Carolina Parent March 2018 by Morris Media Network

March 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ Free

31 Ways to Explore the Carolina Coasts

3 Music Cities for Families to Discover

Egg Hunts and Bunny Sightings Across the Triangle

Single-Parent Travel Made Easy carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2018

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CONTENT â&#x20AC;ş M A R C H

14 Egg Hunts and Bunny Sightings in the Triangle When and where to find Easter fun across the region

16 31 Ways to Explore the Carolina Coasts New reasons to return to your favorite beaches

22 3 Music Cities for Families to Discover Follow the beat in New York, Nashville and Austin

27 Single-Parent Travel Made Easy Tips for less stress and more fun

IN EVERY ISSUE 5 March Online 6 Editor's Note

FYI 8 Community 10 Education 12 Health CO LU M N S 28 Growing Up 31 Tech Talk 32 Understanding Kids 35 Father Figuring 36 College Transitions 37 Excursion 48 Faces and Places CALENDAR 39 Our Picks 40 Festivals 41 Performances 42 Daily

22 carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2018

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Carolina Beaches and Music Cities

ome of the best vacations our family has taken consisted of relaxing days on the Carolina coast building sand castles, riding waves, searching for seashells and enjoying meals at local seafood restaurants. But the beaches along the North Carolina and South Carolina coasts also offer hidden treasures beyond their sandy shores. Browse a list of 31 ways to make the most out of the Carolina coast on page 16 of this month’s family travel-themed issue. From paddling through the Pamlico Tar River Estuary to dining under the stars on Folly Beach Pier, you’ll find new reasons to visit favorite beaches you thought you had fully experienced. If your family enjoys live music, consider vacationing in one of three music cities we’ve spotlighted beginning on page 22. New York, Nashville and Austin all offer family-friendly venues, museums and other attractions that showcase a wide range of music genres to keep everyone’s toes tapping. Traveling as a single parent comes with challenges that dual-parent families may not always encounter. On page 27, read tips for how, as the only adult accompanying your child(ren) during a trip, you can plan and carry out a memorable vacation. Our March Excursion column on page 37 takes you to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Known to be the world’s second-largest public aquarium, this attraction boasts 60 animal habitats and 10 million gallons of water filled with 1,000 species of marine life. Before you hit the road, read tips in our Understanding Kids column on page 32 for how to help ease your child’s travel anxieties. Additional columns this month offer suggestions for ways to nurture your child’s natural gifts (page 28), guidance on teaching kids to be kind online (page 31) and answers to questions about summer programs for high school students (page 36). Easter is April 1 (no joke!), which means many egg hunts are happening in March. Browse our roundup on pages 14-15 to find out when and where your kids can participate in an egg hunt or meet the Easter Bunny. As winter turns into spring, our calendar section, which begins on page 39, highlights refreshing outdoor events and festivals taking place across the Triangle. Lastly, we have a favor to ask of you. Please make your Readers’ Favorites selections at carolinaparent.com (search for “readers’ favorites”). Vote in at least 15 categories and you’ll be eligible to win a Carnival Cruise out of Charleston, South Carolina, plus passes and tickets to local attractions and shows. That would certainly change up your travel plans, wouldn’t it? Happy spring from all of us here at Carolina Parent!

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Phone: 919-956-2430 · Fax: 919-956-2427 5716 Fayetteville Rd., Suite 201, Durham, NC 27713 advertising@carolinaparent.com · editorial@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 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

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MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

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American History Chair Martha Kirby with Katelynn Carroll. Photo courtesy of General Davie DAR Chapter

› FYI

community BY JANICE LEWINE

Local Students and Teacher Receive National Awards The General Davie Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution handed out prestigious awards to three local students and a teacher on Jan. 13. Katelynn Carroll, a seventh-grader from Durham, won the America History Essay Contest for her piece, “World War I: Remembering the War to End All Wars.” Acelynn Barefoot, a senior at Northern High School, was named the winner of the Good Citizen Scholarship Contest, which includes a $500 scholarship from the Linder Hester Scholarship Fund and an additional $100 from the chapter. Voyager Academy High School student Idara Carmichael won the DAR Good Citizen Award. Candace Evans, a teacher at Pearsontown Elementary School, received the Outstanding Teacher of American History Award for her passion in bringing history to life by dressing up as historical characters and relating history to modern life and events. DAR is one of the largest women’s patriotic organizations in the world. The General Davie Chapter was chartered in Durham in 1911. Learn more at ncdar.org/generaldaviechapter_files/ index.html.

Kidznotes won an Emmy Award in January. Photo courtesy of Kate Pope Photography

Kidznotes Wins Emmy Award Durham-based Kidznotes, a nonprofit that provides free, classical music instruction and instruments to underprivileged children in Durham and Raleigh, recently won an Emmy Award for Best Program Featuring Visual or Performing Arts for its documentary short film, “The Music Inside,” at the 32nd annual Midsouth Regional Emmy Awards in Nashville, Tennessee. Produced by Ray and Susan Ellis of Footpath Pictures, the film explores how music has changed the lives of five Kidznotes students: Marcus, Kiarra, Alan, Simone and Johnny. Watch “The Music Inside” at https://youtu.be/97OblMRqQUs.

Advocates for Health in Action to Host 9th Annual ‘Dig In!’ Join Advocates for Health in Action March 10 at Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh for “Dig In!,” an event that explores how urban agriculture and edible gardens in schools and child care settings grow healthier communities in Wake County. Through a variety of workshops, educational booths and hands-on garden activities, “Dig In” provides guidance on growing community gardens and increasing people’s access to fresh, healthy produce. The event, which is open to parents, educators, business leaders, and health and community advocates, also features a keynote address by Katie Stagliano, founder of the nonprofit Katie’s Krops. Check-in begins at 8:15 a.m. Registration is $25 online at advocatesforhealthinaction.org/eat-healthy/community-gardens/dig-in.

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The number of Emmy Awards categories being voted on.

The number of primetime Emmy Awards that have aired on TV to date. Source: The Television Academy

MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

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FYI

education

BY KAREN SHORE Isaac Geer is one of the students who participated in Rogers-Herr Middle School's “Genius Hour” project. Photo courtesy of Durham Public Schools

For the 12th consecutive year, Wake County Public School System boasts the highest number of National Board Certified teachers in the country. Photo courtesy of WCPSS

‘Genius Hour’ Projects Tap Into Students’ Passions Inspired by Google’s “20 percent rule,” which allows employees to spend one-fifth of their time working on a Google-related passion of their own choosing, seventh-grade students at Rogers-Herr Middle School in Durham spent the early part of this school year working on their own “Genius Hour” projects that culminated with students presenting their work to parents, staff and fellow students. “The students chose a topic they were interested in knowing more about,” says Jennifer Hall, Rogers-Herr’s instructional facilitator. “They have been questioning, researching, collecting data and creating their projects to share with classmates and parents.” The “Genius Hour” projects were the brainchild of English/language arts teachers Madison Ambrose and Wyneta Tebout. Some of the projects were about making a camera, being a fashion designer, making soccer balls for kids in Africa, and the pay disparity between men and women. Another focused on nonsmoker lung cancer, a personal topic for a student who lost his mother to the disease. Learn more about the "Genius Hour" at geniushour.com.

MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

Wake County Leads Nation in National Board Certified Teachers For the 12th consecutive year, Wake County Public School System boasts the highest number of National Board Certified teachers in the country. More than 2,000 teachers have earned this high distinction while working in the district. WCPSS is also the first school system in the nation to partner with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards to create a program designed to support third-year teachers as they prepare to pursue board certification. In the district’s Beginner to Board-Certified program, participants attend professional development sessions throughout the year as a group and move together through the certification process starting in the fourth year of their career. Seeking national board certification demands significant time and effort from a teacher. The process requires teachers to analyze their teaching practices and impact on student learning, take on leadership roles and collaborate with peers. The national board certification program is built upon the belief that establishing higher standards for teachers results in better learning for students. For more information, visit wcpss.net/nbct.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro High School Students Excel in Learning Through Languages Research Symposium A group of high school students and teachers from Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools recently participated in the Learning Through Languages Research Symposium. Produced by the Consortium in Latin American and Caribbean Studies at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University, the event took place this winter on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus. The symposium seeks to challenge advanced language students with a competition that demands excellence in both written and oral research skills. In teams of two or three, these students were able to present an analysis — in French — of the impact of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, as well as answer a range of questions from judges in Japanese about Western influences on current Israeli politics. Almost one-third of the teams competing were from CHCCS, and they were sponsored by seven language teachers specializing in Spanish, French, German and Japanese. The CHCCS students won nearly half of the prizes awarded this year. “The symposium helped me improve my Spanish in so many different ways,” says East Chapel Hill High School student Makenna Meyer. Meyer’s team, sponsored by Spanish teacher Justin Seifts, tied for two honorable mentions for their research on the Rohingya refugee crisis. Winners from Broughton High School in Raleigh and Riverside High School in Durham were also chosen. See a full list of winners at areastudies.unc.edu/ltl.

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WIN A CARNIVAL CRUISE Ready for fun in the sun? Enter to win a Carnival cruise for four out of Charleston, South Carolina! Set sail on either a 5-, 6- or 7-day cruise between now and the end of summer 2020. The Carnival Ecstasy will be available during that entire time and the Carnival Sunshine will be available as of May 2019. The winner will stay in an ocean view cabin for four and enjoy a variety of family-friendly perks, such as the Dr. Seuss “Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast With The Cat in the Hat and Friends,” part of Carnival’s Seuss at Sea program operated exclusively with Dr. Seuss Enterprises. Find more details and enter to win by going to carolinaparent.com/cp/contests and clicking on the “Carnival Cruise” post. Type this code in the online form you’ll be required to fill out: CarnivalCruiseCP2018. We’ll announce a winner March 23, 2018. Good luck!

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›

FYI

health

BY KATHERINE KOPP

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Flying With Your Family If you’re planning a trip that will involve flying this spring or summer, keep in mind that the Federal Aviation Administration does not require the purchase of an airline ticket for children under the age of 2, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a child restraint system to prevent possible injuries, should turbulence occur on a flight. FAA recommendations include: • Using a rear-facing child restraint system for children less than 20 pounds. •

Using a forward-facing child restraint system for children 20-40 pounds, or an approved harness-type device for children 22-44 pounds.

•

When preparing to travel, make sure the seat you are using is FAA-approved.

Other tips from the FAA include: • Before purchasing a ticket for your child, check with the airline to see if any discounts for children are available.

Travel Tips From the CDC If you are planning a trip — particularly an overseas excursion — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips for experiencing a safe and healthy vacation. • Be cautious about food and water during your trip. •

Avoid taking risks with health and safety.

•

If you drink, limit alcohol intake and don't drink and drive.

•

To ease travel in the terminal, use Smarte Cartes or airport transportation.

•

When boarding the plane, check strollers and other items at the gate.

•

Be sure to dress your child and yourself in layers, since temperatures on a plane can vary.

•

Make sure you have necessary supplies in your carry-on bag: diapers and wipes, a change of clothing, a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, tissues or paper towels, and snacks.

Use sunscreen and insect repellant as directed.

•

Wear protective gear when participating in adventure activities.

•

Respect your host country and its citizens by observing local laws and customs.

For more information, visit faa.gov/travelers/fly_children

3rd

North Carolina’s ranking in the real cost of smoking in each U.S. state, after Kentucky and Georgia. North Carolina ranked second in the out-of-pocket cost per smoker in the U.S., with that cost being $86,374, and 11th in health care costs related to smoking at $141,844 per smoker. Source: wallethub.com/edu/the-financial-cost-of-smoking-by-state/9520

MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

For more details and additional tips for healthy travel, go to wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/ survival-guide. Katherine Kopp is a freelance writer in Chapel Hill.

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carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2018

Egg Hunts and Bunny Sightings IN THE TRIANGLE

BY JANICE LEWINE

aster is right around the corner and that means Peter Cottontail is busy hiding eggs! Take an Easter basket to these fun events happening across the Triangle. Egg hunts begin and end in a jiffy, so be sure to arrive early. Events listed below are free unless otherwise noted. MARCH 17 Sugg Farm in Holly Springs is the site of Spring Fling, 10 a.m.-noon, featuring live entertainment. An egg hunt for ages 8 and younger begins at noon. hollyspringnc.us/360/ springs; 919-557-9603.

MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

MARCH 23 Take a flashlight to search for eggs, including both glitter and golden eggs that encompass special prizes, at the Town of Carrboro’s Flashlight Egg Hunt in Wilson Park for ages 11-14. Registration begins at 7:45 p.m. prior to the egg hunt, which begins promptly at 8:20 p.m. carrbororec.org; 919-918-7364.

program #109590. classweb. townofcary.org; 919-469-4965.

MARCH 24 The Easter Bunny drops thousands of eggs in Apex at 10 a.m. on the Town Campus. An egg hunt for ages 6 and younger with disabilities begins at 9 a.m. apexnc.org/523/ easter-egg-hunt; 919-249-3402.

Kids can search for eggs in Durham, including a golden egg that awards a special prize, at Campus Hills Park, 10-11 a.m., and at West Point on the Eno Park, 10 a.m.-noon. Later that afternoon, 1-2 p.m., take Fido to enjoy a canine-style egg hunt at West Point on the Eno Park. dprplaymore.org; 919-560-4355.

The Town of Carrboro welcomes children ages 2-10 to enjoy an egg hunt and spring-themed activities, noon-2 p.m., at Hank Anderson Park. The rain date is March 25, noon-2 p.m. carrbororec.org; 919-918-7364. The Town of Cary's Easter Festival in Bond Park features live entertainment, 1-4 p.m., including a magic show at 3 p.m. at Sertoma Amphitheatre. An egg hunt for three different age groups begins at 4 p.m. The rain date for the event is March 25, 1-4 p.m. Visit the website for details on the town's annual Breakfast With the Bunny. Tickets, $3-$4, are required for the breakfast and must be purchased at the Herbert C. Young Community Center prior to the event. townofcary.org (search for “Easter events”); 919-460-4965. Bond Park in Cary hosts an Easter Eggstravaganza beginning at 4 p.m. for ages 12 and younger with disabilities. The event includes an egg hunt, magic show and visit with the Easter Bunny. Registration is encouraged for the event. Choose

Crafts, inflatables, games, an egg hunt and a visit from Peter Cottontail highlight Southern Community Park’s spring festival in Chapel Hill, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. townofchapelhill.org/egghunt; 919-968-2723.

Downtown Fuquay-Varina merchants host a candy hop, 2-4 p.m. fuquay-varinadowntown.com; 919-552-0848. The Town of Garner’s Spring EGGstravaganza at Lake Benson Park, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., features a visit with the Easter Bunny, crafts, games and food vendors. Four egg hunts for different age groups take place every half-hour beginning at 10:30 a.m. The rain date is March 25, 1-3 p.m. garnernc.gov/ departments/parks-recreation-andcultural-resources/events/springeggstravaganza; 919-773-4441. Knightdale hosts Paws in the Park, an Easter egg hunt for dogs, 9:30-10:30 a.m., in Ashley Wilder Dog Park at Knightdale Station Park. Afterward, families can enjoy train rides, music, food and a visit with Peter Cottontail at Easter Eggstraordinaire, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Knightdale Station Park Amphitheater. Egg hunts for three different age groups begin at

11 a.m. An optional egg hunt zone will be available for children with special needs. knightdalenc.gov; 919-217-2236. Meet the Easter Bunny and search for eggs, including one that contains a special prize, at Morrisville Community Park. Separate egg hunts for ages 2-8 begin at 10 a.m. www.townofmorrisville.org ("www" must be included); 919-463-7110. Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department’s egg hunts for ages 10 and younger take place at 11 a.m. at a variety of community centers and parks throughout the city. raleighnc.gov. Ages 10 and younger can dash across a football field to collect eggs, including three that encompass a special prize, during the Egg Rush at Rolesville Middle School at 2 p.m. rolesvillenc.gov/town-departments/ parks-recreation/special-events; 919-554-6582. The Great Egg Scramble in Selma begins at 10 a.m. at Selma Middle School. Ages 3-10 can search the fields for thousands of colorful eggs, including several that contain prizes. selma-nc.com/the-greategg-scramble; 919-975-1411. More than 10,000 eggs will be hidden at E. Carroll Joyner Park in Wake Forest for four egg hunts that take place 10-11 a.m. for different age groups. An egg hunt for children with special needs begins at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy games and Easter-themed arts and crafts in the Joyner Park Amphitheater after the hunt. wakeforestnc.gov/easteregg-hunt.aspx; 919-435-9560. Kids in Zebulon can search for colorful eggs at the town's

Municipal Complex at 10 a.m. townofzebulon.org; 919-823-0432. MARCH 25 Thousands of candy-filled eggs await skilled hunters ages 10 and younger at South Park in Fuquay-Varina at 2 p.m. A specialized egg hunt for children with special needs takes place at Laurel Hills Community Center in Raleigh from 2-4 p.m. Registration is required online at reclink.raleighnc.gov. Choose program #216853. Kids ages 2-7 can collect candyfilled eggs, including three that contain a special prize, and meet Peter Cottontail at Smithfield Community Park at 3 p.m. smithfield-nc.com/page/parks_ holiday_events; 919-934-2148. MARCH 27 Families with children ages 5 and younger can enjoy brunch with the Easter Bunny at 10 a.m. at Clayton Community Center. The event costs $10-$15 and features pancakes, crafts and stories. Register at townofclaytonnc.org/ parks-and-recreation/specialevents.aspx; 919-553-1550. MARCH 30 The Easter Bunny arrives on a fire engine and greets families prior to an egg hunt that begins at 10:30 a.m. for ages 5 and younger at Clayton Community Park. townofclaytonnc.org/parks-andrecreation/special-events.aspx; 919-553-1550. Be sure to call ahead or see websites to verify hours and dates. Janice Lewine is the associate editor of Carolina Parent.

carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2018

f a m i ly t r av e l

31 Ways to Explore the Carolina Coasts BY BRANDY METZGER

Carolinians looking for a beach vacation donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to travel far. Between the beaches of North Carolina and South Carolina, there are about 500 miles of coastline to explore and enjoy. Here are 31 spots to check out â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from the north end of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, through the Grand Strand and on to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Catch a glimpse of free-roaming horses in Shackleford Banks on the 14 16 MARCH 2018 | charlotteparent.com carolinaparent.com Outer Banks of North Carolina. Photo courtesy of Clenda/Shutterstock

1. Tour Whalehead, a “mansion by the sea,” on the Currituck Sound in Corolla, North Carolina. Whalehead is a 1920s-era, art-nouveaustyle mansion open year-round for tours. Learn the history of this glamorous hunting retreat that was restored to its original glory in 1992. visitcurrituck.com/whalehead. 2. Make a splash at H2OBX Water Park in Powells Point, North Carolina. From thrilling water rides like Midnight Marauder and Riptide to low-key slides and lagoons, this water park offers something for everyone. h2obxwaterpark.com. 3. Stand where the Wright brothers tested their flying machines in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. Hike to the top of Big Kill Devil Hill to see the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Through late summer 2018, the Wright Brothers Visitors Center is closed for renovations to make way for interactive exhibits, but a temporary facility is open. Be sure to save time for the kids to get their national park Junior Ranger badge. Inquire at the visitor information desk. nps.gov/wrbr. 4. See America’s greatest unsolved mystery by watching the “The Lost Colony” outdoor drama in Manteo, North Carolina. The performance about what may have happened to the first English settlers on Roanoke Island includes fire and fireworks that will have kids on the edge of their seats. The 81st anniversary season of “The Lost Colony” runs May 25Aug. 22, 2018. thelostcolony.org. 5. Explore lighthouses along the Outer Banks. Families can climb 257 steps to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton, North Carolina, the world’s tallest brick lighthouse. The Bodie Island Lighthouse in Nags Head and Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla are also open for adventurous climbers. For nonclimbers, the Ocracoke Island Lighthouse is the perfect place to snap some pictures of North Carolina’s oldest operating lighthouse. visitnc.com/story/coastal-lighthouses. 6. Paddle through the Pamlico Tar River Estuary on the banks of Washington, North Carolina. Over 300 miles of trails have been mapped in this area, allowing families to explore its beauty and wildlife by kayak or canoe. littlewashingtonnc.com.

7. Visit the seaside ghost town of Portsmouth Village, North Carolina. Families looking for adventure off the beaten path can take a boat from Ocracoke Island to explore this village of yesteryear that was deserted almost 50 years ago. In addition to the village’s cottages and community buildings, the island is known for its bountiful seashell supply and exceptional surf fishing opportunities. nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/visit-portsmouth.htm. 8. Go on a bear hunt in New Bern, North Carolina. Steeped in history, this North Carolina town is home to Tryon Palace, the state’s first permanent capitol. You’ll also find more than 20 unique fiberglass bear sculptures. Grab a map at the New Bern Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and meander through the quaint downtown area to see them all. visitnewbern.com. 9. Examine marine life at one of four North Carolina aquariums. Located in Pine Knoll Shores, on Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, Roanoke Island in Manteo, and Fort Fisher in Kure Beach, North Carolina’s aquariums offer a variety of experiences for families. From a simulation on how to care for a sick sea turtle to touching a bamboo shark, the aquatic exhibits entertain and educate. ncaquariums.com. 10. Gaze upon the wild horses of Shackleford Banks, North Carolina. A short ferry ride from Beaufort, North Carolina puts nature lovers smack in the middle of a natural habitat where wild banker ponies, believed to be the ancestors of shipwrecked Spanish mustangs, roam free. You may also see crabs, otters and gray foxes during your visit. outerbanks.com/shackleford-banks.html. 11. Visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City, North Carolina. Get a rare glimpse of sea turtles and their hatchlings while you learn about treatment and recovery efforts for the species, as well as the history of the Topsail Turtle Project. (Note: the center opens for public tours in April.) seaturtlehospital.org. 12. Walk the decks and interior of the Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington. Visitors are allowed to explore all nine levels to get an idea of what life was like on this World War II battleship, which is rumored to be haunted. battleshipnc.com. charlotteparent.com carolinaparent.com || MARCH MARCH 2018 2018

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13. Surf the waves of Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Named one of the “World’s 20 Best Surf Towns” by National Geographic Magazine in 2014, laid back Wrightsville Beach is perfect for beginners to take lessons and superstars to “hang 10.” Young surfers can sign up for summer camp with WB Surf Camp (wbsurfcamp.com). townofwrightsvillebeach.com. 14. Explore Fort Fisher in Kure Beach, North Carolina. Families can view this Civil War historic site and its military-themed exhibits about fort construction, blockade runners and weapons before heading outside to see remnants of the fort and replicas of cannons used during the war. nchistoricsites. org/fisher. 15. Discover seaside family fun on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk in North Carolina. Noted by Food & Wine magazine as one of America’s top 10 boardwalks, visitors of all ages will find no shortage of shops, amusements, restaurants and nightlife. During summer, enjoy a spin on the Ferris wheel and watch fireworks. Groove to live summer concerts while munching on hamburgers, hot dogs

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MARCH 2018 | charlotteparent.com carolinaparent.com

Left: Witness feeding time at Alligator Adventure in North Myrtle Beach. Photo by Charles Bryant Below: Enjoy a four-course meal while watching a two-hour jousting tournament at Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach. Photo courtesy of Medieval Times

or Britt’s Donuts. carolinabeach.com/ carolina-beach-boardwalk.html. 16. Take the pedestrian ferry to Bald Head Island, North Carolina, for a car-free day of fun in the sun. Explore the island by golf cart or bike before choosing a spot to settle among 14 miles of white, sandy beach. Enjoy the calm waters of South Beach or the more adventurous shores of East Beach, which are perfect for boogie boarding and surfing. baldheadisland.com. 17. Watch the sun rise over Oak Island, North Carolina. One of the state’s Brunswick Islands, Oak Island is one of only a few places on the East Coast where you can watch the sun set over the ocean. You’ll also find a lighthouse, fishing pier and more than 60 public beach access points. oakislandnc.com. 18. Explore a marsh without getting your feet wet in Southport, North Carolina. On the Marsh Walk boardwalk, nature lovers can get up close and personal with birds, crabs and minnows. Hop on a tram for a guided tour of the

waterfront area with Southport Fun Tours (southportfuntours.com) to learn about the area’s history. southport-nc.com. 19. Star gaze by day at the Museum of Coastal Carolina Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Watch a variety of space-themed movies throughout the day in the planetarium’s Star Theater followed by a live star show. Be sure to check the museum’s calendar to see if a laser light and music show is scheduled during your stay in the area. museumplanetarium.org. 20. Come face-to-face with 200-plus species at Alligator Adventure in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In addition to a variety of alligator species and other reptiles, see birds, monkeys, lemurs and amphibians at the “reptile capital of the world” that is adjacent to Barefoot Landing. Daily live shows offer visitors opportunities to ask questions about the animals and, in many cases, touch them. alligatoradventure.com. 21. Enjoy a meal and a show at Medieval Times or Pirate’s Voyage in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Medieval Times offers a two-hour jousting tournament to

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carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2018

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MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

f a m i ly t r av e l complement a four-course meal. Pirate’s Voyage invites guests to join Blackbeard and his crew for spectacular acrobatic performances and aerial stunts during a four-course meal. medievaltimes.com, piratesvoyage.com. 22. Birdwatch at Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. View birds in protected habitats, including the maritime forest, salt marsh, freshwater wetlands and oak-pine forest. Camp and hike several nature trails at the state park during your visit, too. southcarolinaparks.com/ huntington-beach. 23. View the gardens and sculptures at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. From enormous live oaks to delicate small roses, enjoy nature in bloom throughout the year at Brookgreen Gardens. Don’t forget to stop by Lowcountry Zoo, where children ages 12 and older can spend a day with the zoo staff and learn how to become a zookeeper. brookgreen.org. 24. Throw a line offshore with Georgetown Charters in Georgetown, South Carolina. Enjoy a full day of fishing while the experts take you to the right spots, provide the bait and even clean your catch. georgetowncharters.com. 25. Explore the majestic beauty of Bulls Island, South Carolina. If you prefer nature to the vacation hustle, ferry over to Bulls Island and be Robinson Crusoe for a day. Part of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, this island boasts a scenic hike to Boneyard Beach, where you can view a forest of oaks, cedars and pines stranded in the surf. coastalexpeditions.com. 26. Wander around Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. This restored fort, originally constructed of palmetto logs and sand, was an important fortification in the American Revolution. Literature lovers may find it interesting that Edgar Allan Poe, who was stationed

Above: Brookgreen Gardens contains the largest collection of American figurative sculpture in the U.S. Photo courtesy of Brookgreen Gardens Right: Shell Island near Edisto Beach offers plentiful shelling opportunities. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

at Fort Moultrie for a year, made Sullivan’s Island the backdrop for his short story “The Gold Bug.” charlestoncvb.com/ beaches/sullivans-island. 27. Dine under the stars at Pier 101 Restaurant in Folly Beach, South Carolina. Pier 101 Restaurant, located on the Folly Beach Pier, offers customers oceanfront dining and live music on weekends. After dinner, take a stroll down the pier, which extends more than 1,045 feet out over the ocean. pier101folly.com. 28. Swim through the soft currents of Pelican Beach on Seabrook Island, South Carolina. For families with young children, Pelican Beach is perfect for relaxing and swimming safely in a mild current. At nearby Camp Seabrook, children can make crafts, explore wildlife and play sports. Daily or weekly sessions are available. discoverseabrook.com. 29. Search for dolphins and seashells at Edisto Beach, South Carolina. Book a dolphin boat ecotour and learn about bottlenose dolphins and other species that live in and around Edisto Beach’s salt marsh. Shell Island, a nickname for a sandbar island across from Jeremy’s Inlet, is known for plentiful year-round sea shelling opportunities where in-tact sand dollars,

starfish, sea glass and sharks’ teeth are often found. edistobeach.com. 30. Take a turtle walk on Fripp Island, South Carolina. The Fripp Island Resort offers summer programs to educate visitors about natural inhabitants, including loggerhead sea turtles, alligators, dolphins and crabs. During summer, sign up for a turtle walk to learn about sea turtles and related conservation efforts. You might even see a loggerhead nest. frippislandresort.com/nature-programs. 31. Play in The Sandbox in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Take a break from the sun to explore this fun, interactive children’s museum where kids can “fly a plane” on the Flight Deck, shop at an international bazaar, create art or climb through a discovery ship. thesandbox.org. Brandy Metzger is a freelance writer and educator who lives in Leland, North Carolina. She has a passion for travel and writing, and enjoys spending time with her husband and 9-year-old daughter. charlotteparent.com carolinaparent.com || MARCH MARCH 2018 2018

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Follow the

beat in New York, Nashville and Austin

FOR FAMILIES TO DISCOVER NEW YORK From Broadway plays to kindie music, no other American city offers the variety of musical talent and performances like New York. Here are some must-experience destinations if your family travels to the Big Apple.

BY CHRISTA C. HOGAN

ids and music go together like peanut butter and jelly, and these three unique cities offer music and family fun for all ages. You just have to decide which one to visit first.

Broadway Broadway offers a variety of shows that appeal to kids. Those listed here are open to ages 5 and older. Learn more about what is currently showing at broadway.com. • Kids will gawk at the life-size puppets in “The Lion King” as the puppets parade down the aisles to the stage. • Bring your golden ticket and sweet tooth to see Roald Dahl’s

MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Kids will enjoy the eye-popping sets that make up Willy Wonka’s world. • A “Wizard of Oz” retelling, “Wicked” is recommended for ages 8 and older due to some scary elements for younger kids, like flying monkeys. • “School of Rock” features a cast of real-life kid rock stars and all the fun of the original movie featuring Hollywood star Jack Black. This play is best for older kids since there are some curse words and authoritydefying themes. CirKiz Kids ages 7-13 will rave about this safe, daytime dance party in

a family-friendly redo of popular New York City nightclubs. Enjoy DJs, electronic music and live performances. Visit cirkiz.com for locations and dates. Carnegie Hall Beloved artists from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to Judy Garland have graced Carnegie Hall’s stages. Share the magic with your budding musician through free family days and an interactive concert series. Learn more at carnegiehall.org/ events/family-events. Radio City Music Hall If you plan to be in town during the Christmas season, don’t miss the high-stepping Rockettes as they perform their festive

Opposite page: Broadway. This page: Radio City Music Hall, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Photos courtesy of Andrey Bayda, Shutterstock and the Nashville Convention & Visitor's Corporation “Christmas Spectacular.” Take your family on the Stage Door Tour of this art-deco diamond and meet a Rockette in person. Learn more at rockettes.com and msg.com/venuetours/radio-city-music-hall.

the stage for an unrehearsed, live performance. Each act features two or three songs to keep things interesting for shorter attention spans. Enjoy concessions during the show. Learn more at opry.com.

Kindie Music Scene The Big Apple is home to kindie music greats like Laurie Berkner and Dan Zanes. Look for various family concert series across the city, including Madison Square Kids and SummerStage Family Workshops. Visit madisonsquarepark.org/kids and cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage to learn more.

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center This resort — a destination within itself — accommodates almost 3,000 rooms, three large pools, a spa, 17 restaurants, an arcade, numerous atriums with gorgeous gardens and waterfalls, and an indoor river large enough for a boat tour. It’s the perfect place for your family to stay while exploring Nashville. Downtown destinations are just 15 minutes away. Learn more at marriott.com/ hotels/travel/bnago-gaylord-oprylandresort-and-convention-center.

NASHVILLE Nashville’s earliest settlers created the foundation for its “Music City” nickname by playing fiddle tunes and buck dancing after landing on the shores of the Cumberland River. Later, during the 1800s, the first around-theworld music tour by the Fisk Jubilee Singers put Nashville on the map for music publishing. Here are some ways to discover the country music capital of the world for yourself. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Videos, a giant guitar-shaped tunnel and slide, and interactive exhibits will entertain young ones at this Nashville must-see museum. View memorabilia including costumes, cars and instruments. Go deeper into country music history with the RCA Studio B Tour, and see where greats like Elvis Presley recorded. Learn more at countrymusichalloffame.org. Grand Ole Opry Shows at the Grand Ole Opry combine new artists with country greats like Montgomery Gentry and Ricky Skaggs, typically consisting of eight or more performers who take

Nashville’s Music Mile Nashville’s Music Mile starts at the Music City Walk of Fame on Demonbreun Street. Take a few selfies with permanent sidewalk markers honoring famous musicians from all genres. Then picnic in nearby Nashville Music Garden. This public green space features six dozen varieties of roses named for country music stars and songs. Take some time to stop and smell the Tennessee Waltz, the Elvis and the Coal Miner's Daughter. Learn more at visitmusiccity.com. Honky-Tonk With Kids It would be a shame to be surrounded by honky-tonks, live music and barbecue and not experience these Nashville staples. Lucky for families, a number of Music City restaurants and cafes welcome kids and feature live music. Check out Rippy’s, Station Inn, The Bluebird Cafe, Acme Feed & Seed, Robert’s Western World and the Wildhorse Saloon, just to name a carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2018

BEFORE YOU GO These music cities will have your family singing your praises, so check out all three. Contact each city’s convention and visitors bureau for more information. Visit Austin: NYC & Company: Nashville Convention austintexas.org nycgo.com and Visitor’s Center: visitmusiccity.com

Clockwise: Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theatre, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Shady Grove Restaurant. Photos courtesy of AustinTexas.org

few. When in doubt, visit during lunch or join the early dinner crowd. Live music shows start as early as 11 a.m. Learn more at visitmusiccity.com/visitors/food.

AUSTIN Austin, Texas, claims to be the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Fortunately, much of this live music is also family-friendly and free. Check out these venues while you’re in town. Shady Grove restaurant's unplugged series is one of the longest-running music series in the city. On Thursday nights

from April through September, customers enjoy frosty beers on the shady patio and free live music performed by artists such as Rhett Miller and Flatland Calvary. There is also a kids’ menu. Learn more at theshadygrove.com. Texas Radio Live From Guero’s Oak Garden takes place every Wednesday night at Guero’s Taco Bar. Families can listen to a variety of Texas’ best musicians. Enjoy live music Thursday-Sunday as well. The tacos aren’t bad, either! The kids’ menu consists of low-priced, kid-pleasing fare. Learn more at gueros.com.

MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

Central Market in Austin North Lamar is a local favorite place to grocery shop and grab something to eat on the shady deck while you listen to live music. A large, nearby playground keeps the kids entertained. Central Market also hosts the Texas Community Music Festival each April, which features an eclectic mix of performers. Learn more at centralmarket.com/austin-lamar and tcmfestival.com. The Midway Food Park combines green space with a playground, a live music stage and food trucks. Hear musicians perform Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year. Learn more at themidwayfoodpark.com. One of the best ways to take in a variety of new bands is by experiencing Austin City Limits Festival — perhaps the city’s most well-known live music event. Kids under age 10 get into the festival free with parents. There are plenty of bands to see before bedtime, and the kids will especially enjoy

Austin Kiddie Limits, where they can create crafts, attend music and dance workshops, and listen to live entertainment. This year’s festival takes place Oct. 5-7 and 12-14, 2018. Learn more at aclfestival.com. "Austin City Limits" appears weekly on PBS and is the longestrunning music program in TV history. Visitors can win tickets to a live taping of the show, which can last up to two hours, at The Moody Theatre. Fans can also take a backstage tour of theater for $12 per person. Rodeo Austin, held every March, combines live music, a fair and a rodeo all in one. Enjoy 100-plus live performances and fairgrounds featuring a carnival, shopping and special attractions. Learn more at rodeoaustin.com. Christa C. Hogan is a mom of three who takes advantage of Wake County’s year-round public school calendar to travel frequently with her kids.

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Always bring plenty of snacks, Anderson says, but “avoid sugary snacks or save them for the last leg of the trip to avoid candy-induced meltdowns.” Loflin suggests packing a “No Matter What Bag” containing snacks and entertainment essentials. If you’re flying, keep it stowed under the airplane seat so your child can access it at all times.

Fawn Anderson traveled solo to Disney World with her sons, ages 3 and 7 (pictured here). Her best advice: Plan ahead but be flexible with those plans. Photo by Fawn Anderson

Single-Parent Travel Made Easy BY SUZY FIELDERS

here is no better way to learn and gain real-world experience than by traveling. Trips to distant and unexplored destinations also help children grow up to be well-rounded individuals. Traveling with kids, however, can be especially challenging if you’re a single parent. As a teenager, I traveled a lot with my dad to amazing places. We often found ourselves in unexpected situations — from canceled flights to not having the right currency for a taxi ride — but it was during those instances that he taught me the most valuable life lesson I have ever learned: Each trip — and life, really — should be viewed as an adventure. Now as a single parent traveling with my daughter, I can personally relate to the challenges of traveling with a child. Here are some of the important lessons I and other single parents have learned to make single-parent traveling with kids less stressful and more enjoyable.

PLAN AHEAD Fawn E. Anderson, a single mom in Charlotte, has traveled extensively with her 3- and 7-year-old sons. She says the key to a successful trip is planning ahead. From getting locked out of a hotel to encountering an unpredicted rainstorm, Anderson stresses the importance of anticipating and planning for everything that could possibly happen, while still including room for agenda changes and flexibility. “I live life as a single parent always hoping for the very best, while planning for disaster,” she says. “To reduce stress, the ultimate trick is to balance having a loose structure to your day without agonizing over every detail.” If your trip involves an airplane flight, arrive an hour before the recommended time to accommodate for baggage check-in processes and long lines. This is especially important during peak vacation times. Part of planning ahead leads right into our second tip.

DON’T OVERPACK There’s only one of you traveling with your children, so keep things simple when it comes to packing. Choose suitcases that roll and ask everyone going on the trip to pack a backpack for storing toys, books, entertainment devices, charging cables, snacks and other items they will need quick access to. “When traveling by airplane it’s crucial to not overpack, and prepare your children for going through TSA (Transportation Security Administration),” says Katherine Loflin, a single mom in Cary who runs a global consultancy. (Find the most current TSA packing guidelines at tsa.gov/travel.) BUSY = HAPPY Regardless of what transportation method you use, traveling is more enjoyable when everyone stays entertained. Beatrice Moise, a parenting coach in Charlotte, recommends playing games, such as Disney versus Pixar trivia, a travel scavenger hunt, restaurant bingo, the license plate game and Spot the Car.

STRENGTHEN BONDS It’s important to remember why your vacation is happening in the first place. “As a single, working parent, every moment counts and that’s the biggest blessing of having a family vacation, where you’re removed from the distractions of daily life,” Anderson says. Moise advises using vacations to strengthen bonds with your children instead of worrying about sticking to an itinerary. “Focus on the moment and on what is actually happening,” she says. “Traveling can create a wonderful bonding time so don’t get caught up with what should happen.” Regardless of where you are going, make the most of the time you have with your children and focus on teaching them the joys of exploring. “Embrace the trip as an adventure in the truest sense of the word,” Loflin says. “Unexpected things will happen, you will have new experiences, you will laugh, you will not laugh, you will question your choices, but you will be glad you did it.” Suzy Fielders is a single, working mom of a spirited 11-year-old daughter. See more of her writing at suzyfielders.wordpress.com.

carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2018

›

GROWING UP

interest and not by parental pressure. It’s important to find a coach or instructor who emphasizes the importance of practice over performance, injects a sense of playfulness and communicates well with parents. When an instructor or coach promises to turn your child into a concert pianist or competitive swimmer, steer clear. Lessons can carry an additional commitment to practice. Practice is all too often accompanied by whining, procrastination and parental frustration. Keep practice sessions brief and plan them for periods when your child’s focus is likely at its best: after breakfast on a weekend, not after a long day at school. When a child is truly resistant to practicing, consult with the instructor about ways to encourage progress without piling on pressure, and consider that your child might not be ready for lessons.

Is Your Child Naturally Gifted? Here’s how to nurture instinctive talents BY MALIA JACOBSON

hether you live with a young chess whiz, a budding baseball star, an aspiring actor or all three, you’ve probably pondered the best way to encourage your child’s natural gifts and abilities. When is the right time to begin lessons? How can parents encourage persistence without pushing? Is it even possible to balance the interests and pursuits of all the kids in your care? Turns out, how parents approach the development of passions and interests has a big influence on children’s long-term happiness. Read on for age-by-age guidance on helping kids find and enjoy their natural gifts.

Early Years

Adore it, Explore it Parents of toddlers and preschoolers are flooded with options for early classes and activities, from peewee soccer to music class and ballet. This stage in a child’s life, however, is not the time to focus on skill development, says Hillsborough-based parenting coach Whitney MacDonald, a former educator and athletic coach who founded creatingmen.com. Early childhood is a time to immerse your child in real-world experiences and observe what ignites his or her interest and excitement. Some parents fear that skipping out on toddler classes might hurt their child’s early academic development. In fact, the opposite may be true, says Maria Castelluccio,

MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

head of the academically advanced Léman Manhattan Preparatory School. “Open-ended exploration of the arts forms the foundation of early literacy — reading, writing and language development,” she says. “Exposing your child to music and visual art at a young age develops unique opportunities for selfdiscovery and creativity.” Elementary Years

Lesson Learned In early elementary school, activity exploration should still focus on fun, MacDonald says. Around age 10, many kids are ready to begin formal lessons, provided that participation is fueled by their own

Teen Years

Equal Measure By the time kids reach high school, they’ve often hit their stride in their activity or activities of choice. When families have more than one child, parents juggle scheduling, transportation needs and financial commitments for a number of different pursuits. Because the time and money required for different activities can vary widely, one child’s talent might steal the spotlight most of the time. When it comes to investing time and money in kids’ activities, parents of siblings should think about equity, not equality, MacDonald says. While the time required for siblings’ different pursuits might not balance out, it’s important to make each child feel like they are equally valued in their parents’ eyes. “It’s about saying, ‘OK, your sister has this dance thing, but I’m going to make dedicated time just for you,’” MacDonald says. “The child has to feel that inner gesture, and to know that they’re just as important as their sibling. Because all children ultimately want connection with and recognition from their parents.” Malia Jacobson is a nationally published health journalist and mom. charlotteparent.com | MARCH 2018

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TECH TALK

Don’t spread rumors. Teach kids not to repeat — or forward — unkind statements they hear about other people. This is especially important if, for some reason, they don’t like the other person.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Respect privacy. A message or photo sent by a friend should be regarded as confidential. Online communication should not be forwarded or posted without permission from the person who sent it.

Teaching Kids to Be Kind Online BY CAROLYN JABS

o parent plans to raise an unkind child. Most of us put considerable effort into polishing our children’s manners and teaching them to respect others. Unfortunately,

many of those lessons are being undercut online. Recent research by the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project suggests that one in four adults has experienced online harassment and 66 percent have witnessed it. These numbers are higher for young people. The Pew Research Center also points out that there is widespread disagreement about what kinds of speech are unacceptable and what kinds of responses are appropriate. Some argue that in a free society, people should be able to say whatever is on their minds, no matter how vile. Others feel that our culture is being degraded when citizens mock, deride and attack each other. They favor more involvement by service providers and law enforcement. Civility isn’t likely to be restored unless individuals commit themselves to respectful communication. Parents can play a part by helping kids think through what they see and experience online. Sometimes that may mean encouraging kids to disengage from conversations and communities in which abusive language is the norm. Other times parents may choose to support children who want to take a stand on an issue on behalf of peers who are being mistreated. Before they can engage in that kind of advocacy, kids need to be grounded in fundamentals. These principles may seem old-fashioned, but they aren’t obsolete. They survive because they are the basis for healthy, respectful relationships at home, in school, and eventually in the workplace and larger community. No slurs of any kind — ever. Make it clear through your rules and habits that there will be zero tolerance for words that denigrate people because of their race, sex, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation.

Someone else’s pain isn’t funny. Steer kids away from TV shows, movies and online videos that ask them to override their natural feelings of compassion and encourage them to laugh at someone else’s misfortune.

No tantrums. Offline, if your child doesn’t like something another person does or says, he or she can express an opinion, but shouldn’t be allowed to scream and curse. A dispute online is no different. No ranting. No offensive language. No personal attacks. Be careful about humor. Offline, sarcastic comments are often accompanied by a smile or laugh so the other person knows you’re not serious. Online, it’s harder to differentiate between a comment that is meant to be funny and one that should be taken seriously. Think twice about insults. Some people cast out insults as a way of being clever. The question we need to ask is, “Why is it amusing to undermine another person’s self-esteem?” Parents can help children visualize the person on the other end of the online communication. Ask them to imagine saying the same thing face-to-face. How would that make the other person feel? If the tables were turned, how would that comment make your child feel? These questions get kids to think about the universal moral — “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This principle survives because it helps people recognize cruelty and practice kindness — two capabilities that are crucial in every human interaction, regardless of where they occur in the digital world. Carolyn Jabs is the author of “Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart,” available at Amazon and cooperativewisdom.org. carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2018

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UNDERSTANDING KIDS Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

upcoming trip, for example, a child might become harder to settle, more impulsive and hyperactive, or even irritable. Other children may exhibit very different behaviors, such as increased sensitivity, difficulty coping with disappointments or even quiet withdrawal. Children benefit from help in recognizing that changes in their behavior often have something to do with how they are feeling on the inside. In many cases, children’s worries can be dispelled through understanding and thoughtful conversations with their parents. Once parents reflect on the circumstances that might be causing the changes, they can begin to talk about what they see. In doing so, parents not only organize the behaviors and feelings for their child, but they also open up the opportunity

Helping Children With Travel Worries BY LUCY DANIELS CENTER STAFF

MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

in various situations. A parent could make a comment such as, “I’ve noticed you’ve been acting a little different lately. Our trip is

ome children become especially sensitive or difficult to manage in new situations, such as when they are traveling. In this month’s column, we will share our understanding of the connection between changes in routine and changes in children’s behavior. We will discuss possible causes of overly sensitive (withdrawn, worried or fearful) and reactive (defiant, irritable or unruly) behaviors.

Understanding How Anxiety Forms in Children In its simplest form, anxiety is a general word for a feeling that a child experiences when something seems uncomfortable or unsafe. For young children, safety comes in many forms, including the safety they feel from their parents’ comfort and the predictability of their daily routine. Some children feel less safe when they are faced with unknown or unpredictable situations, such as when there are changes in their usual routine. Feelings of anxiety can occur in even the most loving and supportive families, as anxiety is often a state of mind and, as such, an interplay between the environment (reality) and the child’s mind (fantasy).

to think together about how their child feels

Changes in Behavior Often Indicate Changes in How One Feels When changes in behavior occur, it can be helpful to consider whether something in the child’s life is different. Even positive experiences, such as a trip to a relative’s house or a theme park, can stir questions or insecurities in a child’s mind, or simply leave a child feeling unsettled. In most cases, the anxiety seems to exist on its own, leaving a child unaware of why he or she is acting or feeling differently. How Parents Can Help Children depend on parents and other caretakers to help them make connections between how they are feeling and how they are behaving. In the case of an

coming up soon and it sure is a lot to think about. You might have some questions about what it will be like. I can tell you more about that.” When Support is Not Enough In some cases, this type of support is not enough, and some of the behaviors described above persist in everyday life rather than being limited to a more obvious change, such as a trip. In such cases, the anxiety interferes with a child’s ability to manage himself — that is, resist urges to regress or control urges to act out — on a regular basis. If you have unanswered questions about your child’s ability to cope with the ups and downs of life, seek the help of a qualified mental health professional for more specific ways to assist your child. 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.

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FATHER FIGURING Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Darker, Thicker Lashes BY PATRICK HEMPFING

recall the day when I first held my baby, my arms carefully cradling her 7-pound, 10-ounce body. I also have fond memories of small planes, actually spoons filled with baby food, zooming down to the landing strip in Jessie’s mouth. Beneath my feet, the Cheerios my toddler threw on the floor, missed by the dog but not my shoe, crunched into dust. Diapers, baby teeth, ear infections, the list goes on. But somehow Jessie grew from a baby to a 9-year-old tween. Last Sunday, she wore her mom’s shoes to church. What’s going on here? The teenage years are still far away, aren’t they? Aside from her shoe size, there have been other signs of the impending teen years. Dress hems that once looked up to Jessie’s knees now peer down. Two new sweatsuits lasted only one school year before Jessie was ready to jog in floodwaters. Even our 1-year-old dog, Sadie, is not helping matters. A few days ago, Jessie dressed Sadie in the “Daddy’s Little Girl” top that she’d outgrown. I liked it better on Jessie. To date, I’ve been able to keep Jessie’s ears hole-free. Her stick-on earrings look beautiful, though. She gets excited when store ads come with perfume samples. When she pulls open the sticky paper tab and shoves it under my nose, I take a whiff and wrinkle my face. Jessie laughs and quickly holds another sample to my nose, followed by more giggles. The way I see it, or smell it, my girl is beautiful without earrings or perfume. She doesn’t need makeup either. She can shoot hoops, catch balls and swing a tennis racquet without any of that stuff. So far, Jessie has used minimal makeup

girl y m e v I lo irl g y m d an e loves m

— a touch of blush, a little lipstick or lip gloss, and a smidgeon of eye shadow. My wife Mattie once put a little mascara on Jessie’s lashes. However, change is in the air. I can smell it – unless the perfume samples messed up my olfactory glands. No, actually, Jessie showed me the change this morning over breakfast. Prior to eating, Mattie and Jessie were in the bathroom playing with makeup. When I sat down to eat my blueberry muffins, I looked across the table at my beautiful wife. My, I married well! Then I glanced toward Jessie’s chair and saw — a teenager. “Jessie, we can’t skip the tween years.” Jessie had just put on her own mascara for the first time. She was wearing lipstick, too. I wanted to grab the box of Cheerios and ask if Jessie would like to throw some on the floor. Before I could react, though, she informed me, “Momma says I can put on my own mascara.” I voiced my concern that she’s too

young. What if the eyelash brush hits her pupil? I’m barely ready for tween Jessie, much less teen Jessie. Later that same Saturday, Jessie, already having reapplied her mascara once, sat in the hallway and talked to her dog. “Sadie, you’re too young for mascara. You have to wait until you’re 2.” And I thought I was ill-prepared for my daughter to wear mascara. I’m not ready for my daughter — or the dog — to look like a teenager! But whether Jessie’s makeup includes lipstick, eye shadow and mascara, or no makeup at all, one thing is certain: I love my girl and my girl loves me. Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional career in banking, accounting and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now a fulltime husband, stay-at-home dad and author of “MoMENts: A Dad Holds On” (available at Amazon.com). Follow him at patrickhempfing.com. carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2018

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COLLEGE TRANSITIONS

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Summer Programs FAQ for High School Students BY DAVE BERGMAN, ED.D.

he following Q&A seeks to address the most frequent queries we receive from parents about summer programs for high school students.

The How much do summer programs typically cost? Most elite schools charge between $2,000 and $3,000 per week for the privilege of sleeping in their dorms, sitting in their classrooms and having a few idle faculty members impart wisdom about the transition to college life. Programs abroad can be even pricier. On the other hand, some programs are actually free of charge, and can be far more valuable both in the experiential and admissions sense (more on this in a moment). Will summer programs help my child’s chance at admission? In most cases, no. A summer spent strutting around a storied college campus in a borrowed tweed jacket will be viewed by an admissions committee as equal in merit to spending one’s break restocking Arby’s Horsey Sauce packets in a mall food court. Admissions officers know that very few students have the resources to drop $10,000 on a four-week equivalent to summer camp and will not grant favor to those who attend. Doing so would be as absurd as NASA deciding to send a group of space camp attendees into orbit. Never mind

MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

that this scenario actually occurred, albeit by accident, in the 1986 movie “Space Camp.” Do summer programs have any admissions-related value? Indirectly, perhaps. As with any experience a young person undertakes, a high-cost summer program could indirectly have a positive impact on a future application. For example, a summer program attendee might work on a project that ignites a passion that becomes ideal fodder for a future application essay. In some cases, a student may impress a faculty member to the point that he or she is willing to write a glowing, committee-swaying letter of recommendation. Yet it is critical to be aware that the programs with the highest admissions-related value are actually the ones that are cost-free and highly selective. Identifying the programs that are competitive, rewarding and will actually impress an admissions committee can be tough. Fortunately, we can help. Competitive Summer Programs for 2018 • Students interested in STEM subjects (science/technology/engineering/math)

have a bevy of excellent choices, including the High School Honors Science Program (HSHSP) at Michigan State University, the Research Science Institute (RSI) program at MIT, or the Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS) program at Boston University. • Those pursuing studies in the field of economics or business would do well to check out The Wharton School’s “Leadership in the Business World” program; “Economics for Leaders,” an experience that is hosted by a number of different schools across the U.S.; or Indiana University’s Young Women’s Institute at the Kelley School of Business. • Excellent opportunities also abound in the disciplines of journalism and global studies. For those unsure about their exact area of future study, programs like Texas Tech University’s Clark Scholars offer a wide array of subjects, from advertising to plant and soil sciences. • For a comprehensive list of College Transitions’ best summer programs for 2018, visit collegetransitions.com/top-summerprograms-for-high-school-students. The Bottom Line If you have unlimited resources and your son or daughter feels he or she would benefit from the experience, there is absolutely no harm in attending a high-end summer program. However, it is important to be realistic about what you’re paying for. Some “elite” programs accept as many as 80 percent of applicants. Again, we recommend first exploring more selective, cost-free programs that are merit-based and geared toward a discipline of genuine interest. And, if all else fails, don’t underestimate the value of a normal teenage summer experience. After all, you have to admit, the laborious task of Horsey Sauce packet replenishment would make for a pretty original essay topic. Dave Bergman, Ed.D., is a co-founder of College Transitions and co-author of “The Enlightened College Applicant: A New Approach to the Search and Admissions Process.” Learn more at collegetransitions.com.

› EXCURSION

The Georgia Aquarium Jump into the sea in the heart of Atlanta BY ADRIAN H. WOOD

he Georgia Aquarium, located in downtown Atlanta across from Centennial Olympic Park, covers 550,000 square feet in an expanse of sea wonders. The public aquarium, known to be the world’s second largest, boasts 60 animal habitats and 10 million gallons of water filled with 1,000 species of marine life. Here, your family can experience a rare view into the hidden treasures of the sea. Tunnel Through the Ocean The Ocean Voyager gallery contains 6.3 million gallons of saltwater and accommodates four whale sharks, four manta rays and many other varieties of fish. Make your way through the exhibit’s 100-foot tunnel, complete with a moving walkway, where you can gaze upon fascinating sea life through 4,754 square feet of acrylic viewing windows. There are also four touch tanks located throughout the aquarium where you can push up your sleeves and slip your hands into fresh and saltwater habitats to touch stingrays, sand sharks, starfish and hermit crabs. Watch the ‘Waddle Walk’ Not only can you climb into tunnels that run beneath the penguin habitat, located in the aquarium’s Cold Water Quest gallery, but you also can delight in the “Waddle Walk,” which happens every day at 11 a.m. That's when trainers lead the penguins through the main atrium and visitors learn about preservation of these amazing creatures. Swim With Whales, Dolphins and Sharks Take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with the aquarium’s beluga whales as part of the Beluga Interaction Program. Though there is no set

Gaze upon a whale shark at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Photo courtesy of Adrian H. Wood age restriction, participants must be at least 60 inches tall, and anyone under age 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Take a bathing suit to wear under a provided wetsuit so you can brave the chilly waters. There is a $154.95 per-person fee (plus tax) for this activity. Ages 7 and older can enjoy a Dolphin Encounter for $69.95 per person, which allows participants to go backstage to meet, touch and feed one of the aquarium’s dolphins. For a true aquarium quest, ages 12 and older can go on a Journey With Gentle Giants, which allows participants to swim with whale sharks in the aquarium’s 10-million-gallon tank and is the only place in the world where this can be done. The cost is $235.95 per person (a scuba option is also available). Reservations for all of these encounters are limited. Call 404-581-4000 to reserve a spot, or purchase tickets via the georgiaaquarium.org. Be Dazzled During a Show Learn about dolphin behavior as trainers incorporate educational messages during the new “AT&T Dolphin Celebration,” included with general admission. Sit in one of the higher rows to avoid getting wet, and be prepared for loud music and a dazzling light show as dolphins show off for the crowd. California sea lions put on a show in SunTrust Pier 225’s live presentation, “Under the Boardwalk,” also included with general

admission. You won’t be disappointed in the sea lions’ antics and trainers’ creative educational lessons. Make sure you arrive early as seats fill up quickly. Round out your Georgia Aquarium experience by taking in a few movies in The 4D Funbelievable Theater — included with general admission — and by going on a scavenger hunt using your mobile app. Family-Friendly Perks Members of the North Carolina Aquarium or Zoological Society receive a discount on admission to the Georgia Aquarium. Order tickets online ahead of time to avoid waiting in line. Strollers are allowed and there is a room for breast-feeding moms to pump or nurse if they desire. Families can bring in their own snacks, but the aquarium’s Café Aquaria and Seaside Delights restaurants offer lunch and dinner options as well. Download the free Georgia Aquarium app, available via the App Store and Google Play, so you’ll know where to go first and when the aquarium’s many shows begin. Learn more about the Georgia Aquarium at georgiaaquarium.org. Adrian H. Wood, Ph.D., is a North Carolina writer who lives in Edenton with her husband and four children, the youngest of whom has extra-special needs. Read more of her writing at talesofaneducateddebutante.com. carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2018

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March OUR PICKS BY JANICE LEWINE

See dogs compete in Raleigh on March 18. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Carnival for the Kids March 13-18 The Wake Forest Police Department hosts its annual Carnival for the Kids, a six-day event that takes place in the parking lot of Home Depot, located at 11915 Retail Rd., Wake Forest. Take the family to enjoy rides, games and food. The carnival is open 5-10 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 1-10 p.m. on Saturday; and 1-8 p.m. on Sunday. Admission to the event is free; unlimited ride wristbands are $20. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Wake Forest Police Department’s youth programs. wakeforestnc.gov/carnival-for-thekids.aspx.

Jackie’s Puppapalooza Open Dog Show | March 18 Celebrate man’s best friend at Jackie’s Puppapalooza Open Dog Show at Dorton Arena, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Organized by Jackie’s Basics and Beyond Dog Training, Puppapalooza welcomes friendly dogs of all ages and abilities to take part in a variety of competitions, including agility, high jump, most commands, special talent and more. Prizes, vendors, adoption groups and a special kids’ event round out the fun. Register a dog for $20-$55 to

Tour NCSU's College of Veterinary Medicine March 24. Photo courtesy of Nathan Latil

compete at jackiesbasicsandbeyond.com/puppapalooza. Admission is $5 for spectators.

Open House at NCSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine | March 24 Go behind the scenes at one of the nation's top veterinary programs when North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine hosts its annual open house, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. See live animals, tour the hospital and laboratories, enjoy presentations on pet health, and discover the latest advances in veterinary care. The event also features animal care demonstrations, dog agility contests and more. Admission is free. The College of Veterinary Medicine is located at 1060 William Moore Dr., Raleigh. cvm.ncsu.edu/open-house. carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2018

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CALENDAR

festivals

Fly a kite in Bond Park March 3. Photo courtesy of the Town of Cary

FESTIVALS KITE FESTIVAL March 3 – Bond Park, 801 High House Rd., Cary. 1-3 p.m. FREE. Enjoy a day of kite flying, contests, music, concessions and more. All ages. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. The rain date is March 4. townofcary. org/recreation-enjoyment/events/ festivals/kite-festival.

HUM SUB PRESENTS BASANT BAHAR March 11 – Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary. Doors open at 3 p.m. FREE. Usher in the spring season with India-inspired music and dance. humsub.net.

CARNIVAL FOR THE KIDS March 13-18 – Wake Forest Home Depot Parking Lot, 11915 Retail Rd., Wake Forest. 5-10 p.m. TuesdayFriday, 1-10 p.m. on Saturday and

1-8 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free; unlimited ride wristbands are $20. The Wake Forest Police Department’s annual carnival features rides, games, food and entertainment. wakeforestnc.gov/ carnival-for-the-kids.aspx.

a.m.-7 p.m. $6/person. Free for ages 4 and younger. Indian art and culture come alive in the Triangle through a dazzling array of dance and musical performances, a crafts bazaar, authentic cuisine and more. indiafestusa.net/events.php.

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION

RALEIGH ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL

March 17 – Downtown Park, 319 S. Academy St., Cary. 1-3 p.m. FREE. Pick up a free tree and talk to a certified arborist at this familyfriendly event that also showcases entertainment, prizes and crafts. townofcary.org/recreationenjoyment/events/environmentalevents/arbor-day.

NUV YUG INDIA FEST RALEIGH Mar 17-18 – Exposition Center, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 11

MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

March 17 – City Plaza, Fayetteville St., downtown Raleigh. 10 a.m. FREE. Raleigh’s annual celebration of St. Patrick’s Day includes a parade, live Irish music, traditional dance groups, artisan booths. traditional cuisine and more. Kids can enjoy a bounce house and rides along Leprechaun Lane. raleighstpats.org.

CARRBORO ANNUAL KITE FLY March 18 – Hank Anderson Park, Hwy. 54 West, Chapel Hill. 1-3 p.m. FREE. Fly a kite and fill the sky with color. visitchapelhill.org/event/ carrboro-annual-kite-fly/10870.

ART IN BLOOM March 22-25 – North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. $13/member, $18/ nonmember. Free for ages 6 and younger. Some events require an additional ticket fee. See more than 50 floral masterpieces created by world-class designers inspired by art in the museum’s collection, take part in classes and demonstrations, and explore flower mediation. Kids can enjoy art-themed scavenger hunts in the galleries. ncartmuseum.org/calendar/series_ parent/art_in_bloom.

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CALENDAR

performances

Don't miss "The Billy Goats Gruff " March 4 in Cary. Photo courtesy of Opera Carolina

PERFORMANCES A CONCERT FOR THE KIDS March 3 – Stewart Theatre, 2610 Cates Ave., Raleigh. 4-5:30 p.m. $12/adult, $10/child. Enjoy dance performances, community vocalists, a preshow princess gathering, a silent auction and more. Proceeds benefit the Me Fine Foundation, a local organization designed to provide emotional and financial support to families undergoing treatment at Duke Children’s Hospital and UNC Children’s Hospital. Purchase tickets online. tututix.com/stagedoordance.

MARVELOUS MUSIC FAMILY SERIES: OPERA XPRESS PRESENTS “THE BILLY GOATS GRUFF” March 4 – Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary. 3 p.m. $8/person. In this operatic version of the classic story, three billy goats encounter a bully who blocks their way home and takes their doll. When two of the goats resolve to

find a new route home, the smallest goat stands up to the bully — and even makes a friend. Purchase tickets online. etix.com.

NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY PRESENTS “THE MUSIC OF MICHAEL JACKSON” March 8 – Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. 7:30 p.m. $77/person. Singer James Delisco and a full band join the symphony to perform Michael Jackson’s hits, including “Beat It,” “Rock With You,” “I’ll Be There” and more. Purchase tickets online. ticketmaster.com.

“THE WIZARD OF OZ” March 13-18 – Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. See the website for show times and to purchase tickets, $23 and up. Travel down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, Toto and their friends as the

North Carolina Theatre performs this classic musical. Purchase tickets online. ticketmaster.com.

CARY BALLET COMPANY PRESENTS “SPRING WORKS REPERTOIRE” March 16-17 – Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave., Cary. 7 p.m. March 16; 2 and 7 p.m. March 17. $15-$20/person. Cary Ballet Company showcases a diverse dance program featuring an abridged version of “Jungle Book,” divertissements from the classical Indian love story “La Bayadere,” and contemporary works. Purchase tickets online. etix.com.

“BEANSTALK! THE MUSICAL!” March 16-April 1 – Raleigh Little Theater, 301 Pogue St., Raleigh. See website for show times and to purchase tickets, $18/adult, $12 for ages 12 and younger. Follow

the adventures of Jack in this stage production that features hilarious characters, toe-tapping tunes and more twists than a climbing vine. Purchase tickets online. raleighlittletheatre.org/shows/ beanstalk-the-musical.

THE UN-INTENTIONALS IMPROV COMEDY SHOW March 17 – First Baptist Church Morrisville, 209 Church St., Morrisville. 7:30-9 p.m. FREE. The Un-Intentionals Improv Troupe delivers a family-friendly comedy show. theunintentionals.com.

FAMILY FUN SUNDAY: FISH THE MAGISH March 25 – Century Center, 100 N. Green St., Carrboro. 2:30-3:30 p.m. $3/person. Humor and audience participation highlight Fish the Magish’s magic show for ages 3 and older. carrbororec.org.

carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2018

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CALENDAR

daily

1 THURSDAY

“Mazes and Brain Games.” North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $5/nonmember. Free for members. Solve 3-D puzzles, explore mind-bending illusions and see a rat try to conquer a maze at 1 p.m. Purchase tickets online. naturalsciences.org/exhibits/featuredexhibitions/mazes-brain-games. “North Carolina and World War I.” North Carolina Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. FREE. View more than 500 artifacts, period photography, historical film footage, a trench diorama, educational components and video re-enactments that feature North Carolina soldiers and citizens who provided extraordinary service to their country 100 years ago. ncmuseumofhistory.org/ exhibits/nc-world-war-one. “Understanding and Supporting Your Shy, Cautious or Anxious Child.” Project Enlightenment, 501 S. Boylan St., Raleigh. 6:308:30 p.m. $22/person, $33/couple. Learn ways to help a child overcome shyness or anxiety. For families with children ages 3-6. Register online. Choose course #PPB1807. projectenlightenment.wcpss.net.

2 FRIDAY Celebrate Seuss! Walnut Creek Wetland Park, 950 Peterson St., Raleigh. 1-2:30 p.m. $3. Honor the birthday of Theodor Geisel with a story, craft, snack and a walk outdoors. Ages 3 and older with adult. Register online. Choose course #214573. reclink.raleighnc.gov. “The Tortured Genius of Edgar Allan Poe.” Raleigh Moravian Church, 1816 Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 7-8:30 p.m. $27/person. Advance ticket purchase suggested; see the website for details. Dr. Elliot Engel examines the bizarre and turbulent life of Edgar Allen Poe. Suitable for middle and high school students. joellane.org.

3 SATURDAY

Blue Blood Rivalry 5K. American Tobacco Campus, 318 Blackwell St., Durham. 8:30 a.m.1 p.m. $35-$40. Declare your allegiance for either Duke University or UNC-Chapel Hill by running, walking or dribbling a basketball in a 5K race. The basketball dribble 5K starts at 8:30 a.m.; the regular 5K starts at 8:35 a.m. Proceeds benefit Durham County Special Olympics and Duke Children’s Hospital. Register online. bluebloodrivalryrun.com. Junior Naturalist: Spring Wildflowers. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10-11 a.m. $8/resident, $10/nonresident. Participants develop their naturalist skills and understanding of local nature. Ages 5-8 with parent. Registration required. Choose course #111088. classweb.townofcary.org. Navigating College Admissions. Middle Creek Community Center, 123 Middle Creek Dr., Apex. 11 a.m.-noon. $5/resident, $6/nonresident. Ages 13 and older with parent navigate the college admissions process. Register online. Choose course #110862. classweb.townofcary.org. PAGE Super Saturday Registration Opens. Location to be announced. $20-$25/session. Online registration opens for PAGE of Wake County’s Super Saturday event on April 28, which features enrichment workshops for gifted students. Register for morning sessions, 10 a.m.-noon, or afternoon sessions, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Registration must be completed online prior to the event. wakepage.org/super-saturday.html. Teen Series: Animation Workshop: Poetry in Motion. Durham Arts Council, 120 Morris St., Durham. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $35/person. Ages 13-17 learn animation basics and Adobe After Effects to create a collaborative animation. Basic computer skills required. Register online. reg130. imperisoft.com/durhamarts/program detail/3539303734/registration.aspx.

MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

4 SUNDAY

Playing Out With Elements: Fire-Making. Walnut Creek Wetland Park, 950 Peterson St., Raleigh. 2-3:30 p.m. $3/child. Learn how to make a fire. Dress to get messy. Ages 8-12. Register online. Choose course #214574. reclink.raleighnc.gov.

5 MONDAY Fun in the Kitchen: Salads. Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 5-7 p.m. $35/resident, $46/nonresident. Learn how to make salad. Ages 11-14. Register online. Choose course #110049. classweb.townofcary.org.

6 TUESDAY Mindful Parenting for ADHD. Duke Child & Family Study Center, 2608 Erwin Rd., Pavilion East, Ste. 300, Durham. 6:30-8 p.m. FREE. Parents learn mindfulness strategies in parenting a child with ADHD with John Mitchell, Ph.D., and Naomi Ornstein Davis, Ph.D. Register online. dukehealth.org/events.

7 WEDNESDAY Storytime for Tots: From Tadpole to Frog. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 1-2 p.m. FREE. Ages 2-5 and caregiver enjoy a nature-themed story, followed by outdoor, hands-on exploration. Learn about the life cycle of the frog and meet some of the park’s amphibians. Registration required online. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree.

8 THURSDAY Bilingual Storytime at the Nasher. Nasher Museum of Art, 2001 Campus Dr., Durham. 11 a.m. FREE. Join museum staff and friends from Durham County Library for bilingual storytime in Spanish. Take part in a short discussion about art and enjoy art-making opportunities. Ages 1-5 with caregiver. nasher.duke.edu. Storytime in Spanish. Spanish for Fun, 222 Capcom Ave., Wake Forest.

10:30 a.m. FREE. Enjoy stories in Spanish. All ages. spanishforfun.com.

9 FRIDAY Nature Nuts: Life in a Pool. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10-11 a.m. $10/resident, $13/nonresident. Go nutty for nature as children satisfy some of their curiosity about the world around them and parents share in the joy of discovery. Ages 3-5 with parent. Register online. Choose course #110560. classweb.townofcary.org.

10 SATURDAY 25th Anniversary Celebration: Stories Around the Campfire. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 6-7:30 p.m. FREE. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Stevens Nature Center by exploring the forest as the sun sets. Enjoy s’mores around the campfire while listening to Native American stories. Register online. Choose course #110577. classweb.townofcary.org. Babysitter Certification. Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $60/resident, $78/ nonresident. Ages 11-17 learn how to care for babies, toddlers and older children using safety skills. Register online. Choose course #110289. classweb.townofcary.org. Family Swamp Romp: Salamanders. Walnut Creek Wetland Park, 950 Peterson St., Raleigh. 11 a.m.-noon. $2/person. Ages 3-8 and adult enjoy stories, games, crafts and guided walks. Register online. Choose course #213447. reclink.raleighnc.gov. Nature Nuts: Life in a Pool. See March 9. Choose course #110561. STEM Saturdays. SMILE Camp, 6301 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. 10 a.m.1 p.m. $55/child. Take part in handson science experiments. See website for ages and times. Register online. smilecamp.org/programs/academic. Teen Series: Mixed Media Dreamscape. Durham Arts Council, 120 Morris St., Durham.

K-5TH ADVENTURES

AT WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES

CREATE

DISCOVER Ages 6 weeks to 12 years Infant, Toddler and Preschool Program 5 STAR Program with a pleasant, safe and loving environment 7420 McCrimmon Pkwy, Cary, NC 27519 Childrenslighthouse.com/WestCary Â· 919-388-0470

READ

EXPLORE

Weekly programs for Kindergarten to 5th graders, weekly, at your library.

wakegov.com/libraries

carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2018

MARCH

Helping you keep your child cavity free for a lifetime. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

WIN THEATRE RALEIGH TICKETS Theatre Raleigh presents “Adventure Road: A Story of Huck & Tom” April 13-29 in Kennedy Theatre at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts. During this story, Huck and

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

Tom find themselves knee-deep in adventure, shenanigans and Mississippi mud! The performance includes audience participation elements and original music. Enter to win four tickets to the April 14 show at 3 p.m. by going to carolinaparent.com/cp/contests and clicking on the “Huck and Tom” post. Type this code in the online form you’ll be required to fill out: HuckTomCP2018. We’ll announce a winner March 23, 2018. Good luck!

2711 North Duke Street Durham, NC 27704

919-220-1416

www.dukestreetsmiles.com 44

MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $35. Ages 13-17 examine the meaning of dreams to create a mixed media dreamscape. Register online. durhamarts.org/classes.html.

11 SUNDAY Hemlock Nature Quest: Tributaries of Swift Creek. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Raleigh. 2-4 p.m. $12/ resident, $16/nonresident. Search for salamanders, crayfish and more with preserve staff. Ages 13-15. Register online. classweb.townofcary.org. Running Over Cancer 5K. WakeMed Soccer Park, 201 Soccer Park Dr., Cary. 2:30- 4:30 p.m. $25-$25. Take part in a family run/walk to benefit the American Cancer Society and enjoy free food, drinks, T-shirts and music. Register online. runningovercancer.com. Winged Wonders: Birds of Prey Presentation. North Carolina Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill. 2:30-3:30 p.m. $5/ nonmember, $4.50/member. Join John Parks, founder and former director of the Cornell Raptor Program, for a live presentation on hawks, falcons and owls. Learn about their habitats, adaptations and more. Ages 6 and older. Register online. ncbg.unc.edu.

12 MONDAY Inclusion Program: St. Patrick’s Day Party. Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St., Carrboro. 7-8:30 p.m. $3/person. Ages 15 and older with disabilities celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with music, dancing and refreshments. Register online. Choose course #208201A. carrbororec.org.

13 TUESDAY “Mazes and Brain Games.” See March 1. “North Carolina and World War I.” See March 1.

14 WEDNESDAY Explore Dorothea Dix Park: EGGcellent Adventures. Dorothea Dix Park Big Field,

101 Blair Dr., Raleigh. 11 a.m.-noon. FREE. Ages 2-6 and caregiver enjoy games, songs and crafts to learn how some creatures are born live, while others hatch from eggs. See live creatures up close. Register online. eventbrite.com. Fairies and Trolls. Wilkerson Nature Preserve, 5229 Awls Haven Dr., Raleigh. 12:45-2:15 p.m. $6/child. Make a tiny house in the woods for a mouse, bug, toad or other woodland fairy or troll. Wear fairy wings and walk the trails. Children ages 3-5 with adult. Register online. Choose course code #215511. reclink.raleighnc.gov.

15 THURSDAY Storytime in Spanish. Spanish for Fun, 100 Endeavor Way, Cary. 10:30 a.m. FREE. Enjoy stories in Spanish. All ages. spanishforfun.com. Wee Wetland Walkers. Walnut Creek Wetland Park, 950 Peterson St., Raleigh. 11 a.m.-noon. FREE. Enjoy an easy, stroller-friendly walk along the greenway. Ages infant-3 years; older siblings welcome. Register online. Choose course #214472. reclink.raleighnc.gov.

16 FRIDAY Apex Prom Shoppe. Apex United Methodist Church, 100 S. Hughes St., Apex. 3-7 p.m. FREE. Teens have an opportunity to choose from hundreds of prom dresses that have been donated by the community. facebook.com/aumcpromshoppe. Astronomy Night. Wilkerson Nature Preserve, 5229 Awls Haven Dr., Raleigh. 7-8:30 p.m. $3. Ages 5 and older with adult enjoy an indoor presentation, followed by time outdoors to view the moon, stars and more with the preserve’s telescope. Register online. Choose course #215413. reclink.raleighnc.gov. Kindergarten Fair. Wynns Family Psychology, 130 Preston Executive Dr., Ste. 202, Cary. 8-10 a.m. FREE. Families with rising kindergartners and children who are ready for early entry

into kindergarten enjoy free screenings, educational activities and vendor booths featuring local preschools, pediatricians and other child-friendly businesses. wynnsfamilypsychology.com. Nature Nerds. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. Noon-1 p.m. FREE. Search for amphibians, birds, insects and spiders with park staff. Help collect data for the Natural Resource Inventory Database. Ages 12 and older. Registration required online. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree. Night Out in Nature. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Raleigh. 6-9 p.m. $15/ resident, $19/nonresident. Kids make memories and new friends in an old-fashioned, camp-style program. Ages 8-12. Register online. Choose course #111095. classweb.townofcary.org.

17 SATURDAY Apex Prom Shoppe. See March 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Art, Dance and Sing. Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary. 10-11:30 a.m. $9/resident, $12/nonresident. Create art, sing favorite songs and dance to popular tunes. Ages 11 and older. Register online. Choose course #111601. classweb.townofcary.org. Chapel Hill-Durham Mothers of Multiples Spring Sale. HillSong Church, 201 Culbreth Rd., Chapel Hill. 7:30-11:30 a.m. FREE. Shop for gently used children’s clothing, maternity wear, toys, books and more. Many items are half-price from 10:30-11:30 a.m. facebook.com/ chdmothersofmultiplessale. Connect & Create: Veggie Print T-Shirts. Artspace, 201 E. Davie St., Durham. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $10/member, $15/nonmember. Make a T-shirt using block printing and vegetables with artist Angela Lombardi. All ages and skill levels welcome. Materials provided. Register online. artspacenc. org/classes-education/connect-create.

Curiosity Club: Finding Frogs and Pollywogs. 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 #111100. classweb.townofcary.org. Downtown Cary Walking Tour. Tour begins at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary. 10-11:30 a.m. $5/ resident, $7/nonresident. Learn about Cary’s past and present while strolling through downtown Cary and the newly renovated Academy Street. Ages 11 and older. Register online. Choose course #111559. classweb.townofcary.org. Family Gardening Series: The Uber Tuber. North Carolina Botanical Garden, 100 Old Mason Farm Rd., Chapel Hill. 1-2:15 p.m. $9/member, $10/nonmember. Learn about potatoes and plant spuds in the garden. Ages 5 and older with adult. Register online. ncbg.unc.edu/youth-family. STEM Saturdays. See March 10. Weave It Wild Workshops: Weaving Biology. Durham Arts Council, 120 Morris St., Durham. 12:30-4:30 p.m. $36, plus $5 materials fee. Ages 10-15 learn about fiber, knots and weaving on a loom made from household materials. Register online. reg130. imperisoft.com/durhamarts/ programdetail/3538393635/ registration.aspx. Your College Quest Guide. Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 1-3 p.m. $5/ resident, $6/nonresident. Learn how to navigate the college application process, prepare for entrance exams and more. Ages 12 and older with parent. Register online. Choose course #109353. classweb.townofcary.org.

18 SUNDAY Fairy Houses and Toad Abodes. Wilkerson Nature Preserve, 5229 Awls Haven Dr., Raleigh. 3-4:30 p.m.

carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2018

›

CALENDAR

daily

$6/child. Ages 5-8 create a fairy house in the woods for a mouse, bug or toad. Natural materials provided. Register online. Choose course code #215498. reclink.raleighnc.gov. Family Day. Nasher Museum of Art, 2001 Campus Dr., Durham. Noon-4 p.m. FREE. Enjoy live entertainment, hands-on projects and gallery hunts. nasher.duke.edu.

19 MONDAY “Mazes and Brain Games.” See March 1. “North Carolina and World War I.” See March 1.

20 TUESDAY Homeschool/Track-out: Weather Wonders. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 1-3 p.m. FREE. Hike to collect weather data and play “Weather Jeopardy.” Registration required online. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree.

21 WEDNESDAY Lollipop Series for Young Children: Insect Investigation. Century Center, 100 N. Green St., Carrboro. 10:30-11:30 a.m. $3/person. Learn about insects with staff from Lake Crabtree County Park. Discover metamorphosis and the important role that insects play in the ecosystem. Register online. Choose course #205402C. carrbororec.org. Preschool Swamp Romp: Frogs. Walnut Creek Wetland Park, 950 Peterson St., Raleigh. 11 a.m.noon. $2/child. Ages 2-6 and parent enjoy a craft, story, activity and guided walk through the wetland. reclink.raleighnc.gov.

Specialized Recreation: Spring Wildflowers. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 4-5 p.m. $2/ resident, $3/nonresident. Ages 11 and older with special needs enjoy wildflowers in bloom. Register online. Choose course #111344. classweb.townofcary.org. Wee Walkers: Shapes in Nature. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10-11 a.m. $8/resident, $10/nonresident. Children delight in discoveries of shapes, colors and textures in nature. Ages 1 and older with parent. Register online. Choose course #110545. classweb.townofcary.org.

22 THURSDAY Storytime in Spanish. Spanish for Fun, 8000 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 10:30 a.m. FREE. Enjoy stories in Spanish. All ages. spanishforfun.com. Wee Walkers: Shapes in Nature. See March 21. Choose course #110546.

23 FRIDAY 25th Anniversary Nighttime Nature Stroll. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 7-8 p.m. FREE. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Stevens Nature Center by searching for nocturnal animals. Ages 5-8 with adult. Register online. Choose course #111084. classweb.townofcary.org. Lil Cooks in the Kitchen: “Spaghetti With the Yeti.” Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 10-11:30 a.m. $23/resident, $30/nonresident. Read the story by Adam Guillian and

make a bowl of spaghetti. Register online. Choose course #109613. classweb.townofcary.org.

24 SATURDAY Dog-Gone Egg Hunt. West Point on the Eno Park, 5101 N. Roxboro St., Durham. 1-2 p.m. FREE. Take your canine companion to enjoy an egg hunt. dprplaymore.org. Navigating College Admissions. Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 11 a.m.noon. $5/resident, $6/nonresident. Ages 13 and older with parent learn to navigate the college admissions process. Register online. Choose course #109069. classweb.townofcary.org. Paws in the Park. Ashley Wilder Dog Park, 810 N. First Ave., Knightdale. 9:30 a.m. FREE. Dogs enjoy an egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny. knightdalenc.gov/index. aspx?page=686.

25 SUNDAY “Mazes and Brain Games.” See March 1, noon-5 p.m. “North Carolina and World War I.” See March 1, noon-5 p.m.

26 MONDAY Cooking is Fun: Pancakes and Sausage. Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 3:30-5:15 p.m. $19/ resident, $24/nonresident. Ages 11 and older with disabilities learn the basics of meal preparation, cooking and cleanup with easyto-follow recipes. Register online. Choose course #110183. classweb.townofcary.org.

27 TUESDAY

Easter Cookie Decorating. Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 5:30-7 p.m. $35/resident, $46/ nonresident. Decorate cookies for Easter. Ages 11-14. Register online. Choose course #109359. classweb.townofcary.org.

28 WEDNESDAY Get Cooking With Laura: Caribbean. Herbert C. Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave., Cary. 5-7 p.m. $35/resident, $46/nonresident. Learn to prepare a meal inspired by the Caribbean islands. Register online. Choose course #109617. classweb.townofcary.org.

29 THURSDAY “Mazes and Brain Games.” See March 1. “North Carolina and World War I.” See March 1.

30 FRIDAY Twilight Walk. Wilkerson Nature Preserve, 5229 Awls Haven Dr., Raleigh. 6:30-8 p.m. $2/child. Take a walk with a park naturalist to explore the woods and look for deer, coyotes and owls. Ages 4 and older. Register online. Choose course code #215415. reclink.raleighnc.gov.

31 SATURDAY “Mazes and Brain Games.” See March 1. “North Carolina and World War I.” See March 1.

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.

MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

›

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

JANE S. GABIN, PhD Independent College Counselor

Informed, insightful, involved. Over 20 years’ experience in university admissions and school counseling. Known and trusted in this community. I can help you: navigate admissions, craft your college list, shape your essay, prepare you for interviews. For more success and less stress, call

919-452-9287 or 919-929-6608 www.janesgabin.com | janesgabin@yahoo.com

YOUR AD. THIS SPACE. NEXT MONTH. advertising@carolinaparent.com

Learn to Play Learn to Sing

Degreed performer of Voice and Piano shares 26 years experience

919-830-6075 susan@riggsmusic.com

Locations in Raleigh & Wake Forest Buy 4 lessons in first month and get 5th lesson FREE!

Birthday Party Magic DANTHEANIMALMAN@GMAIL.COM

carolinaparent.com | MARCH 2018

› FACES & PLACES

Pola (9), Marcel (12), Alex (7) and Sofia (4) enjoy an icy day at — and on — Falls Lake in Raleigh.

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

MARCH 2018 | carolinaparent.com

2018

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for your favorites February 5-March 31 Let us know your favorite parent-approved places to play, learn, eat and shop in our annual Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Favorites Awards! The winners will be featured in The Triangle Go-To Guide, which publishes in May, as well as in our summer June/July issue.

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