Carolina Parent Raleigh June 2019

June 2019 • Free

PENN HOLDERNESS

On family life, parenting, YouTube and health

Summer Reading Programs Across the Triangle

Fit Fathers

Beyond the Norm

How to achieve the Dad bod you’ve dreamed of

When lying may indicate a personality disorder carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

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DeSTiNaTiON

MaKe iT a DaY!

Marbles Kids Museum and IMAX Theater

One-of-a-kind play adventures • Inspiring, family-friendly movies Downtown Raleigh · 919.834.4040 · MarblesKidsMuseum.org · Open daily

... a 110 year tradition

Photos courtesy of North Carolina Symphony

Enter to Win 4 Tickets to a North Carolina Symphony Summerfest Concert JUNE North Carolina Symphony’s popular Summerfest Series at Booth Amphitheatre in Cary kicked off May 25, and shows extend through July 20. Remaining shows feature Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” Ben Folds, “Broadway’s Greatest Hits” and “Russian Nights,” to name a few. We’re giving away four flex tickets, which can be used at any performance during the series.

Enter to win by going to carolinaparent.com/cp/contests and clicking on the “Summerfest” post. Type this code in the online form you’ll be required to fill out: CPSummerfest2019. We’ll announce a winner June 24, 2019. Good luck!

carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

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WONDER PUSHES THEM to DISCOVER AND US to EXPLORE. At UNC Children’s, the boundless curiosity of our patients inspires our own. Because of them, we are continually driven to explore innovative treatments, utilize advanced technology, and provide comprehensive specialty services. It’s this kid-like wonder that drives us to ensure bright futures and endless possibilities by providing exceptional children’s care in the Triangle.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SPECIALTY CARE at UNCCHILDRENS.ORG/INSPIRE

VOLUME 31, NUMBER 6

CONTENTS JUNE 2019

16 FEATURES 14

16

SUMMER READING PROGRAMS ACROSS THE TRIANGLE Encourage kids to keep reading all summer via these programs, events and books PENN HOLDERNESS On family life, parenting, YouTube and health

14

22

LYING

LYING

24 LYING

22 FIT FATHERS Tips for achieving the Dad bod you’ve always dreamed of 24 BEYOND THE NORM Part two of our series on lying explores when it may indicate a developing personality disorder

8

30

32

34

IN EVERY ISSUE 5

June Online

COLUMNS

CALENDAR

6

Editor’s Note

27 Oh, Baby!

34 Our Picks

40 Faces and Places

28 Understanding Kids

35 Festivals

FYI

29 Father Figuring

36 Daily

8

Community

10 Education 11

Health

12

Style

30 Tech Talk 31

College Transitions

32 Excursion

carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

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Discover your capable, confident Montessori child.

Visit us online to RSVP for one of our upcoming events or to book a tour. guidepostmontessori.com/spruce-tree (919) 825-1771 12600 Spruce Tree Way, Raleigh, NC 27614

Infant • Toddler • Preschool • Kindergarten GP040219

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121 W. Woodcroft Pkwy Durham, NC 27713

Robert T. Christensen John R. Christensen DDS, MS, MS DDS, MS Pediatric Dentistry

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ONLINE

SUMMER FUN FREE FUN Discover 25 free things to do with the kids this summer. carolinaparent.com (Search for “25 free things”)

START SPLASHIN' Cool off at one of these pools, lakes or water parks across the region. carolinaparent.com (Search for “cool water fun”)

BEACH BOUND Take our quiz to find out which Carolina beach is best for your family. carolinaparent.com (Search for “beach quiz”)

BLUBERRY FARMS

Background image courtesy of Faber14/Shutterstock.com. Popsicles courtesy of Peter Hermes Furian/Shutterstock.com.

Find out where you can pick your own blueberries in the Triangle. carolinaparent.com (Search for “pick blueberries”)

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE:

facebook.com/ carolinaparent

twitter.com/ carolinaparent

WIN PRIZES Enter contests all month long! carolinaparent.com/cp/contests

pinterest.com/ carolinaparent

instagram.com/ carolinaparent

carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Men’ s Health

T

his month, we focus on the men in

morrismedianetwork.com

your life — young and old. As wives,

PUBLISHER

Katie Reeves · katie.reeves@morris.com

we try to be supportive partners,

EDITOR

encouraging our spouses to exercise

Beth Shugg · bshugg@carolinaparent.com

regularly, eat healthy foods and attend regular

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

checkups. As moms, we watch our sons grow

Janice Lewine · jlewine@carolinaparent.com

from infants into young men, hoping that the

Sean W. Byrne · seanwbyrne.com

ART DIRECTOR

good habits we instilled in them as children will

DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR Andy Smith · andy.smith@morris.com

extend into their adult years.

This month, in particular, I’m thinking of one

“Summer Reading Program’s Across the Triangle”

young man: my oldest son, who graduated

by Karen Dawkins on page 14 for a roundup of

from North Carolina State University May 11. Ben

these programs, which are typically free.

is venturing out on his own into the working

Caitlin Wheeler delivers part two of our series

world. With this new independence comes the

on lying in “Beyond the Norm” on page 24. If your

need for him to maintain good self-care habits.

child is showing signs of compulsive or habitual

My hope is that he will prioritize the importance

lying, this feature will help you determine

of cooking healthy meals, exercising regularly

whether it may be part of an underlying

and making time for fun.

personality disorder and when you should seek

Fun is something Penn Holderness is very familiar with. Known for his family’s side-splitting

professional help.

Our columns this month cover promoting

DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Lauren Isaacs · lisaacs@carolinaparent.com

INTERN

Audrey Payne · apayne@carolinaparent.com

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Candi Griffin • cgriffin@carolinaparent.com Sue Chen • schen@carolinaparent.com

MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS PRESIDENT

DONNA KESSLER

DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING DONALD HORTON

DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHING SERVICES KAREN FRALICK

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

YouTube videos in which he, wife Kim and

babies’ development through outdoor play

children Lola and Penn Charles, parody family

(page 27), supporting emergent readers

life using popular or original music, Penn takes

(page 28), father-daughter traveling (page 29),

carolinaparent.com

a more serious approach to health and fitness.

the effects of too much technology (page 30),

Turn to page 16 for my interview with him,

transferring into an elite college (page 31),

Phone: 919-956-2430 · Fax: 919-956-2427 5716 Fayetteville Rd., Suite 201, Durham, NC 27713 advertising@carolinaparent.com · editorial@carolinaparent.com

during which he ponders parenting, their

and planning a family excursion to Gatlinburg,

YouTube videos, family health and more.

Tennessee (32).

If your man feels stuck in a fitness rut and

Our calendar section, which begins on

needs to jump-start his routine, check out Elliot

page 34, is filled with summer fun activities

Acosta’s “Fit Fathers” feature on page 22 for tips

and festivals. Be sure to keep a copy of this

on workouts he can do at home, with kids in

issue in your pool bag so you can give it a

tow or during a lunch break.

read. And, as always, send in those story ideas.

Jump into summer with a plan to keep

Chairman William S. Morris III

libraries and bookstores this summer. Check out

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JUNE 2019 | carolinaparent.com

Circulation 35,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services.

Carolina Parent reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication’s standards.

Copyright 2019. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

A Publication of the Visitor Publications Division of Morris Communications Company, L.L.C. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901

many reading programs being hosted by local

Beth Shugg, Editor

CONTACT US

We value your ideas and input!

your child’s brain engaged via one of the

Beth

CHER WHEELER

Editor’s photo courtesy of the Shugg family.

Cover photo of the Holderness family taken at CrossFit Sua Sponte in Raleigh, courtesy of Morton Photography.

President & CEO William S. Morris IV

Come Celebrate your Smile with us!

Martha Ann Keels, DDS PhD Dylan S. Hamilton, DMD MS

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FYI COMMUNITY

BY JANICE LEWINE

Grant Hill and FILA Partner for Basketball Court Refurbishment Program “The City of Durham has played a vital role in my life and it is truly special to launch this program here and give back to a community that has meant so much to me,” Hill says. “I have always been passionate about setting the right example and motivating youth. I have so many fond memories from my time at Duke, and I am thankful to the City of Durham and FILA for the opportunity to offer these kids a place to grow, excel, stay active and enjoy the game.”

Hillside Park is located near the W.D. Hill Recreation Center, the site of the historic Algonquin Tennis Club, which will soon be recognized with a North Carolina historic marker. The Algonquin Tennis Club served as the childhood training site of tennis superstar Arthur Ashe. Learn more at fila.com.

Photos courtesy of FILA

Photos courtesy of Bob Karp Photography

Basketball legend Grant Hill and the president of sporting goods company FILA North America, Jennifer Estabrook, teamed up with The Durham Parks Foundation, Durham Parks and Recreation and Durham City Council Member Charlie Reece in April to unveil three refurbished basketball courts at Hillside Park in Durham. Hill, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and former Duke University basketball great, along with FILA, helped transform and revitalize the park by combining sport and art. The refurbishment has improved the quality of three basketball courts, provided new backboards, and renewed fencing and landscaping around the park, which has long played an important role in Durham’s history.

During a special ceremony at Hillside Park, kids from the community were on hand to inaugurate the colorful courts and meet the NBA legend.

Local Boy Receives Wish to Visit San Diego Zoo Jensen, a cheerful 7-year old from Wake County who has a cardiac condition, yearned for an opportunity to visit the San Diego Zoo, one of the world’s most spectacular animal parks.

On April 12, his wish was granted by Make-AWish Eastern North Carolina, along with the fundraising efforts of Apex Friendship High School through the Kids for Wish Kids program.

Prior to the wish reveal ceremony, Jensen received a private tour of the Duke Lemur Center in Durham.

Make-A-Wish creates life-changing experiences for children with critical illnesses living in eastern North Carolina. Research shows children who have wishes granted build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a serious illness; and gain hope, confidence and joy from these experiences.

Learn more at eastnc.wish.org.

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JUNE 2019 | carolinaparent.com

North Carolina Zoo is Certified Sensory Inclusive The North Carolina Zoo recently partnered with the nonprofit KultureCity to become a certified sensory inclusive venue. This initiative was created to promote an accommodating experience for all guests with sensory issues, including those who have autism, dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder and other similar conditions.

The certification process included training for the zoo’s staff on how to recognize guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags — equipped with fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads — are available to visitors who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. In addition, the zoo’s designated “Quiet Zones”

welcome guests who need a calm space due to sensory overload. Before visiting the zoo, families can download the free KultureCity App to see what sensory features are available and where they can access them.

“To know that you soon will be able to see families attend the North Carolina Zoo with their loved ones who have a sensory challenge and who were not able to previously attend is truly a heartwarming moment. It’s amazing that the zoo is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community,” says Traci Johnson, executive director of KultureCity, which provides resources and programs to accommodate the special needs community.

Learn more at nczoo.org and kulturecity.org.

Chapel Hill Pediatrics

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Welcome NEW and Established Patients • Care from birth through college

• Complimentary “meet and greet” sessions • Same-day appointments • Comprehensive sports & camp physicals Walk in Availability: Chapel Hill Office: 7:15 - 7:30 M-F; 9 am - 2 pm Sat-Sun

Durham Office: 7:15 - 7:50 am M-F

Appointment Hours Chapel Hill Office: 8 am - 7 pm M-F; 9 am - 2 pm Sat-Sun

Durham Office: 8 am - 5 pm M-F

Durham County Library

A Universe of Stories

Countdown to Launch

June 11-15

Visit dcl.li/SR19-events for all related events!

It’s never too late to participate in Summer Reading…

Join the fun today at DurhamCounty.beanstack.com!

919-942-4173

Check our website for holiday hours.

2 locations Chapel Hill: 205 Sage Road., Suite 100 Durham: 249 East NC Hwy 54, Suite 230

www.chapelhillpeds.com carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

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FYI EDUCATION

BY KAREN SHORE

Raleigh Charter High School Student Chosen to Attend Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy Every year, hundreds of students apply to spend a week at the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Among the 292 students from 41 countries and 27 U.S. states chosen to participate this year is Raleigh Charter High School senior Claire Liang.

The program encourages students to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers through real-world, hands-on challenges in coding, computer sciences and astronautics. Activities are delivered in fun and exciting ways that bring STEM studies to life.

“Engaging students in science and engineering is now as fundamentally important as learning to read and write,” says Deborah Barnhart, CEO and executive director of the

U.S. Space & Rocket Center. “By investing in these young students, Honeywell is helping to prepare them to become the global, STEM-literate citizens who will change our world.”

Academy attendees were chosen through a rigorous application-and-review process based on academic achievement and community involvement.

Learn more about the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy at honeywell. com/citizenship/hometown-solutions/ leadership-academy.

Claire Liang attended the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Photo courtesy of the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy

Sixth-Graders Win $110,000 for Holly Grove Middle School A team of sixth-graders from Holly Grove Middle School in Holly Springs won a national grand prize in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest, earning $110,000 in technology and classroom supplies for their school.

Inspired by one of their classmates who was nearly hit by a car that was illegally passing a stopped school bus, they came up with the idea to create a school bus stop sign to be located at bus stops, featuring flashing lights to alert when a school bus approaches. It’s designed to improve student safety at bus stops by giving drivers advance notice of exactly when and where a bus will stop.

When a bus is 400 feet from the bus stop, the lights will flash yellow. When the bus is 30 feet from the bus stop, the lights will flash red. Wake County Public School System is developing plans to put these signs up at the locations where the most bus stop violations occur. In North Carolina alone, there are approximately 300 illegal passes of school buses reported each day.

Students worked with North Carolina Department of Transportation engineers, Holly Springs town leaders, local law

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JUNE 2019 | carolinaparent.com

enforcement, WCPSS transportation administrators and technology professionals to research the issue, identify challenges, design and develop a prototype of their bus stop sign invention, and learn how to code an app to make it all work.

Their project was selected as one of three winners from more than 2,000 nationwide entries and was the Community Choice Winner for generating the most public votes. Learn more at samsung.com/us/solvefortomorrow.

A team of Holly Grove Middle School sixth-graders created a sign for school bus stops to help prevent the illegal passing of buses. Photo courtesy of WCPSS

Meredith College Hosts Inaugural Young Women’s Summit This past March, nearly 250 young women from 12 Wake County Public School System middle and high schools participated in the inaugural Free to Be Me Young Women’s Summit at Meredith College in Raleigh.

Students heard from successful female role models from the Triangle, including Meredith College President Jo Allen, Raleigh Police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown, Raleigh City Councilwoman Nicole Stewart and WCPSS Superintendent Cathy Moore.

Their topics included “Be an Authentic G.I.R.L. — Go-Getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader;” “The Power of Your Thoughts — You are Enough;” “Daring Leadership — The Power of Living Into Our Values;” and “#HipHopEd.” Following the talks from local leaders, attendees participated in small group sessions focused on the summit’s “Free to Be Me” theme and toured the college.

Learn more at meredith.edu/news/ meredith-hosts-young-womensleadership-summit-for-wake-county-teens.

FYI

BY KATHERINE KOPP

HEALTH

Men’s Health Statistics Are you interested in improving your own health, or the health of the men in your life?

Here are some statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics that provide a benchmark for the health of men in the U.S. today:

Image courtesy of VLADGRIN/Shutterstock.com

Research Shows Impact of Poverty on Children’s Brain Activity Children born into poverty show key differences in early brain function, according to new research from the University of East Anglia in England. UEA researchers studied the brain function of children between four months and 4 years of age in rural India.

They found that children from lower income backgrounds, and whose mothers also had a low level of education, had weaker brain activity and were more likely to be distracted.

“Each year, 250 million children in lowand middle-income countries fail to reach their developmental potential,” says lead researcher John Spencer, a professor in UEA’s School of Psychology. “There is therefore a growing need to understand the global impact of poverty on early brain and behavioral development. … Previous work has shown that poverty and early adversities significantly impact brain development, contributing to a vicious cycle of poverty.

But few studies have looked at brain function early in development.”

Spencer says he and his fellow researchers believe their work is “the first step in intervention efforts designed to boost early brain health before adversity can take hold.”

Read the full report at onlinelibrary. wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/desc.12822.

The percentage of men ages 18 and older who met the 2008 federal physical activity guidelines for aerobic activity through leisure-time aerobic activity.

15.8% The percentage of men ages 18 and older who currently smoke cigarettes.

36.6% The percentage of men ages 20 and older who are considered obese (data from 2013-16).

33.1% The percentage of men ages

20 and older with hypertension (with measured high blood pressure and/ or who are taking antihypertensive medication; data from 2013-16).

30.7% The percentage of men ages 18 and

older who had five or more drinks in 1 day at least once in the past year.

12%

The percentage of men ages 18 and older who are in fair or poor health.

11.9% The percentage of males under age 65 who don’t have health insurance coverage.

For more statistics on men’s health, go to cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/mens-health.htm.

BY THE NUMBERS:

90%

The percentage of people who become addicted to drugs when trying them before age 18. Those with a family history of addiction are more likely to use drugs and become addicted themselves.

Source: 2011 Columbia University study

22 million

The number of school-age children who participated in the free or reduced price National School Lunch Program in 2015.

2.6 million

The number of school-age children who participate in the federally funded Summer Food Service Program. The difference between the two numbers raises concerns about children who may experience food insecurity when school is not in session due to their possible inability to participate in a summer food program.

SOURCE: urban.org ⁄urban-wire ⁄food-insecurity-summer-thinking-outside-lunch-box

Katherine Kopp is a freelance writer in Chapel Hill. carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

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Image courtesy of Room27/Shutterstock.com

58%

FYI STYLE

BY HELEN BANZET WALLACE

Clean out your closet, make room for something new, and engage in the anti-fast fashion movement — which is centered on ethically focused and sustainable fashion — all while keeping a higher percentage of your items’ values.

I have sold and purchased some real gems on Noihsaf Bazaar (“fashion” spelled backward).

Warning: It’s addictive! The process is simple and goes a little something like this. (See below.)

• Snap a photo of the item or items you would like to sell on Instagram.

• Set your price.

• Wait for buyers to tag your listing

Photos courtesy of Helen Banzet Wallace

for purchase.

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JUNE 2019 | carolinaparent.com

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You’ll need a PayPal account to collect payment. After your item sells, you’ll pay a small $2.80 fee per item to Noihsaf Bazaar and then you just ship the goods to your customer.

Something else that makes Noihsaf Bazaar unique is its careful curation of beauty products. Maybe you purchased a product that you quickly realized wasn’t right for you. Chances are, someone else would love to give it a try!

Visit noihsafbazaar.com and follow @noihsaf.bazaar on Instagram for guidelines and tips on how you can showcase your items in their best light. Also, check out @noihsaf_kiddos, @noihsaf.vintage, @noihsaf_home, @noihsaf.men and @noihsaf.active.

Helen Banzet Wallace is a freelance writer, fashion blogger and mom. Her work has appeared in local and regional publications. Email her at helenbwallace@gmail.com.

carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019 FP_Carolina Parent.indd 1

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Summer Reading Programs Across the Triangle Encourage kids to keep reading via these programs, events and books

BY KAREN DAWKINS

L

ibraries and bookstores have long offered summer reading programs to stave off “summer slump,” a phrase that refers to when kids lose some of the knowledge they gained during the school year.

This summer, families can participate in programs that offer exciting kickoff events, prizes and interactive activities.

Sarah Lyon, library experience manager with Wake County Public Libraries, says when parents make reading fun, kids get excited about it, too. She hopes families will take advantage of these programs during their summer break.

LIBRARY READING PROGRAMS IN THE TRIANGLE

Image courtesy of Khakimullin Aleksandr/Shutterstock.com

Summer reading programs at Triangle area libraries kick off in early June. Each library system has its own programming and all of them are free. Families do not have to live in the county to participate.

WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES wakegov.com/libraries Wake County Public Libraries added an extra month to its summer program, which runs June 1-Aug. 31. The theme, “A Universe of Stories,” builds on the excitement generated by the 50th anniversary of man’s walk on the moon. Libraries will kick off the free program June 1 and 2. When they register, kids receive a Star Journal to track their progress and can earn weekly prizes.

Wake County Public Libraries has contracted with local entertainers and scientists to elevate participants’ summer experience. Elena Owens, library experience manager, says the program is about more than reading: It focuses on building a natural excitement for learning for at all ages — children and adults.

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JUNE 2019 | carolinaparent.com

The library system launches its new year-round, preschool program, “Play Your Way to K,” at the same time. When families register, kids receive a game board to carry wherever they go to inspire a natural love of learning.

DURHAM COUNTY LIBRARY durhamcountylibrary.org Earn points for prizes with the Durham County Library’s summer reading program, which kicks off June 15. Each minute of reading equals one point earned. Participants can earn bonus points for attending live events and concerts, or by volunteering in the community. Participants then redeem points for prizes at the library.

An online account is required with categories for kids (ages 11 and younger), teens (ages 12-17) and adults (ages 18 and older). Special events are planned at area branches all summer long.

CHAPEL HILL PUBLIC LIBRARY chapelhillpubliclibrary.org The Chapel Hill Summer Blast reading program runs June 1-Aug. 15.

This year’s kickoff party is June 14, 5-8 p.m. Because of the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s famous walk on the moon, many of this year’s activities will emphasize exploring the outdoors and outer space. Families can register for this program beginning June 1.

ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY orangecountync.gov/156/library The Orange County Public Library summer program kicks off June 1, 9 a.m.-noon, at the library’s main branch in Hillsborough, and runs through July 27. “To the Library and Beyond” features activities and events for all ages. As libraries have evolved to include more than

books, this program incorporates crafts, active play and skill-building activities. The program is open to all ages, and there is no cost to participate. Visit the website for the complete schedule.

PUBLIC LIBRARY OF JOHNSTON COUNTY AND SMITHFIELD pljcs.org The Smithfield public library branch provides kids with a “Bingo Board” to encourage independent, summer reading. These boards include fun activities, such as: • Read a book outside.

• Read by flashlight.

• Draw an illustration for a book.

Participants who complete the boards and return them to the library receive a free book. This program is open to anyone, not just residents of Johnston County.

SUMMER READING PROGRAMS AT LOCAL BOOKSTORES BARNES & NOBLE barnesandnoble.com Locations throughout the Triangle Barnes & Noble bookstores resume their summer reading journal program. Kids in grades one through six can register in May and pick up journals in the stores. They have all summer to read eight books, which they record in the journals. When they turn in completed journals, they are rewarded with a free book from the store.

To encourage reading, Barnes & Noble also offers an extensive list of book recommendations, based on age and interest, as part of the program.

QUAIL RIDGE BOOKS quailridgebooks.com Located in the North Hills shopping center in Raleigh Quail Ridge Books offers summer reading camps for kids ages 5-18. To learn more and register (a fee is required), visit the bookstore’s website, click on the “Kids & Teens” tab and choose Summer Workshops.

SUGGESTED BOOKS FOR KIDS TO READ THIS SUMMER Local librarians can recommend books based on genre, topic and popularity. The list of books below were written by North Carolina authors.

PICTURE BOOKS AND BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS: • “Tea Cakes for Tosh” by Kelly Starling Lyons • “A Dinosaur in the Sky” by Derek Polen • The "Owl Diaries” series by Rebecca Elliott • The “Fly Guy” books (also recommended for reluctant readers who are a little older) by Tedd Arnold

• “Serafina and the Black Cloak” by Robert Beatty • The “Ranger in Time” series by Kate Messner BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULT READERS (AGES 12 AND OLDER): • “The Ethan I Was Before” by Ali Standish • “This Girl is Different” by J.J. Johnson • “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black • “Outcasts United” by Warren St. John • “The Girl Who Drank the Moon” by Kelly Barnhill FIND MORE BOOK IDEAS FOR SUMMER READING USING THESE RESOURCES: • Goodreads | goodreads.com | Search by genre, book popularity, recommended reading and more.

• Choices Reading Lists | literacyworldwide.org/get-resources/ reading-lists | Compiled by kids, young adults and educators worldwide each year.

• Reading Rockets | readingrockets.org/books/booksbytheme | Search themed book lists for young readers.

Karen Dawkins is a Triangle area writer and publisher at familytravelsonabudget.com. A “retired” homeschooling mom of three, she’s an avid reader who prefers paper to screen.

Tips for Making Summer Reading Fun • Model! Kids will read if they see the adults in their lives enjoying good books.

• Read aloud. Even older kids enjoy listening to a good story.

• Make it a friendly competition. Have kids track the number of books they read each week. Let the weekly winner pick dessert or a special activity one day that week.

• Cooperate. Set a goal for a number of books the entire family should try to read, then record the books as everyone reads them. Can your family reach the goal?

• Create a cozy reading corner. Incorporate pillows, good lighting and a basket of books.

• Let kids read what they want. When kids select books – even comics – that interest them, they are more likely to read.

• Designate “no screen times.” During this time encourage reading, playing outside or other noncomputer activities.

• Attend summer programs at a local library. If you read this article, you already know about the many options in our area.

BOOKS FOR MIDDLE-GRADE READERS (AGES 8-12): • “The Goblin’s Puzzle” by Andrew Chilton • “The Secret Horses of Briar Hill” by Megan Shepherd carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

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Penn Holderness On family life, parenting, YouTube and health

BY BETH SHUGG

S

pend a few hours with the Holderness family of Raleigh and you’ll learn what we did: What you see is … well, pretty much what you get. Penn, a former sports anchor; wife Kim, a former news and entertainment anchor; and children, Lola and Penn Charles, have achieved international fame via YouTube videos they have created over the last five years that

parody parenting and family life. They recently started producing podcasts on marriage as well. It all started with their “Christmas Jammies” YouTube video in 2013. Since then, the family has created hundreds more. And we, their fans, have collectively laughed over their musical ruminations on going back to school, New Year’s resolutions, snow days and more. Watch any of their YouTube videos and you will undeniably conclude one thing: This family has a lot of fun together.

During our interview with Penn we learned — and found refreshing — that he and Kim celebrate the importance of humor within their family.

They take pride in their ability to laugh at themselves. When it comes to parenting and health, however, they take that very seriously.

How did you meet Kim? We met in 2002 … 2003 — somewhere around there — in Orlando. She was a news reporter who had just moved to Orlando. I was a sports reporter for a different TV station in Orlando. When you work in local news you get off at 11:30, and there’s really no one else to hang around with except for other people who work in local news. Everyone else is asleep!

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OPPOSITE PAGE: Penn Holderness makes videos and podcasts in his home studio.

ABOVE: The Holderness family prioritizes health and fitness. Penn enjoys CrossFit workouts (photographed here at CrossFit Sua Sponte in Raleigh with Kim, Lola and Penn Charles). All photograpy, except for the photos on page 16, are courtesy of Morton Photography. Photos on page 16 are courtesy of the Holderness Family YouTube page.

carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

17

What brought you to Raleigh, and where did you come here from?

Kim and I were actually working for network television in New York (City). We had already gotten married at that point. So, we met in Orlando, got engaged, she moved up to New York and took a job for “Inside Edition,” which is an entertainment TV show, and I took a job at ESPN. But neither of us really liked those jobs as much as we thought we were going to like them. So those both lasted about three years. And then we had a kid, and we lived in Tribeca, which is a great neighborhood in New York, but it was very expensive. We went to a preschool to try to apply, and we got so much anxiety from the pressure it took to try to apply to a preschool in New York that we were like, “Let’s get the hell out of here!” And so we did. My family’s from Durham so we said, “Let’s get closer to home.” And so, yeah, we moved here.”

What inspired the “Christmas Jammies” video that started your family’s YouTube fame, and do you consider that to be the video that “started it all”?

Yeah, that was definitely it. That was kind of a game changer for us. There was a two-fold inspiration. I used to write these Christmas letters to my family and we would mail them out. Instead of a picture and a card it would be like a “here’s what we’ve been doing” thing. I enjoyed doing them. So one year, I made a musical Christmas card. It got several thousand THIS PAGE: “Penn Charles is constantly moving,” Penn says. “He plays soccer, basketball, tennis. He played flag football but that's done. He’s such a little runner. He runs everywhere he goes.”

[YouTube] views! We were like, “Wow!

OPPOSITE PAGE: Penn says Lola is no longer a child, so her role in their videos “needs to reflect that of a young woman and not of a baby, or child, or something that demeans her.”

that I was going to get out of the local

What’s this YouTube thing?” People saw it who weren’t even my friends! And so, in another part of our lives we had decided news business because we wanted to start producing our own videos and our own content and doing it for other people. So I put in my notice that I was going to start

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doing this. We had real estate clients and

Do you recall which one of your videos

that was kind of the brunt of our clientele.

has the highest number of views?

We were going to go and help them make videos to promote their companies and try

Yeah, it was actually last year — an original

to get them on YouTube and eventually make

spin on Dean Martin’s “Baby, It’s Cold

them work well. So we were like, “Let’s do

Outside.” We wrote a P.C. version of it, put

another family Christmas card. Let’s work a

it out in early December and it got over

little harder on it. Let’s make it really fun so

75 million views. That was our biggest hit

we can feel comfortable that this is what

that we’ve ever had.

we’re going to do, but also make it about our family like it normally is.” So that’s exactly

How has this YouTube fame and video-

what we did and, you know, it just kind of

making process affected your kids?

exploded! Not only could we still make videos for other companies, but we kind of

We don’t make them do the videos. Even

accidentally created another brand here, and

if we’re working with a brand, we say, “If

we sort of learned that after several years of

they don’t want to do this and they’re not

wondering what we were going to do, we

feeling it, then look, they’re kids” — so I

thought, “We can make a living doing this!”

think because we have it that way, they

So we said, “Guess we’re going to make

actually really enjoy making the videos. We

more YouTube videos.” There have been

minimize the amount of work that they

about five years of them now.

have to do substantially. They don’t do any of the writing, they don’t do any editing.

How many YouTube videos have you

They kind of pop in for a cameo. They are

created and, of those, which is your

aware of their relative celebrity status, and

a healthy number of friends. Not too many,

favorite and why?

that’s probably something that a lot of kids

not too few, and we’re lucky to live in a

don’t have. That’s a different type of normal

community that gets it.

We’ve made well over 300 videos and,

than you have as a child. We do the best

of those, we’ve made around 120 music

that we can to manage it. There have been

Has the video-making process changed as

videos. I think it’s about eight more than

times when people have come up to them

your kids have grown older?

Madonna! I’m pretty excited about that.

and asked for pictures when we haven’t

The “Christmas Jammies” video was great

been around, but they’ve been very mature

We have to write to our children as they

because any time you involve the whole

about it.

are, and not what they used to be like. My

family it’s fun, but there’s another one we

Kim and I always get asked, “Are you

did at kind of a similar time when the kids

worried that you’re going to mess up your

these videos should reflect that of a young

got out of school because it was snowing.

kids?” And my answer is, “Yeah!” And my

woman and not of a baby, or a child, or

We did this video called “Snow Day,” and

next question is, “Are you?” and they’re like,

something that demeans her. My son’s not

it’s about what it’s like to have a snow day.

“Hell,yeah!” I think that’s a healthy emotion

a toddler anymore. He’s a fully grown, crazy

And the kids really liked making it because

to have. I think if you’re not worried about

9-year-old. We need to reflect that. They

we were outside in the snow. We’ve

messing up your kids, you’re probably going

need to be able to be themselves. And if we

done several of them, but the first one, I

to mess up your kids! It has been a lot easier

have them acting, it needs to be a role that

guess, was my favorite because it wasn’t a

to talk to people about this because I think

they are challenged by. Most of what we

parody, it was an original song. We ended

they all feel the same way. Also, they go

do is kind of reality-based, so that’s not too

up being interviewed by Fox and it validated

to a school and they live there in a social

difficult. The other thing is that they want

that, “Oh, we can make more than one

environment where the kids and teachers

to make their own videos and have their

video. It’s not just going to be one video

don’t see them as celebrities, they see

own channels. And I say, “Do that! Go for

and we’re done.” But it was a true family

them as children, and that has been very

it!” That’s where the work comes in. That’s

effort so that was my favorite one.

rewarding and very cool to see. They have

where they’re going to need to learn how

daughter’s a teenager now, so her role in

carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

19

it’s just a song that’s out there waiting —

he plays soccer, basketball, tennis. He played

that’s how parodies work. So, what will fit

flag football, but that’s done. He’s such a little

Lola and her slime obsession, for example?

runner. He runs everywhere he goes.

Kim and I will start talking. “My Tupperware’s gone, she stole my saline solution, her

What do you suggest for new dads, or

bathroom looks like a meth lab …” and I’m

dads who feel stuck in an exercise rut,

like, “Oh, this is great stuff! It’s all true, so

who want to get back into shape?

let’s just make fun of ourselves about this.”

So the next key is finding the song that goes

I used to be them. I was about 20 pounds

with it … A lot of times I’ll start by looking at

heavier when I lived in Orlando. The

songs from the ’80s and ’90s because that’s

humidity was awful and why would I ever

what Kim and I grew up with. So, I start

want to go outside? You want to die after

thinking about something like Cyndi Lauper

5 seconds. Over the last 15 or 20 years,

and, you know, “Time After Time” and “Slime

I think I just start and don’t stop. It’s two

After Slime” — there couldn’t be a better fit.

things: It’s making a commitment to some

So that’s your hook. An hour later the song

type of exercise every day. The other

is written, a day later the song is shot, and

commitment is diet. You can work out

it doesn’t take very much longer after it has

all you want, but if you eat like crap, it’s

been shot because the material is usually

not going to change anything. Find some

pretty good — and we put it out when you

discipline in those parts of your life — and it

wake up in the morning.

doesn’t have to be all-day discipline — but it has to be enough that you can feel good

What types of workouts do you, Kim and to do some of the stuff that I’m doing. I

about yourself when you go to sleep.

the kids enjoy doing to stay in shape?

What dietary habits do you feel are

tell them, “Come up anytime you want to, watch me edit. I’ll show you how to work

When I need an actual workout — and want

important for maintaining your family’s

the camera and you can do that.” Lola has

to throw up afterwards — CrossFit is the

good health?

started producing TikTok videos and they’re

majority of what I do. There are days I can’t

actually really good.

get out of the house, or the timing’s not

As a family, a lot of it is centered around

great, so I’ll do a CrossFit-similar thing at

the meals we cook for them, and finding

How do you all come up with ideas

home — body motions like burpees, squats,

ways to get away from the beige. Kids

for the videos?

and sprinting up and down the street. And

can process food better than adults can.

it’s funny — a lot of times Penn Charles

Start incorporating some of your dietary

It varies, but normally we just kind of look

will join me, when it’s not too difficult. I

decisions in your children’s food, and don’t

at what’s going on in our lives. And a lot of

probably play tennis two or three times

let them off the hook just because they

times Kim is the one who says, “You know

a week as well. That’s a sport I picked up

would rather have a hot dog, or macaroni

what? Lola is getting really addicted to

about four years ago that I really like. The

and cheese. Stay true to that and make a

slime.” Or, “This Fortnight game is driving

kids also like it. Lola’s team qualified for the

little more of an effort to cook those healthy

a lot of parents crazy,” even though our

state championship tournament not too

meals, because they will find something

kids don’t really play it. Or, “Oh my gosh,

long ago. Kim is a crazy a la carte fitness

they like. We spend a little extra time

do we have to do a science project again?”

person. She’ll go for a run one day, then

cooking — and a lot more time cleaning

And that’s all it really takes. I just kind of

she’ll do Orange Theory the next day.

because it takes all these dishes! But we try

go upstairs and I look for the hook, which

She’ll do something called “metabolic”

to make dinners with zero-processed food,

sometimes is original music and, you know,

another day. … She doesn’t have full-time

which is challenging, because that’s bread,

I’ve been a songwriter for 20 years now. For

memberships to any of these places, she

cheese, sugar, pasta and all that other stuff.

a long time I was a bad songwriter, and I’ve

has a la carte memberships to all these

So we’ll do rice and fish and greens — and

had to get a little better at it! But sometimes

places. Penn Charles is constantly moving, so

maybe put some ranch dressing on it, which

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JUNE 2019 | carolinaparent.com

is processed, but those are little things. I give a lot of credit to Kim for this because she cooks without processed foods all the time, and it’s delicious. It takes a little more work, but it puts flavor in things. Kim and I both do intermittent fasting as well. I do it without realizing it — I don’t eat until noon.

I wake up and I’m not hungry, so I’ll wait till noon to eat. She does the same thing. So then you just kind of have a six-hour period when you eat all your food, then the rest of the time you don’t. It’s not for everybody, but for us it works really well.

What’s next for the Holderness family?

Kim is working with a doctor on a meal plan that may also have some fitness aspect to it. It’s more of a meal plan than a cookbook — a digital plan that will come out once a week. We’re going to keep making those videos. We’re looking at a proposal that we’ve been working on for about a year now since we started doing the podcasts. We realized that we have this audience of people who enjoy our videos.

They also, just like us, want to be good at being married and good at being parents.

So we’re working on a book proposal about how to get along as a married couple and navigate careers, all of that, based on what we’ve learned as people who not only live together, but work together and have some tips on that. It’s being co-written with our pastor from Raleigh, who has a license in marriage counseling. That proposal will drop in the next couple of months and the book will come out hopefully sometime in the next year.

There's much more to learn about the Holderness family! Check out their podcasts and videos at theholdernessfamily.com.

Beth Shugg is the editor of Carolina Parent.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Penn Charles is “not a toddler anymore,” his dad says. “He's a fully grown, crazy 9-year-old.”

ABOVE: Lola and Kim have a playful relationship. Penn describes Kim as “a crazy a la carte fitness person. She’ll go for a run one day, then she’ll do Orange Theory the next day. She’ll do something called ‘metabolic’ another day.”

carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

21

Fit Fathers Tips for achieving the Dad bod you’ve always dreamed of

BY ELLIOT ACOSTA

B

ecoming a father is about making changes — in what’s important, in your relationships, in your free time and maybe, most noticeably, in your fitness routine. A 2015 study from Northwestern University found that men gain an average of 4 pounds as they transition into fatherhood. So yes, “Dad bod” is for real.

While hours-long grind sessions at the gym might be a thing of the past, these ideas will help you forge a new path toward becoming a fitter father.

WORK OUT AT HOME Maybe it’s during your toddler’s nap or after putting him to bed at night, but there are ways to sneak in fitness time for yourself — even if it’s at home.

“With a wife who works full-time and two daughters, living room exercise routines are essential to me,” says Frankie Alt, owner of Third Level Fitness in Clayton.

Parenting parody YouTube sensation and Raleigh dad Penn Holderness says when he can't get to the gym, he'll do burpees, squats and run sprints on his neighborhood street.

"There are days I can't get out of the house, or the timing's not great, so I'll do a CrossFit-similar thing at home," he says.

Getting fit doesn’t require a gym membership or thousands of dollars in equipment. It could take as little as one piece of equipment. Alt says a kettlebell is “literally an entire gym that fits in the back of your closet.”

While kettlebells are handy to have around, Alt says all you really need is, well … you.

“Your body is the easiest and cheapest thing you can use to be fit,” he says. “The key is learning the correct form of basic movements, like squats and pushups.”

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Once you’ve got those down, find an exercise routine that incorporates those movements. YouTube is full of reputable channels, like Fitness Blender, that offer hours of home-based workouts. (Search for “men’s fitness” on YouTube to find more.)

INCLUDE YOUR CHILD Finding time to exercise doesn’t have to pull you away from your child. On the contrary, fitness can be a cornerstone of the bond you build with your little one. Enjoy the outdoors?

Consider strapping your Mini-Me in the stroller, then walking or jogging the paved trails of the Capital Area Greenway in Raleigh; Bond Park in Cary; or the American Tobacco Trail, which runs through Apex, Cary and Durham. Wear your bundle of joy in a carrier while you hike up Hillsborough’s Occoneechee Mountain. Teach your kiddo the finer points of a jump shot, or take up a martial arts class together.

When Holderness works out at home, his 9-year-old son often participates. ""A lot of times Penn Charles will join me, when it's not too difficult," he says.

Alt makes it a goal to include his daughters in workouts regularly. “I like to accomplish fitness activities weekly, like going on a walk with my daughters, or including them in a workout ... whether it’s yardwork, or a run, or martial arts — or even 15 minutes of a game of tag.”

Including your child in your fitness routine also sets a positive example. When you prioritize fitness, your child gains an understanding of the importance of healthy living.

GET HIGH ON INTENSITY DURING LUNCH Got an hour — or even 30 minutes — for lunch during your work day? That’s the perfect amount of time to squeeze in high intensity

BLOCK OUT TIME If every hour of your workday is filled with meetings that are stacked on your calendar like a game of Tetris, it’s time to schedule a

workout. Blocking out time for fitness means you’re committing to good health, and it prevents last-minute lunch meetings from sliding into your inbox and onto your calendar.

Fatherhood requires a balancing act that, all too often, lowers fitness on many dads’ priority lists. Achieving a healthier lifestyle isn’t just a decision you make for yourself, but something that affects your entire family.

Fatherhood will continue to redefine what’s important in your life. Put fitness near the top of your priority list, then embrace that Dad bod and make it as healthy as you possibly can.

Elliot Acosta is a husband, father and food blogger based out of Raleigh. He writes at eatraleighblog.com.

QUICK EXERCISE ROUTINES TO TRY Got a few minutes to exercise between fatherly duties or during your lunch break? Try these workouts, created by Frankie Alt of Third Level Fitness.

KETTLEBELL LADDER WORKOUT

NOEQUIPMENT MAX WORKOUT

Swings Pushups Goblet squats Upright rows

Do pushups for one minute and record how many you’re able to complete (30 pushups, for example).

Divide that number in half (15), then perform that number of pushups at the top of every minute for 10 minutes. Once you can complete that number efficiently, shorten your workout to 8 minutes but add 30% more pushups (19). Once you complete that number, shorten the workout to 6 minutes and add 30% more reps (25). Continue by shortening the workout to 4 minutes and adding 30% (29), then go down to 2 minutes and add another 30% (34).

Finally, redo your one-minute max. (This formula also works with situps and bodyweight squats.)

Start with five reps for each exercise, then decrease reps by one after every set until you reach only one of each. If you want to keep going, increase the reps by one after every set until you are back up to five reps per exercise.

carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

23

Photos of Penn Holderness courtesy of Morton Photography. Muscle man image courtesy of Larry Rains/Shutterstock.com.

interval training, also known as HIIT. Local fitness specialist Stephen Urben advocates HIIT because it produces muscle-building and fat-burning results in as little as 20 minutes.

“HIIT is a proven training method — especially its use of rest — because it allows you to reach your maximum training zone over and over, shocking your body every workout,” Urben says. “The research shows just 20 minutes of HIIT leaves your metabolism raging hours after you’ve trained, resulting in 9% more fat loss. And it’s almost 20% more effective than steady state training.” (Steady state training keeps your exercise intensity within the same range for the duration of your workout.)

Being prepared is key for achieving a successful workout during lunch breaks.

Make sure you have proper footwear and a change of clothes. If you don’t have access to a shower at work, bring hygiene products such as a towel, deodorant and wipes for freshening up.

And, of course, don’t forget to pack a healthy lunch. Not only will this free up your lunch break for your workout, it also helps prevent the temptation to grab something unhealthy to eat on the fly.

THE

B E YO N D

NORM

Part two of our series on LYING helps parents understand when habitual lies could indicate a developing personality disorder

BY CAITLIN WHEELER

W

hether triggered by their

“Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of

and published author who has written

genetic makeup or a childhood

Mental Disorders,” referred to as DSM-5

extensively on adolescence. “It’s a fugitive

experience, certain teens are

and known as the standard classification

behavior, and is usually indicative of an

prone to developing personality

of mental disorders used by mental health

erosion of self-esteem. Lying and hiding

disorders. These young people lack the

professionals in the U.S., you may see

will always create distance between you

full array of emotional tools for interacting

familiar behavior.

and your child, which can eventually get

with others and functioning normally in society. To make up for these missing tools, teens may turn to what Dr. Kenan Penaskovic, M.D., a psychiatrist on

“Most teens have some of these traits,” Penaskovic says.

So how can you know when your teen’s lies suggest a disorder?

the teaching faculty at UNC School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, calls “maladaptive coping mechanisms.” One such coping mechanism is lying.

While lying alone is not definitive of

life. If you can catch the lying before it becomes a habit, you are more likely to

to prevent a parent from knowing he was

prevent further problems.

is not typical.

JUNE 2019 | carolinaparent.com

prepare for an emotionally healthy adult

A typical teen may lie once or twice

– in combination with other symptoms –

24

Recognizing that lying has become a problem with your teen can be a vital step

because he is ashamed of a grade, or wants out late at a party. Habitual lying, however,

of personality disorders listed in the

support in other places.”

toward keeping him safe and helping him THE “LIFESTYLE LIAR”

an underlying personality disorder, it can suggest one. If you look at the symptoms

lonely and scary, and cause a teen to seek

“Lifestyle lying is not a sign of health,” says Carl Pickhardt, a psychologist

Once lying has become an emotional tool, it’s harder to “fix,” Penaskovic says.

But with hard work and therapy, a teen can learn coping skills. Again, the earlier a

child learns to curtail his lying, the better.

that — a bad habit that can be

behaviors exist; for example, people with

Pickhardt says parents should “always be

overcome with rules, consequences

various Cluster B disorders may use lying

in the business of evaluating data you get

and attention. If the lying is

as a tool to hide low self-esteem.

from your kid.”

accompanied by other symptoms, warns Ritschel, such as anxiety,

personality disorders in teens, Ritschel

1. Look at the frequency of your

irritability, low self-esteem,

says. “Depression in kids is clearly different

child’s lying. A single lie, while it

destructive behavior, theft, or

than in adults, and we are nowhere near as

may be serious, is probably not

unhealthy eating or sleeping, it

far down the road studying mental illness

suggestive of an underlying mental

could indicate an underlying mental

in kids,” she explains. “There’s just not

health issue.

enough data.”

health issue. Lying is a problem when it becomes a pattern. “Lying

Photo courtesy of Len4foto/Shutterstock.com

Therapists will not typically diagnose

You can look for several warning signs:

4. Look at the effects of the lying,

The DSM-5 recommends that a

is enormously seductive,” Pickhardt

suggests Frank Addonizio, chief

personality disorder be diagnosed in a

says. “If a teen finds they can

clinical officer at Holly Hill Hospital

teen only if symptoms have been present

successfully manipulate a parent,

in Raleigh. Is your teen’s lying

for at least a year, with the exception of

then it becomes part of their

affecting your relationship with him

antisocial personality disorder — the only

repertoire in the relationship.” And

or his relationships with his friends?

disorder that explicitly lists lying as a

if a parent still does not address

Is it affecting his schoolwork or

symptom — which cannot be diagnosed

other regular daily activities?

at all for patients under age 18. That

the issue, the teen will go on to use lying in other less-forgiving relationships.

5. Once you have identified lying as a

said, antisocial personality disorder

problem for your teen, you need to

does require the existence of symptoms

figure out what the lies are hiding.

of “conduct disorder” in childhood and

“What caliber of lie are we talking

According to Ritschel, specific

adolescence, and — as Ritschel explains —

about?” asks Lorie Ritschel, an

issues may include drug use, sexual

conduct disorder includes “deceitfulness”

assistant professor of psychology

promiscuity, shoplifting, personally

as a symptom.

at UNC School of Medicine and

damaging behavior like cutting, and

co-owner of The TAP Clinic in

suicidal thoughts and attempts. The

in the DSM-5, lying has been associated

Durham. If your child is lying about

lies could also hide less concrete

with several disorders, from borderline

eating the last cookie, then the lie

mental health concerns such as

personality disorder and narcissistic

should be promptly addressed but is

anxiety, depression or difficulties

personality disorder, to attention deficit

most likely just a “developmentally

with impulse control.

hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-

2. Look at the purpose of the lie.

appropriate mistake,” she says.

Despite the lack of more explicit links

compulsive disorder. Ritschel notes

However, if your child is lying for

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN LYING AND

that teens with a tendency toward

“no reason, or for any reason at all,”

PERSONALITY DISORDERS

personality disorders may use lying as a

then the behavior is more of a red

Personality disorders are defined as

coping mechanism, and that they may

flag. Get a sense of the seriousness

“ingrained patterns of behavior that

lie out of shame, impulsivity (ignoring

of the lie by talking with your teen

deviate markedly from the norms of

consequences), lack of emotional

and evaluating his level of remorse.

generally accepted behavior,” Addonizio

regulation or, with narcissistic personality

If he says, “I’m sorry, I was too

says. The DSM-5 identifies three

disorder, to bolster a false sense of self.

embarrassed to tell you,” that is

“clusters” of personality disorders. Lying

different from a teen who continues

is associated most closely with Cluster

TREATMENT

to deny the lie.

B disorders, which include antisocial

Pickhardt firmly believes in aggressively

personality disorder, borderline personality

addressing lying before it becomes a habit.

“There is a problem if [teens have] no remorse, no control over

disorder, histrionic personality disorder

their behavior, or can’t seem to stop

and narcissistic personality disorder. Of

lie,” he says. “One successful lie will only

themselves from lying,” Ritschel says.

these, only antisocial personality disorder

lead to a second, bigger one.”

3. Look at co-morbid issues. Even habitual lying might be just

specifically lists lying as a symptom, but lying may be an indicator when other

“There is no such thing as a small first

He suggests confronting the teen, letting her know how it feels to be lied to, carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

25

then providing a symbolic consequence,

shy away from the idea, she says that most

“They are often willing to have that

such as a chore that is unrelated to the lie.

end up really appreciating it.

conversation when the time is right.”

“You can’t afford to say they have to earn your trust back; then the teen will

“A lot of kids are really looking for specific skills to cope,” she says.

It can be hard to acknowledge that your teen has a mental health issue. “As far as

Individual psychotherapy and group

we’ve come,” Penaskovic says, “our society

believe you won’t believe them — whether

therapies are often the preferred approach

is still learning to understand and embrace

they tell the truth or not. They would have

in treating teens with pre-personality

mental disorder, and we need to overcome

no motivation to tell the truth.”

disorder issues. Medication can sometimes

not only patient stigma, but family [stigma]

be an important aspect of treatment, but

as well. What we should be promoting is

and are seeing a pattern, Penaskovic

Addonizio says, “Drug treatment is not

that everyone needs help.”

recommends working with your child to

the first line of defense for adolescents,

come up with a strategy to address the

though medication can help if symptoms

addressing your child’s issues as early as

lying. If the two of you are not able to get

of anxiety are debilitating.”

possible. “If you catch it early, there could

If you are past the first-lie stage

the lying under control, reach out to a

Even Ritschel, who has devoted her

He emphasizes the importance of

be some modification, but these issues will

therapist, as teens may be more willing to

career to behavioral therapy, says some

not disappear,” he says. “You need to help

deal with a professional.

kids “absolutely” need medications. “If

your teen develop coping skills.”

Therapist or not, once lying has become

we can treat without drugs, that’s great,”

Pickhardt agrees, adding: “Now is

a problem, there are several challenges.

she says. “But if the kid is having a major

later. You are the custodian of your

First, Penaskovic says, the behavior has

depressive episode and not getting any

child’s future. How they are with you

become a tool for comfort and “to make a

sleep, and their concentration is terrible,

right now will absolutely affect their

change and get any benefits from therapy,

they may not be able to make the best

later relationships.”

the teen must see it as a problem.” Second,

use of therapy. In those situations,

there is no quick fix. “A few weeks or even

I recommend a consultation with a

Caitlin Wheeler is a Parenting Media

a few months is not going to address the

pediatric psychiatrist, because a low-level

Association award-winning freelance writer

problem,” he says.

medication might give them a foundation.”

who lives in Durham.

Ritschel agrees. She specializes in

She adds that the psychiatrists she works

dialectical behavior therapy, often referred

with are very careful with young patients,

to as DBT, which is the gold standard for

and would never leave a child or teen on

borderline personality disorder. It targets

medication without regular checkups.

emotional dysregulation and impulsive

Ritschel notes that some teens

behavior like self-harm, suicidal thoughts

become anxious to stop taking the

and maladaptive coping behavior.

medications when they start feeling

“The treatment is intense and long-

better, and parents often side with

term,” she says, requiring approximately

their child. She warns teens and

six months — and sometimes longer — to

parents in this situation against

complete. “Some people don’t get past

taking too hasty of an approach.

the starting gate. You have to be willing

“When the teen is more functional,

to do the full treatment program — and

then you can talk with the

if kids look and feel like they’re ordered,

psychiatrist about coming off the

we won’t take them. We’ve had success

medication,” she says.

because we’ve got families [who are] really committed to this.”

Ritschel also warns that self-tapering without

A comprehensive DBT program

medical guidance can

includes individual therapy, along with

be dangerous. “Just tell

regular group skills-training sessions.

your psychiatrist you’d

Ritschel says the group therapy sessions

like to get your teen

“look like a class,” and while some teens

off the drug,” she says.

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JUNE 2019 | carolinaparent.com

LYING

Photo courtesy of 3445128471/Shutterstock.com

Finally, he says, tell your teen you trust her.

OH, BABY!

Promoting Your Baby’s Motor Development With Outdoor Play

BY REBECCA QUINONES AND RACHEL GANDY

TAKE IN THE SCENERY The change in scenery during summer provides a stimulating environment that will motivate your baby to move and explore. Young infants will be amazed by all the new sights, enticing them to hold their heads up and look around.

The entertaining surroundings serve as an excellent distraction for babies who are not fans of tummy time. You can lay on a blanket with your baby to read a book, play, or just take in all the sights and sounds. If you need to contain your baby, a portable play yard will keep her safe while providing opportunities for movement.

STIMULATE THE SENSES Babies learn through exploring with their senses. We are all taught about the five senses: hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch. But there are two more: proprioception (body awareness) and vestibular sense (balance). Going outside with your baby provides a sensory-rich environment that motivates her to explore.

The smells of fresh air, grass and flowers

will entice your baby to further examine her surroundings. She can lay on her back and look up at the leaves swaying on the trees, or enjoy tummy time while looking at vibrant flowers.

If your baby has started on solid foods, treat him to a picnic with fresh fruits and vegetables. He can enjoy the sounds of chirping birds, babbling brooks and wind chimes. A ride in a swing will offer input to his vestibular system. There is an endless supply of new things to touch — hard rocks, smooth leaves, crunchy grass and slippery bubbles, to name a few. These natural, sensory play experiences help your baby learn and develop connections in his brain.

NEW MOTOR CHALLENGES Outdoors, there is a whole new world for your baby to explore. She will be eager to get moving so she can check things out.

The terrain will provide new challenges for her to tackle. She can crawl or walk over the roots of trees, up and down hills, across rocks and through sand. All of these different textures may take some getting used to, so continue to provide opportunities for her to try them out. The outdoor environment will also present obstacles that she will have to figure out via trial and error, which strengthens her motor learning.

A swimming pool provides a refreshing opportunity for your baby to move in new

ways. The buoyancy of the water helps support her weight, making it easier to move, while the viscosity of the water provides resistance to make her stronger.

PLAY IT SAFE Heading outside in the summer is a fun way to get your baby moving, but be sure to protect him from the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, cover-ups and shade, even on cloudy days. Babies under 6 months of age should stay out of direct sunlight. Keep them in the shade and in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs; and use a hat, rather than sunscreen, to cover their head and neck.

It’s best to avoid peak sun hours — 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Keep your baby hydrated by offering typical fluids (breast milk, formula, water), or try an icy piece of fruit or breast milk popsicle to really cool him off. Fans, water sprayers, cold cloths and water play are great for beating the heat, too.

Rebecca Quinones and Rachel Gandy are founders of Babies On The MOVE, a Cary-based organization committed to helping children excel in motor development with in-home pediatric physical therapy and community-based infant movement classes for all abilities.

Learn more about their services at babiesonthemoverdu.com. carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

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Image courtesy of graphic-line/Shutterstock.com

S

ummer is a great time to explore the outdoors to foster your baby’s motor development. Introduce your child to outdoor play while he is young and continue to provide those opportunities so you can raise an active child who has a love for physical activity.

UNDERSTANDING KIDS

Supporting Emergent Readers

E

arly language development begins with the first interactions between parents and infants. Exchanging facial expressions and nonverbal sounds are the first steps to building language and literacy skills. Parents naturally respond to their baby’s babbles, conveying that they are interested in what their baby has to say.

Reading to your child is one of the best ways to develop his language skills. It’s never too early to begin reading to a baby — even newborns. Simple picture books can go a long way. Here are seven tips for how you can support your emerging reader.

1. Start early. Read to your infant. Look at the pictures together.

Point at and mimic things you see in illustrations. Read with enthusiasm. This will teach your child that reading is more than just words — it’s an experience. Allow your baby to explore books, holding and handling them, and feeling the pages. In addition, let your child see you reading for yourself. Displaying a familiarity with and respect for books and text is a great way to encourage a lifelong passion for all that books have to offer.

2. Listen to what your child has to say. As children grow older, they become more interactive verbally. Take the time to listen carefully to what your toddler expresses and encourage her to tell you more.

Inviting statements such as, “Tell me more about that,” can go a long way in opening up your child’s communication and shows that you value her ideas. Use descriptive words when talking with your young child and encourage her to do the same.

3. Use repetition to support learning. Read books again with your toddler or preschooler. Don’t be concerned if your child always wants to hear the same story over and over. Reading favorite books that are already familiar to your child provides opportunities to notice patterns in the text or discover new ways of looking at things. If your child has memorized parts of the text, pause and allow him to fill in the blanks as you go along. For example, read “Humpty Dumpty sat on a …,” then ask, “Do you remember what happens next?”

4. Look at illustrations. When reading together, stop and ask your child to find objects or other details in the illustrations.

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For example, after reading a page, pause and look at the illustration and ask, “Can you find a tree?” Connect the text with the illustrations, making comments about what you’ve read and pointing out how the illustration correlates (or doesn’t) with the text. Good readers pause, ask questions and make connections.

5. Encourage your child to read books to you. Make reading time a shared, interactive experience. Take turns reading and turning the pages. Many children begin to “pretend read” from memory or make up words for stories long before they can actually read text.

This is how they practice. Give your child opportunities for such practice and don’t worry about correcting missed words. Allowing this will build her confidence as an emerging reader.

6. Make meaningful connections. Ask your child to relate the events in the book to experiences he has had. You can use moments like this to allow your child to explore his own reactions to and feelings about similar experiences. Thinking empathically about the characters in the book can support your child in understanding his own feelings. For example, asking questions such as, “It seems like [the character] doesn’t like what is happening. How do you think she feels about that?” Encouraging your child to think and make predictions while reading will help make him a more active reader.

7. Plant the seeds of literacy. Finally, good readers are good storytellers, and good storytellers are good readers. Encourage your child to tell you about story-related experiences, or pictures she has drawn. Children’s first drawings — even a baby’s scribbles — are their first steps toward becoming writers and readers. Value your child’s attempts to communicate through babbles, words, scribbles and drawings, and your child will grow up feeling confident and capable as a writer and reader — one who shares and values the printed word as a versatile tool.

The Lucy Daniels Center is a nonprofit agency in Cary that promotes the emotional health and wellbeing of children and families Visit lucydanielscenter.org to learn more

Image courtesy of Lorelyn Medina/Shutterstock.com

BY LUCY DANIELS CENTER STAFF

FATHER FIGURING

Different Standards

BY PATRICK HEMPFING

J

essie loves to travel, especially when the trip requires

that cost less than her preferred choice at our first stop. I don’t

staying at a hotel. Her mom, Mattie, has taken us along

know if it allowed dogs — it didn’t matter, as our dog stayed

on several of her work trips, which are often in tourist-

home with Mattie. Safe, clean, smoke- and bug-free, I found it

friendly cities at excellent hotels. This works fine when

satisfactory. The price mattered to me.

Luggage carts image courtesy of NISHCHAL JOSHI/Shutterstock.com. Dollar sign image courtesy of Oakozhan/Shutterstock.com.

Mattie’s employer reimburses her for travel expenses. However,

I pointed out the savings to Jessie, who also enjoys other

Jessie has set her hotel standards at the level of these super-nice

activities that cost money. “That’s a lot of book sales, Jessie! You

conference hotels, and super-nice is expensive.

could take several saxophone lessons with that much money.”

When I told Jessie I was planning a two-city, daddy-daughter

Jessie understood the numbers. Still, when we arrived at the

book tour, she turned from a 12-year-old, sixth-grade student to

hotel, she was less than impressed with the room’s cleanliness

a seasoned travel agent right before my eyes. After racing for my

and shared her inner critic with me — several times. She even

phone, Jessie got right down to business, searching for the best

took it upon herself to clean the entire hotel room. Not only did

deals. (If I had been holding my smartphone, I’d be typing this

I save money, I found out Jessie has strong cleaning skills. (This

column with less than a full complement of fingers.)

knowledge will come in handy when I remind her to clean her

When Jessie was young and all the other rooms at a hotel where Mattie needed to stay were sold out, Mattie once had to book a

room and it doesn’t end up spotless.)

At our second city, we spent two nights at a different

room in the “Club Level,” which offered free drinks and snacks

hotel. This room, recently remodeled, met Jessie’s immediate

throughout the day in the “Club Lounge.” Since it was in a fun city,

approval without her lifting a finger. I witnessed a complete

Jessie and I went along. That’s where Jessie learned the word “hors

change in Jessie’s attitude. Apparently an extra $30 per night

d’oeuvres.” Who would have guessed this would make her think that

makes a difference.

what she called a “much-needed snack” is an essential hotel amenity.

I look forward to future trips with Jessie. Breaking away from

Now, let me point out that I also like nice hotels and stayed in a

our daily routines and spending time together in a car and hotel

few of them when I traveled on business. Like Jessie, I have quality

bring out different conversations. We get to know each other

standards when selecting hotels, but my criteria are different than

better and we learn about other people and places, too. It doesn’t

hers. Safety is of paramount importance. The room must also be

need to be super expensive to be super fun.

clean and smoke-free. Last, but not least, I don’t want bugs of any variety sharing my bed or any part of my room. Unlike Jessie,

Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional career in banking,

I also have financial standards, and I won’t break the bank for a

accounting and auditing before he became a father at age 44.

place to sleep.

He is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad and author of

We took our book tour road trip and had a wonderful time.

Much to Jessie’s disappointment, however, we stayed at a hotel

“MoMENts: A Dad Holds On,” available on Amazon. Learn more about him at patrickhempfing.com. carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

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TECH TALK

Death by Chicken Why doing it all in the digital age may not be in your best interest

I

f pink is the new brown and orange is the new black, then chaos is the new multitask. As I write, my daughter is hollering from the bathroom that there is no hair conditioner in her shower, and my husband is yelling from his office that the Smiths can’t drive carpool tomorrow. Great.

“There’s a bottle under the sink,” I tell my daughter. “I can do it,” I tell my husband, then stare at my computer screen and try to remember what it was I was writing about. All the while, my phone peck, peck, pecks me to death like a flock of ornery chickens.

Peck. “Progressive dinner. Who’s in? Sunday the 20th or the Saturday before Easter?”

Peck. “Sunday’s out, but Saturday looks good.”

Peck. “We’re out for both. Baseball tourney.”

Peck. “Looks like Saturday’s a go. Haley????”

I pick up my phone to respond Saturday works for us too, but — before I can — several more ornery chickens escape the coop.

Peck. Angie: “Do boys wear white or blue uniform on Saturday?

Peck. Mandy: “Are you picking up lunch tomorrow or am I?” Peck. Heather: “Coach says boys wear white.”

Peck. Kim: “Looks like I need to bleach Cody’s uniform, LOL.” Peck. Heather “likes” Kim’s message and adds a googly-eyed emoji to hers.

Someone “thumbs up” Kim. Peck.

Then “laughs” at Heather. Peck, peck.

Then, naturally, everyone else adds their own two cents.

Peck.

Peck.

Peck.

Peck, peck, peck, peck, peck, peck, peck the chickens go until it feels as if a thousand pinballs have been launched into my brain and are ricocheting at ferocious speeds. Forget the writing. It is a red wine and Dove Chocolate night for me, please. Thanks.

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When did this happen? When did it become a universal expectation that our phones should never be out of arm’s reach?

Whether you are a student of Adam and Eve or one of evolution, it cannot be denied that human beings were neither designed nor have they evolved to permanently house a smartphone. Yet, that’s the expectation, isn’t it?

“Meeting running over. Can you pick up the kids?”

“I need the report in an hour.”

“Do I need to pick something up for dinner?”

The expectation has evolved over time that our phone is on or near us at all times with the added expectation that we immediately, or almost immediately, respond to any and all messages we might receive. The contrary to which could have potentially disastrous results: a child left at school, a boss with no report, or — heaven forbid — a bowl of cold cereal for dinner. And that is just the text messages.

Technology has afforded us the luxury to order outfits, pay bills, transfer funds, buy groceries and pay a parking ticket in the time it takes to cook a bag of microwaved popcorn. These are errands that would have taken the better part of a day 10 years ago. Where has it gotten us? Do we feel more accomplished? Are we more productive? Are we at peace with a mile-long to-do list we are able to check, check, check as we click, click, click? Research says no, and Americans should be alarmed.

The pace of our lives and the pecking Americans are subjected to on their phones has reached levels bordering absurdity. We are overworked, overscheduled, tired, stressed and anxious. At some point, we are going to break. To recharge, we MUST unplug.

Haley Evans is a working mom of three who is fed up with the smartphone ruling her life. Her new book, “Hung Up: Why You Should Put the Phone Down (and Other Life Advice)” offers tips and tools to combat cellphone addiction without resorting to drastic “digital detox” methods. Learn more and sign Evans’ petition to Apple for a “Personal Do Not Disturb” option at thebighangup.com.

Image courtesy of Teerawat Chitprung/Shutterstock.com

BY HALEY EVANS

COLLEGE TRANSITIONS

How to Transfer Into an Elite College

BY DAVE BERGMAN, ED.D.

Image courtesy of Dan Lewis/Shutterstock.com

T

rying to calculate your student’s chances of gaining acceptance into an elite college or university through the transfer admissions process is about as easy as handicapping a cat race. Dartmouth College’s recent history demonstrates this truth quite well. In the last few years, the transfer admissions rate has bounced from 0.5% (in 2017) to as high as 8%, as they have accepted between a handful and two dozen students per year.

On average, a transfer applicant to a prestigious school will face poorer odds than a typical applicant for undergraduate admission.

For example, Stanford University accepts just 1.4% of transfer students versus 4.7% of freshmen. The University of Chicago takes in 5.5% of transfer applicants compared to 8.7% of regular applicants. Washington and Lee University, which admits 20% of freshman applicants, welcomed 11% of transfer wannabes in 2017, but that number has plummeted to as low as 3% in recent years.

That being said, if your student is dead set on exiting her current institution for greener pastures, there are ways to improve her likelihood of success.

1. Get awesome freshman year grades. Simply put, if your student is looking to transfer to a competitive school, his college transcript — embryonic as it may be — needs to sparkle. If he wants to transfer as a college freshman, his high school grades — especially those from his senior year — will take center stage.

Candidates who had strong SATs but poor high school grades can no longer sell their “potential.” A 1490 SAT score and college freshman year GPA of 1.9 does not paint an appetizing student

profile. Even if your student is unhappy at his current school, he should put every ounce of effort into achieving stellar grades. It will be his best ticket to the campus of his dreams.

2. Procure sterling recommendations. If your student has aspirations to transfer into an elite university, chances are she stood out from the crowd in the eyes of at least one professor. In seeking letters of recommendation, your student should target faculty who took note of her eagerness to contribute to class discussions and her regular appearances at office hours for the purposes of engaging in further intellectual discussion — or her research paper that was one of the best the professor has encountered in recent memory.

3. Nail the transfer application essays. There are two main things that your student will want to highlight in a transfer admissions essay: 1) Why his prospective transfer school is a perfect fit for him; and 2) What unique attributes and talents he will bring to campus. Your student should share with his prospective new academic home what makes him attractive and unique. He should mention specific courses he is eager to take at the institution; certain distinguished professors he desires to study under; and unique clubs, activities or campus traditions that he is excited about. Advise your student to take advantage of this chance to impress admissions officers with his expansive knowledge of their institution, as well as offer a highly specific accounting of how he will spend his time there. This will separate him from the pack of similarly-qualified transfer applicants.

4. Lastly, your student should demonstrate her record of involvement on campus. It is far easier for your student to sell herself as someone who will be a contributing member of the campus community if she displayed these qualities at her previous college. Students with an eye on transferring are sometimes so focused on escaping their first institution that they fail to become involved in anything outside of the classroom, and thus miss out on valuable opportunities to demonstrate leadership and passion — the very traits needed to transfer to a prestigious school.

Dave Bergman, Ed.D., is a co-founder of College Transitions, a team of college planning experts committed to guiding families through the college admissions process. He is also co-author of “The Enlightened College Applicant: A New Approach to the Search and Admissions Process.” Learn more at collegetransitions.com.

carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

31

EXCURSION

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

BY AUDREY PAYNE

W

hen I first heard of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, I thought of it as a quiet nature-based tourist spot in the Great Smoky Mountains, like Boone or Asheville here in North Carolina. As my family and I drove into the

downtown area, I quickly realized I was wrong. I would describe Gatlinburg as the Myrtle Beach of the mountains — full of activities for all ages to enjoy. We spent three days in the area and found these destinations and activities to be our favorites.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Ranked by National Geographic as the most-visited national park in the U.S., Great Smoky Mountains National Park should be at the top your Gatlinburg to-do list. Even if you aren’t interested in hiking the park’s trails, you can tour the park by car via 384 miles of road. You’ll see beautiful foliage all year long, as well as historic

And when you’re ready to relax, St. Somewhere Spa will be ready

buildings, burial sites and 10 waterfalls throughout the park. The

for you. This “Paradise in the Smokies” is within walking distance

Great Smoky Mountains are also famous for accommodating an

to nearby restaurants, shopping and attractions — and just

abundance of wildlife, so be on the lookout for white-tailed deer,

minutes away from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Learn

black bears and elk.

more at margaritavilleresortgatlinburg.com.

MARGARITAVILLE RESORT

OBER GATLINBURG

If you’re looking for a unique place to stay in Gatlinburg, this

The Ober Gatlinburg amusement park and ski area features an

riverside resort takes the charm of the beach and brings it into

aerial tramway that travels 2.1 miles over Gatlinburg to give

the mountains. Located in downtown Gatlinburg, Margaritaville

guests breathtaking views of the downtown area and Great Smoky

Resort is sure to please your inner beach lover. Listen to Jimmy

Mountains. Once you finish your journey up the mountain, more

Buffet’s easy-going songs as you dine in the lobby, play in the

attractions await. Ride on the Ski Mountain Coaster, go ice skating

sparkling blue pool and glide down the waterslide with the kids.

on the indoor rink and enjoy a delicious meal in the Seasons of

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JUNE 2019 | carolinaparent.com

Ober restaurant, where you’ll also find an expansive view of the

path, up to three people can ride in one Zorb at a time. It’s like an

surrounding mountains. Visit obergatlinburg.com to see a list of

extreme water slide and is perfect for anyone who would like to

additional rides and activities.

try something a little different. Be prepared to get wet if you visit during summer (dry zorbing activities are available in winter).

PARROT MOUNTAIN AND GARDENS Parrot Mountain and Gardens is a quick 20-minute drive

Learn more at outdoorgravitypark.com.

For more information about things to do in Gatlinburg, visit

from Gatlinburg, located in its sister city of Pigeon Forge. This

gatlinburg.com/chamber-of-commerce/convention-visitors-

attraction serves as a preserve for more than 84 species of exotic

bureau and start planning your family’s trip to this exciting,

and tropical birds that have been neglected or abused, or that

nature-filled destination.

need a home. Visitors can hold, feed and take pictures with birds of all different colors and sizes while hiking the forest’s leafy

Audrey Payne interned for Carolina Parent during the 2018-19

walkways. My family and I enjoyed seeing toucans, parrots and

school year and is a 2019 graduate of Apex High School.

small parakeets that could fit on our fingers. It was an experience we didn’t expect, and one we’ll never forget. Learn more at parrotmountainandgardens.com.

OUTDOOR GRAVITY PARK Also located in Pigeon Forge, Outdoor Gravity Park is a great option for the adventurers in your family. An activity that originated in New Zealand, zorbing involves rolling downhill inside a giant Zorb ball made of transparent plastic. At Outdoor Gravity Park, you can roll down one of three different paths.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an abundance of hiking trails and waterfalls.

Parrot Mountain and Gardens in nearby Pigeon Forge serves as a preserve for more than 84 species of exotic and tropical birds.

ABOVE: Gatlinburg offers activities and destinations every member of the family will enjoy.

Photos courtesy of Audrey Payne

There are options for ages 5 and older and, depending on the carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

33

CALENDAR JUNE 2019

BY JANICE LEWINE

OUR PICKS Peak City Pig Fest | June 14-15 Round up the family for Peak City Pig Fest, held annually in downtown Apex, and the only Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned event in the Triangle. Forty-eight cook teams will compete for more than $12,000 in prize money by cooking their best chicken, ribs, beef brisket and pork.

The two-day event starts Friday night, when cook teams create masterpieces from 5-10 p.m. and spectators can watch the town’s firefighters compete against its police officers in a rib-eating contest. The main event on Saturday features barbeque sales from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., the People’s Photos courtesy of Hunter Wilson

Choice Judging from 1:30-3:30 p.m. and an awards ceremony at 5 p.m. Don’t miss the ever-popular pig races at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Event admission is free; barbecue plates are $10 per person.

Proceeds from the event support charities of the Apex Sunrise Rotary Foundation. The festival takes place on

Juneteenth at Stagville | June 8 More than 900 people were freed at Stagville, one of North Carolina’s largest plantations, at the end of the Civil War in 1865. Learn more about this significant event as Stagville celebrates Juneteenth, noon-5 p.m., during the month that commemorates when the last enslaved people in the U.S. were emancipated. Visit their original dwellings, experience the stories of freed people’s experiences, and watch re-enactors demonstrate open-hearth cooking and bread making. Representatives from Oberlin Village, Geer Cemetery and the Russell School share stories of how freed people shaped the nation’s modern cities. Children’s activities round out the event. Admission is free. Historic Stagville Plantation is located at 5828 Old Oxford Hwy., Durham. facebook.com/events/1788198067953609.

Southern Slime Smash | June 29 Slime — that ooey, gooey substance loved by kids around the world — takes center stage in Raleigh at the Southern Slime Smash, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds’ Kerr Scott Building. Play with slime, watch live demonstrations, take part in a slime competition, meet Instagram slime stars and more. Purchase tickets, $20-$70, at southernslimesmash.com.

Admission is free for ages 2 and younger. The North Carolina State Fairgrounds are located at 1025 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh.

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JUNE 2019 | carolinaparent.com

Photo courtesy of North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Salem Street in downtown Apex. peakcitypigfest.com.

CALENDAR

BY JANICE LEWINE

JUNE 2019

FESTIVALS DESTINATION DIX 2.0 JUNE 1 – Dix Park, 101 Blair Dr., Raleigh.

3-9 p.m. FREE. This family-friendly spectacular features live entertainment, food, a Ferris wheel, a carousel and a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Register online. eventbrite.com.

FAIRY & DRAGON FESTIVAL JUNE 12 – Learning Express Toys, 4209 Lassiter Mill Rd., Raleigh. 4-6 p.m. $10/child.

Learning Express transforms into a land of magic and make-believe with face painting, fairy hair, and mystical crafts and games. Ages 3 and older.

Registration is required online. signupgenius. com/go/60b0e4fadaf22a5fa7-fairy1.

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY JUNE 1 – Bond Park, 801 High House Rd., Cary. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. FREE. Celebrate National Trails Day and 40 years of Cary greenways.

Enjoy 16-mile and 6.5 mile bike rides, a Walk ‘n Roll event, food trucks, inflatables and more. townofcary.org.

TOUR D’COOP JUNE 1 – Backyards across Apex, Cary and Raleigh. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $15-$30/car. Take the family for a tour of backyard chicken coops and visit neighborhood chickens, bees and gardens.

Proceeds benefit Urban Ministries of Wake County. Purchase tickets online. tourdcoop.com.

RALEIGH DIY/PUNK ROCK FLEA MARKET JUNE 2 – Rebus Works, 301-2 Kinsey St., Raleigh. Noon-6 p.m. FREE. Vendors, a record swap, food trucks, live music and punk rock karaoke await creative-loving families. rebusworks.us.

GREAT DURHAM ODYSSEY JUNE 2 – The Durham Hotel, 315 E. Chapel Hill St., Durham. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. FREE. Form a team of 4-6 members and compete in a multi-faceted series of challenges centered around the City of Durham. Team members under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Register online. thedurham.com/durhamodyssey.

DAY OF GUATEMALA JUNE 8 – Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, 1924 Capital Blvd., Raleigh.

4:30-7:30 p.m. FREE. Pay homage to Guatemala through Marimba music, food and games. facebook.com/events/370226133590648.

PORCH FEST JUNE 2 – Southern Village Green, 620 Market St., Chapel Hill. 4-8 p.m. FREE. This community gathering recognizes the impact of neighbors helping neighbors fight hunger through PORCH. Live music and kids’ activities round out the event. chapelhill.porchcommunities.org.

JUNETEENTH AT STAGVILLE JUNE 8 – Stagville State Historic Site, 5828 Old Oxford Highway, Durham. Noon-5 p.m.

FREE; donations welcome. Celebrate the end of slavery at Historic Stagville with guided tours, historical re-enactments and more. facebook.com/events/1788198067953609.

The Kids Obstacle Challenge takes place June 8-9 at Sugg Farm in Holly Springs.

KIDS OBSTACLE CHALLENGE JUNE 89 – Sugg Farm, 2401 Grigsby Ave., Holly Springs. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $36-$60.

Kids Obstacle Challenge is an adventure and obstacle course race series for kids ages 5-16 featuring more than a dozen fun and challenging obstacles and mud. Register online. kidsobstaclechallenge.com/raleigh.

PIMENTO CHEESE FESTIVAL JUNE 8 – Downtown Cary. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

FREE. Take the family for all things pimento, including a pimento cheese-sculpting contest. townofcary.org.

RALEIGH INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL JUNE 8 – City Plaza, 400 Fayetteville St., Raleigh. Noon-10 p.m. FREE. Raleigh’s diverse community welcomes all ages to enjoy dance performances, bands and food from around the world. eventbrite.com.

SCHOOL’S OUT GELATO PARTY JUNE 13 – La Vita Dolce Cafe, 610 Market St., Chapel Hill. 2:45-5:30 p.m. Free to attend; $5 for gelato bar. Savor gelato and enjoy games, music and more. This event takes place one day prior to the last day of school for students in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Public School district and is open to the public. lavitadolcecafe.com.

Photo courtesy of Kids Obstacle Challenge

BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL JUNE 15 – Well Fed Community Garden, 1321 Athens Dr., Raleigh. 4-8 p.m. $20 for adults, $10 ages 11 and younger. Take the family for blackberries, a pizza dinner, food from the garden, live music and more. Purchase tickets online. eventbrite.com.

JUNETEENTH JUNE 15 – Downtown Park, 319 S. Academy St., Cary. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. FREE. The Town of Cary’s inaugural Juneteenth event offers special activities for families. townofcary.org.

POLLINATOR FESTIVAL JUNE 15 – Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

FREE. Celebrate National Pollinator Week with games, crafts and other fun activities. Win prizes, talk with local experts and enjoy food vendors. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree.

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CALENDAR JUNE 2019

TRIANGLE COMMUNITY BAND FESTIVAL JUNE 15 – Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St., Durham. 5:30-7 p.m. FREE. Enjoy music from five community bands and a variety of food trucks. All ages. durhamband.org.

WAKE FOREST CHARITY CAR SHOW JUNE 15 – Downtown Wake Forest. 9 a.m.2 p.m. FREE. Take the family to see vehicles of all makes and models. wakeforestnc.gov.

FARM ANIMAL FESTIVAL JUNE 22 – Duke Homestead State Historic Site, 2828 Duke Homestead Rd., Durham.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. FREE. Young homesteaders learn about the importance of animals and pollinators on farms, both historically and today. Visit with animals and enjoy interactive games, engaging crafts, imaginative face painting, and more. facebook.com/ events/1385560434906008.

VOLLMER FARM BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL JUNE 22 – Vollmer Farm, 677 NC Hwy 98 East, Bunn. 2-10 p.m. $12 advance tickets, $15 at the door. Free for ages 12 and younger. Vollmer Farms’ annual nod to the blueberry features pie-eating contests, food trucks and the Back-40 Country Playground. Purchase tickets online. vollmerfarm.com/blueberry-music-festival.html.

TOY SHOW LIVE JUNE 2223 – Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $12/person. Free for ages 2 and younger. The magic of toys comes alive through interactive attractions, vendors, toy experiences and more.

Purchase tickets online. eventbrite.com.

DURHAM REFUGEE DAY JUNE 23 – Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St., Durham. 3-6 p.m. FREE. Celebrate the contributions and cultures of refugee and immigrant communities with live music, kids activities and food vendors. eventbrite.com.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION JUNE 23 – East End Community, Wake Forest.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. FREE. Sixteen vendors offer African clothing, jewelry, beauty products,

The School’s Out Gelato Party is June 13 at La Vita Dolce Cafe in Chapel Hill .

Photo courtesy of La Vita Dolce Cafe

QUILT-IN AT THE MUSEUM JUNE 15 – North Carolina Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. Noon-4 p.m.

FREE. Learn the art of quilting through demonstrations and hand-on activities.

Register online. eventbrite.com.

bullying awareness and education, and much more. A Freedom March beings at 11 a.m. wakeforestnc.gov/citizen-engagement/ community-calendar/juneteenth-celebration.

SOUTHEAST CRAB FEAST - RALEIGH JUNE 29 – Lake Wheeler Park, 6404 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. Noon-7 p.m. $10-$30.

Fresh crabs and live music highlight this day-long festival. Purchase tickets online. southeastcrabfeast.com.

SOUTHERN SLIME SMASH JUNE 29 – Kerr Scott Building, North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $20-$70 per person.

Slime takes center stage at this festival that also showcases live demos, Instagram slime stars, slime making booths and more. Free for kids 2 and younger. Purchase tickets online. southernslimesmash.com.

DAILY 1 SATURDAY Band Together Presents St. Paul & The Broken Bones. Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh.

6 p.m. $20-$50/person. The eight-piece soul band headlines Band Together’s annual event, which, this year, raises money for Interfaith Food Shuttle. Purchase tickets online. bandtogethernc.org.

“Isle of Dogs” Movie Party. North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 6:30-11 p.m. $8/member, $10/nonmember. Free for ages 6 and younger; advance ticket purchase required. Local vendors, music, dog arts and crafts, demonstrations by the American Kennel Club, a splash zone and more await families before the screening of the movie. Purchase tickets online. ncartmuseum.org.

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Mill Tours. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 1-3 p.m. $5/adult, $3 ages 7-16. View the main power drive and milling machinery while exploring the mill’s history and aspects of its preservation. Half-hour tours begin at 1 p.m. Registration encouraged. Tickets are available inside the park’s visitor center. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

Orange County Library Summer Learning Kick-off. Orange County Main Library, 137 W. Margaret Ln., Hillsborough. 9 a.m.noon. FREE. Kick-off the library’s summer learning program with space-themed activities. All ages. orangecountync. gov/156/library.

Summerfest: “A Space Spectacular.” Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary. 7:30 p.m. $30-$33/person. Blast off with the North Carolina Symphony as it presents music from “Star Wars,”

JUNE 2019 | carolinaparent.com

“The Planets” and other movies. Ages 12 and younger admitted free on the lawn. townofcary.org.

Tip Top to Bottom: A Mill Technology Tour.

Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 10 a.m.-noon. $10/ adult, $6 ages 10-16. Learn the history of milling in North Carolina, test your mill trivia, and discover what interesting machinery is preserved throughout the old mill. Registration required online. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

Volunteer Workdays: National Trails Day. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 9:30 a.m.noon. FREE. Ages 6 and older with a caregiver help with trail improvements.

Lunch provided. townofcary.org.

Wake Forest National Trails Day. E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Rd., Wake Forest. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FREE. Examine

reptiles and amphibians. Learn how to identify songbirds, enjoy family yoga sessions, explore the park trails and more. wakeforestnc.gov.

2 SUNDAY Eco-Explorers: Reptiles. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 2-4 p.m. $8/resident, $10/nonresident. Children make treasured memories while increasing their knowledge of plants and animals.

Ages 7-10. Register online. classweb.townofcary.org.

Mill Tours: Mill Heritage and Local History Tour. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 2-3 p.m. $5/ adult, $3 ages 7-16. Free for ages 6 and younger. Watch a brief slideshow, then explore the inner workings of the mill itself and witness the power of water as

CALENDAR JUNE 2019 it turns the milling machinery. Registration encouraged. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

events.durhamcountylibrary.org/ event/1810152.

3 MONDAY

6 THURSDAY

Kids Get Crafty: Fresh Fruits & Veggies.

Crowder County Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 11 a.m.-noon. FREE. Create a painting using fresh produce as stamps.

All ages with adult. Registration not required. Meet at the Cardinal Shelter. wakegov.com/parks/crowder.

Tots on Trails: Frogs. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10-11 a.m. $8/resident, $10/ nonresident. Ages 1-5 and caregiver delight in the discoveries of nature.

Register online. Choose course #124951. classweb.townofcary.org.

4 TUESDAY

7 FRIDAY

“One Giant Leap: North Carolina and the Space Race.” 9 a.m.-5 p.m. FREE. Discover North Carolina’s contribution to the space race and the 1969 moon landing in this exhibit. North Carolina Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. ncmuseumofhistory.org/exhibits/ one-giant-leap.

Nia Dance Jam. Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St., Carrboro. 7-8:30 p.m. $3/person. Learn this dance that incorporates martial arts, yoga and self-healing. All ages. carrbororec.org.

Night Out in Nature. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Raleigh. 6-9 p.m. $15/resident, $19/ nonresident. Kids spend a night out in nature making memories and new friends in an old-fashioned, camp-style program.

Ages 8-12. Register online. Choose course #124902. classweb.townofcary.org.

Pint-Size Picassos: Color Splash.

Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary.

9:30-11:30 a.m. $18/resident, $24/ nonresident. Ages 3-5 use a variety of materials to create masterpieces. Register online. Choose course #124421. classweb.townofcary.org.

Rockets With Dad. Middle Creek Community Center, 125 Middle Creek Park Ave., Apex. 4-8 p.m. $29/parent-child pair; $17/additional child. Kids build rockets with a caregiver. Supplies included.

Register online. Choose course #124661 for the 4-6 p.m. session or #125232 for the 6-8 p.m. session. townofcary.org.

Yates By Night: Alive After Dark.

Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 7:30-8:30 p.m.

FREE. Stroll around the pond in search of nighttime critters. Play games and try to catch some nocturnal bugs. Take a flashlight to spot the spiders. Ages 5 and older with adult. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

5 WEDNESDAY Crabtree Casters. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville.

6:30-8 p.m. FREE. Join park staff for an informal fishing experience. Take your own pole or borrow one from the park.

Bait and basic instruction provided.

Participants 16 years and older must have a valid North Carolina fishing license. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree.

Nature Stories: Millipede Mania.

Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh. 1-2 p.m.

FREE. Discover the world of millipedes, centipedes and pill bugs. Make a roll up craft. wakegov.com/parks/bluejay.

Park Tales: “My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis.” Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh.

11 a.m.-noon. FREE. Read the story about a praying mantis that grows up and learns to navigate her new world. All ages with adult. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

Storytime on the Roof. North Regional Library, 221 Milton Rd., Durham.

10:30-11:15 a.m. FREE. Enjoy storytime on the roof of the library. Take a blanket or pillow. Register online.

8 SATURDAY Discover the Park: Trees. Crowder County Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 1-3 p.m.

FREE. Stop by the discovery table in the upper playground to learn about the trees of Crowder Park. Registration not required. wakegov.com/parks/crowder.

Discover the Park: Walk in the Woods.

Crowder County Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 10-11 a.m. FREE. Take a walk in the woods and discover the animals and plants that call the park home. Help collect data for the Natural Resource Inventory Database and other citizen science projects. Ages 14 and older.

Registration not required. Meet at the park office. wakegov.com/parks/crowder.

Outdoor Movie: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh.

9-11 p.m. $7/nonmember. Free for members and ages 6 and younger. Enjoy a summer movie under the stars. Purchase tickets online. ncartmuseum.org.

Saturdays at the Old Mill Tours. See June 1.

Summerfest: “Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.”

Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary. 7:30 p.m. $30-$33/person.

See the North Carolina Symphony perform Vivaldi’s well-known piece, which gives musical expression to each season of the year. Purchase tickets online. Ages 12 and younger are admitted free on the lawn. ncsymphony.org.

Tales and Trails: Stories Around the Campfire. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 7-8:30 p.m. $18/resident, $24/ nonresident. Discover what’s happening as the sun sets and listen to stories around a campfire. All ages with adult. Register online. Choose course #124904. classweb.townofcary.org.

9 SUNDAY Babies On The MOVE: Mini Movers: 0-6 Months. Open Arts, 1222 Copeland Oaks Dr., Morrisville. 10-10:45 a.m. $24.

Discover individualized ways to foster motor development for a child. Learn about tummy time alternatives, best positions for a baby, how to help a child

learn to sit, roll and more. Register online. babiesonthemove.rdu.

Babies On The MOVE: Master Movers: 7 Months-New Walkers. Open Arts, 1222 Copeland Oaks Dr., Morrisville.

11-11:45 a.m. $24. Take part in a class that teaches individualized ways to foster motor development for a child. Learn about carry positions, best positions for a baby, how to help a child learn to crawl, walk and more. Register online. babiesonthemove.rdu.

Book Launch: “In Just One Afternoon — Listening Into the Heart of Millennials.” American Institute of Healthcare & Fitness, 8300 Health Park, Raleigh. 2-4 p.m. FREE. Join author Marilyn Shannon for the launch of her third book and panel discussions featuring millennials. Purchase tickets online. eventbrite.com.

Mill Tours: Mill Heritage and Local History Tour. See June 2.

10 MONDAY Cooking is Fun: Picnic Food. Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 3:45-5:15 p.m. $19/resident, $24/nonresident. Ages 11 and older with disabilities make a salad, pinwheel sandwiches and a refreshing dessert.

Register online. Choose course #124745. classweb.townofcary.org.

Field School: Geology Rocks! Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 10:30 a.m.-noon. FREE. Test the physical and chemical components to discover the identity of rocks. Play the rock cycle game and take a hike to the mill dam to discover its geologic foundation.

Ages 7-14. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

11 TUESDAY Nature Peekers: “Turtle Splash.”

Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh. 10:30-11 a.m. FREE. Read the story by Cathryn Falwell and explore the outdoors. Ages 18 months-3 years with adult. Register online. wakegov.com/parks/bluejay.

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CALENDAR JUNE 2019 12 WEDNESDAY “One Giant Leap: North Carolina and the Space Race.” See June 4.

13 THURSDAY Nature Fun-Days: Silly Squirrels.

Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10 a.m.noon. $9/resident, $12/nonresident. Kids hike, make projects and engage nature.

Ages 5-8. Register online. Choose course #124692. classweb.townofcary.org.

14 FRIDAY Chapel Hill Public Library Summer Blast. Chapel Hill Public Library, 100 Library Dr., Chapel Hill. 5-8 p.m. FREE. Start your summer reading program with storytimes, book clubs, live music, games and treats. chapelhillpubliclibrary.org/ eventscalendar/summer-blast-party.

Eco-Express: Backyard Reptiles.

Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10 a.m.noon. $9/resident, $12/nonresident. Take the fast track to nature in this hands-on study of ecology. Ages 8-12. Register online. Choose course #124970. classweb.townofcary.org.

A Side of History: Flag Day Fun. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 4-5 p.m.

FREE. Celebrate Flag Day by delving into the history and lore of the American flag at Historic Yates Mill. Learn to cut out a five-pointed star like Betsy Ross. Ages 5 and older with adult. Register online. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

15 SATURDAY Connect + Create: Sun Catchers. Artspace, 201 E. Davie St., Raleigh. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $15/nonmember, $10/member. Learn to create a rainbow-colored design using feathers, tissue paper, glitter and more.

Materials provided. artspacenc.org From Words to Wonder: Teddy Bear Picnic.

Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary. 10:30 a.m.-noon. $14/resident, $18/nonresident.

Ages 3-5 create a simple art project based on a story. Register online. Choose course #124427. classweb.townofcary.org.

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Junior Naturalist: Friends of the Garden.

Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 1-2 p.m. $8/resident, $10/nonresident. Participants develop their naturalist skills and understanding of local nature. Ages 5-8 with parent. Register online. Choose course #124395. classweb.townofcary.org.

“Leaf” It to Me. Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh.

10-11 a.m. FREE. Learn what trees need to grow and how identify them. Walk in the park to discover trees. Ages 5 and older with adult. wakegov.com/parks/bluejay.

Mill Tours: Costumed Tours. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 10 a.m.-noon. $5/adult, $3 ages 7-16. Free for ages 6 and younger. Step back in time with 19th-century costumed interpreters and watch the millstones at work grinding corn into meal. Registration encouraged. Tickets available at the mill. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

Recreational Adventures: Country Dancing in the Mill Yard. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh.

Noon-12:45 p.m. FREE. Join costumed interpreters Jon and Karena Potter in learning and dancing 19th-century country dances. Registration not required. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

Seasons on a Farm: Soap Making and Butter Churning. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 1-5 p.m.; drop-in program.

FREE. Discover the tasks 19th-century farmers and their families would be doing as part of their life on a farm. Try making butter in a jar. All ages. Registration not required. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

Summerfest: “Classics Under the Stars.”

Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary. 7:30 p.m. $30-$33/person.

The North Carolina Symphony performs familiar music by Mozart, Beethoven and more. Purchase tickets online. Ages 12 and younger admitted free on the lawn. ncsymphony.org.

Worm Composting for Kids. Walnut Creek Wetland Park, 950 Peterson St., Raleigh.

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $5/child. Discover how worms turn food waste into garden soil.

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Family Features: Daddy and Me Day. Crowder County Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 2-3 p.m. FREE. Celebrate Father’s Day with nature games. All ages with adult. Meet at the upper pavilion. Register online. wakegov.com/parks/crowder.

Family Programs: Exploring Swift Creek.

Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 3-4:30 p.m. $12/resident, $16/nonresident. Search for salamanders, birds, deer and more. All ages with adult. Register online. Choose course #124938. classweb.townofcary.org.

Mill Tours: Corn Grinding Demonstrations and Costumed Tours. See June 15. 1-4 p.m.

Apex. 11 a.m.-noon. FREE. Learn about bees and taste different types of honey.

Plant a flower in a container for the park’s garden. All ages with adult. Registration required. Meet at the upper pavilion. wakegov.com/parks/crowder.

Preschool Swamp Romp: Bugs.

Walnut Creek Wetland Park, 950 Peterson St., Raleigh. 11 a.m.-noon. $2/ child. Budding naturalists enjoy a craft, engaging activity or story. Take a guided greenway walk through the wetland to see bugs. Ages 2-6. Choose course #236838. reclink.raleighnc.gov.

Recreational Adventures: National Go Fishing Day Fun. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 11 a.m.-noon. FREE. Enjoy a day of fishing at the millpond. Ages 5 and older with an adult. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

17 MONDAY

19 WEDNESDAY

Nature Fun-Days: Creek Critters. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 1-3 p.m. $9/ resident, $12/nonresident. Kids hike, make projects and engage in nature activities. Ages 5-8. Register online.

Choose course #124691. classweb. townofcary.org.

Specialized Recreation: Summer Nature Stroll. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary.

4:30-5:30 p.m. $2/resident, $3/ nonresident. Ages 11 and older with special needs stroll through the woods.

Register online. Choose course #124383. classweb.townofcary.org.

Tiny Tots: Animals in Nature.

Crowder County Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 10:30-11 a.m. FREE. Practice recognition skills through sorting, matching and more. Move like animals and find park critters in a scavenger hunt. Ages 18 months-3 years with adult.

Registration required. Meet at the upper pavilion. wakegov.com/parks/crowder.

Crabtree Casters. See June 5.

Nature Watchers: Busy Bees.

Crowder County Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 11 a.m.-noon. FREE. Read “The Honey Robber and the Bee” by Eric Carle and discover the world of bees and honey.

Enjoy a sweet treat. Ages 3-5 with adult.

Meet at the upper pavilion. wakegov.com/parks/crowder.

Specialized Recreation: Just Breathe.

Bond Park Community Center, 801 High House Rd., Cary. 6:30-7:30 p.m. $9/ resident, $11/nonresident. Ages 11 and older with special needs enjoy yoga and breathing exercises. Register online. Choose course #125022. classweb.townofcary.org.

Meet different worms and learn how to help keep food waste out of landfills. Ages 7-14 years. Registration required. Choose course #236851. reclink.raleighnc.gov.

16 SUNDAY

18 TUESDAY Nature Families: The Buzz on Bees.

Crowder County Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd.,

20 THURSDAY Playtime in the Park. Downtown Park, 319 S. Academy St., Cary. 10 a.m.-noon.

FREE. Enjoy giant checkers, giant Jenga, bubbles and special art activities. townofcary.org.

Wee Wetland Walkers. Walnut Creek Wetland Park, 950 Peterson St., Raleigh. 11 a.m.noon. FREE. Join others for an easy-paced hike around the greenway accompanied by a naturalist. Register online. Choose course #236846. reclink.raleighnc.gov.

CALENDAR JUNE 2019 21 FRIDAY Crowder by Night: Firefly Frenzy. Crowder County Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex.

7:45-8:45 p.m. FREE. Catch and release lightning bugs. Explore what gives them a special glow through hands-on discovery, games and more. All ages with adult.

Registration required. Meet at the Heron Shelter. wakegov.com/parks/crowder.

Natural Explorations: A Midsummer Day Dream. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh.

11 a.m.-noon. FREE. Take a short walk near the millpond to search for evidence of faeries, explore the astronomical aspects of Midsummer’s Day and hear a few quotes from William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” All ages with adult. Register online. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

22 SATURDAY Curiosity Club: H20 Away We Go. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 2-4 p.m. $8/resident, $10/nonresident. Ages 5-8 embrace science and nature while developing skills and knowledge about the natural world. Register online. Choose course #124927. classweb.townofcary.org.

Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park: “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Rd., Wake Forest.

8:30 p.m. FREE. Enjoy a movie under the stars and play games at 7:15 p.m. before the movie begins. wakeforestnc.gov.

Just Winging It. Blue Jay Point County Park, 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh. 10-11 a.m. FREE. Learn about the intricacies of bird behavior.

All ages with adult. Register online. wakegov.com/parks/bluejay.

Recreational Adventures: Paddle the Pond. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh.

11 a.m.-noon. FREE. Learn basic canoeing skills and a bit about the millpond’s history, then head out to explore the pond’s many features as seen only from the water. Ages 5 and older with adult. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.

Saturdays at the Old Mill Tours. See June 1.

Toy Show Live. Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. $12/person. Free for ages 2 and younger. Celebrate the world of toys through interactive attractions, vendors, toy experiences and more.

Purchase tickets online. eventbrite.com.

23 SUNDAY Family Naturalists: What Floats? Walnut Creek Wetland Park, 950 Peterson St., Raleigh. 2-3:30 p.m. $5/family. Collect trash and natural materials found in the wetland to make boats. Learn how wetlands and watersheds work. Ages 4 and older. Dress to get wet. Take rain boots or borrow a pair from the park.

Register online. Choose course #236855. reclink.raleighnc.gov.

Family Pop-Up Art: Jumpin’ Jellyfish.

Bond Park Community Center, 801 High House Rd., Cary. 4-5 p.m. $10/resident, $13/nonresident. Make colorful jellyfish with wiggly tentacles. Ages 2-6 with caregiver. Register online. Choose course #125005. classweb.townofcary.org.

Mill Tours: Mill Heritage and Local History Tour. See June 2.

Toy Show Live. See June 22.

24 MONDAY “One Giant Leap: North Carolina and the Space Race.” See June 4.

25 TUESDAY Specialized Recreation: Karaoke. Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $3/resident, $3/nonresident. Ages 11 and older with special needs sing favorite songs, karaokestyle. Register online. Choose course #125030. classweb.townofcary.org.

Nature Fun-Days: Animal Athletes.

Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10 a.m.noon. $9/resident, $12/nonresident.

Kids hike, make projects and engage in nature activities. Ages 5-8. Register online. Choose course #124963. classweb.townofcary.org.

26 WEDNESDAY

29 SATURDAY

Puppet Show Incorporated Presents “A Fractured Fairytale Fest.” Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St., Carrboro. 10:30-11:30 a.m. $3/person. See an enjoyable mashup of classic fairytales. carrbororec.org.

Specialized Recreation: Family Lawn Games. Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary.

6:30-8 p.m. $2/resident, $3/nonresident.

Ages 11 and older with special needs play bocce, cornhole, croquet and more on the lawn. Register online. Choose course #125353. classweb.townofcary.org.

Hemlock Nature Quest: Summer Wildlife Survey. Hemlock Bluffs/ Stevens Nature Center, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 1-3 p.m. $8/resident, $10/nonresident. Search wetlands and forests for birds. Ages 13-15. Register online. Choose course #124934. classweb.townofcary.org.

Saturdays at the Old Mill Tours. See June 1.

Tots on Trails: Frogs. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10-11 a.m. $8/resident, $10/ nonresident. Ages 1-5 and caregiver delight in the discoveries of nature.

Register online. Choose course #124952. classweb.townofcary.org.

28 FRIDAY

30 SUNDAY

Girls’ Night S’mores Party. Bond Park, Kiwanis Shelter, 801 High House Rd., Cary.

7-8:30 p.m. $23/parent and child pair; $12 additional child. Ages 4-10 enjoy an evening with hiking, crafts, music, games and s’mores. Register online. Choose course #124331. townofcary.org.

Mill Heritage and Local History Tour.

See June 2.

27 THURSDAY

CALENDAR POLICY The Carolina Parent calendar lists local and regional activities for children and families. Visit carolinaparent.com/calendar to submit an event for consideration by the 6th of the month for the next month’s issue. Please call ahead to confirm dates and times.

This calendar may include some events not intended for young children. Find more events at carolinaparent.com/calendar.

carolinaparent.com | JUNE 2019

39

FACES & PLACES

Alexis (10) takes a ride on Pullen Park’s historic Dentzel carousel in Raleigh.

Submit high-resolution photos of your kids having fun in the Triangle and beyond at carolinaparent.com/facesandplaces.

40

JUNE 2019 | carolinaparent.com

FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, the practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates has been trusted to provide specialized care in the CHAPEL HILL, DURHAM, AND SANFORD communities.

DRS. FROST, SACCO, VANDERSEA, RUVO AND SERLO practice a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from corrective jaw surgery to wisdom tooth removal. Our practice also specializes in DENTAL IMPLANTS, BONE GRAFTING, FACIAL TRAUMA, AND ORAL PATHOLOGY.

CHAPEL HILL

DURHAM

SANFORD

501 Eastowne Dr.

2823 N. Duke St.

109 Dennis Dr.

919-929-2196

919-479-0707

919-775-1615

OMSANC.com

Your essential resources.

YOUR ESSENTIALeveryday EVERDAY RESOURCES Our award-winning monthly magazine and annual guides feature the region’s best family calendar, health and wellness information, educational features, camp and school listings, and more!

Our award-winning monthly magazine and annual guides feature the Your essential everyday resources. region’s best family calendar, health and wellness information, educational features, camp and school listings, and more!

Our award-winning monthly magazine and annual guides feature the region’s best family calendar, health and wellness information, educational features, camp and school listings, and more!

October 2017 • Free

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Where to

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NCMA visitor photo by @nkbyrne. See more at #ArtNaturePeople.

5,000 years of art. 164 acres of nature. A place for everyone.

Visit your FREE permanent collection and Park at the North Carolina Museum of Art.

2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh

ncartmuseum.org/artnaturepeople