VOLUME 32
ISSUE 2
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The Power of Play Kids are losing opportunities for unstructured playtime at an alarming rate. Here's how to bring it back — and boost your kid's ability to thrive.
36
Precious Cargo Know the rules and avoid the most common mistakes to keep your kids safe in their car seats.
About our cover kid Name: Anna
Age: 5
City: Edina
Parents: Leah and Patrick Larson Siblings: Benjamin, 2 Personality: Caring, gentle, sensitive, attentive, focused and hardworking Favorite toy: Princess LEGOs and, Anna says, “my brother” Favorite book: Rosie Revere, Engineer Favorite activities: Writing and “doing work” Favorite foods: Bananas and peanut butter Want to see your kid on the cover? Find out how at mnparent.com/coverkid. Photos by Jen Meneghin Photography / jenmeneghinphotography.com
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No More Tears It's up to you, parents, to make daycare drop-off run smoothly. But you can do it with these tips!
50 Out & About Calendar 58 CAMP RESOURCES mnparent.com • February 2017
3
6 FROM THE EDITOR
18 GROWS ON TREES
I learned how to give my kid confidence during daycare drop-offs: I pretended I was A-OK.
Here's how to get motivated to save now.
8 CHATTER
20 ASK THE PEDIATRICIAN
Why I fake it
Our new go-to pants A Minneapolis mama has created the ultimate mama pants, complete with a 9-inch belly band. 10 BABY ON BOARD
Empathy and guilt What happened is one of those things that never happens — except when it does. 12 TODDLER TIME
Your next MNO It's time to play, shop, drink, paint or brunch it with your favorite gals for a Mom's Night Out. 14 SCHOOL DAYS
Get cozy
Let your kids ‘catch’ you reading — and follow a few other tips — to get your kids reading for fun. 16 TEENS AND TWEENS
He’s dating!
I let my teen date because permitting it would only suppress the inevitable.
26 IN THE KITCHEN
Mug cookie Need a single-serving treat for you or the kids? This warm dessert is ready in five minutes!
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February 2017 • mnparent.com
You: Old
ADHD meds Should our hyper kid try ‘focus’ supplements? 22 ON BEHAVIOR
Finding child care
What you should know if your child has a disability. 24 BOOKSHELF
Toddler tales Mix it up at reading time with these board books. 66 FROM OUR READERS
Snow daze
See how local kids are enjoying winter with sleds, snowmen and more!
FROM THE EDITOR mnparent.com
PUBLISHER Janis Hall jhall@mnparent.com SALES MANAGER AND CO-PUBLISHER Terry Gahan tgahan@mnparent.com EDITOR Sarah Jackson 612-436-4385 • editor@mnparent.com CONTRIBUTORS Eric Braun, Dr. Gigi Chawla, Jamie Crowson Megan Devine, Shannon Keough Laura Malm, Michele St. Martin Jen Meneghin, Laura Ramsborg Jen Wittes, Jennifer Wizbowski CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sarah Karnas skarnas@mnparent.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Valerie Moe GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dani Cunningham CLIENT SERVICES Delaney Patterson 612-436-5070 • dpatterson@mnpubs.com CIRCULATION Marlo Johnson 612-436-4388 • distribution@mnparent.com mnparent.com/find-a-copy ADVERTISING 612-436-4360 • sales@mnparent.com 50,000 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 2017 by Minnesota Premier Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Address all material to address above.
Fake it ’til you make it D
uring my son’s earlier years, I wasn’t a confident parent. And the problem was wildly exacerbated during daycare drop-offs. Instead of emitting calm during the hand-off, I would respond to my son’s every effort to resist our separation. Oh, honey, you don’t want me to leave? How about one more hug? OK: How about I sit here for a bit and play and then try to leave? (Uh, honey, you HAVE to let go of my neck.) I would try walking him over to the toy bins and anxiously attempt to engage him with toys, so I could gently fade out of his sphere of influence. Photo by Tracy Walsh / tracywalshphoto.com Oh, wait. That didn’t work? You still want me here? Maybe I should just stay all day? I’ll just quit my job. Then panic would set in: How could I be a good mother if I leave my son behind, crying EVERY MORNING? Desperate, I would think: How can I show him how much I love him? Because I do. So, so much. And yet, truth be told, I was elated to get away, too. Daycare drop-off was the brink of freedom. Indeed, I was ready to get in the car to listen to music alone and to arrive at work where I could pee whenever I wanted and talk to grownups about grown-up things. Then I felt guilty for wanting to flee my own child! Finally, one day, one of the daycare teachers — bless her heart — was kind enough to be blunt: Look, lady, the longer you stay, the harder it is ON HIM. If you can be quick about it, it really is much better. We got this! So I listened. And I started to do something I’ve done many times over since then: I faked it. And my son was much, much calmer about saying goodbye. I’d confidently give him a big hug, hand him off (so he couldn’t cling to me) and then I’d walk away — fake happily. In this issue, our annual Child Care Issue, you can read all about this strategy — and others — in our story about mastering the art of the daycare drop-off. (Do we parents really ever “master” anything? I'd argue no. But we can try.) Assuming nonchalance was a hard lesson for me: Often you can’t be sincere with your kid (for his own good). You have to play a role. You have to emit confidence, so your kid can have it, too. It’s like a gift you can give your child. Now my son doesn’t have to fake confidence when we say goodbye; he can just feel it, all on his own.
Sarah Jackson, Editor
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February 2017 • mnparent.com
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CHATTER
2 new indoor play spaces!
Sure, spring is technically “around the corner,” but in Minnesota, our reprieve from the cold usually comes not in March or April, but as late as June! Fortunately, we’ve got the scoop on indoor play spaces for kids in the Twin Cities — including more than two dozen venues — at mnparent.com/indoor. Two new additions to our list include these family-friendly venues:
Rockin’ Jump is now open in Eagan. It’s the
Pinwheel Play (pictured
first Minnesota franchise for the national
above), meanwhile, opened this
company, which has more than 40 locations in
past August in Chanhassen and
the U.S. Activities at this location (just north of
caters exclusively to ages 6 and
Twin Cities Premium Outlets) include trampo-
younger with an indoor play set,
line jumping, dodgeball and basketball
a sport court, an infant area, a
dunking, rock climbing, an arcade, giant human
digital room, a nut-free snack
hamster balls (called Bash Ball), a fidget ladder,
area, a play kitchen (and grocery
a ninja challenge course, a slack line, a stunt
store) and a fully stocked art
bag and a soft play area for younger kids, plus
room that features a new project
a cafe. Special Rockin’ Tots jump times cater
every week. Learn more at
to ages 6 and younger. Learn more at
pinwheelplay.com.
eagan.rockinjump.com.
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February 2017 • mnparent.com
Apple of our eye Have you tried Opal apples? These gold-skinned Washington State-grown orbs are crunchy and sweet — dare we say good enough to rival Minnesota’s own Honeycrisp? But what really sets these babies apart is their ability to resist oxidation (that yucky browning that happens almost immediately after you slice an apple). Opal apples are naturally non-browning, so you can put them — sliced and without lemon juice — in your kid’s lunch and they’ll have a chance of still looking appealing at midday. In our informal lunch-box testing at Minnesota Parent, the apples did darken a bit, but they did not turn a spoiled-looking caramel color. Opal apples — conventionally grown and organic — are available November through March. Vendors include CobornsDelivers.com, Cub Foods, Hy-Vee, Lunds & Byerlys, Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Whole Foods. Learn more at opalapples.com.
A go-to pant for mamas Navel pants — created by Sarah Longacre, the beloved founder of Blooma (a local yoga studio and haven for mamas and mamas-to-be) — are on sale now online. After making an early debut at Bellyrama at Lake Harriet this past September, the high-rise comfy pants, which include a removable 9-inch belly band, cost $70 (20 percent off if you sign up for e-updates). So far, they’re getting rave reviews. Our Minnesota Parent tester bought a pair and loved the fit and feel of the pants, which delivered “all the good parts of Spanx, but without making you feel like you can’t breathe.” She added: “They’re thick enough to hold everything in, but you don’t overheat. The high-rise is the perfect height to make me feel sleek and ‘pulled together’ in my mama-bod. I basically live in them — only parting with them long enough to be washed, which, if I’m being honest, is after at least three wears. No shame here. They go with everything — work, workout, date night, errands, lounge, you name it.” You can try on a sample at Blooma’s Minneapolis location. Learn more at lovenavel.com and blooma.com.
mnparent.com • February 2017
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Avoiding isolation M
y son started attending his in-home daycare when he was about 10 months old. The thing about in-home daycare is that there’s a certain “family” element to the whole thing. You might get to know your provider’s partner and children. You might catch glimpses of their family life when you run into them after hours at the nearby ice cream shop. And you may even be reminded of the demands in their lives when they have to close early to take care of outside commitments, such as dentist and doctor appointments. Sometimes, if things go well, your lives may begin to merge a little bit. For example, my son became friends with his daycare provider’s daughters, attending their birthday parties and going trick-ortreating with them on Halloween. He talked about them at home frequently; they were his favorite friends.
A second home My son’s daycare provider clearly cared about my son and the other children in her
home. She kept them busy with art projects and outdoor play. She cooked them healthy, delicious food, like borscht from her native Ukraine. She took them on walks to the library and the park and Lake of the Isles. Basically, she was everything I wanted in a daycare provider. My son loved her in return. He addressed her as “Mama” when he was at her house. He adored her daughters. And there were several occasions when, to my great embarrassment, I had to drag him kicking and screaming (literally) away from the house: He was having such a good time he didn’t want to leave.
Judgment after the fact Unfortunately, all of these great things came to an abrupt halt. In late November last year, my husband and I received phone calls from the Minneapolis police, instructing us to come pick up our son from daycare. There had been an “incident.” According to police, our provider had allegedly harmed a child in her care, and then reportedly went on to
BABY STUFF
‘The thing is, I did trust my provider. What happened is one of those things that never happens — except when it does.’ harm a couple other people with her vehicle in the aftermath. Most people who read this column will know about the incident I’m talking about. I’ve been reluctant to write about this subject because I don’t want to contribute to the sensationalizing of this sad, destructive series of events. I don’t want to co-opt someone else’s tragedy for my own benefit. And I don’t want to stoke fear and distrust of daycare providers.
New food pouches
Rita Katona and Eric Hall of Minneapolis have introduced a new kind of baby food under the brand So Good Baby, now sold in handy pouches nationwide. What makes the local couple’s products special is that they’re pressure processed, rather than heat pasteurized, a practice that can sap flavor and nutritional value. So Good Baby’s organic, refrigerated purees and beverages not only taste like real food, they’re tested by a third-party lab to ensure the absence of 45 contaminants, including pesticides, heavy metals and phthalates. We love the package characters and the see-through windows on each pouch. Select Target stores sell the pouches for $2.49 each. They’re also available online for $39.95 per 12-pack (plus shipping). sogoodbaby.com
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February 2017 • mnparent.com
“Don’t blame yourself, mama!” commented another mother to me in an online discussion of the incident. Evidently, she meant something like, “Don’t blame yourself for choosing a questionable daycare provider — we all make mistakes!” Another mother wrote something like, “Thank God I can trust my in-home provider!” The thing is, I did trust my provider. What reportedly happened is one of those things that never happens — except when it does. And when it did, I felt many of the things you’d expect to feel in this kind of situation — horror, anxiety, sadness and so on.
Empathy and guilt But the reaction that stuck out the most was a feeling of empathy toward our provider. If the expression, “There but for the grace of God, go I” was a feeling, I’d be feeling it. I don’t know exactly what led to our provider’s alleged actions this past November, but I think it’s clear she wasn’t feeling OK — and she didn’t get the help she needed. As a full-time daycare provider with four children of her own, she, I imagine, rarely had a moment for herself. She must have felt very isolated. I feel guilty for not noticing that anything was wrong. If anything remotely positive is to come from this tragedy, I hope it’s that we, as parents, will make a concerted effort to pay attention to the people in our lives and speak up if we think someone might need help. (That goes for ourselves, too.) You know, try to build that “village” everyone’s always talking about — because our lives might actually depend on it.
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Shannon Keough lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two children. Send questions or comments to skeough@ mnparent.com. mnparent.com • February 2017
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Yes, you can T
oddler Mom, the time has come to get out of the house. Wait. Let’s reorganize that thought: Out of the house, without child, showered and off to a destination other than Target, the gym, the indoor playground or work. Though you may have previously dabbled in the tradition of a good old Mom’s Night Out — MNO, as the increasingly acronym-obsessed parenting crowd calls it — the toddler years usher in a new opportunity and a new need for such an occasion. You have a little more time, a little more flexibility and a little less patience. You need this. Here are some atypical, Toddler Mom-defusing picks for a winter MNO.
1. Bliss, Zen and relaxation. Still sticking to New Year’s Resolutions? Feel like greasy breakfast food, sweets or booze might just add to your stress, rather than give you the real relief you need from the demands of parenthood? How about meeting for green juice and yoga? Bliss in St. Paul has a monthly New Moon Practice for women only. Blooma is
TODDLER STUFF
— of course — a well-known mama mecca. Other cool options are a spa day, a simple pedicure or a visit to The Salt Cave in Minneapolis. Mediate, practice, whisper and recharge. Fun with friends is important — and so is health and wellbeing.
2. Embrace winter. Try ice-skating, snow tubing, sledding or even a good old snowball fight. ENJOY the season without wiping runny noses and
Memory game
Help your kids build concentration and focus with this 32-card memory game that you can customize with 16 personal photos. We love the retro packaging and card designs. (What a cool gift idea for friends or family!) Bonus: All of Paper Culture’s products are made of 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper — and every order results in the planting of a tree, too. $24.99 • paperculture.com
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February 2017 • mnparent.com
keeping track of little mittens. Skate FAST, for yourself, because it’s fun. Go down the BIG hill without the mama-bear worry.
3. Outside-the-big-box shopping. Check out the Facebook page for Niche MN — a dreamy pop-up that favors a prowoman, pro-friendship shopping experience. Niche events are lined with sweets, treats, wine-brandy punch and bubbly, plus comfy couches and cozy lighting.
It’s like a party with unique clothes, cool accessories AND amazingly affordable merchandise. Their typical locale is St. Paul — University and Highway 280, but they may branch out. Keep in touch to hear about the next event, coming this spring. Follow Niche with cocoa and milling one of St. Paul’s cute shopping nooks — try St. Anthony Park, Grand Avenue, Highland Avenue or Selby and Snelling. And practice complete shopping honesty, of course! If a sweater looks weird, it’s OK to say so!
4. Brunch it. Sometimes Mama’s just DONE by sundown. Though the idea of a night out is appealing, so is staying awake through the adult conversation. Make it a long, lingering Sunday brunch — mimosas, hot coffee, eggs benedict … the works! My fave spots for lingering with my ladies include Colossal Cafe, Rudy’s Redeye Grill, Finnish Bistro, Aster Cafe and Signature Cafe. For a more relaxed, come-in-your-PJs, diner-type meal, I love Grandview Grill and The Egg and I. Or you can send the kids — with Grandma, a partner/spouse or a sitter — to the zoo while you potluck-brunch at home with your favorite gals.
ATTENTION WOMEN 21-33: Would You Consider Being an Egg Donor?
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5. Get your juices flowing. Both the creative kind and the grownupgrape kind, I mean. There are oodles of opportunities in the Twin Cities to wax creative while also enjoying a drink, including Wine & Canvas, Pinot’s Palette, Bottle & Bottega and The Paint Pub (just a few to get you started). Happy bonding! Dads … you’re next! Jen Wittes is a freelance writer and mother of two who lives in St. Paul. Learn more about her work at jenwittes.com. Send questions or comments to jwittes@mnparent.com.
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mnparent.com • February 2017
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Snuggle up and read! W
inter is a great time of year to get kids hooked on reading at home. When we’re stuck indoors on cold Minnesota days, get cozy and read! But, when your child is not excited about reading, fostering these habits can be a struggle. Consider these simple strategies to get your child on track:
Visit your local library frequently. We try to visit our library at least once a week — if not more — to stock up on picture books, chapter books, magazines and inspirational non-fiction (such as cookbooks or project books). Our family manages our weekly book selections in a “library basket” in our living room. When we’re not reading or have finished our checked-out media, we keep it in the basket. This helps us with organization and helps us to avoid fines for overdue materials and also acts as a go-to spot for inspiration and new reading material.
Get cozy. Reading in our home is associated with comfort, which makes it appealing and an experience to look forward to for our kids. When I’m reading to my three young boys before bedtime, we’re snuggled closely (one boy on either side of me and one on my lap) on our couch. My older, independent readers enjoy reading chapter books on the couch near the warmth of our fireplace in the winter months. In the summertime, it’s not surprising to find my older daughter engaged in a good book, sitting comfortably on a branch of a nearby tree or nestled into our hammock.
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February 2017 • mnparent.com
Be a reading role model.
Let your child explore.
The Center for Children’s & Young Adult Literature encourages parents to let their kids “catch” them reading. Their reasoning? Children look to adults as role models for reading in addition to everything else. If they see the adults in their lives valuing and enjoying reading, they’ll want to emulate that behavior and become readers, too.
Encourage your kids to investigate different genres of literature. It’s easy to forget about the wide variety available of children’s literature. Help your child find different titles within the genres of realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, biographies, poetry and informational texts. Different book formats (picture books, early readers, chapter books and graphic novels) may be more appealing and/or developmentally appropriate for your growing reader.
Read with your child. Research supports that reading for pleasure with children can improve language development and capacity for paying attention and also social and emotional outcomes. It’s also a great opportunity to make connection and strengthen your relationship with your child.
Find a series. This past summer The Boxcar Children series kept all four of my children entertained via audio books during our summer travels.
Meanwhile, my 11-year-old daughter got hooked on books from The Land of Stories series. And my 9-year-old son now reads and rereads books from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.
Listen up. Our family is also a big into audiobooks. We subscribe to Audible (subscriptions start at $14.95 a month). Sparkle Stories is also an independent media company that offers subscriptions (starting at $15 a month) and pay-as-you-go options for unique and engaging audio stories for children. Plus, check out your library’s audiobook options!
Think outside the book. Magazines are fun and engaging for both children and adults to read. Some of my favorite — high quality, ad-free magazines full of stories, articles and engaging photographs and illustrations for school-age children — include Spider and ASK magazines, published by Cricket Media ($33.95 for a one-year subscription), New Moon Girls ($40.65 per year), Root & Star ($45 per year) Highlights for Children ($39.96 per year) and Ranger Rick ($24.95 per year).
Read. Then watch a movie or play. This is a fun activity that can be inspirational for reluctant readers because it also offers a tangible reward for completion. Many excellent books have been made into full-length feature films, including Charlotte’s Web, The BFG, Ramona and Beezus and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. See tinyurl.com/bookstomovies. You'll also find many stage productions inspired by books at local children's theaters such as Stages Theatre Company in Hopkins and the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis. Megan Devine is an elementary school teacher who lives with her husband and four children in Northeastern Minnesota. She blogs at kidsandeggs.com. mnparent.com • February 2017
15
Why I let my teen date T
he advent of middle teenhood has brought on a slew of stressful new challenges — grades, college-prep exams, varsity-sports dynamics, overscheduling, driving lessons and more. Just when you think you’ve had about as much as you can handle, you realize: My kiddo is sure taking a lot of Snapchat selfies. Does he even hear me talking to him right now? Oh, no. This is it: I’ve actually become the elusive Charlie Brown teacher voice. (You know the one — a barely recognizable, dark, muffled noise.)
No rules? It’s not that I didn’t have a plan. I just wasn’t ready to enforce any kind of absolute rules when it came to teen dating. My husband and I figured if we tried to get out in front of dating boundaries with strict yes-and-no edicts, we might just be making certain behaviors seem even more exciting or appealing. So we've chosen, as with other areas of teen parenting, to take things as they come. At 16, our son doesn’t have a set curfew. There are some nights — say he’s had a long week and played in a football game — we might say, “How about 10 tonight?” There are other times — say he’s planning to go to a friend’s house, whose parents are hosting a group of kids — we might say: “What were you thinking for time? Does midnight sound good?”
Relationship skills Dating rules have evolved the same way in our home. We meet them with what makes sense in the moment. Like some parents, I wouldn’t mind
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February 2017 • mnparent.com
putting off any formal dating or serious relationships until college. But when you look into the eyes of your child and you see a young man starting back at you, you come to terms with the facts: You can’t tell him to stop what’s going on inside of him any more than you can tell a toddler not to talk or walk. We’re made for relationships and companionship. Just as with teaching manners — or a work ethic, or driving a car — it’s up to us to show him how to have healthy relationships. What’s more, it’s up to us to try to demonstrate one, too. This puts the whole dating thing in an entirely new perspective for me. It becomes less scary and more of an opportunity to equip him to do it right. I want him to have success in his relationships. While he’s still at home, my husband can talk to him about respecting women. We can tell him when he’s letting dating take over too much of his life and remind him about balance.
‘It comes down to this: I have to trust I’ve given him everything I can as a parent over the years. It’s time for him to use those skills.’ We can practice the art of communication. When is it a great time to text someone and when is it just fabulous to sit eye-to-eye and connect in person instead? It comes down to this: I have to trust I’ve given him everything I can as a parent over the years. Now, it’s time for him to use those skills.
Open and honest If I choose to be afraid, if I say no to something he might be ready for, if I choose to not recognize his need for a relationship, I might drive him into a
TEEN STUFF
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corner and make him feel he needs to be ashamed or secretive. Shouldn’t the pursuit of love be our greatest aim? I choose to not drive him to secrecy, to get to know who he’s interested in getting to know, to make sure he stays on task and abides by those curfew talks, and to check on his location often. Where is your car parked exactly? I choose to let him learn about the wonderful the gift of love. I was right with my inclination about my son’s selfie-taking. He spends a lot of time snapping the girl he took to homecoming. He washes his football jersey so she can wear it to school on Fridays. When she looks up at him, she has a big smile on her face and a sweet glimmer in her eye. I invited her over to hang out with us on an upcoming Saturday. Jennifer Wizbowski lives in Excelsior with her husband and two teenagers. Send comments, questions and story ideas to jwizbowski@mnparent.com.
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If you are interested in an art residency for your school or organization, visit hobt.org or call 612.721.2535 for more information. In the Heart of the Beast MNP 2016 H4 filler.indd 1
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Hello from Future You W
hat if you could peer into the mirror and see your future self peering back? It’s you, but you have wrinkles, bags under your eyes, gray hair. How startling would it be? More important, how would this sight change you? This isn’t speculative fiction. It’s something a team of researchers cooked up as a way to help young people make better decisions about saving for retirement. They took photos of college-age subjects and digitally transformed half of them into future-self avatars at age 65. Subjects then donned virtual reality goggles and looked at a mirror that showed either their current or future self. They were given $1,000 to spend, which they could use in a variety of ways, including investing in a retirement fund. The result? Those who met their older
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avatars saved more than twice as much for retirement than those who saw their current selves. Americans are living longer than ever, but we have the lowest savings rate of any first-world country. Moreover, employer-based retirement plans aren’t nearly as robust as they used to be. The result is that we all have a great need to save for retirement. Unfortunately, even though most of us know this, we’re just not very good at it. At least part of the reason is that when you’re young, it’s hard to imagine being old. Future You is too abstract to demand sacrifices from Today You. Maybe an intense VR experience with Future You is just the trick. Failing that, here are a few other strategies you can use to save more.
‘Whatever tricks you use for saving, the key is to get on with it soon. Like now. Future You will thank you.’ 1. Make it automatic. Don’t even think about saving. Thinking is how we get ourselves in trouble. I think I could use a new record. I think I’ll go out to lunch. I think we need new kitchen tile. Instead, set up an automatic transfer to your savings or retirement account on payday. That way, you won’t be tempted to spend the money elsewhere.
2. Stash your raise. When you get a pay increase, make an equal increase in your payday savings deposit or at least dedicate half of the increase to savings. You’re not likely to miss the money since you’ve ostensibly already trained yourself to live on your previous salary. You can do the same thing with one-time chunks of money you receive, say from a tax refund, an end-of-year bonus — even that twenty you found in your winter jacket the first time you pulled it out in November. Stick it in retirement and forget about it.
3. Use a change jar. Just like when you were a kid and saved your coins for a toy or skateboard, start a jar for savings. Each night, drop whatever coins you have inside. Once a week or so, you might even slip a couple loose bills from your wallet through the slit. When it’s full, take it to the bank, have it counted and — you guessed it — deposit it in your savings account. This tactic can add up to a few hundred dollars over the course of a year, and just like that automatic deposit, you won’t even notice the money you’re not spending.
4. Spend less. OK, maybe this isn’t really a trick. But if you make a budget so you see exactly where your money is going, you may be able to identify a few spots to reduce spending.
5. Most important: Start now. Whatever tricks you use for saving, the key is to get on with it soon. Like now. Future You will thank you. Imagine that gray old guy or gal smiling with appreciation.
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Eric Braun is a Minneapolis dad of two boys and the co-author of The Survival Guide for Money Smarts: Earn, Save, Spend, Give for young readers. Send comments or questions to ebraun@mnparent.com.
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Dr. Gigi Chawla
Combating stinky toes My 3-year-old has insanely smelly feet. Help!
Ah, one of the unforgettable aromas of childhood. Yes, kids have sweaty feet — and sweaty bodies — for a good part of the day. They’re constantly in motion, frequently breaking into sprints or suddenly wrestling with friends, often exercising on and off all day long. From a prevention standpoint, using
cotton socks or socks that wick sweat away from feet can help keep kid footsies dry and prevent skin breakdown or athlete’s foot. Shoes, too, can be removed in order to fully dry out between exercise episodes. The dampness of shoes can be evaporated or partially dried by baking soda. Baking soda, can also be exceptionally helpful for absorbing odors. However, many well-used and wellloved shoes have a very sweet, malodorous smell that doesn’t seem to respond to airing shoes out or the use of baking soda. This terrible smell is due to bacteria, usually pseudomonas, that are growing in the shoes, using the dampness from sweat as their starting point. To kill bacteria, a disinfectant spray (used inside the shoes) may be helpful, or washing shoes — in a washing machine with hot water and drying in a dryer on high heat — may also be helpful. Fortunately, kids’ feet tend to grow quickly and so purchasing new shoes is another strategy to remove that pungent smell from your home. X
We saw this supplement at Costco and on Amazon and we were intrigued because our 5-year-old has been presenting some ADHD-like symptoms at school. It promises to ‘support memory, concentration and focus.’ Is it worth a shot before trying prescription drugs? Reviews online seem positive. First it should be noted that 5-year-olds are rarely focused and often excited about their activities, even hyperactive at times. But if caregivers or teachers are truly concerned about symptoms that progress beyond the normal spectrum of behavior of a 5-year-old, this should be raised with the child’s primary-care clinician. A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one that requires
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medical concerns to be excluded as well as verification that symptoms are seen across all environments, including school, home, after-school activities, etc. Finally, an ADHD diagnosis also requires testing that demonstrates a consistent and reliable pattern. If children are formally diagnosed with ADHD, the initial treatment plan isn’t medication. A successful plan includes psychologist-backed strategies to assist
kids with learning self-regulation, classroom and schoolwork/testing modifications (to capitalize on learning) and a structured home environment. Medication can be used to enhance focus, but it’s never the complete solution. The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t closely regulate over-the-counter vitamins, but the ingredients listed on the label that are likely claiming to “support memory, concentration and F
focus” are phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine. In limited preliminary studies of the two chemicals, a decreased risk of cognitive dysfunction in elderly people was reported along with claims of improved memory. So far, the compounds haven’t been studied further and certainly not in children. Though the supplement is unlikely to be harmful, and the FDA doesn’t require companies to verify the purity of the substances listed or to ensure that no other non-listed substances are present either. X
What could cause dark under-eye circles in my toddler? The area under eyes has thin and delicate skin, which often will easily show the capillary bed, which can show up in the form of dark, under-eye circles. Among young children, the most common cause is nasal congestion. This can be caused by allergies, smoke exposure, a recent upper-respiratory tract infection or, more commonly, a few upper-respiratory tract infections in a row. Dietary sensitivity doesn’t typically cause dark circles under eyes unless children are ill with significant weight loss due to food intolerance. For toddlers who are at risk for repeated viral infections — because of their tendency to touch every surface and then later put their fingers in their mouths — focus on hand washing, cleaning off surfaces that multiple children are playing on and decrease exposure to other children when your kids aren’t feeling well. And don’t forget to get your flu shots! X Dr. Gigi Chawla is a board-certified pediatrician and the senior medical director of primary care at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. Send your questions to gchawla@mnparent.com.
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PACER Center
Child care for your kid who has a disability Are all types of child-care centers required to accept children with disabilities? Yes. The Minnesota Human Rights Act requires that all public accommodations, such as child-care centers, provide access to their services to individuals with disabilities.
Are child-care centers required to accept all children with disabilities? No. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), family child-care providers may not discriminate against children with disabilities. But child-care providers can refuse to accept a child with a disability if the child poses a direct threat to others, or if providing an accommodation would pose an undue hardship on the provider or fundamentally alter the nature of the program. Providers must make a good-faith effort to consider each child on an individual basis. It’s important that providers and parents sit down together to discuss the child’s specific needs. If there are costs involved in making structural or other accommodations, providers must analyze whether they would pose an undue burden (significant difficulty or expense). This is judged in relation to the overall financial resources of a business. In general, a hardship for a family child-care provider is
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different than that of a facility that has more financial resources. Family child-care providers are required to make modifications to policies, activities and procedures that wouldn’t cause them financial hardship. Providers may be eligible for tax credits or deductions to help them make accommodations. Outside funding from other resources may also be available to providers. Only the portion of a home or business that’s used for child-care is covered under the ADA.
Can child-care providers charge more tuition for children with disabilities? No. Child-care providers can’t charge a family of a child with disabilities for the total costs of having to comply with the
ADA. Costs must be spread out to all the families enrolled, or taken as a tax credit or deduction. However, families may be charged for measures that exceed compliance with the ADA.
What kinds of accommodations would a child-care center be required to make under the ADA? Most people think of architectural modifications, but there are many less expensive accommodations that also meet the needs of children with disabilities. These may include adapting snack preparation and schedules to meet the dietary requirements of a child with diabetes, or providing games, puzzles and
toys that reflect a wide range of abilities and development, or using more visual information during activities that include children with hearing impairments.
Can a child-care provider refuse to accept children with disabilities who aren’t toilet trained? In the past, children with disabilities were sometimes excluded from child-care centers because of requirements that they be toilet trained by a specific age. The ADA however, requires that children not be screened out because of their disability. And because many children with disabilities will never have bowel or bladder control, they can’t be excluded. Child-care providers may need to modify policies to accommodate children with disabilities who need toileting assistance.
What are my options if a child-care center refuses to admit my child because they say they can’t afford to make the necessary accommodations?
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If you’re not satisfied that your child was given fair consideration, or believe that it wouldn’t be an undue burden for the childcare provider to care for your child, you may file a complaint with the Department of Justice. The DOJ can investigate and, if warranted, impose fines. Families can also file private lawsuits. Though families typically can’t receive financial settlements, even if successful in such lawsuits, they can recover attorney’s fees — and the child-care center may be ordered to make the necessary accommodations. Michele St. Martin is the director of communications with The PACER Center, a Minnesota nonprofit organization that serves families of children with disabilities and those who have been bullied. Learn more at pacer.org.
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BOOKSHELF
Tales for toddlers By Sarah Jackson Stuck in a board-book rut? We’ve got the cure for what ails you with five brand-new page-turners set to engage your budding readers many times over!
Happyland From the man who created the cheerful characters of the Backyardigans — Dan Yaccarino — comes a trio of board books, featuring three friends: Clyde (a dog), Glub-Glub (a fish) and Bink (a red, hummingbird-like creature) tackle the key concepts of sharing (Birthday Cake), gratitude (Big Berry), and worry (Rainy Day). $5.95 each
Follow the Trail: Farm Where Did All the Dinos Go? Dinosaurs — with big toothy grins on their faces — live among us in this playful, rhyming search-and-find for the youngest of toddlers. You’ll find dinos playing catch at the playground, driving cars around town, walking to the office on a busy city street and dressed in Western vests and cowboy boots, too! $7.99
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Help your little ones learn about animals, vehicles and buildings on the farm with photos, illustrations and textured “finger trails” that zig-zag, swoop and encircle all the elements of the farm, teaching shapes and other concepts along the way. Other books in this DK series include Wild Animals, Baby Animals and Trucks. $9.99
ABC Animals! If you’re a fan of Gallop! — the original Scanimation book by Rufus Butler Seder, first published in 2007 — then you’ll be equally dazzled by this new alphabet version, which includes four animals per page. Each creature comes to life (to waddle, amble, swim and more) with the simple turning of a page. $16.95
One More Tickle! This new Guess How Much I Love You puppet board book stole our hearts! Its built-intothe-book Nutbrown Hare is super-soft and features floppy ears and little pockets that allow parents to move his head and paws around in realistic, animated ways. “Are you ticklish?” asks Big Nutbrown Hare. “Can I tickle your ears and see?” $17.99 mnparent.com • February 2017
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IN THE KITCHEN
smart By Mike Adamick
Virtually everyone loves a warm chocolate chip cookie. But hauling out the electric mixer, cleaning messy bowls and dealing with baking sheet after baking sheet of cookies? I can do without that part. Hence this miracle — a chocolate chip cookie mixed in a coffee mug and cooked in the microwave. Even the youngest kids can make one by themselves (or at least help), as it doesn’t require any mixers or hot ovens. Add a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream and you have a sweet hit for the kids, or even a TV-time snack for you after your little sous chefs go to bed. And, ahem — if you forgot to find a Valentine’s Day gift for your sweetie — this could serve as a semi-thoughtful backup with a handwritten note!
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Photo by Sarah Karnas / Minnesota Parent
FIVE-MINUTE CHOCOLATE CHIP MUG COOKIE INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon white sugar 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar Pinch salt 1 egg yolk ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 to 2 tablespoons chocolate chips Vanilla ice cream (optional, but almost essential)
DIRECTIONS Melt the butter in your mug in the microwave for 30 seconds. Have your sous chef add the sugars and salt and stir with a fork. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and stir again. Stir in the flour. Stir in the chocolate chips. Microwave the mug for 40 seconds. Your cookie should appear almost wet and sheeny. You’ll think it’s not done, but it is! Add a scoop of ice cream and serve immediately. Source: This recipe was adapted from Mike Adamick’s Dad’s Book of Awesome Recipes.
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P
Broxey, 4 Minneapolis Photo by Jen Meneghin
the
POWER OF
Y L A P Unstructured, 'bored' time, experts say, can help kids grow into healthy adults by LAURA RAMSBORG
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POWER OF
PLAY ake a trip back in time to your childhood and think about how you loved to spend your days.
Many of us can remember joyful, uninterrupted hours of play — whether it was spent building LEGO creations, constructing a fort in the woods or dreaming up imaginary worlds for our dolls. Flash forward to today’s jam-packed schedules, increased academic demands and competitive athletics, and it’s easy to see how many kids might be missing out on much-needed time for unstructured play. In fact, research shows that time for unstructured play has been steadily decreasing at an alarming rate.
Freedom to learn and grow Not only is free play enjoyable for kids, it’s also beneficial — and, some argue, necessary — for a child’s well-being. Recent research has documented the many developmental and mental health benefits of unstructured play.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics describes free play as “important for healthy brain development.” As children grow, they require opportunities to learn and practice new skills. Unstructured playtime gives kids a chance to try out adult roles (such as teacher, doctor or parent) or even act out their fears in safe, imaginary contexts of their own creation, a process that helps kids develop coping skills, researchers say. Lisa Hansen, a mental health specialist and counselor for Rosemount public schools, agrees. “Truly unstructured playtime empowers kids to explore their world,” she said. “They can decide for themselves what to do and how to do it.” Through unstructured play (ideally within safe boundaries), children gain opportunities to develop a sense of control, too. If given a bit of freedom, they begin to establish
their own worlds. Kids start to negotiate roles and create their own structure and rules. They engage in self-regulation and problem-solving. Parental involvement in play can be a hindrance, experts say, because kids need to be allowed to work out the details of
their play. If adults always step in to solve conflicts or structure activities, kids don’t get the benefit of practicing all those valuable skills on their own. And that, researchers say, can cause a long-term lack of confidence or even anxiety. Several key studies, in fact, have correlated the loss of unstructured playtime with the recent increases in childhood anxiety and depression, beginning as early as elementary school. Hansen, who recently returned to elementary school counseling after a 10-year hiatus, has seen the phenomenon in her work. She used to see anxiety in elementary children only occasionally, but now the number of anxiety cases she sees has “at least doubled.” Many times, half of Hansen’s work day
is spent working with kids who are experiencing anxiety.
Finding balance Author Julie Lythcott-Haims, in her book, How to Raise an Adult, explains how free
the world and builds organizational skills that can help in school and, eventually, the workplace (and beyond). And yet, when it comes to discussions about how to support our kids in developing life skills and providing a
‘Truly unstructured playtime empowers kids to explore their world. They can decide for themselves what to do and how to do it.’ — Lisa Hansen, a mental health specialist and counselor for Rosemount public schools
play can support healthy childhood development, including benefits that extend into adulthood: When kids are routinely allowed unstructured playtime, it nurtures their sense of curiosity about
variety of experiences, it’s not an all-ornothing approach. Experts like Hansen aren’t downplaying the advantages of athletics and other organized activities.
F
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POWER OF
PLAY Teamwork, conflict resolution, selfdiscipline and perseverance are all critical strengths that can be developed through sports and extracurricular activities. It’s all about balance, yet another life skill parents can model for children, by
making sure there’s time for kids to create, imagine and dream — in other words — to play. And, of course, the joy of play isn’t reserved for children. Parents who join in playing with children benefit, too.
‘We all want to make the most of the moments we have together as family. And the best moments are usually the most playful ones.’ — Meredith Sinclair, author of Well Played: The Ultimate Guide to Awakening Your Family’s Playful Spirit
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According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Play offers parents a wonderful opportunity to engage fully.” The AAP claims that parents learn to communicate more effectively with their children because they’re given a peek into their child’s world. (Indeed, the increasingly popular practice of play therapy relies on the strategic use of child’s play as an important form of communication and therapy delivery.) Meredith Sinclair, author of Well Played: The Ultimate Guide to Awakening Your Family’s Playful Spirit, encourages light-hearted, simple ways to integrate
play into daily routines, including kitchen dance parties, parents-versus-kids Nerf wars and even backyard graffiti projects. “We all want to make the most of the moments we have together as a family,” Sinclair says in her book. “And the best moments are usually the most playful ones.”
Battling boredom Although unstructured playtime seems like a great idea, parents may dread hearing “I’m sooooo booooored” from their children when they’re given nothing to do. Don’t fear these claims of boredom, however urgent they may seem, experts caution. When parents allow kids to be bored — and resist the urge to remedy the problem with screen time or organized activities — kids often move past boredom and end up getting really creative.
They’ll invent games with made-up, complex, ever-changing rules. They might create their own scavenger hunts or design their own dance routines. They’ll plot escapes from rogue zombies or discover hidden treasure in the basement. Kids can be quite surprising in their ingenuity. In her book, Sinclair says, “Play is the catalyst for all art, invention, new connections and innovation. Play ignites our minds in ways only it can.”
Making play a priority And yet, in the crazy rush of everyday life, it can feel like there’s just no time for play. So, as silly as it may seem, parents might have to build time into family schedules for unstructured play. Hansen recommends parents think
purposefully about the culture of their families and the climate of their homes. Hansen advises, and research supports, that an emphasis on family time needs to remain important throughout childhood, not just the early years. “Take a step back, look at the big picture, weigh priorities,” she said. “Is it OK to take a season off and not be in anything? Be brave and do what you feel is right for your family, even if it isn’t popular.” While we want the best for our kids, and want to give them every opportunity, what’s really best may be more downtime with you — to play, to explore and to laugh together. Laura Ramsborg is a licensed K-12 reading specialist, middle school teacher and freelance writer. She is a mother of two daughters and lives in Bloomington. Follow her on Twitter at @MsRamsborgReads. mnparent.com • February 2017
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WAYS TO PLAY Meredith Sinclair, in her new book Well Played: The Ultimate Guide to Awakening Your Family’s Playful Spirit, offers practical tips for families who want to be more playful.
Decorate your dinner table. Cover the kitchen table with butcher or chalkboard paper and add a cup full of washable markers or colored chalk. Liven up your dinnertime with decorative doodles, jokes, Tic-Tac-Toe, improv Pictionary and more.
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Put out a Big Bowl of Playfulness. Encourage spontaneous play in your living room with a large, decorative bowl on a coffee table filled with manipulatives (LEGO, K’NEX, Jenga blocks, Dominos) and change them out each month. Grown-ups and kids can gather, create and play together.
AS A FAM I LY
Crank up the tunes.
Make Play Crates.
Shake it up.
Don’t underestimate the power of a kitchen dance party and a batteryoperated mini disco ball. Create playlists ahead of time on your phone/ iPad or allow each family member to take a turn as DJ.
These special boxes are built around playful themes, such as animal hospital, DIY puppets, restaurant and beyond. Involve your kids in building the crates — use IKEA bins or computer paper boxes — and keep the magic alive by getting only one crate out at a time, ideally on a subzero winter Saturday or a particularly grumpy Tuesday.
Make homemade snow globes out of Mason jars with glycerin, metallic paint and glitter or craft snow. Kiddos can pick their own toys to add to a personalized snow globe theme — Star Wars, Disney princesses, Pokemon and more. Find out how at tinyurl.com/ snow-globe-mn.
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Photo courtesy of Graco
Precious
PARENTS ARE UNWITTINGLY PUTTING CHILDREN IN INCREASED DANGER BECAUSE OF COMMON CAR SEAT MISTAKES. HERE'S HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAVORITE TINY PASSENGERS SAFE. by LAURA MALM
I
nstallation rules, manufacturer regulations, confusing gadgetry and ever-evolving laws that vary by age — trying to understand car seat safety can feel like falling blindly into a black hole. This confusion is a main reason an estimated four out of five car seats are used incorrectly — a scary statistic when you consider that injuries due to transportation are the leading cause of death for children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Car seat safety can seem daunting,” said Brittany Kubricky, a Twin Cities-based doula, certified Child
Passenger Safety Technician and mom to four kids. “The truth is we don’t have a lot of control in our children’s lives, but we can control how safe they are when they are riding in our cars.” When car seats are used correctly, they reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent, according to SafeKids Worldwide. By understanding the most common mistakes, parents can help ensure they’re using car seats properly so children stay secure — at every age.
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Precious CARGO
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MISTAKE: USING A VULNERABLE LOCATION IN THE VEHICLE
Many caregivers make the mistake of installing car seats next to the window because it’s easier to get kids in and out. Unfortunately, in most vehicles that isn’t the safest location for children. “The safest spot is furthest from any possible impact, this being the middle of the back seat or the second row middle of a three-row vehicle,” Kubricky said. “Try to put the child needing the most protection — usually the youngest — in that spot, as long as you can get a safe install there."
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MISTAKE: LOOSE STRAPS AND LOW CHEST CLIP “The harness clip should be positioned at the armpit level,” said Diana Van Wormer, a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician and car seat program coordinator at Regions Hospital (and a mother and grandmother). “The harness holds the child down low in the car seat so they do not slide up and out in a crash. The clip helps keep the harness straps in position,” Van Wormer said. Strap tension is another common source of confusion. Many parents and caregivers are surprised just how snug seat straps must be. Van Wormer said: “The harness straps should be adjusted snug enough so that you can’t pinch any excess webbing at the shoulder or hips once the harness is buckled.”
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Photo courtesy of Britax
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MISTAKE: WEARING PUFFY WINTER COATS In Minnesota, a warm coat on a chilly day is essential. The problem is those coats give a false sense of security when kids wear them while sitting in car seats. “When you tighten a harness onto thick or puffy material, it may seem tight to your touch, but in a crash, that material will compress and create too much space between the child and the harness, creating a dangerous situation,” Kubricky said. Both Kubricky and Van Wormer recommend parents keep kids warm by covering them with blankets or putting their coats on backwards after they’re secured in their car seat harnesses. Growing awareness has given rise to new products that address this safety concern, including crash-tested Road Coats ($110), made with down and rated to minus-10 degrees. See onekid.com for details.
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MISTAKE: USING FORWARD-FACING CAR SEATS TOO SOON
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping children rear-facing until age 2 or until they reach the maximum height/weight recommendations for their rear-facing seats. “Children are five times safer riding rear-facing,” Kubricky said. “In a crash, a rear-facing seat acts like a cradle, not unlike catching a ball in baseball glove. Their head and body move more with the seat. In a crash with a forward-facing seat, the child's head and legs are thrust forward quite violently, increasing risks of neck and spine injuries.” Though it’s legal for kids who have reached 1 year of age (and 20 pounds in weight) to face forward in Minnesota, both Kubricky and Van Wormer recommend parents resist the urge to flip their kids around on their first birthdays. Children should stay rear-facing as long as possible, they said, at least 2 years old (within the limits of their car seats), even if their legs bend. “I have never heard one child complain about their discomfort,” Van Wormer said. “They tend to cross their legs or sit frog-legged style. I think it is the observer who thinks they are uncomfortable.” With more than 25 years working as an emergency nurse, Van Wormer’s seen her share of children’s injuries. “It is quite easy to repair fractured legs, but much more difficult to treat a broken neck or head injury,” she said. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, most babies will outgrow an infant seat (typically designed for babies up to 20 to 22 pounds) before age 1. Parents can then change to a convertible seat — meaning it “converts” from rear- to front-facing as needed — with a higher weight limit. Some manufacturers have created new models to make rear-facing easier and more comfortable, given the AAP guidelines, such as Graco’s Extend2Fit convertible car seat and Chicco’s Fit2 two-year rear-facing infant/toddler car seat. Clek’s modern-design Foonf and Filo seats, meanwhile, accommodate kids up to 50 pounds rear-facing and 65 pounds front-facing.
‘The truth is we don't have a lot of control in our children's lives, but we can control how safe they are when they are riding in our cars.’
Get checked! Trained staff at free car seat safety stations throughout the state can check your car seat installation and make any necessary changes. Look up your county’s locations at tinyurl. com/get-checked-mn. What to buy See the AAP’s excellent consumer site, healthychildren.org, which includes a breakdown of all types of seats at tinyurl.com/child-seats-mn. Don’t skip a step See tinyurl.com/dont-skip for an easy-to-decipher brochure about how to transition children through each car seat stage or go to buckleupkids.mn.gov. How do I recycle an old car seat? There are multiple drop-off sites for car seat recycling in Minnesota. See tinyurl.com/carseatrecycle for details.
— Brittany Kubricky, certified Child Passenger Safety Technician mnparent.com • February 2017
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Precious CARGO
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MISTAKE: MOVING TO A BOOSTER TOO SOON Parents often move their older toddlers and preschoolers out of a regular car seats prematurely. Children should remain in regular child car seats until they’re at least 4 years old — for as long as the height and weight limit on the seat allow, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. (Many convertible car seats top out at 40 to 60 pounds for their recommended weight limits.) Many car seat companies now offer 3-in-1 seats, which can be used for three stages — rear-facing, forward-facing and booster (such as Cosco’s Easy Elite), while 2-in-1 seats (also called combination seats), such as the Frontier from Britax, can be used first for forward-facing seating (with a five-point harness) and later as a booster (with the harness removed). Finally, Graco’s 4Ever all-in-one car seat is designed to take a child from infancy to 120 pounds.
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Photo courtesy of Britax
MISTAKE: SAYING GOODBYE TO CAR SEATS TOO SOON Minnesota law states that a child must be at least 8 years old or be at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall to safely use only a seat belt. (However, it is recommended to keep a child in a booster based on height rather than age.) A seat belts can be used when a child is able to: ⊲⊲ Keep his or her back against the vehicle seat, ⊲⊲ Keep his or her knees naturally bent over the edge of the vehicle seat without slouching, ⊲⊲ Keep his or her feet flat on the floor, ⊲⊲ Stay still for an entire trip. Finally, children should not sit in the front seat of a vehicle until age 13, Van Wormer said, adding: “Keeping them in the backseat, instead of the front, reduces the risk of being killed in a crash by one-third.”
Each year, Cars.com’s certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians install child car seats in nearly 100 new car models. Techs test each vehicle’s LATCH system (including its ease of use) by installing an infant seat, a convertible seat and a booster seat. Cars are graded on an A-to-F scale. Six cars out of 84 from the 2016 and 2017 model year received A grades:
2017 Ford Escape 2017 GMC Acadia 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2016 Jaguar XF 2016 Mini Clubman 2016 Toyota RAV4 Learn more at cars.com/news.
Photo courtesy of Ford
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MISTAKE: USING EXPIRED CAR SEATS Hand-me-down car seats or seats found at garage sales can be OK to use, but it’s essential for parents to know the seat’s expiration date and history. Every seat has a different expiration date stamped on the plastic body of the car seat or displayed on a sticker on the seat. “It is important,” Kubricky said. “to discontinue use of the seat when the manufacturer says it has expired.” Car seats typically last five to eight years, as long as they’re taken care of appropriately and not involved in a crash, Kubricky said. Car seats involved in accidents, especially if the accident was moderate to severe, may not be safe for use. Find out what constitutes a minor accident — according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — at tinyurl.com/crash-mn.
MISTAKE: IMPROPER INSTALLATION
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Van Wormer said the car seat program at Regions Hospital has helped more than 600 caregivers in the past year with proper installation of their car seats. Of those residents who arrive at the clinics with car seats already installed, most — an average of 80 percent — are installed incorrectly. Some common installation mistakes include: ⊲⊲ Car seats loosely installed; seats shouldn’t shift more than an inch side to side or forward and back. ⊲⊲ Car seats installed using both the lower anchors and the seat belt; it should be one or the other, not both. ⊲⊲ Use of wrong anchors for the seating position ⊲⊲ Harness straps too high or too low ⊲⊲ Not using a tether when required. The first step to ensuring proper installation is to cross-reference car seat and vehicle manuals. The second step is to ask for help. Hospitals, clinics, police and fire departments and private experts across Minnesota offer car seat checks, including Regions Hospital, which hosts two to three free car seat clinics a month at various sites throughout the metro area. (See the resources sidebar with this story for details.) For parents who prefer a private check, Kubricky offers a fee-based service at Flutterby Birth Services in Edina or by appointment at individuals’ homes.
We’re so careful about car seats in our personal automobiles. So why don't school buses have even basic lap belts? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are statistically much safer (nearly eight times safer) than passenger vehicles and account for only 0.2 percent of fatal crashes. Here are a few reasons why buses have such huge advantages over smaller vehicles: ⊲⊲ School buses are larger and heavier, which means that the mass and weight of the bus are designed to take the bulk of the crash force. ⊲⊲ The chassis of a school bus is designed to separate from the body of the bus in a crash to slow down and spread the crash forces over the entire body of the bus. Buses also far less likely to rollover in a crash. ⊲⊲ Finally, school buses are federally required to provide compartmentalization, which means that the interior of large school buses must provide occupant protection — so that children are protected without the need to buckle up. This is done through strong, closely spaced seats, energy-absorbing foam seat backs and 24-inch seat heights.
Laura Malm is a writer, editor and storyteller who lives in Woodbury with her husband and two daughters. mnparent.com • February 2017
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THE ART OF
the Daycare Drop-off It’s up to you, parents, to make this morning ritual run smoothly. Here’s how. by LAURA RAMSBORG
mnparent.com • February 2017
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THE ART OF the Daycare Drop-off
E
arly mornings, sleep-deprived parents, a time crunch and, of course, emotional youngsters, desperate for their parents’ attention. It’s the perfect storm for catastrophe. And yet, that’s when one of the toughest parts of the day looms — the dreaded daycare drop-off. Day after day, we peel away our sobbing offspring and we’re left with a
lasting image of our children in distress — perhaps frozen in our minds for the next eight to 10 hours. With heavy hearts, we scurry out the door to begin the workday (maybe shedding a few tears in the car). There has to be a better way. Right? To find answers, we talked with Anna Wilson, director at Edina’s Especially for Children daycare in Edinborough
Park, which has been caring for kids since 1987. We also spoke with Catherine Bergler, owner of a beloved in-home daycare in Woodbury. Their advice, plus additional parent-led research, helped us create Your Essential Guide for Earning Your Masters in the Art of the Daycare Drop-off.
Establish a routine. Kids thrive on consistency and structure, so creating a regular routine or ritual for daycare drop-offs can really help. If possible, talk to your child ahead of time about what she would prefer as part of
your drop-off routine. When you need to leave, a consistent goodbye ritual can help to comfort your child. Whether it’s one big bear hug, a quick high-five or butterfly kisses — create a special goodbye and use it every day.
Keep it brief. No matter what your drop-off routine involves, experts agree that good-byes should be calm and brief. Daycare providers understand that separation is difficult, and they’re ready to support you and your child through transition times with their expertise and reassurance. “Teaching staff know how to handle difficult drop-offs and can redirect your child’s attention,” Wilson said. “Prolonging the separation by lingering in the doorway or attempting to peek at your child through a window will only make it harder.” Both Wilson and Bergler welcome parents to call later in the morning to see how a child has adjusted, rather than trying to hover a short distance away.
READ ON FOR CALMER, BETTER MORNINGS AHEAD.
⊳ A mother says goodbye to her son at Especially for Children daycare in Edina. Child-care experts recommend establishing a consistent farewell ritual — such a single hug or even a quick high-five — during daycare drop-offs to ensure a smooth transition. Photo by Laura Ramsborg
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If a child has had a difficult drop-off, Bergler will often send a photo to parents of their child happily playing later. Model confidence. Leaving your child is never easy — especially when it will be several hours before you see her again. However, it’s important to remain calm and keep your emotions under control during daycare drop-off. If your child sees your concern or tears, he’ll likely feel scared and uncertain about you leaving. Wilson emphasizes how important it is to help your child feel relaxed, positive and secure in the knowledge that you’re comfortable with the daycare environment. Your strength and confidence can become your child’s strength and confidence. If you’re struggling with your emotions, try having your partner handle daycare drop-off, if possible. Pack reinforcements. Many children can be comforted by a familiar object from home to ease the pain of transition. “I encourage parents to allow the child to bring a stuffed animal to drop-off for the first week or two, so they have something from home to comfort them,” Bergler said. “After those first weeks, the stuffed animal is quickly forgotten and they are excited to come in, have fun and learn.” For babies, a blanket that smells like home can be soothing. For preschoolers, sending a family picture to daycare can also help. At Especially for Children, kids’ family pictures are prominently displayed in the classrooms. Tell it like it is. It’s important to be honest with your child about where you’re going in the morning, what will happen when you get there and how long you’ll be gone. It’s best not to surprise a child — or glaze over reality — when it comes to daycare.
BOOKS to soften the heartache
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn A little raccoon named Chester is afraid to leave his mother and go to school. Mother Raccoon shares an old family tradition, the “kissing hand,” which comforts Chester and reminds him of his mother’s love, no matter where he goes.
Bye-Bye Time by Elizabeth Verdick and Marieka Heinlen Toddlers learn that goodbye isn’t forever, and parents will come back at the end of the day, in this kind-hearted board book. They also discover simple rituals that can help a child tremendously — hugs and kisses, a big wave, a deep breath and faith in teachers and friends. I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas Owen the piglet is uncertain about leaving his mother during the day, but she eases his fears by assuring him she’ll love him every minute — from the time he leaves her, until he arrives back at home — even through his adventures without her, including eating lunch and making new friends. You Go Away by Dorothy Corey Full of colorful illustrations representing a variety of ethnicities, this book is ideal for toddlers and preschoolers struggling with separation. Through a series of relatable examples, this story comforts children with a refrain that drives home a single message: Grown-ups do come back. Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney With help from new preschool friends, Llama learns that — while it’s OK to miss Mama Llama — school is a whole lot of fun!
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THE ART OF the Daycare Drop-off
‘Prolonging the separation by lingering in the doorway or attempting to peek at your child through a window will only make it harder.’ — Anna Wilson, Especially for Children, Edina
can help build a child’s interest in the days ahead, along with discussions of friends and teachers that a child is interested in seeing.
▲ A father poses with his son at Especially for Children in Edina before heading out for the day. Parents who openly demonstrate that they’re comfortable with their child’s teachers will typically pass their confidence onto their kids. Photo by Laura Ramsborg
Bergler recalled one situation in which a family’s 2-year-old would be inconsolable during drop-off for over a week. She couldn’t figure out what was going on, until she found out his parents were telling him they were going to Grandma’s house just to get him to cooperate and get in the car. When they arrived at daycare, he was shocked to not be at Grandma’s and instantly melted down. No matter how difficult it is, it’s best to be straight-forward with your child about daycare drop-off.
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Talk it up. Be as positive and upbeat as possible when talking about daycare with your child. Find out which activities your child will be doing each day, and talk about how much fun he’ll have at daycare. Especially for Children publishes weekly parent newsletters with themed learning units, so it’s possible for parents to talk with their children ahead of time about what they’ll be doing. Special events like field trips and pajama day, or special daycare parties,
Start slow. If you’re starting at a new daycare, or transitioning back into the daycare routine after a long break, try to ease your child into it. First, plan a brief visit to the daycare together, then progress to leaving your child for an hour, moving on to a half-day and then adding in full days. Also, you might consider beginning a daycare transition on a Thursday rather than a Monday, so your child needs to make it through two days, rather than a full first week. Finally, talk with your daycare provider — the ultimate drop-off ambassadors — about how to best work together through the transition, too! Laura Ramsborg lives in Bloomington and is a mother of two daughters, including a 3-year-old who squeezes her tight in a headlock-style hug during daycare drop-off. After trying out some of these recommendations, her drop-off mornings have started to go more smoothly.
A
plan a summer
ADVENTURE at Minnesota Parent’s 11th annual
Camp Fair Saturday, February 25th 10am–2pm Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
meet one-on-one
with dozens of camp representatives Free admission, activities & face
painting!
SPONSORED BY
mnparent.com/campfair • 612-825-9205 • events@mnpubs.com
INVENT YOUR SUMMER GET SPECIAL DEALS
YMCA SUMMER RALLY DAYS Thursday, March 2 – Tuesday, March 7
SAVE $50 on registration fee
SAVE $15 per session fee
SAVE $50 on registration fee
SUMMER POWER
SUMMER SPORTS
SUMMER UPROAR
Grades K – 5
Grades 1 – 6
Grades 6 – 8
Summer Power is your answer to quality care and exciting adventures. We offer flexible 3-, 4-, and 5-day options. No two weeks are alike! Weekly themes and weekly field trips.
Youth will have the opportunity to learn new skills, practice and play new sports. Y Summer Sports is a safe, fun, non-competitive sports program designed to build teamwork, leadership skills and self-esteem.
Uproar provides an exciting combination of spirited adventure and growth. Teens get their first taste of leadership as they help to plan their summer activities and participate in weekly field trips.
Thursday, March 2 – Tuesday, March 7
Register Online ymcamn.org/summer Membership not required. Financial assistance available. Need more information? Attend the
YMCA SUMMER PROGRAMS FAIR Saturday, March 4 9:30 a.m. – Noon
Thursday, March 2 – Tuesday, March 7
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Thursday, March 2 – Tuesday, March 7
Summer Preschool SP Kindergarten Summer Power Summer Sports Summer Uproar Specialty Programs 17-SP05
YMCA CAMPS ymcamn.org/summer
YMCA OVERNIGHT CAMPS CAMP ST. CROIX
Ages 7-17. Located on Lake Wapogasset near Amery, WI. Icaghowan offers traditional camp and a variety of unique specialty camps focused on activities such as horseback riding, river canoeing and skateboard camp. Three-day, one-week or two-week sessions.
CAMP IHDUHAPI Ages 7-17. Located on Lake Independence just 22 miles west of Minneapolis, MN, Ihduhapi offers youth a traditional experience or sailing and horseback riding specialty camps. Three-day, one-week or two-week sessions. Leadership development programs for grades 8-11.
CAMP WARREN Ages 7-16. Camp Warren, located in the north woods on Half Moon Lake near Eveleth, MN, offers girls-only sessions the first part of the summer and boys-only sessions later in the summer. Camp Warren has a strong tradition of progressive activities including sailing, archery, tennis, photography and horseback riding.
YMCA FAMILY CAMP CAMP DU NORD
Christmas Tree DayCroix @ Camp St. Croix Guy Robinson Heritage
per session March 2 - March 7
YMCA TEEN WILDERNESS ADVENTURES For more information:
CAMP MENOGYN Ages 12-18. Camp Menogyn is located on the Gunflint Trail 30 miles north of Grand Marais, MN. There are no roads leading to Menogyn, so all campers cross West Bearskin Lake by boat to arrive at this beautiful, intimate wilderness setting. Our focus is on the small group, compassionate guided wilderness canoeing, backpacking and rock climbing trips that are safe, fun and enriching.
CAMP WIDJIWAGAN Ages 11-18. Located on Burntside Lake near Ely, MN, Widji offers high-quality canoe and backpacking adventures in the BWCA and throughout North America. Widji wilderness trips are focused on respect and values that build skills for life and a relationship with the environment that is unparalleled.
YMCA DAY CAMP AGES 4 - 14 YMCA Day Camp provides a week full of exciting camp activities like canoeing, archery, fishing, camp crafts, cookouts, swimming and more! Day camps facilitate a great introduction to camping in a safe environment. Kids are home each night. Bus transportation is available at most locations.
YMCA DAY CAMPS: SPECIALTY CAMPS Develop a greater passion for the things you love, or try out something new at one of our YMCA specialty camps! Campers spend approximately 2 hours each day in their specialized activity. The remainder of the day is spent enjoying traditional camp activities.
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All Ages. Located on the edge of the BWCA on Burntside Lake, Camp du Nord offers a totally unique week-long camping experience for families. Cozy woodland cabins with kitchens range from rustic to upscale. Tent camping sites, full/partial food service also available. Hiking, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, swimming, nature and arts programs are offered as family activities and for children’s age groups. Relax at days end with an authentic Finnish sauna.
SAVE $25
ges 4-5 )
CAMP ICAGHOWAN
YMCA OVERNIGHT CAMP
We eBa ckp ack ers (a
Ages 7-17. Located on the St. Croix River, two miles south of Hudson, WI. Campers participate in a wide variety of traditional camp activities or select a specialty camp such as horseback riding, rock climbing, sailing and canoeing. Three-day, one-week or two-week sessions.
612-230-9622
YMCA DAY CAMP
SAVE $15
per session March 2 – March 7
DAY CAMPS Camp Christmas Tree 6365 Game Farm Rd., Minnetrista, MN 55364, 952-544-7708. Located on 45 acres at Dutch Lake near Mound, MN. YMCA Camp St. Croix – DayCroix 532 County Rd. F, Hudson, WI, 612-465-0560. Located on 400 acre site overlooking the St. Croix River. Camp Guy Robinson 3100 217th Ave NW, Oak Grove, MN, 763-785-7882. Located at Lake George Regional Park. Camp Heritage 7732 Main Street, Lino Lakes, MN; located across from Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes. YMCA Day Camp Ihduhapi 3425 Ihduhapi Rd., Loretto, MN 55357, 763-479-1146. Located on Lake Independence. Day Camp Ihduhapi offers the beautiful, north woods feel of camp. Camp Kici Yapi 13220 Pike Lake Trail NE, Prior Lake, MN 55372, 952-835-2567. Located on 80 acre site in Prior Lake. Camp Kumalya 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo, MN, 651-731-9507. Located at Lake Elmo Park Reserve in Lake Elmo. Camp Manitou 763-535-4800. Attraction-packed new location at Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Camp Spring Lake 13690 Pine Bend Trail, Rosemount, MN 55068, 651-456-9622. Located at Dakota County Spring Lake Park Reserve in Rosemount. Camp Streefland 11490 Klamath Trail, Lakeville, MN 55044, 952-898-9622. Located on Lake Kingsley in Lakeville.
Ihduhapi Kici Yapi Kumalya Manitou Spring Lake Streefland
Membership not required. Financial assistance available.
CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS
Academic
Bell Museum Science Discovery Day Camps Unearth unforgettable STEAM experiences in our week-long camps, including outdoor adventure, space exploration, science labs, creative play, and field trips to meet U of M scientists! June 12–September 1, pre-K–6. Sustainability, paleontology, art, engineering and more! Minneapolis 612-626-9660 bellmuseum.umn.edu
Camp Invention Imaginations get their rocket fuel at Camp Invention! This summer’s all new curriculum allows children in kindergarten through 6th grade to transform a distant exoplanet, blast rockets, wire circuits, and take risks as future entrepreneurs. Local educators lead a week of hands-on activities that fuel children’s 21st century skills. Early registration discounts are available. Over 20 locations throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area! 800-698-4332 campinvention.org
Groves Academy Summer Programs Groves Academy offers summer programs for students entering grades 2–11 from the community with learning and attention
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challenges. Taught by Groves teachers, our small class sizes and customized instruction build success and confidence. Both academic and enrichment programs are available. 3200 Hwy 100 S St. Louis Park 952-920-6377 grovesacademy.org
Hamline Mock Trial Camp This week-long, overnight camp is for students of any skill level, entering grades 9–12 to learn from collegiate mockers, attorneys, judges, and experts on developing teamwork, critical thinking, and presentation skills while getting a glimpse into college life. Hamline University St. Paul 612-987-6451 hamline.edu/mocktrialcamp17
Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest Students in grades 4–8 will learn how to run a successful business through a variety of fun, interactive activities. Held at JA BizTown, our unique kidsized city. June session explores STEM careers; July session will appeal to the young entrepreneur. 1800 White Bear Ave N Maplewood 651-255-0055 jaum.org
Spring Break & Summer at Blake Love of learning and courage are central to Blake’s mission. Summer academic course offerings are open to pre-K–12 students throughout the Twin Cities. Students will investigate and delve deeply into topics while practicing positive risktaking and learning new skills. No grades, just growth. Hopkins, Minneapolis, Wayzata 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer
The Works Museum Engineering & design camps for kids in pre-K–grade 6. Coding, LEGO engineering, girls design, robotics, architecture, and more! Half- and fullday options, June–August 2017. The Works Museum: inspiring the next generation of innovators, engineers, and creative problem solvers. 9740 Grand Ave S Bloomington 952-888-4262 theworks.org
Arts
Adventures in Cardboard Mythic Play in Summer Wildlands! Be initiated into an esteemed House of The Realm and jump into live-action adventure gaming! Build your own armor, create castles to defend your land, battle on
mnparent.com/camp trails, fields and shorelines! Swords, bows, catapults, magic and monsters! Full days spent in beautiful parks across the metro region. Days, Monday–Friday, ages 8–15 and several TEEN ONLY weeks! 22 sessions in 10 Regional Parks, June 12–August 25. 3448 16th Ave S Minneapolis julianmcfaul.com
The Art Academy Give your child the opportunity to explore their creative side and develop their skills by illustrating their own children’s book and learn the principles of drawing and painting at the Art Academy’s Summer Camp program. Classes and camps, with exceptional student/teacher ratios, are available for students ages 5–18.
Blake School MNP 0217 H6.indd 1
1/18/17 10:12 AM
651 Snelling Ave S St. Paul 651-699-1573 theartacademy.net
Art Camps at Studio Seven One week painting and drawing camps for students ages 7–18. Compositional elements will be explored through landscape and figure studies. Students will paint and draw both in the studio and outside. Trips to galleries and museums included. Camps are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. $550 per week, all materials are included. kahlowcurtis@gmail.com 708 N 1st St Minneapolis 612-376-0381 studio7artmn.com
Articulture Art Camps Articulture art camps encourage kids to explore a variety of media and emphasize personal creativity—fun and educational! Themes range from animation to food as art. Runs June 12–September 1 for ages 4 and up. Full- and half-day options. $124–$275. 2613 E Franklin Ave Minneapolis 612-729-5151 articulture.org
Hamline Young Writers Workshop This creative writing day camp is a chance for high school students, ages 15–18, who are passionate about creative writing to explore the craft, connect with other young writers, and work closely with Hamline’s Creative Writing faculty and published authors.
Think your child can’t draw like this? Think again. The Basic Elements of Drawing and Design Ages 5-8 Providing the foundation for later study in watercolor and oil painting. Call or go online for Class Information
Hamline University St. Paul 651-523-2479 hamline.edu/youngwriters2017
Sophia Comnick, Age 8
Kidcreate Studio Kidcreate’s award winning summer camps are designed to inspire and educate young artists, ages 3 to 12, in an environment where giggles and grins are encouraged. Camps combine art
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651.699.1573 | theartacademy.net Chosen by WCCO “2013 Best Places for Summer Art Activities” | Winner: City Pages “Best of the Twin Cities” Art Academy MNP 010116 H4.indd 1
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CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS education with an atmosphere full of fun. This summer’s camps include: Artrageous, Beginning Drawing, Beyond Pokémon, Bling It On!, Glow Art, LEGO® Star Wars, Little Mess Makers, Masters in Clay, Masters on Canvas, Mess to the Max!, Ooey Gooey Clay, Paper Mache, Sparkle Love, Superheroes, The Best-Ever Art Camp and many more. Making a mess is the best at Kidcreate! Eden Prairie: 7918 Mitchell Rd 952-974-3438 edenprairiemn@kidcreatestudio.com Woodbury: 1785 Radio Dr, Ste F 651-735-0880 woodburymn@kidcreatestudio.com kidcreatestudio.com
The Loft’s Young Writers’ Program The Loft’s Young Writers’ Program offers numerous classes throughout the summer that foster creativity, enrich talents, and create friendships. Classes run for ages 6–17 at all skill levels. Open Book 1011 Washington Ave S Minneapolis 612-215-2575 loft.org
Minneapolis College of Art and Design Join us at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design for a series of innovative, hands-on, and engaging visual art and design camps and classes for kids and teens ages 6–18! Weeklong and multi-week options. Scholarships available. 2501 Stevens Ave Minneapolis 612-874-375 mcad.edu/ce
Shell Lake Arts Center With programs in jazz, rock band, show choir, art, theater, film, 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
Spring Break & Summer at Blake Blake’s visual and performing arts program challenges students to creatively express themselves in an array of disciplines and materials from the kiln to the stage! These pre-K–12 programs are open to students throughout the greater Twin Cities area. Hopkins, Minneapolis, Wayzata 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer
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Camp Resources Minnesota Parent’s Camp Fair February 25, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Start thinking camp! Attend Minnesota Parent’s 11th annual Camp Fair to get a jumpstart on planning for day or overnight summer camps, be it music, art, technology, sports, and everything in between. FREE admission. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory 1225 Eastbrook Dr St. Paul 612-825-9205 mnparent.com/campfair
Dance Music
Chan DT Musical Theatre Camp Chanhassen Dinner Theatres offers summertime theater camps for kids and teens ages 5–18. It’s a fantastic week of full and halfday sessions focusing on musical theater fundamentals taught by Chanhassen professionals throughout the summer. Sessions begin June 12. Register now! PO Box 100 Chanhassen 952-934-1525 chanhassendt.com
Circus Juventas Travel the globe without ever leaving our Big Top! Our full-day, week-long 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 talkedabout and unique summer camps anywhere. 1270 Montreal Ave St. Paul circusjuventas.org
CREO Arts & Dance Conservatory Wholesome, creative, joyful dancing for all ages & stages. June 12–August 25. Our noncompetitive dance studio provides expert instruction in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. Summer classes include: Prince & Princess, Frozen Ballet, Faith Based Dance, Dance Composition Ballet/Jazz/Modern Intensives. Wayzata Home Center 1250 Wayata Blvd E Wayzata 612-636-6893 creoartsconservatory.com
O’Shea Irish Dance Classes Director Cormac O’Se, original member of Riverdance. Professional Irish Dance training for preschoolers through adults; for competition, for fun, and for fitness! Weekly Classes: Mondays–Saturdays. Beginners Classes registering now! Summer camps June, July, August.
The Celtic Junction 836 Prior Ave N 612-722-7000 osheairishdance.com
Sing Minnesota August 7–11, 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! $350, scholarships available. Concordia University Buetow Music Center 300 Hamline Ave N St. Paul 651-292-3219 boychoir.org
Stages Theatre Company Summer Theater Workshops: June 19– August 11. 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 4–16. 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
Summer at Blake Blake’s performing arts engage and challenge students to express themselves creatively. From jazz to improv, Blake offers experiences for novice to accomplished performers. Blake’s pre-K–12 programs are open to students throughout the Twin Cities. Hopkins, Minneapolis, Wayzata 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer
Theatre Arts Training at Children’s Theatre Company June 13–August 12, 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.
mnparent.com/camp Be Confident. Registration now open. 2400 3rd Ave S Minneapolis 612-874-0400 childrenstheatre.org/education/classesand-camps
University of Northwestern – St. Paul, Academy of Music Whatever the age or musical ability of your child, UNW Academy of Music has a summer camp to excite and challenge them on their musical journey. Brio Music Camp: Intro Music for ages 4–8. Show Choir for ages 9– 16, Piano Institute for ages 10–18. Music Recording Camp for ages 13 and up. Northwestern Campus 3003 Snelling Ave N 651-631-5108 unwsp.edu/academyofmusic
Zenon Dance Company & School Summer Camps Weeklong dance camps for ages 6–14. Each day includes technique and choreography. Participants will perform for family and friends on the last day! Hip Hop Camps: June 19–23, July 24–28, August 7–11. Youth Dance Sampler Camps: June 26–30, July 17– 21, August 14–18. Adult & Teen Dance Sampler Camp: July 10–14. Minneapolis & Edina 612-338-1101 zenondance.org
Day
Camp Fire Minnesota Explore 103 acres along Lake Minnewashta with local and international counselors. Enjoy water and nature activities, archery, adventure course and more! New this year: Team Building Challenge Course and Tanadoona Tree House. Open Houses: March 4 & April 29. 3300 Tanadoona Dr Excelsior 612-235-7284 camptanadoona.org
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Awarded “Best Day Camp” by Nickelodeon’s Parent’s Picks. Camp Como enhances your child’s appreciation for the natural world with enthusiastic instructors, zookeepers and gardeners, and behindthe-scene adventures. Campers will get closer to plants and animals than ever before. Preschool through 8th grade. 1225 Estabrook Dr St. Paul 651-487-8201 comozooconservatory.org
Gibbs Farm Day Camps We’ve created the perfect mix of day camps for your kids! Family-friendly pricing,
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CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS fun for kids ages 4–13. Choose Pioneer PeeWees, ages 4–5; or one of our three-day camps, ages 6–10, including Pioneer Kid, Gibbs Girl or Dakota Day Camp. Digging History, our archaeology day camp, is for ages 11–13. Camps offered June 20– August 31. Pioneer Kid, Gibbs Girl, Dakota Day Camp, Digging History: $99/week. Pioneer Peewees: $19/week. 2097 W Larpenteur Ave Falcon Heights 651-646-8629 rchs.com
Gibbs Girl Three days, three experiences! For girls 6–10. This craft-rich camp explores the lives of girls in Minnesota during the 1800s: Life as a Pioneer girl, Dakota girl and Victorian girl. Tuesdays–Thursdays, July 25–27 and August 1–3, 8–10, 15–17 and 22–24, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. each day. $99/week. 2097 W Larpenteur Ave, Falcon Heights 651-646-8629 rchs.com
The International School of Minnesota Summer Adventure Camp at The International School of MN welcomes the community to participate in camp June 12–August 11. Swimming, crafts, canoeing, nature hikes, beach days! Daily language classes & cultural exploration in Spanish or American sign language! Ages 3.5 to grade 8. 6385 Beach Rd, Eden Prairie 952-918-1800 internationalschoolmn.com
Minnehaha Academy Summer Programs Jump into summer fun with more than 60 half- and full-day athletic, enrichment and academic camps for grades Pre-K through 12. 4200 W River Pkwy, Minneapolis 612-728-7745 minnehahaacademy.net/schools/ summerprograms
Minnesota Historical Society Sign up for the best camps in history! Ignite your child’s sense of fun and adventure with a day camp at Historic Fort Snelling or two other cool sites. Designed for kids ages 7–14. 1-844-MNSTORY mnhs.org/summercamps
Nativity Early Learning Center (NELC) Summer Camp The NELC Summer Camp is a 12 week program designed to keep children from ages 33 months–6th grade involved in a fun educational atmosphere. We offer convenient hours with flexible day options as well as knowledgeable, dedicated staff. Each week is filled with hands-on activities, field trips, gardening, and much more! The NELC is accredited by NAEYC. 1900 Wellesley Ave, St. Paul 651-696-5437 elc.nativity-mn.org
Playworks Summer Camp 2017 Sign up now for Summer Camp Xtreme: full of Xtreme Learning, Xtreme Adventure, Xtreme Fun! June 12–September 1. Open to those in grades 1–6. Children learn through hands-on experiences, outdoor play, field trips, Atrium play, and educational programs. Daily meals included. Part-time and full-time options available. Questions? Call 952-445-PLAY for more information or to sign up. 2200 Trail of Dreams, Prior Lake 952-445-PLAY (7529) playworksfun.com
Minnesota Waldorf School Summer Day Camp
School Chess Association Summer Day Chess Camp
Old fashioned summer fun on our 8 acre campus! A relaxed schedule of crafts, nature play, games, music, gardening, and more. Ages 3.5–entering 6th grade. Flexible scheduling from June 12–August 18.
All levels of chess instruction, professional educators tailored to the student’s individual needs. Fun activities include swimming, water slides, field ball, Magic the Gathering, soccer, tennis, roller skating, bowling, fishing, sign language, and roleplaying games. Programs: June 26–29, July 10–13, July 17–20, July 24–27, July 31–August 3, August 7–10 and 14–17.
70 E County Rd B, St. Paul 651-487-6700 x202 mnwaldorf.org/summercamp
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St. Louis Park Recreation Center 3700 Monterey Dr, St. Louis Park 763-593-1168 schoolchess.org
Summer at Blake Looking for adventure, sports, arts and friendships? Blake’s Acoma camp has gathered children from the Twin Cities for over 50 years. Campers develop curiosity, creativity and positive risktaking skills. Unique themes provide opportunities for physical, social and intellectual skills in a friendly, safe environment. Hopkins, Minneapolis, Wayzata 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer
Horseback Riding Regent Arabians: Developing Equestrians for Life
LESSONS, DAY CAMP, TRAIL RIDING, BIRTHDAY PARTIES. Handle, groom, & ride beautiful, intelligent & experienced horses. We educate & ride year round. Students improve their physical & mental fitness, self-esteem, respect & focus while pursuing their dream with horses! 26125 Tucker Rd, Rogers 763-428-4975 regentarabians.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
mnparent.com/camp
Excite and challenge your child with a summer camp from UNW Academy of Music
develop independent riding skills. 15400 Emery Ave E, Rosemount 651-226-2027 sunnysidestables.org
• Brio Music Camp, Intro to Music for ages 4-8 • Show Choir for ages 9-16
Language
• Piano Institute for ages 10-18 • Music Recording Camp for ages 13 and up
Concordia Language Villages We are the premier language and cultural immersion program in the U.S. Since 1961, we have provided an authentic experience with programs for all ages offered in 15 different languages. Day camps, residential youth camps and family camps offered.
Camp Location: Northwestern Campus 3003 Snelling Ave N, Roseville, MN
For more information unwsp.edu/academyofmusic or call 651-631-5108
Registration opens April 1st (with deadlines in June)
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8659 Thorsonveien Rd NE, Bemidji 1-800-222-4750 concordialanguagevillages.org
Summer at Blake Join The Blake School for Latin, Greek, Spanish and programming camps! Spanning grades 1–12, offerings are open to students throughout the Twin Cities area. Hopkins, Minneapolis, Wayzata 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer
Year Round Riding Lessons Available for All Ages Horse Camp · Birthday Parties
Overnight
Rosemount, MN
Audubon Center of the North Woods
651-226-2027 • sunnysidestables.org
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Youth summer camps with a focus on wildlife, nature, challenge and outdoor skills. Rocks, Ropes & Rafts (entering grades 6-8); Outdoor Explorations (entering grades 5-7); Ways of Wildlife (entering grades 5-7). June–July. 54165 Audubon Dr, Sandstone 888-404-7743 info@audubon-center.org audubon-center.org/summer-camps
Camp Birchwood for Boys Hike, bike, fish, canoe, kayak, or rockclimb, it’s up to you. Campers choose their own adventures and activities. Between adventures campers choose from archery, riflery, waterpark, crafts, tubing, fishing, and more. Boundary Waters Canoe Area 218-252-2641 campbirchwoodforboys.com
Camp Birchwood for Girls At Camp Birchwood the experience is about lifelong skills, friendships, and memories. We provide campers with opportunities for making their own choices, encourage them to challenge themselves and to discover who they are through a long list of available activities. Northern Minnesota 800-451-5270 campbirchwood.com
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CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS Camp Bovey
Star Lake Wilderness Camp
Mini-Hops Gymnastics
A summer youth program of East Side Neighborhood Services. We provide a safe place for youth to have fun while participating in outdoor activities. Campers gain confidence in outdoor living skills. Our Visual and Performing Arts sessions are extremely popular.
Star Lake Wilderness Camp provides life changing experiences for 3rd–12th grades. Campers sleep in tents; swim in lakes; hike; canoe; cook on fires; and live in guided small groups. Some weeks have Christian programing. Pay only what you can afford.
Established in 1976 as a nonprofit 501 (c)3 organization, Mini-Hops provides a fun, safe, and friendly environment for youths from 12 months to 18 years. We provide gymnastics, dance, karate and much more for families in the Western suburbs of Minneapolis.
Northwestern Wisconsin 612-787-4030 esns.org/campbovey
Camp Chippewa for Boys We develop character, through adventure, inspired by over 80 years of tradition. Your son will receive individual attention as he learns life skills and makes lifelong friends in our wilderness environment. He will return more confident, self-aware and resilient. 22767 Cap Endres Rd SE Cass Lake 218-335-8807 campchippewa.com
Camp Fire Minnesota Explore 103 acres along Lake Minnewashta with local and international counselors. Sleep in a rustic cabin and enjoy water and nature activities, archery, adventure/ team building challenge courses, night hikes and more! Mini- Resident, Resident, Leadership Development and Northwoods Adventure programs. 3300 Tanadoona Dr Excelsior 612-235-7284 camptanadoona.org
Camp Olson YMCA 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, mountain biking, and leadership development. 4160 Little Boy Rd NE Longville 218-363-2207 campolson.org
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
10992 Star Lake Camp Dr Pequot Lakes 651-263-0578 starlakewildernesscamp.com
Specialty
Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) Social Skills Summer Classes AuSM Social Skills summer classes for youth and adults with autism focus on special interests including filmmaking, the great outdoors, community outings, zoos, art, drama, improv, music, and more. E-mail education@ausm.org for more info. Register today! 2380 Wycliff St, Ste 102 St. Paul 651-647-1083 ausm.org
Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) Summer Camps AuSM’s summer camps for youth and adults with autism feature highly trained staff who care for campers while they have fun and make friends. Camps include Hand in Hand (residential, 1:1); Wahode (day, 1:2); and Discovery (residential, 1:4). E-mail camp@ausm.org for more. 2380 Wycliff St, Ste 102 St. Paul 651-647-1083 ausm.org
The Bakken Museum Summer Science Day Camps Students explore the exciting world of science through hands-on activities, magic tricks, team challenges, and more. Campers learn The Bakken invention process and build their own take-home creation. Spaces fill quickly... register early! 3537 Zenith Ave S Minneapolis 612-926-3878 thebakken.org
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, self-respect, archery, Korean arts, and outdoor play. Camp Lakamaga campchoson.org
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2600 Campus Dr Plymouth 952-933-2452 mini-hops.com
Spring Break & Summer at Blake From robots to art projects and the classroom to the athletic field, Blake challenges students to creatively express themselves in an array of disciplines. Sports, academics, arts and day camp are open to pre-K– 12 students throughout the Twin Cities. Hopkins, Minneapolis, Wayzata 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer
Sports and Fitness Active Kids Association of Sport (AKASPORT)
AKASPORT’s mission is to keep kids and families well rounded through sports and fitness. The goal is to get kids more active through sport and exercise and provides multi-sports camps, clinics, school programs and charitable events. National Sports Center, Blaine Coon Rapids Ice Center, Coon Rapids 651-447-2454 akasport.org
Legacy Gymnastics Summer Camps We offer kids age 4–17 a great way to stay active over summer vacation. Kids gain confidence and fitness while having fun learning gymnastics skills. Summer Camps are offered June, July and August. Legacy Gymnastics 14785 Martin Dr Eden Prairie 952-746-8183 gymlegacy.com
Nike Tennis Camps Come join the fun and get better this summer at the University of Minnesota Nike Tennis Camp. Overnight and day camp options for boys and girls, ages 6–18 of all ability levels. Special Tournament Training component offered during the second and third session. University of Minnesota Minneapolis 800-645-3226 ussportscamps.com/tennis
mnparent.com/camp PLA-IT: Revolutionary Sports We offer instructional classes, day camps, and after-school programs for players as young as age two. Coaches combine active sport instruction with child development best practices to create a fun and positive learning environment. The challenging but noncompetitive approach helps foster teamwork and leadership skills. Over 50 facility partners across Twin Cities, including multiple Minneapolis Park and Rec sites Vadnais Sports Center: 1490 Co Rd E, St. Paul AirMaxx Fun Center: 7000 Washintgon Ave S, Eden Prairie 612-234-7782 pla-it.com
Spring Break & Summer at Blake Blake sports camps offer opportunities to try new activities, enhance skills and deepen physical fitness. Campers are guided by Blake’s award-winning coaches and championship athletes. These programs, spanning pre-K–12, are open to students throughout the Twin Cities. Hopkins, Minneapolis, Wayzata 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer
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
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Out & About FEBRUARY
mnparent.com/calendar
Ice Castles ⊲⊲Explore a fortress of ice and snow, featuring frozen waterfalls, towering archways and tunnels, ice caves, plus fire dancing, characters from Frozen and treats for sale. When: Through Feb. 11 (weather permitting), closed Tuesdays Where: Lowell Park, Stillwater, at the Lift Bridge on the St. Croix River Cost: Online tickets are $9.95– $12.95 for ages 12 and older, $6.95–$8.95 for ages 4 to 11, and free for ages 3 and younger. Standby tickets at the door are $10–$18. Info: icecastles.com
Photo by A.J. Mellor
ONGOING
St. Paul Winter Carnival ⊲⊲This multi-faceted festival is the oldest and largest of its kind in the nation, with more than 75 events and nearly 1,000 volunteers. Check out ice carving, snow sculpting, skiing, dogsledding, a torchlight parade and more. When: Jan. 26–Feb. 5 Where: St. Paul Cost: Most events are FREE. Info: wintercarnival.com
TA-DA! ⊲⊲These Saturday Puppet Shows for Kids — presented by (and at the) In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre — are back, including some shows performed in Spanish. When: 10 a.m. and noon Saturdays through March 11; at 11 a.m. check out the weekly make-and-take
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workshops in between shows based on that day’s show theme. Cost is $3 to $5 per person and advanced registration is recommended, but not required. Where: HOBT, 1500 E. Lake St., Minneapolis Tickets: $7 suggested donation ($2 for Powderhorn and Phillips residents) Info: hobt.org
The Amazing Castle ⊲⊲Travel back in time to a fanciful medieval village filled with opportunities for problem-solving, storytelling and imaginative play as part of the Minnesota Children’s Museum’s pop-up location at the MOA. Design and build your own chair, cook a delicious meal using garden vegetables or create a puppet show to entertain the royals. Inside the castle, kids can don costumes and role-play as lords, ladies and castle villagers; craft a miniature community using stone blocks; or sound the trumpets to wake Herald,
the sleeping dragon. When: Through April 16. MCM at MOA hours are 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 11 a.m.– 7 p.m. Sundays. Where: Mall of America, Bloomington. (The Minnesota Children’s Museum’s St. Paul location will be closed until mid-April due to extensive renovations.) Cost: $7.95 for ages 1 and older and free for museum members Info: mcm.org/visit/moa
JAN. 28
Frosty Fun Festival ⊲⊲Try a wide variety of winter activities as a family, including sledding, skating and snowshoeing, as well as games like ice bowling, boot hockey and ice mini-golf, plus an otter slide, puppet theater, a bonfire, concessions, discovery stations and medallion hunts.
When: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Jan. 28 Where: Dodge Nature Center, West St. Paul Cost: $4 per person or $16 per family online before noon Jan. 27 ($5 and $20 at the door), free for ages 2 and younger; sleigh and wagon rides cost $2 to $3 per person or $5 to $10 per family. Info: See dodgenaturecenter.org for parking suggestions. Find nature centers near you at mnparent.com/ nature.
Winter Kite Festival ⊲⊲Kites of all colors, sizes, shapes and themes will fly over Lake Harriet as part of this 16th-annual event. Additional activities will include ice fishing, horse-drawn wagon rides, a sled pull, snowshoeing and a marshmallow roast. When: Noon–4 p.m. Jan. 28 Where: Lake Harriet Bandshell, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: eastharriet.org
FEB. 3–5
the St. Croix River.
City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival ⊲⊲This cabin-fever reliever and crosscountry ski event features races and games for all ages, plus skijoring, a snow-sculpting contest, beer gardens, food trucks, a vendor village and more. Not planning to race? Check out the spectator info page — at tinyurl.com/ loppet-spectators — including race maps and schedules, event locations and shuttle options, too (recommended). When: Feb. 3–5 Where: Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: loppet.org
When: Feb. 3–5 Where: Hudson, Wis. Cost: Many activities are FREE. Info: hudsonhotairaffair.com
FEB. 5–MARCH 5
Music Under Glass ⊲⊲Beat the winter blahs by boogying to blues, bluegrass and ballads in the tropical two-acre Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. This free concert series showcases some of the Twin Cities' finest musicians most Sunday afternoons in winter. Beer, wine, soda and light snacks will be available for purchase.
Hudson Hot Air Affair ⊲⊲Go balloon watching and enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities including hot air balloon launches, geocaching, smooshboarding, arts and crafts and an evening parade, all along
When: Remaining concerts will be from 4:30–6:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 19, 26, and March 5. Where: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: comozooconservatory.org
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY POSTPARTUM SERVICES
Moms
We Specialize in Them Classes for Couples & Parents Miscarriage Support Group Pregnancy & Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Labor & Delivery Anxiety & Difficult Birth Recovery New Roles / New Identities, Creating Balance Couples Counseling & Parenting Issues Infertility / Perinatal Loss / Adoption
The Postpartum Counseling Center
Offices in Mpls, St. Paul & Edina
(612) 296-3800
postpartumcounselingcenter.com
PEDIATRIC AUDIOLOGY
t iologisming Office d u A d o e Licens arm & Welc in a W We offer Pediatric Care! • Mild hearing loss impacts development of language & speech. • State law provides hearing benefits for children 18 years and younger.
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Professional Services Directory MNP 0217.indd 1 Postpartum Counseling Center MNP 0117 2.96x3.95.indd 1 22/20/16 Chears 2:24 Audiology PM MNP SPEC 2.36x3.95.indd 1
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Out & About FEB. 7–MARCH 26
The Sneetches: The Musical ⊲⊲This world-premiere adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ book presents a powerful parable about courage and friendship for all ages. On Sneetch Beach, there’s a line in the sand — Star Bellies on one side, Plain Bellies on the other. That’s the way it is, was and will be — at least until the sneaky and greedy Sylvester Monkey McBean comes to town with his Star On machine. Suddenly, the difference between the haves and the have nots — those with stars and those without — isn’t so clear. What will the Sneetches do now? When: Feb. 7–March 26 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $10. Info: childrenstheatre.org
FEB. 9
An Evening with Richard Louv ⊲⊲Hear the internationally renowned journalist and author of Last Child in the Woods and Vitamin N discuss the new international movement to connect children and families to nature. His talk — The Nature Principle: Nature-Deficit Disorder and the New Nature Movement — is part of the Dodge Nature Center’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 Where: Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul Cost: $27.50–$102.50 Info: dodgenaturecenter.org
FEB. 11
Siama’s Afrobilly ⊲⊲Take A Rhythmic Journey Through Africa’s Joyous Music with a singalong in Kikongo, Swahili and Lingala in this
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rare opportunity to learn the traditional singing styles of the DR Congo, East Africa and beyond. When: 2–3 p.m. Feb. 11 Where: Nokomis Public Library, Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: compas.org
FEB. 12–APRIL 23
Urban Expedition ⊲⊲Experience cultures from around the world — including music, dance, live animals, crafts and more — at the Landmark Center’s international event series, returning for its 13th season. When: 1 p.m. Feb. 12 (Switzerland), March 12 (Colombia), April 9 (Togo) and April 23 (Burma) Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: FREE. Food representative of the featured countries will be available for purchase. Info: landmarkcenter.org
FEB. 14–MAY 9
Ballet Tuesdays ⊲⊲Take in a ballet performance on the second Tuesday of each month, courtesy of Saint Paul Ballet students and company members, offering excerpts from productions such as The Nutcracker and the company’s diverse repertoire. Children are invited to wear their dance shoes and tutus and to practice techniques demonstrated by the dancers. Bring a lunch to eat during the show or stop by Anita’s Café at Landmark Center. When: Noon Feb. 14, March 14, April 11 and May 9. The ballet will also perform at the Mall of America at 10 and 11 a.m. on Feb. 7 and April 25. Note: This information has been updated to correct time/date errors found in the November and December editions of Minnesota Parent. Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: spballet.org or landmarkcenter.org
FEB. 11: Monster Jam ⊲⊲After two extremely successful shows in December, Monster Jam is back for a third exhibition, featuring 12-foot-tall, 10,000-pound trucks that can catapult themselves more than 135 feet across the stadium and up to 35 feet in the air. When: Feb. 11 Cost: Tickets start at $15.
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis Info: monsterjam.com
FEB. 18–MARCH 13: Tropical Beach Party ⊲⊲Escape the cold at the zoo with a party in the tropical exhibit space, featuring two giant indoor sandboxes (expanded this year to accommodate more kids)! Bring your own pail (BYOP) or favorite sand toy and play in the sand, surrounded by palm trees, exotic animals and special activities. Weekend events include scavenger hunts, educational family activities, face painting, zookeeper talks and more. When: Feb. 18–March 13 Where: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Cost: Free with zoo admission ($12–$18) Info: mnzoo.org
FEB. 18
AMA Supercross ⊲⊲Hometown hero and reigning Supercross champion Ryan Dungey of Belle Plaine will defend his title against elite racers in this world championship event, back in the Twin Cities for the first time in four years. When: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18 Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $15. Info: ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000
FEB. 19–MAY 14
Sundays at Landmark ⊲⊲This annual series of cultural and arts events is designed to entertain, enrich and educate all ages. When: 1 p.m. Feb. 19 (Carpathian Celebration, $4 to $6); 11 a.m. March 19 (Day of Dance, $6); 11 a.m. April 1 (Scottish Ramble, $6); 3 p.m. May 7
(Rose Ensemble); 1 p.m. May 14 (Saint Paul Civic Symphony Mother's Day Concert). Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: Various Info: landmarkcenter.org
FEB. 25
Minnesota Parent Camp Fair ⊲⊲Get a jump on summer planning with Minnesota Parent's 11th-annual Camp Fair. Meet one-on-one with representatives from more than 50 summer camps, including sleep-a-way camps and day camps, too. While you explore camps, your kids can enjoy family-friendly activities, including face painting, crafts and a few featured animals from the Como Zoo. When: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Feb. 25 Where: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: mnparent.com/campfair or 612-825-9205 mnparent.com • February 2017
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Out & About Tech Fest ⊲⊲This hands-on, interactive celebration of National Engineers Week features live demos by scientists and engineers, hand-on projects, family activities and more. When: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Feb. 25 Where: The Works, Bloomington Cost: $8 per person; children must be accompanied by an adult. Info: theworks.org
Coming up MARCH 3
Dive-In Movies ⊲⊲Enjoy crafts and games followed by a family-friendly movie projected on a screen over Shoreview’s popular indoor water park. Bring your own noodles or floaties. Note: The hot tub will be closed during this event. When: 7 p.m. March 3 Where: Tropics Indoor Waterpark, Shoreview Cost: $9 for ages 1-17, $9.99 for ages 18 and older or $36 for a family (up to six), plus discounts for Shoreview residents Info: Movie titles will be posted at the community center or call 651-4904750. See tinyurl.com/dive-in-2017 for other details.
MARCH 5
Steps of Hope ⊲⊲This Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) fund-raiser supports the local autism community by funding AuSM programs. Registration is open now. Festivities for spectators will include children’s activities, live music, face painting, balloon animals, free snacks and beverages — and Minnesota’s largest autism resource fair.
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MARCH 1–5: Disney on Ice: Dream Big ⊲⊲Join eight Disney princesses — Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, Jasmine, Aurora and Snow White — as they embark on incredible adventures, determined to make their dreams come true. Witness artistic skating, choreography and acrobatics, plus special effects and stunning set designs. When: March 1–5, including matinee and evening performances Where: Target Center, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets for all ages start at $16.50. Info: AXS.com
When: 8:30–11 a.m. March 5. New this year is an AuSM Flash Dash from 9 to 9:15 a.m. Where: Southdale Center, Edina Cost: FREE Info: sohwalk.org
MARCH 10–11
Classical Connections ⊲⊲Enjoy an all-ages evening of dance with the Twin Cities Ballet, drawing connections to classical music, literature, Americana and iconic ballets, including themes such as Tutus & Toe Shoes, Gothic Romance, Cowboys and Classical. When: 7:30 p.m. March 10–11 Where: The Cowles Center, Minneapolis, Cost: $25–$35 Info: twincitiesballet.org or bit.ly/ClassicalConnections
MARCH 10–26
The Velveteen Rabbit ⊲⊲This cherished tale about the transformational magic of love tells the story a stuffed rabbit and his desire to become “real.” Original music and dance come together in this world premiere collaboration with Escalate Dance, the company behind Stages’ Owl Moon, Twelve Dancing Princesses and The Snow Queen. When: March 10–26 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: $12–$16; lap passes are $5 for ages 3–4 and free for ages 2 and younger. Info: stagestheatre.org
CORRECTION: The January issue of Minnesota Parent included incorrect times for the upcoming Saint Paul Civic Symphony’s free concerts as part of the Sundays at the Landmark series. The SPCS’s next concert will be at 2 p.m. Jan. 29. And the SPCS’s Mother’s Day Concert will be at 1 p.m. May 14. Learn more at landmarkcenter.org.
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CHILDCARE/EDUCATION Catalina’s Preschool Spanish
Learning Center & Day Care|6 Wks - School Age Family Owned, Family Run Since 1985
Southwest Mpls/Linden Hills
LEARN SPANISH WITH YOUR CHILD Fun music-based classes for ages 1½-6 & parents
612-922-2222 www.preschoolspanish.com
Rainbow Montessori
952-888-8052
rainbowmontessoriinc.com
8736 Nicollet Ave S, Bloomington
Mis Amigos Spanish Immersion
Catalina's Preschool Spanish MNP 12/16/16 0117 Rainbow 1cx1.indd 9:44 AM Montessori 1 MNP 0816 2cx1.indd 2
education Our Education Directory at mnparent.com/education
Your child is a natural...
7/18/16 Education 3:18 PM Resources MNP 2014 2cx1 filler.indd 1
Now offering infant child care in Hopkins!
Playing
11/20/14 9:45 AM
Singing
Ages 3–Adult
Composing
Free Preview Classes if you are a fan of courage, then you are already a fan of Special Olympics.
specialolympicsminnesota.org
Call 952-935-5588 and schedule a tour! www.misamigosimmersion.com
Locations in Hopkins, Minnetonka, and St. Paul
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CHILDREN’S YAMAHA MUSIC SCHOOL Celebrating Over 40 Musical Years in Minnesota!
www.childrensyamaha.com • 612-339-2255 Schools in Edina & Roseville
Creative Kids Academy
12/4/15 Children's 1:56 PM Yamaha MNP 0615 2cx2.2.indd 1
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Imagine the Possibilities... Early Education * 6 Weeks–12 Years
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Free Music, Spanish, Yoga, Storytelling and Karate!
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MN Music Hall of Fame! Nationally awarded & recognized by child development experts!
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FROM OUR READERS
Snow days!
↑↑Brady, 2, and Ryan, 4, of Minneapolis
↑↑Sylvie, 10 months, Minneapolis
Snowmen, shovels, sleds and more — see how Minnesota kids are embracing winter!
↑↑Eddie, 4, of Stillwater
↑↑Sullivan, 3, Griffin, 5, and Bennett, 3, of Minneapolis
Want to see your kid on this page? Send photos with your child’s first name, age and city to editor@mnparent.com.
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