INSTRUCTIONAL SPORTS PROGRAMS learn the skills play the game
OVER 20,000 PARTICIPANTS TAUGHT
Offering both day camps and evening classes
Ages 2–12, Sport fundamentals and parent-involved learning • Offered weeknights and weekends Fun, active, age-appropriate games in six different age and ability specific skill levels
Classes: 4–6 week sessions • 1 day per week for 30–45 minutes Day Camps: skill development • learn new sports
SIGN-UP NOW!
25+ sports taught & played, including: Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Flag Football, Tennis, Ninja Warriors, Golf, Volleyball, Lacrosse, Floor Hockey, Quidditch, Team Handball, Ultimate Frisbee, Cricket, Rugby, Badminton, Pickleball, Hockey, Ice Skating, Skiing, Archery, Dodgeball, Gaga Ball, Kickball, Laser Tag, Capture the Flag, Trampoline Sports & more
612-234-7782
RevSports.org
info @ RevSports.org
Join us for a free family-friendly walk filled with sensory activities, therapy animals, games, giveaways and more!
PRESENTED BY
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 7:00 AM • MALL OF AMERICA • fraser.org/walk mnparent.com • April 2020
3
APRIL
VOLUME 35 /// ISSUE 4
30
t h i n g s
Maternity
36
A new life
Truly sleep-deprived
After losing her left leg below the knee in a boating accident in 2017, Fox 9’s Courtney Godfrey’s first thought was of her future children.
A Twin Cities mom shares her story of finding real rest after a severe bout of postpartum insomnia.
6 FROM THE EDITOR
16 WORLD’S OKAYEST MOM
26 IN THE KITCHEN
Pregnant?
Green in the face
Ham-tastic!
Get ready for a wild, but wonderful, ride.
Yes, morning sickness can last the whole nine months.
This four-ingredient recipe fits the bill for an easy dinner.
8 CHATTER
18 #ADULTING
28 BOOKSHELF
Keeping track of your baby’s movements is important.
I feared the worst about joining a moms’ groups. I was wrong.
Check out some fun new books just for grabby babies.
10 BUMP, BIRTH AND BABY
20 ASK THE OBGYN
58 FROM OUR READERS
Hypnobabies birthing works. But it requires some preparation.
A local OBGYN shares his perspective on his son’s birth.
Your ballet stars dazzle with tutus and more!
12 THE UNCENSORED TODDLER
22 ON BEHAVIOR
Can’t afford therapy? How about reading these books?
When should you stop letting your kids see you naked?
14 SCHOOL DAYS
24 FERTILITY
Take care of yourself (for real) and seek joy in the first year.
A gestational carrier can help families with fertility issues.
Count on it
Hypster moms
Got issues?
You: Reinvented
4
a l l
April 2020 • mnparent.com
A digital tribe
Doctor as dad
In the buff
Another path
Durable reads
En pointe
44 Camp L ISTIN G S 52 Baby L ISTIN G S
54 Stay-Home S URV IVA L G UI DE
BABIES POOP! THE AVERAGE CHILD GENERATES OVER 1 TON OF DIAPERS. DON’T HAVE AN AVERAGE BABY! $40 OFF YOUR FIRST 13-WEEK DIAPER PACKAGE PROMO CODE: PARENT
On the cover Name: Courtney Godfrey City: Minneapolis Baby: Callan Baby’s current age: 6 months Husband: Ryan Novaczyk
DIAPER DELIVERY SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS FOR EVERY TWIN CITIES FAMILY: FROM 1 MONTH TRIALS TO FULL YEAR PACKAGES, WE HAVE YOU COVERED.
Due date: 9/30/19 Delivered on: 9/30/19 Weight: 8 pounds Length: 19.5 inches Birthed at: The Mother Baby Center at Abbott Northwestern, Minneapolis Birth story: I woke up with light contractions around 7 a.m. and labored at home until late in the afternoon. By the time I got to the hospital, I was 7-8 centimeters dilated, and after a few scary decelerations, I started to push just after 10 p.m. and Callan joined us soon after! Pregnancy cravings: Ice water and fruit Photo by Sarah Karnas Photography sarahkarnas.com
CLOTH DIAPER 101 CLASSES: DON’T FEAR THE DIAPER! DO GOOD OFFERS FREE CLOTH DIAPER 101 CLASSES AT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TWIN CITIES. VISIT DOGOODDIAPERS.COM/CLASSES TO LEARN MORE.
DID YOU KNOW? 1 DIAPER WEIGHS AS MUCH AS 64 STRAWS. THAT’S LIKE A NEWBORN USING ALMOST 5000 STRAWS EVERY WEEK!
WWW.DOGOODDIAPERS.COM Do Good Diapers MNP 0420 2-3.indd 3
3/18/20 6:41 PM
mnparent.com • April 2020
5
FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome aboard! G 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
Dr. David Clay, Heidi Croatt, Megan Devine, Katie Dohman, Ed Dykhuizen, Courtney Godfrey, Rachel Guyah, Sarah Karnas, Shannon Keough, Tiffany King, Maya Mason, Deborah Simmons, Jen Wittes
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Valerie Moe • vmoe@mnparent.com
ART DIRECTOR Dani Cunningham
OFFICE MANAGER AND AD COORDINATOR
Amy Rash • arash@mnparent.com
CIRCULATION
Marlo Johnson 612-436-4388 • distribution@mnparent.com
ADVERTISING
612-436-4360 • sales@mnparent.com 40,000 copies of Minnesota Parent are printed monthly, available at 1,100 locations: mnparent.com/racks Go to mnparent.com/subscribe to get this magazine mailed to your home for $18 a year.
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 2020 by Minnesota Premier Publications. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Address all material to address above.
6
April 2020 • mnparent.com
reetings, parents and parents-to-be: Welcome to our annual Maternity Issue, celebrating pregnancy and the art of preparing for a new baby, including the miracle of birth. If you’ve never had a child before, it’s hard to know what it’s really like to be a parent. Like a kid standing below a roller coaster — as its little train of cars twists, turns and plunges oh-sohigh above you — you can only imagine what it’s like to ride that machine. You can mentally and physically prepare only so much and — before you know it — you’re strapped in and ready for one heck of ride. But first there’s pregnancy, a transformation that’s Photo by Tracy Walsh relatively slow, compared to the overnight arrival of a child. I promise carrying a child will rock your world in many ways. And not all glowing skin, thick beautiful hair and congratulations. Just as you’re wrapping up your first trimester and morning sickness, you’ll be making some huge decisions as parents: You’ll be asked if you’d like a variety of optional tests to check for the likelihood of neural tube defects (such as spina bifida or anencephaly) or chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome) and others. If your results (which are combined with your age, ethnicity and other factors) don’t look ideal, you’ll be offered the option to explore further with more invasive tests such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis, which involve taking tissue or fluid samples from the placenta or the amniotic sac, respectively. Each involves a small, but scary risk of miscarriage. What do parents do with this information if they take the risk? They can use it to put their mind at ease or to mentally prepare for a special needs child or a child whose chromosomal abnormalities may be life-threatening. At this stage, some parents decide to end their pregnancies. That’s a lot to carry with you while you’re carrying a child and perhaps starting to rock a baby bump, too. (Few folks talk about that when you’re buying your ticket to the roller coaster.) I recently watched the character Sharon — starring in the dark-humored, epically good Amazon Prime show Catastrophe — ride this prenatal roller coaster, which also included a diagnosis of precancer on her cervix. Frustrated with tone-deaf doctors and the many challenges of pregnancy (including anxiety), Sharon says — to her equally cynical partner, Rob — something like: “Every time I see a happy pregnant woman I want to punch her in the face.” That’s not to say having a child isn’t literally the greatest thing that will ever happen to you. It is. And you may even love pregnancy. But it’s surprisingly complicated at times, too. And that’s why we’re here to share in the journey and, we eternally hope, help you out along the way. Sarah Jackson, Editor
Building Stable Homes, Strong Futures and Vibrant Communities Since 1971.
MINNEAPOLIS
ARBOR COMMONS CO-OP 612-871-0814 CITY FLATS APARTMENTS 612-870-4493 DOVETAIL CO-OP 612-871-0814 EAST VILLAGE CO-OP 612-871-0814 GREENWOOD APARTMENTS 612-871-0814 LINDEN PLACE CO-OP 612-871-0814 MAPLES CO-OP 612-871-0814 MULBERRY FLATS 612-871-0814 NEW VILLAGE CO-OP 612-871-0814 SEWARD TOWER EAST 612-339-1711 SEWARD TOWER WEST 612-333-7472 SUCCESS FAMILY HOUSING 612-871-0814 THIRD AVENUE TOWNHOMES 612-871-0814 WEST BROADWAY CRESCENT 651-290-6228 WHITTIER APARTMENTS 612-870-4493
ST. PAUL
CATHEDRAL HILL HOMES 651-227-3966 COMMERCE BUILDING 651-292-0200 COMMUNITY PLAZA TOWNHOMES 651-277-3966 SKYLINE TOWER 651-999-7500 TORRE DE SAN MIGUEL HOMES 651-224-5839 VISTA VILLAGE 651-221-0384 WESTMINSTER PLACE 651-772-3123 WILDER SQUARE 651-383-4090
NORTH EAST/WEST METRO
BRANDES PLACE 763-574-2187, Fridley GRANADA LAKES 651-770-1700, Oakdale LAKE SHORE TOWNHOMES 763-416-3971, Maple Grove SUNWOOD VILLAGE 763-251-3000, Ramsey TRAILS EDGE TOWNHOMES 651-330-1666, Maplewood VALLEY SQUARE COMMONS 763-544-1855, Golden Valley VICKSBURG COMMONS 763-559-0970, Plymouth VIEWS AT CITY WALK 651-262-5700, Woodbury
SOUTH EAST/WEST METRO
BLOOMINGTON TOWNHOMES 952-920-6113, Bloomington CROWN RIDGE 952-546-8600, Minnetonka WAYZATA VILLAGE HOMES 763-559-0970, Wayzata WHITNEY GROVE TOWNHOMES 952-432-4644, Apple Valley YORKDALE TOWNHOMES 952-835-1998, Edina
OUT STATE MINNESOTA
DUBLIN CROSSING 651-290-6228, Mankato FALLS MEADOWRIDGE 320-632-2576, Little Falls HOWARD LAKE APARTMENTS 320-274-5871, Howard Lake GREENVALE PLACE 507-645-4146, Northfield MAPLE HILLS 651-388-2821, Red Wing NORTHPOINT TOWNHOMES 218-927-3521, Aitkin SUNRISE MANOR 507-794-9631, Sleepy Eye
AFFORDABLE RENTS … IN ST. PAUL
CATHEDRAL HILL TOWNHOMES • (651) 227-3966 280 Dayton Avenue St. Paul, MN 55102 • Rent is 30% of Monthly Income for Qualified Households • Individually controlled heat • On-Site Laundry
• Community Room • On a Bus Line
• SMOKE-FREE BUILDING
SEE WHAT MAPLE HILLS HAS TO OFFER … MAPLE HILLS • (651) 388-2821 521 Maple Street (Bldg G) Red Wing, MN 55066
• Qualified residents pay 30% of their adjusted gross income for household size for monthly rent • Off-street Parking • On-Site Laundry
• Community Room • Computer Lab
• SMOKE-FREE BUILDING
CALL US AT: (651) 291-1750 OR VISIT US AT: WWW.COMMONBOND.ORG/FINDHOUSING
Sarah Jackson
CHATTER
Count the kicks!
Every year in the U.S., 24,000 babies are
‘counting kicks’ meant and looked like,”
day starting at 28 weeks gestation)
stillborn, according to the CDC. That’s
said Patterson. “After four babies, I was in
and simply tap an icon on the app until
about 1 in 100 babies lost after the 20th
shock that I was never shown or told what
reaching 10 movements.
week of pregnancy.
this means.”
Doing it daily can help mothers track trends with real data — and discover what’s
One part of the problem is that mothers
A common way to do a kick count is to see
don’t always notice when baby movement
how much time it takes to feel 10 movements
typical for their babies — versus trying to
patterns unexpectedly change or decline,
(such as kicks, flutters or rolls) at a time of day
write down or remember what’s normal.
especially later in pregnancy.
when your baby is typically active, a process
Though some mothers are encouraged by their doctors to do “kick counts” to track changes in normal behavior, not all mothers
Babies don’t run out of room or slow
that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to
down at the end of pregnancy. Babies
two hours.
should move up to and even during labor.
If kick counting sounds like a time stealer
Contact your provider if your baby has
— or a major anxiety booster — take heart:
fewer than 10 kicks in 2 hours (during the
Thanks to a nationwide campaign to reduce
third trimester) or if there’s a significant
of Maple Grove, whose daughter, Amelia,
stillbirths, there’s a new free app called
change in what’s normal for your baby.
was stillborn.
Count the Kicks that can help you see
Learn more at countthekicks.org.
are aware. That was the case with Tausha Patterson
“It wasn’t until a few months after my daughter passed, that I really knew what
8
April 2020 • mnparent.com
what’s normal for your baby. Mothers launch the app (ideally every
A book about life after baby Dr. Erin Stevens isn’t just a regular Minnesota Parent contributor: She’s also an award-winning OBGYN and an advocate for legislation to support women’s reproductive health care. And now she’s adding another title to her resume: Author. This month local publisher Wise Ink will release her new book, Unexpected: A Postpartum Survival Guide, illustrated by Lisa Troutman of Drawn Well in Minneapolis. Stevens, who practices at the Edina location of Clinic Sofia, hopes to set the record straight about what happens to postpartum bodies. “Life after delivery is veiled in secrecy by cute little bows and animal-themed burp cloths, leaving people dangerously in the dark about which postpartum issues are normal or concerning,” she said. “Many feel essentially on their own, winging it through what can be a truly difficult time.” Topics will include how to deal with stitches, bodily functions, breastfeeding/ formula-feeding, exercise and sexual activity. She also includes resources to support mental health and other needs and even offers a list of supplies you can gather to build your own home postpartum survival kit! Learn more and get to know Stevens at erinstevensmd.com/unexpected. mnparent.com • April 2020
9
Jen Wittes
Stats from Hypnobabies.com:
BUMP, BIRTH AND BABY
Childbirth spotlight: Hypnobabies H
ave you ever heard of Hypnobabies? Does the phrase leave you curious? Cautious? Skeptical? Bemused? Hypnobabies is not a way to put infants in a trance. Hypnobabies is a complete six-week childbirth education course, which includes instruction in “eyes-open childbirth hypnosis” as a form of pain and intensity management. It’s a program designed to prepare the entire family, including giving the birthing partner an extensive box of tools to help the birthing individual achieve a blissful birth. The education and empowerment piece of the program, which is based in California and includes a 7,000-member Facebook group, is as important, if not more so, than the hypnosis (which we’ll get to in a bit). Anne Ferguson, a Twin Cities doula and Hypnobabies instructor, said the course covers all the elements of a traditional childbirth education. “Hypnobabies is everything I would put in a childbirth education class if I were to design my own,” Ferguson said. “But — luckily — I don’t have to. It already exists.” Topics include nutrition and exercise; stages of birthing; pushing positions; breech and posterior babies; risks, benefits and alternatives for interventions; chiropractic care; postpartum planning; breastfeeding; relationships; and more. The founder of Hypnobabies, Kerry Tuschhoff, was a Bradley Method instructor for about 10 years before eventually moving to hypnosis-based birth courses.
10
April 2020 • mnparent.com
Ferguson said once a student chooses Hypnobabies, they shouldn’t also take another childbirth prep class such as Bradley or Lamaze. “Though these courses are great on their own, they might present beliefs about birth that conflict with the Hypnobabies philosophy,” Ferguson said. “That can be confusing and counterproductive … and unnecessary because Hypnobabies covers everything.”
The hypnosis piece Hypnobabies students receive powerful tools — which they practice using while pregnant — designed to induce a somnambulistic state of hypnosis, or “eyes open hypnosis.” This means the birthing individual is relaxed in both body and mind, but is able to walk, talk and change positions. This is achieved through the Hypnobabies workbook, scripts, visualizations, tapes and music that the partner also becomes very familiar with through practice. Examples of everyday hypnotic states can include things like driving a car, riding in an elevator, daydreaming or zoning out during screen time. Summoning that relaxation during birth takes training. But the results can be astounding: With repetitive, positive messaging, Hypnobabies students find that normal birthing sensations can be transformed into pleasurable — not painful — ones.
70-75% of hypno-moms had very
comfortable births, reporting that they felt mostly pressure, tightening and mild cramping. 15% felt comfortable, experiencing only pressure, until transition. At that point, they experienced mild to intense sensations, which were manageable. 10% were comfortable until active labor — most of these cases involved a birth complication, emotional issues or parents who did not do their Hypnobabies homework. It’s expected that the couple do 45 minutes of “home play” per day during pregnancy to become Hypnobabies ready. “Hypnobabies is very in-depth and involves a lot of work, which we actually call ‘home play’ — because it’s so fun,” Ferguson said.
A different focus At the very least, the type of hypnosis taught in Hypnobabies provides a focus during labor and positive affirmations of birth as a natural, wonderful event. It can be done at home or in a hospital or birthing center. An expectant parent chooses when to enter hypnosis, how long to stay in that state and when to come out. She is not asleep. She is conscious. She is in control. Nobody is going to make her cluck like a chicken or do the Hokey Pokey whenever a bell rings.
BABY STUFF
Healthful recipes
My Sugar Free Baby and Me — by registered dietician and British mother of two Sarah Schenker — guides you from weaning to family dinners with meals that do double duty. Each recipe delivers something that’s safe for infants (avocado puree, for example) alongside a dish that’s palatable for parents (chicken avocado wrap) — all with the added benefit of less sugar (and gourmet touches, too)! $25 • barnesandnoble.com
Hypnobabies is more akin to deep meditation. But like deep mediation, it takes work. “What you get from Hypnobabies depends on what you put in, so embrace the course fully and get ready to see how much better it can make your birth,” Ferguson said.
Interested? Local Hypnobabies instructors support one another and encourage expectant families to reach out to any of them for guidance. Hypnobabiestwincities.com is their shared website. There is also a home-study course at hypnobabies.com for those who can’t make the live classes work. Ferguson is a birth and postpartum doula, Hypnobabies instructor, placenta encapsulator and La Leche League leader. She can be reached at bywaterbirth.com. Jen Wittes is a marketing director, writer, certified postpartum doula and mom of two who lives in St. Paul. mnparent.com • April 2020
11
Shannon Keough
THE UNCENSORED TODDLER
Reading fixes everything A
re you feeling alienated and alone, with no time or money for therapy and no friends to speak of? There’s a book for that. Our extroverted culture puts a premium on working things out interpersonally. We’re encouraged to use “I statements.” Being “best friends” with our spouses is an aspirational state. “You are not alone,” urge generic Facebook messages aimed at un-isolating the lonely masses. “Just reach out.” Maybe it’s because I’m an introverted malcontent, but I just can’t fully buy into all this “radical vulnerability.” To me, “I statements” often sound passive-aggressive; being “best friends” with my spouse seems really unsexy; “reaching out” just as often results in being ghosted as it does in connecting with another human. In a world gone mad (or maybe just cold and self-involved), I would argue that sometimes it’s better to keep your thoughts to yourself and turn to literature to solve your problems. Let me elaborate. Problem: Your marriage has lost that “spark.” Solution: Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel: I’m not big on self-help tomes, particularly those that promise strategies for “spicing up” your LTR. However, this is an intelligent
12
April 2020 • mnparent.com
take on the subject of marital stagnation that you won’t feel compelled to hide in your sock drawer. As Perel writes in the introduction: “Today, we turn to one person to provide what an entire village once did: a sense of grounding, meaning and continuity. At the same time, we expect our committed relationships to be romantic as well as emotionally and sexually fulfilling. Is it any wonder that so many relationships crumble under the weight of it all?” The good news? Perel writes: “It’s hard to generate excitement, anticipation and lust with the same person you look to for comfort and stability, but it’s not impossible.” Problem: Groups of women make you nervous; you have no friends. Solution: Cat’s Eye by Margaret Atwood: I gotta get off Facebook. If it’s not one thing (my favorite FB mom group imploding after a vicious debate about the merits of Ruth Bader Ginsberg), it’s another (aforementioned RBG feud resulting in the defacing of someone’s vinyl siding). Sometimes I feel bad that I’m not part of a sassy group of “badass mamas.” Then I crack open Cat’s Eye — Atwood’s devastating account of the brutality of female friendship — and realize that maybe I’ve actually dodged a bullet.
Problem: Your marriage is DOA. Solution: Heartburn by Nora Ephron: My marriage isn’t imploding (yet! fingers crossed ...), but if it were, I would definitely dig out my copy of Heartburn. In this autobiographical novel, Ephron’s character Rachel is seven months pregnant when she discovers her husband is having an affair. I love Rachel’s inner monologue when she finally decides to leave her faithless husband: “I am no beauty, and I’m getting on in years, and I have just about enough money to last me 60 days, and I am terrified of being alone, and I can’t bear the idea of divorce. But I would rather die than sit here and pretend it’s OK; I would rather die than sit here figuring out how to get you to love me again; I would rather die than spend five more minutes going through your drawers and wondering where you are and anticipating the next betrayal and worrying about whether my poor, beat-up, middle-aged body with its Caesarean scars will ever turn you on again.” And then (spoiler alert), Rachel throws a key lime pie in her husband’s face. (In real life, Ephron poured an entire bottle of red wine over her husband’s head.)
TODDLER STUFF
Matching puzzles
Darling beyond belief, this set of 12 Match the Buddies puzzles ($16.99) includes a variety of 4x7-inch animal match-ups made just for little hands. We love Banana Panda’s entire line of tough, durable products, including the high-contrast flash cards on a handy ring for ages newborn and up ($13.99).
MN Landmarks MNP 0420 H6.indd 1
3/6/20 4:19 PM
bananapanda.com
Problem: You’re a realist. Solution: Bright-Sided by Barbara Ehrenreich: Do you make friends and family nervous with your gloomy assessments of the world? Are you sick of being urged to “Look on the bright side?” Then this book is for you. As Ehrenreich argues, positive thinking has become “a dominant, almost mandatory, cultural attitude.” She chronicles the rise of positive thinking in America — from the so-called “prosperity gospel” of certain evangelical churches to the “smile or die” approach to curing cancer. It’s an ideal antidote to the cultural forces that constantly suggest we can “attract” wealth, achieve health and happiness — and turn our lives around — if only we adopt the “right” attitude.
LOCAL MORTGAGE EXPERTS TO HELP YOU AT EVERY STAGE CONVENTIONAL | FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER | VA | FHA INVESTMENT PROPERTIES | ARM | JUMBO | RURAL HOUSING
| 651.215.3500 Federally Insured by NCUA
Shannon Keough lives in St. Paul with her husband and two children. Send questions or comments to skeough@mnparent.com. mnparent.com • April 2020
13
Your first year of parenting I
t’s been over 15 years since I had my first baby and over eight years since I had my last. Oh, what a chapter those baby years were! With four go-abouts on the pregnancy, childbirth, caring-for-tiny-humans train — and as a mother of a 15-year-old, a 12-year-old, a 10-year-old and an 8-year-old, with much distance from midnight feedings and diaper changes — I can now look back at my former new-mama self, with a refreshed perspective. I can feel some self-compassion and understanding of how I acted and why I felt the way I did in both the highs and lows of my early years of parenting. Here’s my advice:
Take care of yourself I know I heard this advice for years, but it took me a long time to comprehend it, and actually take significant action steps for my own personal wellness. I was pretty on top of things when I had one child, but then with a quick transition to two, three and then four children, I really struggled to find the time, energy and resources to focus on my own health (both physically and mentally) and to really take care of myself. As parents, it’s easy to get caught up in taking-care-of-others mode and neglect our own needs. I didn’t connect the dots when I was going through it at the time, but when my kids were really little I experienced symptoms that have been associated with postpartum depression. And, I was sleep-deprived — for years — which certainly affected my health. From my current perspective, I realize how much all of those things affected the
14
April 2020 • mnparent.com
quality of my day-to-day life. I can’t go back in time, but maybe YOU can learn from some of my missteps. I encourage you to be open and honest, first with yourself, and then with others if you’re having a hard time or not feeling well. Talk to someone you trust, whether that’s your spouse, a close friend or family member. If you’re experiencing symptoms of the “baby blues” or postpartum depression make an appointment and tell your doctor. (Find more information about postpartum depression at tinyurl.com/ppdfacts or go to ppsupportmn.org for local text, phone or email support.) If you sense someone you know may be struggling and you’re in a position to lighten their load, do so. Individuals, children and families with strong support systems are more likely to thrive.
Seek joy One way in which I’ve been intentional about finding joy in each day is by taking lots of pictures. I’ve been pretty good about this over the years, but I wish I
would’ve started this habit even earlier than I did! It may sound crazy to you right now, especially if you’re in the thick of the baby years, but the fact of the matter is you are going to forget many of the little details. When I look back at the pictures I have of my children when they were babies and toddlers, it shows me how much I’ve forgotten! But doing so triggers memories and helps me recall special moments and little details that otherwise would have been lost. Reflecting on positive images of family life can help preserve memories. It can also be a useful tool for building resilience. Although some people may criticize the act of creating and posting an overly positive “highlight reel” of our lives, for me, doing so has been an effective survival strategy for making it through the more difficult days. I love looking back at images I’ve printed, saved to my computer or uploaded to my blog. The practice of simply shifting my attention to the goodness reflected in the images evokes feelings of gratitude, joy and love and
SCHOOL-AGE STUFF
Wearable mantras
Inspirational and motivational cozy-knit tops abound on the Etsy store created by Southeast Minnesota mother of two and elementary-school counselor Katie Jeseritz. Her T-shirt offerings ($21.50) include socialemotional learning catchphrases about kindness and self-belief as well as delightfully cheeky counselor themes like: “You down with I.E.P.? Yeah, you know me.” — Megan Devine
DRAW • SCULPT • PAINT • EVENTS
CAMPS FILL UP FAST — REGISTER TODAY! Fun & educational art classes, workshops & camps for ages 3-adult Personalized parties for any event! Birthday · Scouts · Team Building · Adult
etsy.com/shop/CounselorMomDesigns
Summer art camps offered at our NEW STUDIO and through Community Ed
serves as a concrete reminder of how good my life really is — even if the moment before or after the picture was taken wasn’t as peaceful. Researchers are discovering that practicing gratitude can have lasting positive effects on your brain, which can contribute to improved mental health over time. If photos aren’t your thing, other forms of practicing gratitude could include keeping a journal or maybe even partnering with another parent to exchange a text a day of something that brought you joy. So there you go. My words of advice: Take care of yourself, because sometimes it is going to be hard. But don’t let these moments pass you by! Make a point to find joy in each day.
We can even bring the fun to you!
Studio 20700 Chippendale Ave., Farmington 55024 952-469-1234 • WatchMeCreate S tudio.com
Watch Me Create MNP 0320 H4_ValHome.indd 1
2/20/20 2:11 AM
Megan Devine is an elementary school teacher who lives with her husband and four school-age children in Northeastern Minnesota. Follow her blog — Kids, Lakes, Loons and Pines — at megdevine.com. mnparent.com • April 2020
15
Katie Dohman
WORLD’S OKAYEST MOM
The nausea is real Y
ou don’t realize how many TV shows and movies feature someone throwing up until you have a pregnancyinduced hair-trigger gag reflex. If I had to hazard a guess, I would say a solid 86 percent of them. I’m really sorry if you’re reading this and in this position — and just the mention of it sent you running for the bathroom. Really sorry. You may want to stop reading here. I remember once walking, green-faced, into my boss’s office, and being barely even able to open my mouth to say I needed to leave. He just pointed out his office door before I horked right then and there. On the way home, I got stuck behind a garbage truck — and it was really hot out. I burst into tears as I gagged, because who allowed it to be legal to drive a garbage truck on a hot day? More often than not, I came to the dinner table and cried because I found I could not eat the thing my husband made for dinner, even though I’d asked for it. I was SO hungry, and yet I could not put food in my mouth — except for Laffy Taffy, Sour Patch Kids and nearly frozen Honeycrisp apples. I had no idea how I could grow a child from that kind of diet. Or really stay alive myself. Brushing my teeth, eating a Reuben sandwich I had REALLY been craving, doing yoga, changing a diaper, catching the beachy smell of a bar of soap as I walked past the bathroom — you name it, I puked because of it. Right up until the end of all three pregnancies, the specter was always there, looming. Then came the lightning-bolt sciatica pain, which literally hobbled me getting to the bathroom in time.
16
April 2020 • mnparent.com
Super dignified stuff. Nothing like cleaning up a little puke off the floor while trying not to puke. (Sorry, again.) It was like a nine-month stomach flu on steroids, and all the while I was expected to be fully operational. And no, I didn’t suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum, though — believe me — I Googled! The nausea came and went through all three pregnancies — even if I didn’t always vomit. I ended up taking the antihistamine/
sleep aid Unisom (doxylamine succinate) and vitamin B6, a combination my midwife recommended for treating nausea. It took the edge off. When Diclegis (a prescription, timereleased form of doxylamine succinate and B6) came on the market, I took sample pills, but it was expensive and insurance didn’t cover it. I also tried all the home remedies, plus acupuncture. But, to be honest, anything that worked didn’t work for long.
Swedish Motors Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Minnesota
MN Chapter of Postpartum Support International
Text-Call-Email HelpLine
The Twin Cities’ premier independent Volvo Sales & Repair Shop Exceptional Customer Service
612-787-PPSM (7776) • ppsmhelpline@gmail.com MOM STUFF
A soulful tune
Provider Referrals. Peer Support. Local Resources. ppsmhelpline@gmail.com
London-born Twin Cities songbird Katy Vernon wields a big voice and a tiny instrument — the ukulele. I caught the sweet mother-daughter video for the dance-worthy,Pregnancy Postpartum Support MNP 0119 12.indd trumpet-laden In Your Shoes (For Daisy) and dissolved in a puddle of tears. The good kind. — Katie Dohman
1
Our Motto: Do it right or not at all!
Keen Attention to Detail
612-803-5661 www.swedishmotorsmn.com
Stop by and meet our newest team member, Willow!
12/13/18 Swedish 9:34 AMMotors MNP 0120 12.indd 1
12/3/19 11:17 AM
katyvernon.com • tinyurl.com/in-your-shoes
I was SO hungry, and yet I could not put food in my mouth — except for Laffy Taffy, Sour Patch Kids and nearly frozen Honeycrisp apples. I had no idea how I could grow a child from that kind of diet. Or really stay alive myself.
Healthy development starts at home. Find fun and easy ideas for infants, toddlers & pre-schoolers.
HelpMeGrowMN.org
These days, every so often I get a little phantom flutter in my belly, or I see someone rocking a bump, and I get a pang in my heart, too. There’s nothing like that sweet tension of not knowing whom you’re going to meet — or when. The pukes pass, even if it feels like it takes forever. But for me, missing that anticipation of total surprise, has not. Katie Dohman is currently living in the midst of a full-house renovation with her three kids, two pets and one husband. Follow her adventures at instagram.com/dohmicile. mnparent.com • April 2020
17
Maya Mason
#ADULTING
Why you need a moms’ group W
hen I realized I was pregnant, my initial feeling about joining an online moms’ group wasn’t positive, so I wasn’t all that interested. Then when I found out I was having twins — a big mental adjustment, to be sure — I heard the same advice over and over again: You’ll need support. You should join a moms of multiples group. Yet I still felt hesitant about it, despite everyone’s claims that this digital community would be a wonderful resource. So I decided to explore this apprehension and figure out where it was coming from. And that place was the media. Between TV shows and jokes on social media, everything I’d seen about mom groups had been negative: They were portrayed as places moms went to be judged by other moms, places where only competition and belittlement happened. However, if this were truly the case, what reason would any mother have for joining a moms’ group? So I joined a moms of multiples group on Facebook soon after my twins were born. This group exists almost entirely on Facebook, although I know some moms meet out in the real world. And now? I really can’t say enough good things about it — and the many smaller subgroups that I know exist because of it. There’s certainly the occasional judgmental comment or two, but for every one of those, there are probably at least 100 comments of support. For anyone who is belittled, there is someone to show empathy. And, from what I’ve found, there’s no competition, only camaraderie. It’s a place where one can get advice on
18
April 2020 • mnparent.com
There’s certainly the occasional judgmental comment or two, but for every one of those, there are probably at least 100 of support. any number of topics, kid-related or not. You can express fear or frustration without apprehension. I’m now a part of seven moms’ groups and my experiences are pretty much all the same. So, contrary to what the media would have you believe, I believe this supportive environment is the rule for moms’ groups, not the exception. If you’re experiencing apprehension about joining a moms’ group, you don’t have to. Take the leap. It’s possible that you could accidentally join a toxic moms’ group, but you could leave that one and find a new one. The right moms’ group is
worth your time and energy. The added support and peace of mind you receive is worth the effort. Here are my top three reasons to join a moms’ group: • A non-judgmental place to vent: There’s venting of every kind in a moms’ group, including topics such as mom stress, oblivious husbands, difficult family members and annoying school teachers. If you just need to hear someone say, “Oh, I get it,” a moms’ group is a great place to go. • Support for specific issues: If you have a new baby (or babies) and are lost,
MOMS’ GROUPS ON FACEBOOK → Mama Talk Minnesota 23,294 members, founded 2011 → Minnesota Moms 4,307 members, founded 2020 → Minneapolis Mamas #2 4,100 members, founded 2017
CHILDREN’S ETIQUETTE LESSONS • 6/24 • 7/29 GREAT FIRST IMPRESSIONS • TABLE SETTING DINING ETIQUETTE • DRESS ATTIRE • POSTURE CONVERSATION SKILLS
→ Minneapolis Moms 3,932 members, founded 2017
SIGN UP TODAY SAINTPAULHOTEL.COM • 651-292-9292
→ Twin Cities Moms 35+ 1,167 members, founded 2015 → Minnesota Mommies of Multiples 488 members, founded 2013
St Paul Hotel MNP 0320 12.indd 1
2/10/20 11:15 PM
→ Minneapolis Mamas with Multiples This secret group is made up of more than 4,000 mothers. It comes highly recommended, but it’s open by invitation only, so you’ll have to find a MoM friend who is on Facebook to arrange for an invite. It’s open to moms of multiples or moms expecting multiples within a 50-mile radius of Minneapolis.
trying to find your way, there’s nothing like thousands of newly experienced, just-did-that moms to help — or other brand-new moms to commiserate with, too. If your child gets a lot of ear infections, or is unusually tall, or is advanced in gymnastics, or loves doing homemade science experiments, or needs a specialist, or stained your favorite sweater or needs a new nanny — all of these challenges and more can be solved by a good moms’ group. • New friends (for you and your kid): A moms’ group is an ideal place to find some new mom friends and set up play dates for your child. Your kid can get some same-age social interaction and you can find some in-person support. For these reasons, and so many more, if you’re thinking about joining a moms’ group, do it. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Maya Mason is a juvenile corrections officer, diversity trainer and writer. She is a parent of toddler twins and lives in the Twin Cities.
• All inclusive tuition–including supplies, enrichment classes, and more • Reggio Emilia influences fully preparing children for kindergarten • Seven convenient Twin Cities' locations
NOW ENROLLING Infants through Pre-Kindergarten WWW.KINDErBErrYHILL.COM
Since 1968!
www.childrensdent.com The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit should occur shortly after the first tooth erupts and no later than the child’s first birthday.
The GREATEST gift you can give your child is the gift of healthy teeth!
Edina 952-831-4400 Burnsville 952-435-4102 Minnetonka 952-932-0920
LIMITED TIME OFFER!
$100 OFF ANY DENTAL SERVICE New patients only. Limit one per patient. Mention code “baby” to redeem. Can not be combined with other offers or used with state or federal programs.
Dentistry for Children MNP 0419 H4.indd 1
2/27/19 3:15 PM
mnparent.com • April 2020
19
Dr. David Clay
ASK THE OBGYN
A father’s birth story
T
he evening before Aaron’s birth, Nicole and I both got food poisoning. We both had a rough night, and in the early morning, Nicole was feeling particularly awful, despite drinking lots of fluid and walking around the apartment for a few hours. I kept recommending we go to the hospital for some IV fluids and medications; initially, she was hoping to avoid heading in, but at around 5 a.m., she agreed to go. I checked her cervix just before we left to see if maybe she was in labor (since she was saying she felt crampy, but had been denying outright contractions). Her cervix was still closed, but very soft.
In labor? Or not? As soon as Nicole was hooked up to the fetal monitors at the hospital, I could see
20
April 2020 • mnparent.com
that our baby was doing just fine. But Nicole was having contractions every three to four minutes. Her triage nurse checked her cervix and she was already 3 centimeters dilated, just 45 minutes after I’d checked her, so we were admitted to the labor and delivery department. Nicole’s labor nurse asked if she would like to walk around for an hour or so while labor progressed. She agreed, and off we went. Everything was initially very laidback, and I even checked in on a couple of my patients. After about 45 minutes of walking, Nicole’s contractions suddenly became much more intense, so we headed back to the labor room. Nicole’s nurse originally wasn’t going to recheck her cervix, since it had been less
than an hour. But at our request, she looked and found her to be dilated to 7 centimeters already. Labor was progressing quickly! At that point, Nicole requested an epidural and Dr. Amy Hammers (Nicole’s OBGYN) was updated on how quickly Nicole was progressing. We spent the next few minutes talking about expectations and tips for pushing.
Playing a new role I am frequently asked if I delivered Aaron. I always explain that I’m an OBGYN every day; I wanted to just be a dad for (at least that part of) the day. Also, in all honestly, I was pretty sure I was going to cry, and a small part of me was worried I’d start crying during the delivery and not be able to see. Then I’d
wind up dropping a baby for the first time ever, and I wasn’t about to chance that! Once it was time to push, Dr. Hammers was awesome at coaching and cheering on Nicole while I did the normal “dad job” and held back a leg, while encouraging her and telling her she was doing great. Nicole did a fantastic job at pushing and, in less than an hour, Aaron was born. As expected, Nicole and I both cried. Immediately, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of love, thankfulness and happiness. It was funny how someone I had just met could already mean so much to me. I was also so impressed with Nicole and how well she did with everything. Due to my frequent experience with the miracle of childbirth, I knew I was never going to have the typical dad experience during labor and delivery. That said, I was amazed with how quickly and smoothly everything progressed for Nicole as a first-time mom, and she still teases me about thinking she wasn’t in labor initially.
One year later As an OBGYN, my pediatric knowledge pretty much stops after the cord is cut. After Aaron’s birth, we faced a difficult learning curve, trying to figure out what he wanted or needed when he was fussy or why he wouldn’t sleep through the night, which was the case for his first nine months. I was always so jealous of people whose kids would sleep through the night after just a few weeks. We tried every sleeptraining trick out there, but nothing helped. The only benefit was we didn’t have to deal with the 4-month sleep regression, because we hadn’t made any progression to have lost! Today Aaron is super smiley and a very happy baby, which helps during the most difficult times, like when he screamed incessantly for no clear reason from
Immediately, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of love, thankfulness and happiness. It was funny how someone I had just met could already mean so much to me. 1-3 a.m. during his first eight months. It’s been crazy to see how much he’s changed in such a short amount of time, and we can understand now why parents frequently say “It goes by so fast.” In an instant, our little 6.5-pound baby has become a tiny person with an adorable little personality, talking more and more and chasing around our pet rabbit. When I was growing up, I always wanted to be two things — a doctor and a father. As an OBGYN, I absolutely love what I do, getting to help so many people — and being a part of their lives. Finally getting to experience the latter, though, has been a dream come true. Whether it’s my day off and Aaron and I are spending all day together, or I’m coming home from work and I haven’t seen him all day, Aaron is always happy to see me, has a huge smile on his face and is full of giggles. Father’s Day may officially be the third Sunday in June, but Aaron truly makes every day feel like Father’s Day. Dr. David Clay sees patients at Clinic Sofia, a leading OBGYN clinic known for its personalized approach to women’s health care with locations in Edina and Maple Grove. He is board certified with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Learn more at clinicsofia.com. mnparent.com • April 2020
21
Heidi Croatt
ON BEHAVIOR
Bath time and beyond How long can my kids bathe together? For the most part, it’s up to them! The key with nudity and privacy isn’t the age of the children, but rather the family culture around nudity and privacy. If your kids like taking baths together, let them! Our kids will tell us when they’re ready for more privacy. Some kids will simply state that they want to take a bath alone. But others might not think that’s an option if they’ve only ever bathed with a sibling. So, you may need to look for other clues. If your children start to shut the door when they get dressed, or turn around when they change their clothes, take this as a sign that they desire privacy. Start to give them opportunities to have time alone, and don’t force them to bathe with a sibling. I know it saves time, and it might help younger siblings with their bath time. But it’s important to notice your child’s cues for privacy and take them seriously. Another clue that it’s time to separate kids during bath time is if you notice that one child is looking at or touching another child and it’s making them uncomfortable. At some point, kids who bathe together will notice each other’s bodies. They might look at — or want to touch — various body parts. Simply use that situation as an opportunity to practice proper labeling and reinforce rules about appropriate touch. You can say something like: “That’s your brother’s penis; you have one, too! But remember, we don’t touch other people’s private parts, just like no one should be touching yours. Do you have questions
22
April 2020 • mnparent.com
If your children start to shut the door when they get dressed, or turn around when they change their clothes, take this as a sign that they desire privacy. about your brother’s body?” This calls attention to the behavior, lets your children know they can talk about their bodies and reinforces your family value about appropriate touch. If the behavior continues — or if the other child is clearly uncomfortable after the first time it happens — start to offer separate baths.
You don’t want either child to feel that this is a big deal, or that they’re to “blame” for stopping joint bath time. But you do want to make sure everyone is comfortable, including you! Ultimately, if your kids (boys or girls — gender doesn’t change my answer here) still like to bathe together and everyone seems comfortable with it, let them do it!
When should I stop letting my kids see me naked? Again, it comes down to your family culture. Your kids can keep seeing you naked as long as you, and they, are comfortable. There’s no rule about when you need to cover up your body. But most
The key with nudity and privacy isn’t the age of the children, but rather the family culture around nudity and privacy. of us will know when it’s time. Perhaps you notice your son’s gaze lingers a little longer than usual as you get out of the shower. If you’re acutely aware of this moment, you might be feeling uncomfortable. So, just make a mental note to grab a towel earlier next time. The important thing is that you don’t overreact in that moment. Your initial response might be to slam the door shut, or quickly grab something to cover your body, or yell “Shut the door!” But this might make it seem like your child did something wrong. Just bring your towel closer to the shower next time or bring a robe with you into the bathroom. There’s no need to have a big discussion about it; just respect your own desire for privacy, and make that change. You can certainly also follow up with your child another time and say “I noticed you were looking at my body when I got out of the shower the other day, did you have any questions about it?” A lot of kids won’t take that opportunity to talk, but it might be a great conversation starter for some families! At the end of the day, you and your family get to decide how you use nudity and privacy: There’s no rule you need to follow. Heidi Croatt is a professor and researcher who lives in Maple Grove with her husband and their two young kids. She holds a Ph.D. in family communication and regularly speaks to parenting groups with her program, Beyond Birds and Bees: Communicating Your Values to Raise Sexually Healthy Kids. Follow her on Instagram @beyondbirdsandbees.
You may be eligible to participate in a study to prevent postpartum smoking relapse. • Pregnant women who are 18-40 years old • Quit smoking during your current pregnancy • Interested in remaining quit after your baby arrives Study is aiming to prevent smoking relapse in postpartum women.
Please contact us today. University of Minnesota Tobacco Research 612-624-5439 hinm0008@umn.edu U of M Tobacco Research MNP 0320 H4.indd 1
2/13/20 10:37 AM
mnparent.com • April 2020
23
Deborah Simmons
FERTILITY
What is gestational surrogacy? T
he path to parenting isn’t always easy. One in eight heterosexual couples in the U.S. have trouble building a family the old-fashioned way. LGBT and single parents-to-be need help from others to fulfill the dream of parenting. Increasingly, people are turning to gestational surrogacy as a way to build a family. Gestational surrogacy is a process in which a woman, called a gestational carrier or surrogate, contracts with intended parents to carry a child for them, using another woman’s eggs. Thanks to the process of IVF (in vitro fertilization), a gestational carrier doesn’t have any genetic tie to the child and relinquishes all rights and responsibilities for the child after delivery. “Traditional surrogacy,” which refers to a woman who donates her egg and carries a pregnancy for another, isn’t practiced by fertility clinics in Minnesota — and is deeply discouraged — due to emotional and legal factors. At our clinic, which specializes in infertility and pregnancy loss counseling and assisted reproduction, we don’t use the term “surrogate mother,” which implies motherhood. Gestational carriers are very clear that they’re not the mother of a child they’re carrying. With gestational surrogacy, there’s a rigorous medical, psychological and legal process to ensure safety for all parties. It’s important to work with mental health professionals and reproductive attorneys who understand the nuances of surrogacy. Gestational carriers often work within the protection of a surrogacy agency.
24
April 2020 • mnparent.com
Private matches are another way that surrogates and intended parents work together. Some matches are found among personal networks and some on Internet sites and Facebook groups. Note: It’s crucial that a gestational carrier has previously given birth, in large part so that she can provide informed consent.
Why do people chose this path? A variety of medical problems can prevent a woman from carrying her own child to term. This could include repeated miscarriages, cancer, lack of a uterus, chronic pain, diabetes, a prior traumatic delivery and autoimmune disorders, among others. Surrogacy offers hope to intended parents who have often been through years of prior fertility treatment and trauma or who have been left out from the opportunity to parent. LGBT parents-to-be often need the help
of a woman who is kind enough to carry a child for someone else, as well as donor sperm, or eggs or embryos. At our clinic, we follow the guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, which protect intended parents and gestational carriers. Informed consent
LEARN MORE → American Society for Reproductive Medicine, asrm.org. → Resolve, The National Infertility Association, resolve.org → My Surrogacy Journey, tinyurl.com/journey-uprooted, written by Jill Wolfe of Minneapolis, a board member of the newly formed group Uprooted: A Jewish Communal Response to Fertility Journeys at weareuprooted.org.
↑ Labor of Love, a surrogacy/IVF/open adoption keepsake figurine by Etsy artist Dana Pecoraro/The Midnight Orange captures the spirit of gestational surrogacy.
It’s important to work with mental health professionals and reproductive attorneys who understand the nuances of surrogacy.
GET HELP 612.825.0000
GIVE HELP 612.825.3333
TUBMAN.ORG and transparency throughout the pregnancy are key to ensuring a respectful process and a good outcome. Intended parents have a variety of emotions about the possibility of coming home with a living baby, after years of trying: Many women and their partners grieve the loss of the pregnancy experience. Grief and/or jealousy are very normal in this process. There can also be a sense of hope and opportunity. Friendships between the surrogate and intended parents may be lifelong. Everyone is changed by the experience. Costs for families on this path can include agency fees; legal fees; counseling fees; the cost of IVF; and the costs of health coverage and other expenses for the surrogate. Most estimates put the cost of using a gestational carrier at about $80,000-$100,000. Minnesota is considered a surrogacyfriendly state based on case law, but there is no statute that protects it. While most surrogacy-related legal proceedings go well, there’s no guarantee.
Who are gestational carriers? Women who offer to be gestational carriers for others genuinely enjoy being
pregnant, but they often don’t want to have more children. Their past pregnanTubman helps people of all ages cies and deliveries have been easy. and genders facing relationship These women want to serve and meet violence, sexual exploitation, addiction, mental health challenges, a need. They feel deeply for those who are or other forms of trauma. suffering to build their families. Some women have a tenderness for LGBT parents-to-be, who face obstacles in Tubman Center MNP filler V6.indd 1 11/21/17 3:56 PM Sharing and Caring Hands achieving their dreams of parenting. For Needs Your Help! some, being a gestational carrier is a religious calling. Compensated agreements are contracts in which the gestational carrier receives financial compensation for incurred expenses that come along with the process and the gestation. In compassionate surrogacy agreeYour donations provide: • Showers • Meals • Help with ments, the surrogate, usually a close friend Emergency Needs • Shoes • Shelter or family member, offers to carry a • Clothing • Medical & Dental • A Safe Haven for People Living on pregnancy without fees. Services • Beds the Streets • Household Goods • Glasses Altruism is the primary motivation in • Toys • Food good surrogacy arrangements, whether or 92% of your donations go to serve the needs of the poor not compensation is involved. Surrogates help people to become parents and to Tax Deductible Donations can be sent to: Sharing and Caring Hands enjoy the blessings they’ve had with their 525 No. 7th St. Mpls, MN 55405 own children. Deborah Simmons, PhD, and Debbie Fischer, MA, are co-owners of partners (in)fertility in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood of Minneapolis and members of the American Society for Reproductive medicine. Learn more at partnersinfertility.net.
Name Address City/State/Zip ❍ Check ❍ Visa ❍ MC Card# Exp. For information or to donate online: www.sharingandcaringhands.org
/
/
mnparent.com • April 2020
Sharing and Caring GA 2013 Filler V6.indd 1
25
6/28/13 1:29 PM
Tiffany King
IN THE KITCHEN
HEAT AND
EAT
26
April 2020 • mnparent.com
You need only four ingredients for this recipe, which means it can be made on your busiest days. Need a simple holiday meal for Easter? Done! Let your slow cooker do the work — while you tidy the house.
Tracy Walsh Photography MNP 0419 H6.indd 1
3/7/19 4:29 PM
SLOW-COOKER HAM AND SWEET POTATOES 1 boneless ham, about 2 pounds 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and quartered 4 tablespoons salted butter, cut into pats ¼ cup maple syrup, honey or brown sugar (optional) Salt and black pepper
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Place the ham in a slow cooker. Pile the sweet potatoes on top of and around the ham. Scatter the butter pats over the ham and sweet potatoes. Drizzle everything with the maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours. Serve hot. Source: Eat at Home Tonight: 101 Simple Busy-Family Recipes for Your Slow Cooker, Sheet Pan, Instant Pot and More. Copyright 2018 by Tiffany King. Published by WaterBrook, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House.
Get Minnesota Parent delivered to your home
Name: Address: City, State, Zip: n Payment by check enclosed (please make checks payable to Minnesota Premier Publications)
$18.00 for one year (12 issues).
Fax completed form to 612.436.4396 or mail to Minnesota Parent Subscriptions 1115 Hennepin Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55403
n Charge to credit card (check one) n MasterCard n Visa n Discover n AMEX Card #: Signature: Subscriptions MNP 2020 H4 filler.indd 1
Expires:
612.825.9205 mnparent.com 3/19/20 1:42 PM
mnparent.com • April 2020
27
Ed Dykhuizen
BOOKSHELF
Tough enough for bebe Board books shot up in popularity in the 2010s, and for good reason: Parents are reading to babies and toddlers earlier and more often — and Lord knows paper pages don’t last long in grabby little hands. Stay out of the book-repair business with these durable new titles!
If you don’t mind letting your baby see you cry (and why would you?), try this heartwarming exploration of the powerful bond between a mother and her child. The mom works outside of the home, and assures her daughter: “Though we’re not together, we’re never truly apart, because you’re always on my mind and you’re always in my heart.”
Only slightly less unrelenting than The First Lady of Flight herself is the Ordinary People Change the World series, which supplemented its dozen-plus books for ages 5-8 with this toddler-friendly version and others about Abraham Lincoln, Jane Goodall, Martin Luther King Jr., Marie Curie and Walt Disney — and more on the way!
The Bedtime Classics series gives kids early exposure to great literature through simple, actionoriented text and beautiful, colorful illustrations. If this one proves a hit, you can follow it with versions of The Nutcracker, The Wizard of Oz and A Little Princess, with more coming soon. Ages 0-3 • $7.99
Ages 2-5 • $7.99
All ages • $7.99
Ed Dykhuizen is an associate editor at Minnesota Parent and father of three, who lives in St. Paul.
28
April 2020 • mnparent.com
Keep your child safe.
More than 60,000 young children end up in emergency rooms every year because they got into medicines while their parent or caregiver was not looking. Always put every medicine and vitamin up and away every time you use it. Also, program your poison control center’s number in your phone: 800.222.1222.
To learn more, visit UpandAway.org In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Giggles are all but guaranteed from the Seussian silliness of this counting book. A series of enthusiastic animals join the tutu-appreciation party with lines like “I know a ewe with a new tutu,” and “We two tunas love tutus too!”
Up and Away MNP 2012 Filler H6.indd 1
3/27/12 4:52 PM
Enjoy
Ages 2-4 • $7.99
Check out our family friendly midweek lakeside vacation and our midweek family holiday packages. Both packages include lodging, restaurant credits, use of indoor pool, kids playground, beach lake swimming and so much more. Call or visit our website today. 800.432.3777
breez ypointresor t.com
Why do dragons have to be scary? When a Dragon Moves In was a hit with the school-age kids; now toddlers get their own celebration of a boy’s friendship with a big red beast. The duo is both boisterous and warmhearted, serving as a fun, positive model for behavior. Ages 0-3 • $7.99 Breezy Point Resort MNP 0420 V2.indd 1
3/6/20 11:56 AM
mnparent.com • April 2020
29
Courtney Godfrey kicks back in her Minneapolis home. Photo by Sarah Karnas Photography
30
April 2020 • mnparent.com
A new normal I had come to accept my new identify as an amputee, but I didn’t know: How would it affect my son? BY COURTNEY GODFREY
Our children will never know their mother with two legs,” I said behind suppressed tears. I could tell my husband’s eyes were red from crying, and yet this comment brought a most sincere smile to his face. “This will be one of the greatest gifts you ever give our children,” he said. We were less than 48 hours into a terrifying new reality, and I was already starting to process all the ways in which my life would never be the same. The children who weren’t yet in our plans were top of mind. As I looked down at the bandaged remains of my left leg, I couldn’t yet see how this was a “gift,” as he called it.
Courtney Godfrey — at 361/2 weeks pregnant — looks forward to the arrival of her son, Callan. Her dog, Bruno, is adjusting to the idea. Photo by Sarah Karnas Photography
The doctors were optimistic when they delivered the news: I would be an amputee, they told me. But prosthetic technology would allow me to live a normal life.
A boat propeller, in a shocking accident on a Minnesota lake, had sliced through my foot in a way that left little to salvage below the knee. The doctors were optimistic when they delivered the news: I would be an amputee, they told me, but prosthetic technology would allow me to live a normal life. Learning to walk again was frustrating and painful, and so was the way I was looked at by society. The stares were undeniable and it cut like a knife. Even worse than watching adults avert their eyes in shame — once I caught them looking — was the way they tried to extinguish their children’s raging curiosity when they caught sight of me. I remember one of the first times I was brave enough to go shopping on my own. I was making my way down the aisles of Target in one of those motorized scooters when I saw a pair of young boys fixated on my leg. I didn’t need to hear what they said to their mother; her look of desperation to distract their attention away from me was a reaction I saw all too often from parents. I scooted closer. “Pretty different to see a metal leg, huh?” I prompted. “Do you have any questions?” One of the boys shook his head “no,” as they both clung tighter to their mother’s hip. Content with their decision, I made my way to the next aisle and continued with my shopping. Only a moment had passed when I saw the boys pop their heads around the corner. Timidly, they started toward me — their mom in tow. “Did you want to ask her something?” their mother asked them. “How does it work?” the one started. We had a short but nice chat, and when they were satisfied, they continued on their way. The same mom who only minutes earlier looked horrified over her children’s curiosity was now thanking me. In my more than two years as an amputee (the accident in was in 2017), I’ve had many interactions like this. Parents are so embarrassed — when their children loudly voice their curiosity over my physical difference — that they just want to run away. But they’re missing a wonderful opportunity to normalize disabilities. I was thumbing through social media recently when I came across a post about this exact topic. The author’s advice was to take your child’s focus away from the disability to normalize the situation and put the focus on the person’s humanity and similarities to everyone else. For example, if your child asks, “Why is that man in a wheelchair?”, a great response would be, “So he can go to the store like us. Do you like to go to the store?” Depending on their age, children may continue their line of mnparent.com • April 2020
33
Ryan Novaczyk and Courtney Godfrey admire their son, Callan “Cal” Novaczyk, in their Minneapolis home. Photo courtesy of Rachel Resch Photography
questioning, but by diverting attention away from the disability in your answers, the author argued, you can nurture a truly inclusive mindset. In the past, when friends and coworkers asked for my advice about how to respond to their children’s questioning, I encouraged them to introduce themselves to the person. For example, “My son/daughter was just admiring your cool leg/wheelchair. I hope it’s OK that we came and said hello.” Most of the time, the individual will not
only engage with your child, but they will also be appreciative of your initiative and — frankly — that you treated them like a normal human being. I’ve lately wondered how I would react if I was in their situation, if my accident had never happened and I was a mother with two legs with no understanding of what it was like to live with a disability. Would I naively assume the individual didn’t see my child point from across the room? (They did, by the way.) Would I choose a private conversation in the car
I’d become really good at normalizing my disability through conversations with children, but what would happen when they were my son’s classmates? 34
April 2020 • mnparent.com
instead of an introduction? Would I scold my children for their innocent curiosity? I fear the answer to all those questions would be yes. When we first saw our baby on the ultrasound — his tiny little arms and legs bouncing around on the screen — those fears I had in the hospital came flooding back. I’d become really good at normalizing my disability through conversations with children, but what would happen when they were my son’s classmates? With great angst, I anticipated the day when another child asks him about his mother’s leg and why she looks different. I could already feel his confusion and embarrassment. I worried about the bully on the playground, who would take an interest in his mother’s unique physical appearance. And ultimately, I worried how all this would
STUDY UP Follow these six easy tips when talking to kids about disabilities: · It’s OK to notice. · Use respectful terminology. · Emphasize similarities. · Teach understanding and empathy. · Address bullying. · Treat devices with respect. For more info, visit: tinyurl.com/not-so-different
shape him. Would it make him defensive and angry or sensitive and confident? Like most parents, I want my child to have the most normal upbringing possible. But even as I type this, I wonder what “normal” truly means. Maybe my limb difference will be so normal to my son that it won’t affect him at all. Or maybe, it will be the “greatest gift,” just as my husband said it would be. My son is too young now to know that I’m different, but I anticipate the day when he looks at my prosthetic and asks, “What’s that?” I look forward to showing him that his mom is just as strong, just as confident and just as able as the other moms. Most important, I look forward to showing him that love and beauty transcend physical abilities. I surfaced from the water that day and I survived that accident — not so I could be a voice, a mentor and an advocate for others living with limb loss. That’s just a bonus. I survived that accident so I could be Callan’s mommy. One leg or two, I’m the most qualified person for the job, and I can’t wait for the day when that kid in Target is my own. Courtney Godfrey is a reporter with Fox 9 in the Twin Cities.
1
2
3
4 Photos by Sarah Karnas Photography
My prosthesis: How it works My prosthetic is molded and crafted just for me, so I can get a snug and comfortable fit (or at least that’s the hope). There are a variety of suspension systems you can use to keep a prosthetic attached. I use a pin-lock system. To put on my leg, I first put on my liner, which is kind of like a tight-fitting sock and has a metal pin at the bottom. Much like when a key slides into a lock, when I slide my leg into the carbon fiber socket, the pin locks into a chamber at the bottom of the socket and I’m locked in. Growing a baby wasn’t easy on my body, due to wearing a prosthetic; and caring for a newborn has its own challenges. The biggest hurdle is when the baby wakes in the middle of the night. Amputees don’t sleep with their prosthetics on, so imagine having to put on your socks and lace up a pair of shoes every time you have to rock or nurse a baby back to sleep. For that reason, he was still sleeping in a bassinet next to my bed at 5 months old. It isn’t ideal. But, like everything, I adapt! — Courtney Godfrey
36
April 2020 • mnparent.com
When sleep won’t come Feeling tired as a new mom is normal, but postpartum insomnia is not. BY RACHEL GUYAH
I
suppose it was sometime after 2 a.m. when I found myself curled up in the corner of my bedroom closet, clutching my phone as I contemplated driving to the ER. Six hours had passed since I locked myself in the bedroom. Exiled from my husband, preschooler and 5-day-old newborn, my mission was simple: Sleep. But sleep … it would not come. Sweaty and shaking, my fingers typed out the fears festering within: “Can you die from lack of sleep?” “How long can you live without sleep?” “Can the hospital give you a drug that MAKES you sleep?”
It was my sixth straight night of virtually no sleep. My body, my mind, my sanity — all were unraveling at warp speed. Like a starving street dog, I slobbered up any scraps of slumber I could scavenge. An hour here. Forty-five minutes (way) over there. I slept maybe 1-2 hours a day that entire first week. My head throbbed. My eyes burned. My body shivered; then I was sweating, shivering and sweating again. Like a mad, caged bird, my heart banged furiously against my chest — the sound of which sent me into a panic and stole any shot of shut-eye. I felt broken. Bereft. Betrayed by my own body. What’s WRONG with me? I thought. Why can’t I just sleep?
Aren’t all moms tired?
When it comes to the seismic shift to new motherhood, few women survive without at least a few sleep scars. “Sleep concerns are basically universal in new motherhood,” said Dr. Michelle Wiersgalla, a psychiatrist at Park Nicollet who specializes in working with women who have mental health concerns related to pregnancy, postpartum, infertility and reproductive loss. Indeed, sleep deprivation has become synonymous with mom life. “Sleep now … while you can!” veteran moms like to premonish pregnant women. Moms are bombarded with memes and marketing messages that perpetuate — even glorify — the “mombie” image of mothers as frazzled, sleepless martyrs who subsist on a steady stream of coffee and wine. But the tired-mom trope can make it hard for women to know what’s normal — and more important: not normal — when it comes to sleep issues. And if a new mom’s symptoms spiral into fullblown insomnia, she may simply chalk it up to motherhood instead of seeking help. Such was the case for Sarah Tucker, a writer, journalist and mom of two based in
38
April 2020 • mnparent.com
Los Angeles. “For me, it was really sort of wrapped up in this experience of becoming a new mom,” she said. “It was this horrible feeling of ‘No, actually, you will never sleep again. You’ve had a baby; you’ve become a mother.’” For some women, insomnia can strike immediately after birth (this was me). For others, like Tucker, it may take weeks — even months — for the fangs to fully sprout. But once they do, the bite can be brutal. When Tucker’s daughter was about 6 months old, she blessedly began sleeping longer stretches at night. And yet every night, like clockwork, Tucker’s body continued to wake every two hours. And once awake, she’d be up for hours and hours. “You feel weirdly ... broken,” Tucker said. “Your body is just doing something insane, because it’s refusing to do something it desperately needs.”
A vicious cycle
I, too, had felt broken. It was as if my body had, quite literally, forgotten how to sleep. The concept of sleep became this unnatural, unobtainable prize hovering just above me while I flailed around in quicksand. And the more I chased it, the more it evaded me. This is common with insomnia, I learned. Once you start losing sleep, your body and your brain get all revved up, which in turn makes it harder to sleep. And the vicious cycle continues. “With true insomnia, parents may find that they feel excessively irritable or anxious about the sleep problems, and those emotional symptoms can often exacerbate the sleep troubles,” Wiersgalla said. Your body also becomes hyper-aroused once insomnia takes hold, which can flood your system with cortisol, adrenaline and other stress hormones. The result? Faster heartbeat, shallower breathing and spiked blood pressure, among other manifestations. (Good luck sleeping with all that going on.)
Sleep deprivation also messes with your memory, mood and general brain functioning. “Being so tired makes you question yourself in a really scary way,” said Tucker. “You’re not sure if you’re perceiving things correctly. You really can’t process your emotions in the same way.” Tucker said she was afraid to even get in the car and drive (a fear I shared during my descent). In some ways, that fear is valid: Studies have shown that getting behind the wheel while sleep-deprived can be as dangerous as driving intoxicated (!).
Reprieve and relapse
The next day I called my OB, sobbing, and begged her for Xanax. (It had helped me through bouts of anxiety in my early 20s.) She prescribed precisely one pill — and instructed me to see her the next day. That night, I swallowed the pale orange pill and waited for relief to set in. Within 20 minutes, I felt the panic and palpitations flee my body. A sense of calm cradled my skin. When I crawled into bed, something amazing happened: I actually slept. For four glorious hours. I wept like a
baby, overcome with relief. But my road to recovery was long. This was only the beginning. I saw my doctor the next day, who hugged me and prescribed more Xanax until I could see the psychiatrist a few weeks later. (I think we were both scared I might need to be admitted if I didn’t start sleeping again ASAP.) Once I saw the psychiatrist, we switched to Klonopin, another benzodiazepine, (a class of drugs known to relax the brain, muscles and nervous system). Showing compassion and concern, she agreed we needed to bust out of this cycle of insomnia, for the sake of my sleep, health and sanity — even if that escape plan included a prescription (for now). Over the next two months, I continued to sleep, but only 3-4 hours a night. The pill knocked me out for a few hours, but once I awoke, I’d immediately be on alert — eyes open, heart pounding, mind racing. I’d lay in bed for hours, then surrender shortly after sunrise. I never really knew how much sleep I was going to get — or if my body was even going to let me sleep. This relentless uncertainty terrified me and wreaked havoc on my (already fragile) postpartum state. Apathy, anger, sorrow, panic — I felt these, deeply, on a daily basis. The slightest hiccup in my day (Baby won’t nap! We’re out of yogurt!) would leave me shattered. I gave up breastfeeding and my husband took over all night feeding shifts — a decision that still haunts me with guilt. During the day, he and my mother swooped in to help care for both boys, as I was basically useless.
← A low point: Days after her second son, Grant, was born, Rachel Guyah suffered from severe — nearly nonstop — insomnia. When Grant was about 3 months old, her insomnia had come back after a brief respite. She snapped this photo anyway so she could remember the time, including the good (her son!) and the bad (her exhaustion).
A couple months in, my sleep nosedived further, despite increasing the dosage of my medication several times to try and combat it. At the same time, I became terrified of being shackled to a potentially highly addictive medicine that wasn’t even helping all that much (anymore). Desperate, I met with my psychiatrist who introduced another medication, Remeron — an anti-depressant with sedative properties. She also wisely recommended cognitive behavioral therapy (more on that treatment option below). While on Remeron, I still woke, like clockwork, after the first 3-4 hours. But this time, my body could actually fall back asleep. It was a light, restless sleep, punctuated by several wake-sleep cycles, but at least I could fall back asleep. Clocking in 5-6 hours of sleep each night, I felt my sanity and sleep confidence slowly returning. I started to feel human again — an exhausted, fragile specimen of one, but a human no less. Maybe I’ll claw my way out of this nightmare after all, I thought.
The (many) causes
No one knows for sure what causes postpartum insomnia, though it appears many factors may be at play. For some women, it’s the hyper-vigilance and anxiety of having to care for such a tiny, helpless being. Newborns’ erratic, round-the-clock schedules can also really mess with a mom’s circadian rhythm, the internal body clock that regulates daily sleep-wake patterns. Lack of exercise and sunlight can throw off sleep patterns, too. Hormones may play a large role as well: For example, allopregnanolone, a metabolite of progesterone, has been shown to promote relaxation and sleep by acting on GABA receptors in our brain. “GABA can be thought of as a brake pedal for the brain,” said Wiersgalla. “Substances that act on GABA
WHERE TO FIND HELP Park Nicollet Health Services parknicollet.com | 952-993-3307 → Numerous psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists specializing in postpartum mental health concerns, including insomnia; → A free twice-monthly, drop-in support group for new moms feeling sad, anxious or overwhelmed. Psychotherapy & Healing Associates phawellness.com | 612-296-3800 → Compassionate counseling and medication management for postpartum women; → Tele-psychiatry (remote appointments) available for those without transportation or childcare; → Weekly emotional coping skills group for mothers of young children struggling with depression, anxiety and the challenges of motherhood. Pregnancy & Postpartum Support Minnesota ppsupportmn.org | 612-787-7776 → Free email, text and phone support from trained mental health professionals, including survivors of pregnancy or postpartum disorders; → Support resources for postpartum women living in the Twin Cities and rural Minnesota. Go! to Sleep shop.clevelandclinicwellness.com → Six-week online course for a $40 flat fee; → Uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-i) strategies to identify and reframe thoughts and behaviors interfering with the ability to sleep.
mnparent.com • April 2020
39
often cause some degree of drowsiness and/or reduce anxiety symptoms.” This may explain why many women feel so tired during the first trimester, when progesterone rapidly rises. Fast forward to after delivery, when progesterone levels rapidly plummet the first 24 to 48 hours. This dramatic drop may trigger sleep and mood disturbances for women, particularly those who may be sensitive to hormonal changes. Speaking of hormones, roughly 5 to 10% of women experience thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid gland, in the months after giving birth. Thyroiditis can make the thyroid become both overactive (hyperthyroidism) and underactive (hypothyroidism) — the former of which can cause anxiety, hot flashes, rapid
40
April 2020 • mnparent.com
heartrate and — yup — insomnia. On the mood front, research has revealed a strong, reciprocal link between insomnia and postpartum depression/ anxiety: People with postpartum anxiety or depression often have insomnia as a symptom — and conversely, insomnia can in turn worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression. Whether insomnia is the chicken or the egg, it’s important to get it addressed.
Pathways to recovery
My own road to recovery started with prescription medication, but key lifestyle changes helped yank me out of it. Ear plugs, chamomile tea, white noise, OTC sleep aids, a guided meditation app, progressive muscle relaxation exercises
↑ A bit better: A month after the low point picture, Rachel Guyah was starting to feel more like herself, but she still wasn’t back to normal. As a birthday present to her mother, she participated in a photo shoot with her husband, Tim, and sons, Grant, 4 months, and Hendrix, 4 years.
— none of these helped. But here’s what I did: • No caffeine: I cut out all caffeine for a while, despite how bone-tired I was. • Magnesium: I started taking magnesium supplements in the evening. (Magnesium can reduce stress and promote relaxation by increasing GABA in the brain.) • Outside time: I made sure to get at least 30 minutes of fresh air every day — rain, shine or snow.
• Running: Perhaps most important of all: I took up running. There was something wildly liberating — and cathartic — about bolting out the front door (sometimes quite literally) and sprinting full-speed away from my fears, tears and anxiety. (Numerous studies have shown how exercise can improve not only your mood and mindset, but also your sleep — including sleep for postpartum women.) For Tucker — whose own recovery attempts included exercise, acupuncture, Ambien and medical marijuana — working with a therapist who specialized in CBT-i (cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) became the golden ticket. “She was amazing,” Tucker said. “She absolutely cured me.” CBT-i is a fairly new treatment option for insomnia, but research is revealing it’s
incredibly effective. With CBT-i, patients track their sleep patterns and habits, after which the therapist crafts a personalized treatment plan utilizing various techniques. Techniques might include things like relaxation training and biofeedback, stimulus control, sleep restriction (limiting time in bed) and many others. Learning good “sleep hygiene” is another component of CBT-i, and something I implemented in my own recovery. Tips include limiting caffeine and alcohol; keeping a consistent bedtime; exercising regularly; and keeping your room cool, quiet and dark. If you do go the medication route, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to end your breastfeeding journey. “There are lots of medications available to treat insomnia, and many are safe enough to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding,” said Wiersgalla.
Once sleep starts to improve again, it can often “retrain” the parts of the brain that regulate sleep, and you can taper off the medicine after a while.
A message of hope
I’m now 18 months out and nearly (but not fully) 100% recovered. I’m happy to report that most nights I don’t even think about sleep. It just happens. And that’s a beautiful, beautiful thing I’ll never take for granted again. Insomnia plunges you into total darkness. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay there. “It’s not normal. This is not what motherhood should be,” Tucker said. “If something isn’t working, keep looking. Because there’s gotta be a way.” Rachel Guyah is a Twin Cities-based writer and mother of two young boys. See more of her work at rachelguyah.com.
mnparent.com • April 2020
41
FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ®
NEXT STOP: SUMMER
GET SPECIAL DEALS YMCA SUMMER BLAST OFF Monday, April 13 - Friday, April 24 42
April 2020 • mnparent.com
SAVE $25 on registration
SUMMER POWER
SAVE $10 per session
SUMMER SPORTS CAMP SUMMER UPROAR
Grades K – 5
Grades 1 – 6
Grades 6 – 8
SAVE $25 on registration
Summer Power is your answer to quality care and exciting adventures. We offer flexible 3-, 4-, and 5-day options. No two weeks are alike! Weekly themes and weekly field trips.
Youth will have the opportunity to learn new skills, practice and play new sports. Y Summer Sports is a safe, fun, non-competitive sports program designed to build teamwork, leadership skills and self-esteem.
Uproar provides an exciting combination of spirited adventure and growth. Teens get their first taste of leadership as they help to plan their summer activities and participate in weekly field trips.
YMCA Programs & Camps OVERNIGHT CAMPS
FAMILY CAMPS
DAY CAMPS
CAMP ST. CROIX / Hudson, WI Ages 7-17 Campers participate in a wide variety of traditional camp activities or select a specialty camp such as horseback riding, rock climbing, sailing and canoeing. Threeday, one-week or two-week sessions.
CAMP DU NORD / Ely, Mn CAMP NORTHERN LIGHTS / Babbit, Mn
Ages 4 - 14 With camps located at 8 accessible sites throughout the metro area, YMCA Day Camps provide a week full of exciting camp activities like canoeing, archery, fishing, camp crafts, cookouts, swimming and more! Day camps facilitate a great introduction to camping in a safe environment. Kids are home each night. Before & After Care and Bus Transportation is available.
CAMP ICAGHOWAN / Lake Wapogasset Ages 7-17 Icaghowan offers traditional camp and a variety of unique specialty camps focused on activities such as horseback riding, and canoeing. Three-day, one-week or two-week sessions. CAMP IHDUHAPI / Lake Independence Ages 7-17 Ihduhapi offers youth a traditional experience or specialty camps such as horseback riding and climbing. Three-day, one-week or two-week sessions.
CAMP WARREN / Half Moon Lake Ages 7-17 Camp Warren offers girls-only sessions the first part of the summer and boys-only sessions later in the summer. Camp Warren has a strong tradition of progressive activities including sailing, archery, tennis, photography and horseback riding.
All Ages Our family camps offer a totally unique 3-day, 4-day and week long camping experiences for families. Cozy cabins range from rustic to upscale. Tent camping sites are also available. Hiking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, nature and arts programs are offered as family activities and for children’s age groups. Relax at days end with a sauna.
TEEN WILDERNESS ADVENTURES CAMP MENOGYN / Gunflint Trail Ages 12-18 There are no roads leading to Menogyn, all campers cross West Bearskin Lake by boat to arrive at this beautiful wilderness setting. Our focus is on the small group guided wilderness canoeing, backpacking and rock climbing trips that are safe, fun and enriching.
CAMP WIDJIWAGAN / Burntside Lake, Ely Ages 11-18 Widji offers high-quality canoe and backpacking adventures in the BWCAW and throughout North America. Widji wilderness trips are focused on respect and values that build skills for life and a relationship with the environment that is unparalleled.
SPECIALTY CAMPS Develop a greater passion for the things you love, or try out something new at one of our YMCA specialty camps! Campers spend a portion of each day in their specialized activity. The remainder of the day is spent enjoying traditional camp activities.
SAVE $25
PER OVERNIGHT & TEEN WILDERNESS SESSIONS
SAVE $10
PER DAY CAMP SESSION
April 13 - 24
Register online today: ymcamn.org/summer Membership not required. Financial assistance available.
mnparent.com • April 2020
43
20-SP20
Call for more information: 612-230-9622
CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS Morris Area Community Education's Camp Alpha
Suit up for the ultimate space science mission, launching in 3, 2, 1—CAMP ALPHA 2020! Explore the world of space, principles of flight, air powered and solid fuel powered rockets, and construct your own rocket to launch sky high at the end of this four-day camp. Do you accept this mission? Meet you at the Morris station, this summer 2020. June 21-24. Morris • 320-589-4394 tinyurl.com/camp-alpha
Summer Programs at Groves Academy
Groves Academy offers summer programs for students entering grades 2–11 from the community with learning and attention challenges. Taught by Groves trained teachers, our small class sizes and specialized instruction build success and confidence. Both academic and enrichment programs are available. St. Louis Park • 952-920-6377 grovesacademy.org
Academic Camp Invention
Unmask your child’s creativity this summer in the all-new Camp Invention® program, Supercharged™, where children transform their wild imaginations into epic creations. Campers in grades K–6 will code robots and use collaboration and creative problem solving during hands-on, STEM activities. Use promo code PLAY15LISTING to save $15 (expires 5/10). Multiple locations • 800-968-4332 invent.org/camp
Code Ninjas
Code Ninjas provides STEM-based learning for ages 7–14. Kids lean and have fun while building and coding games, robotic, and drones. Beginning JavaScript, Game & APP Builders' Club, Roblox & Minecraft Create, Snap-It-Together and Code Drones are just a few of 11 summer camp offerings. Where kids have fun! Parents see results! Multiple locations • 952-206-7836 codeninjas.com
Friends School of Minnesota
Summer Camp at Friends School of Minnesota is a four-week, full-day, multi-camp program that allows children to play and learn at the same time. Camps can range from Bike & Soccer to Crafts & Harry Potter and more! St. Paul • 651-917-0636 fsmn.org
GoSolar! Kidz (GSK)
GoSolar! Kidz is the #1 green energy educator for youth. GoSolar! Kidz taught more youth about green energy than any
other organization in the world. GSK offers afterschool classes, summer camps, and in-school workshop on renewable energy and gardening. Bloomington • 800-SOLAR-01 gosolarkidz.com
Hill-Murray School
There is something for everyone at HillMurray School this summer, grades 2–12! Samples of our Academic offerings include: Virtual Reality, Intro to Coding, Intro to Aviation, Jump Start & Study Skills, Summer Slide Math & Reading, ACT Prep, Driver’s Ed. Register today—space is limited! Maplewood • 651-777-1376 hill-murray.org/summer
ICC Summer Engineering Camp
Explore the world of engineering through hands-on project work, industry tours, and engineering design challenges. Live and work at Wenger Engineering Center; enjoy campus life and recreational activities while learning about a great career field. Sr. High Camp: grades 10–12, July 13-18; Jr. High Camp: grades 7–9, July 22-25. Grand Rapids • 218-322-2370 itascacc.edu/engineeringcamp
Junior Achievement
Campers will discover what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and business owner, and learn about STEM careers. Held at JA BizTown, our state-of-the-art experiential learning lab in St. Paul. June and July sessions for students in grades 4–8. St. Paul • 651-255-0455 jaum.org/ja-summer-camps
The Bakken Museum
Explore the exciting world of innovation and creativity through hands-on STEM activities and challenges. Campers learn the innovation process by designing and building their own take home project using real tools and materials in the museum makerspace. Spaces fill fast, so register early! Minneapolis • 651-926-3878 thebakken.org
The Works Museum
Engineering & design camps for kids in pre-K-grade 7. Coding, LEGO engineering, robotics, carpentry, design, architecture, and more! Half- and full-day camps. June-August 2020. The Works Museum: inspiring the next generation of innovators, engineers, and creative problem solvers. Bloomington • 952-888-4262 theworks.org
Zoo Camp
Minnesota Zoo offers half-day to weeklong adventures for toddlers–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 amazing Llama Camps for grades 1–12! Apple Valley • 952-431-9390 mnzoo.org/zoocamp
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
CAMPS FILL UP FAST! CALL TODAY AND LET THEM KNOW YOU SAW THEIR AD IN MINNESOTA PARENT! 44
April 2020 • mnparent.com
mnparent.com/camp
No New rth O & ffice Ea st Ms in etr o!
your land, battle on trails, fields and shorelines! Swords, bows, catapults, magic and monsters! Full days spent in beautiful parks across the metro region. Monday-Friday, ages 8-16 and several teen only weeks! June 8-August 21. Minneapolis adventuresincardboard.com
Hey Mama, You Matter!
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 painting at the Art Academy's Summer Camp program. Classes and camps, with exceptional student/teacher ratios, are available for students ages 5–18. St. Paul • 651-699-1573 theartacademy.net
We offer: Individual & Couples Therapy Emotional Coping Skills Groups Pregnancy • Birthing Issues Postpartum Attachment • Trauma Parenting (0–30yrs) • Infertility Changing Roles • Work-Family Balance Pregnancy & Infant Loss
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. $595 per week, all materials included. Minneapolis • 612-376-0381 kahlowcurtis@gmail.com studio7artmn.com
Postpartum Counseling Center
www.phawellness.com
Metro Locations Locations 1010Metro Mostinsurance insurance accepted most accepted
Articulture Art Camps
Articulture art camps emphasize personal Kidcreate Studio MNP 0420 V6.indd creativity in a fun and educational way. Themes include art and science, hands on art history, animation, and more! June 8–Sept. 4, ages 4 and up. Full-day and half-day options. $155–$330. New customers: Receive $10 discount when registering for your first camp! Use code MNParentSummer2020 at our website. Minneapolis • 612-729-5151 articulture.org
1
2/21/20 12:42 Postpartum PM Counseling Center MNP 0719 V6.indd 1
6/13/19 1:34 PM
Artistry
Week-long creative day camps for grades 1-9! Artistry campers will explore art forms including pottery, fused glass, drawing, painting, mixed media, aerosol art, mosaics, fiber arts, indie crafts, and more! $145–$175/half-day camps. Combine for full-day experience. Scholarships available. Bloomington • 952-563-8575 artistrymn.org/summer-camps
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
mnparent.com • April 2020
45
CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS Hill-Murray School
There is something for everyone at HillMurray School this summer, grades 2–12! Samples of our Arts/Activities offerings include: exploring visual arts through Painting, Creative Artwork, or Drawing Bootcamp, explore art through Digital Photography, Film & Visual Storytelling, or Virtual Reality. Register today—space is limited! Maplewood • 651-777-1376 hill-murray.org/summer
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; Baby Mystical Creatures, L.O.L. Surprise Dolls, LEGO Brick Mania, Marvelous Marvels, Masters on Canvas, Mega Mess Making, Mermaid Magic, Olaf and Friends, Slime-tastic, The How To’s of Drawing, and more! Making a mess is the best at Kidcreate! Eden Prairie • 952-974-3438 Savage • 952-226-2200 Woodbury • 651-735-0880 kidcreatestudio.com
Minneapolis College of Art and Design Join 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. Scholarships available. Minneapolis • 612-874-3765 mcad.edu/youth
Perpich Center for Arts Education
Perpich Arts High School offers outstanding arts experiences. Camps are offered in half-day and full-day options throughout the summer. Explore animation, photography, drawing, fiber art, papermaking, music, theater, improv, and more. For students entering 6th–12th grade in 2020-2021. Golden Valley • 763-279-4200 bit.ly/perpichcamp2020
Watch Me Create
WATCH ME CREATE SUMMER CAMPS LET'S GET MESSY! Bring your imagination and join us for fun, enriching workshops tailored to all proficiency levels and ages! Taught by art lovers, WMC camps offer a variety of interests including Super Heroes, Scrapbooking, Mythical, Glitter, Descendents, Slime, Horses, and more! Come for memories, leave with masterpieces! Multiple locations including our new studio! Farmington • 952-469-1234 watchmecreate.org
Camp Resources 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! Shell Lake • 715-468-2414 shelllakeartscenter.org
St. Croix Lutheran Academy
Art, basketball, band, bowling, etiquette, football, science, sign language, soccer, speak & play theatre, volleyball, and wrestling camps led by SCL faculty and varsity coaches. Space is limited. Register early. June 8– August 13 (dates vary). Starting at $75/week! West St. Paul • 651-455-1521 stcroixlutheran.org/camps
YMCA
Y Camps are about discovery. Kids, teenagers and adults have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. Day, Overnight, Teen Wilderness & Family Camps throughout MN and Western WI. 612-822-2267 ymcacamps.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 with music games, singing, & fun! Singers will explore their vocal potential & increase their confidence. Grades K–9. See website for dates, times & fees. Bloomington • 952-563-8572 angelicacantanti.org
Ballet Co.Laboratory
Ballet Co.Laboratory is a professional ballet School and Company offering ballet classes and performances to the Twin Cities community. Ballet Co.Laboratory honors the roots of classical ballet while making strides to break down barriers found in the artform by collaborating with our community in surprising ways to challenge the stereotypes and culture of ballet—evolving the artform forward. St. Paul • 303-249-1039 balletcolaboratory.org
Boychoir Bootcamp
August 3-7, 8:30a.m. - 4:30p.m. Boychoir Bootcamp is a weeklong day camp for boys, ages 6-12 sponsored by the Minnesota Boychoir. While focusing on choral singing, campers also participate in activities such as body percussion, music theory, drumming, and the science of sound, as well as plenty of outdoor fun and games. $100, scholarships available. 651-292-3219 • boychoir.org
The Center for Irish Music
Center for Irish Music offers private and group instruction to students ages 2 to 102 on traditional Irish instruments including singing, harp, whistle flute, bodhrán, piano and fiddle. Drop by to meet our team of 20 wonderful instructors and learn a tune! St. Paul • 651-815-0083 centerforirishmusic.org
ChanDT Musical Theatre Camp
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres offers summertime musical theatre camps for kids and teens (ages 5–18). It’s a fantastic week of full and half-day sessions focusing on musical theatre fundamentals taught by Chanhassen professionals. Sessions begin June 8th. Registration opens Feb. 3rd! 952-934-1525 chanhassendt.com/camp
Circus Juventas
Travel the globe from Canada to Russia without ever leaving our big top! Explore a vast array of international circus arts in our half- and full-day Sampler, weeklong Performance and Teen High Flying Adventure Camps. Reserve your spot today in one of the most unique summer experiences anywhere! St. Paul • 651-699-8229 circusjuventas.org
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. St.Paul • 651-602-6800 gtcys.org
Hill-Murray School
There is something for everyone at HillMurray School this summer, grades 2–12! Samples of our Arts/Activities offerings include: Summer Pops Orchestra, Summer Band, Theatre Camp, Film & Visual Storytelling, Radio Broadcasting, Digital Photography. Register today—space is limited! Maplewood • 651-777-1376 hill-murray.org/summer
CAMPS FILL UP FAST! CALL TODAY AND LET THEM KNOW YOU SAW THEIR AD IN MINNESOTA PARENT! 46
April 2020 • mnparent.com
mnparent.com/camp
Engineering Camps
Katha Dance Theatre
Katha Dance Theatre is a professional dance company and school offering all-level education in Kathak, a classical Indian dance form. Kathak is a beautiful blend of lyrical grace and rhythmic footwork. It encourages self-expression and storytelling. For ages 6+. St. Louis Park • 763-533-0756 kathadance.org
Lyric Arts Company of Anoka
Lyric Arts provides access to fun and exciting creative educational experiences in a professional theater environment that nurtures young artists. We offer a safe and supportive environment that welcomes young people of all levels of experience. Anoka • 763-422-1838 • lyricarts.org
Hands-on engineering design projects • Industry tours and visiting engineers • Recreational and traditional camp activities
Senior High
Junior High
(entering grades 10–12, fall 2020)
(entering grades 7–9, fall 2020)
July 13–18
July 22–25
Call Kim Damiani at 218-322-2370
kimberly.damiani@itascacc.edu itascacc.edu/engineeringcamp
A member of Minnesota State 1851 East Hwy. 169, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Itasca Community College is an equal opportunity employer and educator.
Itasca Community College MNP 0320 12.indd 3
1/13/20 4:04 PM
Minnesota Dance Theatre & School
MDT&S offers summer dance camps that include classical ballet and contemporary dance for all ages and levels of ability. Nurturing artistry and self-confidence, our dedicated faculty inspires and challenges students to achieve their best. Our programs support a range of goals, from dance as a joyful hobby to a professional career. Come dance with us! Minneapolis • 612-338-0627 mndance.org
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. St. Paul • 612-722-7000 osheairishdance.com
St. Paul Ballet
Summer is a great time to try dance! This nonprofit, community and pre-professional dance school offers Dance Camps for ages 2–8, drop-in Creative Dance for ages 4–6, Intro to Ballet for ages 7–12, and Summer Intensive sessions for the serious ballet student ages 10–22. Gymnasts, skaters and athletes may supplement their training. All income levels and abilities welcome! St. Paul • 651-690-1588 • spballet.org
Try us out! Join us for a complimentary class to see The Little Gym’s summer camps are the wonderful impact full of exciting, creative missions The Little Gym can have on where kids will exercise their your child It’s time for an adventure!
muscles, and imaginations! Plus,
flexible scheduling options allow you signGym your of Super Kid up for ThetoLittle Anytown
University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Academy of Music
several weeks, a single week or even www.thelittlegym.com/anytown just a day at a time! (123) 456-7890
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. 4–8 yr olds: Intro to Music. 9–16 yr olds: Show Choir Camp. 13–18 yr olds who love piano, singing and/or playing an instrument have select camps just for them! 651-631-5108 unwsp.edu/academyofmusic
NOW ENROLLING!
The Little Gym MNP 0420 H4.indd 1
3/10/20 10:27 PM
mnparent.com • April 2020
47
CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS Walker West Music Academy
Walker West Music Academy creates a music learning community rooted in the African American cultural experience. Our summer jazz intensive is for middle school and high school beginner to advanced jazz musicians. Classes include improvisation, theory, ensemble and master classes as well as individual instruction. August 3-August 7, Monday-Friday, 10AM-4PM. Tuition assistance is available. St. Paul • 651-224-2929 walkerwest.org
Day
Avid 4 Adventure
Our mission is to provide kids with the skills and confidence to choose active outdoor lifestyles. We transport campers to authentic local recreation areas and teach them to canoe, kayak, paddle board, mountain bike, hike and thrive in the outdoors. Edina • 720-759-2130 avid4.com
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-thescenes adventures. Campers will get closer to plants and animals than ever before. Preschool through 8th grade. St. Paul • 651-487-8201 comozooconservatory.org
Creme de la Creme
With exciting field trips, guest speakers, and family events, your child will experience age-appropriate activities and adventures to grow and develop throughout the summer. Enjoy our flexible scheduling and complimentary meals. For children entering 1st grade through age 12. Chanhassen & Maple Grove 800-374-5715 cremedelacreme.com
Gibbs Farm Day Camps
Are you ready for an adventure? Gibbs Farm is a historic site located in Falcon Heights, just outside of St. Paul. This eight-acre site is run by Ramsey County Historical Society. Gibbs Farm preserves and shares Minnesota history focusing on both pioneer and Dakota life in the mid-1800s. We use historic and replica buildings, a restored prairie, farm animals, and costumed interpreters in our programs to bring history to life. Camps are offered June 16– Aug 28. Ages 4–5: Explore with Pioneer PeeWees mini-camps on Wednesdays & Fridays, $22/day. Ages 6–10: Travel back in time with our three-day camps: Pioneer Kid, Life of a Gibbs Girl, and
Dakota Camp, $110/week. Ages 11–15: Dive into history with Victorian Ladies and Pioneer Survivor camp, $165/week. Falcon Heights • 651-646-8629 rchs.com
Hill-Murray School
There is something for everyone at HillMurray School this summer, grades 2–12! Hill-Murray School offers opportunities for you to fill your child’s day throughout the entire summer; June, July & August! We have opportunities to enjoy Academic, Arts/ Activities and Athletic Camps. Our offerings engage students of all ages and skill sets. Register today—space is limited! Maplewood • 651-777-1376 hill-murray.org/summer
Jam Hops
Jam Hops prides itself in providing the highest quality instruction in gymnastics, ninja, dance, cheer, theater, and academic preschool. We are leaders who believe that in teaching through example we build self-confident, productive children who will become LIFE CHAMPIONS! Ham Lake, Anoka • 763-413-0647 jamhops.com
Kroening Interpretive Center at North Mississippi Regional Park
Explore, get messy and learn by doing! Build forts in the woods, catch bugs in the prairie, explore the river shore, enjoy campfire cooking and more. Kids ages 6–12 can spend the summer outside with weeklong nature themed camps. Half or full day option. Minneapolis • 612-370-4844 minneapolisparks.org
Life of a Gibbs Girl
Experience the differences and similarities between life today and life as a Pioneer, Dakota, and Victorian girl! Campers tour the historic Gibbs farmhouse, explore the restored prairie, and celebrate at a Victorian tea party! Ages 6 –11; Tues., Wed., Thurs. 9am –1pm; July 7–9, Aug. 4–6, Aug. 18–20; $110/Week Falcon Heights • 651-646-8629 rchs.com
Minnesota Waldorf School Summer Day Camp
Old fashioned summer fun on our 8 acre campus! A relaxed schedule of crafts, nature play, games, music, gardening, and more. Preschool through 6th grade. Flexible weekly scheduling. St. Paul • 651-487-6700 x202 mnwaldorf.org/summercamp
National Summer Transportation Institute
Are you interested in learning about science, engineering, and transportation in an interactive, hands-on environment? Through field trips and hearing from industry experts, this free, two-week summer day camp at the University of Minnesota will explore the transportation field. Minneapolis • 612-625-5608 cts.umn.edu/education/prospective/ national-summer-transportation-institute
Play-Well TEKnologies
Your kid will dream it, build it, wreck it, repeat in Play-Well's Lego-inspired STEM summer camps! Learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math while playing with tons of LEGO. Our programs feature themes like Star Wars, Minecraft, Robotics and more! St. Paul • 720-515-8582 play-well.org
Playworks 2020 Summer Camp
Sign up for Playworks Summer Camp, full of learning, adventure, and fun! With loads of field trips, plenty of outdoor activities, and entertaining educational programs, Playworks’ Summer Camp will provide your child with an unforgettable summer. Open to children 6-12 years of age. Daily meals are included. Part-time and full-time options are available. Prior Lake • 952-445-7529(PLAY) 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. Plymouth • 763-258-2500 providenceacademy.org/summer
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 22-25, July 6-9, July 13-16, July 20-23, July 27-30, Aug 3-6, Aug 10-13. St. Louis Park • 763-593-1168 schoolchess.org
Science Museum of Minnesota
Science Museum camps combine science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts. Kids can experiment with animation, build a LEGO tower, explore veterinary science, learn the chemistry of candy, and much
CAMPS FILL UP FAST! CALL TODAY AND LET THEM KNOW YOU SAW THEIR AD IN MINNESOTA PARENT! 48
April 2020 • mnparent.com
mnparent.com/camp
ART & THEATER, SPORTS, ACADEMICS, DAY CAMPS, SPRING BREAK CAMPS AND MORE!
more. Both full- and half-day programs are available, and half-day camps can be paired with supervised lunch and before and aftercare to create a full-week experience. St. Paul • 651-221-9444 smm.org/classes
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. 952-988-3463 blakeschool.org/summer
blakeschool.org/summer Blake School MNP 0220 H6.indd 1
Tanadoona | Camp Fire Minnesota
Explore Tanadoona’s Big Woods and zig-zag by canoe across Lake Minnewashta! With 103 acres, outdoor adventures are endless with new friends and local and international counselors. ACA accredited. Monthly public events + Open House 5/16 Excelsior • 612-235-7284 tanadoona.org
1/13/20 1:27 PM
2020
Weeklong camps | Half-day and Full-day Limited, need-based scholarships are available.
Totino-Grace High School
Totino-Grace High School offers academic, athletic, and performing arts summer camps for grades K-12. Campers will explore new activities, expand current interests, discover talents, and develop emerging skills. Fridley • 763-571-9116 • totinograce.org
www.northernclaycenter.org 2424 Franklin Ave. E. | Minneapolis, MN 55406
Excite and challenge
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Summer STEAM Experience invites students in grades 8–12 to explore career paths with UW-Stout faculty experts while in a hands-on setting and to gain the experience of campus life. Day $300, Overnight $450. June 14-18. Menomonie, WI • 715-232-2793 uwstout.edu/steam
Language
Bilingual Learning Center
Bilingual Learning Center (BLC) Spanish Summer Camp, held at Windom School in South Minneapolis. Field trips, reading, arts & crafts, sports, dance, science & nature, cultural activities. Beginners welcome; ages 5–12. June 15–July 17. AM and full day options. Minneapolis • 612-668-3384 info@blcenter.org • blcenter.org
SUMMER ARTS CAMP 2020 Camps are offered in half-day (morning or afternoon) and full-day options throughout the summer.
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 14 different languages. Day camps, residential youth camps and family camps offered. Bemidji • 800-222-4750 concordialanguagevillages.org
Explore animation, photography, drawing, fiber art, papermaking, music, theater, improv, and more at Perpich Summer Arts Camp 2020. For students entering 6th grade –12th grade in the 2020-2021 school year.
Perpich Center for Arts Ed MNP 0420 H6.indd 1
3/10/20 11:24 PM
mnparent.com • April 2020
49
CAMP RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS German Language Camps
Kids explore themes including the environment, STEM, cooking & baking, and arts & crafts, while learning some German. Several weeks of “Intro to German” are also offered. For ages 5 to 13. Half-day, full-day, and extended care are available. St. Paul • 651-222-2979 gai-mn.org
Overnight
Camp Lincoln for Boys & Camp Lake Hubert for Girls
Camp Lincoln for Boys and Camp Lake Hubert for Girls are separate, traditional sleepaway camps that focus on skill and character development for ages 5–17. Off the shores of Lake Hubert, we offer over 40 land, water and adventure activities. Lake Hubert • 800-242-1909 lincoln-lakehubert.com
Camp Olson YMCA
Since 1954, Camp Olson has been providing unforgettable and life-changing experiences for youth, young leaders, and their families through quality camping programs. Traditional summer camp available as well as specialty programs in sailing, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, and leadership development. Longville • 218-363-2207 campolson.org
Camp Pillsbury
Camp Pillsbury, recently named “coolest camp in Minnesota”, is a unique, safe, fun summer camp, your kids will love! Campers choose their own activities from trapeze, musical theater, sports, magic, gymnastics, dance, rock band, watersports, computers, circus arts, gymnastics, weightlifting, culinary, equestrian, RPG, acting, and so much more. Owatonna • 507-214-2200 camppillsbury.com
Girl Scouts River Valleys
Girl Scouts offers all girls the opportunity to get outside and take the lead. Girls explore nature, horses, water sports, art, power tools, science, and more in an all-girl environment. Older girls can train to become camp counselors or horse wranglers. Family, 4, 6, and 13-day overnight camps are available. Multiple locations • 800-845-0787 camp.girlscoutsrv.org
One Heartland: Camp True Colors and Camp Heartland
Camp Heartland for youth affected by HIV/AIDS (7-17), Camp True Colors for LGBTQ+ youth (7-17), Family Camp True Colors for LGBTQ+ families (all ages).
Build community with others with similar shared experiences while having fun! Transportation available, sliding scale fees. Willow River • 888-216-2028 oneheartland.org
Tanadoona | Camp Fire Minnesota
Unroll your sleeping bag in a rustic cabin for an unplugged week with new friends and local and international counselors. 103 acres along Lake Minnewashta, adventure awaits with activities like archery, canoeing, and agility and high/low ropes courses. ACA accredited. Monthly public events + Open House 5/16 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
YMCA Camp Manito-wish
At Camp Manito-wish YMCA, our rich heritage, exceptional people, spectacular Northwoods setting and progressive program areas combine to challenge, inspire and transform lives, helping youth develop into confidant, responsible and enlightened leaders. Boulder Junction • 715-385-2312 manito-wish.org
YMCA Camp Miller
Camp Miller is a coed, overnight & day camp in Sturgeon Lake, MN, right in the middle of 370 acres of tall pines, beautiful shoreline, and miles of trails. Sturgeon Lake • 218-722-4745, ext. 143 duluthymca.org/camps/camp-miller
YMCA Camp Pepin
Camp Pepin is an ACA-accredited resident camp located on the shore of Lake Pepin in Stockholm, Wisconsin. Kids enjoy paddle and water activities, ropes course, climbing, soccer, and more under the supervision of well-trained staff from around the world. Stockholm, WI • 651-388-4724 redwingymca.org
Special Needs
Summer Programs at Groves Academy Groves Academy offers summer programs for students entering grades 2–11 from the community with learning and attention challenges. Taught by Groves
trained teachers, our small class sizes and specialized instruction build success and confidence. Both academic and enrichment programs are available. St. Louis Park • 952-920-6377 grovesacademy.org
Specialty
Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) Summer Social Skills Classes
AuSM Social Skills summer classes for youth and adults with autism offer lowstress, accepting environments that encourage learning and growth while participants develop social skills and confidence. Classes centered on special interests including the great outdoors, community outings, improv, zoos, art, drama, and more are offered in locations throughout the metro area. St. Paul • 651-647-1083 education@ausm.org ausm.org
Cooks of Crocus Hill
If you love the idea of developing your junior chef's cooking techniques, or if they dream of learning from a professional chef, the time has arrived! Cooks has inspiring summer cooking camps for kids and teens that build the essential skills needed to conquer the kitchen. Camps range from savory to sweet and everything in between. For a full listing of descriptions and dates visit cooksofcrocushill.com/kidsteen-summer-camps/ St. Paul, Stillwater & Minneapolis 651-228-1333 cooksofcrocushill.com
Sports and Fitness Buck Hill
Buck Hill offers summer camps for snowboarding, skiing and mountain biking! The outdoors beckon and our hill is open year-round with a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities. Buck Hill is the place to be outside yourself. Burnsville • 952-435-7174 buckhill.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! Maplewood • 651-777-1376 hill-murray.org/summer
CAMPS FILL UP FAST! CALL TODAY AND LET THEM KNOW YOU SAW THEIR AD IN MINNESOTA PARENT! 50
April 2020 • mnparent.com
mnparent.com/camp Midwest Karate Kids
Midwest Karate Kids provides dynamic, affordable karate summer camps for children with any level of martial arts experience. Our aim is to engage students in safe self-defense and to explore the fun and discipline that is traditional karate. Minneapolis • 651-592-0236 midwestkaratekids.org/
Minneapolis Sailing Center
Sailing camps for kids of all ages and abilities on Bde Maka Ska. Two-week camps with half or full-day options are available all summer. More than just learning how to sail, students learn teamwork, self-confidence, STEM principles, and environment stewardship. Minneapolis • 612-470-7245 sailmpls.org
NSC Next Level Sports Camps
The National Sports Center provides weeklong camps complete with athlete training in your favorite sport along with world-class facilities, dry-land training, field trips, and more! Our flexible programming allows you to customize your child’s summer experience with sports, fun activities and all-day
entertainment. Select one week or more to create the perfect schedule for your family! Blaine • 763-792-7353 nscsports.org/nextlevelcamps
Revolutionary Sports
Instruction programs offered daytime, weeknights, and weekends. Kids, as young as AGE TWO, learn to play sports and improve their skills. The family friendly environment encourages parent involvement. Experienced, professional coaches are great with kids and use active, challenging, and non-competitive curriculum to teach sports and life skills. Multiple locations • 612-234-7782 revolutionarysports.org
St. Paul Urban Tennis
Saint Paul Urban Tennis educates and empowers youth to realize their full potential by providing lessons, character development, academic enrichment, and mentoring. Youth ages 5-18 can find opportunities to grow through our four Leadership Pathways: Tennis, Education, Employment, Service. St. Paul • 651-222-2879 stpaulurbantennis.org
TAGS Gymnastics Camps
Fun, fitness, friends! Gymnastics and tumbling camps for boys and girls ages 3–17 in June, July, and August. Kids work on fun, new skills while developing strength, flexibility, and coordination in a safe, positive atmosphere! Apple Valley • 952-431-6445 Eden Prairie • 952-920-5342 tagsgym.com
The Little Gym
TheSuper Kids’ Quest Summer Camp is full of exciting, creative missions where kids ages 3–8 will be working together to complete a different Quest each day! Must be potty trained. Register early. June 8th–Aug 16th. $39 per camp. St. Louis Park • 952-924-0083 thelittlegym.com/edinamn
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! Eden Prairie • 612-760-0575 tcyrc.org
BABY RESOURCES NEXT
mnparent.com • April 2020
51
BABY RESOURCES ADVERTISER LISTINGS
Childcare
Creative Kids Academy Supporting organizations that provide all aspects of support, resources, opportunities and outreach programs to children and families. 95% of all proceeds go to charities we support
Go online to donate jimandjudefoundation.com
Creative Kids Academy provides exceptional early education for children 6 weeks–12 years. We are NAEYC and MN Parent aware accredited. Our interactive enrichment programs such as Yoga, Spanish, Karate, Gardening and Music are all FREE. Visit one of our 10 amazing locations! Multiple locations • 763-360-6730 ckakids.com
Growing With Music Jim & Jude MNP 2012 Filler 12.indd 1
Growing With Music connects daycares and with qualified music teachers who will provide a high quality music exploration experience. In the accepting environment of a Growing With Music class, children participate in singing, movement and instrumental activities and learn self awareness, develop school readiness skills and creativity. info@ growingwithmusic.com Minneapolis • 763-540-0271 growingwithmusic.com
10/18/12 2:41 PM families
Support the Parks You Love
Kinderberry Hill
www.peopleforparks.net or call 612-767-6892
People for Parks GA 2013 Filler 12.indd 1
6/26/13
Highest quality care and early education with a heartfelt dedication to nurturing intelligence. Our premier programs feature experienced educators, an onsite school nurse, a commitment to health/nutrition and a Reggio inspired, child-led curriculum fully preparing children for kindergarten and 9:06 AMbeyond. FT and PT, infants–pre-K. Multiple locations kinderberryhill.com
Mis Amigos Spanish Immersion
"Giving Children The World." Serving ages 6 weeks–5 years. Half-day and full-day options available. Native Spanish speaking teachers. Call or email to schedule a tour today! Parent Aware Highest Rating–4 stars. NAEYC-accredited. Hopkins • 952-935-5588 St. Paul • 651-728-3261 misamigospreschool.com
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy is a MN family-owned company that provides high quality childcare and early education. While focusing on developing a healthy sense of self in each child, we also strive to provide your child with the necessary skills to succeed not only in school, but in life. Multiple locations • 763-557-1111 newhorizonacademy.net
Playworks
Playworks is Minnesota’s premier provider of quality child care and family fun. Offering fulland part-time care, certified teachers, stateof-the-art facilities, and advanced safety technology, Playworks is a safe and exciting place for your child to play and learn. Prior Lake • 952-445-PLAY (7529) playworksfun.com
52
April 2020 • mnparent.com
Dentists
Dentistry for Children & Adolescents
When should my child first see a pediatric dentist? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends shortly after the first tooth erupts, and no later than the child’s first birthday. Our dentists are committed to providing your child with the highest standard of care from birth to age 19! Edina • 952-831-4400 Burnsville • 952-435-4102 Minnetonka • 952-932-0920 childrensdent.com
Education
The French Académie
Our innovative approach combines inspiration from Montessori education and Reggio Emilia with the French Ecole Maternelle into a comprehensive early childhood curriculum. At The French Académie, bilingual learning is just the beginning. Ages 16 monthsKindergarten. Schedule your visit today! Minnetonka • 952-944-1930 thefrenchacademie.org
Minnetonka Public School District (E–12)
With ECFE, Preschool and K–12 programming, the Minnetonka Public School District focuses on world-class, childcentered excellence. Features: K–12 Chinese and Spanish Immersion, K–12 computer coding, AP and IB, collaborative research and award-winning arts and music programs. 952-401-5000 minnetonkaschools.org
Your Whole Baby
Your Whole Baby gently educates parents on the many benefits of keeping baby boys intact at birth, avoiding routine infant circumcision. We also provide proper care information for the parents and doctors of intact boys. yourwholebaby.org christine@yourwholebaby.org
mnparent.com/baby
Fitness The Little Gym
The parent/child program includes a weekly 45–minute class for children 4 months–3 years old, that promotes early social and physical skills. Let our Bugs, Birds, Beasts and Super Beasts classes be the springboard to your child’s life adventures. Call today and see why we’re ranked #1! St. Louis Park • 952-924-0083 thelittlegym.com/edinamn
St. Paul Ballet
This nonprofit, community dance school offers lessons for ages 2–100, year-round for all income levels and abilities! Parent & Me classes for ages 2.5 to 4 are offered in fourweek sessions throughout the year. Children ages 7+ perform in two major shows yearly. Drop-in classes available. St. Paul • 651-690-1588 spballet.org
Oui
Play, Sing and Learn Experience our tailored creative curriculum, combining the French Maternelle with inspirations from Montessori and Reggio Emilia!
TheFrenchAcademie.org (952) 944-1930 Ages 16 months to Kindergarten French Academie MNP 0420 H6.indd 1
3/13/20 3:16 PM
Health Care
Pregnancy & Postpartum Support MN/PSI-Minnesota
Mental health and perinatal practitioners, service organizations, and volunteers who provide support, advocacy, awareness, and training about perinatal mental health in Minnesota. Contact Pregnancy Postpartum Support MN’s Helpline if you or someone you care about is struggling as a new parent. Multiple locations • 612-787-7776 ppsupportmn.org
Photography Tracy Walsh Photography
Maternity, children, senior, family and business portraits. Maple Grove tracy@tracywalshphoto.com tracywalshphoto.com
Resources Help Me Grow MN
Young children grow, learn and change all the time. Keep track of the developmental milestones your child reaches. If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk to your doctor or refer your child to Help Me Grow MN. 866-693-4769 helpmegrowmn.org
Infertility • Pregnancy Loss Assisted Reproduction The experts at
are here to help.
partners (in)fertility
Mental health counseling and acupuncture specializing in the trauma of infertility and its treatment, pregnancy loss, and assisted reproduction including IVF, inseminations, donor eggs, donor sperm, donor embryos, and gestational surrogacy. We can help you make decisions about family building. Minneapolis • 612-324-1207 partnersinfertility.net
Dr. Deborah Simmons PHD, LMFT
Debbie Fischer M.A., LAMFT
Lindsey Henke MSW, LICSW, PMH-C
Amy DePoint L.Ac. Acupuncturist, L.Ac.
414 Penn Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55405 ph: 612.324.1207 fax: 612.500.4459 www.partnersinfertility.net partners (in)fertility MNP 0420 H4.indd 2
3/12/20 1:27 PM
mnparent.com • April 2020
53
Stay-Home
SURVIVAL GUIDE
That’s what we all need to do in the midst of coronavirus (COVID-19). s we write this, it’s been just days since Minnesota schools were closed. But it might become months. Our students may finish their current school years at home. More than ever, the screen-time struggle is real. How can parents balance work, parenting and e-learning and keep their sanity? Here are a few options, including educational screen-based activities and some unplugged activities for kids as well as whole families, who will be spending way more time together. Keep this guide: When all this is over, you can use these resources to enrich your kids’ weekends, summer vacations, breaks, sick days and more.
Thanks in part to the world of homeschooling, the Internet is packed with many free enriching lessons. And some sites that usually require a fee are free temporarily in the wake of coronavirus. AmazingEducationalResources.com: Discover a massive list of resources, updated daily to support families and teachers during the coronavirus outbreak. KhanAcademy.org: The gold standard in free online learning, this nonprofit organization may be most known for its STEM programming. But the site offers just about every subject you can think of, including new stay-at-home schedules created to help during COVID-19. Scholastic: This educational publisher just released a special Learn at Home site at tinyurl.com/scholastic-learn with
54
April 2020 • mnparent.com
day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking and growing. Younger kids can explore Scholastic’s Bookflix (tinyurl.com/ scholastic-bookflix) for free — username: Learning20; password: Clifford.
It’s an odd season to be outdoors. We’re as likely to get snow as we are to find rain puddles. So what can you do? Ninja course: Have the kids haul out all their outside toys, including sleds, to make their own obstacle course. They can even incorporate random items from your garage or shed. But there’s one important rule: They have to put it all back when it’s done. Treasure map: Give the kids a large piece of paper and have them draw a map of the backyard or any large area where you want to do a treasure hunt. (Parents can do this step — and make a copy for future egg hunts or scavenger hunts.) Then give the kids exactly 25 colored popsicle sticks to hide in the yard. (Any smallish objects will do as long as they stand out in the dormant landscape.) Have the kids mark the items’ locations on the map as they go. When they’re done, you get to seek and find. They can use their map to give you hints about the ones you miss. Plan a garden: Order free seed catalogs such as Burpee, Territorial Seed, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and others. (Find a list of 40
options at tinyurl.com/almanac/seeds.) And then let the kids circle all the things they want to grow — or at least what they say they’d be willing to eat!
Study folk music: The Okee Dokee Brothers offer an ad-free YouTube channel — youtube.com/OkeeDokeeBros — with 40-minute adventure movies, music videos, humorous shenanigans and interviews, too.
If you want to get academic, you’ll find a 14-page downloadable study guide to help kids learn not just about the band’s adventure albums, but also about the history of folk music, a look at classic American outdoor destinations (for that day when we can travel again) and more at tinyurl.com/okee-dokee-study. Virtual concerts: NPR Music is compiling a growing list of live audio and video streams from around the world, categorized by date and genre (including opera!), with links to streaming platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Some are free; others are ticketed or “pay what you can.” See tinyurl.com/live-music-covid-19. Also, NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts are some of the most intimate video performances around and they’re free at npr.org.
Read together: With all you’re juggling now, try not to give up your routines, especially nighttime reading. If you read just one book a day to your kids, you can count that as a success when you go to bed, no matter what else happens. Everyday Beautiful blogger Stephanie Weinert shares two positively genius tips for reading to restless kids and includes her top 10 read-aloud books for families as part of a “quarantine ideas for kids series” at stephanieweinert.com. ebooks: You may not be able to visit your library, but you can check out some of the thousands of ebooks ready for download. In Hennepin County and St. Paul you can gain access through an app called Libby; the Ramsey and Dakota County systems use cloudLibrary; Anoka County Library offers its own app. Many systems also allow you to stream free movies and educational videos, too.
Put on a show: Got any budding thespians in the family? Collect all the puppets and stuffed animals in the house (OK, maybe not all). Move the couch away from the wall, jump behind it and you have a puppet theater. Make them practice their “show” for an age-appropriate amount of time before requiring an audience. Get inspired: Children who might enjoy performing something scripted should check out tinyurl.com/kids-plays for collections of skits, poems, jokes and short plays; or they can get inspired by the Story Pirates podcast or YouTube Channel, in which kids submit stories that are then acted out by improv pros — or even animated into cool cartoons. See storypirates.com.
Stock on hand: Now’s the time to crack open those arts and crafts kits the kids got for the holidays. If you’re like most families, you might be amazed to
discover all the art supplies you’ve had stashed in the closet! Just the novelty of discovering items long forgotten often can be enough to get kids inspired. If you really need original ideas, there’s always the amazing local grandparenting blog, grandycamp.info, with crafts and activities that work just fine for parents, too. last summer?” After you’re finished writing your quiz, the multiple-choice questions will pop up one by one, and anyone with a device can log in their answers.
Lunch Doodles: Mo Willems, the award-winning creator of the beloved Elephant & Piggie book series, has responded to school closures by offering Lunch Doodles. Every day at lunchtime, he releases a new drawing lesson via a video filmed in his studio — a gift from a creative genius to families across the globe. See kennedycenter.org/education/mo-willems. Virtual museums: If you can’t get to the museums, let the museums come to you. Travel + Leisure magazine offers a collection of virtual tours you can take through the greatest museums in the world at tinyurl. com/virtual-tour-t-l. If you want to stay local, you can explore images of the collections at Mia (tinyurl.com/mia-explore) and the Walker (walkerart.org/collections).
Board games: Dig out the ones you haven’t touched in ages. Make the kids read the directions to each other and teach themselves how to play. Need something fresh? Check out our latest toy test recommendations at mnparent.com/games-2019, including games kids can play solo! Family trivia: Kahoot is a fun app that allows you to make your own quizzes that then play out on the TV like classic bar trivia. Kids can write questions like, “What’s mom’s favorite food?” or “Where did we go
Kid yoga: It’s important to keep moving during social distancing! Cosmic Kids Yoga, which is based on storytelling, is free on YouTube and includes tons of themed options just for kids. Home workouts: It can’t all be about the kids. With local gyms taking a break, you need to take care of yourself, too. Get out for a walk or run (alone or as a family) and check out our “Sweat on demand” resources at mnparent.com/ fitness for cardio and strength-training videos you can do at home.
Cook: Staying in requires a little bit of pantry cooking, so why not explore Minnesota Parent’s list of always-short recipes for soups, sweets and more at mnparent.com/kitchen? Get the kids involved in simple cooking projects such as make-your-own mini pizzas or cutting everyday foods into cool shapes with cookie cutters for snacks. (Think cheese and meat slices or tortillas/bread and more.) Find more super-cute ideas on the kids’ page at foodnetwork.com. Bake: It’s amazing how much more interested kids can be in making food when the result is a sweet treat! Take an inventory of your pantry, go to allrecipes.com, click “ingredient search” and enter “flour” and a couple of others. Let everyone sort through the resulting recipes and pick one that sounds best. You might stumble upon a mnparent.com • April 2020
55
Stay-Home
SURVIVAL GUIDE new favorite, or you might just make pancakes (without a mix) or traditional chocolate chip cookies with customized mix-ins. Either way, you win.
Talk to your remote: If you have the Xfinity voice remote, you can say “education” into it to access Xfinity educational content for all grade levels, created in partnership with Common Sense Media. You can also say “educational content for kids” into a voice-activated Apple TV remote to bring up educational kids shows, or ask your smart speaker to read you books in your digital collections, such as Kindle. Kid content: CommonSenseMedia.org offers a wealth of resources for families who need educational, age-appropriate media options. But the site also includes a COVID-19 page with coping/calming
strategies for families and resources to keep kids entertained, engaged and learning while they’re stuck at home, such as movement-based apps, mental-health apps and even the best podcasts for kids, including selections for bedtime! Science podcasts: Kids and adults can learn science facts together with Brains On! — an award-winning science podcast for inquisitive minds by American Public Media, which recently released an episode about how the coronavirus spreads. And check out NPR’s Wow in the World, featuring science stories that range from everyday human biology (why some people have blue eyes) to major events in outer space (asteroid explosions). Travel virtually: Take a trip to Yellowstone, the San Diego Zoo or even Mars at tinyurl.com/30virtualfieldtrips.
If you have to go shopping, grab extra staples such as cereals, personal products and more and bring them home to assemble a box to give to your local food bank or shelter. Folks in need in good times are certainly in need now. Help a neighbor: Jump on the Nextdoor app and offer to pick up groceries or supplies for an at-risk senior on your next trip out. When doing art projects, keep seniors in mind. Find an assisted living or nursing home in your area and create day-brightening handmade cards or postcards for the residents. See Pinterest.com for ideas. Minnesota Parent’s editor Sarah Jackson, associate editor Ed Dykhuizen and Charmed blogger Christina Ries created this list. Please send your Stay-Home Survival Guide ideas to editor@mnparent.com with the subject line #stayhomemn.
CHILDCARE/EDUCATION Learning Center & Day Care | 6 Wks - School Age
1
CAMP ISSUE
March 2017
Family Owned, Family Run Since 1985
952-888-8052
rainbowmontessorimn.com
8736 Nicollet Ave S, Bloomington
Go back in TIME Page 30
for Real advice S MOM
NEW Page 12
April 2017
Play GAGA
1
BALL
Page 36
Design a
Baked gus aspara fries
CATAPULT
Page 42
Page 28
Learn to SAIL Page 46
I JUST WANT A SHOWER
the Maternity issue I
Easter fun for kiddos!
Become a
SHUTTERBUG
Page 8
S PLU ER EAS IN-T BRA KS FOR BOO S! KID Page
26
Natalie Nyhus, Minneapolis
Page 52
THE BABY NAME GAME
Discover
ART
Page 32
Page 56
Get SOCIAL Page 60
HOW TO AVOID
NECK PAIN WHILE NURSING
MORE CAMPS RESOURCE
Page 66
2/16/17
Calvin, 4 Eden Prairie
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Get Minnesota Parent delivered to your home
Page 62
5:50 PM
log on now to mnparent.com/subscribe
Page 42
Questions? Call 612.825.9205
Granola apple stacks Page 30
MNP 0317.indd
1
MNP 0417.indd
1
3/23/17 3:47 PM
for one year (12 issues)
education
Rainbow Montessori MNPwith 0119 2cx1.indd 1 Preschool childcare
12/4/18 Subscriptions 4:23 PM MNP 2018 3cx1 filler.indd 1 for Infants and Toddlers Your child is a natural... available at all locations Playing Singing
Ages 3–Adult
ONLY $18.00 12/19/17 7:16 PM
Composing
Free Preview Classes
Call 952-935-5588 and schedule a tour! misamigospreschool.com
Locations in Hopkins, Golden Valley, and St. Paul MNP 0420 Marketplace.indd 1
56
April 2020 • mnparent.com
CHILDREN’S YAMAHA MUSIC SCHOOL Celebrating Over 40 Musical Years in Minnesota!
www.childrensyamaha.com • 612-339-2255 Schools in Edina & Roseville
Our Education Directory at mnparent.com/education 3/19/20 1:43 PM Education Resources MNP 2014 11/20/14 1cx2.2 filler.indd 9:44 AM 1
CHILDCARE/EDUCATION
Creative Kids Academy Imagine the Possibilities... Early Education * 6 Wee Weeks ks–12 Ye Years
Create
H
Learn
H
Grow
Free Music, Spanish, Yoga, and Karate! Anoka ka * Apple Va Valley * Centerville * Lexington * Maple Grove Minnetonka ka * Mounds View * Orono N O W O P E N — 2 l o c a t i o n s i n E l k Ri v e r ! 7 6 3 - 7 7 7 - 9 1 0 0
ckakids.com 844-ckakids email: info@ info @ ckakids.com N a t i o n a l l y a c c r e d it e d a n d Pa r e n t A w a r e 4 s t a r r a t e d
MISCELLANEOUS
Creative Kids Academy MNP 0420 2cx2.2.indd 1
3/10/20 10:17 PM
Bring Growing With Music to your child care program or playgroup!
www.growingwithmusic.com ~ info@growingwithmusic.com
PARTY PAGES MN MUSIC HALL of FAME AT YOUR PARTY!
Register for the
April 25th & 26th Marriage Encounter or
May 16th Engaged Encounter
Choose band size &/or Panda! • Music for all ages available! • Special rates for flexible scheduling
PRE K–8TH GRADE
•
(marriage prep)
Marriage/Engagement Encounter www.marriages.org 651.454.3238
Attending a Marriage Encounter? Mention this ad and get $50 off your registration.
NEW & EXPECTING MOMS
MN Marriage Encounter MNP 0420 2cx2.2.indd 1
www.teddybearband.com (612) 861-3570 richard@teddybearband.com
3/16/20 6:56 PM
651-487-8272
Como Zoo MNP 0320 1cx2.2.indd 2/18/20 1 11:15 AM
Bowling Party $14.95 /person
Wholly Mama Birth Doula MNP 0320 2cx2.2.indd 1
PLACE AN AD MNP 0420 Marketplace.indd 2
2/18/20 1:44 PM
CALL 612-825-9205 TODAY Park Tavern MNP 0420 3cx3.indd 1
MNPARENT.COM
3/19/20 2:07 PM 3/19/20 2:28 PM
mnparent.com • April 2020
57
FROM OUR READERS
On point! Just look at these emerging local ballet stars! We’re biased, but we think they’re tutu cute.
↑ Louisa, 3, of St. Paul
↑ Aila, 3, of Edina
↑ Cloe, 7, of Vadnais Heights
↑ Harriet, 4, of Minneapolis
Want to see your kid on this page? Send photos with your child’s first name, age and city to editor@mnparent.com.
58
April 2020 • mnparent.com