Mom to Mom, NWI -- March 2017

March 2017 | Volume 6 | Issue 3

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letter from the editor community calendar

10

5 16

mom to mom feature celebrating women: norma williams 6 celebrating women: dana rifai 10 celebrating women: trevaughn davis-neal 14 12 creative consequences for kids 26 top ten reasons to visit fort wayne 32 date night: catch 22 34

ask the doctor

down syndrome awareness day

mom to mom eats

mindy’s menu: snacking made easy

20 22

Mom to Mom NWI is a monthly publication by Mom to Mom NWI LLC. All rights reserved. Production without permission is strictly prohibited. All photographs & articles submitted become the sole property of Mom to Mom NWI Magazine. Š2017 Mom to Mom NWI LLC

14

PUBLISHER/Managing Editor Stephanie Vega Edwards Stephanie@momtomomnwi.com Sales Team Eva Williams Nichole Odijk DeMario Contributing Writers Dr. Sandee Clark Nichole Odijk DeMario Mindy Gear Debra Krieg-Lewis

Advertising & Submissions Mom to Mom NWI LLC PO Box 1261 Valparaiso, IN 46384 Layout Design Mark Halliar designs.by.mark@gmail.com Cover & Table of Contents Photography Becca Timpe Malmquist Photography Printing The Papers 206 S Main St, Milford, IN 46542

Did you miss one? Visit our new and improved website: MomtoMomNWI. com! Read past issues, subscribe and follow along on facebook!

A

spring, summer or winter

As I sit to write my monthly letter, I can’t help but find myself so distracted. My desktop says it’s February but it feels like it’s May. I’m so confused by the fact that it’s winter and its’s 70 outside. The windows in my house have been open for days, and that bright thing in the sky we call the sun has been shining for nearly a week!

My family and I have really been enjoying this unseasonable weather. In fact, we had my husband’s family in from Iowa and we took them to Zao Island in Valparaiso for some minigolf fun – that’s something we never could do with them in February!!

I don’t know about you, but this gorgeous weather really puts a little extra pep in my step and makes me smile a bit more.

Winter is always so gray and gloomy so this unexpected taste of spring has been really welcomed. With Daylight Savings time set for March 12, and the official start to spring one week after that, I’m hopeful these amazing temps are here to stay.

But let’s be honest, this is Northwest Indiana and we can see all four seasons in just one week so I know a huge snowstorm could be in store for us – let’s just hope it’s not over Spring Break!!

Take Care,

Stephanie

mom to mom feature

Celebrating Women Nichole Odijk DeMario Malmquist Photogrpahy

mom to mom nwi | march 2017 | page 6

M

March 8 marks International Women’s Day. Some groups com-

than 40 women. She currently has a full-time crew of four and has

memorate the day as a time to celebrate the cultural, political,

just launched three other subsidiary companies to offer not only

social and economic achievements of women, while others center

painting, but design, organization and consulting as well.

the day around respect, appreciate and love towards women.

“There’s an unspoken joy that comes from watching someone In honor of the occasion, we share the stories of three local women

else’s life change…I have an obligation to love these girls. Maybe

making a difference in their careers, communities, aspirations and

it’s spending time packing lunches until they have the money to buy

families.

groceries or giving rides to and from work until they have reliable

Norma Williams

transportation or even spending our lunch breaks together so I can get to know them better,” she says.

Norma Williams of Hebron, Ind. grew up in a hardworking Hispanic family with strong female figures. She says regardless of

Williams says she didn’t put excellence in her tag line to draw

these influences she felt lost, uncertain what she could offer the

attention, but to showcase her standards of perfection especially

world. School was just something to pass the time. It elicited no

in an industry where women are the minority.

spark or joy and so she continued to float through the years.

“I represent tough love. It’s part of the nature of being in construcAt 22-years-old Williams gave birth to her daughter. She took jobs

tion. When you work in a predominately male field you have to be

that put food on the table, but still she was left hungry for more out

above par,” she details.

of life. By “happenstance” she stumbled upon a Martha Stewart Living Magazine and was awe-inspired by the recipes, step-bystep tutorials and home design. The ability to use her hands to create felt right.

Williams married and together with her then husband they started a handyman business. She was amazed people were willing to pay her to do something she enjoyed. Her world came crashing in around her when she found out her husband had an affair. Now a single mother of three children, Williams felt like she hit rock bottom and was lying in ruins.

“Here I was at this crossroads in my life at 36-years-old, questioning whether I should return to corporate America where they get to dictate my life or take the chance by using my new- found skills?

I thought if I’m ever going to start a business now is the time,” Williams says.

She made up 500 generic flyers, loaded her children into their stroller and went door to door offering painting services.

She says inside she was reeling with feelings of inadequacy brought on by her ex-husband’s betrayal, but found solace in her children.

“I remember feeling so ugly, useless, unwanted, unnecessary, but then I was able to look at these children who seemed to adore me.

I knew I never wanted another woman to hate herself,” Williams explains.

Williams began to seek out other “broken” women to join her burgeoning business. No skills were seen as an asset, not a liability.

Since launching nearly eleven years ago, she’s employed more

“I want them to hope and dream beyond anything I could ever imagine for them,” she adds.

She sees the business she built and her future endeavors as not only something

she

wants to do, but now has to do.

“I’m living a life I wasn’t supposed to have. I wasn’t supposed to be successful. By all measures of my life I was supposed to be a statistic. When success came my way, I had an obligation. I can’t She carries that tough love into her parenting style because she wants to show her children they’re not living unless they live a passionate life on purpose. She encourages them to decide what makes their hearts “flutter and sing” and pursue that.

not help people. It’s part of who I am,” she says. “…when I was able to experience I was good for something, when I had my first taste of success, I knew I wasn’t useless. I get to give people that same moment and witness their eyes shine with self-acceptance.”

mom to mom nwi | march 2017 | page 10

DANA RIFAI Throughout Dana Rifai’s life, her parents have ingrained the importance of finding her purpose in life, while remaining in touch with her Syrian culture. Her parents immigrated to the United States seeking their purpose. Rifai’s father is a neurosurgeon and her mother, after raising her children, obtained her master’s degree and now volunteers at a local Islamic school.

Rifai of Crown Point, Ind. found her calling in law. She has been a transactional attorney for nearly a decade, most recently making partner. For much of her career, she has been involved in immigration law. She works with immigrants throughout the world assisting individuals in employment, business and family matters. In today’s political climate and in the wake of the President’s Immigration Ban and subsequent court ruling to overturn it, her role in this area of law and her roots are front and center.

“There is a lot of fear and anxiety among my community and my clients. The Executive Orders has sparked people to speak up and disparate communities have come together. All of which has been heartening,” Rifai says. “…Many Syrians are educated, talented and motivated people who are now helpless to achieve due to circumstances outside of their control. By giving Syrians an option to immigrate from their war-torn country allows them a chance to rekindle the lives they lost before the war.”

In recent weeks, she struggled with how the implementation of the ban would affect immigrants and worked on giving feasible options to those who reached out to her for assistance. It was paramount, she details, to attempt to explain what was happening to her twin second graders in a manner they understood and calm their fears.

“Like any mom, I never want to see my children in fear. I gave my children my idealistic view of how the ban would unfold and then hoped for the best,” she details.

Her children attend the local, private Islamic school her mother volunteers at where she says they are taught by American teachers, but also given the opportunity to learn about their culture and Islamic faith.

“It makes them prouder to be who they are. I want them to be confident in who they are,” Rifai says. “…I try to be playful with what makes us unique. For instance, I tell the kids that they should learn my ancestor’s native tongue, Arabic, because it will be our secret language when we are out and about. It incentivizes them and gives them pleasure in how it is cool to be a little different.”

And regardless of the outside influences of the world, Rifai says being a working mother can be complex all on its own with long hours, work responsibilities and functions, community outreach efforts coupled with family time and extracurriculars.

“The older my children get, the more they need me and my presence. These two things [career and children] that I love so much don’t converge. It’s so hard to make it work,” Rifai says.

At one point in her career, she switched to a part-time schedule, but soon realized it was no longer right for her. She says she’s had to learn to cope with being away from her children and does so by involving them in her work whenever possible. She tells them about her days and seeks their perspectives.

She hopes providing her children with glimpses into her profession showcase what perseverance can accomplish.

“I want them to understand there are ups and downs in life, but they can be whole. By them seeing me do this, I hope it will give them inspiration to find their purpose,” she adds.

She encourages mothers seek support from their community both in person and online especially when their work-life balance seems to be out of sorts.

“I hate the word balance. I hate using it because there is no balance. One side is always lacking,” she explains.

She battles with the thought of working as her personal time is consistently working on being kinder to herself and prioritizing her “me time” to include important activities like working out.

“Every mother has to do what’s right for her. With hard work, anything is possible. It’s cliché, but it’s true,” she says. “…Everything I do I have to love. I love my job, my community activities, and I love watching my children play.”

mom to mom nwi | march 2017 | page 14

TREVAUGHN DAVIS-NEAL As a social services professional, Trevaughn Davis-Neal was attune to helping people. Three years ago, one of her clients was a pregnant domestic violence victim and fled her home with her teenage son. They were turned away from a shelter because her son was seen as an adult and wasn’t allowed to stay with his mother.

They spent the night in their car. Davis-Neal knew from that point forward, she not only wanted to help others through their traumas, but also be able to provide them with a roof over their head.

Her desire for more led her to the Crisis Center in Gary, Ind. The organization works to empower families with an emphasis on children in need of shelter, safety and support. They aid any person, of any age in personal crisis through 24-hour services and referrals throughout Indiana.

She became the non-profit’s Alternative House Director where she oversees the daily operations of their long-term care facility and emergency shelter for youth

depends on their needs,” Davis-Neal of Crown

in peril, manages counselors and staff.

Point, Ind. says. “[The co-founder] Shirley Caylor

At any time, Crisis Center may house

and those that came before me have done such

up to 20 long-term care residents and

a tremendous job in making Crisis Center what it

20 emergency care clients.

is. The Alternative House long-term care service is the start of my legacy.”

Crisis Center has only recently obtained

Davis-Neal says her two teenage children lov-

their long-term care facility license, a

ingly refer to the children at Crisis Center as her

feat Davis-Neal is most proud of.

foster children.

“We know the longer a child stays with “I consider these children my children. They need it and deserve it. I have a master’s degree in social work and a certification for children’s mental health analysis, but this is not rocket science. These kids need to be loved, nurtured and disciplined,” she says. “It means a lot that I can help change the direction of their lives just by being able to say, ‘Yes, we have a bed for that child to sleep in.’”

This round-the-clock position was an adjustment for her family but credits her husband’s support and taking on additional responsibilities at home to making the transition happen more smoothly.

“They get it now. It warms my heart that they understand why I need to be at work on Thanksgiving and Christmas, why I have to step out of their band recital or basketball game to take a work phone call. My job shows my children what good will is. Life is not always take, take, take. We have to give,” she explains. us the better their outcomes are long term. The child isn’t constantly looking over their shoulder. They don’t have to worry if they’re

While she’s uncertain whether or not her career choice has im-

going to eat today or if they’ll have school suppl ies. It gives them

pacted her children’s career aspirations by example or by natural

time to focus on their future with an individualized program that

ability, both her son and daughter have expressed interest in sim-

ilar fields. Many times her children have shared her contact information with their friends and classmates experiencing familial or personal issues. In one instance, her son counseled a friend who had run away and sought his mother’s guidance in the situation.

Furthermore, her husband’s upbringing in the foster care system, she says, has helped validate she’s making a difference.

“I was fortunate to grow up in a two-parent household. I married someone with a mother with a mental illness, who had to grow up in foster care, having someone making decisions for and about him. He has been a lifeline for me and my children,” she says.

Davis-Neal says she is also an advocate for self-love and selfcare. She says she ensures her staff are taking care of themselves and seeking counsel when they feel the strains of “secondary trauma,” trauma endured by hearing someone else’s story. She and her husband have made a habit of vacationing twice a year, disconnecting from work as much as possible.

She makes time for her morning workouts and daily walks to “get her mind right.”

“It’s so much easier to give advice than it is to receive it…it’s a conscious effort. Women in general have a natural tendency to forget ourselves. We have to remind ourselves we matter, too,” she says.

She says she seeks no recognition in her position, but merely hopes for the moments when a past resident or client stops in to show their report card or share something positive occurring in their life.

Davis-Neal explains, “It takes a village. Children are our future. All those adages are true. The thing is these children are going to cross our path one day…It’s not about me. It’s about our future. Everyone needs to do their part.” - mtm

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursd 1

Ash Wednesday

Nation Read Ac America

(Dr. Seuss

5

Maple Sugar Time at the Dunes 10:00am-4:00pm

6

7

National Dentist’s Day 12

Crown Brewing St. Patrick’s Day Fun Run 9:00am-11:00am

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International Women’s Day

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14

15

Sesame Stree “Make a New Starts at 10: Tickets $15

National Napping Day

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21

22

World Down Syndrome Day

Shipshewana on the Road at the Porter County Expo Center 10:00am-5:00pm $4 admission

26

8

27

Shipshewana on the Road at the Porter County Expo Center 10:00am-5:00pm $4 admission

mom to mom nwi | march 2017 | page 18

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29

Nation Puppy

day

Friday 2

Saturday 4

3

National Employee nal Appreciation cross Day a Day

Maple Sugar Time at the Dunes 10am to 4pm

s Day)

9

10

11

St. Patrick School’s Running with the Irish 5K Starts at 9:00am Mom to Mom, NWI is a sponsor

16

17

Corkscrew & Brew Thomas Centennial Park, Chesterton 12pm to 4pm

et Live, Friend” :30am 5 - $70

23

nal Day

30

18

24

25 Rusted Root Hammond Civic Center Starts at 8:00pm

31

mom to mom ask the doc

down syndromE awareness day Dr. Sandee Clark Amanda Rose Photography

W

What do these professions all have in common? An orchestra

does not mean that all people with Down syndrome are the

conductor, dancer, actor, kindergarten teacher, restaurant own-

same. We are all individuals, all of us, regardless of how many

er, musician, singer, fashion model or councilwoman.

These

chromosomes we have. Many adults with Down syndrome at-

professions are all attained by people with Down syndrome.

tend college, have jobs, or marry. Kids and adults with Down

Luke Zimmerman grew up in the limelight, starring in the series,

syndrome are aware of how people perceive them, and they

“The Secret Life of the American Teenager.” Lauren Potter is

care. They get their feelings hurt, just like you and I do. People

considered one of the most famous people with Down syndrome

with Down syndrome have hopes and dreams. They too want to

playing a role in the hit show “Glee”. We can also never forget

make a difference in this world (and they do). - mtm

about Chris Burke who played the iconic role of Corky Thatcher in the TV series “Life Goes On.” And there’s a famous conductor from China born with Down syndrome named ZhouZhou -

3rd Annual Down syndrome awareness fundraiser

what an inspiration these young men and women are to society.

Saturday, March 25 from 10am to 3pm

March is World Down Syndrome Awareness Month, with the

6646 W. Johnson Road | Laporte, IN 46350

21st being the day of recognition as it signifies the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which is

We will have snacks, raffles and a silent auction with some

called Down syndrome. Down syndrome is one of the most com-

fabulous items up for bid. Chair massage will be available

mon genetic birth defects. About 1 in 700 (or 6,000) babies

all day for $1 per minute and back by popular demand the

are born with Down syndrome each year in the United States.

Star Wars characters will be here again for families to take

According to the National Down Syndrome Society, there are

photographs with. We also added the NW Indiana Ghost-

more than 400,000 individuals with Down syndrome.

busters and a tent for Blast-A-Trooper will be offered. For more

There’s so much people don’t know about Down syndrome,

information please look at our Facebook page or call 219-

and this month gives us a chance to review a bit and help

879-5437. With proceeds being donated to the Michiana

those raising children with DS. All people with Down syndrome

Down Syndrome Association in Mishawaka, Indiana we hope

experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to

to have an even bigger turn out than last year. Come out to

moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents

celebrate and donate for this wonderful event! We are still

each individual possesses. Not all kids/people with Down syn-

taking donations so feel free to help out, the kids appreciate it!

drome are the same. Knowing one person with Down syndrome mom to mom nwi | march 2017 | page 20

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mindy’s menu

Snacking made easy Mindy Gear

Having kids and being around kids, I often feel like all I do

veggies. Otherwise it seems like I never find the time and I end

is feed them and clean up after them. As kids get older, they

up tossing the once beautiful pineapple or that gorgeous con-

are able to handle some of the responsibility of feeding them-

tainer of berries. Grapes are easy to clean at once and put in a

selves. This includes choosing appropriate foods from the fridge

container for later. Cheese sticks are easy and good to have on

or pantry and learning about portion control. Creating a little

hand, however we prefer to eat cheddar and swiss cheese. I

“snack section” in the fridge or cabinet can help create a little

buy the industrial size chunks of cheese and come home to slice

independence in your children. I am a big fan of Costco and

them so they can be quickly added to lunches or a late-night

Sam’s Club, but I don’t buy everything individually packaged.

snack.

I can just see my little one grabbing the warehouse sized bag

I have lots of small containers for these fruits,

of tortilla chips and heading to the couch to see how many she

veggies or other goodies. They stack easily

can manage before I happen into the room. Using containers,

in the refrigerator and are ready when you

baggies, etc, you can easily create small portions that the kids

need them. Using a small ball canning jar,

can easily grab and eat. Whether they need a daily snack for

you can fill the bottom with hummus or dip

school or just a little something to munch on throughout the day,

and then place some carrots inside to grab

it is there and you don’t have to get it for them. This also works

a quick afternoon snack as you head out to pick up the kids.

well for the refrigerator. When I get home from the store, I try

These aren’t difficult ideas or even major recipes, just something

to immediately clean, peel and container all the fresh fruits and

that takes a few minutes once a week to prep.

mom to mom nwi | march 2017 | page 22

Banana Muffins I also like to have homemade muffins in the fridge or

Directions

freezer. Definitely an easy grab and go sort of break-

Place beans, garlic, optional spices in food processor or blender. Blend

fast. Here are two of my favorites

thoroughly. Slowly drizzle olive oil while food processor is running. If dip is still thicker than desired, add a few tablespoons of water. This dip

Ingredients • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour • 1 ½ tsps. Baking soda • ½ tsp salt • 3-4 overripe bananas • 1 cup brown sugar • ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled • 2 eggs • 1 tsp pure vanilla • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

can be refrigerated up to a week.

Having easily accessible breakfast items on hand is a great way to help kids gain their independence. If you happen to have a casual weekend morning, not everyone will be up at the same time and you don’t have to spend your morning in the kitchen. Set out some pre-poured bowls of cereal or tray of muffins, fruit or bagels. Older children can microwave oatmeal or toast bagels or waffles. You could put milk in a smaller pitcher so a child can add it to their cereal without spilling the big container.

I like to make ahead breakfast sandwiches or pancakes and then they can be reheated when someone wants one.

White Bean Hummus Ingredients • 1 can cannelloni beans, drained and rinsed • 1-2 cloves garlic • 1-2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice • 2 Tbsp -1/4 cup of olive oil

(start with less and add until preferred consistency)

Optional spices • ¼ tsp either cumin or chili powder, optional • Fresh rosemary, to taste • Fresh cilantro, to taste

Directions Place beans, garlic, optional spices in food processor or blender. Blend thoroughly. Slowly drizzle olive oil while food processor is running. If dip is still thicker than desired, add a few tablespoons of water. This dip can be refrigerated up to a week.

Having easily accessible breakfast items on hand is a great way to help kids gain their independence. If you happen to have a casual weekend morning, not everyone will be up at the same time and you don’t have to spend your morning in the kitchen.

Set out some pre-poured bowls of cereal or tray of muffins, fruit or bagels. Older children can microwave oatmeal or toast bagels or waffles. You could put milk in a smaller pitcher so a child can add it to their cereal without spilling the big container. I like to make ahead breakfast sandwiches or pancakes and then they can be reheated when someone wants one.

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mom to mom nwi | march 2017 | page 24

Mini Frittata One of the hardest meals for me to focus on is break-

sandwiches, breakfast burritos or mini-egg frittatas to have

fast. Running around trying to get everyone together in the

in the fridge or freezer for busy mornings. A quick minute

morning is challenging and I often head out the door with

or so in the microwave and breakfast is ready! You could

nothing more than coffee. During my organized bursts

always buy the box of frozen already done breakfast

during the year, I will take a day and make some breakfast

sandwiches, but I like to customize them to my preference.

Directions

Ingredients

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 12 –cup muffin tin with

• 8 eggs

nonstick spray. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat.

• 1/3 cup milk

Add peppers and onions (or other veggies if you are sub-

• 2/3 cup shredded cheese

stituting) and sauté until softened (about 3-5 minutes). Add

• Salt/pepper to taste

spinach and cook until wilted (1-2 minutes). Remove from

• Splash of olive oil

heat. Whisk eggs, then add milk, cheese, salt and pepper.

• Finely diced onion

Pour egg mixture into muffin cups filling about one-half or two-thirds full. Divide sautéed vegetables evening to each muffin cup. Sprinkle with cooked meat, if using. Bake 20-25

• Red bell pepper • 2-3 cups spinach, roughly chopped

minutes or until puffed up and golden brown. Allow to cool

• ½ pound bacon or sausage, cooked and crumbled

about 5 minutes in the pan. Then remove and serve or place

• Other veggies of your choice

on cooling rack to cool completely. Once completely cooled refrigerate or freeze.

Turkey RollUps Another great thing to have pre-made and ready for little hands would be a roll up. Use a soft flour tortilla shell. Fill it with lettuce or spinach, deli sliced turkey or ham and cheese. Roll it up into a spiral and eat whole or slice into “sushi”. I like to do this with a crockpot version of a turkey breast. The leftover turkey make great sandwiches or sometimes I cook two in order to guarantee leftovers.

Ingredients • 1 boneless turkey breast, thawed • 1 32 ounce container chicken broth (or turkey) • 1 onion, peeled and cut in half • 1 stalk celery • Salt/pepper to taste • 2 Tbsp butter, melted

Directions Place turkey breast in crockpot in onion, celery.

Rub with seasoning and add broth. Melt butter and pour over turkey. Cook on high 4-6 hours. Remove from crockpot and let rest before slicing. mom to mom nwi | march 2017 | page 26

mom to mom feature

12 Creative Consequences for Kids Sarah Lyons

B

Before becoming a parent,

Practice makes perfect

the idea of disciplining children

seemed

When chores aren’t done to the

fairly

parent’s standards, have kids

straightforward. It follows

“practice” doing it over and over

logic that if you set limits,

again until they become an ex-

use consistency, and re-

pert.

spond firmly, but lovingly, children will learn to cor-

Silly faces

rect their behavior. As I

“If siblings were fighting, they had to

became a more experienced

make five faces at each other. They would

mother, I quickly learned that traditional

end up laughing and forget what they were fight-

methods of discipline, such as time out, do not work with every child, every time. Thinking

ing about to begin with.” says Marianne Lincoln, mother of five.

outside of the traditional methods of discipline and trying new and creative consequences may improve behavior.

Team spirit Siblings who fight can also be assigned projects or chores to work on as a team. By the end of the day, they

Here are some ideas:

will have learned to work together.

Buy it back

Open door policy

Toys left on the floor after the designated pickup time will

If your teen slams the bedroom door when angry, take away

be confiscated by a parent. Children will be allowed to buy

the privilege of privacy and remove the door for a week.

back each item for $1. If the children are not earning an allowance, they may do something extra around the house

Donations

to earn the item back.

If your kids consistently leave clothing on the floor, collect it for donation to a local charity. If they decide they aren’t

Benefits of Natural Consequence A natural consequence is something that happens as a

• The consequence is closely tied with behavior because

result of a certain behavior or choice. Parents can let

the results follow the action

their children experience natural consequences by not

• A natural consequence helps children take responsibil-

“saving” them from their choices and allowing them to

ity for their actions

learn from their mistakes. If a teen stays up too late, they

• They let children make a choice about their behavior

will be tired the next day. If a child forgets his sack lunch

• This style of discipline occurs in a calm environment

at home, he will have to eat whatever is on the school

• It helps children internalize rules and morals we are

menu that day. If a child refuses to wear a coat, they

trying to teach them

may find they get quite cold on a winter day. Natural

• It prepares children for adulthood by helping them

consequences help kids take ownership of their actions

think about the potential consequences of their choices

and can have lasting benefits. mom to mom nwi | march 2017 | page 28

ready to donate it yet, have them pay you what it would cost

With some patience, a sense of humor, and some creativity,

them to buy it from a thrift store.

parents can use the art of creative consequences to teach their children in a fresh and memorable way that will have

Safety first

lasting results. - mtm

It is not safe to drive when people are shouting and making a commotion in the car. If the kids are too rowdy, pull the

Creative Consequences in a Jar

car over and wait silently until they are quiet.

A simple mason jar can be helpful to assign chores, decide

Take time - If you child is dawdling and makes everyone

consequences, or settle disputes. Try these ideas and tailor

late, have them sit out of the fun when you arrive for the

them to fit your family.

same amount of time they wasted at home.

• Job jar - Fill a jar with chores ideas and have them pick Early to bed

one as a consequence.

If the child has a bad attitude and you suspect it’s because

• Mercy jar - Fill a jar with different consequences such as

they are not getting enough sleep, move up bedtime by 5

time out, writing sentences, push-ups, etc. Write “mercy” on

minutes each time you need to remind them to improve their

a few, which means they forgo punishment this time. We

behavior.

can all use a little mercy sometimes.

• Marble jar - For good behavior, completed chores, and

Kid’s choice

acts of kindness kids can earn marbles. When the jar is full

When children misbehave, try allowing them to choose their

let them choose a fun reward.

own consequence. This method gives them control over their

• Reverse marble jar - Start with a full jar of marbles and

fate, teaches them to think about their actions in the future,

take them out when there is negative behavior. Each marble

and makes imposing the consequence easier.

out of the jar = 5 minutes taken away from a fun activity.

Stand alone - If the child will not stop tipping his chair at din-

With this method, kids can also earn marbles back through-

ner, simply take the chair away and have him stand while

out the day.

he eats.

• Get along jar - Fill the jar with ideas that will help siblings get along like “Clean up the other’s toys” or “Give each

Teach respect

other a hug.” or “Jump on the trampoline together for five

“I have a friend that has her children wash the other’s feet if

minutes.” Kids must choose from this jar if they are fighting

they are being disrespectful to each other.” says Shannon,

or if they tattle.

mom of three.

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Top Ten Reasons to Visit Fort Wayne This SummeR

1. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo was recently named “one of the top ten in the nation!” See for yourself, as you pet a stingray, feed a giraffe, ride a skyride, enjoy a log ride, and so much more!

2. Headwaters Park is downtown Fort Wayne’s festival park, and it is alive with music, food and drink every weekend all summer long. Check out VisitFortWayne. com/festivals for a list of great events going on during your visit!

You’ll also want to check out the ever-changing exhibits at the Botanical Conservatory, Museum of Art and History Center!

7. Eat at national favorites or discover a home-grown original. Fort Wayne is home to new gastro pubs, food trucks, burger bars and so much more! You’ll also love our growing list of local breweries and wineries.

3. Play ball! The Fort Wayne TinCaps play baseball in an awesome downtown stadium, where BIG FUN is priority #1 and seats start at just $5!

4. Explore Fort Wayne’s 82 miles of trails that take you to parks, festivals, attractions, splash pads and more!

Our trails wrap around our three rivers and we invite you to explore them by foot, segways, bikes, pedal pubs and even kayaks! (We rent them all, or you can bring your own!)

5. Fort Wayne is also home to over a dozen splashpads and spraygrounds where you can cool off and have fun!

6. The first of its kind in Indiana, Science on a Sphere, is changing the shape of learning at Science Central, Fort Wayne’s very own children’s science museum!

8. Fort Wayne is growing our reputation as a “Music City of the Midwest.” From Sweetwater’s Gearfest, to over 20 great music events between Memorial Day and Labor Day, we’re a music-lovers destination!

9. Fort Wayne offers over 50 great places to relax, refresh and recharge. Choose a hotel with a pool, free hot breakfast, or extra room for the kids.

10. You can do it all for less! To find itinerary suggestions, hotel packages, coupons, contests and more contact Visit Fort Wayne at 1-800-767-7752 or visit www.VisitFortWayne.com.

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mom to mom date night

Catch 22 Debra Krieg-Lewis Provided

C

Catch 22, a full-service bar and restaurant located in Merrillville, is independently owned and operated and has a little something for everyone. When I first heard the name of the restaurant, Catch 22, I thought it was going to be a seafood place. Since my husband is not a fan of seafood, I never thought of trying this place out - I’m so glad it was recommended to us! Imagine my excitement when I realized it was a bar and grill – my favorite combination!!

We ventured out on a cold Monday evening and it was quiet in the restaurant. I really could take in the ambiance and was immediately drawn to the large garage doors in the restaurant. They open to outside seating and instantly I thought about how great it would be to enjoy my meal sitting there in the warm summer air.

But unfortunately, it’s still winter – a girl could dream!

I also couldn’t help but notice the large bar area which seats nearly 50 people! It’s a fun place to be, especially on Monday nights when they offer half price appetizers and drink specials – we sure picked the right night to come! Catch 22 offers 20 beers on tap, a variety of “fresh squeezed crushes” – fun drinks as I would call them, wine and martinis. My husband and I decided to each try a beer on tap - I ordered the Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils and he ordered the Altwater Vanilla Java Porter. The names of the beers were a mouthful but they sure were delicious!!

Their menu is family friendly with appetizers, chili, salads, tacos, flatbread pizzas, “big bites” (shrimp,

steak, salmon, etc.) and “between the buns” (burgers, grilled cheese, tilapia). We decided to start off with some appetizers and chose the fried pickle chips which came with ranch dip and my husband had to check out their chili. It was a great start to our meal as I love anything fried and the chili was a huge bowl of warm yumminess!

Our main course didn’t disappoint either! I ordered the BBQ chicken salad which was smothered in BBQ sauce and accompanied by ranch dressing. It was huge and I ended up taking half of it home! The burger with American cheese was also a hit and it was accompanied with a choice of fries, tots, chips or a side salad. Delicious!

Between the great food and the great atmosphere I know we will be back to Catch 22. It’s both laid back and sporty with many TV’s to catch up on the latest games as well as fun and competitive games to play with friends like skee ball, shuffleboard, and darts!

Bring the whole family or a group of friends – you’ll have a great time! - mtm

500 E. 81st Ave | Merrillville, IN 46410 219-793-9635 | www.catch22nwi.com Hours: Open 7 Days a Week | 11am to 3pm Serving Lunch & Dinner

mom to mom nwi | march 2017 | page 34

Prenatal/Family Care Program GROWING FAMILIES FROM CONCEPTION TO AGE TWO

Through a collaborating team of obstetricians, midwives, pediatricians & prenatal/family care programs, the professionals at NorthShore are able to help guide women through routine or high risk pregnancies and provide education and resources through baby’s second year.

Services

Prenatal/Family Care Free pregnancy testing Non-stress tests Breast pump assistance Lactation consultation/stations Pack-N-Play assistance Perinatal Loss Program Car seat inspection & installation Locations to Serve You:

Support Education Home Visits Classes Resources Events

Classes & Events

Breastfeeding classes Daddy & Grandparent classes CPR & Baby Basics classes Family care classes Mommy’s Day Out Celebration 3rdTrimester Baby Shower Play groups & story time Holiday celebrations Baby’s 1st Birthday Celebration

For Appointments or More Information Call 3564 Scottsdale St., Portage Toll free: (888) 459-2349 6450 US Highway 6, Portage 2490 Central Ave., Lake Station www.northshorehealth.org 6091 Broadway, Merrillville 6920 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond 407 W. Indiana Ave, Chesterton 3099 Central Ave., Lake Station (Dental Only)