July 2015 by Minnesota Parent

July 2015

HOW TO HIKE WITH KIDS — AND KEEP YOUR COOL PAGE 16

NEW RULES FOR INTRODUCING PEANUTS PAGE 22

FAMILY FITNESS MADE EASY PAGE 34

SUMMER SAFETY 101 PAGE 38

Sweet scoops

Marley, 3, Plymouth

6 TWIN CITIES SPOTS TO BEAT

THE HEAT WIT H A COLD TREAT! PAGE 30

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July 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ mnparent.com

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VOLUME 30

CONTENTS 34

Family fitness

Get the scoop! Beat the heat with treats from the Twin Cities’ best ice cream parlors.

You can make exercising as a family really fun, says fitness guru and Maple Grove mom, Ali Holman.

38 Summer safety

Dislocated shoulders from tubing, head bumps from biking and more can be avoided with these simple tips.

About our cover kid Name: Marley

City: Plymouth

Age: 3

Parents: Abby and Justin Ward

Siblings: Lane, 5, Bode, 1 Personality: “Though she be but little, she is fierce.” — William Shakespeare Favorite toy: Dolls and Disney princess dolls Favorite book: Curious George books Favorite activities: Coloring, reading, riding bike Favorite foods: Edamame, applesauce, spaghetti, mac and cheese Photos by Dana Croatt

July 2015 • mnparent.com

Corrections In the April issue of Minnesota Parent, the retail price for the Baby Nutty helmet from Nutcase was listed incorrectly on page 15. It’s $44.99. In the June issue of Minnesota Parent, the retail price range for the Portable High Chair was listed incorrectly on page 19. It’s $67.99–$99.99.

ISSUE 7 12 BABY ON BOARD

Baby outings

Where can parents take babies in summer for relaxation and fun? 14 TODDLER TIME

F-bomb problem

Kids will say the darnedest things — especially when they repeat after you. 16 SCHOOL DAYS

Hiking with kids

Don’t let a trail of tears — or tantrums — keep you from getting outside. 18 TEENS AND TWEENS

Going to France

Lessons in packing, navigation and more emerge when kids travel internationally. 20 GROWS ON TREES

10 money-saving tips Don’t get burned this summer: Save, invest and save some more. 22 ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN

Peanut butter 101

When should parents introduce their young children to this tasty protein? 24 BOOKSHELF

Sister acts

We found five books that explain the challenges and joys of sisterhood. 26 IN THE KITCHEN

Easy popsicles

Make homemade pops featuring citrus, watermelon and iced-tea flavors. 50 FROM OUR READERS

Best pizza places Where are the best pizza places for families in the Twin Cities?

+ 43 OUT & ABOUT

mnparent.com • July 2015

GYMNASTICS TUMBLING TRAMPOLINE

FROM THE EDITOR

Let’s get moving! I

used to exercise all the time. I loved the gym! OK, liked is more accurate. But it felt good to work out. I especially liked the challenge of the escalator stair machine. Hot yoga, kick boxing and hiking were my other favorites. Then I had my son. And, boy, did I get lazy with working out. I was tired. I had better things to do with my “me time.” … And I’ve been using that excuse for about, oh, seven years now. Sure, I’ve done some biking, Wii Fit yoga and walking, but I need to return to making exercise a part of the weekly (if not daily) routine. Photo by Tracy Ann Walsh / tracywalshphoto.com And now, with this latest issue, I’m really inspired: Locally based national fitness guru Ali Holman shares her tips and tricks for working out as a family, making movement and strength training a part of your culture and even using mindfulness when talking about your body. One way to get your kids into fitness is so obvious it’s easy to miss: “Work out in front of your kids,” Holman says. “Demonstrate that you can carve fitness into your life, that your body is important and worthy of being taken care of and that you value health and fitness. If you were to start an art project in front of your kids, they would, of course, want to join in; the same goes with exercise.” And she’s right. I recently set up a “yoga studio” in our basement (a yoga mat and a $7 video in the DVD player). My son was immediately intrigued. I wasn’t even doing yoga at the time, but I turned on the video and he worked out on his own, trying to do the poses, for about 15 minutes. Even for a 7-year-old, that’s a long time! I can only imagine how much he’d do if I was engaged, doing yoga, too. As Holman says: “Our influence, I’ve realized, goes far beyond teaching them how to treat people and complete their homework. They’re watching us to see what we think about fitness, nutrition and body image. And that’s powerful.” Power yoga, here we come!

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July 2015 • mnparent.com

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Sarah Dorison, Editor

mnparent.com

PUBLISHER Janis Hall jhall@mnparent.com SALES MANAGER AND CO-PUBLISHER Terry Gahan tgahan@mnparent.com EDITOR Sarah Dorison 612-436-4385 • editor@mnparent.com CONTRIBUTORS Eric Braun, Megan Devine, Dr. Michael Forseth, Dr. Kimara Gustafson, Ali Holman, Shannon Keough, Jen Wittes, Jennifer Wizbowski

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

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dana Croatt dcroatt@mnparent.com

• Must be 18 years of age or older; must not currently exercise regularly

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• Must have a history of depression

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• Must not take antidepressants • You will receive $100 for your time

CLIENT SERVICES Zoe Gahan 612 436-4375 • zgahan@mnpubs.com Mattie Eslinger 612-436-4386 • meslinger@mnpubs.com Lauren Walker 612-436-4383 • lwalker@mnpubs.com CIRCULATION Marlo Johnson 612-436-4388 • distribution@mnparent.com mnparent.com/find-a-copy

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ADVERTISING 612-436-4360 • sales@mnparent.com 55,000 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 Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55403. Minnesota Parent is copyright 2015 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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mnparent.com • July 2015

CHATTER

A bucket list for Minnesota families

TOY-SHARING TAKES OFF Most parents love to provide new toys for their children to keep them learning — and engaged for more than a few minutes. Brand-new toys, however, are just plain expensive. Fortunately, Twin Cities businesses and organizations are stepping up to fill that need. Elizabeth Wilcox of Golden Valley — a mother, a former Chinese-immersion teacher and now an independent consultant — recently launched Toylend USA, a toy and baby-gear rental service for metro-area families. Parents browse online for toys sorted by age as well as categories such as early learning, construction and imagination. Each toy has a monthly rental fee. For example, a mamaRoo infant seat rents for $30 while the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Car rents for $10. (There’s a flat $5 delivery and pick-up fee per reservation.) Memberships (optional) are available for $60 and $120 and include free delivery and pick up, plus other perks, including renting out your own toys. Toyscriptions are also available for $25 a month and include two to four new rental toys each month with free delivery and pick up. Learn more at toylendusa.com. Meanwhile, the Minneapolis Toy Library — run entirely by volunteers — hosted its first lending event in May. More mobile events, typically held at local libraries, are on the way. Watch mplstoylibrary.org for updates. Finally, PACER Center — a Bloomington-based nonprofit organization that works to enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities — runs a Lending Library that loans out adaptive toys as well as software for learning a variety of skills. Memberships are $50 a year for families. Learn more at pacer.org/stc.

July 2015 • mnparent.com

Minnesota has so many amazing attractions for families, it’s hard to know where to start. Fortunately, Christie GoveBerg, a Minnesota native, Forest Lake resident and mother of three, has created a handy glossy paperback guidebook: Minnesota MustSee for Families: An A-to-Z List ($12.95), including tourist attractions both natural and urban. L is for spotting loons and lady slippers. X is for taking in a game at the Xcel Energy Center. D is for Duluth. P is for Pipestone National Monument. B is for Babe the Blue Ox. Each page has questions — What sounds did you hear? What surprised you most? — followed by spaces for personalized answers. Because kids are encouraged to write in the book, it can easily become a family journal and keepsake. Find it anywhere books are sold, including amazon.com and Red Balloon Bookshop locations in the Twin Cities. Learn more at adventurepublications.net.

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Good day sunshine Keep in mind that some of the best experiences you’ll have with your baby will be the simple ones.

s a lifelong Minneapolis resident, I’m a big fan of summer in the Twin Cities. When I was growing up, summer meant long days at the Richfield pool, bike rides around Lake Nokomis and visits to Dairy Queen after my soccer games at Pearl Park. And when I eventually reached adulthood, summers took on new significance — the best time to bike the Grand Rounds (50 miles of trails that edge the chain of lakes, the Mississippi riverfront and more), hang out on the patio at the Black Forest and make the trek across town to Izzy’s. (Our ice cream options are so much more diverse now! See page 30.) So whenever I learn that a friend is due to have her baby in the summer, I feel a twinge of envy. “What luxury!” I think, imagining a glorious postpartum world of picnics by Lake of the Isles and late-afternoon visits to Sea Salt and Minnehaha Falls (the baby sleeping soundly in her bucket carrier, of course). I had my babies in October and December, respectively, and my maternity leave-memories include hazy nightmare images of infant snowsuits, ice scrapers and 4:30 p.m. sunsets. Since Minnesota summers are so magical (if only in contrast to our brutal winters), it seems like it would be easy to think of things to do with one’s baby during this sunny season. But sleep deprivation can take its toll on your ability to think and make decisions, so here are some suggestions for summertime fun based on my personal experience.

of the Target employees on lunch break. If you get overwhelmed by the produce or feel heat stroke coming on, you can simply duck into one of the nearby office buildings and wander the skyways. This year construction has moved the market over to Hennepin Avenue between Fifth and 10th streets.

⊲⊲Trails and taxidermy Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield is one of my go-to destinations in the winter when I need to get the kids out of the house. The main building features a cozy little play area, salamanders, snakes and turtles and a wide range of taxidermy. But Wood Lake is especially delightful in the summer, when you can wander the three miles of trails (including a floating boardwalk), while checking out the wildlife and pretending you’re not actually in the city. Quieter and shadier than some of our more extroverted outdoor areas (Lake Calhoun, I’m looking at you), this is a serene place to bring your baby for a relaxing, contemplative stroll (or just a sleep-deprived zombie stagger).

⊲⊲Things will be great when you’re downtown

⊲⊲Keep it simple

Summertime is obviously the ideal time to visit your local farmers’ market, and our options have only grown better in recent years. But I still have special feelings for the tried-and-true Nicollet Mall market on Thursdays in downtown Minneapolis. It’s open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., so you’ve got all day to get out the door. Bring your stroller and watch your baby spark joy (or indifference) in the eyes

“We’re going to the Children’s Museum tomorrow,” my friend texted. “Wanna join us?” I was on maternity leave with my second baby, and he was about 4 months old when we received this invitation. I declined; taking Felix all the way over to St. Paul just seemed like … so much work. After I had my first baby, however, I would’ve been

July 2015 • mnparent.com

BABY STUFF

Shopping-cart hammock ⊲⊲Let your baby sack out in a mini hammock while you shop — and you’ll still have room for groceries. Designed for standard carts, typically 20 to 24 inches wide, it can also hold an infant car seat (safety strap included). And it stores small: Simply roll it up and throw it in your diaper bag. Note: It can be used only until your child can sit upright unassisted. $49.95 • binxybaby.com

all over this. Take my 6-month-old to the Minnesota Zoo? Yes, please! (Never mind that she slept in the Ergo for the entire outing.) Keep in mind that some of the best experiences you’ll have with your baby will be the simple ones. I asked a friend whose son is now a teenager about her favorite memories from when he was a baby. “I was home with my son on a perfect summer day — bright blue sky, big puffy clouds — when he was about 8 months old,” she said. “I brought a blanket to the backyard and we just hung out together, him burbling and smiling, me watching him and the clouds. We were just enjoying the moment, no agenda, nothing to do. I still remember it like it was yesterday — one of the best afternoons of my life.” Shannon Keough lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two children. Write her at skeough@mnparent.com.

Repeat after me? Um, no. M

y son was 2, approaching 3, when he made what is still one of his most iconic declarations. We were trying out Guitar Hero on the Wii and it was his turn to muddle through Pat Benatar. In Pull-Ups, no less, he strapped on the faux guitar and turned to me: “Mama, I’m gonna rock this and you better f***ing clap.” So many emotions, Toddler Parent — just so many. Horror, shock, panic, bemusement and — if I’m honest — just a wee bit of pride, because he really did use every word quite appropriately, with proper emphasis and placement. The moment was funny and sad and — clearly — memorable.

⊲⊲Where did it start? I’ve never had what you might call the proverbial “mouth of a truck driver.” There are certain words that are off limits and generally speaking, I don’t delight in vulgar talk or humor. Somewhere in my 20s, however, I developed a nasty habit of using the F-bomb as an adjective or a quasi-adverb (see above about how you’d better clap). Maybe because, at the time, I studied creative writing and was told that the word “very” was very, very bad. Maybe I — you know — needed an alternative? I can make excuses for myself (and for my son’s dad and grandma and neighbors for that matter), but the truth is — we’re all human. We’re hasty with words, sometimes. We swear, sometimes. We like to swear, sometimes. I know I’m not the first person this has happened to, nor will I be the last. I know, also, that I’m not the first parent — in the face of a tiny little toddler cursing — to mistakenly laugh or overreact or some crazy combination of the two, thus making the taboo word spectacularly FUN. After reacting in this way (like a big, wildly entertaining spaz) you might find yourself hearing the F-word only about 9,000

times more than you’ve said it in your whole lifetime and might just find yourself spiraling through different strategies — lectures, time-outs, ignoring and fun alternatives to the bad word (aka the point of desperation). I’m gonna rock this and you better farting clap? Flubbing clap? Washing the old mouth out with soap? (OK, but only the all-natural organic kind — you know, the blueberry scent he likes?) Sigh.

⊲⊲And it gets even trickier The truth is, a swear word is really only the tip of the iceberg. As your wee one reaches toddlerhood, something sounds the alarm: They’re listening, they’re watching, they’re repeating. You realize it’s not just about what you say, but also about what goes down in the privacy of your own home. Because toddlers have no filter, they’ll tell all the world about: • How Daddy has to wax his back once a week, because he’s hairy like a gorilla. • How Mom doesn’t really want to have Thanksgiving at Grandma’s, because her turkey is dry and, besides, Mom has plans for Black Friday. • How that girl, Natalie, down the street isn’t allowed to come play because she’s obnoxious and out of control. Yes, Toddler Parent, your children will mimic your ugliest behaviors, share your secrets and air your dirty laundry. And when you blush and shush and stammer and apologize, they’ll become curious about said reactions and begin to experiment with cause and effect when it comes to those little embarrassments and naughty words. In hopes of figuring out what makes you tick, they’ll try these things out again. And again. This is a certainty. They’ll also notice — no pressure — how you care for yourself,

TODDLER STUFF

Cool pool ⊲⊲The Roarin’ Shark Shade Pool from Intex is 80 inches wide and holds 32 gallons of water. Its partial sunshade and inflatable floor make it a good fit for the toddler set. It’s recommended for ages 2 and older. $34.99 • amazon.com

July 2015 • mnparent.com

The truth is, a swear word is really only the tip of the iceberg. As your wee one reaches toddlerhood, something sounds the alarm: They’re listening, they’re watching, they’re repeating.

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SURREYS, CRUISERS, KAYAKS, CANOES & MORE!

how you view your body, how you hold yourself in the face of adversity.

⊲⊲What can you do now? It doesn’t hurt to conduct a harmless audit of what you might not want your child repeating. Be mindful. While you’re not supposed to be perfect, care in what you say around your kids will at least ameliorate some unwanted embarrassment and perhaps make you feel more in control. Beyond that, discipline and non-reaction are both options, depending on your child. What do they respond to, if anything? Toddlers are fickle, after all, and you’re probably still figuring it out. If nothing seems to work as you alternate strategies of laughter, lecture and self-scrutiny, take heart. This, like everything else, is a phase. Do your best, enjoy the ride and above all, as always, be OK with your — ahem — fabulously imperfect self. Jen Wittes lives in St. Paul and is a mother of two. Send questions or comments to jwittes@mnparent.com.

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On the other hand, we’ve had many fun outings — visiting waterfalls, hiking up blueberry ridges and even taking simple hikes down raspberry bush-lined dirt roads. By continuing to make an effort to get outside and explore nature, I’ve noticed my children gain good habits, including mindful observation and an understanding of our natural environment through first-hand experiences. And, as they’re getting bigger and more independent, it’s getting easier. As an adult, getting out for walks in nature with my kids has helped me to learn how to slow down and pay attention. Observing the excitement and wonder of simple discoveries through the eyes of a child has given me new perspectives on my surroundings. As a parent of four children between the ages of 4 and 10, I’ve discovered and experienced three distinct ways to explore the natural world on foot:

Photo by Megan Devine

Kids in the wild W

e have an abundance of beauty and nature in Minnesota. Why not share that with your children by taking them for a hike? I know: Hiking with young children can be a challenge, to say the least. But it offers so many rich benefits. In my own experiences, there have been many not-so-enjoyable “trails of tears” with my own little ones getting frustrated or tired when we’ve been outdoors.

Plan a trip Need some hiking inspiration? Discover a local seasoned guide with 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Minneapolis and St. Paul by Tom Watson, updated in 2012.

July 2015 • mnparent.com

Go alone: I like to carve out pockets of time to explore the outdoors by myself. Hiking or simply going for a walk down a tree-lined trail helps me recharge and clear my mind. It can also be good exercise. When taking a hike without kids, I’m limited only by my time away from work and family responsibilities, my ability level and my desire. Carry the kids: I’ve spent many years with a child strapped to my body. In fact, my youngest is still within the weight limits of his Ergo baby carrier. With the right equipment and timing, your young child can nap in a backpack baby carrier or stroller, while you enjoy outdoor activities with your older children. Let them trek: This requires the most patience by far. Indeed, it’s more about the journey than the destination (though a nearby goal such as a waterfall doesn’t hurt). Understand — and accept — your children’s developmental abilities. When you shift your mindset from the completion of a desired route to just being present in the moment with your young child, your time together can help your child form a strong bond with nature (and you) as well as create a new awareness of local flora and fauna. Another bonus? You’ll be making memories (nearly) every step of the way. Megan Devine is an elementary school teacher who lives with her husband and four children in Northeastern Minnesota. She blogs at kidsandeggs.com.

Tips for hiking with children Be prepared: Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, check the weather and bring bug spray, snacks, a small first-aid kit (with a couple of band aids) and a camera. Keep expectations realistic: Children under 4 years old will have the best experience with a shorter hike. Bigger kids may have the endurance for longer hikes. Notice and recognize your child’s accomplishments to boost their selfconfidence on the trail. Persevere: Some outings will be better than others. Don’t let one tantrum in the woods keep you from trying again. Focus on the positive experiences and keep exploring!

Tools for global travel I

was 21 years old the first time I travelled abroad. My final destination was a semester-long study program in Cheltenham, England. My plane from the West Coast landed in Boston along with a terrible snowstorm that cancelled my flight to New York City, where I was supposed to meet the college group I’d be travelling with to the UK. I had only so much time to get to JFK, and I’d never taken any public transportation. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with my two very large suitcases (neither of which I could carry) and the prospect of getting to the train station that led to the airport, three states away. After a nice gentleman hailed and paid for my cab to the train station (even carrying my very heavy bags to the taxi), I arrived to the airport in time to meet my group.

⊲⊲Riding the rails My semester abroad opened my eyes to a world that was bigger than I ever could’ve imagined. I made a silent vow to my 21-year-old self that I would someday introduce my children to global travel. Though I enjoyed a series of international-service trips with my husband earlier in our marriage, my world-travel adventures came to a grinding halt when we had kids. Raising a family took precedence. As a hopeful young mom who never forgot her dream, I planned a special public-transportation day on a visit to the city when my kids were little. We took the BART (the San Francisco subway) in from the suburbs, rode the bus around town, took the trolley through the middle of town and ended the night with a taxi ride. We pointed out signs and sights along the way.

July 2015 • mnparent.com

⊲⊲Culture and art, too

They were champs, going up and down the long stairwells of the Metro, with my daughter’s beretwearing American Girl doll sticking out of the front pocket of her suitcase.

When our kids were 9 and 11, the opportunity came for us to take a three-week trip to France, (where my husband’s employer was based). As we planned our trip, I contemplated my purpose for wanting to show my kids the world beyond the U.S. I realized, for me, it was as much about art as travel skills. I was excited to pass on my excitement for the paintings and sculptures in the museums we’d tour — and the architecture of old buildings and churches we’d encounter. We checked out books on different French artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The kids designed their own posters with the traditional Lautrec colors — gray, black, yellow and red — and hung them in our home. In Paris, it was fun for them to spot Lautrec posters and postcards sold at street stands throughout the city.

⊲⊲Take only what you can carry For our European trip, I had them pack and carry their own suitcases. This sounds like a small task. But after my experience, I saw how important it was for them to know how to pack prudently.

Great books! City Walks With Kids: Paris Adventures on Foot This 2008 set of 50 small cards features popular tourist attractions, plus recommendations for nearby family-friendly destinations, including places to eat. Discovering Great Artists Subtitled Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters, this book — geared toward ages 6 to 13 — helped the Wizbowski kids learn a bit of art history (and even some techniques) before their trip to France. It includes 150 open-ended art-education activities.

They were champs, going up and down the long stairwells of the Metro, with my daughter’s beret-wearing American Girl doll sticking out of the front pocket of her suitcase. Before our trip, we made a poster with the Metro stops on butcher paper. It paid off: They quickly navigated from the train station to our our St. Germain apartment, and out and back again to the local boulangerie and beyond.

⊲⊲When it’s their turn If they get stuck in a city they’ve never been in, I hope they’ll have the courage to wave down a taxi, generously tip a skycap and find their way out of any subway or airport. Maybe they’ll even look curiously at an old building or step into a museum, thanks to their childhood travel experiences. After that, the art of getting lost and discovery will be up to them. Jennifer Wizbowski lives in Excelsior with her husband, tweenage daughter and teen son. Write her at jwizbowski@mnparent.com.

mnparent.com • July 2015

Mortgage rates are so low now, you can likely save thousands of dollars a year — even after accounting for refinance fees.

Financial SPF 10 for families B

elieve me, I know how it happens. You’re in a hurry. You’re only going to be in the sun for a little while, no big deal. Besides, you’ve exposed your precious hide to the elements before, and nothing bad happened. It’s hard to get worked up about consequences that might be waiting in the future. (And of course as soon as you go swimming all that protection is going to wear off anyway.) OK, so the analogy kind of breaks down there. Still, the high temps and bright days ahead have me thinking about protecting my skin, and I don’t just mean my skin-skin. Quickly now, before this tortured analogy goes any further, here are 10 ways to be smart about the health of your skin — I mean your money — otherwise known as 10 Tips for the Shrewdly Planned Family, or SPF 10. Build an emergency fund. As a parent, your expenses are growing. That makes it hard to think about saving, but experts say it’s crucial to put six to nine months of living expenses into an emergency account. That gives you some leeway if you or your spouse loses a job or an emergency expense comes up. Make a point of putting away at least a little every month. Pay savings when you pay bills. Don’t wait to see what you have left over at the end of the month, because you probably

July 2015 • mnparent.com

won’t have much. Instead, budget for how much you’ll put in savings each month, and pay it the same way you pay for other bills — on time. Pay off credit cards every month. Try to use credit cards only in an emergency, and pay off the balance the first month so you avoid paying high interest rates. But don’t rush to pay off that student loan. Student loan interest rates are super low, and it’s much more important to pay off high-interest debts like credit cards first. Those are the debts that are costing you more — a lot more — in the long-term. Shop around for phone, cable and Internet services. You can save tons of money if you put in the work to make the changes. If you think you’re getting the best deal already, you’re probably not. Shop around for banks and credit unions, too. Read all the bank notices you get in the mail or via email and be sure you understand all the charges. Then look closely at the competition and see if you can get a better deal. Experts say that smaller community banks and local credit unions often have lower fees. Refinance your mortgage. Rates are so low now, you can likely save thousands of dollars a year — even after accounting for

refinance fees. (But act soon: There’s a threat that rates for borrowers could go up later this year.) Shop smart. Cut coupons, but only for items you’d buy anyway. If you don’t normally buy those organic handjuiced popsicles, don’t buy them just to save 50 cents. Also, buy bulk when you can. You can usually find space to store items like toilet paper, laundry detergent, diapers and certain foods you go through a lot of. (It’s frozen fruit in our house.) Buying in bulk means you’re paying less per item. You’re also shopping less often, thus saving gas and time. Avoid unnecessary types of insurance. Don’t pay for credit-card theft insurance. Federal law already limits your liability for unauthorized charges to $50. Skip the life insurance for the kids, too. The purpose of life insurance is to support people who rely on your income in case you die prematurely. But nobody’s depending on your kids’ income. Instead of investing in life insurance for kids, invest in college or retirement accounts. Finally, check with your auto policy and creditcard company before your next trip. One or both may already provide all the personal-liability and collision-damage coverage you need, meaning you probably don’t need to buy rental-car insurance. Stay healthy. Health-care costs are always a burden, and the easiest way to save money is to not get sick. Preventive services are typically much less expensive than treatment. Depending on your plan, they may even be free. Don’t neglect your regular checkups, and don’t forget to slather on the sunblock when you go out! Eric Braun is a Minneapolis writer, editor and dad of two boys. He’s currently working on a financial literacy book for young readers. Learn more about his other published works at heyericbraun.com. Send comments or questions to ebraun@mnparent.com.

You can get there. We can help.

Visit www.MN529today.com or call Chris McLeod 952-830-3127

Introducing allergens When can we give our baby peanut butter? This is a great question. If you had asked this question a few months ago, it would have resulted in a different answer. In 2000, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that the introduction of peanut butter, or other allergenic foods, should be delayed until a child is at least 3 years old.

Our daughter’s been coughing every night for a week. Would running a humidifier help? Coughing in young children can be especially difficult to deal with! Often the cough can linger for longer periods than typical for older children or adults. This is partly because a younger child may not be able to generate the same force to cough up all the mucous that is likely with an upper-respiratory viral illness. Typical cold viruses can result in a cough that lasts up to two weeks. Adding moisture into the air could definitely help.

July 2015 • mnparent.com

In 2008, however, it was found that the rate of peanut allergies didn’t decrease in the subsequent years, despite the widely supported recommendation. Then, earlier this year, a new study published in the The New England Journal of Medicine found even more reason to believe that delaying peanut butter exposure might be unnecessary. More than 600 infants with a history of eczema or egg allergies were divided into two groups. One group was given a cereal made with peanut butter as early as 6 months of age. The other group was told to not eat any peanut products until they were 5 years old. Researchers then measured the rate of peanut allergy in the two groups. They found that the one with early introduction had only a 3 percent rate. The group that was told to avoid peanuts had a rate of 17 percent. Based on these findings, many pediatricians are now counseling that it’s OK to introduce peanut butter as early as 6 months of age. As with any new food introduction, it’s recommended to introduce only one new food every three to five days. It’s not clear if the peanut butter study can be extrapolated to other common allergy-inducing foods, such as egg products. Before you introduce these foods, it’s best to discuss your concerns with your pediatrician. You should also discuss introducing peanut butter with your pediatrician if there’s a strong family history of food allergies, especially peanut butter.

I recommend using a cool-air humidifier. Warm-air models can cause burns if knocked over because the water and the machine can get quite hot. If you don’t have a humidifier, you can run hot water in the shower or bath (without the child in it) and fill the bathroom with steam. Have your daughter sit in the steamy bathroom prior to bedtime to add some moisture into her airways. You can also treat the nasal drainage associated with a cough caused by a cold or virus. Because this drainage can run down the back of the throat, it can easily aggravate a cough. Nasal suctioning as well as nasal washes or saline nasal sprays can help. Cough medicine isn’t recommended because it hasn’t been found to be any more effective than the home remedy of honey. Honey is OK as long as the child is older than 1 year. For children younger than 1 year, no cough medicine is recommended either. If the cough lasts longer than two weeks — or seems to get worse instead of better — consult with your pediatrician.

Do temporal thermometers really work? These thermometers use an infrared scanner to measure the temperature in the temporal artery in the forehead. This artery carries blood from the heart to the head and can give a temperature reading that’s as accurate as a rectal temperature, which is still thought to be the best method of checking the core temperature of a child younger than 3 years old. An oral temperature (under the tongue) is thought to be as accurate as a rectal temperature (but less invasive) for children older than 4. Typical use of a temporal themometer involves gently sweeping the device’s sensor across the forehead. Recent studies give some support that temporal thermometers have similar accuracy as rectal/oral thermometers and better accuracy than tympanic (in the ear) or axillary (under the armpit) thermometers. Temporal thermometer results are more easily skewed if the forehead is sweaty or overly warm due to the recent wearing of a hat. Sweat can also cause the temporal thermometer to give a falsely lower temperature because sweat can cool the forehead as it evaporates. With my personal use, I’ve found that temporal thermometers are good for tracking a temperature as it goes up or down. But when I’m trying to diagnose a fever, I usually verify the core body temperature with another method. If you’re hoping to use the temporal thermometer as your main thermometer, you might want to check its accuracy against oral/rectal thermometers. I usually test our temporal thermometer on myself when I’m using it for our son to see if it’s still working properly. Kimara Gustafson works as a pediatrician at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. Write her at kgustafson@mnparent.com.

BOOKSHELF

Sisterly love By Sarah Dorison This month we’re featuring books all about sisters! They’re thoughtful, helpful and delightful most of the time, but sisters can be tricky, too, especially if you’re trying to welcome a baby sister home (and become a Big Brother) or if you’re trying to become a Big Sister (to your new baby brother). Even not having a sister can be hard, especially when you have triplet brothers!

Maple & Willow Together

Loula and the Sister Recipe

Tell Me What to Dream About

These two sisters are best friends who do everything together — hide-and-seek, catching grasshoppers and even sharing a secret language. Sometimes, however, big sisters can be bossy. And sometimes little sisters can be frustrating! But for Maple and Willow — illustrated in a cute style reminiscent of Peanuts — the fighting doesn’t last long. They realize they can’t be apart — because even apologizing to your sister can be fun.

Loula’s three brothers, the “Rotten Pirate Triplets,” don’t want to play with her. What she really needs is a sister. But when she asks her parents to make one for her, they tell her it’s not that easy. “It’s like making a cake,” her father says, trying to explain. Perfect! Loula can follow a recipe. She sets out with her loyal sidekick, Gilbert, the family’s chauffeur, to do just that. Loula doesn’t return with a sister exactly, but she finds something that comes pretty close.

That’s what Little Sister says to Big Sister. Big Sister presents her sibling with a variety of wild ideas — all fantastically illustrated — including eating teeny waffles with tiny animals; living in a tree-house town; and inhabiting a world of in which everything’s furry. Little Sister is wary of each idea, but then the girls hit on the perfect idea for a dream — and they can barely keep their eyes open.

By Lori Nichols Ages 3 and up $16.99

July 2015 • mnparent.com

By Anne Villeneuve Ages 3–7 $16.95

By Giselle Potter Ages 3–7 $17.99

I Am a Big Sister! With the arrival of a new baby comes many transitions, and big sisters may need a little extra tender loving care to adjust. This sweet board book, featuring an adorable toddler, seems just right for an older sister getting ready to welcome a sibling. (I Am a Big Brother! is available from the same author-illustrator.)

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By Caroline Jayne Church Ages 2–4 $6.99

Here She Is! Little Bear can’t wait to have a new baby sister. But shortly after Baby Anna arrives, he finds he isn’t having much fun. Why does he feel so lonely and frustrated? Can he find a way to enjoy his new life?

All the magic from the Disney Classic. Join Ariel, King Triton, Prince Eric, Sebastian, Scuttle, Flounder, Grimsby, and of course, the villainous Ursula, as Stages Theatre Company presents its production of one of Disney’s most beloved stories. You’ll cheer the music, as “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World” set the stage, while Unfo Ursula bemoans those “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and Sebastian urges Eric to “Kiss the Girl.”

By Catherine Leblanc Illustrated by Eve Tharlet Ages 3–5 $17.99 Stages Theatre MNP 0715 H4.indd 1

6/18/15 3:12 PM

IN THE KITCHEN

Cool pops! WATERMELON-MINT POPS 3½ cups seeded, cubed fresh watermelon ¼ cup cold water 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice 6-8 mint leaves Pinch of sugar (optional)

Place ingredients in a blender. Puree until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm (about 8 hours or overnight).

LEMON-LIME BASIL POPS ½ cup lemon juice (juice from 2 lemons) 3 tablespoons lime juice (juice from 1 lime) 20 fresh basil leaves ¼ cup white sugar 1 cup water

July 2015 • mnparent.com

1 cup blueberries 1 cup raspberries 1 peeled, sliced peach 1 peeled, sliced kiwi 2 cups (16 ounces) prepared iced tea Fold fruit together in a medium-sized bowl.

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Add fruit to popsicle molds.

Use cheesecloth or a mesh strainer to separate any lingering solid material.

Pour iced tea over fruit to fill molds.

Pour into popsicle molds.

Freeze until firm (about 8 hours or overnight).

Megan Devine adapted these recipes craftyemmakate.tumblr.com and zoku.com. She lives in Northeastern Minnesota and blogs at kidsandeggs.com.

FRUITY ICED-TEA POPS (ABOVE)

Photo by Megan Devine

Easy-peasy molds If you’re planning to make homemade popsicles this summer, skip the dollar aisle and go for the Zoku Classic Pop Molds ($14.99). These molds make six popsicles. They’re easy to use and simple to clean. And you don’t need Zoku’s countertop popsicle machine ($49.99) to use them. Simply pop them in the freezer.

Izzy’s Ice Cream, which has parlors in St. Paul and Minneapolis, offers a 3/4-ounce mini taster scoop (The Izzy Scoop) on top of each cone.

July 2015 • mnparent.com

Try one of these local parlors for the ultimate Twin Cities ice-cream experience

By Jen Wittes

Is there anything better than sitting outside with an ice cream cone on a hot summer day? This ritual gives us a moment to pause, to stop and smell the lady slippers, to perhaps reclaim some unplugged family time, to look back on our own good old days of summer. We don’t go out for ice cream to sustain the body or stave off hunger. We go to experience pleasure and satiate the soul. You probably have your own favorite sweet spot for a scoop or two, perhaps even a fully developed top 10. Our standards are such for good reason, but it’s always fun to try something new, right? Our picks for must-hit ice cream spots in the Twin Cities combine that slow pace of summer, the aforementioned olden days and a dash of ingenuity sure to surprise and, we hope, delight.

mnparent.com • July 2015

Six sweet scoops

Izzy’s Ice Cream Where: 2034 Marshall Ave., St. Paul (pictured, left) and 1100 Second St. S., Minneapolis The scoop: This makes just about every “Best of” list in the Twin Cities for a reason — really good ice cream. Izzy’s offers a no-frills atmosphere mixed with topnotch craftsmanship. Is your name Isabel? Isabella? Izzies get their Polaroid up on a Wall of Fame. Wow factor: The signature “Izzy” — a cute little taster scoop on top of your regular order. Fun flavor: Salted Carmel

Kristy Rud and her sons, Jake and Owen, 7 and 5, enjoy a treat at Conny’s Creamy Cone in St. Paul.

Pumphouse Creamery Where: 4754 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis The scoop: This teeny-tiny neighborhood ice cream shop utilizes organic and all-natural ingredients sourced from local farmers. It’s an ideal choice for the health-conscious parent or the family that’s feeling a little over-sugared, but still wants a treat. The cones contain flax seed; the orange sorbet tastes like fresh oranges. It tastes “good for you,” but still scratches the icecream itch. Wow factor: Fresh-baked goods from local bakers make their way into the ice creamflavors — buttermilk lemon bar, for example. Fun flavor: Milk Chocolate Homemade Peanut Butter Cup

July 2015 • mnparent.com

Conny’s Creamy Cone Where: 1197 Dale St. N., St. Paul The scoop: All soft serve, in various incarnations — dipped cones, “flurries” and floats. Located just east of Lake Como, this St. Paul classic feels like a 1950s beach shack — serving chilidogs, cheese curds and onion rings in addition to their famous ice cream. Wow factor: 24 flavors of soft serve with new treats to try on every visit, not to mention flurries generously abundant with mix-ins. Fun flavor: Coconut

Adele’s Frozen Custard Annie’s Parlour

Where: 800 Excelsior Blvd., Excelsior

The scoop: In the heart of Dinkytown, climb up the old wood steps to this upstairs eatery and enjoy the nostalgia of the classic American malt shop. Dozens of options for milkshakes, malts and ice cream sodas.

The scoop: Adele’s motto is “ice cream made better.” The difference between ice cream and custard? The addition of egg yolk and the omission of air, resulting in a silky smooth texture. Committed to freshness, Adele’s — though prolifically proficient in making 80 flavors of custards — only offers one or two on top of the standard vanilla and chocolate daily, so you’ll have to check their calendar to catch your favorite.

Wow factor: Awesome views of the skyline and sunsets in a relaxed setting.

Wow factor: Pretty patio and lake proximity make this a sweet family summer outing.

Fun flavor: Vanilla Oreo Malt

Fun flavor: Chocolate Raspberry Truffle

Where: 313 14th Ave. SE, Minneapolis

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Where: 750 Cleveland Ave. S., St. Paul; Elm Creek Blvd, 8097 Wedgewood Lane N., Maple Grove; Shakopee Crossroads Center is “coming soon.” The scoop: This is one of the first — and most original — places to ring in the DIY-frozen-yogurt revival. It’s fresh, clean, fun and has an outstanding frequent fro-yo rewards program. Wow factor: In St. Paul, you can pair your mix with people-watching on the patio or walking and shopping in adorable Highland Village. Fun flavor: Zesty Lemon Meringue Jen Wittes is a mother of two who lives in St. Paul. mnparent.com • July 2015

Ali and Mark Holman of Maple Grove make a point of exercising with their daughters, Demi, 5, and Ava, 9. They often set up obstacle courses, indoors and outside, to keep it interesting.

WORK OUT AS A FAMILY! By Ali Holman

July 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ mnparent.com

Boost your kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fitness and body image while adding in some exercise playtime.

efore I had kids, people warned me that “they” watch everything you do. I didn’t quite believe it until I had my two girls. Fast forward nine years later and I have two sets of feet following me everywhere — in the bathroom, when I’m in the shower, when I’m on the phone and, of course, while I’m watching my favorite television show. Our influence, I’ve realized, goes far beyond teaching them how to treat people and complete their homework. They’re watching us to see what we think about fitness, nutrition and body image. And that’s powerful. With childhood obesity rates tripling in the last 30 years, parents find themselves adding inactivity and weight issues to their laundry list of worries for their kids. But how do you get your kids moving and eating healthful meals without nagging or making it another thing they have to do?

LOVE YOUR BODY After being a fitness expert for 18 years and then becoming a parent myself, I’ve discovered there’s only one mindset that works — and this applies to parents and kids: Working out to fix your body or because you don’t like what you see never works long term. Working out because you love your body and you want to take care of it does. Being fit isn’t just about your body fat, muscles or a number on the scale. It’s about celebrating strength milestones, giving yourself credit for even small steps of progress and allowing yourself to screw up and jump back on your goals without guilt.

KIDS ARE SMART We often try to shield our kids from how we’re really feeling,

How to set up a Family Olympics Create special stations throughout your home and then time each team. Go for a Parents vs. Kids battle, if possible. 1. Run up and down the stairs three times. 2. With your arms stretched straight up above your head, stand, then sit in a chair 20 times. 3. Bear crawl (on all fours with knees not touching the ground) from one end of a large room to another. 4. Do 10 pushups. 5. Do seal drags across a large room. (Put your feet on paper plates and walk your body across room on your hands with your arms straight.) mnparent.com • July 2015

WORK OUT

Kids actually welcome the idea to put down the iPad and play with their parents — and that’s how you present your family workout! We call ours the ‘Holman Olympics.’ especially when it comes to our bodies. But those comments you make about your body not measuring up aren’t lost in translation: Those types of pants, you say, don’t look good on you. You don’t like your arms in that dress. You “need to lose weight.” Those comments eventually become the thoughts that enter their heads about themselves.

JOIN FORCES AS A FAMILY Fortunately, it’s never too late to change your body-image mantra. You can even do it as a family. In fact, you should. How do we do it? We workout together as a family. How many times has your child asked you to sit down and play with her, but you’ve been busy with grown-up life? Kids actually welcome the idea to put down the iPad and

play with their parents — and that’s how you present your family workout! We call ours the “Holman Olympics.” We carve out 20 minutes where we’re active together as a family. That might mean setting up a timed obstacle course in the house where the kids compete against Mom and Dad or we might create a swingset challenge if the weather’s nice. You can make fitness fun and a cool way to spend time together as a family. Like anything with kids, it’s all about how you “sell” the idea. Instead of saying, “Time to workout,” say, “Guess what? It’s time for our Family Olympics, and I have the most fun obstacle course planned for us. What about a Parents vs. Kids Challenge?” You might be surprised how excited they get about fitness when you’re excited about it as well.

Ali Holman is a Maple Grove mother of two and owner of corecamper.com, where she and her husband offer daily 20-minute online workouts. She is the on-air fitness expert for WCCO TV (CBS) and Twin Cities Live (ABC). Contact her at ali@corecamper.com.

July 2015 • mnparent.com

Tips for families Identify key words for your family: When my girls were very little, I decided one of the key words I wanted them to identify themselves with was strong. So when they would do something like go down the slide at the park or hang from a gymnastics bar, I would say, “Go, StrongGirl!” I continued this throughout the years and it has stuck. When they complete homework, finish a dance class or shoot a hoop successfully, for example, they’ll yell, “StrongGirl!” These words have power and have become part of who they are. Freaking out that you haven’t done this and your kids are older? It’s not too late! Make a decision that you’re going to start describing your kids in a way that empowers them. Work out in front of your kids: Working out at home in front of your kids is not only convenient for you, but it also sends a huge subliminal message to them. Demonstrate that you can carve fitness into your life, that your body is important and worthy of being taken care of and that you value health and fitness. If you were to start an art project in front of your kids, they would, of course, want to join in; the same goes with exercise. Give it a try: I guarantee when they hear you working out, they’ll also want to join and show you how strong they are. This exercise psychology works every time and truly will make fitness one of your family values. Don’t reward with food: I was recently at my daughter’s basketball game and the opposing team had doughnuts and cookies as a treat after a double header. What kind of message are we sending with this reward? Exercise is like driving a car — the only way you can get across town is with good fuel in your tank. Our bodies are no different. When we turn food into a reward for our kids, we can’t be shocked when they become adults and they continue that practice. Instead, talk to your kids about the importance of fueling their bodies. Reward with family time, a hug, a high five or a healthy snack.

mnparent.com • July 2015

Summer safety 101 By Dr. Michael Forseth

YOU CAN HELP YOUR KIDS AVOID INJURIES — OR AT LEAST REDUCE THEIR RISK — WITH A FEW SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS

ummer activities in Minnesota are terrific for helping children enjoy exercise as well as develop social skills. As with any physical activity, however, there’s a risk of injuries. Ever year, more than 200,000 kids are treated in U.S. emergency rooms for playground injuries. As an orthopedic surgeon in Minnesota, I see a lot of these injuries in the summer months. Fortunately, there are steps parents can take to prevent the most common accidents. In fact, a little awareness goes a long way. Age matters, of course. Children up to about age 12 are the most vulnerable to injury. Until a child is a teenager, close supervision is critical.

July 2015 • mnparent.com

Tubing The popularity of tubing comes as no surprise in a state famous for 10,000 lakes, but parents might not realize the opportunities that can arise for injuries as well as fun. Every year, I treat strains, muscle pulls, torn shoulders and other injuries caused by tubing that could easily have been prevented with a few water-safety rules: ⊲⊲Avoid sudden starts or stops, and never allow children to wrap tow ropes around their arms; a sudden start can tighten the rope and result in a very serious injury. ⊲⊲Stick to a reasonable speed, and keep children clear of the boat propeller, other boats, docks and objects along the shore. ⊲⊲Life jackets and careful supervision are a must.

Fire pits I encourage parents to sit down with children at the start of summer and have a safety talk. Teach safe habits around cars and other hazards, emphasize the importance of using playground equipment as it was designed to be used and insist that safety equipment be required — helmets in particular. These restrictions may not help you win a popularity contest with your kids, but they’re important. There are a number of other things parents can do to reduce risks for common summer activities:

Many families don’t realize how dangerous their backyard fire pits are. Fire pits are low, easy to tumble into and they frequently offer no protection between a child and the flames. It takes only a second or two for a child to suffer a serious burn. ⊲⊲Have a fire-pit safety talk. ⊲⊲Discourage running near the fire. ⊲⊲Never leave a fire unattended.

mnparent.com • July 2015

Summer Safety 101

Playground slides Biking It may come as no surprise to parents that kids on bikes — as well as skateboards and rollerblades — suffer fall-related injuries like broken wrists and elbows, head injuries, scrapes and abrasions. But many of the injuries we treat are actually the result of collisions between cars and young bikers or skateboarders. Children can come shooting out of a driveway or through an intersection faster than drivers can spot them and stop. Last summer, I treated many injuries stemming from such collisions. They happen more often than parents realize. These accidents are often preventable: ⊲⊲Teach children about bike and car safety. Encourage them to be aware of their surroundings and walk — not ride — their bikes across the street. ⊲⊲Make wearing helmets non-negotiable. Today, most bikers wear helmets that protect them from head injuries. I recommend that skateboarders wear helmets, too. Boards can pick up a lot of speed — and, yet, they don’t offer the braking power a bike does. ⊲⊲When children are learning to ride — and are more prone to falls — wrist and elbow guards can provide a little extra protection, too.

Frequently accidents on slides and playground equipment happen because equipment isn’t used as it was intended. We expect children to get dangerously creative on the playground — they often would rather go up slides than down — but many slide injuries occur when the parents use the equipment incorrectly. I’ve treated more than one injury resulting from a parent riding down a slide with a child. Together a parent and child can pick up speed, and, at the bottom, adults can accidentally tumble on top of their children and injure them. ⊲⊲Remember that the rules about using equipment correctly apply to you as well as your kids. ⊲⊲Check that equipment is in good repair and look for cushioning mulch or rubber — not concrete — beneath play structures. ⊲⊲Supervise younger children closely.

Trampolines Backyard trampolines cause thousands of injuries every year. Most occur when a child falls into the springs or padding at the edge of the trampoline or onto the ground. You might think a safety net would make a trampoline bulletproof, but the nets themselves can be a hazard. Children climb them, and then hurt themselves by jumping down to the trampoline or falling from the net. Careful supervision is the key to trampoline safety. ⊲⊲Don’t place the trampoline near a house or garage with a low roof. Children can’t resist jumping from the roof to the trampoline. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? It’s exciting, but not safe. ⊲⊲Limit the number of children on the trampoline at one time. Trampoline manufacturers recommend one person jump at a time. Of course, few families follow that rule — and the result can be injuries caused when jumpers collide. ⊲⊲Make sure everyone on the trampoline is about the same size. Powerful jumping by a teen or a grownup can easily toss a younger child around and cause head or neck injuries.

July 2015 • mnparent.com

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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Car-seat safety Finally, because summer is a big travel season, a talk about car seats is important. ⊲⊲Children younger than 2 years old should ride in rear-facing car seats when possible. ⊲⊲Until children are 4 feet 9 inches tall — usually between 8 and 10 years old — the safest place for them is in a booster seat in the middle of the back seat, where they’re protected from airbags.

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⊲⊲When older kids graduate from a booster seat, they should go straight to wearing seat belts.

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Even with the risks, the benefits of summer activities and travel significantly outweigh the long-term health consequences of inactivity. Encourage your children to actively enjoy all that summer has to offer — armed with these preventative guidelines. Dr. Michael Forseth is a physician in Woodbury at Summit Orthopedics, which has 14 locations and 600 employees in the Twin Cities. For more information on playground safety, go to tinyurl.com/playground-safe.

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mnparent.com • July 2015

Out & About

JULY

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The Okee Dokee Brothers ⊲⊲See the Grammy-winning children’s duo perform songs from their beloved albums Can You Canoe? and Through the Woods. Their lively bluegrass tunes feature lyrics that encourage a love of outdoor play, wilderness exploration and wildlife appreciation. When: 7 p.m. July 26 Where: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley

Cost: $20 Info: suemclean.com/zoo

ONGOING

JULY 3–4

OPENING JULY 7

The Little Mermaid Jr.

Red, White and Boom

⊲⊲Join Ariel, King Triton, Prince Eric, Sebastian, Scuttle, Flounder, Grimsby and, of course, the villainous Ursula, in this all-ages production of one of Disney’s most beloved stories. Songs will include Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl, Part of Your World and more.

⊲⊲Celebrate Independence Day at a two-day celebration hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. More than 60,000 people come to the downtown Minneapolis riverfront for a kids’ run, 5K, half marathon, a movie, live music, food, family-friendly activities and — the grand finale — fireworks on July 4.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

When: June 26–Aug. 2 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: $16 Info: stagestheatre.org or 952-979-1111

When: July 3–4 Where: Downtown and Northeast Minneapolis Cost: FREE. Fees apply for some events. Info: mplsredwhiteboom.com

⊲⊲Join an immersive quest to find Captain Nemo as you’re led through the theater’s corridors, which will be transformed into a submarine (recommended for grades 3–8). When: July 7–Aug. 16 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $10. Info: childrenstheatre.org or 612-874-0400

mnparent.com • July 2015

Out & About JULY 9–12

Hamel Rodeo & Bull Ridin’ Bonanza ⊲⊲This 35th-annual event features professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls competing for prize money and a championship belt buckle. Kids can take part in a kids’ calf scramble and a stick horserace. Proceeds will benefit organizations in Hamel and the surrounding area. When: 7:30 pm on July 9–12 with a special family matinee at 1 p.m. July 11 Where: Corcoran Lions Park, Maple Grove Cost: $9–$18. All matinee tickets are $9. Info: hamelrodeo.org

JULY 10–11

Andover Family Fun Fest ⊲⊲Celebrate 20 years of festival fun with a variety of family-friendly events, including an all-ages Magic Bounce Fun Zone, a 5K and kids’ run, a parade, a craft and gift show, a baby-crawling contest, food vendors, a beer garden and street dances both nights. Other attractions will include a zoomobile, a silent auction, a classic car show, covered-wagon rides, bingo and — new this year — a Ferris wheel. When: July 10–11. Fireworks will be at 10 p.m. July 11. Where: City Hall Complex, Andover Cost: FREE. Some attractions are ticketed. Info: andovermn.gov

JULY 11

The Artery Experiment ⊲⊲Test out the proposed design of the Artery — the planned connection

July 2015 • mnparent.com

Fantastic Fourth ⊲⊲Have fun in the sun with music and hands-on art projects for all ages at this Walker Free First Saturday event, including a parade especially for kids. Garden-party performances will include Justin Roberts and The Not Ready for Naptime Players at 11 a.m. and the Brass Messengers (pictured above) at 1 p.m. Gallery admission is free for everyone on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. When: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. July 4 Where: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Walker Art Center, Minneapolis

between the downtown Hopkins LRT station and Mainstreet — at a familyfriendly event, featuring live music and dance performances; food; roving artists, including a 3D chalk artist; an art swap; free bike loaners to test out a protected bikeway; water play; free bike tune-ups; and arts and crafts. When: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. July 11 Where: Eighth Avenue in downtown Hopkins Cost: FREE Info: hopkinsmn.com/events/artery

Art at St. Kate’s ⊲⊲This juried outdoor art fair, featuring 100 artists of fine crafts and fine art, is produced by Artists’ Circle, a nonprofit Minnesota arts organization, and Textile Center, a national center for fiber arts in Minneapolis. Strolling musicians and food trucks will accompany this eighthannual festival. When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. July 11

Cost: FREE Info: walkerart.org

Where: University of St. Catherine, Randolph and Cleveland avenues, St. Paul Cost: FREE admission and parking Info: artistscircle.org

JULY 17–19

Highland Fest ⊲⊲Explore a wide variety family-friendly activities, including live music and art, a petting zoo, wiener-dog races, inflatable rides, games, a 5K, a beer tent and food and beverage vendors, plus a pancake breakfast, a community picnic, Zumba in the park, wine tasting, a movie in the park, a book mobile, a yoga class and the inaugural All Ford Car and Truck Show. When: July 17–19 Where: Highland Park neighborhood, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: highlandfest.com

JULY 18

JULY 27–31

Rondo Days

AuSM Artists

⊲⊲This 32nd-annual event celebrates the best and brightest of Minnesota’s African-American stories, achievements and culture with a parade, a 5K, a danceteam competition, live music, poetry, food and other family-friendly events.

⊲⊲The Minnesota Institute of Arts (MIA) and the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) are joining forces this summer to present two social-skills classes for young artists with autism. Teens and tweens with autism will have an opportunity explore the galleries, find inspiration and create their own masterpieces in the studio. Sessions will be co-taught by an AuSM education specialist and MIA art specialists.

When: July 18 Where: Dale Street and Concordia Avenue, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: rondoavenueinc.org

Eat Local Farm Tour ⊲⊲Tour Minnesota and Wisconsin family farms, dairies and more throughout the metro area as part of this annual event, organized by Twin Cities food co-ops. Pick up free tour guides at participating co-ops such as the Wedge Community Co-op in Minneapolis. When: July 18 Where: Tour a variety of local farms within driving distance of the Twin Cities. Cost: FREE Info: facebook.com/EatLocalFarmTour. coop

JULY 22–25

Minneapolis Aquatennial ⊲⊲Entering its 76th year, this multi-day festival — the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis — features a wide variety of events, including a torchlight parade and fireworks on July 25. (Formerly 10 days long, the festival has been downsized and the annual sandcastle competition and milk-carton boat races won’t be happening this year.) When: July 22–25 Where: Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: aquatennial.com

When: July 27-31. Sessions will be 9:30 a.m.–noon for ages 11–13 and 12:30–3 p.m. for ages 14–18. Where: Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis Cost: $200–$270 Info: ausm.org

OPENING JULY 31

Circus Juventas Summer Show ⊲⊲This St. Paul-based circus-performance school for ages 3 to 21 presents two major public performance series each year — one in spring, featuring beginner and intermediate students, and one in summer, a showcase for the school’s most advanced students in a Cirque du Soleil-style show. When: Show are offered on various dates July 31–Aug. 16. Where: Circus Juventas, St. Paul Cost: $15–$40 Info: circusjuventas.org

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Uptown Art Fair ⊲⊲This popular award-winning three-day fine-arts festival features professional and youth artists, live performances, family-friendly activities, plus festivalstyle food and beverages. When: Aug. 7–9 Where: Uptown Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: uptownartfair.com

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mnparent.com • July 2015

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Out & About

The Averagers presented by Comedy Suitcase

Minnesota Fringe Festival ⊲⊲The Midwest’s largest performing-arts festival will host to 174 live performances, with each show performing at least five times, resulting in more than 900 performances, running concurrently throughout the 11-day festival. There will be a variety of kid-friendly productions such as Parent Observation Day, Tales of the Lamp, The Averagers and Parachute. Every show in the festival’s lineup is chosen by random lottery, and the festival returns at least 65 percent of ticket sales to the participating producers. When: July 30–Aug. 9 Where: 24 venues in Minneapolis Cost: $14 for adults and $5 for kids (per show). Adults must purchase a $4 festival-admission button. Multi-show and punchcard passes are available, too. Info: fringefestival.org

Irish Fair

AUG. 22–OCT. 4

⊲⊲One of the nation’s largest free celebrations of Irish culture, this event is a showcase for Irish music and dance performances, sports and other cultural demonstrations.

Renaissance Festival

When: Aug. 7–9 Where: Harriet Island, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: irishfair.com

July 2015 • mnparent.com

⊲⊲King Henry and his court invite one and all to his 16th-century European village, featuring 12 stages of musicians, magicians, jugglers and mimes, including more than 500 engaging memorable characters. More than 250 artisans fill the festival marketplace to create a unique shopping experience. Themed weekends include Oktoberfest, Highland Fling,

Shamrocks & Shenanigans and more. When: Weekends Aug. 22–Oct. 4, plus Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day) and Friday, Oct. 2 Where: Rural Shakopee Cost: $22.95; $13.95 for ages 5 to 12. Advanced tickets are $11.50–$19.95. Buy online or at local stores to avoid lines at the event. Info: renaissancefest.com

MORE ONLINE! ⊲⊲Want to learn about even more local events? Check out Minnesota Parent’s Out&About calendar at mnparent. com/calendar. Click on any day of the month and find things to do! ⊲⊲Have a cool family-friendly event coming up? Send all the details (plus photos) to calendar@mnparent.com at least six weeks in advance.

AUG. 23

Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival ⊲⊲Experience Japanese culture through food, entertainment, gardens, vendors and a traditional lantern-lighting ceremony at dusk. When: 3–9 p.m. Aug. 23 Where: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul Cost: $5 for ages 13 and older, $3 for ages 3–12 Info: comozooconservatory.org

AUG. 27–SEPT. 7

Minnesota State Fair ⊲⊲The Great Minnesota Get-Together is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world, attracting 1.8 million visitors every year, showcasing Minnesota’s finest agriculture, horticulture, art and industry, plus carnival rides, games, live music and food vendors aplenty. When: Aug. 27–Sept. 7 Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul Cost: Advanced tickets start at $10. Daily gate admission is $13 for ages 13–64; $11 for ages 5–12 and 65 and older; and free for ages 4 and younger. Info: mnstatefair.org

mnparent.com • July 2015

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mnparent.com • July 2015

FROM OUR READERS

↑↑Josiah Wesseh, 4 months, of Minnetonka already has a jubilant personality.

↑↑Charlotte (Charlie) McKenzie, 14 months, practices her whistling skills in Plymouth.

WHERE’S THE BEST LOCAL PIZZA PLACE FOR FAMILIES? Parkway Pizza in Minneapolis (Longfellow): Great pizza, a patio, plus foosball, a pool table and plenty of patience for littles. — Stacy Deery Stennes, Mpls

The Tavern Grill in Woodbury for build-your-own pizza goodness! They’ve got a gorgeous patio for those perfect sunny summer days, and a topping selection to please even the pickiest eater! — Jaime Anlauf, Woodbury

Pig Ate My Pizza in Robbinsdale. Amazing! — Sara Williams, Robbinsdale

Our family LOVES Carbone’s in Circle Pines. Their pizza fries are delish too! — Jamie Sinkula, Shoreview

Hello Pizza in Edina: Great music, and they don’t mind when our kids tear up the joint every week — or maybe they do, but they don’t say anything.

Galactic Pizza in Minneapolis. They dress up as superheroes for delivery. — Hyejeong Thompson, Lakeville

— Heidi Elston, Edina

We love Pizza Luce, awesome kids menu and the ‘za is excellent! — Jessica Thorsen, Mound

Even though it’s not strictly pizza, we love Cossetta’s in St. Paul. Their pizza is amazing! — Rebecca Wolf, Forest Lake

Detello’s in Eden Prairie! Yum! Their Hawaiian pizza with rockstar spice takes the cake! — Sarah Garnhardt, Eden Prairie

Want to see your kid on this page? Send photos with your child’s first/last name, age and city to editor@mnparent.com.

July 2015 • mnparent.com

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