April 2018 by Minnesota Parent

The Maternity

April 2018

Two playgrounds you have to hit this spring! Page 12

Our BEST advice EVER for new moms Page 14

The art of the family dinner Page 18

Get ready for reﬂux Page 36

Decoding your teen Page 24

Do you DOULA? Page 30

Dog, meet … Baby! Page 40

How motherhood didn’t change me Page 16

Why you need a Blanqi Page 13

80+ Camp Listings! Kara of Inver Grove Heights

Page 49

Children learn about language by listening and talking. Talk as you play and choose books that interest your children so you have more to talk about.

Songs slow down language so children can hear the sounds that make up words and learn the rhythm and rhyme of language.

Children who enjoy being read to are more likely to enjoy reading themselves, which increases their likelihood of success in school.

Provide your children with many opportunities to scribble, write and draw. By writing they learn that printed letters and words have sounds and meaning.

Children develop language skills by interacting with others and their physical surroundings.

Need books for babies? Make your next stop the library.

Come to one of the 101 public libraries in the seven-county Twin Cities metro to learn more!

At Broders’ Pasta Bar, we’re about much more than great pasta …

hat’s why we’ve partnered with two very special organizations doing amazing things for people with Down syndrome and their families—Jack’s Basket and the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota.

Broders’ Pasta Bar donates 10% of all proceeds from our children’s menu—“Kit’s Menu”—to these incredible organizations. Kit’s Menu features pared-down versions of some of our most delicious and kid-friendly pasta dishes.

Kathleen ‘Kit’ Broder, first grandchild of the Broder family, is an avid pasta eater and Italian food enthusiast! Kit was also born with Down syndrome. It’s our goal to celebrate Kit and all children in the Down syndrome community.

612.925.9202 | broderspastabar.com 5000 Penn Ave S / Minneapolis, MN 55419

A T I N G

BASKET

It is the mission of the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota to empower individuals and families, to create community and celebrate the abilities of people with Down syndrome.

2 0 1 4

E S T .

W N

S Y

Jack’s Basket has a mission to celebrate babies born with Down syndrome. They strive to ensure that every new and expectant parent is provided resources and avenues of support within the community, while aiming to educate medical providers on how to discuss the diagnosis in an unbiased way.

APRIL

The Maternity

VOLUME 33 /// ISSUE 4

Doula hiring 101 How to find the support person who’s right for your pregnancy, birth and postpartum experiences.

30 Ruﬀ life! Kids and pets don’t always become fast friends, despite what you might see on Instagram.

Ready for reﬂux? Learn the symptoms of this common condition of infancy — and how to fight it, too. 6

April 2018 • mnparent.com

40 PLUS!

& Baby 49 Camp 48 Mom L ISTIN G S L ISTIN GS

On the cover Name: Kara Casteel Husband: Joseph Casteel City: Inver Grove Heights Baby’s name: Cora Josephine Baby’s current age: 5 months (as of April 2018) Due date: Oct. 30, 2017 Delivered on: Nov. 3, 2017 Baby’s weight: 8 pounds, 9 ounces Baby’s length: 21½ inches Birthed at: Fairview Ridges, Burnsville Hours in labor: 19 Birth story: Cora definitely decided to enter the world on her terms! Despite her mama pushing — for nearly five hours — Cora thought her then-current accommodations were too cozy to leave (specifically, she had her head wedged in my pelvis). So, after five hours of pushing, C-section it was. While the C-section was unplanned, we were thrilled that both Cora and I were safe, happy and healthy after her birth!

Pregnancy cravings: I really enjoyed Ben & Jerry’s while pregnant. Except I think my cravings never stopped, ha! What surprised you most about life with Baby? It is amazing how much she’s grown into a little person in just the first few months! She now giggles with me, has a smile just for Mama, can grab favorite toys and is close to rolling over. It is truly awesome to see how a little newborn who was just getting used to the world has developed such a personality in these past few months! Advice for new mamas: I truly believe it takes a village, and I have learned that I need to ask for help from friends, family and neighbors. I’m realizing that I cannot do it all, and that it’s OK to call upon my loved ones to help me in this amazing joy and responsibility! Photos by Allyson Wasmund Photography / allysonwasmund.com

mnparent.com • April 2018

APRIL 10 FROM THE EDITOR

The gift

In motherhood, you’ll get to know your own mom in totally new ways.

12 PLAY ON

Golden Valley has two new parks — one indoors, one out!

14 BUMP, BIRTH AND BABY

Just bathe!

A hot shower — every day — can be life-changing for new parents. 16 THE UNCENSORED TODDLER

The goddess myth

Don’t be fooled by soft-focus Madonna-and-child images. 18 SCHOOL DAYS

Dining together Family meals aren’t easy, but they help us connect. 20 #ADULTING

Missing my mom Parenting in the absence of my own mother stings. 22 ASK THE OBGYN

Don’t stop

Exercising during pregnancy offers many benefits for moms. 24 ON BEHAVIOR

Decoding teens Often the best thing parents can do is resist the urge to take over. 26 BOOKSHELF

Baby books

Take a break from diapering and feeding with these fun tales.

April 2018 • mnparent.com

28 IN THE KITCHEN

Tex-Mex

These are the easiest fajitas you’ll ever make. 66 FROM OUR READERS

Bookworms Look how much your kids love to read!

& About 58 Out CA L E N DA R

FROM THE EDITOR mnparent.com

PUBLISHER Janis Hall jhall@mnparent.com SALES MANAGER AND CO-PUBLISHER Terry Gahan tgahan@mnparent.com GENERAL MANAGER Zoe Gahan zgahan@mnparent.com EDITOR Sarah Jackson editor@mnparent.com CONTRIBUTORS Rachel Brougham, Megan Crown Megan Devine, Ed Dykhuizen Eowyn Gatlin-Nygaard, Shannon Keough Laura Ramsborg, Dr. Erin Stevens, Kaitlin Ungs Allyson Wasmund, Amanda Webster, Jen Wittes CREATIVE DIRECTOR Valerie Moe vmoe@mnparent.com SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Micah Edel GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kaitlin Ungs 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 45,000 copies of Minnesota Parent are printed monthly, available at news stands statewide. Get Minnesota Parent mailed to your home for just $18 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 2018 by Minnesota Premier Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Address all material to address above.

A new kind of love W

elcome, parents and parents-to-be, to our annual Maternity Issue! It’s such an honor to be able to curate and edit this special edition with its focus on bump, birth and baby. Few experiences are as profoundly meaningful as having a child. Honestly, it’s pretty hard to do it justice. Parenthood is as big as it gets — creating (or adopting) a life! I didn’t always want to be a mother. For a long time, I figured I’d rather enjoy my career and freewheeling married life. Even when my sister had her first child — a son and literally the cutest thing I’d ever seen — I still wasn’t really interested. But then came my early 30s and the birth of my Photo by Tracy Walsh / tracywalshphoto.com best friend’s first child. He was so little, so mysterious, so amazingly new; a member of the next generation, created out of nothing except the love of his two parents. Though until that point, I never really even liked babies, I couldn’t help but feel the incredible meaning behind it all. Both my husband and I — by then married more than five years — seemed to think at the exact same time: You know, we’ve kind of done our thing. Let’s do THAT! About a year later, we became the proud parents of our own son, who’s been everything we dreamed of — monumentally meaningful, enormously challenging, too. I don’t have enough words to express all the ways in which he broadened our hearts and lives. So let me just point out one: When our son came into our world, he instantly connected us to all of humanity in an entirely new way. I suddenly felt like we were in a club, bonded with all mothers and fathers, forever, sharing not just the joys of parenting, but the terrible lows that can occur, too. More important, however, I discovered a new and profound connection to my own mother and father — all the love they felt and gave so freely, all the sacrifices they made every day for my sister and me. I also realized all the heartache they endured (and still endure to this day) when we (their babies) struggle. I feel so lucky and loved. And I felt pretty lucky and loved before, so this is saying something. And now I feel that same impossible, almost painful love for my child. If you’d like to see what I mean — and you’re up for a good cry — read Amanda Webster’s #Adulting column in this issue. In explaining what it feels like to be a “motherless mother” after the death of her mom, she manages to describe what is, for me, the very definition of parental love and how it flows both forward and backward in time. “In motherhood,” she says, “I know my mother more than ever before.” Parental love is so profound it ignores time, cuts through generations and even endures death. Now THAT is as big as it gets — not the having of a child or becoming a parent — but the powerful love (and universal heartbreak) that comes along with it. Sarah Jackson, Editor

April 2018 • mnparent.com

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Sarah Jackson

CHATTER

Play time! Need a new place to frolic this spring? Check out these two stops in Golden Valley: Brookview Backyard, an awesome indoor playground, is now open seven days a week in the city’s brand-new community center. It includes a main area designed for ages 2 to 12, plus a separate spot for 2- to 5-year-olds. Admission is $4–$5 (free for kids younger than 2). Just down the hall sits the family-friendly sports bar and grill, Three One Six, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night menus. Next: Stop by Schaper Park (pictured) to visit the new outdoor challenge course, which opened last fall on the Luce Line Trail just off Highway 55. Billed as the first park of its kind in Upper Midwest, it’s a playground version of the American Ninja Warrior course in which all ages — yes, parents and kids — can compete for the best times. You press a button, wait for a green light, then race through the course, navigating over, under and around obstacles, ending with a slam of the finish button to stop the timer. Pro tip: It can be tough to keep all the other kids off the course structures, so if you want to race freely, avoid peak play times. There’s also a 40-yard-dash area with two lanes and in-ground start and finish timers if you want a side-by-side competition. Designed and built by Golden Valley-based Minnesota Wisconsin Playgrounds, the park features accessible synthetic turf surfacing throughout as well as a smaller fully inclusive play structure for all ages and abilities. Learn more at brookviewgoldenvalley.com and mnwiplay.com.

April 2018 • mnparent.com

Maternity must-have Pregnancy fashion can be super-fun. But it can also become super-pricy. So where should you splurge? We recommend Blanqi’s Maternity Belly Support Tanktop — truly a win for mamas-tobe, says our second-time mom tester (Dani, below, of Burnsville) who’s due this month. Billed as “supportwear” — not shapewear — this wear-anywhere tank (available in black or white) is designed to ease the strains caused by pregnancy with its invisible, responsive stretch panel. Be ready to pay about $72. But expect to wear it often, says our field tester, who called it “a little slice of heaven” in her eighth month: “O.M.G. Game changer. No more ouchy upper-back pain from the weight of my belly. And my belly is supported instead of squished. I wear it all day every day.” Wicking fabric draws sweat away from the body and, best of all, you don’t have to hide it under your clothes. Read reviews at blanqi.com.

mnparent.com • April 2018

Jen Wittes

BUMP, BIRTH AND BABY

Feel better. Stay alive. W

hen you're suddenly and dramatically confronted with caring for, loving and nurturing another living being (your child), it’s easy to toss aside even the most basic methods of caring for and nurturing yourself. Now, I’m not talking about the yoga or happy-hour variety of restoration. I’m talking about basic needs: Food. Sleep. Hygiene. A new parent will slay a bear to sustain a fed, rested and clean baby, but will totally deny themselves these crucial components of sanity and — you know — staying alive. When I worked as a postpartum doula, it was my job to ensure that the parents were themselves fed, rested, clean and (as a bonus) at least partially sane. Easier said than done! That’s why I’m giving you my new-parent cheat sheet:

Eat easy, friendly foods. Look, the 500 frozen lasagnas you’re lucky enough to have thrust upon you by well-wishers are all fine and good, but even the act of planning to bake a thing can be a challenge to the postpartum-parent brain. Plus, exhaustion has a way of killing the appetite. And rich, dense, fatty foods don’t sound good when you’re not feeling hungry. Hormones mess with the equation, too, making the strong scents associated with casseroles and carry-out

seem unappealing. Cold smoothies and mild soups are my favorite ways to get nutrients into a new mama. Something pleasant and packed with vitamins (I sneak spinach into all my smoothies) that she can sip over a longer period of time will have a higher chance of success. Also great? Packets of trail mix and healthy snack bars stashed at various feeding and rocking stations around the house.

Can’t sleep? Just rest. New parents are tired and in need of sleep. We all know that. “Sleep when baby sleeps,” is a useless

phrase thrown around by doctors, grandmas and yes — doulas. It’s well meaning, but — truthfully — it’s hard to get right back to sleep after a 3 a.m. feeding, knowing that another is surely coming at 4:15. And it’s hard to sleep in the middle of the day when you’re a grownup! It’s hard to sleep with hormones raging, breasts engorging and anxiety coursing through your veins like a pack of wild stallions galloping at top speed. And that’s saying nothing of the new parents who are already back at work! The best advice I received from the birth doula I hired with my firstborn was this:

BABY STUFF

Crinkle toys!

Babies love rubbing and chewing on tags and ribbons found on the edges of toys, blankets and apparel. So why don’t we just give them crinkle toys and lovies that are not only covered in fun tags but also designed with baby safety in mind? Enter Baby Jack & Co., a family-run business founded by a Milwaukee mom, who sews all her products’ tags and ribbons closed to ensure that little fingers stay safe. $14.95 • babyjackandcompany.com

April 2018 • mnparent.com

“If you can’t sleep, please at least put your feet up and rest.” I did as I was told and quickly fell asleep — even if only for half an hour. Once I took the pressure off and acknowledged that my body needed rest, I got a little rest!

Shower every single day. Like it’s your job. If someone — anyone! — offers to help, you take the help. Period. Maybe you need some TP or milk from the store, maybe you’d like your would-be helpers to make a Panera run. Those tasks are necessary and great. But when you just can’t think of what you need, ask your would-be do-gooders to hold down the fort while you stand in the hot shower for 20 minutes. In your tiny, child-proofed, warpedtime, other-worldly, stuffy postpartum cave, a hot shower is EVERYTHING. It’s a spa day, a reset button, a shot of espresso, a place to feel human, a safe space in which you can (and should) cry your little eyes out. You and your partner need to boss one another into the shower. Your mother needs to know the shower is important to you AND that you want to be alone in there! Your doula should know all about shower sanity and you should affirm for her that it’s a priority. I can’t tell you how many times as a doula I sent a slumped-shouldered, splotchy-faced mom into the shower only to have her shuffle down the stairs 20 minutes later with a shy smile on her face. Feel better? Yes. Yoga nights and happy hours? We’ll get to those later. For now, ambitiously aim to eat, sleep and shower. Feel better! Stay alive. Jen Wittes is a certified postpartum doula and writer who now works in marketing and communications. She lives in St. Paul with her two kids, her two cats and her husband. Send questions or comments to jwittes@mnparent.com.

EXERCISE PREGNANCY STUDY The University of Minnesota is seeking women who are currently less than 20 weeks pregnant to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise and wellness on mood following childbirth.

ESTUDIO SOBRE EL EJERCICIO DURANTE EL EMBARAZO La Universidad de Minnesota está buscando mujeres con menos de 20 semanas de embarazo para participar en el estudio de investigación que examina los efectos del ejercicio y la salud del estado de ánimo posterior al parto

• Program delivered to you via the mail and phone

• Programa ejecutado vía correo o teléfono

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Debe ser mayor o igual a 18 años de edad

• Must not currently exercise regularly

• No debe hacer ejercicio regularmente

• Must not take antidepressants

• No debe tomar antidepresivos

• You will receive $100 & a FitBit for your time (you will be allowed to keep the FitBit after the study is over)

• Usted recibirá $100 y un FitBit por su tiempo (será permitido quedarse con el FitBit después de la culminación del estudio)

• Program can be delivered in English or Spanish

• Debe considerarse de bajos ingresos, lo cual se define como:

• Must be considered low-income, defined as: - Enrollment in any government assisted program (e.g., WIC, SNAP) AND/OR - Annual income that is considered low (less than $45,510 for a family of four, less than $30,044 for a family of two, and less than $22,311 if single). English: Call or TEXT to 612-345-0325 or mompro@umn.edu to see if you qualify for this research study.

U of M - Kinesiology Dept MNP 0318 S3.indd 2

- Inscripta en cualquier programa asistencial del gobierno (por ejemplo, WIC, SNAP) Y/O - Ingresos anuales considerados como bajos (menos de $ 45,510 para una familia de cuatro, menos de $ 30,044 para una familia de dos y menos de $ 22,311 si es soltera). Español: Llamada o TEXTO 612-237-1004 o mompro@umn.edu para ver si califica para éste estudio.

2/14/18 11:13 AM

mnparent.com • April 2018

Shannon Keough

THE UNCENSORED TODDLER

Losing your illusions

wash in pastels, a young woman — with clear, dewy skin, a cascade of subtly highlighted blonde hair and a beatific look on her serene, unlined face — lovingly cradles a baby. “This is motherhood,” seems to be the implied message. “This is what you should expect.” These soft-focus Madonna-and-child images were omnipresent during my first pregnancy, and I felt deeply alienated by them. It was all so clean-looking and sweet. But I’m not a “sweet” person. I’m most definitely on the sour end of the personality spectrum. My sense of humor is dark. I’ve been known to create less-thancomplimentary nicknames for pompous colleagues. I tend to hold a grudge. In other words, I’m your average flawed person. I try to be decent, but I’m not always successful. The motherhood propaganda didn’t seem to hold a place for people like me. As far as I could tell, once my baby

April 2018 • mnparent.com

entered the world, I was expected to undergo an immediate transformation — from an eye-rolling misanthrope to a blissed-out, Zen earth mother. I was skeptical. I didn’t envision this actually happening. And I was right! After my daughter was born, I was the same old blotchy-faced Negative Nellie, but with a new crushing sleep deficit and an infected C-section incision.

Maternity: Take 2 The great thing about a second pregnancy is you’ve probably already had your motherhood illusions destroyed, so you don’t need to waste your time with things that didn’t work out the first time around (birth plans, “vision boards”). You’re now older and wiser and can focus on the things that really matter to you (solo travel during the second trimester, Better Call Saul). To illustrate, let me outline some “then and now” scenarios from my own two pregnancies:

Then: “I should really draft a birth plan.” Now: “Let’s watch one more episode of Boardwalk Empire before we head to the hospital.” My modern motherhood indoctrination strongly emphasized the importance of a birth plan. Without it, I was taking the risk that some episiotomy-happy obstetrician would knock me into twilight sleep and sweep my baby into a cold nursery where she would be subjected to many unnecessary vaccinations. When I was admitted to the hospital for the birth of my second baby, a nurse asked me if I had a birth plan. “Birth plan — ha!” I laughed. “None of this was the plan,” I said, referring to the increasingly dire circumstances of my labor. The nurse and I cackled like old witches. Then: “An un-medicated, natural childbirth is the No. 1 goal.” Now: “Do I have to attempt a VBAC?” After preparing for a so-called natural childbirth, I was disappointed when I went into labor three weeks early with a breech baby — a situation that resulted in an emergency Caesarean. I was sad and felt like a failure. The second time around, I was so over it. Both the OB and midwife said I was a great candidate to try for a VBAC. Note: The VBAC happened, but it was crazy traumatic. I’d wanted to schedule a C-section, but was discouraged from doing so. Tip: Stand up for yourself, even if your wishes don’t match everyone else’s ideas of what’s maternally “correct.” Then: “Exclusive breastfeeding at any cost!” Now: “How ‘bout we start supplementing with a bottle?”

TODDLER STUFF

Sneaker club

Does your kid burn through shoes in a matter of weeks? Then EasyKicks (easykicks.com), featuring Nike and Converse styles, might be just the thing. With a $20-per-month subscription, you’re entitled to unlimited, swap-out ordering of sizes 4C–7Y (for ages 2–10). You can keep one pair of a shoes at a time, but you can reorder as often as you want for brand-new shoes. Bonus: Each shipment comes in a personalized box and includes a prepaid envelope, so you can send old shoes back for recycling or donation.

With my first baby, breastfeeding was a real challenge. I visited a lactation consultant who put me on an around-theclock regimen of breastfeeding, supplementing with a tube and pumping. I did it for weeks, and it was horrible. (Also, it didn’t work.) The second time around, I was going to breastfeed, sure. But I had my bottles and formula at the ready, and I used them. Did some sanctimommies judge me? Probably. But that’s OK! Remember, being a “good enough” mother is actually good enough. Forget the ideals, created to sell expensive baby gear and promote feelings of inadequacy. Step back, take a breath and embrace your imperfect motherhood in all its complicated, beautiful glory. Shannon Keough lives in St. Paul with her husband and two children. Send questions or comments to skeough@mnparent.com.

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mnparent.com • April 2018

The art of the family dinner A

s a working mom with four busy elementary school-age kids, I know what a challenge it can be to orchestrate regular family meals — with freshly prepared food. In my household, I’m the executive meal planner, grocery-getter and cook. On top of these responsibilities, comes the challenge of timing, coordinating and making a meal for a family of six when we all get home from school/work/practice/activities. It’s a huge daily chore. However, family dinnertime is a priority for me. I value the experience, no matter how challenging it can be to create it. I’m learning too, especially as my children are growing older, that the simple act of sitting down together for a meal sets up a structure for connection and conversation for our entire family.

The stats

Making it happen

Research continues to highlight the physical and mental benefits of having regular family meals. According to thefamilydinnerproject.org, some of the payoffs include:

Getting meals on the table takes some planning and advanced preparation. First, I try to hash out a general meal plan for the upcoming week (Monday– Friday) over the weekend by taking into consideration the schedules of our family. On nights I’m coaching or when I have a late meeting, I’ll plan for a quick supper or a crockpot meal. Then I often do some pre-cooking/meal prep on weekends or the night before to help things run a little smoother after work/school. I’ve heard some families are finding success taking the meal-planning aspect out of the picture, by subscribing to a service — such as The Fresh 20 or even a meal-kit delivery service like Blue Apron — to make the challenge of getting home-cooked meals on the table a little easier.

⊲⊲Better academic performance ⊲⊲Higher self-esteem ⊲⊲Greater sense of resilience ⊲⊲Lower risk of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, depression and eating disorders ⊲⊲Lower rates of obesity.

Practicing manners Family mealtimes are also opportune times for kids to learn — and practice — manners and social skills. Behaviors our children master at mealtimes at home, when they’re under our circle of influence, can set the stage for how they act in public or at other people’s tables. At our family table, we don’t run too tight of a ship, but we do have some basic expectations, such as taking turns and saying “please” and “thank you.” We also have high hopes of getting our kids out of our home knowing how to use a fork, spoon, knife and napkin.

Creating connection

↑↑Getting kids involved in meal prep can help with overall family dinner success. Just look at that smile!

April 2018 • mnparent.com

Because we’ve made conversations at mealtimes a habit, my children have fallen into a comfortable routine of sharing bits and pieces about their lives outside of our home, though sometimes it takes a little prodding. I love seeing pathways of connection and conversation grow between members of our family. So far, our kids talk to us each day, and we’re working to keep that ball rolling!

Let go of perfection Most of the time, the effort I put in behind the scenes plays out to create a dinner I’m able to share with the ones I love most. (Recently, I tried a recipe from the new book, The Dinner Plan, and loved it. Check it out on Page 28 of this issue.) But sometimes it’s a flop. Sometimes our schedules just don’t allow us all to sit down for a meal together. Sometimes, after I work hard to try a cool, new recipe, I have a child whining about having to eat a vegetable or a bean. And, sometimes, dinner takes place with service from the drive-thru menu.

Timing doesn’t matter According to thefamilydinnerproject.org, the research suggests that families who eat dinner together at least five nights a

Make it fun

Serving people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, HOBT collaborates with SCHOOLS and COMMUNITIES on unique, interactive ART RESIDENCIES that nurture the creative spirit and encourage a sense of joy and wonder.

⊲ Remove distractions. Turn off the TV and put away all electronics. ⊲ Start new conversations. Find discussion starters — such as: “If we were in a zoo, which animals would we be and why?” — at thefamilydinnerproject.org. ⊲ Pass on traditions. Tell children about the “good old days” with stories about the foods Grandma made that you loved to eat.

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⊲ Let kids make choices. Set a healthy table and then let everyone, including the kids, make choices about what they want and how much to eat. ⊲ Allow everyone to help. Kids learn by doing. Let little ones set out the napkins. Older kids can help with cooking and cleanup.

Daily Connections with Nature Exploration, Discovery, and Wonder

⊲ Oﬀer make-your-own dishes. Think tacos, mini pizzas and yogurt parfaits to get everyone involved. ⊲ Reserve a special plate. Rotate it among family members for any occasion you’d like to recognize, such as birthdays or a good test grade.

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Source: USDA / choosemyplate.gov

week reap the greatest benefits. But there is no magic number, nor is dinner inherently preferable to other meals. Breakfast time or weekend lunches can work, too, for families with more challenging schedules. Whenever you do it or however you get your meals on the table, know that the value of sharing meals together as a family is worth your time! Megan Devine is an elementary school teacher who lives in Northeastern Minnesota. She blogs at kidsandeggs.com.

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mnparent.com • April 2018

Amanda Webster

#ADULTING

A motherless mother

eventeen days before my son turned 2, my mom died. She, a single mom. Me, an only child. I felt orphaned. And the prospect of facing motherhood without her still hurts. Three years later, my son, now 5, still asks about his Mimi. My daughter, 18 months, will never know her. I’m 35. Married with kids. I own a house, two cars and more stuff than I’d like. By all accounts, I’m a grown woman. But even now, I long for the warmth of the bed we shared. To be curled beside her, soothed by the circular stroke of her hand on my back, slipping to sleep beneath the comfort of her words, “Goodnight, my sweet girl. I’ll see you in the morning.” While the shock of her death has waned, I’m still startled by grief’s intrusion into motherhood. I never expected to feel paralyzed by my mother-in-law’s reminiscing on my husband’s childhood. I never expected her reflections on our children’s likeness to him, or even herself, would catch me breathless.

April 2018 • mnparent.com

Of course, I don’t fault her. My kids deserve those memories. But at once my childhood feels lost. Or stolen. There’s nobody here to remember it with me. To bridge my past with my children’s present. And I struggle to hold my heart still when it wants to leap from my chest. As my kids propel into childhood, I ache with questions I never thought to ask. When did I stop believing in Santa? Did she worry about television? When was my first nightmare? How did she pick a daycare? Did I ever suck my thumb? Why did she let me quit soccer? Or piano? How did she decide who would take care of me if she died? I’ll never know. And I’m heavy with questions to come. But between the threads of grief are moments of intense clarity and forgiveness. In motherhood, I know my mother more than ever before. Dinnertime, from the time I could sit up until I left for good, was loaded TV trays pulled over our legs in the living room. Me, on the couch. She, in her chair.

From Full House to Married with Children to Law and Order to CSI: Miami. Every night. The two of us. Together. In those hours, soaked in the television’s glow, I’d catch her staring at me. “Wha-a-a-t!” I’d say. “Nothing,” she’d say, “just looking at you.” Dinnertime looks different now, but I often find myself staring at my kids. Captivated by their beauty. Their individuality. The miracle of it all. And I know the flutter in her chest. I know the depth of her love for me. Remembering has given me grace, too. When I slip up, when I yell, when I feel so impossibly human, I remember the few times her patience cracked. When her eyes grew wide and words shot from her mouth nearly knocking me down. Then her recovery, her apology, her warm embrace. I never felt unloved. My kids may never know her in the way I wish they could. But they will know her in the way I love them. They will know her in the way I cradle their groggy faces first thing in the morning. In the way I let them talk into the wee hours of the night, sacrificing my sleep so they always feel heard. They will know her in the slow hours of the evening when I curl beside them, gently rubbing their backs as they settle into sleep beneath the whisper of my voice, “Goodnight, my love. I’ll see you in the morning.” Amanda Webster lives in Roseville with her husband and two kids. She is currently working on a book about creativity and childhood. Learn more at theworkofchildhood.com.

Dr. Erin Stevens

ASK THE OBGYN

Exercise during pregnancy S

erena Williams was about eight weeks pregnant when she won her 23rd Grand Slam tennis tournament. At least 18 women have participated in the Olympics while pregnant, including Kerri Walsh Jennings, who won her third gold medal in volleyball while five weeks along. Amy Keil of Minneapolis completed the Boston Marathon while 34 weeks pregnant. These women are amazing — and so are you! Not all women are superstar athletes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t all safely exercise during pregnancy.

Clearly exercise is possible in pregnancy, but is it recommended? Yes! Physical activity is important for women in all stages of life, including pregnancy. Exercise can soothe common discomforts of pregnancy, help prevent excess weight gain, aid in postpartum recovery, reduce the risk of problems with blood sugar and blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health and decrease the risk of C-section delivery.

What kind of exercise should I perform? Pregnant women should aim to exercise for 20 to 30 minutes each day five to seven days a week. If you were fairly sedentary prior to pregnancy, start slow with walking in short increments of time. If you were very active, you can likely continue to exercise at a similar intensity and pace. Exercises that most people are able to perform in pregnancy include walking, light jogging, modified yoga, swimming and stationary bicycling.

April 2018 • mnparent.com

What exercises should I avoid? To keep both you and your baby safe, avoid contact sports, scuba diving, workouts in a heated room, exercises that require you to lie flat on your back for more than a brief period or exercises that may cause you to lose your balance and fall. Any exercise that causes you to experience chest pain, inability to catch your breath, abnormal heart beats, weakness, dizziness, vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, contractions or fluid leakage should be stopped immediately, and you should call your OB provider right away.

What safety measures should I follow? Make sure to wear comfortable, loosefitting clothing. This includes a sports bra that fits properly and provides good support as well as shoes with good traction. Exercise in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled area. Stay hydrated with lots of water. Don’t try to

exercise after a long period without food. Make sure you have a buddy or a cell phone with you in case you experience an injury or any of the symptoms listed above. Skip any post-workout time in a sauna or hot tub.

Are there any reasons I shouldn’t exercise? Although exercise is great for most pregnant women, you should talk to your OB provider about your specific circumstances. Women with medical conditions that significantly affect the function of their heart and lungs — or with pregnancy complications placing them at a high risk for preterm labor or bleeding complications — should not exercise. Dr. Erin Stevens sees patients at the Edina location of Clinic Sofia, a leading OBGYN clinic known for its personalized approach to women’s health care. She is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Learn more at clinicsofia.com.

Eowyn Gatlin-Nygaard

ON BEHAVIOR

Decoding teens “I

try so hard, but my teen won’t talk to me.” As a therapist who specializes in working with youth, I’ve heard this statement a lot. Parents have said it with tears in their eyes and with desperation in their voices. Teens, when asked why they won’t open up to parents, often give vague and confusing answers, and it can be tempting to dismiss their comments as generic teen angst. However, when we decode these responses, we often find a deeper meaning and are thus better equipped to get teens to open up. Here’s what teens may actually mean when they utter these common phrases:

‘You just don’t understand!’ This statement usually means: I don’t have the ability to explain this, and I’m scared you won’t take me seriously. Teens don’t always know how to clearly state their problems or identify what they need, and adults can be quick to make assumptions. When a teen says, “You don’t understand,” resist the urge to respond with “Sure I do, I was a teenager once,” and instead say, “You’re right, I don’t understand this from your angle, but I really, really want to.” Then give them a chance to explain. Ask how they feel, what they think they should do and what they need. Once they’ve had time to express themselves, try to validate their feelings, offer a summary of your understanding of the problem and give them a chance to correct any misunderstandings. Then — and this is the hardest part — accept your teen’s version of the

April 2018 • mnparent.com

problem and help them sort it out from his or her perspective.

‘You always overreact!’ Translation: I’m afraid of hurting you, disappointing you or making you mad. When a teen shares something troubling, for example, that they’re feeling depressed or have recently tried drinking alcohol, it’s normal for parents to experience a range of emotions. However, parents need to take responsibility for their own feelings and not allow them to take over the conversation. If you have a strong emotional reaction to what your teen says, the best thing to do is

acknowledge it and move on: “I’m sad that you’re going through this, but I’m really glad you told me.” Then steer the conversation back to your child. If a teen discloses something that requires you to intervene or impose consequences, wait until you have both processed your feelings before deciding on what to do and make sure to give them credit for opening up to you.

‘You’ll only make it worse!’ This usually means: I’m scared you’ll take control or I’m scared you won’t respect what I need or want. When a teen discloses a problem, like

Sometimes the best thing parents can do — especially with older teens — is resist the urge to take over and instead walk teens through making their own choices. bullying or that a close friend is using drugs, it’s often necessary for parents to step in. Sometimes the school has to be notified, or sometimes contact with a friend has to be limited to keep teens safe. However, these types of actions need to be carefully thought out and done with as much input from the teen as possible. Sometimes the best thing parents can do — especially with older teens — is resist the urge to take over and instead walk teens through making their own choices.

So … what else can you do? There are a few things every parent can do to become more approachable: Make sure conversations aren’t limited to checking in about school, homework and chores. Talk about things that interest your teen, like music or video games and explore the world from his or her point of view. It can be discouraging to reach out to a teen who’s angry or shut down — and hard to know when to push and when to back off. But regardless of your teen’s response, the most important thing any parent can do is to keep trying and continue to let them know you care. And — no matter how much they push you away — keep showing up. Eowyn Gatlin-Nygaard is a therapist with Headway Emotional Health. Headway’s 200-plus staff in Golden Valley, Richfield, Brooklyn Center and Hopkins provide comprehensive mental-health therapy, counseling and classes to more than 77,000 families every year. Learn more at headway.org.

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Kaitlin Ungs

BOOKSHELF

Bonding with baby!

Kids are never too young to read. In fact, research shows that reading to children of all ages — even infants — helps boost speech and vocabulary (as well as overall brain development). Even better, it provides a chance for parents to just hang out and bond with their babies without the tasks of feeding and diapering taking center stage.

Making Faces Discover a range of human emotions with this chunky board book filled with happy, sad, silly, surprised and even angry babies. In the back, there’s a mirror for Baby to try imitating different facial expressions. Ages 0–3 • $7.95

Indestructibles Rip-proof, chew-proof, washable and written just for babies, the latest round of baby-proof books — four in all — from Indestructibles are colorful, cute and, as promised, tear-resistant, too! We can’t get over the cute sea otters on the front of Love You, Baby, which explains all the special ways parents can show affection. See also: Baby Animals Animals, Things That Go! and Welcome, Baby. Ages 0–2 • $5.95

I Love Mom Celebrate spring and mothers — maybe for Mother’s Day? — with this homage to moms, showcasing sweet sayings and colorful collaged animal illustrations from Eric Carle. Look closely and you can spot The Very Hungry Caterpillar on every single spread! Age 3–5 • $8.99

April 2018 • mnparent.com

Night Animals One dark evening, Skunk and Possum get spooked and start a chain reaction of bigger and bigger animals, all hiding in the woods because they’re afraid of night noises and things in the dark — which is silly, because they’re hiding from … themselves! Ages 3–5 • $8.99

Good Night, Baby Moon Filled with dark, soothing illustrations of a curious bunny family — depicted entirely in silhouettes in the light of the moon — this board book’s standout feature is actually the cover: It lights up! Ages 2–5 • $12.99

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mnparent.com • April 2018

IN THE KITCHEN

n e Ov ied Fr

Looking for a quick, easy and satisfying weeknight meal for your family? We tried the make-ahead version of this recipe and loved it!

DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Wrap the tortillas in foil and set aside.

SHEET-PAN CHICKEN FAJITAS 8 small flour tortillas 2 bell peppers 1 small onion 1 cup cherry tomatoes 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 3 tablespoons oil 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander Â˝ teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) Optional toppings: Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sliced avocado, salsa or sour cream

*Make-ahead option: In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, prepare the fajita mixture and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 1 day. Let sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before transferring the mixture to a sheet pan for baking.

April 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ mnparent.com

Place the peppers, onions and tomatoes on an 13-by18-inch sheet pan (lined with parchment paper or foil for easier clean-up, if you like) and top with the chicken. Drizzle on the oil and sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, coriander and garlic powder, then season generously with salt and pepper. Mix with your hands to combine well, then spread the ingredients out evenly across the pan.* Bake until the chicken is just cooked through, about 20 minutes, tossing the ingredients halfway through. Put the foil-wrapped tortillas in the oven about 5 minutes before the chicken is done to warm them. Sprinkle the chicken and vegetables with the lime juice and cilantro. Spoon the chicken mixture onto the warm tortillas and serve with toppings.

Source: Adapted from Dinner Plan: Simple Weeknight Recipes and Strategies for Every Schedule (Abrams, 2017) by Kathy Brennan and Caroline Campion

l u o D

Angie of Edina labors at home with her birth doula, SarahÂ Longacre. Two midwives, Aszani Stoddard and Aly Folin, also assisted in the birth. Photo by Megan Crown Photography

April 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ mnparent.com

many new parents still asked, “What’s a doula?” Today, the decision to hire a doula (or not) is as commonplace as the decision to register for a floor gym, a bouncy seat, a Mobi wrap or an Ergo carrier. The thing is, you can’t just pick up a doula at Babies R Us! Where do you find a doula? And — more importantly — how do you find the right doula?

la decisio

Only a decade ago,

Finding the right person to help with your pregnancy, birth and postpartum experiences takes work! But it’s time well spent.

By Jen Wittes

Doulas: Defined Let’s start from the beginning. The most basic definition of the word doula is a woman who supports another woman. (The word has Greek roots meaning female slave.) Most people think a doula is a woman who supports women during childbirth. This is true! However, in addition to a birth doula, a family might hire an antepartum doula (present primarily before the birth) and also a postpartum doula (present after the birth). A woman facing medical bed rest during pregnancy might hire an antepartum doula to serve the family in the home as they wait for Baby’s arrival, providing emotional support, help with light housework, meal prep, rides to the doctor and assistance talking through medical decisions.

mnparent.com • April 2018

Kara Schultz’s son, Mathias, was born just before 4 a.m. at Health Foundations Birth Center in St. Paul with Kara’s husband, Graham, her birth doula, Brook Holmberg (right), and her midwifery team in attendance. Photo by Megan Crown Photography

A postpartum doula similarly helps in the home and provides many of the same services as well as support pertaining to the new baby. This support includes baby care while the parents sleep, lactation counseling and newborn education. Many would argue that postpartum doula care is even more valuable than birth doula care, as it comes at a time when the new parents are scared, depleted and especially sleep-deprived.

What does a doula cost? Though it’s possible to find a woman who’s been trained as an antepartum doula, a birth doula and a postpartum doula, most doulas lean toward one area of expertise. Current doula rates in Minnesota range from $600 to $1,400 (for a birth doula package) and $25 to $40 per hour for postpartum or antepartum doula care.

April 2018 • mnparent.com

Check with your insurance provider to see if you might be eligible for reimbursement. See tinyurl.com/doula-reimburse for tips. Doulas are different from midwives and doctors in that they’re non-medical personnel trained to serve and support the family. They should have a deep understanding of all medical procedures, however, and can help the family sort through decisions in an unbiased way. It's common for postpartum doulas to provide minor home-care tasks such as changing C-section bandages or handling a newborn who’s on an apnea monitor. Beyond tasks like these, which are part of the family’s routine, a doula will not perform medical procedures. She will not, unless in an emergency, help catch the baby or make decisions relating to Mom or Baby’s health, though she might make recommendations.

Shop around Within these simple definitions are different types of doulas who are particularly good at different things. Some postpartum doulas excel at cooking and nutrition; others are especially skilled with toddlers and sibling rivalry; some specialize in multiples, and so on. Some birth doulas are trained in massage, others hypnosis and others have experience supporting VBAC. This is why expectant parents need to shop for a doula as they would any important family purchase — because each newborn experience happens only once and deserves to be tailor-made. “Always, always, always interview at least three doulas. This is my hard and fast rule for all,” said Sarah Longacre, a doula, pre-/postnatal yoga instructor and founder of Minneapolis-based Blooma. “You need a

backup. And you and your partner have to see that there are different types of doulas before making a choice.” Anne Ferguson, a Twin Cities-based certified birth and postpartum doula and childbirth educator with Bywater Birth, recommends hiring a birth doula as soon as possible. “Your birth doula can help you pick a doctor or midwife who fits your needs, can suggest which birth location is best for you, can suggest which type of childbirth education class you’d enjoy most and can answer questions that come up all throughout pregnancy,” she said. A doula can also help parents plan out postpartum care and perhaps even help in selecting a postpartum doula. Though a doula match made earlier during pregnancy allows the relationship to grow and develop, it’s never too late. You can still find an amazing birth or postpartum doula in your third trimester. Kara Schultz of Maple Grove hired a doula — Brook Holmberg with Boreal Birth of Minneapolis — to help before, during and after the birth of her son. “Brook’s guidance started during pregnancy, through the many nights of prodromal labor, the birth and all the way

through postpartum care with nursing — and balancing life as a beautiful family of four,” Schultz said.

Beginning the search There are many different places to find doulas! It’s a good idea to explore different avenues and gather multiple leads. Scheduling conflicts might mean that not every doula is available for your estimated delivery date and/or time of postpartum recovery. Start making your list with your own resources — your friends. Who did they use and why? Write down the names. “Ask your care provider for cards and names,” Longacre said. “If they are good care providers, they will have them. If they don’t have any doulas to recommend, you might think about changing providers. They might not be doula-friendly.” Talk to your chiropractor, your general practitioner, your yoga teacher. Do they work with any particular doulas? Keep writing down names. The Childbirth Collective — a nonprofit collective of doulas and other birth professionals based in Minnesota — is a must in your search. Twice a month the group offers All About Doulas nights to give families a chance to meet and mingle

Doula interview questions » What training or certifications do you have?

» How many years have you been in practice? Or how many families have you served? How many births have you attended? » How do you keep current on the latest research? » What led you to doula work? » What kind of support do you provide after the baby comes? What kind of support do you provide during pregnancy? » How much access will I have to you as a resource? Phone? Email? Text? » Can you help me write a birth plan?

» What other trained skills do you possess? Lactation counselor? Massage therapist? Photographer? Chiropractor? Homeopathy? Placenta encapsulation? » Do you have references? » Do you have a contract? » Are you trained in and confident in providing infant and child CPR?

with several local doulas. Blooma, which offers yoga, barre, prenatal education and other services to mamas, can provide a well-vetted list of experienced doulas and boasts several certified doulas on staff, too.

Finding a match Keep meeting doulas until the partnership feels right. You may have a checklist of skills and credentials you want your doula to possess, but a lot of your decision making will come down to what you feel in your gut. Is this the person I want to attend the birth of my child? Is this the person I want in my home during postpartum? Crista Jeske, an Apple Valley mom of three, found a doula for her third child’s birth at a Childbirth Collective event. “I was intent on getting someone who knew about the baby-positioning technique of belly mapping,” Jeske said. “After meeting a few of them, I saw a quieter person in the room, who for some reason seemed right.” Jeske ended up interviewing two doulas — the quiet woman from the Childbirth Collective and also a new doula serving as an intern at the Minnesota Birth Center, where she was planning to birth.

» Are you OK with my choice of interventions (epidural, narcotics, induction)? » Are you comfortable speaking on my behalf in support of my birth plan? In support of my parenting choices? » How many families do you schedule per month? » What is your fee and what does it cover?

» Are you a registered business with a tax ID number?

» Do you know my provider? Do you get along with them?

» Do you have liability insurance?

» Do you like working at my chosen birth location?

» How hands-on are you? » What role will my partner play with you there as support?

» Do you have a solid form of transportation? » Do you have back up? Can I meet them? mnparent.com • April 2018

include compatibility, overscheduling or inexperience with high-risk pregnancies and/or health-compromised newborns.

Going with a team Many birth centers, hospitals and doula agencies offer pro-bono services or reduced rates for doulas who are new to the field and lack extensive hands-on experience. It’s an ideal option for families on a budget. These doulas, while lacking in years, are freshly trained and eager to work. Their enthusiasm is a reasonable trade-off for where they fall short in experience. Know that doulas go through interviews every day, every week, year round. You won’t hurt a doula’s feelings if you don’t choose her. A good doula (always supportive of a woman’s needs) will want you to find that perfect match, whatever that means. Likewise, a good doula is trained to decline a client offer if she doesn’t feel she’s the right doula for the job. Reasons why a doula might decline work

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April 2018 • mnparent.com

Not all doulas work solo. All doulas should have a list of emergency back-ups should two moms go into labor at the same time. Some doulas take this concept to the next level and work as a team. That means you can hire a pair or group of doulas, making sure you’re OK with any member of the team. While this might not offer the same benefits of a one-on-one relationship, knowing you have coverage you trust can provide peace of mind. Doula agencies also employ a team model of care. This is actually more important in postpartum doula care, as there are more hours, days and weeks of work to fill — particularly with multiples. In the case of postpartum care, it may be common (and wise) to hire a pair, team or agency. You would likely receive care from only

RESOURCES Blissful Beginnings Blooma Childbirth Collective Dona.org DoulaMatch.net Everyday Miracles Health Foundations Birth Center Midwest Doulas Minnesota Birth Center Twin Cities Doula Project Welcome Baby Care

3/15/18 11:20 AM

two or three doulas, but you’ll have the knowledge that you can count on the postpartum care, rest and support you need. Pregnancy & Postpartum With the agency and team model of care, Support Minnesota MN Chapter of Postpartum Support International you can still find yourself with that just-right Get your questions answered, connect doula by having a hand in the selection with local resources and receive process. Most teams and agencies also take provider referrals. the doula placement process very seriously, Text-Call-Email HelpLine wanting each and every client to be thrilled 612-787-PPSM (7776) with their care. PPSMhelpline@gmail.com Tory Kielas-Jensen, the director at ppsupportmn.org Welcome Baby Care, serves as the postpartum doula agency’s official matchmaker. 3/1/18 Wildflower 3:59 PM Kids MNP 0418 12.indd “I meet with parents in their home beforePregnancy Postpartum Support MNP 0418 12.indd 1 any services begin,” she said. “I answer their questions and learn about their family and their specific needs. I pick a couple of doulas who I think will match well with them.” Before sending a new doula to the home, she sends the family a photo and bio of the doula. “We then like the family to meet each doula I have matched them with during the first week of care,” she said. “From then on, I am the point person, which can be really Try us out! Call us nice for the new parents. If a family feels today to schedule your their doula is not a good fit, they don’t have introductory class to have an awkward conversation. They just 952-924-0083 talk to me.” The Little Gym of Edina

What are you looking for? Again, this is mostly a gut feeling. However, there are practical things you’ll want to brainstorm with your partner, which will eventually form your interview questions. (See the sidebar on Page 33 for some ideas.) What are your deal-breakers? What are your must-haves? At the end of the day, YOU are in control of your own experience. You will welcome your child lovingly and you will do GREAT — and if you take the time to meet a few doulas, you will find a great support team, too!

3/15/18 11:39 AM

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Jen Wittes is a certified postpartum doula and writer who now works in marketing and communications. She lives in St. Paul with her two kids, her two cats and her husband. Send questions or comments to jwittes@mnparent.com. mnparent.com • April 2018

R O R F E Y F D LUX A E

What to watch for — and how to cope — when your baby is struggling with pain associated with feeding By Laura Ramsborg

April 2018 • mnparent.com

hen expectant parents envision feeding their newborn child, they likely picture cozy moments of bonding with a sleepy, content infant. Nowhere in their minds is a picture of a scarlet-faced baby, screaming in agony, who refuses to eat. And yet this can be the brutal reality for parents of a baby with reflux. Whether you’re a first-time parent or a veteran, reflux may not be an immediate, obvious diagnosis. For our family, reflux pain was something we’d never experienced until we had our third daughter, Alayna. She would take only a few ounces at each feeding and was consequently not gaining enough weight. We were puzzled. It took a visit from Grandma to pinpoint the problem: She had observed the same symptoms — arching of the back, pained crying and refusal to feed — with my brother’s boys, who both had reflux issues.

What is reflux? Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is the movement of stomach contents into the esophagus, nose or mouth. And — according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — it’s normal in infants. Pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Anthony Porto, writing on the American Academy of Pediatrics site, healthychildren.org, said GER in infants isn’t a disease.

In infants who are not born prematurely, it starts at about 2 or 3 weeks and resolves between 9 and 12 months old. “These infants are known as ‘happy spitters,’ because they are not cranky and do not appear to be in a great deal of pain when spitting up,” he wrote. “In fact, your baby may feel better after a good spit-up.” Dr. Carol Carlson of Southdale Pediatrics said gastric fluids may reflux into the esophagus 30 or more times per day in healthy infants. Spit-up happens because the average infant has a weak or underdeveloped esophageal sphincter (the valve connecting the esophagus to the stomach). According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s unusual for infant reflux to continue after age 18 months. However, when reflux is associated with complications, other troubling symptoms or if it persists beyond infancy, it’s considered a disease known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. The AAP reports the number of GERD cases in people of all ages is increasing and researchers are still trying to determine the causes.

SYMPTOMS OF REFLUX

RESOURCES

• Refusal to feed

American Academy of Pediatrics: Find out why all babies spit up (and how to prevent it with simple strategies) as well as symptoms of GER at tinyurl.com/aap-ger.

• Crying and/or arching of the back during feeds (seems to be in pain) • Blood or greenish color in spit-up • Increase in the frequency/intensity of spit-up (forceful)

Mayo Clinic: Discover the causes of GER at tinyurl.com/mayo-ger.

• Belly is swollen or distended or feels hard

Reflux Infants Support Association: Learn more and find a Facebook support group at reflux.org.au.

• Respiratory symptoms, including wheezing or coughing Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

mnparent.com • April 2018

April 2018 • mnparent.com

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Symptoms and ‘silent reflux’

Treatment options

Jon and Lauren Tschida of Woodbury first attributed their baby Charlotte’s unhappy feeding sessions to latching problems, an issue that had come up with her older brother, Henry. But when they started supplementing with a bottle, it became evident that Charlotte’s symptoms were different. “When I held her during bottle feeding, she would often stiffen up a bit, her face would turn red and she would let out a piercing cry,” Jon Tschida said. “You could see on her face that she was in pain. There was something wrong.” Lauren Tschida, looking back, realized she saw possible signs of reflux as early as her daughter’s second night in the hospital: Charlotte, during a nursing session, made a gurgling sound as she arched her back. She then screamed for the next hour, refusing to eat. Jen Scott of Minneapolis and her husband, Pierre-Gilles Henry, noticed similar symptoms with their son, Leo. He would eat, be very relaxed for about three minutes, and then he would start crying and would look extremely uncomfortable with lots of twisting and arching of his back. Scott said she ultimately self-diagnosed her son’s reflux problems: “Basically, if you look up those symptoms on the Internet, you come to reflux.” Charlotte and Leo spit up a significant amount of their milk during their episodes with reflux. However, some babies with reflux pain don’t spit up at all. Our daughter, Alayna, rarely spit up. Instead she would suddenly gulp and choke while feeding, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “silent reflux.” This can involve babies swallowing the milk that comes up from their stomachs, rather than spitting it out. In other cases, milk may come up, but might not travel all the way up the esophagus to the baby’s mouth. Babies with reflux complications may also have difficulty sleeping and can become very uncomfortable riding in car seats.

Dr. Carlson said she sees reflux problems begin in babies at around 4 to 5 weeks old with most complications resolving by 6 months of age. However, for the parents of struggling infants — especially babies who aren’t gaining weight — six months can be too long to wait for reflux pain to go away by itself. For babies with severe reflux pain or feeding complications related to reflux, there are treatment options. The AAP strongly advises pediatricians and families — before prescribing medication — to try more frequent feeding sessions with smaller quantities and increased burping as well as holding Baby upright for 30 minutes after every feeding. For bottle-fed babies, switching formulas or thickening milk with rice cereal or oatmeal may help. Enfamil offers an A.R. formula (added rice), which my family and the Tschidas used with some success. If these changes aren’t effective, acidsuppressants such as ranitidine (Zantac) can be prescribed by a pediatrician. Carlson said such medications aren’t harmful to babies and can be quite effective. The Tschidas’ baby Charlotte was ultimately prescribed medication for reflux pain. By the time Charlotte was 4 months old, her reflux symptoms had vanished and she was able to stop taking the medication.

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Beyond meds For some families, chiropractic treatments have been helpful for easing reflux pain. Dr. Kimberly Capes of Healthpro Chiropractic in Burnsville said a typical course of care for an infant with reflux can be anywhere from a week to a few months, depending on the severity. Jen Wittes, a certified postpartum doula based in St. Paul, said other strategies for fighting reflux include making sure to feed Baby “on demand,” meaning avoiding overly structured or scheduled feedings; administering probiotics (which come in powder form and can be given from birth); laid-back

You could see on her face that she was in pain. There was something wrong.

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— Jon Tschida of Woodbury breastfeeding (learn more from La Leche League at lllusa.org) and paced bottle feeding, which involves special positioning and pauses (mnparent.com/paced). Hypoallergenic formulas such as Nutramigen, Wittes said, can make a big difference, thanks to more digestible proteins. Wittes added: “Burping is important — and often isn’t done as effectively as it could be. I find the bubble (hard area) on the belly and work on the corresponding area on the back with a firm slide of the hand, rather than a pat, which can often make tummy problems worse.”

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Hang in there! Reflux is hard. Although it’s somewhat comforting knowing it won’t last forever, the day-to-day experience can be grueling. “All you want to do is feed your baby,” Scott said. “But feeding your baby causes such pain and discomfort. It’s incredibly jarring, heartbreaking and exhausting.” Reflux experiences aren’t the same for everyone, nor is there one ideal treatment. Talk with your pediatrician about recommended approaches to determine the best fit for you and your baby. No matter how you choose to address reflux pain, know that it will get better with time. As your baby grows, her esophagus will continue to develop and mature until reflux pain is no longer a problem. Laura Ramsborg lives in Bloomington, where she battles reflux, mothers three daughters and writes. Contact her at ramsborgwrites@gmail.com.

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mnparent.com • April 2018

Dog, meet Life with babies and dogs isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always a walk in the park. Keep these strategies in mind when preparing your pup for kids.

By Rachel Brougham

April 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ mnparent.com

Bab

or onlookers and people passing by, it may have been an awkward sight. But for Anna Berowski and Meghan Davitt, it was all part of their plan. In the months before their twin girls were born, the couple would walk their dog, Avery, along the sidewalks of their Minneapolis neighborhood while also pushing a stroller — an empty stroller. Avery, their 6-year-old mixed-breed rescue, didn’t like kids. Her dislike of children ran deep, so much so that when kids came to their home, Avery had to be kenneled. When Avery was out on a walk and encountered children, the couple would take her to the other side of the street or would have to turn around and go the other way. When Davitt became pregnant with twins, the couple began preparing not just themselves for the arrival of the babies, but Avery as well. “Avery also resource-guards food and spaces from other dogs,” Berowski said. “She has never done this with adult humans, but we weren’t sure what little kids would be classified as for her.”

mnparent.com • April 2018

Prepare for the arrival In the months leading up to their daughters’ birth, the couple did what they could to prepare Avery. They let her explore things like baby blankets and toys, and they began working with Kate Anders, a certified dog behavior consultant and trainer, and owner of Pretty Good Dog Training of Minneapolis. Anders specializes in child-dog conflict cases in and around the Twin Cities, including helping parents prepare their dogs for the arrival of children. While parents may dream of having a dog that immediately adores a new child and becomes a child’s best friend right away, that’s usually not the way things work. “Our society tends to assume kids and dogs will naturally mesh well,” she said. “But kids and dogs are a lot like oil and water in that they don’t naturally mix together. The combination is just naturally set up for miscommunication: You have young children who tend to stare at faces and dogs that try to avoid direct facial conflict.” Anders likes to use the oil-and-water analogy to describe the interactions between children and dogs.

“If you adjust them a bit, you can mix them very successfully and build a relationship that is appropriate,” she said. “You just have to add a few extra ingredients to make them into a cake.” Berowski and Davitt first met Anders at her Dogs and Storks program, a workshop designed to help prospective and expecting parents prepare for a child’s arrival with their dogs in mind. Parents learn basic dog body language, how to handle the homecoming and important safety tips.

Watch for tension points Anders sees two common problem scenarios when it comes to children and dogs. The first, which is less frequent, includes bringing a baby home to a dog that becomes upset about the new arrival. “The dog may act fearful or anxious, but there’s an intensity there that makes the parent uncomfortable,” Anders said. “This is only an issue for a small number of people, but it’s a crisis adjusting to a new baby if your pet is going nuts.” The second, more common scenario happens when the child becomes more mobile.

Resources American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals aspca.org Animal Humane Society animalhumanesociety.org WebMD webmd.com

↑↑Vivian and Rosie of Minneapolis hang out in their high chairs while their dog, Avery, sits patiently. Avery, a rescue dog, didn’t like children before the arrival of the twins. But after months of preparation and work, the dog has grown to be a companion for the girls.

April 2018 • mnparent.com

With dogs, it’s not just about safety issues, it’s about developing a relationship. You want to keep the child safe from the swimming pool, but you don’t want them to be scared of the water.

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— Kate Anders, a certified dog behavior consultant and owner of Pretty Good Dog Training of Minneapolis

“Many dogs adjust initially since the child isn’t really moving around,” Anders said. “But now they see this thing moving — and that can make the dog uncomfortable.” Terri Derr, founder of Veterinary Behavior Options in Golden Valley, agreed. Just because a dog adores its owners, that doesn’t mean it will adore their baby, Derr said. When parents see Internet photos and videos of dogs napping peacefully next to a baby or a baby and dog gently playing together, it can set up unrealistic expectations. (Jessica Shyba’s Momma’s Gone City Instagram feed comes to mind.) “People want the dog to be the protector (and like everyone), but the dog has no biological way of knowing that this little creature is going to grow up — and is a human being,” Derr said. “Sometimes dogs see the baby as prey and will attack if it seems vulnerable. It’s rare, but it happens. Dogs are still dogs, even though we treat them as family members.” If you have a dog that has ever shown aggression to a person or has a high prey drive, you might want to consult with a professional pet expert before making any big family changes.

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mnparent.com • April 2018

Learn to read your dog Derr and Anders said understanding your dog’s body language is crucial as it can give you important signals as to how a dog is feeling — happy, unsure, anxious. Some signs that a dog may be feeling stressed include: ⊲ Flicks his tongue or licks his lips when not eating or expecting a treat; ⊲ Ears go back; ⊲ Looks away to avoid eye contact; ⊲ Starts pacing; ⊲ Avoids the situation; ⊲ Starts panting, gets sweaty paws or sheds excessively. “If you are introducing a dog to a child for the first time or are ever unsure of

April 2018 • mnparent.com

how your dog will react, always have the dog on a leash with a responsible adult holding the leash,” Derr said. “If a dog wants to explore, that’s great. But always watch the body language.” On a day-to-day basis, try to keep both your child and dog comfortable at all times. Instead of relying on isolation (or punishment) for your pup, consider creating barriers. Barriers not only help to make the dog feel safe, but can also help parents juggle the safety of both the child and the dog. “Barriers can be physical, such as a door, a kennel, a gate or even an adult in the middle,” Anders said. “You can also move furniture around depending on your environment and your dog. If you have a

coffee table, push it against the couch so the dog can sleep on the couch, but the baby can’t reach or touch the dog.” If you’re doing tummy time with your baby, try sitting on the floor with your child on one side and your dog on the other. Think of it as a relationship that needs continued support and make adjustments when necessary. “With dogs, it’s not just about safety issues, it’s about developing a relationship,” Anders said. “You want to keep the child safe from the swimming pool, but you don’t want them to be scared of the water. You want both the child and dog to feel that the adult is responsible. You want good things to happen when they are around each other so they can think, ‘I like that other creature.’”

←←Anna Berowski and Meghan Davitt of Minneapolis worked with a certified dog trainer to make sure their rescue dog, Avery, would be prepared for the arrival of their twin girls, Rosie and Vivian.

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Providing protection Vivian and Rosie, Berowski and Davitt’s twins, are now a year old. Their dog, Avery, did adapt well to the girls’ arrival, but it wasn’t without a lot of effort. “Avery still needs some redirecting at times, but I feel more capable of doing it,” Davitt said of the adjustment. “Kate helped us feel that with some adaption, it seemed possible for our anxious dog to coexist and thrive in a home with kids.” Before Vivian and Rosie were mobile, Avery learned to stay in place on her mat or bed as directed. She even learned to relax next to the girls if they were on their play mat. If the girls were being held, Avery would often come sit close to them, but was easily redirected if she tried to lick or paw at them. The couple did some follow-up sessions with Anders once their girls were crawling and walking. “Now that they are more mobile, Avery is comfortable being separated by baby gates as needed,” Berowski said. “Avery sometimes comes in the play room to interact, but these direct interactions are short since we don’t want to give the girls an opportunity to annoy her.” Life with the twins and the dog has evolved in the past year and will continue to change, of course. “One thing Kate said that stuck in my mind is that for a time you are protecting the kids from the dog — and then it switches,” Berowski said. “We are very much in the phase where we are protecting the dog from the kids.”

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mnparent.com • April 2018

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MOM & BABY RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS Better Beginnings The Twin Cities’ premier day or night in-home postpartum support for families welcoming new babies. Breastfeeding support, postpartum doula care, fourth trimester photography, postpartum massage, placenta encapsulation, and sibling doula support available. info@betterbeginningsmn.com 651-747-6954 betterbeginningsmn.com

Child Garden Montessori Child Garden Montessori serves children from ages 6 weeks to 6 years. For 55 years, we have educated children in beautifully prepared environments. We maintain a low child-to-staff ratio and an on-site chef serving healthy snacks & lunch. Our summers include walks to Loring Park, the Farmer’s Market and the Sculpture Garden. Contact us today to set up a tour! 1601 Laurel Ave Minneapolis 612-377-1698 childgardenmontessori.com

Creative Kids Academy Creative Kids Academy provides exceptional early education for children 6 weeks to 12 years. We are NAEYC and MN Parent aware accredited. Our interactive enrichment programs such as Yoga, Spanish, Karate, Story Telling and Music are all FREE. Visit one of our 9 amazing locations! Anoka, Apple Valley, Centerville, Elk River, Lexington, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Mounds View, Orono 763-360-6730 ckakids.com

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April 2018 • mnparent.com

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Minnesota WIC Program The Minnesota WIC Program provides nutrition information, breastfeeding support, referrals, and healthy foods to income eligible women (pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum), infants, and children up to the age of 5. 800-WIC-4030 or 651-201-4404 health.state.mn.us/wic Select: WIC Agency Directory on left

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St. Paul Ballet This non-profit, community dance school offers lessons for ages 2–100, year-round for all income levels and abilities! Children ages 7+ perform in two major shows yearly: winter and a Spring Showcase of students. Birthday parties and drop-in classes available. 655 Fairview Ave N St. Paul 651-690-1588 spballet.org

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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 kid-sized city. June session explores STEM careers; July session will appeal to the young entrepreneur. 1800 White Bear Ave N mnparent.com • April 2018

CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS Maplewood 651-255-0455 jaum.org/ja-summer-camps

Summer STEM Camps with Curious Minds LLC Kids become a citizen scientist or engineer by participating in exciting hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) activities and challenges. Curious Minds LLC is an official partner of Twin Cities Public Television SciGirls CONNECT on PBS TV! June 18th–August 10th half-day camps for ages 5–13. Register at curiousminds.info. curiousminds.info

The Works Museum Engineering & design camps for kids in pre-K–grade 6. Coding, LEGO engineering, girls design, robotics, architecture, and more! Half and full-day options, June–August 2018. The Works Museum: inspiring the next generation of innovators, engineers, and creative problem solvers. 9740 Grand Ave S Bloomington 952-888-4262 theworks.org

Zoo Camp Minnesota Zoo offers half-day to week-long adventures for toddlers to 12th graders (and adults!) to meet animals, make new friends, and have fun learning about the natural world. Check out our popular Horse Camps and our new Build a Canoe with the Zoo camp for 7th–9th graders! Register at mnzoo.org/zoocamp. 13000 Zoo Blvd Apple Valley 952-431-9390 mnzoo.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 trails, fields and shorelines! Swords, bows, catapults, magic and monsters! Full days spent in beautiful parks across the metro region. Days, Monday–Friday, ages 8–16 and several TEEN ONLY weeks! 22 sessions in 10 Regional Parks, June 11–August 17. 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 learning the principles of drawing and

April 2018 • mnparent.com

painting at the Art Academy's Summer Camp program. Classes and camps, with exceptional student/teacher ratios, are available for students ages 5–18. 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. $580 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 11–August 31 for ages 4 and up. Full- and half-day options. $132–$285. 2613 E Franklin Ave Minneapolis 612-729-5151 articulture.org

Artistry Over 75 week-long visual and performing arts camps for grades 1–9! Artistry campers will explore art forms including pottery, fused glass, design, theater arts, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, plus NEW out-of-thebox offerings! $135–$165/half-day. Combine for full-day experience. Scholarships available. Bloomington Center for the Arts 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd Bloomington 952-563-8575 artistrymn.org/education/camps.html

ARTrageous Adventures Fun, creative weekly camp themes, parties and events throughout the year! Paint, reARTcycle, sculpt and collage in our handson studio right in the heART of Kenwood, Minneapolis. Check us out on Facebook for fun events, craft ideas and camp info! Minneapolis 612-423-7554 ARTrageousAdventures.com

Edina Art Center Since 1977, the Edina Art Center has been your home for art and culture in Edina, specializing in fine art education including

pottery, drawing and painting, jewelry, and 83 children’s summer art camps. Edina — Every Day I Need Art. 4701 W 64th St Edina 952-903-5780 edinaartcenter.com

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 education with an atmosphere full of fun. This summer’s camps include: Beyond Pokémon, Big & Messy, Glitter & Glow, LEGO Star Wars, Mad About the Masters, Shopkins Cute, Sparkle Spectacular, The How To's of Drawing, The Messiest Art Camp Ever, Think Pink, Willy Wonka’s Candy Crafts and many more! Making a mess is the best at Kidcreate! Eden Prairie: 7918 Mitchell Rd 952-974-3438 edenprairiemn.kidcreatestudio.com Savage: *OPENING THIS SPRING! 7737 Egan Dr 952-226-2200 savagemn.kidcreatestudio.com Woodbury: 1785 Radio Dr, Ste F 651-735-0880 woodburymn.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 612-215-2575 loft.org

Maker Activities for Kids at the Library Hands-on, drop-in activities for youth ages 8–12 at the library! Activities offer an opportunity for youth to be engaged and inspired by STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) concepts. Parents/guardians are encouraged to join in the fun! Always free! Saint Paul Public Library (multiple branches) Saint Paul 651-266-7034 sppl.org/camp

Minneapolis College of Art and Design Join us at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design for a series of innovative, handson, and engaging visual art and design camps and classes for kids and teens ages 6–18! Weeklong and multi-week options.

mnparent.com/camp Scholarships available. 2501 Stevens Ave Minneapolis 612-874-3765 mcad.edu/youth

Potekglass This engaging glass arts camp offers everything a kid wants: fire, color, science, creativity, smushing clay, and melting glass. With nearly 20 years working with kids, local artist Malcom Potek provides an enriching learning experience that can spark new ways of seeing, new skills, and new friendships. 2205 California St NE #612 Minneapolis 612-281-7243 potekglass.com/classes/youthclasses

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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 715-468-2414 shelllakeartscenter.org

Textile Center Small classes taught by skilled artists learn to weave on a loom, create a handmade hammock to lounge in, stitch a quilt to enter in the Fair, or become a fashion designer and sew a fabulous outfit! Ages 6 and up. Halfand full-day options. 3000 University Ave SE Minneapolis 612-436-0464 textilecentermn.org

Dance, Music & Performance Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs Day Camp

For Elementary & Middle School boys & girls who love to SING! Join us for a week in July for singing, music games & making friends. Singers will explore their vocal potential & increase their confidence. Grades 2–5 & 6–9. Only $75. See website for dates and times. Bloomington Center for the Arts 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd Bloomington 952-563-8572 angelicacantanti.org

Chan DT Musical Theatre Camp Chanhassen Dinner Theatres offers summertime theatre camps for kids and

Montessori School | Family owned since 1963 612-377-1698 • childgardenmontessori.com • office@childgardenmontessori.com “The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.”

Full-time Care for 6 wks – 6 yrs of age Open 7:30am to 6pm, M–F Exceptionally low child to staff ratios Rotating extracurricular activities such as music, drama, and movement Onsite Chef serving lunch & 2 snacks with many organic options

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CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS teens (ages 5–18). It’s a fantastic week of full and half-day sessions focusing on musical theatre fundamentals taught by Chanhassen professionals throughout the summer. Sessions begin June 11th. Registration opens Feb. 1st! 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 651-699-8229 circusjuventas.org

CREO Arts & Dance Conservatory Wholesome, creative, joyful dancing for all ages & stages. June 18–August 20. Our noncompetitive dance studio provides expert instruction in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. Summer classes include: Pony Power, Fairy-tale Ballet, Faith Based Dance, Ballet/Jazz/Modern Intensives. Wayzata Home Center 1250 Wayata Blvd E 612-636-6893 creodance.com

Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) Summer Programs Two engaging summer programs in Minneapolis and St. Paul provide fun and challenging orchestral experiences for string, woodwind, brass, and percussion students of all abilities, ages 8–18. No auditions required. Need-based scholarships available. Details and registration at www.gtcys.org/orchestras. 408 St. Peter St, Ste 300 St. Paul 651-602-6800 gtcys.org

Hill-Murray School There There is is something something for for everyone everyone at at HillMurray School this summer—grades Hill-Murray School this summer— 2–12! Samples of our Arts/Activities offerings grades 2–12! Samples of our Arts/ Include: Pops Orchestra, Summer ActivitiesSummer offerings Include: Summer Band, Theatre Camp, FilmBand, & Visual Pops Orchestra, Summer Theatre Storytelling, Radio Broadcasting, Camp, Film & Visual Storytelling, Digital Radio Photography. today – space is Broadcasting,Register Digital Photography. limited! Register today – space is limited! 2625 Larpenteur Ave E Maplewood 651-777-1376 hill-murray.org/summer

MacPhail Center for Music MacPhail's 55 Summer Camps for ages

April 2018 • mnparent.com

3–adult provide fun and unique learning opportunities to explore music and develop skills in a creative surrounding. Offerings range from Sing, Play, Act! for ages 4–6 to instrumental camps for piano, percussion, strings, brass, woodwind; from Create An Instrument to Composing for Video Games. The camp environments are designed to promote cooperation, creativity and selfdiscovery. Dates: June 11–August 24, 2018. Locations in Minneapolis, Apple Valley, White Bear Lake 612-321-0100 macphail.org/summer-camps

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 St. Paul 612-722-7000 osheairishdance.com

Sing Minnesota August 6–10, 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

St. Paul Ballet Dance all summer long with St. Paul Ballet. Dance camps, intensives and drop-in classes available for ages 2.5–100! 655 Fairview Ave N St. Paul 651-690-1588 spballet.org

Stages Theatre Company Summer Theatre Workshops: June 18– August 17, 2018. Calling all ACTORS, SINGERS, and DANCERS… Have fun learning about theatre from some of the area’s finest teaching artists! Stages Theatre Company offers a variety of age appropriate workshops for students ages 4–16. 1111 Mainstreet Hopkins 952-979-1111, option 4 stagestheatre.org

SteppingStone Theatre (SST) Camps & One Day Classes Young people lead the creative process in SST's year-round Creative Learning programs for ages 3–18. Create-A-Play in our devised theatre classes, learn theatre

mnparent.com/camp design skills in our workshops or perform on the mainstage as a LEAP artist. Mix up your creativity and play in our interactive, youth-centered programs to promote critical thinking and empathy. Scholarships available! 55 Victoria St N St. Paul 651-225-9265 steppingstonetheatre.org

Theatre Arts Training at Children’s Theatre Company June 11–August 17, ages 4–18. Theatre Arts Training offers camps for all levels in acting, musical theatre, improv and more, making it easy to find the perfect fit for the young actor in your life. Be Curious. Be Creative. Be Confident. Registration now open. 2400 3rd Ave S Minneapolis 612-874-0400 childrenstheatre.org/summer

University of Northwestern (UNW) – 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 St. Paul 651-631-5108 unwsp.edu/academyofmusic

Zenon Dance Company & School Week long dance camps for ages 6–14. Each day includes technique, choreography and fun. Participants will perform for family and friends on the last day! Register online for Youth Hip Hop & Sampler camps throughout the summer. 528 Hennepin Ave, Ste 400 Minneapolis 612-338-1101 zenondance.org/camp-zenon

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American Swedish Institute Have fun at ASI's Thursday Summer Day Camps, July 12–August 9, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. with Nordic Cooking and Culture, Pippi Longstocking and Vikings themes for ages 7–13. Try our new four-day Youth Handcraft Camp and make things to take home, June 25–28, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 2600 Park Ave S Minneapolis 612-871-4907 asimn.org

Camp Minnesota Experiencing Christ, Creation, and Community… where children and youth will learn teamwork, gain independence, try new things, enjoy the outdoors and explore God in a new way. Northern Pines-Park Rapids Kowakan-Ely Koronis Ministries-Paynesville 855-622-1973 campminnesota.org

Camp on the Hill – Cathedral Hill Montessori School A uniquely urban summer camp for children ages 6–9. Mornings are spent exploring different weekly themes around the city and afternoons are spent at a Montessoriinspired base camp where children participate in arts and crafts, outdoor games, and weekly service projects. 325 Dayton Ave St. Paul 651-222-1555 chmschool.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 behind-the-scenes 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, fun for kids ages 4–15. 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, and Victorian Ladies Day Camp are for ages 11–15. Camps offered June 19–August 31. Pioneer Kid, Gibbs Girl, Dakota Day Camp, Digging History, Victorian Ladies: $99/week. Pioneer Peewees: $19/day. 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, June 19–21 and August 7–9, 21–23, and 28–30, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. each day. $99/week. 2097 W Larpenteur Ave

Falcon Heights 651-646-8629 rchs.com

Kerfoot Canopy Tour Zip Line Summer Camp Zip line at the epic Kerfoot Canopy Tour, and learn what it takes to be an adventure guide! Learn about leadership, cooperation, selfconfidence, and more. Enjoy new friendships and learn new skills. Ages 11–15. Offered twice: 6/18–6/20, 7/16–7/18. $200 30200 Scenic Byway Henderson 952-260-7360 ziplinemn.com/camp

Kroening Interpretive Center at North Mississippi Regional Park The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board exists to provide places and recreation opportunities for all people to gather, celebrate, contemplate, and engage in activities that promote health, well-being, community, and the environment. 4900 Mississippi Ct Minneapolis 612-370-4844 minneapolisparks.org

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

Playworks 2018 Summer Camp Sign up for Playworks Summer Camp, full of learning, adventure, field trips, and fun! Children learn through hands-on experiences, outdoor activities, playing in the Atrium, and educational programs. Playworks Summer Camp is open to children 6–12 years of age. Daily meals are included. Part-time and full-time options are available. 2200 Trail of Dreams Prior Lake 952-445-PLAY (7529) playworksfun.com

Providence Academy Providence Academy’s Summer Activities offer a variety of programs for students age 5 through grade 12. Enjoy activities that promote experiential learning, creative and academic growth, and unique summer experiences. Full-day sessions for students age 5 through grade 6. 15100 Schmidt Lake Rd Plymouth 763-258-2500 providenceacademy.org/summer mnparent.com • April 2018

CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS School Chess Association Summer Day Chess Camp 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 role-playing games. Programs: June 25–28, July 9–12, July 16–19, July 23–26, July 30–Aug 2, Aug 6–9, Aug 13–16. St. Louis Park Recreation Center 3700 Monterey Dr St. Louis Park 763-593-1168 schoolchess.org

SCL Academic and Sports Camps Art, basketball, beginning band, bowling, football, science, soccer, theatre, volleyball, and wrestling camps led by SCL faculty, varsity coaches, and players. Space is limited. Register early. June 11–August 10 (dates vary). Starting at $50/week. St. Croix Lutheran Academy 1200 Oakdale Ave, West St. Paul 651-455-1521 stcroixlutheran.org/camps

Shoreview Parks & Recreation Camps Three-day to eleven-week half and fullday sessions including summer childcare, playground programs, specialized sports, art camps, dance, and more! Ages 3–15. Camps available June 11–August 24; visit our website or call for more info. 4580 Victoria St N Shoreview 651-490-4750 shoreviewcommunitycenter.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 camps are open to pre-K–12 students throughout the Twin Cities. Hopkins, Minneapolis, Wayzata, 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer

Tanadoona — Camp Fire Minnesota Explore Tanadoona’s Big Woods and zigzag by canoe across Lake Minnewashta! With 103 acres, adventures are endless with new friends and local and international counselors. NEW: water log rolling, Tanadoona Tree House, and agility course! Open Houses: 3/10 & 5/5. 3300 Tanadoona Dr Excelsior 612-235-7284 tanadoona.org

April 2018 • mnparent.com

Wolf Camp at the Wildlife Science Center

Live wolves, bears, raptors, and other Minnesota wildlife are the focus of Wolf Camp at the Wildlife Science Center. Program topics include wildlife ecology, animal care, radio telemetry, creating souvenir track casts, and archery. Wildlife Science Center 22830 Sunrise Road NE Stacy 651-464-3993 wildlifesciencecenter.org

YWCA Minneapolis YWCA Minneapolis Summer Day Camps promote healthy attitudes and lifestyles through safe, respectful, fun and diverse learning experiences. Our programs feature swimming, sports, games, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) activities and weekly field trips to explore the city. 3 Minneapolis Locations: Abbott Northwestern Hospital: 800 E 28th St #15103 Downtown: 1130 Nicollet Mall Midtown: 2121 E Lake St 612-215-4189 ywcampls.org/camp

Horseback Riding Lost Creek Ranch

Lost Creek Ranch Camp Confidence is the best overnight camp for horse crazy kids! Campers get their "own" horse. Ride a minimum of four hours every day! Individual attention. Make new friends and begin a lifelong passion for horses. Less than one hour from the Twin Cities. N6842 570th St Beldenville, WI 715-273-6070 lostcreekranch.info

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, selfesteem, 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 develop independent riding skills. 15400 Emery Ave E Rosemount 651-226-2027 sunnysidestables.org

Language

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. 8659 Thorsonveien Rd NE Bemidji 1-800-222-4750 concordialanguagevillages.org

Overnight

Audubon Center of the North Woods 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 4-6). June– July. 54165 Audubon Dr Sandstone 888-404-7743 info@audubon-center.org audubon-center.org/summer-camps

Camp Bovey 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. Check out our new team challenge course in 2018! 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 Olson YMCA Since 1954, Camp Olson has been providing unforgettable and life-changing experiences for youth and young leaders through quality

mnparent.com/camp 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

Girl Scouts River Valleys Girl Scouts is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. With programs from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success.

Family Workshops

Hands-on workshops | Ages 6+ up Grab your favorite kid and come on over for a themed workshop in clay! Spring workshops include: Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day in Clay, The Great Awakening, and Family Wheel.

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Camp Elk River 10775 237th Ave NW Zimmerman Camp Lakamaga 12303 Lakamaga Trl N Marine on St. Croix Camp Northwoods 63275 Camp One Rd Mason, WI Camp Singing Hills 49496 193rd Ave Waterville 800-845-0787 Camp.GirlScoutsRV.org

Laketrails Base Camp Since 1952, Laketrails has been guiding teens and middle school youth on wilderness canoeing and camping adventures through the islands of Lake of the Woods. Campers are immersed in Nature, learn outdoor skills, learn to care for the environment, and accept and appreciate themselves and others. Oak Island laketrails.org

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CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS Star Lake Wilderness Camp

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 programming. Pay only what you can afford. Pequot Lakes 651-263-0578 starlakewildernesscamp.com

Tanadoona | Camp Fire Minnesota Unroll your sleeping bag in a rustic cabin for a week with new friends, and local and international counselors. 103 acres along Lake Minnewashta, adventure awaits with activities like archery, agility and teambuilding courses, and canoeing. Open Houses: 3/10 & 5/5. 3300 Tanadoona Dr Excelsior 612-235-7284 tanadoona.org

Wolf Ridge Summer Camp Kids grades 2–12 will find outdoor adventures to match their curiosity at Wolf Ridge. Share nature up-close every day with lifelong friends at our 2000-acre campus near Lake Superior and the BWCA. Learning is the greatest adventure there is! Choose yours at wolf-ridge.org. Finland 218-353-7414 wolf-ridge.org

Special Needs Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) Summer Camps

AuSM’s summer camps are tailored for youth and adults with autism and feature options including 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 staff to camper ratios. Parents and caregivers can rest assured knowing that their campers are being cared for by highly trained, experienced staff, while campers make memories that last a lifetime. Camps for AuSM members include Hand in Hand (residential, 1:1); Wahode (day, 1:2); and Discovery (residential, 1:4). E-mail camp@ ausm.org for more info. Register today! 2380 Wycliff St, Ste 102 St. Paul 651-647-1083 ausm.org

April 2018 • mnparent.com

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

Specialty

Aris Clinic Summer Therapeutic Program This half-day program, usually covered by health insurance plans, helps kids 5–18 heal and still have time for summer fun. Professional staff provide a safe, structured weekday experience of psychiatry sessions/ medication management and three hours of group therapy. Kids learn empowering social, psycho-educational, mindfulness and life skills. Visit our website. Call about openings. 7616 Currell Blvd Woodbury 651-259-9750 aris-clinic.com

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

Girls Who Code Girls ages 10–18 learn coding, connect it to their interests, build confidence and join a supportive sisterhood of girls who code. Beginner and advanced courses: Intro to Computer Science, iPhone App Development, Wearable Tech & Fashion Design, Website Design & Development. St. Paul: St. Kate’s University 2004 Randolph Ave Mendota Heights: Visitation School 2455 Visitation Dr Minnetonka: Vantage Space, Minnetonka Public Schools 4350 Baker Rd 844-226-7622 girlswhocode.com/campus

Sports and Fitness Gleason’s Gymnastic School

What better way to spend summer than learning something new at Gleason’s Gymnastic School? Our fun facility and our professional instructors combine to make Gleason’s classes a tremendous learning experience for children of all ages and experience levels. 2015 Silver Bell Rd Eagan 651-454-6203

9775 85th Ave N, Ste 500 Maple Grove 763-493-2526 gleasons.com

Hill-Murray School There is something for everyone at HillMurray School this summer—grades 2–12! Samples of our Sports/Fitness offerings include: Football, Baseball, Hockey, Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, Soccer opportunities for students of all ages and skills! Register today – space is limited! 2625 Larpenteur Ave E Maplewood 651-777-1376 hill-murray.org/summer

Mini-Hops Gymnastics Campers have professionally trained coaches that help develop and build gymnastics skills, lead small and large group activities, get crafty, build strength and friendships. There will be daily down time for the youngest campers (4 & 5 yr olds). All gymnasts are welcome from beginner to

mnparent.com/camp advanced. Ages 4+, M–F, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. with 8:30 a.m. Early Drop Off available. Save 15% when you register by March 31st! 2600 Campus Dr Plymouth mini-hops.com

Minneapolis Sailing Center (Formerly Lake Calhoun Sailing School) We offer two-week sailing camps for kids of all sailing abilities. Half or full-day options for sailors starting at 4 years old. More than just learning how to sail, our students learn teamwork, self-confidence, and environmental stewardship. 3010 E Calhoun Pkwy Minneapolis 612-470-7245 sailmpls.org

Revolutionary Sports Offers instructional classes, summer and school-release day camps, after-school programs, and preschool programs. Kids, as young as age two, learn to play over 25 different sports, staying active and having fun! Experienced, professional coaches that are great working with kids as young as two, use challenging, non-competitive curriculum to teach sports and life skills.

Metro-wide locations 7000 Washington Ave S Eden Prairie 612-234-7782 pla-it.com

TAGS Gymnastics Camps Fun, fitness, friends! Gymnastics and tumbling 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

The Little Gym of Edina School Readiness Program (SRP) New for Summer! For kids 3 & 4 years old who are going to start school in September! SRP includes 2+ hours of curriculum and 50 minutes of gym. Your child must bring their own (peanut free) snacks and containers. SRP is limited to 12 students. M–W 1:00-4:00.

8223 Hwy 7 St. Louis Park 952-924-0083 thelittlegym.com/edinamn

The Sanneh Foundation The Sanneh Foundation empowers youth by supporting educational attainment through in-school and after-school support, improves lives by providing programs that strengthen physical health and social and emotional development, and unites communities by advancing diversity, equity, and community well-being. 2090 Conway St St. Paul 651-690-4855 thesannehfoundation.org

Twin Cities Youth Rowing Club Are you turning 12–18 this year and want to try rowing? Join us at our Jr/Sr High Summer Rowing Camps! Bryant Lake Park 6800 Rowland Rd Eden Prairie 612-760-0575 tcyrc.org

mnparent.com • April 2018

Out & About

MAY

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Towers of Tomorrow ⊲ LEGO bricks take center stage in this traveling exhibition, featuring 20 of the world’s most astonishing skyscrapers constructed by Ryan McNaught, one of only 14 certified LEGO professionals in the world. Bonus: Local artist Roy Cook will contribute a model of U.S. Bank Stadium using 25,000 LEGO pieces. Hands-on construction areas will include 200,000 LEGO pieces for visitors of all ages. When: Through Sept. 3 Cost: Included in regular museum admission of $12.95 for ages 4–12 and 65 and older, $18.95 for ages 13–64

MARCH 26–MAY 19

Rock Your Art!

⊲ Kids in grades 1 to 6 are invited to join an artist naturalist to create a bowl out of marbling clay using patterns found in nature in this 1.5-hour workshop. When: March 26–April 28 Where: Long Lake Library (March 26); Walker Library, Minneapolis (March 31); North Regional Library, Minneapolis (April 4); East Lake Library, Minneapolis (April 8); Penn Lake Library, Bloomington (April 14); Excelsior Library and Southdale Library, Edina (April 21); Rockford Road Library, Crystal (April 28) Cost: FREE Info: hclib.bibliocommons.com

MARCH 29–MAY 19

Energy Challenge ⊲ Create colorful propellers using cool art tools while learning about — and playing

April 2018 • mnparent.com

Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul Info: smm.org

with — wind energy in this traveling workshop for kids in grades 1–6. When: March 29–May 5 Where: Plymouth Library (March 29); Minnetonka Library (March 30); Linden Hills Library, Minneapolis (April 5); Sumner Library, Minneapolis (April 6); Westonka Library, Mound (April 7); Edina Library (April 14); Rogers Library (May 5) Cost: FREE Info: hclib.bibliocommons.com

MARCH 31

Women of Mill City ⊲ The Mill City Museum History Players will portray 19th and 20th-century women from Minneapolis and the surrounding area at this family-day event, which includes opportunities to explore the museum exhibits for stories of women who contributed to Minnesota history and flour milling, such as the female flour packers who

began working at the Washburn A Mill in 1902. When: March 31 Where: Mill City Museum, Minneapolis Cost: Included with museum admission of $10–$12 for adults, $6 for ages 5–17 Info: mnhs.org

Nano Day ⊲ Take part in a nationwide festival of educational programs about nanoscale science and engineering, including hands-on activities that demonstrate the special and unexpected properties found at the nanoscale. When: March 31 Where: Science Museum of Minnesota Cost: Included in regular museum admission of $12.95 for ages 4–12 and 65 and older, $18.95 for ages 13–64 Info: smm.org

Easter Egg Hunt ⊲ Ages 2 to 7 are invited to search for eggs, enjoy a snack, hear stories and explore the first floor of James J. Hill’s elegant Gilded Age home. When: March 31 Where: James J. Hill House, St. Paul Cost: $8 (free for ages 2 and younger) Info: mnhs.org

APRIL 2, 4, 5

Afoutayi Haitian Dance ⊲ Experience Haitian culture through dance, storytelling, food and art as part of the library’s Maker Break spring-break series. When: April 2, 4, 5 Where: Arlington Hills Community Center, St. Paul (April 2); Sun Ray Library, St. Paul (April 4); Rice Street Library, St. Paul (April 5) Cost: FREE Info: sppl.org/break

Harlem Globetrotters ⊲ Witness the ultimate in basketball wizardry and artistry at this familyfriendly event, including shots from the “4-point line,” located 6 feet, 3 inches beyond the top of the NBA’s 3-point line. When: March 31 Where: Target Center, Minneapolis Cost: $21–$131 Info: targetcenter.com mnparent.com • April 2018

Out & About Spring Baby Animals ⊲ The organizers of the Twin Cities Harvest Festival & Maze will host a second-annual spring petting zoo, featuring baby goats, sheep, bunnies, ducklings, chicks and ponies — plus a corn pit, strawbale maze, pony rides, hayrides, inflatables and a giant slide. Most areas are enclosed, so the event will be open rain or shine. When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. April 14–15, 21–22, 28–29 Where: Twin Cities Festival grounds, Brooklyn Park Cost: $9 in advance, $10 at the gate; tickets are required for ages 2 and older. Info: twincitiesspringbabies.com

APRIL 4

APRIL 7

APRIL 8–JUNE 13

⊲ The vaudevillian-style Emmywinning acoustic/folk/jug-band duo plays live, featuring instruments such as banjo, washboard, harmonica, whizbang and ukulele.

⊲ One of the world’s most famed children’s music performers plays live, featuring songs from his gold- and platinum-selling recordings, including the classic tune, Baby Beluga.

⊲ Arrive at 9 a.m. for an inclusive experience reserved for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families with ample time to explore the exhibits and participate in special activities, too.

Jack and Kitty

When: April 4 Where: Eden Prairie Library Cost: FREE Info: hclib.bibliocommons.com

APRIL 5

Twins Home Opener ⊲ Minnesota’s Major League Baseball team takes on the Seattle Mariners. When: 3:10 p.m. April 5 Where: Target Field, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $17. Info: minnesota.twins.mlb.com

April 2018 • mnparent.com

Raﬃ

When: April 7 Where: Pantages Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $33.50–$79 Info: hennepintheatretrust.org

Scottish Ramble ⊲ This special event is part of Sundays at Landmark, an annual fall-throughspring series of cultural and arts events designed to entertain, enrich and educate all ages. When: 11 a.m. April 7 Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: $4–$6 Info: landmarkcenter.org

Sensory Friendly Days

When: April 8, May 13, June 10, 13 Where: Como Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: comozooconservatory.org

APRIL 12 AND 15

Papa Siama and Auntie Dallas ⊲ Go global with Siama Matuzungidi, an acclaimed Minneapolis-based musician originally from Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with his musical and life partner Dallas M. Johnson, showcasing their new album, The Land of Yangalele.

When: April 12 and 15 Where: Midtown Global Market (April 12) and The Hook and Ladder (April 15), both in Minneapolis Cost: FREE Info: siamamusic.com

Excite and challenge your child with a summer camp from UNW Academy of Music • Brio Music Camp, Intro to Music for ages 4-8 • Show Choir for ages 9-16

APRIL 12–28

Childish Films ⊲⊲This program extends the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival’s reach to the next generation by presenting award-winning children’s cinema from around the world.

For more information unwsp.edu/academyofmusic or call 651-631-5108

• Piano Institute for ages 10-18 • Music Recording Camp for ages 13 and up

Camp Location: Northwestern Campus 3003 Snelling Ave N, Roseville, MN Registration opens April 1st (with deadlines in June)

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When: April 12–28 Where: St. Anthony Main Theaters, Minneapolis Cost: Various Info: mspfilm.org

APRIL 14

Robot Day ⊲⊲See kid-friendly demos from robotics experts, interact with robots used in various industries and meet student teams showcasing their competition robots. When: April 14 Where: The Works, Bloomington Cost: $12 Info: theworks.org

Children’s Gardening Workshop ⊲⊲This messy, hands-on workshop will introduce ages 4 to 10 — and their adult helpers — to the amazing world of gardening in Minnesota. Young hands will play with seeds, explore gardens, meet vegetables and pot a plant to take home. When: April 14 Where: Oliver Kelley Farm, Elk River Cost: $10 per child Info: mnhs.org

APRIL 15

Urban Expedition: France ⊲⊲Experience French music, dance, food, animals, crafts and more as part of this annual international event series. mnparent.com • April 2018

Out & About Corduroy ⊲ Join a darling bear on a delightfully destructive chase through a department store in search of his missing button. When: Through May 13 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $15. Info: childrenstheatre.org Photo by Dan Norman

When: 1 p.m. April 15 Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: landmarkcenter.org

APRIL 17–JUNE 10

Dr. Seuss: The Lorax ⊲ Experience one of the most beloved environmental tales of all time, designed for the stage with all ages in mind. When: April 17–June 10 Where: Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis Cost: Tickets start at $15. Info: childrenstheatre.org

APRIL 20–MAY 20

Cost: $14–$21 Info: stagestheatre.org

APRIL 21–22

APRIL 27–MAY 19

⊲ Celebrate Earth Day with activities, crafts and education programs that explore the animals, plants and people who call our planet home. Leave with some ideas for reducing your own impact on the planet.

⊲ He’s large, he’s outspoken and he’s … imaginary. This unforgettable cat comes into 10-year-old Jackson’s life to help him and his family as they fall on hard times — and learn they may have to live in their minivan … again. Based on the touching book by the Newberry Medalwinning author of The One and Only Ivan, this world-premiere adaptation is geared toward ages 8 and up.

Party for the Planet

When: April 21–22 Where: Como Zoo and Conservatory, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: comozooconservatory.org

Whoever You Are

APRIL 21

⊲ This world-premiere all-ages musical adaptation — based on the inspiring story-poem by the best-selling children’s author, Mem Fox— weaves across cultures and generations to celebrate the bond that unites us all.

⊲ Learn some of the many ways animals (and people) communicate their needs and emotions in this workshop for kids in grades 1–3.

When: April 20–May 20 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins

April 2018 • mnparent.com

Cost: FREE Info: hclib.bibliocommons.com

Understanding Pet Language

When: April 21 Where: Hopkins Library

Crenshaw

When: April 27–May 19 Where: Stages Theatre Company, Hopkins Cost: $14–$21 Info: stagestheatre.org

APRIL 29

BandWidth 2018 ⊲ Enjoy an afternoon of marches, concert-band classics and pop, Broadway and jazz music at this community band festival, featuring some

Babies poop!

of the top volunteer-based ensembles in Minnesota. When: Noon–5 p.m. April 29 Where: Landmark Center, St. Paul Cost: FREE Info: landmarkcenter.org or lexhamarts.org

MAY 1

Disney Junior Dance Party ⊲ Sing along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits with Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Sofia The First, Puppy Dog Pals, Elena of Avalor, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, The Lion Guard and more. Kids of all ages and their families are invited to get up and dance, play games and more.

Cloth Diaper 101 class schedule: •

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•

Bloom Baby Expo: Breck School April 7th

•

Blooma Minneapolis April 14, May 19, & June 16

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Health Foundations April 24th & May 29th

•

Everyday Miracles May 1st

FREE

Classe

Don’t forget the cloth diapers!

When: May 1 Where: Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis Cost: $29.50–$110 Info: hennepintheatretrust.org

Don’t forget Do Good Diapers!

MAY 2–19

The Princess’ Nightingale ⊲ In 18th-century China, the prince and the princess of the dynasty embark on a magical competition to learn the wonders of their land in this new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale. When: May 2–19 Where: Steppingstone Theatre, St. Paul Cost: $5–$50 Info: steppingstonetheatre.org

MAY 4–6

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Did you know? The average child generates one TON of diapers! Let us do your dirty work!

Festival of Nations ⊲ Explore the traditions, history and culture of 100 ethnic groups with worldclass music and dance performances, exhibits, demonstrations, activities and food in a family-friendly atmosphere. When: May 4–6 Where: St. Paul RiverCentre Cost: $11 in advance, $13.50 at the door Info: festivalofnations.com

Delivering and laundering diapers for babies throughout the Twin Cities Metro!

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Out & About APRIL 25

Autism Celebration, featuring the newest Sesame Street Muppet, created to increase awareness and understanding of autism. Meet Julia, visit resource tables, participate in sensory activities and play games during this inclusive all-ages event.

Julia’s AuSM Autism Celebration ⊲ The Minnesota Autism Conference, presented by the Autism Society of Minnesota, is back for its 23rd year with experts, breakout sessions and exhibitors featured over four days. New this year is Julia’s AuSM

When: Celebrate with Julia from 3:30–5:30 p.m. April 25. Attend the conference April 25–28.

Where: DoubleTree–Park Place, Minneapolis Cost: Celebration registration is $5 per person or $10 per family. Full-day conference passes, if purchased by April 11, start at $140 for Thursday or Friday ($55 for a half day on Saturday). Info: ausm.org

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April 2018 • mnparent.com

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FROM OUR READERS

Tales for tots!

↑↑Cooper, 11 months, of Fridley

↑↑Jagger, 2, of Eagan

Wow! Your kids love their books — including reading with you, dear parents and grandparents, to themselves and even (awww) to each other! ↑↑Tatiana, 4, with Sebastian and Amelia, both 4 months, of Minneapolis

↑↑Stephanie of Monticello with her sons, Rowan, 3, Spencer, 2, and Dexter, 5

↑↑Eli, 3, and Rory, 5, of Blue Earth

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

April 2018 • mnparent.com