August 2011 by Minnesota Parent

mommy bloggers tips for your first time bus rider back to school â&#x20AC;Ś and back on schedule August 2011

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editor’s note

no worms in school Excerpts from old journal entries, my elementary school self: Mid August: I can’t wait for school to start!!! I want to know who’s in my class!!!! Third week of August: I can’t wait for school to start! I can’t wait I can’t wait I can’t WAIT!! Labor Day: Yayyyyyy!!! School starts tomorrow! EEK! Two days after school has begun: BLAW. I HATE SCHOOL. Yes, it’s that time again — back to school. I was walking through Target the other day: the signs are up and supplies are out. They cleared out my beloved gardening section long before I felt it was appropriate for them to do so; and yet the magnetic draw of new marking pens and tablets of paper are as attractive to me as seed packets. Both displays hold the same appeal: fresh starts, new growth. There is not a child in the world that will love every day of school. It’s just not possible. But the best way to help them accentuate the positive (beyond the unfathomable of our attending school with them to make certain they properly navigate the social graces and take advantage of every hand raising opportunity) is to make sure they are well rested, well fed, have their clothes ready for the next day, and know where their backpacks were last thrown. Beyond that, take a look at Kelly Jo McDonnell’s article beginning on page 14. She has some great ideas on how to make your household run smoothly now, in order to have a near flawless back to school week. I recall my dislike for school that particular day had something to do with being sent to the principal’s office after trying to resuscitate a bunch of dried-up worms. Note: do not bring worms into the school wrapped in wet paper towels and keep them in your desk. Someone is certain to snitch on you. Blaw.

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August 2011

18 mommy bloggers more women are finding real-life and virtual resources through online communities

features

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14 back to school â&#x20AC;Ś and back on schedule

5 chatter

how to make the transition back to school smooth

8 hot stuff back to school

9 grows on trees 24 the school bus shuffle tips for your first-time rider

32 real parent jennifer larson

PHOTO INFORMATION On the cover: Mommy blogger Beth Knudsvig, St. Louis Park, and her three children. Photo by Robb Long. Above: Blogger Darcie Gust and her family. Submitted photo. 2

August 2011

daily deals

12 teens and tweens family vacations

kid culture 26 kid books books for early readers

calendar 27 august top events mnparent.com

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TrusTed QuALITY CAre YChILdCAre:

Ages 3 months – Kindergarten • Individual care for little individuals • Enrichment activities included in daily curriculum 6 Childcare Center Locations

YPresChooL: Ages 3 – 5 years • Academic focus on Kindergarten readiness • Enrichment opportunities include Health & Wellness, Art, Music and Movement, Multicultural and Environmental Studies, Cooking, Language, Swimming and more. 12 Preschool Locations

ChILd CAre

YsChooL Age CAre: Grades K – 6

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• Before & After School Care and a School Release Day Program • Eight Core Curriculum areas including Homework Support • Flexible schedule over 60 Locations

*Offer valid for new enrollees or families returning after 6 months and based on availability.

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sAVe $25

Visit us online at ymcatwincities.org Call us at 612-230-9622

Financial assistance available. You do not need to be a member to register. 11-SAC08

TC 5K, TC 10K and MedTroniC TC FaMily evenTs Saturday, October 1, 2011 | on the State Capitol grounds 7:30 a.m.

TC 10K

10:30 a.m.

Half Mile

9:00 a.m.

TC 5K Run/Walk

11:00 a.m.

Harry & Shelly’s Mascot Invitational

Participate in the 10K or 5K as an individual, with friends and family, or form a corporate team.

10:00 a.m.

Diana Pierce Family Mile presented by Medica

11:15 a.m.

Diaper Dash presented by Pioneer Press

11:30 a.m.

Toddler Trot

RegistRation now open at tcmevents.org

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August 2011

ATTENTION WOMEN 21-32:

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minnesota

Would you like to be an egg donor? Accredited by: Diplomats of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies, American College of OB/GYNs and Association for Reproductive Medicine.

the journal of family living Vol. 26, Issue 8

Center for

Reproductive Medicine The Center for Reproductive Medicine is seeking women between 21 and 32 years of 2828 Chicago Ave. #400 Mpls, MN 55407 age to donate eggs for couples who cannot otherwise achieve pregnancy. You will be compensated for participating in the program.

612-863-5390

For more detailed information call or fill out an application online at www.ivfminnesota.com

Co-Publishers Janis Hall 612-436-4361 jhall@mnpubs.com Terry Gahan 612-436-4360 tgahan@mnpubs.com

Editor Kathleen Stoehr kstoehr@mnpubs.com

Contributing Photographer Robb Long

Contributing Writers Lila Battis Alyson Cummings Kelly Jo McDonnell Kara McGuire Joanna Nesbit Joy Riggs

Currently seeking donors of African American and Asian descent

Exclusion criteria: smoking • obesity • currently pregnant Center for Reproductive Medicine MNP 0111 4.indd 1

12/13/10 3:07 PM

Interns LeAnn Crowe Katherina Gadow Steven Guy Clare Jensen David Kelly

Circulation Marlo Johnson 612-436-4388 distribution@mnpubs.com

tem on Sys s des Educati c i s u lity. i M i b g ha n e d f o r 3 1/2 feat ing a to 8 year olds by the Yama ure m al learn r u t a n s ’ usical ac tivities that tap into your child urse

Basic Musicianship & Keyboard Classes for children 31/2 & up. Individual lessons offered in piano, voice, percussion, strings & more.

CHILDREN’S YAMAHA MUSIC SCHOOL

Sales Manager Melissa Ungerman Levy 612-436-4382 mungermanlevy@mnpubs.com

Assistant Sales Manager Kyle Dahlen 612-436-4387 kdahlen@mnpubs.com

Sales Administrator Kate Manson 612-436-5085 kmanson@mnpubs.com

Design Editor Dana Croatt

Creative Team Valerie Moe Mike Novak

Office Manager Chris Damlo 612-436-4376 cdamlo@mnpubs.com

Classified Advertising 612-825-9205 sales@mnpubs.com

Printing ECM Printing

52,500 copies of Minnesota Parent printed monthly, available at news stands statewide. Get Minnesota Parent mailed to your home for just $12 a year. Call 612-825-9205 for more information. Minnesota Parent (ISSN 0740 3437) is published monthly by Minnesota Premier Publications. POSTMASTER send address changes to: MINNESOTA PARENT, 1115 Hennepin Avenue S. Minneapolis, MN 55403. Minnesota Parent is copyright 2011 by Minnesota Premier Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Address all material to address above.

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August 2011

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Pet Cremation services of MN

u.s. study of children’s health seeks ramsey county women The National Children’s Study — the largest and longest study of children’s health ever conducted in the U.S. — is now enrolling pregnant women and their children in Ramsey County to better understand how a child’s family history and environment influence their health and well-being. Researchers from the University of Minnesota Study Center (who are leading the study for Ramsey County) will look at what factors contribute to child health problems such as autism, asthma, obesity, diabetes, and attention deficit disorder. Researchers are currently reaching out to 31,000 households across 16 neighborhoods in Ramsey County to enroll hundreds of women. This unique national study will follow more than 100,000 children in the United States from before birth until age 21. To find out if you are eligible to join, call 1-866-315-7126 or send an email to info@ncs. umn.edu. More information can also be found at RamseyKids.nationalchildrensstudy.gov, facebook.com/ ramseykids, or twitter.com/ ramseykids.

pull out a plum Whole grains and 100% real fruit combine in handy, resealable BPA-free packaging that is easy to squeeze and definitely kidpleasing. Our child testers all agreed as they held out their hands for more: Plum nt pare ed t s e t

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water safety Many of you might remember the tragedy of Edina’s Abigail Taylor, who was disemboweled in a kiddy pool in 2007 and died the following year. A Foundation was established in her name and if you have not visited abbeyshope.org, we encourage you to do soon. At its core is tireless work providing education and advocacy for comprehensive pool and spa safety standards. Here are some thoughts from the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission and Viking Spas on how you can follow safety practices to avoid common injuries including drowning, hair entanglement, body entrapment, or illness or scald burns due to high August 2011

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water temperature. Begin with a family conversation, setting rules for the spa, pool, or hot tub — both while it is in use and when it is not. To prevent drowning, hair entanglements and body part entrapments, install anti-entrap-

chatter ment drain covers, tie-up long hair, and avoid getting too close to the drain. An anti-entrapment drain cover helps protect against hair entanglement and body part entrapments. Prevent entrapment by making sure spa drains have a dome-shaped outlet and two outlets for each pump, which will help reduce suction if one drain is blocked. Make sure all spa users know where the emergency cut off switch is. Each year, spa owners should hire a professional to make sure their spa is in safe working condition. When the spa or pool is not in use, secure it with a protective barrier such as a locking safety cover and self-latching gate for an extra layer of protection. The locking safety cover and gate will ensure that young

children do not enter the area without adult supervision. To learn more about spa safety, visit homesafetycouncil. org/MySafeHome/msh_spas_ w001.asp or vikingspas.com. For other tips and information on Abbey’s Hope, visit abbeyshope.com.

a fair to remember On Thrifty Thursday, August 25, it’s just $10 a head to get into the Great American GetTogether, also known as the Minnesota State Fair. For a step back in time, hit the Leinie Lodge Bandshell and see Morris Day & The Time, free with admission, at 8:30 p.m. There’s ap che e dat t nigh

actually plenty of free entertainment: just go to mnstatefair.org and click on “free entertainment” under the “entertainment” header. Want to see a master yodeler? Yep — he’s there on the 25th, too. The Belfast Cowboys? Head over to the Bazaar After Dark. Want to

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August 2011

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parent pages sing to your sweetie? Go to Murphy Avenue across from the Pet Center and participate in the first-ever Giant Sing Along, a participatory public art project. Our pick? No matter how old you are, the Doggies of the Wild West performance at noon, 3 and 6 p.m. has our attention. Wrap up your evening with a walk through the Midway and watch the fireworks close up the evening. $20? Now that’s a cheap date.

twice as nice A new Twin Cities chapter of Loved Twice (lovedtwice.org) has been established. This organization, originally established in the Bay Area, is aimed

at providing the first year’s clothing to newborns-in-need. Loved Twice gives each new mother a box containing a boy or girl wardrobe consisting of approximately 75 items. Coordinator Jen Patterson is working with local social agencies to deliver the boxes to area hospitals, shelters, and clinics. A group of volunteers, along with Patterson, will be launching a metro-wide clothing drive starting August 1. The drive will run the month of August with a goal to provide a year’s worth of clothing to 100 Twin Cities babies. Loved Twice is collecting new and gently-used clothing in sizes 0–12 months, as well as blankets, board books, small (appropriate) toys, and other small items.

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If you would like to make a donation (Minnesota Parent will be donating all products from its upcoming Baby issue to the cause, for example), email lovedtwicemn@gmail.com or visit its page on Facebook at facebook.com/pages/LovedTwice-Twin-Cities.

get a brewed awakening If a cup o’ joe helps you (or your collegebound kid) get through the daily grind, this coffee-maker from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf might be your new best friend. Its slick design and one-touch feature were a big hit with MNParent nt pare ed t s e t

staff, and while a certain somebody gulped down all the handy one-cup pods, we took the higher ground and ordered more for ourselves. Accessories include a milk frother and whisk for specialty drinks. Plenty of color options for any décor, about $130 online at CBTL.com.

An active kid... Understand Your Child’s Behavior. Learn What to do.

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Struggling with challenging child behavior? Need help for adjusting to the new school year?

is a happy kid! Parties • Open Gym • Camps

Call parent coach Tina Feigal 651-453-0123 Or visit www.parentingmojo.com 1/2 priCe iNiTial appOiNTmeNT wiTh ThiS ad. parent

8103 West 126th Street, Savage, MN 55378 952-746-5222 • mvgym@msn.com • mnvalleygymnastics.com

Fall classes start September 6th; reserve your space today. August 2011

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7/21/11MN1:30 Valley PMGymnastics MNP 0811 4.indd 1

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hot stuff

back to school it’s back to school time and we have all of the latest, greatest items from grade school bag lunches to dorm room dinners. Take a look! by zoe gahan

1 backpack to school A big main compartment, multiple smaller pockets, and a padded section for safe transportation of a laptop has students covered. Extra padding on the straps and back panel of this Reebok backpack ensure that even the most studious of kids can carry their supplies in comfort. Also available in blue and black. reebok.com; about $40

2 mini micro to go Perfect for a small dorm room, this nifty little microwave has all the trappings of its larger cousins, and it plugs into any standard outlet. The iWaveCube measures only one cubic foot and weighs just 12 lbs., while its view-through door and built-in carry handle make it portable and convenient. Available in white, black and silver. theiwavecube.com; about $90

3 go nuts When the samples of almond Barney Butter arrived at the MNParent office, staff inhaled the delicious, versatile, and healthful alternative to peanut butter before you could say ‘trans-fat free.’ It is perfect for peanut-free environments, and did we mention it’s super yummy? Available in convenient, on-the-go squeeze packs, as well as jars, it can be substituted for peanut butter in any recipe. barneybutter.com; ranging from $10 to $40

4 stylish storage Can you say ‘coolest flash drives ever’? While you might be tempted to fight your kid over who gets the Mimobot Yoda, there’s no need to with over 100 original designs to choose from. Each drive comes pre-loaded with character-specific content like wallpapers, images, and avatars. mimoco.com; about $30

5 lunch and load No lost lunches with this system: the lunch bag is built into the backpack with separate insulated compartment for snack … Not to mention, but it’s super adorable, too. The Kinder Bag is an ideal size for young children, with padded straps for easy carrying. simplygoodus.com, about $30

August 2011

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grows on trees

when is a daily deal not such a deal? by kara mcguire Groupon. Crowd Cut. Living Social. Plum District. These daily deal sites and many others crowd our in-boxes each morning with offers on ballet lessons, professional family photographs, and getaways over school break. Boasting discounts of 50 percent off or more, they offer a variety of tempting deals, designed to help merchants attract new customers. The deal-a-day site gets a big cut of the voucher price and the merchant keeps the rest. Since these sites entered the Twin Cities market in early 2010, I can’t tell you how many daily deals I’ve

FEEL SAFE AT HOME. GROW AT HOME. STAY AT HOME.

purchased. My guess is close to 100. They can be a great way to afford after-school activities and summer camps for your kids, or to get a good deal on the birthday cake you were going to buy anyway. But I’ve also learned that they can be too much of a good thing. Here are three potential pitfalls.

the deals expire Even good deals can go to waste. The offers expire, usually within a few months after the sale date, or sometimes a year. It sounds like a long time, but I know from

experience that deals can go unused as life gets in the way. Don’t throw your expired certificates away. Merchants should accept the vouchers for the price paid even after they expire. Not to do so would violate federal gift card law, which requires gift cards to be valid for five years. For example, if you paid $25 for $50 to spend at some restaurant, that restaurant would have to honor the voucher for $25. But there’s a debate about whether these deals are coupons or gift cards, and most merchants are less than thrilled when you walk in with a stale deal. I’d suggest

Be prepared this school year! Child Care Services for:

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In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre

Offering performances, residencies and touring shows.

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Don’t throw your expired certificates away. Merchants should accept the vouchers for the price paid even after they expire.

Baton

Twirle

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525 Difﬂey Rd. #1030 - 651-705-6631 www.dance-twirlmn.com August 2011

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grows on trees

having your calendar by your side before buying a daily deal. If it’s an offer for a waterpark that must be used by Labor Day, select a day to go right there. If it’s a deal on something that’s not typically scheduled, such as dry cleaning, come up with a system to keep track of these offers. I print mine out right away and stick them in a folder. You can also set up your accounts at some sites to email reminders when an offer is about to expire.

the deals are budget breakers Sure they’re offering great value, but are you buying activities or services you never would have considered

Emotional 10 Headway August 2011 Health MNP 0811 H2.indd

had that deal not landed in your inbox? Spending money you need to save, or going into debt for a deal is a terrible idea. Don’t get me wrong. These deals can be a great way to create family memories without breaking the bank. But $20 here and there really adds up. Not to mention that most deals are designed in a way that almost guarantees you’ll need to spend more than the voucher’s face value. Plus taxes and tips aren’t included, and you should be tipping on the value of the meal before the discount was applied. Then there’s the cost of gas, and the value of your time if you are tempted by a deal far from your house. And the impact on your waistline if the deals

have you frequenting bakeries (although chances are you can buy a deal for boot camp on the same day). Bottom line: If you’re on a budget, don’t forget to include these deals. I’d build in some padding too, in case you ultimately spend more than the voucher’s face value.

daily deals may not be the best deal I’ve found comparable offers for fun kid activities in coupon books such as the Entertainment guide and Chinook Book, which cost around $20 for a book stuffed with deals. And I’ve gone to restaurants with a voucher only to realize that I would have ultimately spent less by taking advantage

of a daily special instead (often times, a voucher can’t be combined with other offers), or by using a discount received through my Minnesota Public Radio or Twin Cities Public Television membership. Do your research before buying. Also consider whether it’s preferable to go with a pre-paid voucher for 50 percent off an item, or a coupon offering a smaller discount, but no financial loss if you never get around to using it.   Kara McGuire is the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s personal finance columnist and St.Paul mother of three. Send questions and comments to Kara@karamcguire.com.

7/7/11 11:27 AM parent mnparent.com

Neighborhood Clinics hcmc.org/clinics

Brooklyn Center Clinic

Primary and Specialty care for adults including Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Geriatrics 6601 Shingle Creek Parkway, Suite 400

(612) 873-8800

Brooklyn Park Clinic

Primary care for the whole family, including Family Medicine, Prenatal Care, Pediatrics 7650 Zane Avenue North

(612) 873-8900 Whittier Clinic

Multi-specialty clinic for the whole family, including Family Medicine, Sports Medicine, Cardiology 2810 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis

(612) 545-9000 East Lake Clinic

Primary care for the whole family, including Family Medicine, Prenatal Care, Well Child Care 2700 East Lake Street, Minneapolis

(612) 873-8100 Richfield Clinic

Primary care for the whole family, including Family Medicine, Prenatal Care, Geriatrics Hub Shopping Center 44 West 66th Street

(612) 873-8200

ma Krumbee’ m E RESTAURANT s ORCHARD & FARM

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Scientists say exposing kids to music at an early age can make them more receptive to all kinds of learning. (Musicians agree.) Kids as young as six weeks old benefit from our playful group environment, while taking the first step on a lifelong musical journey. Best of all, they do it while having fun... a lesson that will last a lifetime.

• Half Peck Play Area with a Monster Truck, Pirate Ship, Tractor & Train • Mountain Slide • Goat Habitat

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Scarecrow Festival Sept. 10–Oct. 30 • 100 Scarecrows on Display • Giant Haystack Jump • Wagon Rides • Petting Zoo • Maze

Weekend Activities For Spring Enrollment call 612.321.0100 or visit macphail.org. Minneapolis, Apple Valley and White Bear Lake

• New Barrel Express • Camel Rides • Pony Rides • Live Music

Tour Groups Welcome Make Your Group Tour Reservation Today

Tour info 952•873•3006

Emma Krumbee’s Minnesota’s Destination for FAMiLy FUN Hwy 169, Belle Plaine, MN

www.emmakrumbees.com

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August 2011 Emma Krumbee's MNP 0811 V8.indd 1

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teens & tweens

Making memories through family family travel travel through

Making memories

photo by steve lawler

by joy riggs This is the time of year when I envy all the Europeans who take a month-long summer holiday. By the time we reach August in Minnesota, it feels like we’re on the steep downward slide toward another stress-filled school year. Summers never seem long enough to pack in all the adventures we’d dreamed about in May. But we still have a month to squeeze in some family travel time, whether it’s a weekend at the lake, a trip to the State Fair, or a cross-country driving adventure. August also is a good time to solicit teen input 12

August 2011

for the next family adventure. Involving your kids in the planning will not only make them more invested in the trip’s success, it will help them refine important skills, like how to budget, how to research, and, of course, how to compromise with family members who have different interests and needs. My husband and I love to travel, and we’ve exposed our three kids to a variety of adventures since those challenging diaper and stroller days. Ten years ago, we compiled a list of places we hoped to take them before our oldest graduates from high school. She’s now 15, her

brothers are 13 and 10, and we’ve made an impressive dent in the list. I have no doubt that their travel experiences have made them more appreciative of our country’s cultural and geographic differences and have heightened their curiosity about the world around them.

greater meaning, greater vacation I often begin a vacation thinking about how much the kids will learn by visiting the historic sites, museums, or national parks on our itinerary. This usually has proved true. Two years ago, on a visit to

Boston, we spent more than an hour at a museum learning about the myths of the Boston Massacre. When that topic came up this year in my daughter’s American History class, it held a greater meaning for her because she had been in the location where it occurred. Typically, though, my husband and I are the ones who receive the greater education as we learn things through the perspective of our children’s eyes and ears. If we had traveled to Canada without the kids a few years ago, we might not have noticed that the candy bar wrappers were written in both English and French, or that the Canadians could mnparent.com

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teens & tweens

Fall Concert Series at Landmark Center featuring Red House Records Artists Third Friday of the Month, August through December Cocktail Hour @ 7 pm | Concert @ 8 pm

purchase ketchup-flavored when we finished the meal, he potato chips, which we’d never didn’t get a birthday dessert. seen in Minnesota. We We’ve had many great meals certainly wouldn’t have taken on our vacations, but none as photos of the snacks in the memorable as that one, where grocery store, like our daughter we bonded over the agony of did; yet, that’s a part of the trip shared starvation. that now sticks in my mind, I know that what works for her contagious enthusiasm for our family won’t necessarily noticing everyday differences. work for others, so I’m not We also going to offer o b s e r v e , On one vacation, an extensive through travel, list of vacation instead of skirting the how our kids tips. But I most dangerous block in can mature don’t think you Vancouver, my husband when faced can go wrong with new situ- and I accidentally led anytime you ations. We the kids right through travel with sigh with relief it, past two people your kids, as when the getting arrested, and long as you picky eater a homeless man with a pack two discovers he pet rat on his shoulder. important likes cherry items: a sense sauce and of humor, and biscuits. We swell with pride reasonable expectations. Your when the middle-schooler vacation doesn’t have to be thanks us repeatedly for the perfect, and it won’t be. Your best vacation ever. We smile children will not remain on when we tease the oldest — not their best behavior the entire in the moment, but weeks later time, and neither will you. — about learning the hard way What’s important is that you how important it is to ration spend time together, outside of one’s water supply on a long the usual home setting, making hike. memories as a family. It’s the things that go wrong Joy Riggs is eagerly anticipating that end up making the best her family’s October trip to stories, anyway. On one vacaYellowstone and San Francisco. tion, instead of skirting the most dangerous block in Vancouver, my husband and I Minnesota Tourism Guide accidentally led the kids right Family vacation ideas through it, past two people minnesota-visitor.com getting arrested, and a homeless man with a pet rat on his National Geographic shoulder. You can’t make that Best Family Trips stuff up. Another legendary travel.nationalgeographic.com/ story involves the time on our travel/family-trips middle child’s birthday when we ordered a meal at a recomTravel with Tweens mended restaurant in Cody, and Teens blog Wyoming, and didn’t get served Resources for family travel for two hours. It was so late travel-with-teens.com

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Landmark Center | 75 W. 5th Street | Saint Paul Tickets $15 in advance, $18 at the door

August 19, 2011

Ray Bonneville To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.landmarkcenter.org/redhouse.html

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www.ConnectionsAcademy.com/MN1 or MTCS.org 800-382-6019 RSVP for a FREE Open House Tuesday, August 23, 1:00 PM MTS Minnesota Connections Academy 1336 Energy Park Drive, Suite 100 St. Paul, MN 55108 August 2011

back to school ...

and back on schedule

by kelly jo mcdonnell Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. — William Butler Yeats Yeats, of course, is right — but we need to make certain that fire he’s referring to is brainpower … and not emotional fires erupting on the first day of school and beyond! Universally, all families struggle with the transition from the lazy days of summer into what sometimes feels like mayhem: the advent of school. Here are a few universal tips that parents in the know say have passed the test — and saved sanity.

my job,” says Jensen, adding that while she likes the summer months, she’s ready for consistency in the fall. “I do work on earlier bedtimes in August,” she says. “Mother Nature helps, as the sun starts setting in the 8 p.m. hour versus the 9 p.m. hour in late August — that helps with my four yearold for sure! We also have a few scheduled activities in late August that will get us all up a little earlier, so that will help facilitate earlier wake-up times.” Changing the daily summer sleep patterns of the kiddos can be tough. Begin waking your children earlier each

day until you reach the magic ‘school wake-up time.’ Again, doing this slowly over a longer time span will make it easier, and it will make the first school morning much more sane. Cindy Chapman, the Twin Cities’ momslikeme. com manager, says she heard of an idea she’s going to try. “Some of our moms have gone out and purchased, with their kids, a special alarm clock. The kids pick it out and set it themselves. It helps ease them back into waking up early when they’ve also bought into the concept.” As well as the bedtime routine, how about the reading and homework routine? Homework you say? Surely you jest! We all saw the reminders about “summer slump” shoved into our kids’ backpacks on the last day of school. The term is familiar with teachers everywhere, makes its way into lessons plans, and is even in the Federal No Child Left Behind Act. The beginning of the school year is spent re-learning what was learned by the end of the last school year. But there are ways to combat the summer slump, and a reading routine can be part of it. While it’s a good idea for all kids to be reading books over the entire summer, August is a good month for transitioning back into homework time. For some kids, reading all summer is no problem, but for others, it’s not so easy. Libraries can be

routine, routine, routine The end of August isn’t the time to get your kids interested in the ‘early to bed and early to rise’ credo. Begin prep now, preferably as early as your family can handle it. Most parents comment they start this process the very first week of August. Belinda Jensen, chief meteorologist at KARE-11, knows routine first hand, as there is little wiggle room for her on the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts. “Our house year round really runs on a schedule because of

resources parentfurther.com organizedhome.com planningwithkids.com momagenda.com 14

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your best friend in the summer months, and usually offer an array of fun reading programs for kids. Libraries also have a list of “recommend reading” broken down by class, and it’s a wonderful resource. Check out those books, but also let your son or daughter choose other books they are interested in. My son struggles with reading, so he also sees a tutor one day a week during his “Kids Club” Summer Camp. The tutor works on his reading skills, as well as reviewing math problems, which has made a difference with summer slump. Also check out your school district programs. Many offer some great programs that start around August, to help kids with the transition. Kids need to prepare for the workload that will be given to them when they return to school. And the month of August will also give parents ample time to work through this transition successfully, as well. “At the end of the school year,” says Chapman, “the teachers give us a bunch of links to education sites. We use these during the summer to get my daughter back into the groove.”

create a “fam” central calendar One central calendar can make life easier for everyone. Whether it’s a large, dryerase board in the kitchen, an electronic calendar on your computer, or a date book that one of the parents carry around, a unified calendar will keep everything in one spot. Find what works for you and your family. Some families enjoy filling out the kitchen dry erase calendar; each family member has their own “color” and lists the duties or activities of the day. It’s easy to color code different family members and/or color code doctor and dentist appointments in green, sports in blue, and academic items or field trips in orange. Other families have gone high tech, and keep a Google calendar of their kids’ schedules, syncing with multiple computers or smart phones. Katie Welch-Peterson, the trend spotter on Twin Cities Live and president of Newsworthy Communications, has a trick with her calendar. “I start up a school bin through the summer months of all the mail and emails that start piling up with [upcoming] school-related dates. I chuck parent

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Back to school season is when I often feel like the Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland ... ‘I’m late for a very important date!’ — Kate Welch-Peterson

it aside for the summer months, but then in early August I start sorting through the activities and important dates.” WelchPeterson also prints out the full year school calendar and takes an entire day or two to fill in all the dates. She admits she uses the “MomAgenda,” which helps her organize the calendar into her computer Outlook calendar. “Back to school season is when I often feel like the Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland ... ‘I’m late for a very important date!’ Now that my oldest is going to be a third grader, and my youngest [twins] are going into first grade, I finally feel like I have a system down!” she says. “I use this agenda to keep things together so I don’t miss out on important field trips, picture day, or overall special days.” Location of the calendar is important as well. Keep it in a high traffic area, usually in the kitchen or the central office.

morning madness All parents know this tip, but I don’t think too many of us do it. Or, we start out strong, but halfway through the school year we’re back to running around looking for that matching sock, or the book report on frogs due that morning. I’m talking about time saving. Start thinking first about how you can be proactive, before the school year hustle and bustle begins to creep into the household. This can include early clothes shopping, planning and organizing the Fam

Calendars or check-in/out baskets, hanging planner calendars and chalkboards, and most importantly, beginning to utilize some of these practices on some August mornings. A little practice-run, if you will. Then, think about the big day. How can you make your mornings run more smoothly? Planning a little bit each night will help us send our kids out the door in a happy mood, ready for learning, instead of stressed out. Each evening, think ahead to the next morning. Put your kids’ outfits out the night before, and get some breakfast items ready to go. Families who have more than one child will probably have to plan a bathroom schedule so that everyone gets mirror time, especially if you have daughters. These “mirror times” can be added right to your Central Calendar if need be. And they can be put into place in August for the trial runs. Cindy Chapman says she’s just starting to live the “hair drama” with an 11-year-old daughter. She also said she reminds her daughter that if she wants something special to wear that day in school, lay it out the night before. “We’re not going to have a melt down about it,” says Chapman. “It’s her responsibility. I’m a firm ‘night before’ believer.” So enjoy the long summer days, and hot summer nights. Savor it. School is right around the corner.

August 2011

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Dance to the Music!

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Family Fair Stage Schedule Aug. 25-Sept. 5 Monster Shop Bump’n with the BC Characters – 1:30, 4 and 6 p.m. (1:30, 4, 5:30 & 7 p.m. on Sept. 4 & 5)

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Aug. 25-Sept. 5

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Sean Emery – 12:30 & 5 p.m.

Aug. 25-Sept. 3

MSF County Fair Talent Contest – 7 p.m.

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Aug. 25-26

Aug. 27-28

Aug. 29-30

The Spoon Man 10:30, 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Koo Koo Kanga Roo 10:30, 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Greg Frisbee 10:30, 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Aug. 31Sept. 1 Kidsdance 10:30, 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Sept. 2-3

Sept. 4-5

Kenny Ahern 10:30, 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Sheltered Reality 10:30, 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

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NEW at the Great Minnesota Get-Together! Doggies of the Wild West In the tradition of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, visitors

to the fair are invited to enjoy the magic of singing together in the first-ever Giant Sing Along. A field of microphones will welcome everyone to sing to this year's voted hits, karaoke style. A large screen will feature the lyrics of modern and nostalgic songs. Software magic will help everyone sing in unison. Located on Murphy Ave. across from the Pet Center, it's free and open to all guests each day of the 2011 State Fair. Presented by

and co-produced by the Minnesota State Fair, Minnesota State Fair Foundation and Northern Lights.mn

Budget on-a-stick! Plan Ahead and Save!

Pre-fair discount admission tickets are available for $9 at the customer service centers of participating Cub Foods Stores and at the State Fair Box Office on the fairgrounds through Aug. 24, or at mnstatefair.org through 5 p.m. on Aug. 16. These tickets are good for any age, any day of the fair.

August 2011

“Doggies of the Wild West Variety Show” is a western-themed comedy variety show featuring eight adorable doggies performing exciting stunts. The show is located just east of Heritage Square. It is free and runs at noon, 3 and 6 p.m. daily.

Get Discount Ride & Game Tickets!

Discount ride and game tickets may be purchased through Aug. 24 wherever pre-fair discount admission tickets are sold. A sheet of 20 tickets is just $10 — a $5 savings off individual tickets.

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The 2011 Blue Ribbon Bargain Book features hundreds of dollars in money-saving coupons. Save on food, rides, games, attractions, beverages and merchandise. New this year, the book features 25 additional bargains for a total of 125 coupons! Books are just $4 through Aug. 24 wherever pre-fair discount tickets are sold. During the fair, books are available for $5 at State FairWear Gift Shops and State Fair Foundation Kiosks on the fairgrounds.

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Save with a Drawings & Giveaways

Let this handy broc to bargains throug including items for sign up & win cont day deals. Availabl all information boo www.mnstatefair.or Information booths sponsored by

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Aug. 25 – L abor Day, Sept. 5 Thrifty Thursday – Aug. 25

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Adults (13 & over) $10 Kids (5-12) $7 Children (under 5) FREE

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BIG TIME RUSH

Adults (13-64) $12 Kids (5-12) $7 Children (under 5) FREE

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The four-man pop group Big Time Rush originates from a Nickelodeon television series that chronicles the making of an up-and-coming new boy band. Now the group, consisting of members Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Carlos Pena Jr. and Logan Henderson, are heading out on its first nation-wide tour. Popular singles of B.T.R. include “Halfway There,” “Famous,” “Any Kind of Guy” and “Boyfriend,” featuring Snoop Dogg.

Active military and their families, retired military and veterans receive an admission discount by presenting valid documentation of military service when purchasing a ticket at the gate. All ages (with documentation): $7 • Active military and their immediate families (Present one document to apply discount to all immediate family members.) • Retired military (One document and discount per person.) • Veterans (One document and discount per person.)

Nightly Fireworks Spectacular follows each show, weather permitting.

Free! No ticket required.

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Public Library cardholders receive a discount when purchasing admission at the gate (one discount per card). Adults (13-64) $10 Seniors (65 & over) $7 Kids (5-12) $7 Children (under 5) FREE

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Finalists in the MSF Amateur Talent Contest take the Grandstand stage in hopes of being named Minnesota’s most talented. 2010 winner Nick Wishard will return to the Grandstand stage to perform his beatboxing routine!

chure be your guide ghout the fairgrounds r $1 or less, freebies, tests and special le during the fair at oths and on-line at rg.

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All day discounts on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides, games and concessions are offered on:

Thrifty Thursday, Aug. 25 Kids Days, Aug. 29 and Sept. 5 Read & Ride Day, Aug. 31

Early bird specials are offered until 1 p.m. on Mighty Midway and Kidway rides, games and concessions:

Don’t miss it! The State Fair goes on parade every day at 2 p.m.

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Stake out a spot on the curb!

a Deals, & Guide!

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Read & Ride Day – Wednesday, Aug. 31

Amateur Talent Contest Finals Sunday, Sept. 4, 8 p.m.

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Military Appreciation Day – Tuesday, Aug. 30

Grandstand tickets are available through Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com or any Midwest Ticketmaster Ticket Center; or the State Fair Box Office on the fairgrounds or via mail order. Call (651) 288-4427 for more ticket information.

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Kids Days – Monday, Aug. 29 & Monday, Sept. 5

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7:30 p.m. • Saturday, Aug. 27 • $35

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Weekdays feature great discounts & deals:

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Best Days to Go!

At the Grandstand!

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Governor’s Fire Prevention Day – Friday, Aug. 26 Kidway Military Appreciation Day – Tuesday, Aug. 30 sponsored by Seniors Day – Thursday, Sept. 1 MPR Day – Friday, Sept. 2

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MORE INFORMATION ON-LINE: WWW.MNSTATEFAIR.ORG

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August 2011

beth knudsvig antisupermom.com

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mommy bloggers more women are finding real-life and virtual resources through online communities

by lila battis

ast year, my mother unceremoniously handed me a worn notebook, bound in blue striped fabric with tiny flowers. The spine is cracked and stained, perhaps a decades-old coffee mishap, and the pages are filled with my mother’s oft-indecipherable script. There is the joy of a pregnancy and birth at 41 for a woman who never thought she would have a child. The frustration of a toddler’s grocery store temper tantrums. Tears. Giddy laughter. First words, first steps, first day of kindergarten — it’s all there. Mothers today continue to chronicle their lives and their children’s lives, with one big difference: instead of scribbling in journals, they’ve turned to online blogging platforms like Blogspot or Wordpress to help them tell their tales. Where journaling was once a solitary activity, parents now find reassurance, friendship, and solidarity in their online communities. From princess party planning to harrowing experiences in the NICU, mothers can find words of wisdom and a sympathetic ear from those who’ve been there in photo by robb long

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liz paul lunargoat.blogspot.com

photo by melissa floyd photography

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the world of mommy bloggers. Instead of the solitary self-reflection of journaling, bloggers find comfort in the support of readers. Virtual connections lead to real-life relationships, and parents — mostly women, it seems — lean on each other as confidantes, resources, and friends. Here in Minnesota, the community of parenting bloggers continues to grow, and we spoke with several local women whose blogs have opened doors and impacted their lives for the better. There’s the whip-smart, selfprofessed geek, Liz Paul, at who can somehow be caring and insightful and silly all in one post at Random Thoughts of a Lutheran Geek. Beth Knudsvig is The Anti-Supermom, a wisecracking mother of three who will leave you in stitches recounting the day-to-days of motherhood, always reminding you not to take yourself too seriously. Darcie Gust was left with no memories and little knowledge of her own mother, who died when she was three, and so Gust Gab faithfully records her family’s adventures and happy memories, creating a “digital scrapbook” of sorts for her children. Having battled postpartum depression, alcoholism, and a child’s medical struggles — and emerged the other side triumphant, Heather King

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recounts her tales with poignancy and grace on The Extraordinary Ordinary.

the cast of characters There is a parenting blog out there for and by every kind of parent. The impossibly chic friend from college who never had a hair out of place? She’s married with children now, throwing color-coordinated birthday parties and dressing her daughter in tunic tops and tiny ballet flats. Your cousin who played guitar and sang Joni Mitchell songs, whose hair always smelled like that sweet and spicy incense? She’s crooning Circle Game as a lullaby and dabbling in babywearing. That high school friend who swore a blue streak and introduced you to The Smiths? Don’t worry, he’s here too, as wry and hilarious as ever. For many mothers, the juggling act of kids, work, marriage, and household to-dos leaves little time for in-person bonding with friends. Sharing a cup of coffee and rehashing the stressors of the week becomes a rare pleasure, and the online community provides the same kind of social connection, without the hassle and cost of finding a babysitter. Beth Knudsvig works from home and cares for her three children simultaneously — for her, blogmnparent.com

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Bloggers, particularly mommy bloggers, have been criticized as of late for monetizing their musings and bringing commercialism into what was once a purely social world. Some of the most popular mommy bloggers have turned their websites into full-on financial enterprises — Heather Armstrong of dooce. com was featured on Forbes Most Influential Women in Media list, Mindy Roberts, author of The Mommy Blog,

Minnesota Parent’s Education Fair features a variety of schools:

NASON

blogging for bucks?

appeared on Oprah, and The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, has parlayed her success into a cookbook, a memoir, and a children’s book. Major conferences like BlogHer can draw in thousands, offering seminars on content development, branding, and PR, but for most, the kind of success that leads to book deals and six-digit profits is just unrealistic. “The reality is that there is not a lot of money to be made unless you have a hefty readership,” explains Heather King. Heather’s blog, The Extraordinary Ordinary, features five or six sidebar ads of her choosing, mostly for small businesses or charity fundraising efforts. “My blog did grow and as long as I feel the ads are authentic to me, I don’t mind making some extra money doing something that I love,” she says, with an important caveat — “I do not blog to make money.” For most women, it seems pipe dreams of major blogging success are not the driving force behind their postings. Darcie Gust has built a small but loyal troupe of followers for Gust Gab, but she says, “I honestly don’t care about my blog stats or page views. I blog for my family and I. At the end of the day, I’m not in this for the money. I’m in it so that our kids have a record of their lives, long after I am no longer able to tell them.” Liz Paul began keeping an online

ES TA

ging offered “a connection, that sort of connection that you get when you work outside the home.” “I’ve met friends,” says Knudsvig. “I’ve built these relationships that are invaluable to me. I went to a blogging conference and it was wonderful getting together, staying in a lodge, and gabbing into the evening. [Blogging] has given me so much more than I’ve put into it, at least emotionally.” Her friend, Liz Paul, agrees. “[Blogging] keeps me connected to people who are going through similar things. It’s an emotional outlet for me, but it’s a way to stay connected. For me, the unexpected positive of blogging was that I now have a community of real life, see-them-inperson friends that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

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lies and kids, and if I’m going to be honest about my life, to tell my stories for friends and family and the future, I can’t not talk about my child.” In the long run, even blogging’s biggest fans are unsure of where it may lead. As their children age, as technologies change, the league of parenting bloggers may fade away altogether. But for now, they’ll keep at it. “It’s a great experience to have an outlet, to meet so many people online and in life,” Knudsvig explains. “Blogging provides this absolute community of people you didn’t know were out there that’s so unique and just inspiring. I’m a better person, a better wife and mother, because I have that blog.”

heather king extraordinary-ordinary.net

journal six years ago, back when the fledgling blogworld was relatively low-key, and her driving force — self-reflection — remains the same now. “I really don’t need 20,000 readers. I need one reader, who read something I wrote and was able to identify with it.”

trusted sources Beyond friendships and self-expression, the network of parenting blogs has created a vast encyclopedia for those seeking answers to their child-rearing woes. The endless shelves of parenting books can be overwhelming, and when the world shifts from Tiger Mom to Free-Range Kids in a skinny minute, it’s challenging to know where to turn. Says Paul, blogging has changed parenting by expanding the network of trusted sources. “Whether it’s potty training or something more serious, it’s easier to connect with someone who has gone through it; someone who is on the other side.” In King’s mind, the blogging community is a sort of 21st century “village,” replacing the communities of family and friends that once provided a human encyclopedia of parenting knowledge. “We are doing this mostly alone, and blogging makes it possible to reach out … to find other like-minded parents to learn from and grow with. [It] opens a mother up to more viewpoints than she had access to years ago.” The dry descriptions found in go-to parent manuals have been replaced by a dialogue, one in which a community of parents lean on one another for support, ask questions, and seek out the stories and experiences of those who’ve been 22

August 2011

there. Says Gust, “My connections with these people ... have reassured me that I am not alone, that this too shall pass. It’s never as bad as it seems when you know that you are not the only person going through the sleepless nights, the toddler refusing to eat, the potty training.” Despite all the support and conviviality, the anonymity of the online world does present its drawbacks. Nearly every blogger has experienced the sting of a critical comment, but overall they say these blips don’t detract from the positive returns of their writing. “I try to take everything with a grain of salt,” says Knudsvig, “[Critical commenters] don’t always have the full picture, and you kind of have to have a backbone.” Several bloggers expressed regret at not keeping their children’s names private, but say the balance lies in being “cautious but not overly panicky,” as Paul puts it. “My son is going to grow up in a world where the internet is a part of everyday life, and I’d rather start the process of learning to be honest about who you are and how to stay safe so I can guide him.” Beyond taking basic precautions, it’s all about personal levels of comfort. Most bloggers are careful to avoid revealing details that would allow strangers to find them or endanger their families, and until there is reason to fear, the smallest measure of risk is worth the rewards. “If my family were threatened, absolutely I would shut down the blog,” Paul says, “but everything I write is kind of benign. There are so many people online, so many pictures and stories of fami-

blogging basics Looking to start your own blog? Here are some words of wisdom from local pros! Be exactly who you are — don’t try to be like any other blogger. Be you. — Heather King If you’ve got nothing to say...say nothing! Don’t feel like you need to fill up the space. When you do have something to say, those that love you will be there waiting. I promise. — Darcie Gust Comment [on other blogs], let people know that you are reading. No one will know you are out there blogging if you don’t make it known. All bloggers love comments, you leave some and soon, you’ll be loving comments too. — Beth Knudsvig Know what your purpose is. A diary or scrapbook of sorts? To grow a readership? To open doors to other adventures? To practice writing? Then simply remind yourself of that passion and stick to it, see it through. One day you’ll have pages and pages of exactly who you are and that’s a gift. — Heather Be careful what you do say. I read a few blogs that have me cringing, people that badmouth their significant others or mothers-in-law or places of employment. The written word has the same rules as the spoken word ... If you don’t have anything nice to say, perhaps you shouldn’t be saying it at all! — Darcie mnparent.com

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Your more than 100 metro public libraries are celebrating 25 years of summer reading! 25

years

Nearly 100,000 kids grades K-6 participate in the summer reading program from mid-June through August each summer. So join the crowd! It’s easy to participate: stop by one of the metro public libraries to pick up a reading record, check out some great reads, and get started! There are special Bookawocky programs, performers, and activities going on all summer in all of the libraries.

Wednesday,

August 31 is Read ‘n’ Ride Day at the Minnesota State Fair! Fairgoers who show a valid library card when buying their ticket at the gate on this day will enjoy reduced admission. Plus lots of special activities brought to you by your metro public libraries.

Visit melsa.org for more information and links to the festivities!

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August 2011

the

school bus shuffle tips for your first time rider

by joanna nesbit Julia Rudden still remembers the day her daughter fell asleep on the school bus on the way home and was transported back to the bus barn. The driver was new and had missed her daughter’s bus stop. Every parent’s nightmare is losing his or her new rider in the school bus shuffle of the first day. We worry kids won’t recognize their bus number or the driver, or think to look for buddies. They might be too shy to ask for help, or they might fall asleep and miss their stop. In fact, Rudden thinks it’s worth skipping the first-day bus riding experience while drivers familiarize themselves with the route. Other parents say it’s best to jump in while everyone is feeling new and befuddled together. Once kids get the hang of things, the bus offers opportunity for growth and independence. It’s also the safest (even safer than air travel) and greenest way to get to school. Here’s why.

August 2011

School buses are easily visible by their color and size, and their compartment height raises kids above car-impact height. They’re equipped with flashing lights, a stop sign arm, cross view mirrors, and a crossing arm in front that forces kids to cross where the driver can see them. Buses have high, padded seats that protect kids much like an egg carton protects eggs. And then there’s the driver, a trained professional monitoring your child from the bus stop to school and back. Children are 13 times safer on school buses than in other travel modes, according to the Transportation Research Board, part of the National Academy of Sciences. In addition, teens are 44 percent more likely to have a fatal accident if driving themselves or riding with another teen. Even if your own teen is a safe driver, there’s no guarantee others are. Why greener? Twenty-six million children, more than half the nation’s school kids, ride the bus to school every day,

according to the American School Bus Council (ASBC). Riding the bus takes cars off the road, reduces carbon monoxide, and, perhaps most importantly, reduces car congestion at the school during arrival and release times — when our kids are most vulnerable.

tips for the trip Ready to take the bus? Here are a few tips for making the transition smoother for everyone. Attend orientation day. Many schools let children ride in a school bus on orientation day, says Michelle Blair, parent of two. She recommends calling your school to inquire if a bus will be included. If the orientation doesn’t include a practice ride, ask about volunteering during the first week of school, she suggests. “Some schools request parent volunteers to ride the bus with kindergarteners for the first week.” Review bus safety and behavior expecta-

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tions with your child. Plan to review rules even if you attend an orientation. Below is a partial list of what to talk about (check with your district or americanschoolbuscouncil.org for more guidelines). • Stay seated while the bus is moving • Talk quietly to avoid distracting the driver • Keep hands inside the windows • Report any problems to your bus driver • When exiting, walk several feet away from the bus so the driver can see you • Always cross in front of the bus (never behind) • Never retrieve something dropped near the bus unless you alert the driver • Never retrieve something from under the bus • Be aware of the traffic environment as you exit the bus Meet parents of riders and get to know the bus stop. Meeting other parents helps you learn about other riders. Consider

taking turns monitoring the bus stop and the bus route (check with your district to see if adult accompaniment is required for kindergartners). Prior to the first day, show your child the bus stop. “Try to drive in the same line of travel the bus will take if you know it,” says Brad Clarkson, a school bus driver for seven years. “What landmarks can the child identify that would let her know her stop is next?” Troubleshoot the first day. If the school does not require children to wear a lanyard with card and bus number for the first couple of weeks, Clarkson recommends equipping young passengers with index cards including name, address, and phone number in case kids can’t remember their stop or their address. Also write the bus number on the other side of the card, especially if your child has trouble recognizing numbers. Blair suggests parents teach children to tell their driver they’re lost, if they miss their stop, and, for the very young, not to get off unless their parent or designated adult is at the stop to meet them. Most

districts won’t allow kindergartners off the bus unless kids’ caregivers are there. Children of any age should never get off at an alternative stop. Befriend your child’s driver. School bus drivers are professionals who care about kids and have a responsibility to see every child delivered safely home (in fact, expect the bus to be late on the first day’s return trip, says Clarkson, because drivers are educating the children). Drivers are just as concerned about bullying as teachers are and receive training to deal with behavior issues, according to the ASBC. But do report problems promptly to the driver or to your child’s teacher. Sending a child off on the bus feels daunting to any parent of a new rider. Try to remember your child will learn the routine quickly — in a couple weeks he or she will be an old pro. Joanna Nesbit still remembers the day she got on the wrong bus in kindergarten because she couldn’t remember her bus number, and she was too shy to ask a teacher.

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it’s elementary! one for the parents (a helpful guide), and three for your early readers by kathleen stoehr

Thumb Love by Elise Primavera Robin Corey Books, ages 4 to 8, $16.99

Almost all people know someone who is — or was — a thumb sucker, and Thumb Love addresses this universal theme in an encouraging way, reminding young readers that no matter how frustrating or difficult the situation they may be facing is, perseverance always wins in the end. Learn Lulu’s 12-step program to weaning herself from the comforts of her favorite companion.

August 2011

Tugg and Teeny

Kindergarten Diary

By J. Patrick Lewis Sleeping Bear Press, ages 7 to 9, $3.99

By Antoinette Portis Harper, an imprint of Harper Collins, ages 4 to 8, $12.99

Best friends Tugg (a gorilla) and Teeny (a monkey) live together in their jungle neighborhood, Sidekick Thicket. As opposite as night and day, the two friends work and play together and when the irrepressible Teeny strikes out in a new direction, compassionate and always patient Tugg is at her side to help her find her way. For grades 2 to 3.

Even though starting kindergarten can be a little overwhelming, Annalina shows young readers that there are a lot of new and exciting things to look forward to, such as meeting your teacher, playing on the monkey bars, feeding the class pet, and making new friends.

Meet the Teacher: How to Help Your Child Navigate Elementary School By Betty Borowski and Laura Mayne Firefly Books Ltd., $19.95

Veteran teachers and mothers themselves, the authors have written a practical guide for parents to steer their children through early school years. There is information on early reading and writing development, how to incorporate math into daily life, how to nurture good study habits, and more.

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august top events three august art festivals

barnfest In its third year, the popular summer folk music festival is ramping up its number of events and activities for families and children. The festival features a new family-oriented stage with activities like yoga for kids, interactive music lessons, and art projects, along with special performances for children by the O’Shea Irish Dance School and The Roe Family Singers. The festival’s lineup features performances by some of the hottest acts in blues, folk, Americana, and roots music, including Minnesota songwriter, and frequent A Prairie Home Companion guest singer, Andra Suchy. When: August 6th Where: Hobgoblin Music Outdoor Amphitheater, 920 State Highway 19, Red Wing Tickets: $25 advance, admission for kids under 12 is free Info: redhouserecords.com/barnfest.html or call 652-644-4161

Minneapolis’ art scene comes alive in August, with three art festivals happening in one weekend. The Uptown Art Fair runs for three days, featuring artists both professional and amateur, live musical performances, a community art project, and activities for the whole family. The Loring Park Art Festival, set in idyllic Loring Park near downtown Minneapolis, is a two-day juried event, promising the most sophisticated and highest quality art from the Twin Cities. In South Minneapolis, the popular Powderhorn Art Fair is celebrating its 20th year with a special display that highlights the rich history of the fair, featuring some longtime exhibitors sharing their stories. In honor of the art-filled weekend, Metro Transit is offering a pass that allows free bus rides during festival hours. It can be downloaded at metrotransit.org/artpass. When: August 5th to 7th Where: Uptown Art Fair: Uptown, Minneapolis, intersection of W. Lake St and Hennepin Ave. Loring Park Art Festival: 1382 Willow St., Minneapolis. Powderhorn Art Fair: Powderhorn Park, E. 35th Street between Chicago and Bloomington Aves. Tickets: FREE Info: uptownartfair.com, loringparkartfestival.com, and powderhornartfair.com

Now enrolling for 2011-2012! BlueSky is a Minnesota online high school serving students in grades 7-12 • Flexibility is the #1 thing students like best about BlueSky

• Certified teachers and staff offer more contact and 1-on-1 help than other online programs

• Unique student support model assigns 3-person teams to every student

• Accredited Aventa-based curriculum offers rigor and meets all MN state requirements

To request information go to www.blueskyschool.org, call 651.642.0888 or email info@blueskyschool.org BlueSky Charter School MNP 0811 H3.indd parent mnparent.com

7/19/11 2:44 PM August 2011 27

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renaissance festival Minnesota is home to the nation’s largest Renaissance Festival, which is expecting over 280,000 visitors from all over the Midwest in its 41st year. The festival features 16 stages of entertainment, dozens of merchants selling handcrafted apparel and jewelry, a wide array of food and drink, a myriad of street acts, and classic Renaissance events including armored knights jousting. The festival has a unique theme each weekend, including an Italian carnival, Scottish highland games, and high sea adventures. When: Weekends from August 20th to October 2nd, and Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Where: Renaissance Festival Grounds, Shakopee Tickets: $19 advance, $21 at the door Info: renaissancefest.com or call 952-445-7361

national gymnastics championships

Aiming to be USA Gymnastics’ greenest championship ever, the four day 2011 Visa Championships comes to the Xcel Energy Center, taking advantage of the center’s unique facilities to help offset energy usage. Notably, the event is purchasing a subscription to wind energy and miniGAP • OSHKOSH • POLO mizing waste by providing all information digitally. Rhythmic gymnastics TOMMY HILFIGER events will take place at the nearby Roy Wilkins Auditorium. ADIDAS • GUESS When: August 17th to 20th Where: Xcel Energy Center, 175 Kellogg Boulevard West, St. Paul 1-888-225-9411 Tickets: Single session tickets start at $20; multi-session packages start at $50 WIN A FAMILY FOUR PACK OF TICKETS by emailing mnga@mnPineapple Travel MNP 0811 V8.indd 1 7/8/11 Magic 11:06Kids AM USA MNP 0811 V8.indd 1 7/21/11 11:53 AM pubs.com and let us know why you want to attend! Visit narimn.org or call 612-332-6274 Info: usa-gymnastics.org to find a NARI-certified professional for your next minnesota state fair remodeling project or to become a NARI member. The great Minnesota get-together, showcasing the best the state has to offer in agriculture, art, and industry, promises to be as good as ever this year. The 12-day event will be filled with contests and competitions, entertainment for all ages, a newly expanded eco-experience, and music from artists ranging from Toby Keith to Steely Dan. New for 2011 is the I need a remodeler I can trust. “giant sing along,” where attendees are invited to join one another in a The NARI logo is a registered trademark of field full of microphones to sing classic and modern hits, karaoke style. the National Association of the Remodeling When: August 25th to September 5th Industry. ©2008 NARI of Minnesota. Where: 1256 Snelling Ave, St. Paul Tickets: Admission $12 Info: mnstatefair.org or call 651-288-4400 NARI MNP 2010 NR2 H8.indd 1 12/20/10 4:08 PM www.pineapple-travel.com carrie@pineapple-travel.com

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art out of the box: samurai style Hennepin County Libraries all over the Twin Cities area are giving kids a chance to learn about the history and art of Japanese Samurais with authentic armor from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. The workshop uses the details and designs of the armor as inspiration for art activities, while also teaching the students about Samurai tradition and culture. Registration is required, and a complete list of participating libraries can be found online. When: August 1st through 16th Where: Hennepin County Libraries Tickets: FREE Info: hclib.org/pub/events/legacy.cfm

h.m.s. pinafore

children’s stories from india

Filled with witty dialogue, charming songs, and plenty of satire, H.M.S. Pinafore remains one of the most beloved and enjoyed plays by audiences of all ages. Playing at the Guthrie Theater through August, Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic comedy is a perfect summer show. The theater’s artistic director Joe Dowling helms the production, starring Robert O. Berdahl and Christina Baldwin, along with some of the Twin Cities’ finest actors and singers. When: Through August 28 Where: Guthrie Theater, 818 South 2nd St., Minneapolis Tickets: Starting at $29 Info: guthrietheater.org or call 612-377-2224

Looking for a unique cultural experience this summer? Actor and storyteller Zaraawar Mistry is giving a special performance at the Plymouth Library this August, sharing the stories and tales that he heard while growing up in India. The stories range from humorous to mythical, including traditional Hindu tales and several classics from the Panchatantra, an ancient book of Indian animal fables. Mistry’s performance will be joined by guitar, bouzouki, and zither musical accompaniment. When: August 16th Where: Plymouth Library, 15700 36th Ave. North, Plymouth Tickets: FREE Info: hclib.org or call 612-543-5825

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childcare/education Join Our Youth Choirs!

Choristers Choir – grades K-2 Cappella Choir – grades 3-5 Concert Choir – grades 6-9 Chamber Choir – grades 9-12

index childcare/education.......................... 29-30 home.....................................................30 miscellaneous........................................30 new & expecting moms..........................30 party pages.. ..........................................31 recreation..............................................31

childcare/education

Imagine the Possibilities...

Early Education * 6 Weeks–12 Years

Free Music and Spanish!

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Mis Amigos MNP 0211 1cx2.indd 1/11/11 1 Creative 4:51 PM Kids Academy MNP 08117/18/11 1cx2.indd 6:021 PM Nannies from the Heartland MNP12/9/10 0111 1cx1.indd 11:51 AM1

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Join us for a free class at any of our studio locations. E-mail info@growingwithmusic.com for additional information. www.growingwithmusic.com

A DEVELOPMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM FOR TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS™ August 2011

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Art Academy MNP 0811 2cx2.indd 1

7/18/11 Growing 12:30 PM With Music MNP 1110 3cx2.indd 1

10/7/10 10:48 AM

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Catalina’s Preschool Spanish

612.825.9205

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Evening classes available

LEARN SPANISH WITH YOUR CHILD • Classes for kids 11/2-6 & parents • M. Ed. w/32 yrs. exp. • Fun music-based curriculum SW Minneapolis • 612-922-2222 w w w. p r e s c h o o l s p a n i s h . c o m

como park zoo & conservatory saturday, october 15, 2011 10am-2pm

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• Waldorf-Inspired Program • Trained, Licensed Teacher • Mornings with Lunch Option •O Organic rg Whole Foods Snacks nack cks SSouth Mpls. location

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EDUCATION FAIR

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