July 2014

July 2014

BEAT THE HEAT!

Our guide to

r fun

summer wate

THE BEST FAMILY CAMPING SPOTS Page 36

TUMMY TIME MADE EASY Page 40

Page 30

POST-BABY BODY IMAGE Page 12

CONTENTS

Minnesota Parent July 2014

Departments

Features

10 CHATTER 12 BABY ON BOARD

36

Don’t let your post-baby body image bring you down.

14 TODDLER TIME

CAMP OUT

40

Ready to start camping with the kids? We’ve got five sweet starter sites for you to try.

By Kelly Cunningham

NO-MORE-TEARS TUMMY TIME Getting the recommended daily minutes of tummy play needn’t be a chore!

Your little one’s emerging personality may surprise you.

By Jen Wittes 16 ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN

30 SPLASH HAPPY! Looking for a fun water-day destination this summer?

Explore our list of the Twin Cities’ best water parks, splash pads and wading pools.

By Jen Wittes

Should triplets be placed in separate preschool classrooms?

18 IN THE KITCHEN Get inspired with a local chef’s favorite asparagus salad.

20 TWEENS & TEENS Joy Riggs, our longtime teens columnist, says goodbye!

22 HOT STUFF Step up your summer style with six new beauty products.

24 GROWS ON TREES Buying clothes for kids?

Read this before you shop.

ABOUT OUR COVER KIDS Names: Charlie, 4, Robert “Bo,” 6 City: Maple Grove

26 BOOK SHELF

Parents: Rob and Rachel Nadeau

Check out our top picks for readers of all ages.

Sibling: Emilia, 4 months CHARLIE’S FAVORITES

BO’S FAVORITES:

58 FROM OUR READERS

Food: Apple juice

Food: Cheez-Its

TV show: LEGO: The Adventures of Clutch Powers

TV show: LEGO: The Adventures of Clutch Powers

Local parents share kid photos and their little ones’ funniest quotes.

Activities: Baseball, bowling, Play-DOH and playing with his magnetic building set.

Activities: Bowling, T-ball, toy phones, LEGOS and playing with his magnetic building set.

Book: You Choose (Usborne)

Book: To the Rescue (Little Critter Series)

PHOTOS BY RACHEL NADEAU • DE LA VUE PHOTOGRAPHY • DELAVUE.COM

6 July 2014

Out&About PAGE 46

GYMNASTICS TUMBLING TRAMPOLINE

From the editor

Savor this summer!

F

OPENES HOUS 21 & Aug. 18 8:00 5:30 – tions} oth loca {b

Gleason’s Gymnastics School Strengthening children in mind and body through successful gymnastics experiences

www.gleasons.com

inally, it’s here! Summer! And to celebrate, we’ve put together an issue of Minnesota Parent to help you make this your best summer ever, no matter what kind of weather Mother Nature throws your way.

First we’re taking you camping with five of the best campgrounds near the Twin Cities, courtesy of Kelly Cunningham of Maple Grove. She’s the mother of five behind the Muddy Flowers mom blog. She’s also co-founder of Beyond the Tent, a Midwest camping website that showcases her family’s outdoor adventures, plus all the best sites and gear for camp-savvy Minnesotans.

But what if it’s not camping weather — hot, sticky and humid?

No problem: Then it’s time to beat the heat at the Twin Cities’ best water parks and splash pads. “But,” you may ask, “what if thunderstorms and mosquito swarms come?” No problem: Our water park feature includes indoor options for those dodgy days.

Also with this issue, I’m delighted to introduce a new contributor to Minnesota Parent — local chef and new father Vincent Francoual. Since 2001, Vincent has been the owner of the award-winning downtown Minneapolis eatery Vincent, A Restaurant. Last year, he and his partner Brenda Maurseth welcomed a daughter to their family and he’s since been inspired to create original, family-friendly recipes for our In the Kitchen department.

If, like Vincent, you have an infant — and you aren’t quite ready for a trip down the waterslide with your little one — we’ve got you covered this month, too, with our in-depth story on tummy time.

Yes, it’s incredibly important, but it can be tear-free and fun, too!

And if you’re a new mama struggling to come to terms with your post-baby body, be sure to read Shannon Keough’s Baby on Board column: She’s happy to commiserate with you, but she also has some simple steps moms can take to combat the post-baby body blues.

Finally, with this issue, we’re saying goodbye to two of our longtime writers, Teens and Tweens columnist Joy Riggs and Grows on Trees columnist Kara McGuire. We’ve been honored to have both these fantastic moms sharing their parenting advice in Minnesota Parent, but both are moving on to other adventures.

We wish them all the best — and we’re excited to welcome two new voices to our pages with our next issue in August.

Stay tuned. And happy summer to you!

Maple Grove 763.493.2526 9778 85th Ave. N Sarah Dorison Editor

Eagan 651.454.6203 2015 Silver Bell Rd. 8 July 2014 Gleason's Gymnastics MNP 0714 V3.indd 1

6/18/14 8:35 AM

Vol. 29 • Issue 7

Co-Publishers Janis Hall jhall@mnparent.com Terry Gahan tgahan@mnparent.com General Manager Chris Damlo 612-436-4376 cdamlo@mnparent.com Editor Sarah Dorison 612-436-4385 sdorison@mnparent.com Contributing Writers/Photographers Patricia Carlson Kelly Cunningham Peter Dehnel Zoe Gahan Shannon Keough Kara McGuire Joy Riggs Jen Wittes Creative Director Dana Croatt dcroatt@mnparent.com Senior Graphic Designer Valerie Moe Graphic Designer Amanda Wadeson

Are you currently pregnant or had a baby during the previous month and interested in participating in a telephone-based health and wellness program?

The University of Minnesota is seeking women who are currently pregnant or less than 6 weeks postpartum to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise and wellness on mood following childbirth • Participants receive a motivational exercise program or a health and wellness program, which begins after the birth of your baby (participants can sign up for the program during pregnancy) • Program delivered to you via the mail and phone • Must be 18 years of age or older; must not currently exercise regularly • Must not take antidepressants • Must have a history of depression • You will receive $100 for your time

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Sales Administrator Kate Manson 612-436-5085 kmanson@mnparent.com Circulation Marlo Johnson 612-436-4388 distribution@mnparent.com Advertising 612-825-9205 sales@mnparent.com 60,000 copies of Minnesota Parent are 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 2014 by Minnesota Premier Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Address all material to address above.

July 2014 9

FRAMING CREATIVITY GILDA’S CLUB Cancer patients of all ages have a new place to turn for emotional support: Gilda’s Club Twin Cities, a nonprofit cancer-support community clubhouse in Minnetonka. Entrance to the club, which opened in April, is free to anyone, as is the array of support services and social activities. “Over 28,000 people are affected by cancer every year in Minnesota,” said executive director Michelle Silverman. “With the opening of our first Gilda’s Club, none of them has to face this disease alone.

Men, women, teens, children, their families and friends — all are welcome.”

Gilda’s Club is a national organization started in memory of Gilda Radner, the Saturday Night Live comedian who died of ovarian cancer in 1989. Learn more at gildasclubtwincities.org.

FIRST DENTIST VISIT When should your child start going to the dentist? Most parents don’t take their kids until they’re at least 21/2 years old, according to the insurer Delta Dental. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, however, recommends children have their first dentist visit by age 1 — or within six months after a first tooth erupts. Need some motivation?

Dr. Ellie Sakhi, an Arden Hills mother of two, recently opened her own pediatric dentistry practice on Highway 7 in St. Louis Park. She’s taking new patients now. (She’s also offering free exams for infants younger than 1 year old.)

Learn more at toothandco.com.

10 July 2014

Celebrate your kids’ creativity by putting their best masterpieces not on the fridge, but on your walls with super-cool 3D art frames.

Designed with open fronts and large, slide-in openings on their sides, these glass-free frames can accommodate the many mixedmedia accents that come home with school projects. We’re talking pipe cleaners, tissue paper, pasta and more. Parents Colin and Eona Gilchrist of Glasgow, Scotland, invented the award-winning frames for their sons’ art. Single, double and triple styles are available now at amazon.com ($23 to $49) or you can order from the entire company line at articulategallery.co.uk. Look for the frames at even more U.S. retailers this fall.

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Shannon

Keough

Your post-baby body image

M

y daughter was about a year old when I went to see Gramma’s Boyfriend, a band featuring local musician

Haley Bonar.

I’d last seen her perform many months before, when both Haley and I were pregnant. I don’t know her personally, but the fact that we have daughters about the same age made me feel like we had some kind of cosmic bond.

Then Haley came out on stage. This was the woman who’d been my pretendcomrade in pregnancy? She was thin as a rail! I contemplated my own still-fleshy body — the body I’d finally started feeling okay about again. I felt a wave of selfloathing, realizing how shallow I was being.

Was this what I wanted to model for my daughter — an insecure, appearanceobsessed mother?

“When women become new mothers, they are often very surprised at how long it takes for their bodies to feel and look ‘back to normal,’” said Sara Pearce, founder of Amma Parenting Center in Minneapolis. “Not feeling at home in a postpartum body can heighten a woman’s sense of being a stranger in a strange land. With all the changes in identity that motherhood brings, living in a postpartum body can add to the sense of losing oneself, especially for women who have struggled with a prior eating disorder or negative body image.”

Clearly, my conflicted feelings about my appearance were normal. However, this knowledge didn’t make it any easier when

12 July 2014

I was unable to fit into any of my nonmaternity pants, or when I saw pictures of myself looking slumped and wilted while holding my infant daughter.

The transition from pregnant to postpartum was harsher than I’d expected.

I think this had a lot to do with my generally positive experience of pregnancy. I gained a normal amount of weight, had minimal side effects (no morning sickness, for example) and felt good about the way I felt and looked. Friends and strangers fawned over my pregnant self. It was a big nine-month ego boost.

Then I had my baby, and everything changed. Suddenly, I was no longer the center of attention — my baby was. And that was probably a good thing, really, because I was supremely disappointed with what I’d become. I felt exhausted and lumpy. My skin was dull and my hair was

falling out. I’d gone from feeling smokin’ hot to feeling like a gnarled old shadow of femininity.

Even worse, I felt guilty about the way I was feeling. Shouldn’t concerns for my baby take precedence over concerns for my eternally bloated midsection? I probably could’ve been easier on myself, though.

The National Institute of Mental Health recently conducted a study examining body image during the postpartum period.

According to the study, women’s body dissatisfaction tends to increase significantly in the nine months after delivery, peaking around six months postpartum.

This was found to be associated with worse mental health (especially depression) and overeating or poor appetite, among other troubling things.

So, it would seem that new mothers needn’t feel so guilty when they sadly slip into their worn-out yoga pants for the

third time in a week or mourn the loss of their once-luscious hair (now clogging the shower drain).

But how can we make things better? Here are some practical suggestions from other mothers who’ve been through it before.

Buy some clothes that fit: “I thought refusing to buy any new clothes would be a great motivator to get back in shape,” said Casey, a mother of two in Minneapolis. “But it just made me depressed when I had to keep wearing my maternity clothes.” Instead of torturing yourself with clothes that don’t fit, buy a few inexpensive items of clothing that fit now.

If finances are an issue, check consignment shops or thrift stores or organize a clothing swap with friends.

Get active: This isn’t an admonishment to

hit the gym and get back in shape, but a friendly suggestion to do something physical that makes you feel good. “I used to go jogging all the time, but that stopped suddenly after I had my son,” said Jen, a mother in St. Louis Park. “Now I have a friend visit once a week to watch the baby while I go for a short run. I feel more like myself now.” Your approach could be even simpler — taking a few minutes in the morning to stretch or running your errands using the stroller instead of the car, for example.

Go easy on yourself: The postpartum

period is challenging and transformative, and you simply might not have the time or inclination to “work” on your appearance — and that’s okay. “I teach new mothers that their babies are here to teach them how to love, and one of the people they’re supposed to love is themselves,” said Pearce. “Be gentle with yourself. It helps to remind yourself that your body was strong and healthy and did what it was supposed to do. It grew a whole new human! How cool is that?”

Shannon Keough lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two children.

Send questions or comments to editor@mnparent.com.

Jen

Wittes

Your child’s emerging personality

B

efore motherhood, I maintained a normal, healthy relationship with dinosaurs.

I mean, I’d been to the natural history museums in New York and D.C., as well as the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles. I’ve seen huge finds — fossils and murals — and tour guides stage-whispering, “Can you even imagine a living creature THIS tremendous?”

Neat, I’d think — and then move on, hardly an aficionado.

Now I can perfectly pronounce the names of the most obscure prehistoric beasts. Quetzalcoatlus anyone?

I’ve led rogue expeditions on the littered banks of the city-adjacent Mississippi, agreeing that this rock and that rock sure did look like the skull of a mammoth or a pachycephalosaurus.

“I’ll get you into my museum for free, Mom, when I’m a paleontologist. And I’ll let you ride in my jeep.”

My son, now 7, has a career path far more clearly developed than that of most adults. Paleontologist by day, rock star by night … that is, lead guitarist in a world famous band comprised of other paleontologists.

And it all started during the toddler years. Those interests, the curiosity, and the personality — talkative, inquisitive, goofy, literal, flirtatious (but don’t let him catch you saying so), brave.

At some point between ages 1 and 3, it becomes clear that the soft, suckling creature you once knew as your baby is actually … a person.

A person who may, unlike yourself, delight in all things math and science. A person who might — much to your dismay — bring you bugs and worms

14 July 2014

and frogs, proudly and with flourish, like the pet cat providing the proverbial dead mouse.

While waiting for this person to arrive, you perhaps made a sworn pact as a couple. Elmo will never be a part of OUR world. So passionately did you talk about your mistrust of the red Muppet, that the script read somewhat like parents of the valedictorian forbidding their daughter to date the guy with the motorcycle.

Fast forward a year or two and — oops — the little bugger snuck in. And what’s more — you now like Elmo.

In fact, upon seeing him at Sesame Street Live, you burrowed your nose into your little girl’s hair as she sat on your lap. And you shed actual tears, overcome with emotion at seeing him in the fur.

It makes sense that you embrace your child’s interests. Enthusiasm is contagious, after all. So you get on board with bugs and worms, you turn a blind eye to the disturbing nature of every toddler’s fascination with that red fur.

You get an ant farm, you make a Sesame Street cake, and tally the first few of millions of crazy things you will do in order to make your child feel happy and understood.

But then, personality goes far beyond interests, doesn’t it? A person — whether 3 or 33 — is more than ponies, dinosaurs, seashells, rhyming, sidewalk chalk or whatever the obsession du jour.

Says Twin Cities mother Andrea Parish of her remarkably spunky daughter: “The tough part is that we have no basis in understanding her personality.

“We are both classic introverts and she is over-thetop extroverted. It’s hard to understand and sometimes even harder to parent.”

TODDLER TIP

Take that village Does Grandpa, recently retired, have a book on bugs and a whole lot of time on his hands? Schedule a backyard adventure.

Librarians are pretty cool, too.

Apologize to your mother for your own toddler behaviors and ask her how she handled you.

Find like-minded parents — break bread, laugh, and cry while your toddlers play.

Throw in another kid or two and you find yourself navigating vastly different personality types, perhaps even using different parenting styles for each child.

Kristy Grigsby, a Lakeville mother of three says of her twins as toddlers: “She led her brother around by his shirt sometimes. And he just rolled with it. He was considered the laid-back one, while she had a flair for the dramatic. Being laid-back myself, I didn’t quite know how to handle her tantrums.

On the flip side, I’d have to make a conscious effort to make sure her brother wasn’t completely eclipsed by her big personality.”

Who knew? Our babies grow to be people — with wild imaginations, jars of bugs, a taste for tofu, perhaps a slightly neurotic obsession with cement mixers.

Toddler Parent, as you figure out — either gradually or suddenly — who your little person is, I encourage you to bravely move beyond the parenting books that so clearly use a one-size-fits-all approach.

Treating children differently is perfectly fair — because they are individuals, after all, with different needs, perspectives and interests. In the process, don’t forget to honor your own personality as well.

If you can’t handle Elmo, don’t. If you have a laminated list of rules in the face of a little free spirit, compromise slightly in the direction of your own leanings.

And as your child’s personality emerges, promising to — in rapid intervals — both horrify and delight you, be kind to yourself.

Kind, I say, because in time you may realize that the real parenting challenge comes not in the ways in which you and your toddler-person differ, but the ways in which you are the same.

Your own shortcomings, obsessions, qualities, and quirks mirrored back at you? May you look upon them with cringing, smiling wonder.

Jen Wittes lives in St. Paul and is the mother of two. She’s helped many Twin Cities families in her work as a postpartum doula. Send questions or comments to editor@mnparent.com.

Peter

Dehnel, MD

personalities, interests and preferences.

It also puts them at a real disadvantage in terms of instant comparisons in school progress and academics as well as interests and aptitudes.

For example, if one of the three is more of a sports-oriented girl and the other two like to read a lot, the one who doesn’t read as much may be seen as not being as good on the academic side, especially in the first few years of school.

Finally, getting confused with your siblings is never fun at any age, and being called by your correct name is always important. Three similar-looking girls in the same class, especially if they like to dress in similar clothes, can lead to frequently being called by the wrong name.

My son refuses to wear a life vest each time we go out on a boat. What can I do?

Life vests, especially for younger children and toddlers, are an essential safety need, so this really can’t be optional. If you meet significant resistance, here are some things you can try: • If possible, have your child wear a life vest when he’s not going on a boat, just to get him used to wearing the vest.

Our 4-year-old triplet girls are starting preschool. Should they be in separate classrooms?

In working with families that have twins or triplets, one of the biggest challenges is for the children to develop their own, separate identities over time.

Having them all in the same classroom, unless there isn’t another option, tends to significantly inhibit, or at least delay, each child in developing their own independent

16 July 2014

• Get him his own special life vest, one that fits him well, in a color he chooses or with a favorite cartoon character on the fabric to give him a sense of pride and ownership.

• Have older children or even adults model the habit: Everyone wears a life jacket on the boat. Granted, this may not be very popular with the other adults, but it may be effective.

Finally, if going on the boat is a fun activity for him, and if he’s 3 years or older, you may just have to go down the path of, “If you don’t put on the life vest, we can’t go on the boat.” This has to be firmly but lovingly enforced, “If the vest doesn’t get put on, then there’s no boat ride, period.” If you give in even once, he may continue to resist wearing a life vest.

SUN SAFETY To learn more about highly rated sunscreens and sun safety for all ages, go to ewg.org/ 2014sunscreen.

My daughter seems to react strongly when sunscreen is applied near her eyes, nose and mouth, and now she refuses to let us put it on.

What can we do?

In many ways, sunscreen lotions have great success preventing sunburns — and also reducing long-term cancer risks. And, in recent years sunscreen lotions have been made to be longer lasting, more water resistant, easier to apply and have a higher level of sun protection for children of younger ages.

Children, especially young children and toddlers with more permeable skin, can react to a number of different components in sunscreen. They can react to something in the base — the lotion component — or they can react to the chemicals, which are added to block absorption of the ultraviolet rays.

The base can have various ointments, fragrances or colors added to make it more appealing, yet any of these could be irritants. The sun-blocking chemicals in sunscreen can definitely cause skin sensitivity. Higher “sun protection factor” (SPF) sunscreens tend to have a higher concentration of chemicals that can cause reaction problems in a small percentage of children.

A suggested approach is to try a variety of sunscreen products and see if there are some that aren’t so bothersome: Sometimes a lower SPF sunscreen may be easier to tolerate. Clear spray-on products may not cause as much of a reaction.

Finally — if all else fails — hats, sunglasses, sun-protective clothing and keeping children out of the sun as much as possible, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. may be the solution that works best.

Dr. Peter Dehnel is a board-certified pediatrician and medical director with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Send your questions to editor@mnparent.com.

This column is intended to provide general information only and not medical advice.

Contact your health care provider with questions about your child.

WALK-IN URGENT CARE FOR YOUR LITTLE DAREDEVILS

Summertime in Minnesota means parks, playdates and pool parties – and lots of new adventures! But if your summer fun takes a turn, Park Nicollet is nearby and here to help with walk-in urgent care at eight locations, plus same-day appointments at 20 neighborhood clinics.

parknicollet.com/kids

By Chef Vincent Francoual

Grilled asparagus salad 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound) ½ cup grape tomatoes, halved ½ cup small mozzarella balls, halved lengthwise 2 cups pea shoots, arugula or baby spinach Vinaigrette (recipe included), to taste Extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat an outdoor grill to medium and preheat an oven to 375 degrees.

Toss tomatoes in a baking dish with a drizzle of oil, salt and pepper.

Bake them at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes. Side aside to cool.

Rub the asparagus with oil and season with salt and pepper.

Grill for 5 minutes or until well-marked, turning occasionally.* Combine the cooled tomatoes and mozzarella balls and marinate with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the vinaigrette.

Variation: The asparagus and tomatoes can be roasted at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes if a grill is not available or if you want to simplify the recipe.

Add the pea shoots, arugula or spinach to the tomato-mozzarella mixture and toss with 2 or 3 more tablespoons of the vinaigrette.

Place 4 or 5 warm asparagus spears in the center of each plate and top with a quarter of the salad mixture.

Serves 4

Vinaigrette 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon water ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil This recipe makes extra vinaigrette. It goes with all kinds of salads and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

18 July 2014

Mix the mustard, red wine vinegar and water in a small bowl.

Whisk in the olive oil.

Season with salt and pepper.

Chef Vincent Francoual has been the chef/ owner of Vincent, A Restaurant in downtown Minneapolis since its inception in 2001. In 2013, he and Brenda Maurseth welcomed a daughter to the family — their “petite fromage,” Chloe Neige. Francoual is enjoying his adventures in fatherhood and is quite sure Chloe will follow in his culinary footsteps.

Joy

Riggs

Time for a transition!

F

ive years ago, when my daughter Louisa was finishing seventh grade, her English teacher gave the class one last assignment: Write a letter to your future, high school senior self. Include a description of your current likes, dislikes and accomplishments; write down some reminders of what you want to do as a senior; and make some predictions.

The teacher kept the letters, and in May — a few weeks before graduation — Louisa’s self-addressed letter arrived in our mailbox. It was a fascinating glimpse back in time.

The letter’s contents not only showed how much she’s matured during her teenage years, her words also revealed how much she is, at her core, the same person she’s always been since her birth 18 years ago: Dramatic and creative, optimistic and outgoing, strong-willed yet loving.

I wish I’d written a similar letter to myself when I became the Minnesota Parent tween and teen columnist five and a half years ago. It would be interesting to see what advice I would’ve offered future me. Get more sleep. Ease off on the mom guilt. Trust yourself.

I’m not the same person I was before I began guiding my daughter and her younger brothers through the tween and teen years. I’ve made mistakes, faced situations I wouldn’t have predicted and, along the way, grown as a person.

In many ways, though, I feel like the same mom who brought a baby home from the hospital and thought: What

20 July 2014

Joy, her husband Steve Lawler (far right) and their children, Sebastian, Elias and Louisa, visited the Colosseum in Rome in March, their last big family vacation before Louisa's graduation.

now? Where’s the owner’s manual for this baby? Am I capable of handling the days and weeks ahead?

When my first column appeared in the March 2009 issue of Minnesota Parent, Louisa was almost 13, and Sebastian and Elias were 10 and 8, respectively. I wrote about the new HPV vaccine, and the reasons why my husband and I had decided to have Louisa get the vaccine. She wasn’t a big fan of shots, and she was so mad at me, she wouldn’t speak to me for at least an hour afterward, even when I took her to Dairy Queen for a post-shot treat.

It was one of many personal stories I’ve shared in the more than 60 columns I’ve

written. Topics often were inspired by my own parenting experiences, like Elias’ decision to become a vegetarian (April 2012), and Sebastian’s definition of a good book (May 2009): “It should have fighting or some kind of action, and puzzles the characters have to solve; things can’t go smoothly. And a little bit of love here and there doesn’t hurt.”

Writing this column also allowed me to step back and remind myself of the bigger picture of parenting tweens and teens. It’s a journey, one that requires faith and patience, and one that does indeed have its rich rewards, despite those moments of struggle and doubt along the way.

In September, my husband and I will embark upon a new adventure in parenting; we’ll take Louisa to college.

When we return home without her, I expect to ask myself: What now? Where’s the manual for parenting this young adult? Am I capable of handling the months and years ahead?

Despite the uncertainties, I feel confident that our family will adapt to this new phase in our lives. Change is healthy.

That’s partly why I’ve decided to step down as tweens and teens columnist and pursue work on a nonfiction book project.

I’ll still have two teenagers at home, however, so I’ll still be searching for advice and new teen parenting ideas.

Fortunately, Jennifer Wizbowski, a Wayzata mother of two (ages 10 and 13), will be taking over the column in August.

I hope she enjoys the columnist gig as much as I have!

Before I sign off, my heartfelt thanks goes out to Editor Sarah Dorison and previous editors Kathleen Stoehr and Tricia Cornell for giving me the grand opportunity to write this column; to all the sources I’ve had the pleasure to interview: You’ve helped me more than you know; to my readers, for taking time out of your busy lives to read my words; to my husband Steve for his support; and to my kids, Louisa, Sebastian and Elias, for allowing me to include them in my columns.

I’ll conclude by quoting from Louisa’s seventh-grade letter. Her advice to her future self is also pretty good advice for anyone who’s navigating the oftenconfusing, occasionally hilarious and ultimately rewarding adventure we call parenting.

Remember to: • Make new friends but keep the old; • Sing; • Read; • Not procrastinate; • Have time for fun!

Joy Riggs lives in Northfield and is the mom of three teenagers. You can read her blog at mymusicalfamily.blogspot.com.

July 2014 21

ECO-FRIENDLY BEAUTY Avoid chemicals while protecting your skin — and stepping up your style this summer — with six new breakthrough beauty products.

By Patricia Carlson

SWEET CHEEKS FUZZ OFF Billed as “the only hair removal cream formulated specifically for your most intimate area,” ‘fuzz’ off bikini cream from bliss includes a precision applicator for a perfectly smooth, shaped bikini line. It has a light, pleasant scent and contains soothing conditioning oils, plus shea and cocoa butters. blissworld.com • $30

22 July 2014

TOP FINISH Create beach-chic tresses — minus damaging chemicals, synthetic colors, mineral oil and petrolatum — with Alterna Caviar: Perfect Texture Finishing Spray.

It offers all the benefits of dry shampoo without the residue buildup. alternahaircare.com • $28

A swipe of Flower Kiss Me Twice Lip & Cheek Chubby goes a long way. This highly pigmented stick is versatile enough for your lips, cheeks and eyes — no need to invest in multiple products.

Simply blend the creamy color for your desired glow factor. We love that it’s free of talc, parabens and D5. flowerbeauty.com • $9.98

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Kara

McGuire

Save money on school clothes

$

2.97. I felt a swell of satisfaction as I cut the price tag off the superhero T-shirt. What a steal.

But the feeling was short-lived.

After my most recent hauls from the clearance racks were outright rejected by my kids, I figured this shirt would never see a chocolate ice cream dribble or muddy sleeve.

Keeping kids clothed with the cash you have on hand can feel like an impossible feat. That’s especially the case around back-to-school, a season that is just around the corner: In mere weeks, the crayons and backpacks will be overflowing from retailer aisles, competing for sales in an ever-earlier fashion reminiscent of Christmas creep.

Back to school is a major consumerspending season, second only to the December holidays, in fact, according to the National Retail Federation. In 2013, shoppers prepping for back-to-school spent an average of $635. School supplies, followed by clothes and shoes, are the most popular purchases, a Deloitte retail report found, with department stores cited as the No. 1 stop for such purchases.

Department stores can have excellent sales, especially during peak shopping seasons. But there are other ways to get an A in shopping acumen that won’t have your kids complaining about mom’s style-less stash of can’t-pass-up-duds.

Second-hand stores. Thrifty moms and dads can thank Macklemore and Ryan Lewis for making thrift shopping cool again. And thrift stores are also upping their own cache with new services. For

24 July 2014

example, you can make an appointment with a personal shopper at Arc’s Value Village — a service once offered only by high-end department stores. Unique Thrift Stores offer a free VIP program that unlocks special discounts on VIP days.

Kids consignment sales. For parents of young kids, clothing consignment sales are a one-stop shop for barely used clothing and gear. There are so many of these sales with names such as Just Between Friends and Munchkin Markets that there are bloggers dedicated to listing them all. It’s possible to earn some money in addition to saving some money at these sales by unloading your family’s gently loved goods. Plus you can volunteer to

work the sales, usually swapping working hours for exclusive shopping hours.

Clothing swaps. A dress stuffed in the

back of one person’s closet could very well become a weekly staple for someone else.

That’s the whole idea behind clothing swaps. Get your friends together and start trading. Sites such as getrichslowly.org have guidelines for organizing and hosting a swap. Use clothesswap.meetup. com to find events already organized in your area or try an online swap site such as swapstyle.com.

Social media. Facebook might have

started as a place to share pictures of our kids, but now it’s become the hub for

information about schools, summer camps, parenting theories and shopping.

Many neighborhoods have set up groups for swapping and selling items of all kinds. Kids’ clothing is a popular category.

And the prices are typically cheaper than a consignment store. If your neighborhood doesn’t have a page, consider setting one up with local friends with kids of similar ages.

Shop savvy. If you’re always on the

lookout for solid deals, no retailer is off limits. If you use credit cards with rewards, familiarize yourself with the perks. Many offer rotating bonus deals that increase your savings in certain categories. Others offer their own online shopping portals that net additional cash back. Shop through a cash-back site like ebates.com or mrrebates.com and you can see significant savings over time. Online couponing sites are another way to save cash, as is signing up for retailer loyalty programs or email offers.

Read up on returns. I can’t always resist

an out-of-season deal, and will risk a child disliking or outgrowing an item if it’s a steal. But some return policies make it easy to take back never-used merchandise.

Be sure to consider a store’s return policy when choosing where to shop. For example, I still purchase winter gear at outdoor retailer REI for my kids as the season ends. That’s because despite recently tightening its returns policy, they’ll still take merchandise that was purchased up to a year ago with a receipt.

Follow these strategies and you’ll have enough left o ver to contribute to that school fundraiser you know is right around the corner.

This is my last Minnesota Parent column. Thanks for reading!

Kara McGuire is a personal finance expert and St. Paul mother of three. After seven years writing Grows on Trees, Kara is moving on to other projects. Look for her new book The Teen Money Manual: A Guide to Cash, Credit, Spending, Saving, Work, Wealth and More in August.

You can get there. We can help.

Visit www.MN529today.com or call 1-877-338-4646

July 2014 25

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole These boys are on a mission — a mission to find something spectacular. So they dig a hole. And they keep digging. And they find … nothing, in an entertaining, funny and interesting way.

Illustrated by the awardwinning author-illustrator behind I Want My Hat Back and This Is Not My Hat — and penned by the author of President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath — this picturedriven book engages the imagination with deadpan humor and dry wit.

By Mac Barnett Illustrated by Jon Klassen $16.99

Miss You Like Crazy In this must-have picture book for working moms — created by two Minnesota women — Walnut doesn’t want to leave his mamma, who has to go to work, as usual. “Don’t you miss me all day?” he asks. “Only like crazy,” she responds, and the two agree: It would be fun if he could go to work with her. He must go to school, of course. But she explains that he’s always on her mind, and together they come up with a way to have a physical presence during each other’s days even when they’re apart.

By Pamela Hall Illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell $15.99

8, 9 and 10: Odd One Out Some animals look different — or do something different — from the rest. Can you help find them? This playful, interactive board book, part of the author’s Odd One Out series, helps toddlers with counting and language development. Genechten, a Belgium-born author-illustrator, has written numerous bestselling children’s books.

In 2007, he won the Reader’s Digest Award for Best Children’s Books Illustrator.

By Guido Van Genechten $12.95

26 July 2014

Hungry Johnny Created by two members of Minnesota’s Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, this vibrantly illustrated title geared toward ages 3 and older, is rich with American Indian traditions. It also tackles a universal truth: When kids are hungry, they like to “eat, eat, eat” — and they don’t like to wait.

In Johnny’s family, elders eat first, then the kids. Will it ever be their turn? Yes! And despite his growling tummy, Johnny learns to be patient and respectful.

By Cheryl Minnema Illustrated by Wesley Ballinger $17.95

Plant a Pocket of Prairie Not sure what to plant in your yard?

Go native — or simply learn more about native plants and animals — with this approachable picture book. Created by the Minnesota-based duo who produced Big Belching Bog in 2010, it tells the natural history of Minnesota’s prairies in beautiful detail. In the back, you’ll find easy-to-use guides that show the best grasses and perennial flowers to plant to mimic a native prairie plus some of the most common prairie-dependent birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians, like red-throated hummingbirds and tiger swallowtail butterflies. Even if you don’t garden, you’ll love using these pages to identify the many native plants and animals found in Minnesota.

By Phyllis Root Illustrated by Betsy Bowen $14.95

30 July 2014

Soak it up!

Your guide to the Twin Cities’ best water-fun destinations

•••••

By Jen Wittes

Ah, to be a Minnesota parent. We white-knuckle it through some of the longest, hardest winters in the country, daydreaming of long days outdoors without fear of frostbite — green spaces galore, bicycle rides with the kids, bucking the confines of our four walls, thick boots and oh-so-many layers.

Then we hit July. With stubborn refusal to complain about heat, of all things, we smile through our sweat and watch our ice cream cones disintegrate in seconds.

Our best bet for beating the heat? Water, of course — from the glory of the back yard Slip ‘N Slide to the quintessential cabin on the lake.

For those of us stuck in the city, bored with the front-lawn sprinkler and stale mall A/C, the dog days are a time to explore the Twin Cities’ many splash-happy, family-fun destinations.

Not familiar with a favorite urban oasis? We’ll get you started with a short list of the very best.

Cascade Bay Water Park PHOTO BY AL KIECKER

July 2014 31

Tropics Indoor Waterpark Where: Shoreview Why: This indoor oasis caters to fun-seekers of all ages. The star attraction? The Shark Attack slide, featuring a state-of-the art jukebox system that allows participants to choose from 100 different songs to create their own personalized soundtrack and light show. Ride down with Lady Gaga, The White Stripes, The Beatles or even the theme from Jaws for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Cost: $8.75 for ages 1-17, $9.75 for ages 18 and older, $1 discount for Shoreview residents. Memberships, family discounts and coupon books are available.

Tip: Check out the waterpark’s “Dive-In Movie” nights — crafts and games followed by a family-friendly movie projected on a screen over the park. Float on noodles, splash around or kick back on a lounge chair while taking in the show.

Information: shoreviewcommunitycenter.com/waterpark, 651-490-4700.

Lake Hiawatha Park Wading Pool Where: South Minneapolis Why: Minneapolis is home to more than 60 toddler-friendly wading pools. This one — newly renovated with bubbling fountains, sprayers and shade features — is one of the best. The view of Lake Hiawatha and a stellar playground, complete with “tot lot” for the traditional wading-pool contingent, set the scene for a perfect summer day.

Cost: FREE Tip: This hangout is designed for crawlers, cruisers and toddlers. Bring along your favorite beach ball and water toys for some first lessons in sharing and making new friends.

Information: tinyurl.com/wadingpools, 612-370-4930.

32 July 2014

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Great River Water Park Where: St. Paul Why: This is an affordable indoor option for really hot days — or during afternoon thunderstorms. Located right off I-94 and Lexington Parkway, this facility features a splash zone and wading pool for smaller children plus two big waterslides for older kids. There’s also a lap pool, a general swim area, a diving board and a sauna.

Cost: $4.50–$6.50. Family pricing is $16 for up to 5 people. Non-swimmers are allowed to watch for free. Yearly and summer-only memberships, as well as 10-visit punch cards, are available and also include admittance to the outdoor Highland Park Aquatic Center and the newly renovated Como Regional Park Pool.

Tip: These three water facilities host a full summer of swim lessons through Saint Paul Parks and Recreation.

Information: tinyurl.com/greatriverwater, 651-642-0650.

July 2014 33

Oak Hill Splash Pad Where: St. Louis Park Why: For a quick cool-off, check out this elaborate array of no-plunge fun: You’ll find sprayers, sprinklers, tip buckets and more, ideal for those days when you just want to sit back, relax and watch them have all the fun.

Cost: FREE for St. Louis Park residents, $1 for non-residents.

Tip: The water area is located within a huge park with sprawling lawns, beautiful trees and a playground — a cool place for a nature walk, a game of tennis or a picnic before your splash.

Information: tinyurl.com/ohpsp, 952-924-2500.

Cascade Bay Where: Eagan Why: This little gem of a water park is tucked away in the southern ’burbs. The quality and feel of the place is on par with a bigger water park, yet it’s much more affordable and manageable — perfect for getting wet for a couple of hours without making a full day of it. With both big thrills and a zero-entry kiddie pool, it’s a good bet for all ages. A large sand area, a casual on-site eatery and a mini-golf course (extra charge) round out the amenities.

Cost: $8–$10 before 4 p.m. Admission for ages younger than 18 months is FREE. Tip: Go after 4 p.m. for reduced admission ($2 off), reduced crowds and less chance of sunburn.

Information: cascadebay.com, 651-675-5577.

34 July 2014

Square Lake Park Where: Stillwater Why: This Washington County park has pristine beaches and some of the clearest waters in the greater metro area, making it a destination for scuba divers. Other features include picnic tables, grills, a bike trail, a boat and canoe launch, excellent fishing and — new this year — stand-up paddleboarding programs.

Nicollet Commons Park Where: Burnsville Why: This place feels like a little slice of vacation. Often described as a splash pad, it offers much more. Its main attraction is a grand, meandering waterfall slowly falling over beautiful rocks and clear water, surrounded by various plants and trees. You’ll find grassy hills near the action for picnicking and parent relaxation. A regular, timed sprinkler display in the heart of the square adds a thrill of anticipation.

Cost: FREE Tip: Check out the city of Burnsville website (below) for oodles of summer concerts plus Friday-night movies at the commons, which includes a 250-seat amphitheater. You’ll find the Rockin’ Lunch Hour Concert & Rockin’ Readers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 21 with storytime at 11:15 a.m. for preschool and early elementary-age kids, followed by a family-friendly concert. Also consider grabbing lunch or dinner at Mediterranean Cruise Cafe (medcruisecafe.com) before your splash. It boasts a fine patio, tasty food, belly dancing and enticing buffet prices for kids.

Information: tinyurl.com/nicolletcommons, 952-895-4500.

Cost: $5 vehicle permit to drive into the park. Annual permits are available for $25.

Tip: Make a day of it. On the morning of your trip, visit Teddy Bear Park and Tremblay’s Sweet Shop in scenic downtown Stillwater, before the noonday sun demands that you hit those crystal clear waters.

Information: tinyurl.com/ squarelakepark, 651-430-8370.

Jen Wittes lives in St. Paul and is the mother of two.

July 2014 35

FIVE FAMILY-FRIENDLY CAMPGROUNDS 36 July 2014

Ruth Cunningham, 4, of Maple Grove, shows off her s’more-making skills on a recent family trip to Baker Park Campground in Maple Plain.

PHOTOS COURTESY BEYONDTHETENT.COM

Got kids? Wanna camp?

Start with one of these tried-and-true, metro-area sites.

Camping with children can be difficult at times, sure, but it can also be incredibly rewarding, peaceful even!

If you’re just getting started, however, it’s hard to know where to begin your adventures. To provide answers, we’ve found the ultimate expert — Kelly Cunningham, author of the Muddy Flowers mom blog and cofounder of Beyond the Tent, a Midwest camping website she runs with her husband Ryan.

They have five children — ages 14 to 2 — and they’re always on the lookout for places that are fun for the whole family. Here, in Kelly’s words, are the Top 5 campsites for families near the Twin Cities. All are an hour or less from most locations in the metro area.

July 2014 37

FAMILY-FRIENDLY CAMPGROUNDS

RICE CREEK CHAIN OF LAKES CAMPGROUND What and why: Rice Creek is a part of the 5,000-acre Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve in Anoka County. We love this campground for its awesome beach on Peltier Lake, complete with a water station for young kids and a playground geared towards small children. Every time we’ve visited, the lake and play areas have been exceptionally clean, not overly crowded and each campsite is peacefully tucked into a circle of greenery ideal for free play. Nature programs are held regularly at the campground amphitheater and at nearby Wargo Nature Center, one mile north of the campground. Chomonix Golf Course is just a mile down the road.

Where: 7401 Main St., Lino Lakes, 25 minutes north of the Twin Cities

By Kelly Cunningham

WILD RIVER STATE PARK What and why: In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with any of Minnesota’s state parks. This one is my all-time favorite for our family. The view as you enter into the park is breathtaking. We enjoy walking along the paved trails underneath a canopy of enormous trees. Photographers of all skill levels will enjoy taking family photos along the stunning St. Croix River. A visitor center with exhibits and environmental education programs is open year round.

Where: 39797 Park Trail, Center City, about an hour northeast the Twin Cities Information: 651-583-2125, tinyurl.com/wildriverstatepark

Information: 651-262-5050, tinyurl.com/ricecreekcamp

HAM LAKE CAMPGROUND What and why: I was searching for a list of good family campsites within the Twin Cities when the unusual amenity of a petting zoo at this private campground caught my eye. I was hooked on the idea that my children could feed a pen of goats and then wander back to sit by the evening fire. This is one of the most notable campgrounds we’ve visited in the past few years. Our whole family loved our stay, including chatting with friendly staff and playing in shallow Ham Lake.

Where: 2400 Constance Blvd., Ham Lake, 30 minutes north of downtown Minneapolis Information: 763-434-5337, hamlakecampground.com

38 July 2014

BAKER PARK CAMPGROUND What and why: Staying close to home is a fun way to experience what it’s like to camp in a tent with young children — and you have the flexibility to go home if it doesn’t go as planned. This Three Rivers District campground, part of the Baker Park Reserve, is near our house and it was a great way to ease our kids into camping. I love the playground, bike paths and beach area, all just steps away from the camping sites near Lake Independence. I recommend loops G and H because the sites have more space in between campers. We make sure to bring our disc golf basket whenever we visit.

Where: 2309 Baker Park Road, Maple Plain, 30 miles west of Minneapolis Information: 763-694-7662, tinyurl.com/bakerparkcg

KAMP DELS What and why: This family-owned campground on Sakatah Lake is all about the amenities. If you’re looking for a weekend loaded with family fun activities, this is the place! You’ll find water slides, a heated pool, horse rides, three large playgrounds, bike trails, fishing, miniature golf and themed camping events designed to make your vacation memorable.

Where: 14842 Sakatah Lake Road, Waterville, about an hour south of the Twin Cities, east of Mankato Information: 507-362-8616, kampdels.com

Ryan and Kelly Cunningham live in Maple Grove with their five children.

Follow their family’s adventures at muddyflowers.com and beyondthetent.com.

July 2014 39

40 July 2014

Yeah, this is tummy time Helping your baby gain head, neck and core strength needn’t be a dreaded chore.

By Jen Wittes

July 2014 41

TUMMY TIME

In 1992,

the American Academy of Pediatrics started encouraging parents to lay healthy infants younger than 1 on their backs for sleep rather than on their side or stomach. In 1994, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development joined in the public education effort with its “Back to Sleep” campaign. The goal was to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

It worked! SIDS cases dropped 50 percent. A side effect of the movement, however, has been that babies are now lying on their backs for at least 14 hours a day.

Add that to the increased use of car seats as carriers, plus infant swings and bouncers, and you have babies spending even more time reclined.

It’s the polar opposite of what babies experienced before. For years, babies slept on their stomachs and were held more often, too.

Why it’s so important now This shift, while triumphantly saving lives, has caused other unforeseen problems — poor development of gross motor skills, delays in reaching age-appropriate milestones and a dramatic increase in plagiocephaly, also known as flat-head syndrome.

Stacey Siats, a pediatric physical therapist from Savage explains: “If you are laying on a group of

42 July 2014

muscles, you cannot work or contract them. Without a balance of both the front and back sides of the body, children are struggling to engage in activities that require head control and they are experiencing a delay in self-initiated mobility.”

If a baby can’t roll or move to sit independently, she ends up spending even more time on her back.

Rolling and crawling and general opposition from the

earth are important parts of child development, affecting both binocular vision and perspective.

Beyond strength A deficiency in both trunk strength and head control can delay self-feeding when it’s time for a child to try drinking from cup and eating solid foods.

Finally, flattened areas of the head may cause more than cosmetic issues. Recent research suggests that plagiocephaly could lead to developmental delays or neurological issues.

Babies with a severely flattened heads may need to wear a special therapeutic helmets designed to restructure their soft skulls.

To ameliorate the issues brought on by Back to Sleep, the AAP started encouraging parents to give infants intentional periods of play with the tummy side down.

Using an updated slogan of Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play, the AAP now recommends tummy time 2 to 3 times a day for 3 to 5 minutes per time from birth, with more time added gradually. Other authorities, such as the Mayo Clinic, recommend about 20 minutes a day.

Siats, meanwhile, recommends at least 84 minutes a day to counteract the time babies spend reclined.

Many physical therapists follow suit with a recommendation of gradually working up to 90 minutes of tummy play per day by age 4 months.

If 90 minutes sounds like an unrealistic amount of time, fear not. Tummy time can be accrued not just on the floor but also with Baby in arms with a variety of positions, including simply holding your baby to your chest while you’re reclined. (See pages 44-45 for a wealth of tummy time ideas.)

Stay engaged Tummy time’s goal is to develop the head, neck, shoulder and trunk muscles. Before that development occurs, the baby, unable to lift her head, will press her face to the ground and express distress — crying, kicking, even shaking her head no.

To ease frustration, parents should stay involved and positive, Siats said.

“Babies need to be entertained during tummy time,” she said. “It requires the parents to engage.”

While getting down on the floor with the infant, a parent can prop the baby’s upper body gently with a small pillow or rolled up receiving blanket, so that he’s not face down and miserable.

Turn it into playtime Tory Kielas-Jensen is the director at Welcome Baby Care, a Minneapolis-based company offering in-home postpartum support. Like Siats, she enthusiastically

encourages parents to embrace tummy time.

“It’s a fun and easy, hands-on way to help your child develop while you bond with them,” she said.

Kielas-Jensen encourages parents to “rotisserize” the baby. This means equal time on each side — burping on both shoulders, alternating sleeping directions in the crib, carrying with the left arm as well as the right. She says that this helps the baby “explore all sides of his environment, body and family.”

Siats, meanwhile, is a stickler about minimalizing equipment use. This includes car seat use outside the vehicle, swings, bouncers and floor gyms that encourage more back-lying time.

“The equipment we use for our infants is for our convenience and not for their actual development,” she said.

Siats also contends that if babies can’t attain a certain postures on their own, they shouldn’t be forced into it with the help of a device. Simply put, they’re not ready to stand or sit upright if they can’t get there independently.

It all adds up What gets Baby ready for an upright existence? You guessed it: Tummy time.

But take heart. You have options beyond the old face-in-the-floor. Be creative, relax and try to see tummy time as a natural part of your daily life, rather than another item on the to-do list.

Walks to the changing table, burping sessions, baby wearing — it all counts!

July 2014 43

TUMMY TIME

Surprising solutions Many parents are delighted to learn that tummy time can be accrued with Baby in arms. All of the following holds count as tummy time: • The “superbaby” hold. This is when the baby is cradled tummy down rather than chest up, with limbs splayed on either side of the caregiver’s arm; • Holding baby chest to chest while reclined; • Most burping positions; • Many breastfeeding holds, particularly the laid-back nursing position; • Infant carriers in which the child faces the parent’s body, such as the Moby Wrap, Maya Wrap and Ergobaby.

• Any time an infant is pressing away from or pushing off a surface rather than lying back upon it, the right muscles will be engaged. If a caregiver makes an effort to carry baby to the changing table in a way that encourages tummy time every time a diaper change is needed, those minutes can really add up.

Beyond tummy time Crib trick: Alternate which end of the crib you place your baby’s head. This will cause her to naturally turn toward lights, sounds or objects from different positions, which will give her strength and lessen the pressure on any one particular spot on her head.

Don’t get in a bottle rut: A breastfed baby would normally change breasts during feeding. If you’re bottle-feeding, be sure to switch positions regularly.

Side lying: This is a great alternative to tummy time if your baby doesn’t tolerate being on her stomach yet. Place your baby on a blanket on her side. Prop her back against a rolled-up towel for support, if necessary. Place a small, folded washcloth under her head.

Both of baby’s arms should be in front of her. Bring her legs forward at the hips and bend her knees if it makes her more comfortable.

44 July 2014

Keep your child safe.

More than 60,000 young children end up in emergency rooms every year because they got into medicines while their parent or caregiver was not looking.

Always put every medicine and vitamin up and away every time you use it. Also, program your poison control center’s number in your phone: 800.222.1222.

To learn more, visit UpandAway.org In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Up and Away MNP 2012 Filler H6.indd 1

3/27/12 4:52 PM

Mix it up Mirror, mirror: If you have a full-length mirror that ends near the floor, let your little guy try tummy time in front of it (or help him with a hand mirror). He may be motivated by the prospect of seeing his own reflection.

Get naked: Add a touch of novelty to tummy time by letting your child do it in the nude. Imagine the photo ops!

On the ball: You know that exercise ball you stopped using recently? Let your baby girl try this bouncy, curvy surface during tummy time. Hold on to her back and roll the ball back and forth for a sweet ride!

Do it at diaper time: Flip your child over on his or her changing pad (as long as it’s clean) after each diaper for an alternative view. He might get used to the routine.

Avoid spit up: Don’t try tummy time immediately after a big feeding. Babies with severe reflux might experience additional difficulty with tummy time. Time in a baby carrier or burping holds may be better sources of tummy time for them.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics. Learn more about the Safe to Sleep campaign at nichd.nih.gov/sts or healthychildren.org.

Jen Wittes lives in St. Paul and is the mother of two. She’s helped many Twin Cities families in her work as a postpartum doula. Send questions or comments to editor@mnparent.com.

US Dept of Health MNP 2012 NR1 Filler V2.indd 1

7/10/12 2:25 PM July 2014 45

Out About PARENT PICK

PHOTO BY BRUCE SILCOX

Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails Î This interactive and immersive exhibit encourages children to develop STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills while they help Thomas — and his friends — be the best engines they can be!

When: Through Sept. 21 Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul Cost: $9.95 museum admission Info: mcm.org or 651-225-6000

ONGOING Dr. Seuss: The Cat In the Hat Î Who can turn a rainy afternoon into an adventure? The Cat in the Hat, who always has mischievous tricks up his sleeve!

When: Through July 27 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $10.

Info: childrenstheatre.org or 612-874-0400

Marketfest Î Local businesses and vendors showcase fine arts, foods, live concerts in the gazebo and children’s activities including a petting zoo and games.

46 July 2014

When: 6–9 p.m. Thursdays in July Where: Downtown White Bear Lake Cost: FREE Info: marketfest.org

The Wiz Î Experience Dorothy’s adventures with the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion in this Theatre for Young Audiences version of the original Broadway musical.

When: Through Aug. 3 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: $15 Info: stagestheatre.org or 952-979-1111

The Little Mermaid Î Based on the classic Disney-animated feature originally rooted in Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, this production is full of bright costumes, beautiful sets and songs for all ages.

When: Through Aug. 30 Where: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Cost: Prices vary depending upon seat and date.

Info: chanhassentheatres.com or 952-934-1525

JULY 3 Summer Fete Î Ring in Independence Day with two

We Specialize in Them. entertainment stages, a kids’ carnival area and fireworks at dusk.

When: 5–10 p.m. July 3 Where: Normandale Lake Bandshell, Bloomington Cost: FREE. Certain activities are ticketed.

Info: bloomingtonmn.org or 952-858-8500

JULY 4 Independence Day Celebration at Fort Snelling

Pregnancy & Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Labor & Delivery Anxiety & Difficult Birth Recovery New Roles / New Identities, Creating Balance Classes for Couples Counseling & Parenting Issues Couples & Parents Infertility / Perinatal Loss / Adoption Miscarriage Support Group

The Mamas Walking Group Postpartum Counseling Center (612) 296-3800 Offices in Mpls, St. Louis Park, & St. Paul Postpartum Counseling Center MNP 0414 H6.indd 1

THROUGH JULY 6 Military Family Week at the Minnesota Zoo  All military personnel will receive free admission and half-price admission for their family members as well as discounts on food and retail items throughout the zoo.

3/11/14 1:51 PM

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME! PLEASE CALL 952.920.8234 Nurturing young smiles under 12 months to late teens

 The Minnesota Historical Society is offering a wide variety of activities for children this July 4, including a mock battle, a watermelon-eating contest, a parade, historic games and a town ball game.

When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. July 4 Where: Historic Fort Snelling, St. Paul Cost: $11; $9 for seniors and college students; $6 for ages 6-17; free for MNHS members and ages 5 and younger.

Info: mnhs.org or 651-259-3000

www.postpartumcounselingcenter.com

Dr. Ellie Sakhi's New Office

FREE INFANT EXAM (0–1 YR)

4330 Hwy 7, St. Louis Park

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When: June 30–July 6 Where: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Cost: Regular admission fees are $18 for adults, $12 for children/seniors.

Info: mnzoo.org or 952-431-9200

952.920.8234 6/17/14 5:57 PM

Some signs to look for: No big smiles or other joyful expressions by 6 months.

No babbling by 12 months.

No words by 16 months.

JULY 9–13 Maple Grove Days  With parades, games, live entertainment, food tents, a truck and car show, street dances and fireworks, this multi-day event has something for everyone.

When: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. July 9–13 Where: Various locations in Maple Grove Cost: FREE. Some events may be ticketed.

Info: mgco.org or 763-494-6500

Odds of a child becoming a professional athlete: 1 in 16,000 Odds of a child being diagnosed with autism: 1 in 110

Ad Council - Autism MNP 2011 NR5 Filler H4.indd 1

To learn more of the signs of autism, visit autismspeaks.org

© 2010 Autism Speaks Inc. “Autism Speaks” and “It’s time to listen” & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved. The person depicted is a model and is used for illustrative purposes only.

8/5/11 4:44 PM July 2014 47

Out About JULY 10

JULY 18–20

Firefly Magic Night Hike

Highland Fest

Î Take a nighttime hike and discover what makes fireflies glow, participate in a craft and hear a firefly story. This program is designed for ages 3–10 accompanied by an adult.

Î This annual festival includes food, live music, an art fair, a petting zoo, inflatable rides and games and numerous vendors.

When: 8:30–10 p.m. July 10 Where: Maplewood Nature Center, Maplewood Cost: $5 per child. Register by July 7.

Info: maplewoodnaturecenter.com or 651-249-2170

JULY 12 Music @ Franconia Î Bring a blanket, grab a bite or beverage from on-site vendors and enjoy an afternoon of song and dance in the Earthen Amphitheater.

When: Noon–6 p.m. July 12 Where: Franconia Sculpture Park, Shafer Cost: FREE. Parking costs $5 per car.

Info: franconia.org or 651-257-6668

JULY 13 Bastille Day Block Party Î Celebrate France’s national holiday with live music, local artists, organic foods, a fire circus performance and cold beverages.

When: 3–10 p.m. July 13 Where: Outside of Barbette Restaurant, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: barbette.com or 612-827-5710

JULY 17 Youth Science Day Î Ages 13 to 18 are invited to explore their interests in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) with interactive activities, art performances and resources for college and STEM careers.

When: Noon–4 p.m. July 17 Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Cost: Museum admission is $13 or $10 for children/seniors.

Info: smm.org or 651-221-9444

48 July 2014

When: 5–11 p.m. July 18; 9 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

July 19; 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. July 20 Where: Highland Village, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: highlandfest.com

Middle Eastern Festival Î Hosted by St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, this festival features children’s games, traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, live entertainment, camel rides, a marketplace, a silent auction and more.

When: Noon–10 p.m. July 18–19, noon–6 p.m. July 20 Where: St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, West St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: mideastfest.com or 651-457-0854

JULY 19 Eat Local Farm Tour Î Tour 20 Minnesota and Wisconsin family farms, dairies and more as part of this fourth-annual event, organized by 11 Twin Cities food co-ops.

When: July 19 Where: Pick up tour guides at participating co-ops.

Cost: FREE Info: facebook.com/eatlocalfarmtour.coop

Rondo Days Î Celebrating the best and brightest of Minnesota’s African-American stories, achievements and culture, this festival includes a parade, events with the Minnesota History Center and more.

When: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. July 19 Where: The Rondo Education Center’s outdoor field, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: rondoavenueinc.org or 651-315-7676

Tasty Treats from the Bees Î Learn about bees and their important

role in many ecosystems. Sample different honeys and fruits pollinated by bees. This program is intended for families with children ages 4 to 10.

When: 10–11:30 a.m. July 17 Where: Maplewood Nature Center, Maplewood Cost: $4 per person or $8 per family.

Register by July 17.

Info: maplewoodnaturecenter.com or 651-249-2170

JULY 24 Eighth-Annual Bat Survey Î Participants will listen for bats with an electronic echo-locator and help identify species flying over the nature center pond on this twilight hike intended for adults and ages 8 and older.

When: 8:30–10 p.m. July 24 Where: Maplewood Nature Center, Maplewood Cost: $4 per person. Register by July 22.

Info: maplewoodnaturecenter.com or 651-249-2170 Foss Swim School MNP 0514 S3.indd 1

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JULY 29 Quack, Quack, Ribbit, Ribbit Puppet Show Î Wild animal puppets encourage the audience to laugh and sing along in this show for ages 2 and older. Afterward, participants may go on a self-guided nature bingo hike.

When: 10:30–11:30 a.m. July 29 Where: Maplewood Nature Center, Maplewood Cost: FREE. Register by July 27.

Info: maplewoodnaturecenter.com or 651-249-2170

MONDAYS Monday Morning Kids Series Î Join a different artist each week to learn and play.

When: 10:30 a.m. Mondays through Aug. 4 Where: Moor Park, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: bloomingtonmn.gov

July 2014 49

Out About TUESDAYS Family Fun Tuesdays Î This performance and education series encourages children and their parents to experience a variety of art forms, cultures and new ideas.

When: 10–11 a.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 26 Where: Caponi Art Park, Eagan Cost: FREE or a suggested donation of $4 per person Info: caponiartpark.org or 651-454-9412

Preschool Playdate Tuesdays Î Preschool-age kids can take part in activities for little hands and minds, including science experiments and performances.

When: 10 a.m.–noon Tuesdays Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Cost: $13; admission is FREE for ages 4 and younger.

Info: smm.org/playdates or 651-221-9444

Arty Pants: Your Tuesday Playdate Î Ages 3 to 5 are invited for activities, storytelling, films and art projects.

When: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays Where: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: walkerart.org or 612-375-7600

Dress Up and Boogie Down Kids’ Music Series Î Kids and families are encouraged to wear goofy clothes and listen to live music.

When: 5:30–7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 12 Where: Arlington Hills Library parking lot, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: sppl.org or 651-632-3870

PARENT PICK

International Festival of Burnsville Î Families get a chance to peruse a variety of food and vendor tents, as well as admire cultural displays of music, dancing and more.

When: 3–9 p.m. July 12 Where: Nicollet Commons Park, Burnsville Cost: FREE Info: intlfestburnsville.org

50 July 2014

WEDNESDAYS Summer Concert Series Î Enjoy free kid-friendly, parent-approved music along with a different weekly activity.

When: 10–11 a.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 20 Where: Creative Kidstuff, The Shops at West End, St. Louis Park Cost: FREE Info: creativekidstuff.com or 952-540-0022

Summer Concert Series at Woodbury Lakes Î Don’t miss this chance to see live music, including the Okee Dokee Brothers, Koo Koo Kanga Roo and more, plus interactive, imaginative activities for children.

When: 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 6 Where: Woodbury Lakes Shopping Center Cost: FREE Info: woodburylakes.com or 651-251-9500

Playdate Wednesday  Teeny Bee Boutique offers a weekly playdate for parents and kids.

When: 10:30 a.m.–noon Wednesdays Where: St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: teenybeeboutique.com or 612-644-2540

Wee Wednesdays  Ages 5 and younger are invited for crafts, educational programming, live puppet Mississippi Market MNP 0714 12.indd shows, dancing and more.

1

6/9/14 4:30 PM

When: 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesdays Where: Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: midtownglobalmarket.org/events or 612-872-4041

Crafts for Kids  Have fun learning a new craft each week.

When: 5–7 p.m. Wednesdays

Courtney Lewis, conductor Theatre de la Jeune Lune alumni, actors Prokofiev’s beloved fairy tale is brought to life by the Orchestra and a cast of actors. This one-hour family-friendly concert is enjoyed by all ages. Youth activities in the lobby at 2pm. *Limit of 2 free children’s tickets for each paid adult.

Media partner:

July 2014 51

Out About PARENT PICK

1LOVEBABY

Mini Golf and Malts

SoftBums MNP 0714 V6.indd 1

6/16/14 12:35 PM

Minneapolis Aquatennial  Celebrating its 75th year, this official civic celebration of Minneapolis hosts many activities across the city during a week dubbed “The Best Days of Summer.” Flagship events include a beach bash, a sandcastle competition and a Torchlight Parade followed by fireworks.

When: July 18–26 Where: Locations across Minneapolis Cost: FREE. Some events are ticketed.

Info: aquatennial.com or 612-376-7669

Where: Riverview Library, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: sppl.org or 651-292-6626

Wednesdays in the Park  Enjoy weekly music in the Burnsville Civic Center Park Amphitheater.

612-861-9348 6335 Portland Ave S Richfield, MN

52 July 2014 Wheel Fun Rentals MNP 0614 V6.indd 1

5/19/14 2:37 PM

When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays in July (excluding July 2) Where: Civic Center Park, Burnsville Cost: FREE Info: burnsville.org

THURSDAYS Rockin’ Readers and Lunch Hour Concerts  Every Thursday a Burnsville elementary school principal will read his or her favorite books geared toward elementary and preschool children, followed by a concert for preschoolers at noon.

When: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 21 Where: Nicollet Commons Park, Burnsville Cost: FREE Info: burnsville.org

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Mommy+Me Music Class  Encourage a sense of rhythm, music and movement for ages 3 and younger.

When: 3:30–4:15 p.m. Thursdays Where: Teeny Bee Boutique, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: teenybeeboutique.com or 612-644-2540

Passport to Invention  The Bakken’s Student Workshop is open for young makers and inventors.

When: 4:30–6:30 p.m. Thursdays Where: The Bakken Museum, Minneapolis Cost: $25 or $20 per visit with the purchase of a 3- or 6-visit pass.

Info: thebakken.org/passport-to-invention or 612-926-3878

FRIDAYS Family Fridays at the Global Market  Enjoy free live music, a children’s play area

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Out About

happy babies. happy moms.

1560 Selby Ave St. Paul, MN 55104

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Summer Fete, July 3

and free balloons for the first 50 children.

When: 5–8 p.m. Fridays Where: Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: midtownglobalmarket.org/events or 612-872-4041

Itty Bitty Beach Party Î Enjoy music and fun for ages 6 and younger.

She’s my biggest investment.

That’s why I depend on NARI.

When: 10 a.m. Fridays through Aug. 22 (excluding July 4) Where: Round Lake Park, Eden Prairie Cost: FREE Info: edenprairie.org or 952-949-8470

Visit narimn.org or call 612-332-6274 to find a NARI-certified professional for your next remodeling project or to become a NARI member.

SATURDAYS Tamarack Tykes The NARI logo is a registered trademark of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. ©2008 NARI of Minnesota.

Î Ages to 2 to 5 are invited to explore nature themes through crafts, hikes, stories and songs. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.

When: 9:30–11 a.m. second Saturdays

54 July 2014 NARI MNP 2011 NR5 V6.indd 1

12/5/12 5:28 PM

Where: Tamarack Nature Center, Maplewood Cost: $9.75 for an adult and child, $6.50 for each additional child, $3.75 for each additional adult. Pre-registration is required.

Info: parks.co.ramsey.mn.us/tamarack or 651-407-5350.

Free Family Flicks Î Enjoy a free movie — first-come, first-serve to theater capacity.

When: 10 a.m. Saturdays Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington

SHARE AN EVENT Minnesota Parent welcomes information about family-friendly events throughout the state. Go to mnparent. com/calendar/post to let us know about an event. Events must be submitted six weeks before the month of the publication to be considered.

Cost: FREE Info: theatresmoa.com

Free Sensory Flicks  Enjoy a free movie with accommodations for children with developmental disabilities.

Lights are left up, sound is reduced and audience members are welcome to dance, sing and move around during the film — first-come, first-serve to theater capacity.

When: 10 a.m. Saturdays Where: Theatres at Mall of America, Bloomington Cost: FREE Info: theatresmoa.com

Free First Saturdays at The Walker  Families can enjoy live performances, films, adventures and art-making, plus free gallery admission. Activities are recommended for ages 6 to 12.

When: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. first Saturdays Where: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: walkerart.org/free-first-saturdays or 612-375-7600

ATTENTION WOMEN 21-33: Would You Consider Being an Egg Donor?

The Center for Reproductive Medicine is seeking women between 21 and 33 years of age to donate eggs for couples who cannot otherwise achieve pregnancy.

You will be compensated for your time and dedication.

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Center for Reproductive Medicine MNP 0514 S3.indd 1

4/14/14 12:50 PM

Special Olympics MNP 0314 S3.indd 1

2/12/14 4:49 PM July 2014 55

Free Second Saturdays at The Bakken  Enjoy science-related programming and activities as well as free admission to the museum.

When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. second Saturdays Where: The Bakken Museum, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: thebakken.org/saturday or 612-926-3878

Saturday Live!  Events will feature puppets, magicians, wild animals and storytellers.

When: 11:15 a.m. Saturdays Where: St. Paul Public Library Cost: FREE Info: sppl.org or 651-266-7034

Out About SUNDAYS

Where: American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis Cost: $15. Register in advance online.

Info: asimn.org or 612-871-4907

Family Day at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts

 Come for baby, preschooler and toddler story times, including one day in Spanish.

 Families can make art, go on adventures and meet local musicians, artists and storytellers.

Target Free Third Sundays

When: 11 a.m. second Sundays Where: Minneapolis Institute of Arts Cost: FREE Info: artsmia.org or 612-870-3000

When: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. third Sundays Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: mcm.org or 651-225-6000

 Explore the museum for free!

When: 10:30–11 a.m. Mondays–Thursdays Where: Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: redballoonbookshop.com/storytimes or 651-224-8320

Woolly Bears  Introduce your preschool-aged child to the natural world through puppets, music and storytelling.

SPECIAL SIZE: 7.375” WIDE BY 5.6” HIGH

Slojd Handcraft Club

VARIOUS

 Ages 7 to 14 can enjoy art-making activities with a Nordic twist.

Red Balloon Bookshop

When: 1–3 p.m. first Sundays

Creative Kids Academy

Mis Amigos Spanish Immersion

Imagine the Possibilities...

Offering classes for Infants through Preschool

Early Education * 6 Weeks–12 Years

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Anoka * Centerville * Lexington * Maple Grove * Minnetonka Mounds View * Orono (Old Hill School) – 952-473-1225

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Playing Singing Composing Free Preview Classes Ages 3-Adult

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CATEGORIES INCLUDE: Art Classes, Charter, College Prep, Montessori, Preschool, Specialty, and More!

07142014 Classifieds.indd 56MNP July

South Mpls. Preschool Program • Waldorf-Inspired Program • Trained, Licensed Teacher • Mornings with Lunch Option • Organic Whole Foods Snacks www.mtcottage.com

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View our education directory at mnparent.com Click on “Resources”

CYMS Edina: Edina Community Center 5701 Normandale Rd

CYMS Roseville: Hamline Center 2819 Hamline Ave N

CHILDREN’S YAMAHA MUSIC SCHOOL Celebrating Over 40 Musical Years in Minnesota!

www.cyms.ws • 612-339-2255

1

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Free Mom & Ba by Classes

Grow

Rainbow Montessori

When: 12:45–2:15 p.m. First Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Where: Dodge Nature Center, St. Paul Cost: $14 Info: dodgenaturecenter.org or 651-455-4531

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Half Pint Parties Magic • Facepainting Balloon Animals Characters for Parties & Events

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Be a part of the 2014

Party Resource Guide Featured in the August issue of Minnesota Parent.

For as little as $99 receive the print listing and a yearlong web listing on mnparent.com.

Call Minnesota Parent today at 612-825-9205.

Lessons * Horse Camp * Birthday Parties Public Guided Trail Rides by Appointment Only

Year Round Riding Lessons Indoor Arena

Have a Wild Birthday at Como Zoo!

Not just on for the ride—learn all the basics about horses.

(ALL AGES)

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Fun Birthday Parties Sunnyside Stables, Inc. Rosemount, MN www.sunnysidestables.org

for children ages 3 and up!

Call 651-487-8272 for more information or to schedule your party.

6/19/142014 10:02 AM July 57

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From our readers PHOTOS OF THE MONTH

Liam and Ella Simon, 2½ and 4½, hang out in their backyard in Little Canada.

PHOTO BY AMBER RISHAVY / PIXEL DUST PHOTOGRAPHY

Elle Greene of Farmington, 2, strikes a pose during a family photo shoot at the Guthrie Theater.

Funny kids “Do you want to talk about responsibilities?”

— Madeline, 5, New Hope, to her almost-2-year-old sister

“Should we let her out now?”

— Wyatt, 3, Hutchinson, 10 days before the birth of his sibling

Two-year-old Arjun, son of Geetika and Nitin Ahuja, plays at Brookside Park in Bloomington.

Alexandra, daughter of Bill and Elizabeth Wilcox of Golden Valley, savored a tasty treat when she was 6 months old.

WHAT’S THE FUNNIEST THING YOUR CHILD HAS EVER SAID?

“Be quiet!

You’re giving me a headache.”

“Someday when I’m older I’m going to be the daddy; and when my sister is older, she’s gonna be the boss!”

— Keegan, 3, Mound, yelled to a crying baby in the next isle at Target

— Owen, 5, Arlington

Want to see your kid(s) on this page? Send your favorite photos to editor@mnparent.com.

58 July 2014

“Mom, I just don’t love that dog.”

— Townes, 4, Minneapolis, regarding the neighbor’s barking dog

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