January 2015 by Minnesota Parent

January 2015

The Health Issue

Sneaky smoothie recipes PAGE 26

Olivia, Bloomington, turns 2 this month!

FOOD DYES AND HYPERACTIVITY Are food colorings affecting your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behavior? PAGE 34

OM, BABY!

Calm your kid with fun yoga moves PAGE 29

INFANT LOSS

Advice for surviving miscarriage and infant loss PAGE 40

RESOURCES

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When you enjoy a gooey grilled cheese sandwich, you’re also getting a much-needed supply of folic acid, a nutrient essential for reducing the risk of birth defects. The 1998 U.S.-government mandated addition of folic acid in all white flour came after a 1991 study showed that folate-rich foods before pregnancy were key to reducing neural tube defects, which are serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord, including spina bifida. But since a majority of pregnancies are unplanned, it was unrealistic to rely on women to load up on folate-rich or folic acid-enriched foods before getting pregnant. Milk and orange juice were also considered as potential foods for the additive, but white flour was eventually chosen because it is in so many food staples such as bread, pasta and breakfast cereals. Folic acid fortification has been a success. Studies show that within the first 24 months after the mandate, there was a 27 percent decrease in spina bifida cases. So eat a sandwich; it’s good for baby!

VOLUME 30

CONTENTS

ISSUE 1

34 Hyper color

Surviving loss

FEATURE Food dyes don’t necessarily cause ADHD. But the FDA says kids prone to hyperactive behavior should cut back.

FEATURE Recovering from miscarriage and infant loss takes time, support and understanding.

29 Om, baby!

FEATURE Balance, confidence and calm are just some of the benefits of kid yoga.

Bored? BABY ON BOARD You’re not alone. Babies are pure joy, excpet when they induce ennui.

Get out TODDLER TIME Beat cabin fever by exploring all the Twin Cities has to offer for kids ready to play.

Meet Megan

January 2015 • mnparent.com

Keep your Tough stuﬀ barista BOOK SHELF Giveaway! Win a batch of awesome picture books about personal safety and sports, too!

SCHOOL DAYS This month, we’re introducing a brand-new column focused on the challenges of parenting school-age kids.

GROWS ON TREES Saving money in the new year doesn’t have to be all kill and no buzz.

Sneaky Ear drama snacks

Big kids TEENS AND TWEENS Adolescence isn’t easy. But we can celebrate it with gestures big and small.

ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN Find out why ear infection diagnoses are sometimes inconsistent.

IN THE KITCHEN Veggies and fruits mix seamlessly (and secretly) in these easy recipes.

CAMP RESOURCES • 48 EDUCATION RESOURCES • 52 MOM & BABY RESOURCES • 59

60 Out & About Get the skinny on family-friendly events happening all over the Twin Cities.

About our cover kid Name: Olivia Age: 21 months City: Bloomington Parents: Elias and Valerie Moe Favorite TV shows: Sesame Street and Bear in the Big Blue House Favorite books: These Bees Count, The Twelve Days of a Muppet Christmas Favorite activities: Cooking in her play kitchen, going to the park, riding on the boat Favorite foods: Bananas, yogurt, macaroni and cheese, green beans Photo by Tracy Ann Walsh, Poser Design Photography, poserdesign.com Valerie Moe is Minnesota Parent’s Moe-Mama’s Must-Haves blogger (mnparent.com/moe-mama) and is also the senior graphic designer for Minnesota Premier Publications.

FROM THE EDITOR

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t’s a new year — a fresh start! To celebrate, we’ve not only refreshed the look of Minnesota Parent — an annual tradition — we’re focusing this issue on health, including a trio of really strong feature stories I’m proud to have helped birth, including the powerful practice of kid yoga, the startlingly high amount of food dyes in our kids’ diets and coping strategies for parents dealing with miscarriage and infant loss. I know: That last one is a tough topic, one that’s too often swept under the rug — but shouldn’t be. It’s common. It’s devastating. And we all need to know how to cope, even if we’re just supporting friends and family. Photo by Tracy Ann Walsh / Poserdesign.com With this issue, we’ve also added a brand-new monthly column: School Days! One of our favorite feature writers, Megan Devine, has joined our columnist ranks to write about her adventures in being both an elementary school teacher and a mother of four. She’ll provide a much-needed voice for parents of school-age kids with the added bonus of a teacher’s perspective. Elementary school, as many of us already know, brings about a special category of parenting that can be as confounding as it is exciting: It’s not as busy as babyhood, not as infuriating as the toddler and teens years. But it’s a wild-and-crazy animal all the same. As Devine says in her debut column: “School-age children need our love, guidance, care and support. It’s our unique challenge to let them be little and big at the same time.” This month, Devine writes about her hopes, dreams and goals, including one aspiration that’s dear to my heart: She wants to spend at least some pocket of time each day truly focused on her kids without distractions. “This sounds like it should be easy,” she says. “But, as you can probably relate, the challenge is to be fully present without preoccupation with something else.” Present. Yeah. That’s hard. When facing the sometimes-strong emotions of my 6-year-old, sometimes the last thing I want to be is present. And, yet, I know this is precious time with my boy (if only he would willingly stop playing Minecraft for a few minutes). So, thanks to Devine, I have a new parenting goal in 2015 (including making it a no-yell year): Set down the iPhone, stop, think and be truly focused on — not just “with” — my family as often as I can.

Sarah Dorison, Editor

January 2015 • mnparent.com

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mnparent.com

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 editor@mnparent.com

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

CONTRIBUTORS Eric Braun, Megan Devine, Zoe Gahan, Kimara Gustafson, Shannon Keough, Tracy Ann Walsh, Jen Wittes, Jennifer Wizbowski

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

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dana Croatt dcroatt@mnparent.com

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ADVERTISING 612-825-9205 • 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.

mnparent.com • January 2015

CHATTER

BOOMBOOM PRINTS

New apple! January isn’t exactly the month you’d expect to see a brand-new apple variety coming to Minnesota grocery stores. But that’s exactly what’s happening, just in time to help with your eat-right New Year’s resolutions: Pazazz, a descendent of the popular Honeycrisp apple, is making its debut in a handful of U.S. markets, including the Twin Cities. This late-harvest apple (grown in Elgin southeast of the Twin Cities) is extremely crisp and tart and sweet at the same time; and it’s blessed with a pleasantly thin skin. Learn more at honeybearbrands.com.

GRAMMY NO. 2? The Okee Dokee Brothers’ latest album, Through The Woods, has received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Children’s Album. We’re so not surprised. Their last album, Can You Canoe?, won a 2013 Grammy. If you don’t have these energetic, beautiful albums already, it’s time. They’re just what you need for indoor dance parties as winter drags on! This Minneapolisbased band’s sound is part bluegrass, part folk and all fun. We recommend, when spring finally gets closer, playing Walking With Spring from the new album on repeat. Learn more at okeedokee.org.

January 2015 • mnparent.com

Are you an artist? Are you getting ready to decorate your baby’s nursery or your kid’s room? If so (and maybe even if not) you need to know about BoomBoom Prints! This Minneapolisbased startup, billed as “Etsy meets Pottery Barn Kids,” is an online marketplace of unique nursery decor and apparel designs. Artists, who get to use the site for free, can easily upload their work. BoomBoomPrints turns their art into prints, framed pictures, clothing, even stationery (as specified by the artists), and ships the items to buyers. Parents get something special that isn’t right off the rack of a big-box store. Artists get paid and recognized for their work. Cool! Learn more at boomboomprints.com.

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Shannon Keough

BABY ON BOARD

Rainbows, butterflies, boredom “H

aving a baby will change your life!” people often gush. “The love you’ll feel for your baby is a love like no other!” There’s a lot of truth in these statements, however clichéd they might be. However, amidst the starryeyed admonitions to “enjoy it now because it goes so fast!” all sorts of uncomfortable truths about parenting are forgotten. For example, while caring for a baby will often make your heart swell with love, taking care of a baby can also be … really boring. It feels mean and ungrateful to even write that. “What will my parents think?” I worry. “I really do love them!” To the angry audience in my mind, I protest: “Many people would give their right arm to have a child!” I think, ushering in the feelings of self-loathing. “Having the privilege to be bored is a total first-world problem!” But I can’t be alone here, right? I can’t be the only parent staring vacant-eyed out the front window while my baby makes yet another break for the plant stand?

⊲⊲Elevated ennui Lydia, my first, was a very colicky baby. And the thing about a colicky baby is that you’re never bored. Bordering on psychosis, maybe, but definitely not bored. Since the baby is always howling, you’re constantly bouncing, rocking, pacing, shushing — doing anything in your power to settle your child. You have a mission, and the mission gives you purpose. But with most babies, there comes a time when

MORE ONLINE Need ways to get out of the house in the Twin Cities with your baby? Check out Shannon’s ideas at mnparent.com/winter-baby.

January 2015 • mnparent.com

things settle down. You’ve figured out how to feed them, you know what you need to pack in the bag when you go out and, hopefully, they’re even sleeping on a somewhat predictable schedule. And this is where the ennui can creep in.

⊲⊲How was your day? When the colic era came to an end and Lydia transformed into a happy little baby, I was thrilled. Suddenly things were so easy — I could take her out in public without fear. She started sleeping at regular times during the day, giving me time to work and clean up the house. I started to feel like a human again. But with my return to the land of the living came a return to the mundane frustrations of daily life. I started to notice exactly what I was — or wasn’t — doing with my time on a daily basis. Interactions with my husband when he got home from work usually went like this: Him: “So, what did you do today?” Me: “Oh, you know … stuff. What about YOU?” I practiced this deflection technique with Nick so I could use it when I ran into friends or met someone new. Better this than the truth, which if I answered honestly would usually be something like this: “My day? Well, I fed Lydia her breakfast and it took forever. She totally smeared the food all over her head, but I just cleaned it off with a wipe. I checked my phone while she ate, but all I got were emails from Groupon. Then I changed her clothes. Wow, those baby jeans I got at Goodwill sure are hard to put on! Eventually, she took a nap and I wrote some headlines for that brochure about heat pumps.”

With my return to the land of the living came a return to the mundane frustrations of daily life.

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⊲⊲Back to your pre-baby self With Felix, my second child, I knew what to expect. I thought I’d be better prepared to answer the question I often asked myself: “Is this all there is?” But then I ran into a friend, who asked me what I’d been up to — aside from taking care of kids, of course. I gave it some thought. Does watching all five seasons of The Wire in under a month count as an accomplishment? “Oh you know … the usual,” I answered. “Working and stuff. What about YOU?” What I’m trying to say is, it can be easy to let your life swing out of balance when you have small children. Try to notice if this is happening, and realize it’s not shameful to feel bored or less than elated. It very well might be time to get back to some of your pre-baby activities and parts of your pre-baby identity, too. Shannon Keough lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two children. Send questions or comments to skeough@mnparent.com.

Jen Wittes

TODDLER TIME

Stay sane this winter M

innesota winters, in general, aren’t easy! The meteorologist seems to mock you, relishing buzzwords such as polar vortex, La Niña and — shudder — thunder snow. As you’ve perhaps realized by now, a Minnesota winter with a toddler is an even nastier beast, with temperatures too dangerous for adult human exposure, let alone your child’s delicate skin. Not that this will stop her persistent demands to go outside and build a snowman “just like Olaf.” Yeah — good luck with that! So, let’s cut to the chase. Where do Twin Cities toddler parents in the know go when it’s too cold to go outside and too late to take back the cocoa with extra marshmallows you OK’d at breakfast? Wall bouncing turns to wall climbing and whining pretty quickly with the right sugar-to-cabin-fever ratio. Here are my top picks for beating the January blues:

⊲⊲Sovereign Grounds, Minneapolis If you haven’t yet heard of this coffee shop, you’re basically going to name your next child (ahem) after me. Imagine a cozy place that smells like freshly roasted coffee beans, is stocked with yummy baked goods and healthy snacks AND has a clean, toddlerfriendly playroom. It exists. Your peers go there. Sit with them on the couches and make new friends while your tot explores; sovereigngrounds.com.

⊲⊲Edinborough Park, Edina Affectionately known by my kids as “the tree house place,” this is an indoor park that actually sort of feels

like an outdoor park. Yes, big kids go there, too. Yes, that will and should freak you out. But don’t let it stop you. There’s an area just for toddlers and you can always go when the school-aged kids are in — well — school. Be prepared: You yourself will go up into that tree house at some point. You’ll enjoy it (and nearly break your back squeezing through some of the passageways, pictured above); edinboroughpark.com.

⊲⊲The Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Thinking of the zoo as a summertime-only hangout would be a crying shame. There’s a whole lot of activity here on semi-mild winter days. It’s a short-ish walk to Russia’s Grizzly Coast, a popular outdoor exhibit. My big shout-out, however, goes to the indoor Tropics Trail — well worth the price of admission or even a membership — because it’s so warm and lush you might forget, if only for a little while, that your

TODDLER STUFF

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January 2015 • mnparent.com

MORE ONLINE Want even more indoor play area ideas? Browse Minnesota Parent’s vast Family Directory at mnparent.com/ directory.

skin won’t see the light of day ’til May; mnzoo.org.

⊲⊲Toddler Tuesdays, Mall of America This is basically a party — just for your toddler — EVERY Tuesday. Big-name characters and performers stop by — Grover, Clifford, The Fresh Beat Band, The Backyardigans, as well as favorite authors. Activities might include sports, crafts or songs and dance. On top of the official Toddler Tuesday activities in the rotunda, Nickelodeon Universe offers discounted five-hour unlimited wristbands for the little kid rides (there are plenty) and most of the eating establishments let kids 5 and younger eat FREE. Grab a latté, return that sweater and let your kiddo blow off steam! Win, win, win; mallofamerica.com.

⊲⊲Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul Like the Minnesota Zoo, this is a worth-it membership (always a super suggestion for birthday and holiday gifts when grandparents need ideas). There are rotating exhibits and toddler-friendly fun galore, plus a tot-specific room for days when there are just too many big kids. Easy parking and skyway access make this a ideal getaway on those wind-chill advisory days; mcm.org. For those on the younger end of the toddler spectrum, walking is a new challenge, never mind walking on ice! And, yet, little legs need to MOVE. Fortunately, the Twin Cities — and Minnesota cities beyond the metro — make the long winter a lot easier by offering abundant indoor play opportunities, including open gyms, water parks and more. My little list is a starting point, encouraging you to get out and explore. Sanity is a must, Toddler Parent, so make it happen! Jen Wittes lives in St. Paul and is a mother of two. Send questions or comments to jwittes@mnparent.com.

Megan Devine

SCHOOL DAYS

Photo by Megan Devine

Hopes, dreams, goals H

ello, Minnesota! Let me introduce myself: My name is Megan Devine. I live with my husband, daughter (age 9) and three sons (ages 7, 5 and 3) in Northeastern Minnesota. I’m delighted to be joining the team at Minnesota Parent — to share my perspective as a mother and an educator — as the publication’s new School Days columnist. I live on a small hobby farm, where our family of six tends two hives of bees, a flock of chickens and a rowdy white German Shepherd. Our days are rich and full! Along with raising a family and maintaining a small homestead, I’ve also established a career as an educator. I’m in the middle of my 14th year of teaching full-time at a public school. This year I’m teaching kindergarten, but I’ve also taught second and third grades. I live in a beautiful place and I try to get outdoors each day for a walk, run, hike, cross-country ski or snowshoe, either by myself or in company of my family. I find balance with creative hobbies. I like to write and take photographs, blog, cook and dabble with activities like soap-making and fiber art. I’m approaching this column-writing experience with an open mind and heart. I hope to contribute in this space in a meaningful way. Though I have more than a decade of experience teaching and nearly a decade parenting, I won’t be writing as an “expert,” but

January 2015 • mnparent.com

rather from the perspective of a parent like you, who makes an effort each day to live with thoughtfulness and intention. Through my own experiences, I’ve found that transitioning from parenting an infant, to parenting a toddler and then a school-age child doesn’t really make things easier: It’s just different. Children at this age continue to grow and change. They’re developing their own unique personalities and independence. They make decisions, explore friendships and are busy with school work and extracurricular activities. School-age children need our love, guidance, care and support. It’s our unique challenge to let them be little and big at the same time. Because we’re beginning a new year, I thought this would be a timely opportunity to share my goals and aspirations as a parent of a fourth-grader, first-grader and two preschoolers.

⊲⊲Parenting with purpose My hope is to make informed decisions as I guide my children through their growing and learning early years. We make so many choices and decisions as parents that affect so many aspects of our children’s lives. Some are easier, like deciding what winter jacket to

School-age children need our love, guidance, care and support. It’s our unique challenge to let them be little and big at the same time.

purchase or what to make for dinner on Thursday. Some are more complicated, like choosing a school or figuring out how to guide a child through a tough friendship situation. Though there are countless books on how to parent, our individual children simply don’t come with instruction manuals. However, we can do our best to make sound decisions by seeking out information and ideas that can help us validate and support decisions that are in the best interest of our family life.

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⊲ Making time for connection I want to spend meaningful, undistracted time with my children (and husband) each day. This sounds like it should be easy, but, as you can probably relate, the challenge is to be fully present without preoccupation with something else. I want to be attentive in my thoughts and actions to those around me, even if it’s in small segments of time throughout the day. This can be as simple as sharing a meal, playing a game, reading a story or listening to my child talk about his or her day.

⊲ Seeking balance, experiencing joy We’re pulled in so many directions as parents. We, along with our children, can be overscheduled and stressed. My hope for this year is to stay grounded by working to make mindful choices, balancing family time and external commitments for myself and for my children. I also want to make time to share in the simple joys of childhood. I invite to you work toward these ideals along with me in this new year. As Gretchen Rubin notes in her book The Happiness Project, “The days are long, but the years are short.” I find this so true as a parent, especially with school-age children. Let’s make the most of these days and work to make our hopes and dreams as parents come alive. Check out Megan Devine’s blog about family life at kidsandeggs.com. Write her at mdevine@mnparent.com. mnparent.com • January 2015

Jennifer Wizbowski

⊲ Rite of passage

TEENS & TWEENS

Celebrating adolescence M

y daughter is no longer a little girl. It sort of crept up on me. Yes, at 11, technically she’s a girl. She chatters about everything and nothing like a little bird outside my window. She giggles, she jumps and makes up dances on her trampoline. But she also shuts the door hard when she gets ready for school. I’m no longer allowed in the bathroom when she’s getting ready. And when we shop and she needs to try things on, I have to turn around and shut my eyes or at least pretend to be very busy rehanging the last outfit and not paying attention at all. She’s a little embarrassed and self-conscious about her changing self, and simply can’t verbalize why. I’ve noticed though. While I don’t want to embarrass her, I do have a long wish list of things I’d like to affirm in her. It struck me that I have no platform or ceremony that gives me reason to do that.

I don’t have an official ceremony to oﬀer, but I can make each of her growing-up moments something to celebrate — even with something small.

But I refuse to be afraid. I’ve done a little research on adolescent rites of passage. There are quinceaneras for 15-year-old Latino girls. I have friends planning their daughters’ Bat Mitzvahs, booking photographers and helping their adolescents memorize meaningful religious texts. I admit, I have a bit of longing to incorporate something equally meaningful into my lifestyle. But I’m coming up short. Broader society doesn’t offer enough ways to give adolescents that kind of presentation to the world — something that affirms them — something that gives us a chance to show our trust in who they’re becoming (and our blessings to be who they need, or want, to be).

⊲ Impromptu rituals My little girl, who isn’t such a little girl anymore, needed a new article of clothing that she was never going to tell me she needed. I noticed, though, and I asked her if we could go

⊲ Teens get a bad rap We hear lots of negativity about the teen years. Movies that showcase their acts of rebellion. Moms that warn of the lack of communication from their former teens — grunts from sons, snottiness from girls. Stories of how someday, maybe someday in their 20s, we’ll get them back. I know this is all very real: Parenthood has dropped me off at the dark door of teen-hood in a son, and the fog of tween-hood in my daughter all at once.

TWEEN STUFF

Screen-Smart Parenting ⊲ You want your kids to have a healthy relationship with technology. But how? Jodi’s Gold’s new book Screen-Smart Parenting: How to Find Balance and Beneﬁt in Your Child’s Use of Social Media, Apps and Digital Devices offers advice by age, from infant to adult. amazon.com • $14

January 2015 • mnparent.com

shopping and make it a fun day. She was so upset with me, despite my desire to be delicate and respect her privacy. Her eyes welled with tears, her foot stomped defiantly and she wouldn’t look at me for the rest of the morning. She slammed the door and went off to the bus stop in a huff. After I got over myself and my hurt feelings, I made a decision no one else could make: I decided to go the mall find a few sizes of undergarments myself and bring the store to her. The cashier at the counter was so understanding. She informed me she regularly instructs moms how to measure daughters too embarrassed to come to the store (and get fitted by a stranger with a tape measure). My heart soared with affirmation. After I bought way more than she’d ever need, I walked hurriedly hoping to quickly get back to the car and think of a good way to present this shopping-at-home experience. Then I spied the Godiva shop. A cornucopia of chocolate covered strawberries sung out to me. My girl has a sweet tooth and has had an affection for strawberries ever since toddlerhood. Every May birthday we have a bowl full of them out for her friends, and we serve the leftovers over waffles the next morning. I knew what I needed to do. Along with that fancy gold box, I left a note on one of my favorite notecards from home: I love the little girl you’ve been and the young lady you are becoming just the same. I left the gift bag on her bed. I don’t have an official ceremony to offer, but I can make each of her growingup moments something to celebrate — even with something small. And this time all I needed was a bagful of undergarments and six chocolatecovered strawberries. Jennifer Wizbowski lives in Excelsior with her husband, and daughter and son, ages 11 and 14. Send comments, questions and story ideas to jwizbowski@mnparent.com. mnparent.com • January 2015

Eric Brau

GROWS ON TREES

Save (and have fun) in 2015 Y

ou know how New Year’s budget-tightening advice goes. You hear you should make coffee at home instead of stopping at the coffee shop — the one where the barista greets you with personalized joke-of-the-day — and you can save about $3,700 a year. But of course you miss your daily joke, and it’s a scramble to make your own coffee every morning in between avoiding the scattered-toy minefield, packing a healthy lunch and brushing off the cat hair. If it feels like slashing expenses and tightening belts is all kill and no buzz, I’m with you. There should be more to spending-less tips than, “Spend less.” We want bonuses. We want fun. We want bonus fun! It’s 2015, why can’t we have it all? Here are five areas where families can save money this year, and find a little bonus fun to boot:

⊲⊲Exercise Many New Year’s articles sing the praises of daily exercise and urge you to join a gym. Not me. I say quit the gym. It’s too expensive! You can exercise at home just as easily. A quick Google search turns up dozens of ways to work out at home with no equipment at all. You can also go for runs or hikes in the neighborhood, even when it’s snowy and cold. Make exercise dates with friends to help motivate you and keep you honest. Of course for some, quitting the gym would be blasphemy. If that’s you, you may still be able to save some money by negotiating a lower rate. Ask for a “bare bones” rate if, for instance, you don’t use the juice bar or personal trainers. Or find out what deals they’re offering to new members, and ask for that. Bonus fun: Exercising at home is a chance to spend time with family. Plus, the dog might lick your

January 2015 • mnparent.com

face while you’re doing pushups, or your toddler might climb on you while you’re doing yoga. Annoying, but actually really sweet!

⊲⊲Television If you haven’t cut the cord yet, it might be time. Unless you watch a lot of cable TV, cable (or dish) isn’t a good entertainment investment. Cable antennas are inexpensive and pull in the networks just fine. Along with a Hulu or Netflix account, most families can see all the shows they want for a fraction of the cost. If you’re not ready to cut the cord now, at least call up the cable company and threaten to. Get the “retention department” on the phone to negotiate a better price. Bonus fun: For parents of a certain age, manipulating rabbit ears while trying to pull in the Vikings game can induce endorphin-rich nostalgia. Plus, feel like a great parent because your kids aren’t watching Adult Swim while you’re out of the room.

⊲⊲Entertaining kids Buy less, do more. Your community is a rich resource. Go to the library together to check out books, movies and music. Younger kids will want to catch story time. Also check out community calendars and parks and rec boards for free and cheap events and activities. In most cities in Minnesota, kids can play baseball, basketball, soccer or wrestling for less than $50 a season. If you coach, they play free. Bonus fun: What kids want is our time and attention, not stuff — which happily is the same thing we want from them. So choosing activities over things is a win-win.

⊲⊲Entertaining adults Not to be confused with “adult entertainment.” I’m talking mostly about going out to eat, which is expensive — especially if you have a couple alcoholic drinks on the bill. One solution, if you’re not into abstaining, is to invite friends to your place. You can serve dinner and drinks for roughly the same amount you’d spend going out, and then your friends will likely reciprocate. That’s two nights of fun for the price of one. How about resolving with friends to rotate hosting every few weeks all year? Bonus fun: The adults are entertained. That’s you!

⊲⊲Household maintenance Not all of us are handy. I’m not. But when I had to replace some tile in my bathroom a few weeks ago, instead of calling a pro, I called a friend who’d done it before. I watched a YouTube video to get some extra guidance, borrowed the tools and my friend and I did the job for the price of supplies. I also learned how to patch concrete this summer and shored up my house’s foundation. And I was an English major! Though the temptation may be to call someone to fix things, many times you can learn. It helps if you have a friend to teach you, but you can learn a lot online. Bonus fun: You feel super-savvy. Eric Braun is a Minneapolis-based writer, editor and dad of two boys. He’s currently working on a financial literacy book for young readers. Send comments or questions to ebraun@mnparent.com. Learn more about his other published works at heyericbraun.com.

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Kimara Gustafson

ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN

Diagnosing ear infections We’re mystiﬁed by ear infections: When we take our 2-year-old to multiple doctors, the diagnoses aren’t consistent. One will say she has no ear infection at all. Another will say she has a severe ear infection! To better understand variation on diagnoses of ear infections, we may need to take a step back and more clearly define what’s infected. Typically, when a child is diagnosed with an ear infection, what the pediatrician is diagnosing is a bacterial infection of fluid in the middle-ear space. The middle-ear space is divided from the outer-ear space by a thin membrane called the tympanic membrane. A healthy, non-infected middle-ear space has air in it. Because of the membrane barrier, sometimes there can be built-up fluid in that space. Just the presence of fluid doesn’t mean there’s an infection, however. For a true diagnosis of ear infection, there needs to be the presence of fluid as well as other signs of infection. Other signs — such as redness of the tympanic membrane or the outer-ear canal — also can be caused by crying, fevers, upper respiratory infections (colds), ear trauma or recent manipulation of the outer ear space from removing earwax. To accurately diagnose a true ear infection, your pediatrician needs to be able to clearly see the tympanic membrane and middle-ear space. The outer ear canal is sometimes quite full of extra earwax, which can block the view and make it more difficult to diagnose.

My son, age 4, has multiple warts on his feet! What’s causing this and what do we need to do? Warts are caused by a virus (human papillomavirus). They can occur on any part of the skin on the body, but are mostly commonly seen on the hands, feet, knees and elbows. They’re very common in children. They can be spread from person to person by common touching of the wart. The short and easy answer is that you don’t need to do anything. Up to two-thirds of warts will go away on their own within two years. However, after the first

January 2015 • mnparent.com

Think back to your most recent visit to the pediatrician and how cooperative your child was with any of the exam, and then especially with the part where the pediatrician was trying to get a good look inside the ear. (If your child is anything like my toddler son, she’s realized that going to the pediatrician’s office can mean shots!) Also remember that an ear infection can continue to change from hour to hour and day to day. Unless you’re seeing all the different doctors at the same time on the same day, there’s a chance that they’re all correctly diagnosing what they see at the time of each exam. Some may see fluid, some may see fluid with other signs of infection and some may see a normal middleear space in a child who has other sick symptoms, such as fever.

wart is noticed, more may appear and/or the ones that are present may get bigger during that two-year period. If treatment or removal is desired, there are a variety of treatment options with or without a prescription or physician involvement. Over-the-counter treatments typically include salicylic acid as the active ingredient, which acts as a local irritant of the skin. The medication’s goal is to destroy the wart, but it may also irritate neighboring healthy skin. Treatment options in the clinic include liquid-nitrogen cryotherapy (freezing), a variety of topical medications that either irritate the surface of the skin or stimulate the immune system or surgical removal/destruction of the wart. The best treatment option depends on the location, size, number of warts, as well as the age of the patient and their overall health status. Consult your pediatrician for the best option for your son.

How many nights in a row is it OK to give a 2-year-old ibuprofen for a 100- to 101-degree fever? I know having a sick 2-year-old in the middle of the night is never fun. The first thing you want to do is help her feel better. What I’d recommend is this: While you’re giving that first dose of ibuprofen to help with the fever, also get on the phone and call your pediatrician for further guidance on how long you can continue to safely treat your toddler at home. Even if it’s after usual clinic hours, there should be an after-hours number you can call to speak with a nurse or doctor on call. They can ask what other symptoms you’re noticing in addition to the fever, such as vomiting and diarrhea or coughing and changes in breathing. They may ask about overall fussiness or refusal to drink fluids to help determine what may be causing the fever and how sick the fever is making your child feel. They’ll also have access to your child’s medical history, so will know if your child has had all the recommended immunizations and if she has any other ongoing chronic health issues that may put them at higher risk of needing medical intervention with fevers, such as a history of febrile seizures. This information will help guide them to counsel you on whether you can continue to safely treat your child at home, or whether it would be better to have your child seen at the clinic the next day or even that night in an emergency department.

Dr. Kimara Gustafson is a Minneapolis mother who works as a pediatrician at HealthEast Care System in Maplewood. Send questions or comments to kgustafson@mnparent.com.

BOOKSHELF

Tough topics! By Sarah Dorison Talking to kids about health, safety and sometimes even sports doesn’t necessarily come naturally to parents. Thank goodness for creative writers! This month, we’ll help you cover some tricky topics, including personal safety and strategies for starting — and even struggling with — sports (from a precocious little girl’s perspective).

Shelly Bean the Sports Queen Miles Is the Boss of His Body Inappropriate touching isn’t easy to define, especially if you’re a kid. This book does it beautifully without going to dark places. It’s Miles’ 6th birthday. And, because everyone is focused on him, everyone is touching him — tickling, hugging, lifting, pinching, grabbing, patting. No one really means to bother him — except his big brother, who gives him “birthday boogies” — but it all gets to be too much. And Miles gets mad. Then he feels confused. Why can’t people respect his space? It turns out, they can. And he learns, in the end, to assert himself and truly be the boss of his body. Written by Abbie Schiller and Samantha Kurtzman-Counter Illustrated by Valentina Ventimiglia $12.95

January 2015 • mnparent.com

Minnesota-based first-time author Shelly BoyumBreen has launched a series of beginning-reader picture books designed to inspire girls and boys to try a variety of sports. Geared toward ages 4 to 9, these books show not only how fun sports are — including ice hockey, basketball and baseball — but also that learning them takes time, practice and a desire to keep on trying. Each book includes well-done glossaries, plus how-to tips and illustrations in the back, so they actually teach sports tricks, too! Written by Shelly Boyum-Breen Illustrated by Marieka Heinlen $12.95

WIN THESE BOOKS! ⊲ How would you like to win all of these books? Email us at editor@mnparent.com and tells us a bit about your favorite children’s book. To be eligible to win, please include your full name and city. We’ll choose a winner on Jan. 10 and ship the books by no later than Jan. 31.

A Little Book About Safety Hugo the hippo isn’t just adorable. He’s also the perfect little guy to follow around during a day at the community pool with his family. Hugo’s safety readiness is put to the test in a variety of situations, including covering up private parts when changing, paying attention to your gut’s “uh-oh” feeling and remembering to check first with a “safe adult” before going anywhere unexpected. This book is available by itself or as part of a three-book set, Little Books About Important Things ($29.95), covering safety, friendship and feelings. Learn more at themotherco.com. Written by Abbie Schiller and Samantha Kurtzman-Counter Illustrated by Francois Grumelin-Sohn, Laura Sicouri, Martin Carolo $12.95

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IN THE KITCHEN

Sneaky smoothies By Megan Devine Looking for ways to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your kids’ diets? These smoothies are delicious with or without the greens. (But be sure to give the greens a try: You’ll be surprised how mild they are: You may even want to add more!) Each recipe yields approximately 32 ounces. Blend the ingredients thoroughly and serve immediately.

OATMEAL-BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE 1 cup frozen blueberries 1 banana 1 20-ounce can of pineapple (including juice) ¼ cup fresh baby spinach or kale ¼ cup dry, quick-cooking oatmeal

MANGO-ORANGERASPBERRY SMOOTHIE 10 pieces of frozen mango (or 1 fresh mango peeled and cut into chunks) 1 cup frozen raspberries 1 cup orange juice 1 cup vanilla yogurt ¼ cup fresh baby spinach or kale

PURPLE COW 1 cup grape juice 1 cup milk 2 bananas ¼ cup fresh baby spinach or kale

Megan Devine is an elementary school teacher who lives with her husband and four children (ages 3 to 9) on the edge of the wilderness in Northeastern Minnesota. She blogs at kidsandeggs.com.

January 2015 • mnparent.com

New book! Though Deborah Harroun’s latest book — Best 100 Smoothies for Kids — doesn’t come out until May, we snagged a sneak-preview of one of the recipes. It’s full of peach flavor and offers a hint of spiciness from fresh ginger. Blend and serve immediately (makes four 9-ounce servings). Harroun blogs at tasteandtellblog.com.

PEACHY GREEN 2 cups coconut milk beverage* 2 cups frozen sliced peaches 2 frozen under-ripe bananas 2 cups loosely packed fresh spinach leaves 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger *Don’t use full-fat coconut milk or coconut water. Read the label to make sure the product contains only coconut milk and filtered water.

Om with me, baby Positive body awareness, a sense of wellbeing and even focus, clarity and balance are among the many health benefits of kid yoga! By Jen Wittes

mnparent.com â&#x20AC;˘ January 2015

Om with me, baby

Kid Yoga Minnesota opened in southwest Minneapolis in July, offering youth yoga classes as well as morning child care, camps and teacher trainings. Photo by Kid Yoga Minnesota and Sunshine Morning Care

If yoga

Yoga is becoming utilized more often in pediatrics. Pediatric physical therapists use it because it increases strength, flexibility, body awareness and motor planning in kids. — Dr. Betsy Schwartz

brings balance, confidence, strength and — most important — calm to the whirling lives of busy adults, could it cool down fighting siblings? Squelch toddler tantrums? Smooth the tempestuous moods of teens and adolescents? Miraculously … yes! Moving and breathing mindfully, connecting body and brain, can indeed help with whatever mood swings are inevitably going on in your home. And that’s just one small part of a larger picture. Health professionals and seasoned yogis alike are finding that there are many health benefits available to a child practicing yoga — beyond basic athleticism and temper control.

Medical basis for benefit Dr. Betsy Schwartz, a pediatric endocrinologist at Park Nicollet Clinic in St. Louis Park, said pediatric physical therapists at the clinic are using yoga in their practices because it increases strength, flexibility, body awareness and motor planning in kids. Occupational therapists use it, too. “Yoga is becoming utilized more often in

January 2015 • mnparent.com

pediatrics,” Schwartz said. “Because it is fun and non-competitive, it’s an appealing option for getting a sedentary child to become more active.” Furthermore, Schwartz said, yoga is beneficial in medical settings because it offers a lot of “midline crossing.” Crossing the body’s midline — an imaginary line down the center of the body — means reaching across the body with arms and legs in some way, such as sitting cross-legged on the floor or being able to draw a horizontal line across a page without having to switch hands in the middle. It’s a key component in child developmental because along with it comes bilateral coordination (both sides of the body working together). Barry Beck of Minnesota Vision Therapy Center (MVTC) also believes in using yoga-like moves in medical settings. In the therapeutic treatment of children, MVTC uses movements similar to yoga, if not the actual poses. “Body work and balance is important for visual development because it gives the child feedback as to not only where they physically are in space, but where other objects are as well,” Beck said. “Knowing that I have two sides to my body — and to be able to cross the midline and move freely —

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is a big part of the visual development picture.” Proper visual development, of course, is crucial in children because it’s connected to so many aspects of their lives — schoolwork, coordination, emotional perspective and much more.

Adjusting for diﬀerent ages Kaye Standke, a Minneapolis-based yoga instructor and school counselor said yoga’s most dramatic benefits can be loosely broken down by age: For toddlers, she sees yoga as a first step toward positive body awareness, instilling a sense of health and wellbeing. School-age children gain balance, focus, clarity, self-acceptance and acceptance of others. Teens gain much-needed self-esteem. Standke teaches yoga at Sunshine Montessori School in Minneapolis and at Twin Cities-based Blooma.

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Om with me, baby “We have taken numerous in-person Super Stretch classes. We have the app. And we have the flashcards in a bowl — right in the living room,” she said. “The kids will be playing with friends and will take turns drawing a card and teaching each other yoga.”

Incorporating technology

The free Adventures of Super Stretch app features 12 yoga poses for all skill levels and ages, including animated characters and real kids showing how to do the poses, plus breathing breaks: “Can you take three deep breaths?” If you want to avoid screen time, there’s also a 52-card deck of flashcards with more than 50 variations on traditional fitness postures.

“I enjoy teaching kids because they are natural yogis!” she said. “They listen to their bodies and do what feels good. They bring such a free-spirited, enthusiastic energy to the practice.”

Making it fun To some, yoga may seem like a stuffy form of exercise. Stretching and stillness — what non-enthusiasts often imagine yoga to be — seem too sedated for the exuberance of youth. Why not ramp it up with something like Zumba? Especially for kids, right? Enter Jessica Rosenberg, a Twin Cities yoga instructor, wellness speaker and the mastermind behind The Adventures of Super Stretch — a colorful kids’ yoga program taught at local studios throughout the Twin Cities. In addition to a popular — FREE — Super Stretch yoga app, the program also features flash cards, a relaxation and visualization CD, interactive online yoga experiences, coloring pages, a workbook, a storybook and teacher training resources. Sarah Deziel, a Minneapolis mother of two, loves the program.

January 2015 • mnparent.com

The beauty of the Super Stretch “world” is that it draws kids in with its fun, tech-savvy spin. Each yoga pose is represented by a character — Hani the silly monkey, Diver the dolphin and so on. The flip side of the colorful character flashcards — and the animation on the app — is a real kid, demonstrating the yoga pose in a beautifully imperfect way. Super Stretch isn’t about getting it “just right.” It’s about learning to love yoga, finding ways to calm down and appreciating the art of movement. The Super Stretch app gets 6,000 downloads per month and was named a Best App for Kids by Appolicious.

Wellness and beyond With obesity, juvenile diabetes, ADHD and chronic stress on the rise, Rosenberg created her Super Stretch program to give parents, educators and health practitioners a way to help kids achieve optimal wellness. “My inspiration is childlike wonderment. Things should be awesome!” Rosenberg said. “It is our birthright to be flexible, happy and free. I noticed people were losing these traits as adults and I wanted to teach kids to keep alive the smile, love and compassion that we are born with.” Happiness and health? We all want that for our children. An added bonus for the yoga-going parent? Introducing your child to yoga gives you a common interest and, perhaps — for your child — a new understanding of why you need to hit the mat. Jen Wittes lives in St. Paul and is a mother of two. She’s helped many Twin Cities families in her work as a postpartum doula. Send questions or comments to jwittes@mnparent.com.

January 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ mnparent.com

Food dyes, being used in increasinly large quantities, may exacerbate behavior problems in kids prone to hyperactivity.

HYPER COLOR By Shannon Keough

onia Walters knew something needed to change. Her two daughters, ages 4 and 7, were experiencing a range of health problems, including cyclic vomiting syndrome (known as CVS), skin rashes, chronic stomachaches and hypoglycemia symptoms, not to mention mood swings and irritability. After several unsuccessful visits to the doctor to address various symptoms, the Bloomington mother and her husband made the decision to switch their family to a whole-foods, plant-based diet. Improvements in her family’s health were impressive. “My younger daughter’s chronic tummy aches and skin rashes suddenly resolved, and we were able to reduce the frequency of my older daughter’s CVS

from a few times a month to a few times a year,” Walters said. Although the dietary changes Walters implemented for her family were wideranging (she not only cut out food dyes but also artificial sweeteners, dairy and most processed foods), the results she saw might encourage many of us to re-think our approach to the lunch box and the dinner table. Is the standard American diet making us sick? And if so, what elements are particularly troubling?

mnparent.com • January 2015

HYPER COLOR DYES ON THE RISE Dyes have been at the forefront lately — along with wheat, dairy and, of course, sugar, too. Used to brighten the color of food and other consumables, dyes can be found in a surprising array of foods kids love, including cereals, yogurt, crackers and breads, including many items that aren’t particularly colorful. Most supermarket pickles contain yellow dye. Some types of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese contain dye. (Some don’t, so you have to check each box.) One popular chocolate cereal label we checked included Red 40, Yellow 5 and 6, Blue 1 and “Other Color Added.” Even marshmallows — yes the white ones! — contain blue food dye to achieve their bright-white hue. Dyes are also common in toothpaste and prescription medications. In other words, your child has multiple opportunities every day to consume a variety of artificial food dyes. Though the types of dyes have changed little since the 1950s, the amount of dye consumed in the U.S. has risen dramatically, according to a 2014 Purdue University study, which found a five-fold increase in the amount of dye certified by the FDA for use between 1950 and 2012. In other words, it’s not the dyes that are new. It’s the dosage, so to speak, in the American diet. U.S. children, especially those who frequently consume dyed beverages, could easily consume an estimated 100 to 200 milligrams of dye per day, according to the recent study. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which reported on the Purdue study earlier this year, “a child who eats 2 cups of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, a small bag of Skittles and 8 ounces of Crush Orange will consume 102 milligrams of artificial dye.” Purdue researches singled out popular name brands to figure out how much dye was

January 2015 • mnparent.com

The problem is that it is very difficult with our modern diets to eliminate all those chemicals because they are so ubiquitous in our food. — Dr. Carrie Borchardt

present in certain products (not just which dyes): Skittles and M&M’s, dyed with Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40, had the highest levels found in common candies — 33.3 mg per serving of Skittles, 29.5 mg in M&M’s Milk Chocolate, according to CSPI. Of all the cereals tested, the one with the most artificial dyes was Cap’n Crunch’s Oops! All Berries, with 41 mg.

RESEARCH IS LIMITED But is that so bad? What does the research about kids and dyes tell us? Well, there isn’t a giant bank of information just yet. So far, the most famous (and most controversial) study is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study conducted in 2007 that looked at the intake of artificial food coloring and additives and childhood behavior. In the study, which involved 300 kids, children were given dyed beverages. Half of the participants were 3-year-olds. Half were 8- and 9-year-olds. The study found that exposure to artificial colors and a sodium benzoate preservative resulted in increased hyperactivity for both groups. Known as the Southampton study, the research, published in The Lancet, has been embraced by some as proof that food dyes negatively impact children’s behavior.

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HYPER COLOR Others have criticized it for some of its possibly problematic methodology: For example, the dyes tested were mixed together in drinks containing four dyes each, making it difficult to determine which one(s) might be causing a problem. The British Food Standards Agency — which provided funding for the Southampton study — is against food dyes and has spoken out about the connection between the consumption of food dyes and hyperactive behavior in children. In countries of the European Union, a mandatory warning must be included on any food or drink that contains any of six artificial food colors. The label must also carry the warning that the product “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.” The U.K.-based agency is also encouraging manufacturers to find natural alternatives.

WHAT ABOUT ADHD?

COMMON FOOD DYES Red 3 (Erythrosine B) Red 40 (Allura Red) Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow) Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue) Blue 2 (Indigotine, Indigo Carmine) Green 3 (Fast Green FCF) Orange B

Stateside, no such warnings are required. The FDA’s Food Advisory Committee, having reviewed a variety of data (including the Southampton study), found no established link between consumption of food dyes and adverse behavioral effects in children. It voted against the need for additional information on the product labels of foods with color additives, but did recommend additional safety studies be conducted. In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published a statement saying the FDA doesn’t believe artificial food dyes cause hyperactivity in children in the general population. The FDA added, however, that the consumption of food dyes might exacerbate behavior problems in children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) because they may have a unique intolerance to them. Though the cause of ADHD is unknown, experts agree there’s a strong genetic compo-

January 2015 • mnparent.com

nent to the affliction. Factors as diverse as low birth weight and exposure to environmental toxins like lead are thought to play a role in the disorder, too.

THE MEDICAL PERSPECTIVE So what should you do if your child is experiencing behavior problems? Dr. Carrie Borchardt, a child psychiatrist with Children’s Hospitals of Minnesota, suggests a balanced approach. “My understanding is that there is some good research to show that if you eliminate dyes and preservatives from the diets of some children who have ADHD symptoms, some of them significantly improve,” Borchardt said. “The problem is that it is very difficult with our modern diets to eliminate all those chemicals because they are so ubiquitous in our food. I do not think I have ever seen a child with ADHD where diet modification made a clear significant difference.” Eliminating artificial food dyes may be one step in an overall approach to addressing children’s behavior issues. “I would encourage all families to eat as healthy a diet as possible and to make choices for healthy, fresh foods, avoiding unnecessary chemicals as much as possible,” Borchardt said. “Cooking at home is much healthier than eating out at restaurants or eating highly processed food. Those health guidelines are good for all of us.” Walters agrees: “Eating a plant-based diet and eliminating convenience foods has reduced my children’s mood swings and irritability,” Walters said. “It’s been amazing to see the improvements, and I recommend it for everyone. It is worth the change.” Shannon Keough lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two children. Send questions or comments to skeough@mnparent.com.

Want to avoid dyes? Read labels: The best thing to do is to familiarize yourself with the most common artificial food dyes and read the labels of everything you buy. Artificial dyes are lurking in a variety of foods that might surprise you — like blue dyes in white marshmallows and yellow dye in most commercially prepared pickles, for example. Cook at home: It’s virtually impossible to police the ingredients when you eat out, so try to do your own cooking at home as much as possible. Take action: Shop at retailers that don’t sell products made with artificial dyes (Whole Foods Market is one example), and talk to local stores about cutting back on dyeenhanced products if they don’t offer enough dye-free options. Check out resources such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest (cspinet.org), an organization that advocates for nutrition, health and food safety.

mnparent.com • January 2015

Surviving the unthinkable Recovering emotionally after miscarriage and infant loss By Jen Wittes

s parents, you expect to raise your child through many bumps and bruises, nightmares, broken curfews and broken hearts, triumphs and aspirations. ¶ These expectations

begin during pregnancy. Excitedly you begin to stockpile teeny-tiny onesies, board books, even middle names. ¶ Loss of a child — whether in miscarriage, stillbirth, infancy, later in life or even in the process of adoption — demands a certain level of self-care for the parents in question. Grieving, no matter what the situation, is always valid, as is every subsequent feeling — ranging from blind rage to overwhelming gratitude for the experience of loving the child.

⊳ Cheryl Haggard, co-founder of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, holds her son, Maddux Achilles Haggard. The nonprofit organization coordinates stillborn and infant-loss remembrance photography. Having a photo to hold after the loss of a child can be an important part of a healthy grieving process. “That night was the worst night of my life. But when I look at the images, I am not reminded of my worst night. I’m reminded of the beauty and blessings he brought,” Haggard said. Photo by Sandy Puc mnparent.com • January 2015

Surviving the unthinkable Wendy and Christian Lundsgaard of Wayzata experienced multiple infant losses (including a stillborn delivery of twins, three firsttrimester miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy requiring emergency surgery) before giving birth to two healthy girls, Maxine, now 5, and Franzi, 2. Photo by Devon Sween Photography

Permission to grieve But how can parents begin to cope with such complicated feelings in the wake of loss? Krista Post, a licensed psychologist and owner of Psychotherapy Healing & Associates — a Twin Cities practice that includes The Postpartum Counseling Center — is a leading specialist in the field of parental mental health. One of the chief challenges in the aftermath of a miscarriage, Post said, is finding a way to grieve. “Many parents feel that they are not allowed to grieve because there is no actual baby out in the world for people to see,” she said. After pregnancy loss, women in particular are expected to pick up and move on in a way that’s both biologically and emotionally impossible. The vision — bedtime stories, birthdays and beyond — is as real to her as anything she’s ever experienced, as are the hormonal and physical changes that accompany pregnancy. In her practice, Post sees another common problem among women who have gone through a miscarriage — diminished self-worth. “They feel inadequate, not woman enough,” she said. “They are mad at their bodies, mad at their partners, mad at themselves.” These feelings are exacerbated with multiple miscarriages and fertility struggles and, when not dealt with, can lead to perinatal mood disorders such as depression. Burying these intense feelings can also inhibit the natural feelings of joy and excitement with subsequent pregnancies, replacing these emotions instead with fear and anxiety. Amber Pone, a social worker and associate at Psychotherapy Healing & Associates, encourages women (and men, when appropriate) to get in touch with this anger so they can eventually let it go. One particularly useful exercise in Pone’s work has been the use of personal letters. “I once asked a mother who was really struggling after a third-trimester loss to write a letter to her body expressing all of those feelings of anger and disappointment,” Pone said. “Then I had her write back, from the position of her body — a body that, for the sake of the woman’s health, needed her love and forgiveness. This went back and forth and, eventually, she was able to move on.” Whatever the healing tool, it’s important for the grieving parents to find something that helps, exhausting all options if necessary.

January 2015 • mnparent.com

Healing after heartbreak Wendy Lundsgaard of Wayzata experienced an ectopic pregnancy requiring emergency surgery, a stillborn delivery of twins and three first-trimester miscarriages before giving birth to two healthy girls, now 5 and 2. She pulled strength from her loved ones and her doctor, who encouraged her to follow her own path to healing. “My doctor read my cues,” Lundsgaard said. “He was upset for me, but was encouraging in the process and was my biggest cheerleader in continuing to move forward toward the family I have today. It was exactly what I needed.” Lundsgaard took very special measures in having her two girls: She was on bed rest for seven weeks before giving birth to her oldest and six months with her youngest. With both girls, she had a cervical cerclage — a procedure in which her cervix was sewn up at 13 weeks gestation. That procedure, Lundsgaard believes, was really what made the difference. (She worked with Dr. Philip Marcus at Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility in the Twin Cities.) Lundsgaard also relied on peer support. “Hearing ‘I don’t know what to say’ from friends — who hadn’t been through what I was dealing with — was the most comforting to me during these times,” she said. Support groups were especially important for Lundsgaard as well. “I could talk with women who did know what to say and who offered such empathy and compassion. I never wanted the meetings to end,” she said. Lundsgaard joined a Resolve group by the National Infertility Association, which organizes groups for families

mnparent.com • January 2015

Surviving the unthinkable struggling with infertility and/or recurrent miscarriage. According to the association, one in eight U.S. couples of childbearing age has trouble conceiving or sustaining a pregnancy.

Recovering from stillbirth Stillbirth is a type of loss that presents a unique set of challenges for the grieving parents. “These parents always feel as if they are missing something,” Pone said. “They become panicked because they forgot to look at the baby’s feet or hands.” Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep is an organization with the sole purpose of introducing stillbirth families to remembrance photography. Both Pone and Post wholeheartedly recommend this service and any other memorialization that the family wants or needs. Making time to capture images of the child can alleviate some of those feelings of panic that emerge: There’s a physical image to hold and linger over. Deb Rich, a licensed psychologist and founder of the Shoshana Center for Reproductive Health Psychology in St. Paul, emphasizes not only taking time to bond with and photograph the stillborn baby but also scheduling time with any and all medical providers as well to understand everything there is to know about the circumstances of the loss. “Knowing what there is to know is an important part of being able to move forward in your journey,” Rich said.

Finding your way Colleen Lindstrom, a lifelong Minneapolis resident and co-host of Colleen & Bradley on myTalk 107.1FM lost her infant daughter, Brady, to what was diagnosed as SIDS because of the inability to rule out other causes. Lindstrom emphasized that in addition to therapy and help from local support groups, finding ways to honor Brady has been very healing. Also a survivor of multiple miscarriages, Lindstrom said: “We weave our babies into our lives each day and we continue to tell our children especially about their big sister, Brady. We show them pictures; we refer to her place in the family. She is counted.” Many parents are afraid to move on. They feel guilty, as if they are betraying their child. They feel worried that moving on means letting go of their child’s memory. As Lindstrom illustrates, moving through grief and forward to a new family picture doesn’t mean letting go.

January 2015 • mnparent.com

There are many ways to keep the child very much a part of family life while still taking care of your own emotional health.

Support during grief Though Lindstrom has stopped writing her blog, Keeping Her Cool, she still maintains the site for the sake of one particular post about her infant-loss experiences, because people still ask her what they can do for friends who have experienced similar losses. Her 2011 post outlines the Do’s and Don’ts of supporting a bereaved parent. (See tinyurl.com/colleen-brady to read the full text.) First and foremost, Lindstrom advises, “DO meet your friend where they are in their grief. You may have advice on how to approach the grief process, and it may indeed be good advice. But, in the early days, your friend needs you to support him or her.” Also, don’t be afraid to talk about their child — by name. “DO say the child’s name. Say it often. Say it loudly. Don’t be afraid. They NEED and WANT to hear their child’s name.” Lindstrom has a separate blog post about the words “at least”: “DON’T say the words ‘at least.’ Whatever you do, if you feel those words tickle your lips, stop talking. Just stop. Nothing good comes after those words.” Examples include: “At least you’re young and you can have another,” “At least you have another child,” and “At least you have each other.” Lindstrom explains: “Whether you are intending this or not, those words are minimizing the pain of their grief. They are saying, ‘It could be worse.’ For the grieving person, it couldn’t be worse. Or if it could, they don’t want to know how.” Again, it’s important to let grieving parents take the lead in how they mourn their loss, even if they don’t seem to know where they’re going. Parents, Rich said, should know there’s no right way to experience loss. “Many circumstances affect the experience — living children, history of infertility, life stability, spiritual community, family relationships,” she said. “Don’t give up until you find what is meaningful and useful to you.” Jen Wittes lives in St. Paul and is a mother of two. She’s helped many Twin Cities families in her work as a postpartum doula. Send questions or comments to jwittes@mnparent.com.

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CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS

Academic 191 Community Ed Summer Programs ISD 191 Community Education offers activities and camps for your K–6 student. Art, Sports, Swimming, Dance, Theater, and Technology classes are offered throughout the summer at an affordable cost. #191community Burnsville-Eagan-Savage 200 W Burnsville Pkwy, Ste 100 Burnsville 952-707-4150 communityed191.org

Bell Museum Science Discovery Day Camps Unearth unforgettable camp experiences at the Bell Museum. Weeklong Science Discovery camps include outdoor adventure, space exploration, lab activities, real scientific specimens, University research… and lots of fun! June 8–August 28, grades K–6, and half-day preschool camps! Minneapolis 612-626-9660 bellmuseum.org

Camp Invention Camp Invention is where BIG ideas become the next BIG thing! Local educators lead a week of hands-on activities created especially for rising 1st–6th grade students. Boys and girls spend time taking apart electronics to assemble something new, pushing the limits during high-energy games and so much more. Lessons explore connections between science, technology, engineering, and innovation. Discounts are available, so secure a spot soon! Locations throughout Minnesota 800-968-4332 campinvention.org

Gifted & Talented Institute (GTI) Find Your Challenge South of the River. A partnership of south metro school districts, managed by ISD 191 Community Education. GTI provides gifted and talented youth in grades K–12 opportunities for challenge and exploration. Classes run late June through July. Half- and full-day, weeklong course options in a variety of core disciplines. 952-707-4150 giftedtalented.org

Groves Academy Summer Programs Groves Academy Summer Programs are for students with learning and attention challenges. The programs are open to students from any school. There are small

January 2015 • mnparent.com

class sizes and personalized instruction. Grades 2–8, June 15–July 10: Reading, writing, and math, optional enrichment classes. Grades 9–12, July 27–August 7: Algebra, study skills, and writing. 3200 Hwy 100 S St. Louis Park 952-920-6377 grovesacademy.org

Junior Achievement Summer Camp JA BizTown Summer Camp takes place at Junior Achievement’s fully interactive, simulated city. This camp teaches 4th–8th graders how to run a successful business through fun, hands-on activities. June session focuses on STEM careers; July session will appeal to the young entrepreneur. Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest 1800 White Bear Ave N Maplewood 651-255-0037 jaum.org

Minnetonka Community Education Minnetonka Community Education offers more than 300 summer enrichment, recreation, and academic summer camps for children ages 18 months–18 years. From art to archery, STEM to soccer, and everything in between — there’s a camp that appeals to every child’s interests and passions. 5621 County Rd 101 Minnetonka 952-401-6800 minnetonkacommunityed.org

Science & Engineering Camps Works Museum, The Creative camps for girls and boys, ages 5–12, who love to explore, design, and build! Kids experience how things work through fun, hands-on science and engineering projects. Discover code camp, Lego Robotics, electricity, architecture, and more! Camps run June–August 2015. 9740 Grand Ave S Bloomington 952-888-4262 theworks.org

Arts Art Academy, The City Pages Winner: Best of the Twin Cities! Year-round traditional drawing and painting classes and camps for students ages 5–18 years. Exceptional student/teacher ratio. Homeschool Program. A Renaissance Program for adults also offered. See samples of student artwork; visit our website. Call for a brochure.

651 Snelling Ave S St. Paul 651-699-1573 theartacademy.net

Kidcreate Studio Kidcreate Studio’s art camps are designed to inspire and educate young artists, ages 3–12, in an environment where giggles and grins are encouraged. Camps focus on art principles and introduce students to many types of art materials. Campers get to explore, make a mess and have fun. This year’s camps include: Frozen, Lego Dino World, Happily Ever After, Marvelously Messy, Fabulously Fancy Art, Simply Silly Stuff, Candy Crafts, Art-tastic, Masters on Canvas, Let’s Draw, Star Wars and many more. At Kidcreate, making a mess is the best! 7918 Mitchell Rd Eden Prairie 952-974-3438 kidcreatestudio.com/eden-prairie 1785 Radio Dr, Ste F Woodbury 651-735-0880 kidcreatestudio.com/woodbury

Loft’s Young Writers’ Program, The The Loft’s Young Writers’ Program offers more than 100 classes this summer that foster creativity, enrich talents, and create friendships. Classes run all summer for ages 6–17 at all skill levels. Open Book 1011 Washington Ave S Minneapolis 612-215-2575 loft.org

Dance/Music/ Performance Center for Irish Music, The (CIM) All ages and abilities will explore and grow musically within the context of the Irish tradition. CIM offers creative and active introductory and intermediate camps on whistle, song, fiddle, harp, and drumming as well as mythology, travel-themed, and performance camps. 836 Prior Ave N St. Paul 651-815-0083 centerforirishmusic.org

Circus Juventas Travel the globe without ever leaving our Big Top! Our full-day, weeklong camps explore a vast array of circus arts from Morocco to Mongolia, China to Russia. Reserve your spot now to be a part of one of the most talked-about and unique

mnparent.com/camp summer camps in the Twin Cities. 1270 Montreal Ave St. Paul 651-699-8229 circusjuventas.org

Shell Lake Arts Center With programs in jazz, rock band, show choir, art, theatre, dance, and more, the Shell Lake Arts Center is like nowhere else! Just two hours northeast of the Twin Cities in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin. Come join us for the experience of a lifetime! 802 1st St Shell Lake, WI 715-468-2414 shelllakeartscenter.org

Sing Minnesota August 10–14, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sing Minnesota is a weeklong day camp for girls and boys, ages 8–12 sponsored by the Minnesota Boychoir. While focusing on choral singing, campers also participate in other creative arts — drama and movement, visual arts, and outdoor fun and games! $325, scholarships available. Concordia University Buetow Music Center 300 Hamline Ave N St. Paul 651-292-3219 boychoir.org

Stages Theatre Company Summer Theatre Workshops: June 15– August 24. Calling all actors, singers, and dancers: Have fun learning about theater from some of the area’s finest teaching artists. Stages Theatre Company offers a variety of age appropriate workshops for students ranging from ages 4–17. 1111 Mainstreet Hopkins 952-979-1111, option 4 stagestheatre.org

SteppingStone Theatre Camps & Classes! SteppingStone Theatre explores creativity year round with youth grades pre-K–high school. Check out our summer camps as a unique way for students to build confidence, theater skills, and community! Have fun this summer at SteppingStone Theatre! Scholarship/Membership pricing available. 55 Victoria St N St. Paul 651-225-9265 steppingstonetheatre.org

Theatre Arts Training at Children’s Theatre Company June 8–August 14, ages 4–18. Theatre Arts Training offers camps for all levels in acting, musical theater, improv, and more, making it easy to find the perfect fit for the young actor in your life. Be Curious. Be Creative. Be Confident. Registration opens January 15. MIA 2400 3rd Ave S Minneapolis 612-874-0400 childrenstheatre.org/education/classesand-camps

Zenon Dance Company & School Summer Camps Week-long dance camps for ages 6-14. Each day will include technique and choreography classes. Participants will perform for family and friends on the last day! Hip Hop Camps: June 22–26, August 3–7. Youth Dance Sampler Camp: July 20–24. 528 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis 612-338-1101 zenondance.org

Day Animal Humane Society’s Unleashed Camp Fun, educational animal-themed summer day camp for students entering grades 3–10 at Animal Humane Society. Camp may include special guests, field trips, service projects, interactions with animals, and more. Register online today. Buffalo, Coon Rapids, Golden Valley, St. Paul, & Woodbury 763-489-2220 animalhumanesociety.org/camps

Archaeology for Kids One-Day Camp Ages 10–14. Archeologists and historians help campers do archeological work, including research, digging, and sifting at a re-created dig site, and working with scientific equipment in a lab. July 18 & August 1. $65/$60 MNHS Members. Historic Fort Snelling 200 Tower Ave St. Paul 612-726-1171 mnhs.org/summercamps

Arts on the River Day Camp Ages 9–11. Children enjoy a new experience each day at four top arts centers, including Mill City Museum, the Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, and

MacPhail Center for Music. June 29–July 2. $250/$225 MNHS Members. Mill City Museum 704 S 2nd St Minneapolis 612-341-7555 mnhs.org/summercamps

Camp Choson Camp Choson is a dynamic, welcoming day and resident camp that offers youth ages 4–17 opportunities to explore Korean arts and culture. A camper’s experience includes Korean language and culture, traditional dance and drum, Taekwondo, music, selfrespect, archery, and swimming. Camp Lakamaga 12300 Lakamaga Trail N Marine on St Croix campchoson.org

Davy Crockett Day Camp Ages 9–12. Campers will learn the skills Davy Crockett and others like him used on the frontier, including tracking animals, using flint and steel, and 1800s soldiering. Two sessions: July 7–10 & 21–24. $250/$225 MNHS Members. Historic Fort Snelling 200 Tower Ave, St. Paul 612-726-1171 mnhs.org/summercamps

Finishing School for Young Ladies Ages 9–12. In this one-of-a kind day camp, young ladies will dress up in Victorianinspired costumes, enjoy a tea party, and learn popular dances and etiquette. Two sessions: June 22–24 & July 20–22. $220/$200 MNHS members. Alexander Ramsey House 265 S Exchange St St. Paul 651-296-8760 mnhs.org/summercamps

History Detective Camp Ages 11–13. Become a super-sleuth. Explore the home and comb through the evidence to solve mysteries of the past in this three day camp. Two sessions: June 22–24 & July 20–22. $220/$200 MNHS Members. Alexander Ramsey House 265 S Exchange St St. Paul 651-296-8760 mnhs.org/summercamps

Huck Finn Day Camp Ages 9–12. Campers explore the book “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and mnparent.com • January 2015

CAMP RESOURCES go fishing, hiking, cooking, canoeing, and much more. Three sessions: June 16–19, July 14–17, & August 4–7. $250/$225 MNHS Members. Historic Fort Snelling 200 Tower Ave St. Paul 612-726-1171 mnhs.org/summercamps

Little House in the Big Fort Day Camp Ages 7–11. Campers will sing the songs, play the games, and make the food and crafts that Laura Ingalls Wilder learned while growing up on the western frontier. Six sessions: June 16–19 & 23–26, July 7–10, 14–17, & 28–31, and August 4–7. $250/$225 MNHS Members. Historic Fort Snelling 200 Tower Ave St. Paul 612-726-1171 mnhs.org/summercamps

Soldier One-Day Camp Ages 8–12. “New recruits” will learn about the lives of soldiers during the 1820s at Fort Snelling. Campers will learn to march and drill, watch musket and cannon firings, and more. June 27, July 11, July 25, & August 8. $50/$45 MNHS Members. Historic Fort Snelling 200 Tower Ave St. Paul 612-726-1171 mnhs.org/summercamps

Summer Adventure Camp The International School of Minnesota offers full and half day camp from June 15–August 14 for ages 3.5 to those entering grade 8. Camp activities include Spanish or American Sign Language, swimming, arts & crafts, nature hikes, outside play and beach Friday. Options include sports, music, theater, kitchen chemistry, soccer, MN biology, catapults and trebuchets. 6385 Beach Rd Eden Prairie 952-918-1828 internationalschoolmn.com

by train rides and root beer floats! Riding lessons, Camp, Birthdays. Medina 612-408-2848 skyrockfarm.com

Sunnyside Stables Horsemanship Summer Camp Sunnyside’s camp is a place to discover horses and new friends. Each day includes riding — rain or shine, as we have an indoor and outdoor arena as well as scenic trails. You will discover the basics of grooming, saddling, body language, posture, contact, and balance to develop independent riding skills. 15400 Emery Ave E Rosemount 651-226-2027 sunnysidestables.org

Language Concordia Language Villages Concordia Language Villages is the premier language and culture immersion program in the United States. For over 50 years, we have provided an authentic experience with programs for all ages and levels of fluency in 15 different languages. 901 8th St S Moorhead 218-299-4544 800-222-4750 concordialanguagevillages.org

Other Minnesota Children’s Museum At Minnesota Children’s Museum, hands-on play builds lifelong learning. Each of our galleries is uniquely designed with a child’s busy brain in mind. Every visit is packed with experiences guaranteed to nurture creative thinking, fuel fun, and cater to the curious at heart. 10 W 7th St Downtown, St. Paul 651-225-6000 mcm.org

Horseback Riding

Overnight

Skyrock Farm Summer Horse Camp

Audubon Center of the North Woods

Learn basic horsemanship and make new friends! Clean, upscale facility located in Medina provides safe summer horse fun for your horse-crazy child (age 6+). One hour instructional lesson per fun-filled day. Friday is horse show day — Horse show followed

A wide variety of youth, family, and adult camps and expeditions — something for everyone! Our camps have a focus on wildlife, nature, challenge, and outdoor skills. Experience the great outdoors and make memories that last a lifetime! June–

January 2015 • mnparent.com

September. info@audubon-center.org. East side of Grindstone Lake near Sandstone 888-404-7743 audubon-center.org/summer-camps

Camp WeHaKee Have fun, build friendships, be yourself! More than 40 activities that each girl chooses. Campers from around the world. Exceptional staff! At the heart of WeHaKee is relationship. Just three hours from Minneapolis in Northern Wisconsin! N8104 Barker Lake Rd Winter, WI 800-582-2267 wehakeecampforgirls.com

Girl Scouts River Valleys’ Summer Camps All girls welcome, including non-Girl Scouts. Residential sessions at four locations, each with unique scenery and outdoor opportunities. Classic camp experiences, with horse and wilderness opportunities, canoeing, kayaking, archery, swimming, biking, arts and crafts, and more. Financial assistance available. Camp Elk River, Zimmerman Camp Lakamaga, Marine on St Croix Camp Northwoods, Mason, WI Camp Singing Hills, Waterville 800-845-0787 girlscoutsrv.org/camp

YMCA Camp Olson Since 1954, Camp Olson has been providing unforgettable and life changing experiences for youth and young leaders through quality camping programs. Traditional summer camp available as well as specialty programs in sailing, horseback riding, nature study, and leadership development. 4160 Little Boy Rd NE Longville 218-363-2207 campolson.org

Sports and Fitness Bethel University Overnight & Day Camps Bethel University Christian Sports Camps help athletes develop fundamentals and build confidence in their skills. We provide both challenge and encouragement, allowing campers to develop a positive attitude. Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, X-Country, Tennis. All ages. Bethel University 3900 Bethel Dr

Our Camp Directory at mnparent.com/camp St. Paul 651-638-6397 bethelroyals.com

Little Gym of Edina, Anytime Summertime Camp For kids ages 3–12. The most flexible camp in town lets you pick one day or as many as you want! Each week has a fun new theme with games, art, physical activity, and a whole lot of fun. 8223 Hwy 7 St. Louis Park 952-924-0083 thelittlegym.com/edinamn

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Minnesota United FC Minnesota United FC is a professional soccer team playing in the North American Soccer League. Our mission is to make professional soccer an accessible source of pride for people in Minnesota. The club is devoted to being a pillar in the local community. These new camps bring our level of professionalism and GREAT soccer to YOU! Coon Rapids, Maplewood, Rogers, Rosemount, & St. Louis Park 763-231-9866 mnunitedfccamps.com

Revolutionary Sports Provides camps that combine learning sports and child development for a positive, sports experience. Multiple sports daily. Over 15 sports offered. Camps start at age 4 and offered during no-school days, spring break, and summer. Half day, full day, early drop-off (7:30 a.m.), late pick-up (5:30 p.m.). Metrowide Locations 612-234-7782 revolutionarysports.org

Summer Art Camps

TAGS Gymnastics Camps Fun, Fitness, Friends! Gymnastics camps for boys and girls ages 3–17 in June, July, and August. Kids will learn fun, new skills while developing strength, flexibility, and coordination in a safe, positive atmosphere! TAGS Apple Valley: 5880 149th St W Apple Valley 952-431-6445 TAGS Eden Prairie: 10300 W 70th St Eden Prairie 952-920-5342 tagsgym.com

for ages 5 and up 651-699-1573 Jacob Smith, Age 7

theartacademy.net

Think your child can’t draw like this? Think again. Chosen by WCCO “2013 Best Places for Summer Art Activities” | Winner: City Pages “Best of the Twin Cities” Art Academy MNP 0115 H4_#1.indd 6

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EDUCATION RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS

Charter Agamim Classical Academy Strengthening America’s future, one student at a time. Agamim Classical Academy is a tuition-free, K–8 public charter school with an academically rigorous, Classical education approach grounded in American values, Hebrew language, and virtuous character. Miranda Morton Executive Director miranda@agamim.org 612-499-1531 agamim.org

Cyber Village Academy Cyber Village Academy is a charter school serving students K–12 in a unique hybrid model that blends on-campus and online instruction. Strong test scores; great climate! Perfect for families wanting to stay highly involved in their children’s education! 768 Hamline Ave S St. Paul 651-523-7170 cybervillageacademy.org

Dance/Music/ Performance

St. Thomas More Catholic School MNP 0114 V6.indd 2 12/10/13 1:34 PM

NORTH HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

OPEN HOUSE

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) With Theatre Arts Training classes and professional productions for toddlers through teens, CTC was named by Time Magazine as the number one theater for families in the U.S.A. Tickets start at $10. Minneapolis Institute of Arts 2400 3rd Ave S Minneapolis 612-874-0400 childrenstheatre.org/education/classesand-camps

Stages Theatre Company

Academic Excellence

+ Biblical Worldview

Stages Theatre Company is committed to the enrichment and education of children and youth in a professional theater environment that stimulates artistic excellence and personal growth. 1111 Mainstreet Hopkins 952-979-1111, option 4 stagestheatre.org

KINDERGARTEN–8th GRADE

Financial Aid Available at TADS.com

Saturday, January 31 10:00 AM–Noon

2651 N. Rice Street, Roseville 651.797.7900 — jeff.taylor@nhlc.org

www.NHCAonline.org

January 2015 • mnparent.com

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Other Landmark Center St. Paul’s historic Landmark Center boasts four

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FREE museums showcasing art, music, and history. In addition to historical exhibits, families will experience the incredible Gallery of Wood Art and the inspiring Schubert Club Museum of keyboards and hands-on musical experiences. 75 W 5th St St. Paul 651-292-3225 landmarkcenter.org

Landmark Center Tours St. Paul’s historic Landmark Center offers FREE general building tours that take you throughout Landmark Center and offer you an insider look into the remarkable building. Free public tours are Thursdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 12 p.m. 75 W 5th St St. Paul 651-292-3225 landmarkcenter.org

Minnesota Children’s Museum At Minnesota Children’s Museum, hands-on play builds lifelong learning. Each of our galleries is uniquely designed with a child’s busy brain in mind. Every visit is packed with experiences guaranteed to nurture creative thinking, fuel fun, and cater to the curious at heart. 10 W 7th St Downtown, St. Paul 651-225-6000 mcm.org

Minnesota College Savings Plan The Minnesota College Savings Plan is a flexible tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan designed to help families save for a loved one’s future college education. The Plan is administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and managed by TIAACREF Tuition Financing, Inc. 952-830-3127 mn529today.com

Minnesota History Center & Historic Sites (MNHS) MNHS works with teachers, parents, and lifelong learners to ensure that we are all Minnesota State Smart. We do this through fun, engaging, and educational exhibits, events, and field trips at 18 historic sites and museums around the state. Minneapolis/St. Paul & greater metro 651-259-3015 mnhs.org

Parent Aware Parent Aware helps families find the quality care and education their children need to

mnparent.com/education succeed. Parent Aware is a search partner. We work side-by-side with families, offering free resources to help them make informed choices about high-quality care and education. Statewide Locations 888-291-9811 parentaware.org

Saint Paul Public Schools Community Education Lifelong learning opportunities for all ages, including youth enrichment, summer camps, school-age childcare (select schools), aquatics, driver education, gymnastics, early childhood family education, and more. We have hundreds of ways for your family to learn, grow, and connect! Rondo Education Center (youth office) 560 Concordia Ave St. Paul 651-487-7383 commed.spps.org

Preschool Dodge Nature Preschool On a 110-acre area of our Environmental Educational Preserve, Dodge Nature Preschool brings the natural world into the lives of children, through visits to our farm, reptile lab and raptor house, hikes, gardening, and more. NAEYC accredited. Four Star Parent Aware rated. 1715 Charlton St W St. Paul 651-455-4555 dodgenaturecenter.org

Especially for Children For over 38 years, Especially for Children has provided high quality childcare and education for Twin Cities families. Our NAEYC Accredited programs foster the development of the whole child. Visit us today! Bloomington, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Inver Grove Heights 952-857-1100 especiallyforchildren.com

Joyce Bilingual Preschool Joyce Preschool is a bilingual SpanishEnglish program for children ages 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5 years with strong emphasis on kindergarten readiness, second language acquisition, early literacy, and parent involvement. Also offering parent-child classes and summer camps. Two locations for 2015. Joyce Preschool: 3400 Park Ave mnparent.com â&#x20AC;˘ January 2015

EDUCATION RESOURCES Minneapolis Joyce at Windom: 5821 Wentworth Ave S Minneapolis 612-823-2447 joycepreschool.org

Minnetonka Preschool & Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Minnetonka ECFE serves parents and children, ages 0–5 years. Classes promote interaction and teach parenting techniques. Minnetonka Preschool teaches children, ages 30 months–5 years, in a safe environment that focuses on social, emotional, and cognitive development. 4584 Vine Hill Rd Excelsior 952-401-6812 minnetonkacommunityed.org

St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development St. David’s Center is dedicated to building relationships that nurture the development of every child and family. Serving more than 2,400 families throughout the Twin Cities annually with center- and community-based programs, we offer Reggio Emilia-inspired Early Childhood Education, Early Intervention & Treatment, and Services for Individuals with Lifelong Special Needs. Main Campus & School 3395 Plymouth Rd Minnetonka 952-548-8700 stdavidscenter.org International School of MN MNP 0115 H4.indd 1

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YMCA The Y is for Youth Development, nurturing the lives of children through value-based enrichment programs and serving the needs of infants, toddlers, preschool, and school age children. We are your partner with over 70 program locations across the metro area. Metro-wide 612-230-9622 ymcatwincities.org

Private Calvin Christian Schools (CCS) CCS’s comprehensive program provides rich learning experiences that meaningfully integrate a biblical world view. Over the past 50 years, CCS has built a solid reputation for delivering an outstanding, Christ-centered education. Today Calvin Christian’s three campuses serve nearly 450 students representing 100 churches and 45 metro communities.

January 2015 • mnparent.com

Teaching children skills for a lifetime, not just playtime. Le Tout Petit Programme A Bilingual French/English Program for children ages 18 to 33 months

K-8: 4015 Inglewood Ave S, Edina 8966 Pierce St NE, Blaine High School: 755 73rd Ave NE, Fridley 952-927-5304 calvinchristian.org

Serving Preschool through Elementary Ages

French Academy of Minnesota, The The French Academy, a total Frenchimmersion private school serving students 16 months–grade 5, offers a curriculum combining Minnesota and French national standards. In true French style, native-speaking teachers empower children to become responsible, respectful, and active learners.

A true French school...in Minnesota.

Call for a tour today! (952) 944-1930

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White Bear Lake Area Schools Leading minds to learning, hearts to compassion, and lives to community service.

Holy Name of Jesus School

155 Cty Rd 24 Wayzata 763-473-3675 hnoj.org/school

International School of Minnesota, The (ISM) ISM is a private, non-sectarian, college prep school for preschool (age 3)–grade 12. In addition to a rigorous curriculum, students experience an international learning community where cultural diversity is embraced and celebrated. World language is taught daily by native speakers. Extended day available 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Weekly swimming lessons included for preschool–grade 3. 6385 Beach Rd Eden Prairie 952-918-1840 internationalschoolmn.com

Liberty Classical Academy Building Moral Leaders for Tomorrow! Rigorous academics with a Christian world view combine powerfully at Liberty, a classical pre-K–12, college-preparatory school. Liberty boasts excellent academics, competitive sports programs, small class sizes, along with a complete liberal arts curriculum. Financial aid available. 3878 Highland Ave White Bear Lake 651-772-2777 libertyclassicalacademy.org

TheFrenchAcademy.org

French Academy MNP 0115 H6.indd 1

9400 Cedar Lake Rd St. Louis Park 952-944-1930 thefrenchacademy.org

Holy Name of Jesus School offers a preschool– grade 6 educational experience focused on excellence in academics, service to others, and faith formation. Our mission is to provide academic excellence while proclaiming, celebrating, and living the Gospel of Christ.

Be a BEAR! Our students benefit from: • Four-star ratings at each of the district’s Early Childhood locations. • Free all-day, every-day kindergarten at each elementary site. Low class sizes, especially at the primary level. • International experiences with K-12 world language opportunities, partnerships with schools throughout the world, and K-8 options for Int’l Baccalaureate. • Innovative partnerships with the White Bear Center for the Arts, the White Bear Area YMCA, MacPhail Center for Music, Tamarack Nature Center, and others. • College credit opportunities in 32 courses. Our grads earned credits totaling $1.7 million at University of Minnesota tuition rates last year.

www.isd624.org 651-407-7500 White Bear Schools MNP 0115 V2.indd 1

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EDUCATION RESOURCES North Heights Christian Academy Since its founding in 1988 North Heights Christian Academy has continued to offer an academically excellent, Christ-centered, K–8 educational program. To schedule a tour contact Principal Jeff Taylor at 651-797-7934 or at jeff.taylor@nhlc.org.

Classical, Public, & Tuition-Free Instilling a rigorous academic culture, focused on American values, virtuous character, and passion for the Hebrew language.

2701 N Rice St Roseville nhlc.org

agamim.org

Saint Thomas More Catholic School Agamim Academy MNP 0115 12.indd 1

what makes

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Thomas More Catholic School is a vibrant, student-centered community built on shared faith, service, and academic excellence. We provide a literature-based, liberal arts curriculum with a strong focus on literacy and communication skills.

Calvin Christian School special?

1065 Summit Ave St. Paul 651-224-4836 morecommunity.org

Your child! We’re small enough that your son or daughter has a special place here—but we have a big academic vision and a rich, biblical worldview. Since 1961, Christian parents have looked to Calvin Christian for excellent, God-honoring education. Call today for more information or to schedule a visit.

St. John the Baptist Catholic School & Preschool Voted best private school in reader polls, St. John’s provides a competitively priced, comprehensive, faith-filled education preschool through middle school. Our focus on academic excellence and virtue enables students to discover and live up to their full potential, helping form productive citizens and disciples of Jesus Christ.

K-12 Edina • Blaine • Fridley www.calvinchristian.org 952.927.5304 Calvin Christian School MNP 1012 H4.indd 1

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clws.org

835 2nd Ave NW New Brighton 651-633-1522 stjohnnyb.org

Visitation School Visitation School provides an excellent academic program within a Catholic environment. Visitation is coed from preschool–grade 6 and Minnesota’s only all-girls college preparatory school in grades 7–12. 2455 Visitation Dr Mendota Heights 651-683-1700 visitation.net

Public Hopkins Public Schools

A tour of Twin Cities schools always includes a visit to City of Lakes, the vibrant alternative in education. Contact us at admissions@clws.org or 612 767 1502 or visit our Grades 1-8 info event Wednesday, January 21 6:30–8:30 pm. City of Lakes Waldorf MNP 0115 H4.indd 1

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A leader in STEM curriculum, Hopkins offers: Spanish instruction in every K–2 classroom; Chinese Immersion beginning in kindergarten; secondary Chinese and Spanish Immersion options in grades 7–12; junior high IB; an extensive AP program; more than 250 course choices in high school. 12/5/14 4:11 PM

Harley Hopkins Family Center (birth– preschool): 125 Monroe Ave, Hopkins Alice Smith Elementary: 801 Minnetonka Mills Rd, Hopkins Eisenhower Elementary + XinXing Academy: 1001 Hwy 7, Hopkins Gatewood Elementary: 14900 Gatewood Dr, Minnetonka Glen Lake Elementary: 4801 Woodridge Rd, Minnetonka L.H. Tanglen Elementary: 10901 Hillside Ln, Minnetonka Meadowbrook Elementary: 5460 Glenwood Ave, Golden Valley North Junior High: 10700 Cedar Lake Rd, Minnetonka West Junior High: 3830 Baker Rd, Minnetonka Hopkins High School: 2400 Lindbergh Dr, Minnetonka 952-988-4110 hopkinsschools.org

White Bear Lake Area School District The White Bear Lake Area School District serves nearly 9,000 students in programs ranging from Early Childhood offerings to high school graduation. Students at all levels achieve outstanding results though community partnerships, world language experiences, and International Baccalaureate opportunities. 4855 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake 651-407-7500 isd624.org Elementary Schools (Gr. K–5): Birch Lake Elementary 1616 Birch Lake Ave, White Bear Lake Hugo Elementary (Gr. K–1): 14895 Francesco Ave N, Hugo Lakeaires Elementary: 3963 Van Dyke St, White Bear Lake Lincoln Elementary: 1961 6th St, White Bear Lake Matoska International IB World School: 2530 Spruce Place, White Bear Township Oneka Elementary (Gr. 2–5): 4888 Heritage Pkwy N, Hugo Otter Lake Elementary: 1401 Cty Rd H2, White Bear Township Vadnais Heights Elementary: 3645 Centerville Rd, Vadnais Heights Willow Lane Elementary: 3375 Willow Ave, White Bear Lake Middle Schools (Gr. 6–8): Central Middle School: 4857 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake Sunrise Park Middle School: 2399 Cedar Ave, White Bear Lake High School Campuses (Gr. 9–12): White Bear Lake Area High School - North (Gr. 9–10) 5045 Division Ave, White Bear Lake Minnetonka Public Schools MNP 1214 S3.indd 1

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EDUCATION RESOURCES White Bear Lake Area High School South (Gr. 11–12) 3551 McKnight Rd, White Bear Lake White Bear Lake Area Learning Center (Gr. 9–12) 2449 Orchard Ln, White Bear Lake

Specialty Academy of Whole Learning

Joyce Preschool MNP 0115 H6.indd 1

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Academy of Whole Learning is the exceptional school for exceptional learners. We provide a personalized learning path integrating academic, social, and life skills for qualifying students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or Intellectual Disability, grades 3–12. A primary program will be opening for the 2015–16 school year. 9400 Cedar Lake Rd, Ste 7 St. Louis Park 952-737-6900 academyofwholelearning.org

Art Academy, The City Pages Winner: Best of the Twin Cities! Year-round traditional drawing and painting classes and camps for students ages 5–18 years. Exceptional student/teacher ratio. Homeschool Program. A Renaissance Program for adults also offered. See samples of student artwork; visit our website. Call for a brochure. 651 Snelling Ave S St. Paul 651-699-1573 theartacademy.net

City of Lakes Waldorf School

Think your child can’t draw like this? Think again.

Groves is Minnesota’s foremost authority on teaching students with learning disabilities and attention disorders. Groves’ learning program provides an independent day school for grades 1–12, and 45 workshops, webinars, and special events annually. Services include teacher training, diagnostic assessments, tutoring, support for young adults, and summer programs.

651-699-1573

Call or visit theartacademy.net for class information

3200 Hwy 100 S St. Louis Park 952-920-6377 grovesacademy.org

Chosen by WCCO “2013 Best Places for Summer Art Activities” | Winner: City Pages “Best of the Twin Cities” Art Academy MNP 0115 H4_#2.indd 1

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Urban Minneapolis 612-767-1502 clws.org

Groves Academy

Catherine Yanish, Age 11

Serving 250 children in pre-K–grade 8, Waldorf’s rich and varied curriculum includes rigorous academic work and rich artistic experiences, all of which are appropriate to the age of the child. Students transfer successfully from mainstream middle schools.

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MOM AND BABY RESOURCES mnparent.com/baby ADVERTISER LISTINGS

Baby Minnesota College Savings Plan The Minnesota College Savings Plan is a flexible tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan designed to help families save for a loved one’s future college education. The Plan is administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and managed by TIAACREF Tuition Financing, Inc.

JOIN US FOR CLASSES & MEET NEW FRIENDS! Infant Massage Baby Sign Language Prenatal, Kids, & Mom ‘n’ Baby Yoga CPR Certification

952-830-3127 mn529today.com

Birthing Centers Morning Star Women’s Health & Birth Center Morning Star specializes in cost-effective, non-institutional health care, and the Midwives Model of Care! Receive women’s health, early newborn, and comprehensive maternity care from start to finish in our beautiful licensed and accredited freestanding birth center. Our education-rich program is empowering and family-centered. Insurance accepted. Come for a free consultation! 6111 Excelsior Blvd St. Louis Park 612-922-4784; 1730 E Superior St Duluth 218-722-2700 morningstarbirth.com

Childcare Especially for Children For over 38 years, Especially for Children has provided high quality, nurturing childcare for Twin Cities families. Our NAEYC Accredited programs and caring staff foster the development of the whole child. Bloomington, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Inver Grove Heights 952-857-1100 especiallyforchildren.com

Parent Aware Parent Aware helps families find the quality care and education their children need to succeed. Parent Aware is a search partner. We work side-by-side with families, offering free resources to help them make informed choices about high-quality care and education. Statewide Locations 888-291-9811 parentaware.org

Dentists tooth & co Do your kids have a ‘DENTAL HOME’? Dr Ellie Sakhi welcomes you to her new practice. Beautiful new location, convenient hours. Latest technology. In-office and hospital sedation dentistry. Infants to late teens. First visit by first birthday. FREE infant exam. New patients receive FREE Sonicare for Kids toothbrush, expires 1/30/15. 4330 Hwy 7 St. Louis Park 952-920-8234 toothandco.com

WWW.1LOVEBABY.COM 13720 LINCOLN ST. NE, ANDOVER, MN

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Retail Let’s Dish! Make your life easier (and tastier) with Let’s Dish! Our menus are packed with delicious, healthy homemade meals you can serve up in under 30 minutes…without stretching your budget. Prepare these freezer ready meals at Let’s Dish! in less time than it takes to grocery shop, or choose Dish-n-Dash and we’ll make them for you! 15052 Gleason Path #103A Apple Valley 952-997-2380; 10450 Baltimore St NE Blaine 763-230-7970; 574 Prairie Center Dr Eden Prairie 952-941-8401; 12187 Elm Creek Blvd Maple Grove 763-425-9383; 10150 Hudson Rd, Ste 110 Woodbury 651-730-6600 letsdish.com

Incomparable St. Louis Park, MN 612-922-4784

Duluth, MN 218-722-2700

mnparent.com • January 2015

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Out & About

JANUARY

mnparent.com/calendar

Sesame Street Live: Let’s Dance! ⊲⊲Characters from Sesame Street take to the stage for an interactive dance experience. When: Multiple performances each day, Jan. 16–18 Where: State Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $18–$25 Info: sesamestreetlive.com or 612-339-7007

ONGOING

Night Trains ⊲⊲Lights are turned down low, snow settles across town and miniature Christmas lights dot the make-believe landscape of an intricate model railroad in this special winter tradition. When: Through Feb. 28 Where: Twin City Model Railroad

Museum, St. Paul Cost: $10 admission; children ages 4 and younger can visit for free. Info: tcmrm.org or 651-647-9628

JAN. 2–28

Family Fire & Ice Skate Night ⊲⊲Enjoy a free evening skate (weather

January 2015 • mnparent.com

permitting) with hot cocoa, popcorn and a fire pit for roasting s’mores. When: 6–8 p.m. Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 28 Where: Windom Northeast Park Skate

Rink, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: tinyurl.com/mplsparksevents

or 612-370-4905

JAN. 4 AND 18

Sundays at Landmark ⊲⊲The St. Paul Landmark Center hosts a variety of free heritage festivals, musical performances and holiday celebrations September through May. This month, families can enjoy a Minnesota Boychoir Winter Concert and an Urban Expedition exploring Austria. When: Concerts are at 1 p.m. and

3:30 p.m. Jan. 4. Attend the Austria expedition at 1 p.m. Jan. 18. Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: landmarkcenter.org or 651-292-3225

JAN. 5–6

Self-Defense Workshops for Women and Girls ⊲⊲Teachers Ms. Evonne Dennis and Mr. Robert Schauinger lead this demonstration workshop presented by the Southwest Community Education Program. When: 7 p.m. Jan. 5–6 Where: Southwest High School,

Minneapolis

Cost: FREE. Pre-registration required;

space is limited. Info: commed.mpls.k12.mn.us

JAN. 6

Different Abilities Awareness Fair ⊲⊲Activities, booths and presentations await visitors to this fair focused on raising awareness about 11 not commonly known disabilities. A book, food and toy drive will take place, with donations benefiting people with disabilities. When: 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Jan. 6 Where: 1401 Gardena Ave., Fridley Cost: FREE Info: landofoz16@hotmail.com

I need a remodeler with ethics.

That’s why I depend on NARI.

JAN. 8–29

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.

Afterschool Outdoor Adventures

⊲⊲Ages 8 to 12 get the opportunity to learn new winter skills, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and building snow shelters, at these evening programs.

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When: 4:30–6 p.m. Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 Where: Cleary Lake Regional Park,

Prior Lake Cost: $10 per child. Reservations are required. Info: threeriversparks.org or 763-694-7777

JAN. 10

Animals in Winter Story Time ⊲⊲In this story time for ages 3–8, attendees can enjoy a range of activities focused on animals and their winter habits, plus learn about hibernating bears, look for animals outdoors and meet a live rabbit. When: 10–11 a.m. Jan. 10 Where: Maplewood Nature Center,

Maplewood Cost: $5 per child. Pre-register online. Info: maplewoodnaturecenter.com

or 651-249-2170 Gleason's Gymnastics MNP 0115 S3.indd 1

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mnparent.com • January 2015

Out & About •

Lights or power out

•

Troubleshooting

•

Storm damage

•

Emergency service

•

Fuse to circuit breaker panel upgrades

•

Bath exhaust fan installations & servicing

763-544-3300 • Harrison-Electric.com

Harrison Electric MNP 0115 12.indd 1

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Art Sled Rally ⊲ Creators of spectacularly decorated sleds will ride their creations down a slope in Powderhorn Park. Enjoy treats and entertainment while watching — or bring your own art sled to participate. Workshops will be held in advance of the event to offer help in the designing and building of art sleds. When: 2–3:30 p.m. Jan. 31 Where: Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: artsledrally.com

JAN. 13

Kids Class: Cheesy Bread ⊲ Ages 5 to 12 can take a short cooking class while their parents shop at the market. This month, students will learn about and sample cheeses to make cheesy bread. When: 6–7 p.m. Jan. 13 Where: Mississippi Market, St. Paul Cost: $15 per student Info: msmarket.coop/events

or 651-690-0507

JAN. 16

8th Annual Dog Days of Winter ⊲ Snacks such as hot chocolate, popcorn and hot dogs are provided at this

January 2015 • mnparent.com

celebration of the season. When: 6–8:30 p.m. Jan. 16 Where: Hiawatha School Park,

Minneapolis Cost: $1 per person Info: tinyurl.com/mplsparksevents

or 612-370-4952

JAN. 17

Childish Films ⊲ This children’s cinema and arts series features a pre-show activity, an educational opportunity and snacks. In January, explore three short films on the theme of music. When: Jan. 17. Doors open at 10 a.m. Where: Hennepin County Library,

Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: supporthclib.org/event/

adventures-in-music

Snowshoes & Tracks ⊲ Drop in at your leisure at this openhouse event, where participants can rent snowshoes and learn about animal tracks. Snowshoes are available for ages 4 and older, while sleds will be available for pulling younger children. When: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Jan. 17 Where: Maplewood Nature Center,

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.

Maplewood Cost: FREE; snowshoe rentals cost $5 a pair. Info: maplewoodnaturecenter.com or 651-249-2170

JAN. 17–19

Animals, Books and Children Weekend ⊲ The Minnesota Zoo hosts a special weekend of story times with animal popup books, animal enrichment and talks from the keepers. When: Jan. 17–19 Where: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Cost: Free with zoo admission ($18 for

2828 Chicago Ave #400 Minneapolis

NEoW nline

easy cation li app

ALL ETHNICITIES NEEDED

For more information: 612-863-5390 or fill out an application online

www.ivfminnesota.com Accredited by: Society for Assisted Reproductive Technologies, American College of OB/GYNs and American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

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adults, $12 for children and seniors, free for ages 2 and younger) Info: mnzoo.org or 952-431-9200

JAN. 19

Winter Birding ⊲ Children in grades 3–8 will learn to recognize birds that stay for the winter in Minnesota. Discover their survival tactics along the shores of the Mississippi River on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. When: 10–11:30 a.m. Jan. 19 Where: Coon Rapids Dam Regional

Park, Brooklyn Park Cost: $12 per student Info: tceec.weebly.com

Animal Tracking ⊲ Students in grades K–5 can take advantage of the winter snow — and Martin Luther King Jr. Day — to track the movements of animals. Stages Theatre MNP 0115 S3.indd 1

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mnparent.com • January 2015

Out & About When: 2–3 p.m. Jan. 19 Where: Environmental Nature Area,

When: 10:30–11:30 a.m. Jan. 20 Where: Maplewood Nature Center,

When: Jan. 22–Feb. 1 Where: Various areas throughout

Maplewood Cost: $4 per child. Pre-register online. Info: maplewoodnaturecenter.com or 651-249-2170

St. Paul Cost: Most events are FREE Info: wintercarnival.com

Brooklyn Park Cost: $10 per student Info: tceec.weebly.com

JAN. 23

JAN. 22–FEB. 1

Frost Fest

St. Paul Winter Carnival

JAN. 20

Brr, Brr, Birdie

⊲ A huge variety of free and lowcost activities await attendees of this celebration — first held in 1886 — including parades, cultural celebrations, ice and snow sculptures and a giant snow slide. Special signature events take place each day, so be sure to check the website for more details.

⊲ Minnesota birds need to be hardy to stand the cold winter. Learn about their habits from DeeDee the Chickadee puppet — and make a pinecone birdfeeder to take home — at this program for ages 3 to 5.

⊲ Revel in the winter season with Kids Dance DJs, food trucks, vendors, reindeer sleigh rides, ice-skating, and a campfire. When: 6–9 p.m. Jan. 23 Where: Pearl Park, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: tinyurl.com/mplsparksevents

SPECIAL SIZE: 7.375” WIDE BY 5.6” HIGH or 612-370-4906

CHILDCARE/EDUCATION

Creative Kids Academy

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Create

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Free Music, Spanish, Yoga, Storytelling and Karate!

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7/10/14 7:55 AM

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

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Free Mom & Ba by Classes

Call 952-935-5588 and schedule a tour! www.misamigosimmersion.com

Locations in Hopkins, Minnetonka, St. Paul, and St. Paul Park

sing. play. learn.

January 2015 • mnparent.com

Visit our studios in Maplewood and Rochester

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CHILDCARE/EDUCATION

MISCELLANEOUS

New Book Release

Music Lessons In Your Home

Theme shows for ALL AGES and BUDGETS! 30th Anniversary! Nationally awarded & recognized by child development experts!

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most major bookstores, amazon.com & barnesandnoble.com

Give the Gift of Music

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Call for details!

PARTY PAGES

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

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Lights or power out, circuit troubleshooting

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Storm damage repair, 24 hour emergency service

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Have a Wild Birthday at Como Zoo!

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Find Your Camp

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mnparent.com • January 2015

FROM OUR READERS

▲ Wyatt Johnson, 2 months old, of Burnsville, is just learning to smile at Mom, Dad and his big sister, Lorna. Photo by Megann Johnson

▲ Sadie and Eli Pederson, 1-year-old twins from Minnetrista, love to run and chase their big sister, Piper. Photo by Brooke Jakubov / imagesbybrooke.com

HOW DO YOU GET YOUR KIDS TO TRY NEW FOODS? “I sing (terribly) Daniel Tiger’s ‘Try a new food; you might think it’s good,’ song. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn’t.” — Katy Yannitelli, Minnetonka

“We talk about eating healthy, and that means getting in all the colors of the rainbow!” — Tara Daily, Montrose

“Hide veggies in spaghetti sauce! Freeze veggies: Call them ‘crunchy popsicle treats.’” — Sara Malloy, Fridley

“We try to get them to eat new things by reading Green Eggs and Ham over and over, then referencing Sam during meals.” — Nicole DiGrazia, Forest Lake

January 2015 • mnparent.com

▲ Sequoia and River Hahn of Northeast Minneapolis, ages 9 and 4, get silly before a recent photo session.

“Sprinkles! For yogurt, cottage cheese and fruit, we add a small amount of sprinkles for my 2-year-old.” — Megann Johnson, Burnsville “I tell her how good they are for her body and that they will make her big and strong like mommy and daddy.” — Shannon Erickson, Brooklyn Park

“We include (the kids) in the meal planning and preparation. Our son likes to try the foods he created.” — Kris Harris, Crystal

“We follow Ellyn Satter’s division-of-responsibility rule and just use neutral exposure without putting any pressure on the child to try (including no praise if they do try it). It can be hard sometimes, but it works!” — Jessica Remington, Hutchinson

Turn memories into great photos.

Well Beginnings

Winter Care

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Winter is here, and that means the snow will be, too. Take advantage of our great prices on salt and shovels to get rid of the pesky snow on your sidewalk!

Beauty Destination

Photos

With beauty trends always evolving and changing, our beauty advisors are always up to date to help you create a new look. Come say hi today!

Come turn your memories into physical prints and posters! With the help of a photo specialist, you can also turn pictures into gifts like puzzles or coffee mugs!

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