer • Word Processor
Steps: 1. Open your word processor (pages, Microsoft word, etc…) and create what you would like to print. I created some “egg” puns, egg jokes and found pretty pictures. Don’t forget to mirror image your words if you are planning on having something written because when you apply the tattoo it will be backwards if you don’t. 2. Print your images onto your tattoo paper. 3. Cut them out. 4. To apply tattoo, follow manufacturer steps on package. (Basically take off protective paper and put that side down on your egg, use a sponge or paper towel filled with water and place it on the paper side of the tattoo). 5. Let dry and Enjoy!! ***Note you can also buy Easter Tattoos at big box stores and use those.***** For more fun projects come visit EveryDayIsAnOccasion.com
Jill Lebbin
Independent Trunk Keeper TK ID# 1303 JillLebbin@matildajaneclothing.com
THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017
9
FAMILY kids
Winning
Isn’t Everything
Teaching Our Kids The Importance Of Sportsmanship
M
y six-year-old, my guy with the blonde cowlick and a delicious dimple in his right cheek, didn't say, “good game" to the kids on the other team after their t-ball game during their waist-height, domino-speed handclap.
Nah, I thought, not my kid. My kid is not going to grow up to be the hothead who regularly draws technical foals and sits in the penalty box. T-ball is meant to be a light-hearted scrimmage between the Daffodil Pickers and the Cloud Gazers. Since he's too young to know that his mother might be embarrassing him in front of his friends, I took him aside, kneeled so we would be eye-to-eye and asked, "What gives?" He was mad because they didn't win. He said, quite sensibly, that the game hadn't actually been a good game because--you guessed it--they had lost. It turns out that I don't have to teach my kids how to be BAD sports. It comes naturally. My job is to teach them how not to be jerks, to be good sports, e.g., You are supposed to say "good game" to the opposing team--even if they clobbered you on the ball field. But teaching your kids how to lose well is more than ensuring they say “good game.” Good sportsmanship is one thing, but learning from that loss is whole other ballgame. 10
THE
By: Jackie Sager Folkert
FAMILY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017
“Learning from that loss is whole other ballgame.”
Each failure in sport and in life has potential to teach a kid perspective that they can build upon in the future. Teaching kids to take perspective requires intentionality; It's one thing to say, "look for the silver lining," and it's another to engage your kid in the learning process.
Weinman is illuminating a positive mental shift that players, kids and students need to adopt in order to reach their potential. Meadow’s Edge Elementary School Principal Jayson Synder also follows Dweck’s research, and like Weinman, is guiding his teachers and students in the search for perspective in every failure.
Sports writer and digital editor at Golf Digest Sam Weinman was inspired to write his book Win at Losing: How Our Biggest Setbacks Can Lead to Our Greatest Gains after his son stormed off the tennis court. Baffled as to why his son would lose his temper over something so insignificant, Weinman started to think about how learning to lose is an acquired skill.
Perspective motivates students to embrace the growth that only comes with setbacks. “We’re all driven by results,” said Synder, “but part of the process of getting to those results is failure.”
So Weinman dug deep to learn how he had grown from past failures, and then Weinman reached out to well-known men and women who chose to grow in positive ways from their losses and setbacks. He writes, “Looking outside myself, I’ve also come to realize that the people I’m most impressed by are not the ones who appear to float through life but those whose weaknesses and failures are exposed in all sorts of undignified ways and yet they emerge stronger as a result.” He shares what he learned from his interviews with golfer Greg Norman, politician Michael Dukakis, soap star Susan Lucci and others.
Teaching Kids How to Lose One-liners can be more effective than lectures, and Weinman has plenty in his pocket. As a coach of his sons’ teams, Weinman often tells them, “Let’s focus on being better than we were yesterday,” and “Do you want to be part of the problem or the solution?” He empathizes with them, admitting that it’s tough to control your attitude, but the struggle is a chance to grow. “Each loss has the opportunity for growth, much like each time you exercise your muscles you get stronger as a result,” Weinman said. The exercise tears the muscle fibers, leaving the muscle stronger. Transparency is a way of modeling perspective to your kids. They are observant of parents’ responses to adversity. Weinman said that his sons have a front row seat to his release of his first book. “I’m waiting for judgment. . . . [My sons] see that I’ve put a lot of effort into it. I’m trying to control the things I can control and not get too wrapped up in the things I can’t control.” He doesn’t hide his emotions from his kids, either. “I talk about being nervous about going on the Today show, and they’re the ones talking me off the ledge. ‘You can do it; you’ve done it a thousand times.’”
Emphasizing the Growth Mindset Kids as well as adults harvest the most insight from failure when they cultivate the growth mindset versus a fixed mindset. Weinman interviewed Dr. Carol Dweck, a Standford psychology professor and researcher of the mind. Her studies have resulted in encouraging people who have experienced a loss to reflect on the episode with a positive attitude and an eagerness to benefit from it.
Meadow’s Edge Elementary teachers use a think-aloud strategy that models to their students how to be introspective. They consider how a personal weakness---an area they aren’t confident in yet—is actually an opportunity for growth. Bulletin boards titled “Yet Boards” are safe places for the students to post their goals. “What matters most about fostering the growth mindset is what we praise them for,” Snyder said. “Only praising kids for the outcomes leads to the perception that anything less than perfection is a defining failure.” With praise, practice and perspective, kids and adults alike can find perspective within any failure.
Win at Losing: How Our Biggest Setbacks Can Lead to Our Greatest Gains by Sam Weinman, TarcherPerigee, December 2016, 239 pages Maybe you won’t admit to your kids that you chucked your tennis racquet after you lost the match— but Sam Weinman did. He even put it in print as a part of his book Win at Losing: How Our Biggest Setbacks Can Lead to Our Greatest Gains. He used his frustration with losing the match as one of many opportunities to teach his sons how to lose like champions. He’s a sports writer and the digital editor at Golf Digest. His writing reflects the journalistic style to shoot straight with readers, and he uses humorous anecdotes to show a point. His message is that Americans—adults, kids, athletes, non-athletes--would benefit from some intentional, introspective thought about their failures and losses. He points out that the average American is in good company: Many well-known men and women have failed publicly, but they have chosen to comb through the negative to find the positive. Soap opera star Susan Lucci, golf legend Greg Norman and politician Michael Dukakis open up to Weinman about their public failures. Readers close the book feeling optimistic about their own futures and inspired to encourage others to do the same. THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017
11
FAMILY pregnancy
5Breast Facts About
Pumps
B
reast pumps have come a long way over the last centuryand-a-half. That’s right; the first pump was developed 150 years ago. So, while they still may not be the most glamorous (or comfortable) device you’ll ever use, they can be essential to a breastfeeding mom. Did you know that at one point they resembled turkey basters? And, did you know that pumps were not commercially available until just over 25 years ago? Basically, halfway through the television show Full House’s eight-year run, Medela introduced the first electric-powered, vacuum-operated pump not designed for in-hospital use. Have mercy!
12
THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017
By: Meagan Church
Thankfully breast pumps have evolved and become far more available over the years. Before you start using one, consider these five facts about pumps and pumping:
Insurance covers breast pump costs. Because of the Affordable Care Act, insurance providers must cover the cost of a breast pump and lactation counseling. As long as you are insured by a non-grandfathered plan and your coverage started on August 1, 2012 or later, your pump and support services must be covered 100 percent by your insurer. Contact your insurance company for more details.
You have a right to pump at work. If you work for a large employer, you are entitled to take breaks to pump in a private lactation space other than a bathroom, according to the Affordable Care Act.
Used pumps put you at risk of cross contamination. The FDA views consumer-purchased breast pumps as a personal hygiene item, meaning they are intended for a single user. That also means the FDA frown upon selling used devices. Even with standard at-home cleaning and sterilization procedures, certain pathogens can be left behind, leaving other users at risk of contracting viruses or fungal infections. Pumps rented by hospitals are designed with barriers that prevent cross contamination among multiple users.
Proper cleaning is essential. Before using your breast pump for the first time, sterilize all external parts. After each use, wash each part with warm, soapy water. And, always wash your hands before pumping.
Babies are more efficient than pumps. Ever want to know how much milk you produce? Expressing your milk with a pump won’t give you the whole picture. Your baby is more efficient than a pump and will empty your breast more effectively and completely. THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017
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FAMILY pregnancy
Preparing Your Child For The
New Sibling By: Judy M. Miller
Our family building began with one child. I discovered that preparation helped our children transition into their new roles as a "big brother" or "big sister" as our family grew. Here are a few tips from my "in the trenches" experiences, practices that helped our children embrace the newest family member with total joy:
Begin the big brother/big sister preparation during your pregnancy or adoption process. You will have plenty of time once you have shared the news that you are expecting. Use some of this time to help your child become comfortable with welcoming the new arrival. Siblingsto-be can sing, talk to or tell stories to the baby in your belly. Talk about what a great older brother or sister your child will be, and what a help they can be to you. Your child can carry a photo around of the child if you are adopting. My son did this when after we received a picture of his sister from China. We laminated a copy for him so that he would not destroy it. He proudly shared the picture with anyone he could, "This is my baby sister!" Siblings-to-be can help with nursery preparation-arranging small items like diapers, books and stuffed animals. Older siblings can help with painting the room. Our son helped us pick out books for his sister, as well as toys and clothes. My daughter helped me put her sister's crib together by handing me the small assembly items. She then ran and got a stuffed animal from her cache to gift to her baby sister.
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THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017
Acknowledge that everything shifts when a new child arrives. An only or youngest becomes a big sister or brother. The youngest child relinquishes the spot of being the baby, to become the middle child. As parents we should recognize and talk about these changes with our children and focus on the fact that even though our family is growing it is still our family, just bigger. Our oldest was an "only" for five years before his sister arrived home. We spent a lot of time preparing him to be a big brother. We discussed responsibilities and expectations as well as the privileges that come with being the oldest. We read books and watched movies about families with multiple kids; then we talked about the relationships we read about or viewed in the movies. The transition to becoming a big brother went beautifully because he was so invested. Now a teenager and an adult they continue to be close.
Be consistent. Adhere to your schedule. Children do well with consistency; they need to know what they can rely on, what to expect. Consistency gives a child security, especially when there has been a big change, as in the addition of a new sibling. It is common for children to act out or regress when a new sibling arrives into the family. My youngest daughter wanted a bottle after her brother arrived home. Even though she was recently potty-trained, she had a few accidents. Discipline and reactions to your children should be consistent with how you handled things prior to the arrival of your new child. Praise the behavior you want to see.
Address the expectations and fears that come with change. There will be less of you-energy, patience and time-togo-around, especially during the first days, weeks and, sometimes, months home. You will likely run into additional challenges because you are juggling more kids. Assure your child that your relationship with and love for them will not change. Try to schedule one-on-one time to listen and share with your child. Have dad, another family member or trusted friend watch the new sibling. Your child will feel loved, and this is the greatest gift you can give.
“Assure your child that your relationship with and love for them will not change.�
2
Race-A Rama,
All Day, Concord Mall – Elkhart
3
9:00 A.M., Colfax Campus Gallery/South Bend Heritage – South Bend
28th Annual Intermediate School Exhibition,
Roger B. Francis-St. Joseph County Library South Bend
Jazz With Merrimans’ Playhouse, 6:30 P.M.,
Colfax Campus Gallery/South Bend Heritage – South Bend
28th Annual Intermediate School Exhibition, 9:00 A.M.,
4
5
Morris Performing Arts Center – South Bend
Riverdance, 7:30 P.M.,
4:00 P.M., St. Patrick’s County Park-South Bend
Spring Break Family Fun, Noon –
6
Downtown Goshen
River Bend Film Festival, 10:00 A.M.,
Morris Performing Arts Center – South Bend
Riverdance, 7:30 P.M.,
4:00 P.M., St. Patrick’s County Park-South Bend
Spring Break Family Fun, Noon –
7
Downtown Goshen
River Bend Film Festival, 10:00 A.M.,
4:00 P.M., St. Patrick’s County Park-South Bend
Spring Break Family Fun, Noon –
– Thomas Tusser
“Sweet April Showers Do Spring May Flowers.”
April
2017
Concord Mall – Elkhart
Race-A Rama, 10:00 A.M.,
Goodwill Retail Store – Mishawaka
Goodwill “Stuff A Truck” Donation Drive, 7:00 A.M.,
10:00 A.M., Downtown Goshen
River Bend Film Festival,
Egg Stravaganza!, 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M., St. Joseph County Public Library – South Bend
Easter For Kids, 9:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M., Peace Lutheran Church & School-Granger
8
1
Get connected to our online calendar at MichianaMom.com to see additional events and submit events of your own for free!
Want to check out even more things to do in Michiana?
30
6:30 A.M., St. Joseph County Fairgrounds – South Bend
PAA Car Show & Swap Meet,
11:00 A.M., Cycle Works LLC – Goshen
2nd Annual Vintage Motorcycle Show,
Dirty Dancing,
Dyngus Day
Mother Goose Day
May 1
– Hal Borland
“April is a promise that May is bound to keep!”
24
23
1:00 P.M. & 6:30 P.M., Morris Performing Arts Center – South Bend
Meditation Yoga,
5:30 P.M., - 6:30 P.M., Elkhart Environmental City
17
1:00 P.M., Kamm Island Mishawaka
Easter Egg Hunt,
A.M., Linton’s Enchanted Gardens – Elkhart
Linton’s Easter EggStraordinaire!, 8:00
10
16
9
International Juggler’s Day
Brothers & Sisters Day
World Penguin Day
25
18
2
Colfax Campus Gallery/ South Bend Heritage – South Bend
8th Annual Intermediate School Exhibition, 9:00 A.M.,
11
– 7:30 P.M., St. Mary’s School-Niles, MI
3 1:30 P.M., The History Museum – South Bend
Insights In History – The South Shore,
5:00 P.M., Century Center – South Bend
Taste Of Michiana,
P.M., Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve – Niles, MI
Southwest Michigan Daffodil Show, 1:00
26
6:00 P.M., Riverside Terrace – Mishawaka
31st Annual Benefit Dinner & Auction,
19
St, Mary’s School Open House, 6:00 P.M.
12
4:00 P.M., Snite Museum Of Art – South Bend
Yoga In The Galleries,
Together Time, 8:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M., Peace Lutheran Church & School – Granger
4
1:00 P.M., Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve – Niles, MI
Southwest Michigan Daffodil Show,
Hilton Garden – South Bend
Little Black Dress Fashion Show & Boutique, 10:00 A.M.,
27
Theatre, Crystal Ballroom – Elkhart
Rescued On The Runway Fashion Show, 5:00 P.M., Lerner
A.M., St. Patrick’s County Park – South Bend
Scrabble Day
Nature MunchkinsSkunks, 9:30 A.M. – 11:00
20
13
Colfax Campus Gallery/ South Bend Heritage – South Bend
Big River Musical,
7:30 P.M., South Bend Civic Theatre
4:00 P.M., Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, Exhibit Building F – Goshen
Head-To-Toe Health Experience,
28
8th Annual Intermediate School Exhibition, 9:00 A.M.,
21
5
8:00 A.M., Linton’s Enchanted Gardens Elkhart
Linton’s Easter EggStraordinaire!,
14 Parent-Child Fishing Derby,
6
Downtown Elkhart
Dirty Dancing, 8:00 P.M., Morris Performing Arts Center – South Bend
6:00 P.M., Kroc Center South Bend
Corvilla’s Survivor 2 Dodgeball Tournament,
National Nurses Day
The Lerner- Elkhart
1964 The Tribute, 7:30 P.M.,
SuperHero 5K And SideKick Fun Run, 9:00 A.M., Civic Plaza –
29
22
Linton’s Enchanted Gardens - Elkhart
Linton’s Easter EggStraordinaire!, 8:00 A.M.,
Great Golden Egg Hunt, 10:00 A.M. – 8:30 P.M., St. Patrick’s County Park – South Bend
8:30 A.M. – 10:30 P.M., St. Patrick’s County Park – South Bend
15
FAMILY mommy & daddy
All Mom's Can Use A Bit Of Encouragement!
Someday You’ll Throw Away the Sticker By: Meagan Church
T “This stage too shall pass.”
he other day I threw away a sticker from a banana peel. And I didn’t even think twice about it. I’m sure you’re saying to yourself, “Uh, yeah. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do with them?” Well, let me paint you a picture.
When my oldest was a toddler, he ate a banana every day. Every. Single. Day. And he required every banana to have a sticker. Every. Single. Banana. Now, if you’ve ever shopped for or eaten a banana before, you may have realized that while some bananas in a bunch come with a sticker, not all do. According to my toddler son, that was a tragedy of epic proportions. Receiving a banana without a sticker was grounds for an immediate and full-out tantrum. So, to ward off those fits, we would save the sticker and apply it to a stickerless banana in the bunch, that way every banana he received would have one. Of course, there was that time my husband ate a banana and tossed the peel without first transplanting the sticker. Then he left for work and I had the joys of diffusing a tantrum later that morning. It was a delicate dance we performed each morning for a couple of years. Eventually my son’s routine changed and he came to terms with the fact that not every banana bears a sticker. He then started putting the sticker on his Superman placemat. It got to the point where the superhero became buried beneath a makeshift banana sticker memorial. And then the time came to toss the placement with all those old, nasty, gummy stickers. Today? He sometimes eats bananas, but he no longer cares about the stickers. You know what? He survived each one of those transitions and so did we. With time, we even forgot about that morning ritual. Until the other day.
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I took off the sticker and tossed it in the trash before composting the peel. As the adhesive released from my fingertip and fell into the trash can, the memory of that morning ritual came back to me. My son walked into the kitchen and I said, “Do you remember how you used to want a sticker on every banana you ate?” Of course he didn’t remember. He was two.
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As I recounted the stories of him stomping and crying if he got a stickerless banana, I remembered the anxiety it caused me. When I would give him one without a sticker, I’d take a deep breath, preparing for the tantrum, trying to talk reason and doing my best to not snap at him. When I stop and think, I remember those mornings, of feeling exhausted from being up at night with his baby sister. I remember the loneliness of spending hours each day with a toddler and a baby. I remember counting down the milestones until those highdemand stages would pass. Some hours felt like days, and some days felt like years. Yet, here I am, a decade later, laughing with that same boy over the ridiculousness of toddlerhood. And, so, dear mom who is in the thick of the early years, take heart. They won’t always throw fits over fruit or other triggers. This stage too shall pass, and there will be a time when you toss a sticker into the trash without a second thought. The day will come. In the meantime, take a deep breath, store up some stickers if you can and know you’re not alone.
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FAMILY mommy & daddy
How To Keep The Family Balance Intact By: Noelle Elliott
A
dults make the decision to go back to school for a variety of reasons. In most cases it is job-related, and to advance in his or her career, they need a higher level of education. Some are changing careers entirely. One may be returning to school to get a GED, earn a college degree or obtain a masters or PhD. If you are a parent, it will undoubtedly have an impact on your family's schedule. I made the decision in September to get my masters degree through the graduate program at Purdue University. The reason I chose this program was the majority of the work is done online. There will be a few weekends in the next two years that I will need to go to campus, but I figured online classes would have the least immediate impact on my family's schedule. I was mistaken. An online class is just as hard and timeconsuming, if not more than, a class on campus. I learned this the hard way. With my first semester past me, I thought I could offer some advice for other parents who are considering taking the next step in furthering their education.
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Apply The first step to see if you are ready to go back to school is the application process. It is lengthy. In some cases, the GRE is required and you will need to study for this. You may be required to submit letters of recommendation from your employer or previous employers. Lastly, you will need to have official transcripts sent to the institution where you are applying. By doing this, I got a small taste of time management, and if it has been awhile - in my case 15 years since taking a test, it was a wake-up call to my brain.
Communication Once you are accepted, it is crucial that you discuss this with your children. Although this was an exciting time, I had to let my sons know that I needed their help. This meant taking on new responsibilities so that I could study or read when I needed to. In our house, they began making their own lunches. This may sound like a little task, but with four children, it allowed me an extra 30 minutes each evening to focus on my own schoolwork.
“Schedule at least an hour or two a day of uninterrupted time.”
Time Management With The Family I recently joked with a friend that not knowing what I was I doing in college is what prohibited me from getting my class work done on time. Now, I have a full-time job, a part-time job and a family. Each week I look at our calendar and schedule at least an hour or two a day of uninterrupted time that I can dedicate to my class work. Taking my textbooks and laptop with me to the kids’ soccer or basketball practices is time I can spend reading rather than checking social media or chatting.
Time Management With Work I was honest with my employer about going back to school and I'm lucky that they are supportive. I now use my lunch breaks as study breaks and close my office door. There is an understanding that lunch meetings on most days will not work with my schedule. During this hour, I don't answer the phone or emails. It is time that I have to focus without distractions. In turn, I'm mindful to not get behind in my work as it is still a top priority.
Making the decision to go back to school as a parent is not a light one. It requires a lot of planning and thought. But, the example you are setting for your children that education never needs to stop is a lesson that will never be forgotten. Taking the time to better yourself and your career is something that will stay with them for a lifetime. THE
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FAMILY fiction
The Diary of a Modern Mom: When Nothing May Be Something By: Meagan Church Dear Jo, Today was a weird day. Maybe it’s nothing. Maybe it’s something. But you really don’t want your mind to go in that direction, so you’re choosing to go with nothing. After breakfast, Emerson dumped out his train track (why he can’t just leave it in the container and pull out one piece at a time, you’ll never understand). It took him a few minutes to build a track. Then he gathered his favorite trains and cars, lined them up, connected them and started chugging them along the track. A few minutes later he stopped. He didn’t say anything or do anything. His hand remained on the lead engine. He stayed in the same position, leaning over the track to reach his trains. It was like someone hit the pause button. At first you let out a little laugh. Then you called his name. “Emerson? Buddy? Are your trains taking a break?” No answer. “Emerson?” Then he shook his head and resumed pulling his trains. You called his name again. “Huh?” he said, finally looking at you. “What are you doing?”
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“Playing with trains.” “I know. But why did you stop?” He looked at you confused. “A few seconds ago, you stopped. Were your trains resting?” He didn’t know what you were talking about. You wanted to ask more questions. You wanted to pursue the conversation, but clearly he didn’t know what you were talking about. Then you remembered the other night at dinner. You were all sitting around the table eating. Emerson was telling some story about the day, about playing with Emily’s son Joel on the playground. He was telling about racing down slides and playing tag around the play set. Then he stopped. Mid-sentence, he paused. You looked up from your pasta to see him staring blankly at nothing. You and Paul looked at each other. Then you looked back at him.
“Maybe, hopefully it was nothing at all.”
“Emerson?” Paul said. Both of you let out a laugh. “Yeah?” he said, looking at Paul. You could see the confusion in his eyes. “What’s up?” “So, Joel…,” he tried to continue with his story, right where he’d left off, but Paul interrupted. “You stopped talking. Why did you stop?” Emerson looked at Paul and said nothing. You and Paul looked at each other and shrugged. “Guess he just spaced out for a minute. Did he nap today?” “He did, but it was short because we were meeting Emily at the park.” And that must’ve been it. He didn’t get his full nap. He was tired from playing with Joel at the playground. It was just a strange blip of a moment, but now all was back to normal. He was eating his pasta and avoiding his broccoli. His story had resumed. All was fine. But then it happened today, while he played with his trains. You can’t be sure, but you think there was another moment when he was in his bedroom and you called to him from the kitchen to see what he wanted to drink for lunch. He didn’t answer at first. It took you asking four times before he responded. But maybe it was nothing. Maybe it was just a kid being a kid. Maybe he was distracted. Maybe he didn’t hear you. Maybe, hopefully it was nothing at all.
The Diary of a Modern Mom is a serial fiction story written by Meagan Church. Check back each month for the next installment of one mom’s attempt to chronicle what she has been told are the days she shouldn’t forget…spit-up, tantrums, milestones and all.
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A D V E N T U R E S H J S X Q E Q O U D D M Z D T I A W C W S F C H L I L O T N K C Q E E S W I A J N O R O E I T Z N O H U O L B W A N U M N R H V B S W N L D I H B T I G U T P P T C I S L L N Z D R N D Y Z S N Y W S C A I S O E Y S A D T E K D V F R M W O P E Z N H L T C A M P Y E H R X N E G M U C A M P E R S E S E I I R N L M P S T R O P S N R L F A O J B K A M E Y G S F H A L G R A A C Q N Q R L Z S M C M U J A G A P L I E U A F S Z Y W K J O B C J E Q L T S I D I Z D N F F U P Q F W M A O R V Z F M G N I N R A E L D N L E I B W U N R B A B U F K T T M D A O G K T K I T Y H F K F G I L F
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Special Section!
and “The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” ~ Malcolm Forbes
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the
Special Section!
The Benefits of
Music Lessons
Outweigh the Costs
By: Gayla Grace
P
iano lessons were not an option for me as a child. As a trained musician, my father insisted his four daughters start piano lessons at an early age. I didn't always enjoy it and often grumbled about the mandated practice sessions before and after school. My teacher was strict and had high expectations of his students, but I'm thankful today piano lessons were a requirement my parents didn't budge on. Music lessons compete with a host of other activities for our children’s' time and our money. How do we determine if music lessons are right for our child? Does it really make a difference in the long run if we expose our children to music education? The evidence of several studies supports the conclusion that the benefits of music lessons outweigh the cost and inconvenience it poses to parents to provide them.
What does the research show? A study led by Dr. Glenn Schellenberg with six-year-old children and another study led by Dr. James Catterall at UCLA, tracking more than 25,000 students over a ten-year period, cite the advantages of music lessons. • Increase in IQ scores • Promotes intellectual development • Achieve higher test scores on standardized tests and other proficiency exams • More cooperative with teachers and peers • More self-confident • Better able to express their ideas • Improvements in eye-hand coordination, concentration, memory development, listening skills and the overall process of learning • Enhanced self-esteem and confidence as they perform in front of a teacher on a weekly basis and participate regularly in recitals or other performances. Studying music encourages self-discipline and perseverance, along with time-management and organizational skills. Weekly lessons require students to prioritize their schedules to allow for regular practice time. When taking lessons as a child, I tried to be prepared with each assigned piece to avoid an uncomfortable lesson or reprimand by my teacher. I was actively involved in church activities and sports at school, but I learned to manage my time to allow adequate practice time on the piano. 28
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When should my child start? Music lessons can begin as early as four years old but an older child (seven or eight years of age) has a greater attention span and focus for a musical instrument. It's important that a child has the desire to play an instrument, and not be forced by Mom or Dad to take lessons, but encouraged when showing an interest. Experimenting with different instruments will help a child determine what instrument he is best suited for. If a child begins lessons, he should commit to several months of study to gain a feel for the instrument.
Where can I find a teacher? Finding a teacher that your child can relate to is also important. Learning to play an instrument should be fun and interactive, although it requires a fair amount of work. Referrals from other parents and students offer valuable insight. Interviewing a potential teacher helps identify teaching styles and personality traits before beginning lessons. It's also important to know the fee schedule and policies regarding make-up lessons.
S C S
THE
STANLEY CLARK SCHOOL
ESSE Q UAM VIDERI
Now Accepting Applications for the 2017-18 Year. Preschool 3-Grade 8
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Now Enrolling Preschoolers! For 2017-2018!
Is it too late to learn? It's never too late to learn to play a musical instrument. As a former piano instructor, I loved working with teenage and adult students, who were often more committed and disciplined in the learning process. Older students prioritize their lessons and practice time over other commitments and have better focus and longer attention spans, which allows for faster learning and greater satisfaction with the process. Music lessons offer a new challenge for teenagers and adults and can have therapeutic effects.
Queen of Peace Catholic School shares the mission of our Parish to provide students with a Christ-Centered Catholic education that focuses on spiritual formation, academic excellence, and the fostering of individual gifts to better serve our community.
Extended Day Preschool Queen of Peace Catholic School is tailored to meet the needs of all students!
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Learning to play a musical instrument is like earning an education-once you obtain the skill it can't be taken away from you and yet, can provide enjoyment and satisfaction for years to come. So, what are you waiting for? Seize the opportunity and schedule some music lessons today for you or your child!
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Special Section!
the
Choosing A Daycare
By: Judy M. Miller
That Works For Your Child And You Begin Early
son's aggression and biting disappeared within days because he was receiving more nurturing. She also had him potty trained at 14 months. He stayed with her until he began kindergarten.
If your child has special needs that will need to be addressed, inquire if the daycare can support you in this and whether you will be comfortable. You may want to explore hiring a nanny or an in-home provider.
Pay Attention to Safety and Cleanliness
Begin your quest for a daycare as soon as you realize that you will need it. Many daycares require a deposit to hold a place for your child.
Ask Those Who Know
I asked daycare-seasoned parents about the daycares they used before I began exploring daycare options. Their input helped me to decide the environment I wanted my child to be in. Determine what your parameters are: location, cost, hours and days needed and in-home versus a church-based or commercial daycare center. Schedule a tour of any daycare that has made it on to your final list of options. Be sure to bring your list of questions with you.
Look for a Nurturing Environment
Children require nurturing to grow healthy minds and bodies. Observe the environment as you tour the home or facility. What is the daily schedule? How are children treated? What is the caregiver to child ratio? How does the daycare "feel?" How do the daycare employees transition children into new rooms?
Be Comfortable with the Method of Discipline Ask how the daycare disciplines a child. If you are not comfortable with their methods, walk.
I did not think about asking about discipline until my son, and only child at that time, was kicked out of daycare at the ripe age of twelve months for biting. I found another in-home daycare for him and tearfully told the caregiver the truth. She gave me a big hug and said, "Well, that's normal!" My 30
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What are the security procedures? Does the daycare follow them? Check out the bathrooms. Ask to see the kitchen. Check if the caregivers and other staff members wear gloves when cleaning up bodily fluids. How are the rooms cleaned that your child will be in? Are cots disinfected? Is bedding washed or sent home with you on a consistent basis? Are the tables and other furniture appropriately child-sized? Are the toilets and sinks? What is the outdoor play area like?
Assess the Communication Style
How proactive is the daycare with communication? Will you get a summary of your child's day, down to the number of dirty diapers and time and length of her nap? Will you be called immediately if there is a concern? Is the caregiver approachable for questions and discussion?
Understand Expectations the Daycare Has of You and Visa-Versa
Are you expected to pay for a full-time week over a certain number of days? How do vacations and holidays work? What hours is the daycare open? Will the daycare be able to take your child early or keep her late if necessary? If so, what is the charge of doing so?
Early experiences
MATTER!
2 LOCATIONS! CCYC at Goshen College & CCYC at Arbor Ridge
CCYC has been providing excellence in early care and education since 1997!
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Janet Whalen Couch ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Campus location Sara Stump 574-535-7298 PROGRAM DIRECTOR Arbor Ridge location Amber Bowers 574-534-6200
CCYC is committed to providing the highest quality programming to all families. The early years are the most important time in a child’s development.
www.ccycgoshen.org
for a lifetime love of learning through this unique program that combines academic learning with 3466 Douglas Rd.
“Is the caregiver approachable for questions and discussion?”
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Understand the Sick Policy
Most daycares are specific about what constitutes a sick child or an infection that will not be allowed to be in daycare. A child in my son's daycare came down with the highly contagious conjunctivitis (also known as pinkeye). I was relieved the affected child was sent home immediately and could not return to daycare until a doctor said he was no longer contagious. As a parent you hope the daycare will follow the policies they have in place. Understand that adhering to the policy is important not only for your child, but others as well.
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