Northeast Ohio Parent | March 2023

parents can think more positively about themselves.

On the Cover: Cover girl Olivia, 11, of Cleveland has fun in-studio with happy face balloons.

Photo by Kim Stahnke

Closing the Gaps in Reading

My son texted me and asked me to buy a book for school —“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I was excited about the prospects of maybe re-reading the book with him or after he’s done, watching the recent movie version. While I support all independent booksellers, I thought, “why buy the book, let’s just head to the local library.”

I don’t know about you, but the library was our haven when my boys were younger. A place where they could learn and do activities from storytimes to just sitting in the play train, either reading or coloring. I tried to instill passion for reading in my kids by filling their shelves with books, some bought, some borrowed and reading to them often. I loved it because the library has always been a happy place for me. Many of the cherished books from my childhood years were discovered there — when I had all the time in the world to read.

However, as parents, we have a lot of competition when it comes to the screens. Also, while the pandemic seems to be in our rearview mirror, we are still feeling the impacts, especially our kids.

There are many who are striving to close those gaps, including libraries.

In fact, the Ohio Department of Education, in December, awarded $5 million in “Libraries Accelerating Learning Grants” to Ohio libraries planning to create or expand literacy programs for Ohio’s pre-kindergarten through 12th graders.

Libraries like the Cleveland, Cuyahoga Falls, Cuyahoga Public, Heights, Lorain, Madison, Mentor, Perry and Stark with Akron-Summit were awarded funds to support programs.

Mentor was one of the libraries that used the grant to support programs such as tutor.com services to be provided free to anyone who has their library card, adaptive toys for children with disabilities and three AWE learning stations.

“The funding will make a difference for students of all ages,” says Jason Lea, community outreach coordinator at Mentor Public Library. “This grant reinforces every level of education — from early reading skills to test prep to career planning.”

For me, my love of books brought you the Reading Room readers see monthly in our Worth Noting section. My hope is when families read it, they leave with recommendations and inspiration to head to the local library or bookseller.

This year, the Reading Room is a little different, as each month readers will find suggestions from the Cleveland Public Library. We are partnering with them as part of Cleveland Reads, a citywide initiative that challenges the community to read one million books in 2023.

I just finished reading a book from my favorite author. I’m hungry for more pages. What are your reading goals for your family this year? It’s not too late to start your book list, whether they’re old or new reads — and help your kids mark down theirs. It’s a new world — and books just help open more doors.

P.s. Do you have some family favorite reads? Help others get inspired! Email angela@northeastohioparent.com with your suggestions to be published in a future edition.

March 2023

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SUPER SLEEP

Help for your child’s bedtime routine

Z Z Z Zs

By Malia Jacobson

Encouraging healthy sleep is one of the best ways to support your child’s development, from babyhood through adolescence and beyond. Helping your child build healthy sleep habits early in life benefits their physical health, cognitive development, even their social and emotional wellbeing. If a well-rested, cheerful child sounds good to you, here’s some advice to tackle your biggest sleep challenges.

RETHINK BEDTIME RESISTANCE

When your toddler or preschooler can’t seem to settle at night and repeatedly gets out of bed, it’s time to reconsider their sleep routine. Often, children who resist bedtime simply aren’t tired enough to fall asleep at the time that you think they should. This might mean a child is ready to give up or shorten an afternoon nap, or might need a different bedtime altogether. The right bedtime for your child is the time at which they fall asleep without resistance within 10 or 15 minutes most nights. When your child needs bedtime reassurance, commit to returning to their room to check in within 5 to 10 minutes of lights out—this helps prevent the dreaded pop-up after you’ve said good night.

BUILD BETTER HABITS

Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is one of the best ways to encourage better sleep. The brain is wired to associate certain events in a specific sequence with sleep (think A + B + C = sleep), so carrying out a consistent routine each night helps kids feel sleepy. Kids need a transition period to prepare for sleep, writes Dr. Timothy Benik, pediatrician, in a 2022 sleep article from the Cleveland Clinic. Beginning about 30 minutes to an hour before bed, make time for a warm bath or shower, nighttime hygiene like brushing and flossing, and quiet time with books or stuffed animals.

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS, BETTER SLEEP

For kids who resist bedtime and the morning alarm, try light therapy. This natural form of sleep support aligns your child’s circadian rhythm, or body clock, for a healthy sleep-wake cycle, a peaceful bedtime, and a cheerier morning. How does it work? By telling the brain that the day has started, morning light begins an internal clock that keeps kids awake and alert during the day, and primes the body for sleep come bedtime. For a better bedtime, morning sunlight is preferable, but bright indoor bulbs or light therapy lamps, work too. Beginning the day with breakfast in a sunny spot (or outdoors, weather permitting) or even a few moments outdoors will help kids feel naturally sleepy as the day winds down.

KEEP COOL AND SLEEP ON

As spring ushers in warmer temperatures, make sure kids’ bedrooms don’t follow suit. Warmer sleep environments encourage fragmented, lighter-stage sleep, making kids more likely to wake during the night. Because vivid dreams and nightmares occur during these lighter stages of sleep, warm bedrooms can encourage night frights, too. The ideal temperature for sleep falls between 60 and 67 degrees—but even in a cool bedroom, children may become too warm if they’re dressed in thick fleece sleepwear.

BANISH BLUE LIGHTS BEFORE BED

The bulbs in your child’s bathroom or bedroom could be harming sleep. Newer LED lightbulbs are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, but they also give off more blue light. This is bad news for sleep, because blue light inhibits melatonin, which can trigger bedtime battles. Look for sleep-friendly LED bulbs (GE Relax bulbs are wallet-friendly and widely available) labeled “soft white” or “low blue” for children’s bathrooms, bedrooms, and bedside lamps. After dinner, protect sleep by switching devices like phones and tablets to “nighttime mode,” which emits less blue light.

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and sleep journalist, author, and podcaster.

Spinach Banana Muffins

Northeast Ohio Parent blogger Melissa Koski Carney of "I Crashed the Web" shares a recipe that’s easy to make, healthy and festive for the shamrock season. “When my oldest son was about a year old, we were told he was anemic, and we needed to try to incorporate more iron into his diet. This was one of the recipes that we perfected at that time — with spinach and oats, they’re another source of iron. They’re easy to make and require just a blender, which makes for easy cleanup. These have stayed on our recipe rotation and now all my kids love them. Plus, the spinach gives them a green hue — perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.”

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

2 medium bananas

2 cups fresh baby spinach

½ cup milk (I’ve used almond milk and cow milk)

1/3 cup avocado oil

½ cup honey

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup oats

2 tbsp flaxseed

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup white whole wheat flour

1/4 - 1/3 cup chocolate chips or chunks (optional) for

HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and prepare a muffin tin. I like to use silicone muffin liners and spray them with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Place bananas, spinach, milk, oil, honey, eggs, vanilla, oats, flaxseed and cinnamon in the blender and blend well on high. I put my blender on smoothie mode and blend it until the spinach is completely mixed in and there are no green flecks.

by Shana O’Malley-Smith

3. Add flour, salt and baking soda into the blender and mix for a few seconds – be careful not to overmix.

4. Batter will be thin enough that you can pour it into the prepared muffin tin. Spread evenly, filling each of the 12 cups the same.

5. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.

6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin comes out clean.

7. Cool, and serve when cooled. I keep these in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also store well in the freezer – just take one out and put it in the fridge overnight. Or, pop in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Deep Dive Into History

Historical fiction can be a great way to engage young readers. These series each take a different approach, making it more likely you will find one that will captivate your child. Northeast Ohio Parent’s Reading Room has partnered with Cleveland Public Library this year for “Cleveland Reads.” This month’s recommendations are provided by Karen Kelly Grasso, Youth Services Librarian at the Jefferson Campus.

“I Survived” series: I survived the California wildfires, 2018.

By Lauren Tarshis

Josh and his cousin Molly are caught in the Paradise wildfire. They must survive the wildfire before Josh can deal with the other issues in his life. The storytelling in this book is wonderful and the spoiler (I survived) is appreciated. Books in the series are well-researched and have additional information at the end, but the stories of the children involved are what makes each title compelling.

“You Choose” series: Can you survive the Schoolchildren’s Blizzard?

By Ailynn Collins

The reader gets the chance to live as a young boy, a young girl, or a teacher in the Dakota Territory in January 1888. The characters, and their choices, are based on records from the time and the blending of fact and fiction. Other “You choose” titles include natural disasters, historic events, game day sports, and even careers.

By Nathan Hale

An equal mix of history, storytelling, and blood and guts, this graphic novel tells the story of the Alamo. Readers get a detailed overview of the players, including the Texans (the first name for American settlers), the Mexicans, and the native peoples of the region that would become Texas. The series has 11 books spanning history from the American Revolution to the Korean War where young readers get an inside view of key moments.

Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series: Alamo All-Stars

GET CAREER READY

WHY CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION CAN BE AN OPTION FOR SOME TEENS

By Aisha Taylor

During high school many parents are preparing their teens for college. However, what if they aren’t interested in college, enjoy hands-on activities rather than a traditional classroom setting, aren’t ready, or want to do something different?

A career technical educational (CTE) program is a good place to start. Students who attend CTE programs learn applied skills in a technical career such as manufacturing, nursing, biomedical science, automotive, cosmetology, and more. CTE focuses on students getting jobs and they support this by connecting students with employers, interview preparation, resume writing, and mock interviews.

Some career centers offer summer camps and middle school programs for younger children. Others offer programs for students with learning differences.

What types of children thrive in career technical education?

Maureen Lehman, director of workforce services at Polaris Career Center, says, “There are two types of students: ones who know what they want and those who don’t know what they want until they are exposed to something. In career tech you can work while you’re trying to figure out what you want to do.”

Kailyn Clarke of Alliance for Working Together (AWT) Foundation encourages parents and students to look for clues in the things they enjoy doing.

“The making and crafting done by children and teenagers isn’t that different from manufacturing,” she says. “Making slime, building with LEGOs, making stickers with the cricket machine are similar to skills needed in manufacturing.”

How do I get connected?

Start with the school guidance counselor or CTE department at your child’s school.

Doug Miller, director of community outreach at Polaris Career Center advises, “Career centers tend to be affiliated with local school districts. The children remain enrolled in their local districts and take classes at or through the center if the program is offered outside of the individual school district.”

During sophomore year, students enroll in the two-year CTE program. Then they start classes at the beginning of junior year. If you have a teen who has graduated or is a senior and is interested in a CTE program, then he/ she can join an apprenticeship program or enroll in adult education at a career center.

What about a teen who needs extra support?

If you believe your teen is in danger of dropping out, then there are options to attend school and obtain employment through career technical education or an alternative school.

Flex High School Principal Kimberly Sterlekar, a community school in Cleveland, suggests parents “tour any school they are considering.

Parents should ask about the amount of one-on-one time provided, what additional supports are available, whether year-round enrollment is offered, and the level of parent involvement necessary to be successful,” she says.

BENEDICTINE HIGH SCHOOL

2900 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Cleveland 216-421-2080, cbhs.net

April 23: 11 a.m.

GLOBAL AMBASSADORS LANGUAGE ACADEMY (GALA)

13442 Lorain Ave., Cleveland 216-315-7942, gala-prek8.org

March 4, April 15, May 13,

June 3: 10-11:30 a.m.

March 7, April 18, May 9,

June 6: 5-6:30 p.m.

HAWKEN SCHOOL

Lower & Middle Schools

5000 Clubside Road, Lyndhurst 440-423-4446, hawken.edu

April 16: 1 p.m.

Upper School

12465 County Line Road, Gates Mills

440-423-4446, hawken.edu

April 23: 1 p.m.

Mastery School

11025 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland 440-423-4446, hawken.edu

April 30: 1 p.m.

SPRING SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES

HERITAGE CLASSICAL ACADEMY

Bainbridge Campus

7100 Pettibone Rd., Chagrin Falls 330-998-0554, heritageclassicalacademy.org

March 8: Preview Day

Peninsula Campus

1930 Bronson St., Peninsula 330-998-0553, heritageclassicalacademy.org

March 6: Preview Day

HERSHEY MONTESSORI

Upper SchoolHuntsburg Campus 11530 Madison Road, Huntsburg Twp. 440-636-6290, hershey-montessori.org

April 10, May 8: 9-11 a.m. Lower SchoolConcord Campus 10229 Prouty Road, Concord Twp. 440-357-0918, hershey-montessori.org

March 8, April 12, May 10: 9-11 a.m.

JULIE BILLIART SCHOOLS

Akron

380 Mineola Ave., Akron 330-333-5280, juliebilliartschool.org

March 1: 6-7:30 p.m.

Westlake Campus

3600 Crocker Road, Westlake 440-471-4150, juliebilliartschool.org

March 9: 9-10:30 a.m.

LAUREL SCHOOL

Lyman Campus

1 Lyman Circle, Shaker Hts. 216-464-1441, laurelschool.org

April 15: 9-11 a.m.

(All-School Open House)

Butler Campus

7420 Fairmount Road, Novelty 216-464-1441, laurelschool.org

April 15: 9-11 a.m.

(All-School Open House)

MENLO PARK

ACADEMY

2149 W. 53rd St., Cleveland 440-925-6365, menloparkacademy.com

March 11: 10 a.m.-noon

Foundations for Lifelong Learning

OLD TRAIL SCHOOL

2315 Ira Road, Bath

330-666-1118, oldtrail.org

April 13: 5-7 p.m.

SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY

3470 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland 216-251-6788, sja1890.org

March 30: 5-7 p.m.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

Hunting Valley Campus (Grades 9-12)

2785 SOM Center Road, Hunting Valley 216-831-2200, us.edu

April 13: 8:30 a.m.

(Parent Preview)

Shaker Heights Campus (Junior Kindergarten-Grade 8) 20701 Brantley Road, Shaker Heights 216-321-8260, us.edu

April 20: 8:30 a.m.

(Parent Preview)

VILLA ANGELA-ST.

JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL

18491 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland 216-481-8414, vasj.com

March 8

Streetsboro family educates other parents about sextortion after tragic death of their son

By Miriam Conner

Tamia Woods and her husband Tim of Streetsboro are suffering the unimaginable reality of life without their only child, James.

James was a junior in high school when he died by suicide last November.

“We did everything we thought we were supposed to do to be good parents,” Tamia Woods says in a recent interview on “aParently Speaking” episode #89, presented by Northeast Ohio Parent.

Tamia Woods says James was the light of their lives, had good friends, did well in school and was on the track team.

Like many 17 year olds, James liked to play video games and spend time on social media.

The Woods family says they didn’t know at the time, but James was targeted by online predators and was a victim of sextortion. This occurs when someone threatens to distribute your private and sensitive material if you don’t send them money or other favors.

Tamia Woods shares on the podcast that James received a “DM”, a direct message through Instagram. He read the message from whom he thought was a girl his age. They messaged back and forth for a short time and then this person started sending James pictures and asking for pictures of James. Once this predator got what they wanted, they began threatening James, telling him he had to pay or they were going to send these photos to everyone and ruin him.

According to his parents, the predators barraged James with messages. James did in fact send some

money, but it was not enough to stop them. They eventually did send the photos to some of James’s friends via Instagram.

Tamia Woods says on the podcast, after James died, the family found out what was happening by checking their son’s phone.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, sextortion — the act of threatening to share nude or explicit images — is more common than you may think, and cases affecting young children, teens and adults have increased exponentially in the past two years. In fact, Homeland Security Investigations received over 3,000 sextortion tips in fiscal year 2022.

The predators can be next to impossible to catch, they are most often from other countries and take the necessary steps to be hard to trace.

Tim and Tamia Woods began speaking out and telling James’s story immediately in hopes to educate parents about sextortion. To make sure parents know that boys ages 14-17 are targeted specifically and to be aware and educated about the social media tactics that predators use.

The Woods family also created the Do It for

TOP RIGHT: JAMES WOOD, 17. BOTTOM LEFT: JAMES’ PARENTS TAMIA AND TIM WOODS. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WOODS FAMILY

James Foundation (DIFJF). The nonprofit organization works with communities to increase awareness, provide support and education to both parents and children on crime against students, while also supplying a wide range of assistance for those in need (letsdifj.org).

“We want to make sure James did not die in vain,” Tamia Woods says. “We want to help raise awareness and encourage communication between parents and children and encourage education of the different cyberbullying that can take place on social media.”

Listen to the full story on the podcast on NortheastOhioParent.com

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) If you or someone you know has been a victim of sextortion, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Chİld Care Checkl İ st

By Shana O’Malley-Smith

More and more parents are headed back to the office, increasing work travel, or working full-time from home and are in need of child care.

Picking a child care provider is a major decision for families. Whether you’re interested in sending your little one to a child care center or hiring a private, at-home caregiver, there are a few things you should take into consideration beforehand.

“The demand that we’re seeing has been pretty steady over the past couple of years,” Melissa Ridler at The Nanny Connection says. “We’re still seeing quite a few where at least one parent is still working from home, but the demand is still there because they need to get work done.”

In addition to needing child care for work, Ally Vacha, lead teacher at The Goddard School, says some parents are seeking childcare for social exposure.

“Many of the young children attending child care at this time are ‘pandemic babies’ — meaning they were born during or just after the pandemic,” Vacha says. “This may have robbed some children of the social and emotional contact that is so crucial during infancy. I think many parents can appreciate — now more than ever — the peer interaction that child care offers and are looking towards group care as an excellent resource to help prepare their children for the big wide world.”

How early should you start your search?

“If you’re expecting and think you might be interested in utilizing child care, my advice would be to start your search as soon as possible, as the waitlists for infant classrooms are notoriously long among childcare centers,” Vacha says. “The infant-to-teacher ratio in Ohio is 5-to-1, so spaces are very limited in these classrooms. This number increases with the age of the children, so the general rule of thumb is that space will be more limited in younger classrooms.”

For a private nanny, placement typically takes 3-6 weeks.

“However, it may take more time if, for example, you have very specific or uncommon requirements,” says Lindsey Taggart, director of operations at Pink Nannies.

What Are the Current Trends in Child care?

“Communication and curriculum are two of the most common questions we receive from parents,” says Brittany Madonna, senior vice president of marketing and communications at The Nest Schools. “Parents want to know how they will stay updated on their child’s day. They want to feel that they are not missing out on important milestones and that the school is their partner in raising their child. Families seeking preschool tend to be more

interested in curriculum components and kindergarten readiness.”

In private child care, parents are asking for flexibility and some are requesting additional education specialties.

“Parents are looking for nannies who are flexible (able to stay late or arrive early), and some families are looking for individuals who can be flexible enough to accommodate an ever changing schedule,” Taggart explains. “They are also requesting nannies who have a degree in early childhood education, who are trained in areas like Montessori/RIE/ Waldorf, individuals who have a background in ABA therapy, or candidates who are bilingual.”

Some busy families are also asking for help with household management responsibilities.

“It could be errands or grocery shopping, it could be meal prep, or to the extent of coordinating appointments for the family,” Ridler adds.

How do you prepare for child care?

Before you decide on a child care center, you’ll want to tour the space, meet the teachers and fill out any necessary paperwork.

“On your school tour, you should meet with the school administration and teachers and visit your child’s potential classroom” Madonna says. “This will help give you a good overall feel of the school’s culture.”

Once you have settled on a school, you will need to provide up-to-date medical information, emergency contact

info and other important information about your child.

“You may also be given a questionnaire to fill out about your child’s routine, habits, personality, and anything else that might help the center to better understand and care for your child,” Vacha adds.

If you’re planning on hiring a nanny, you’ll want to do an interview, ask for references and do a background check and driving record check.

“You’ll want to ask about their child care experience, what is a typical day for them,” Ridler advises. “Ask situational questions, ‘what if this happens, how would you handle it.’ You want to assess energy, engagement and passion for child care.”

- SPONSORED CONTENT -

STEP FORWARD

Step Forward helps ensure every child has the opportunity to begin their education right and develops a love of learning from the start. Head Start serves preschoolers from ages 3-5. Head Start combines classroom instruction, learning through play and field trips for a rich educational environment that engages children. This early childhood education is available at 10 sites throughout Cuyahoga County or offered at home, and is at no cost to income-eligible families. stepforwardtoday.org

Questions to ask before you enroll at a child care center:

• Is the program licensed?

• Are staff references and backgrounds checked?

• Are there training requirements for teachers?

• Are there organized drop off and pick up procedures?

• Is there an emergency procedure plan in place?

• Are teachers trained in CPR and First Aid?

• What behavior management strategies are used?

• What curriculum is used?

• Are children provided outdoor time every day? Is the outdoor play space clean and safe?

• Is the school warm, inviting, and friendly?

Questions to ask before you hire private child care:

• Why do you want to be a nanny?

• What do you like best about being a nanny?

• How long do you see yourself being a nanny?

• Why are you leaving your current position?

• Do you have any outside commitments that will interfere with your work schedule?

• We expect a schedule of: xyz, How flexible can you be with our expected schedule?

• How do you prefer to handle discipline, and how does that align with our expectations?

Guests, Invites and More!

By Shana O’Malley-Smith

Celebrating your little one’s birthday with a party? Here’s a few tips and tricks to help you manage your guest list, pick the perfect venue and send out invites for your child’s special occasion.

Guest List

The first thing you’ll need to consider is who you are inviting to celebrate. While you might feel the need to invite everyone in your circle, trimming the list will help keep the celebration much more manageable.

According to Emily Post Etiquette, a good rule of thumb is “one guest for each year of your child’s age, plus one.” So, a 5-year-old’s birthday party would have six guests. For younger children, parties typically involve family and close friends. However, once they hit school age, children may want to start inviting their classmates or teammates to celebrate.

It’s not uncommon to host two separate parties, one for family and one for friends. Or, if you’re having primarily a family party, just invite one or two special friends over so your child doesn’t get overwhelmed.

Invitations

Digital invitations are a modern and convenient way to invite your guests to your celebration using a phone number or email address. Many digital invitation services let you pick a theme, upload photos of the person you’re celebrating and make a gift registry or wish list. You can also set up automatic reminders for your guests in the days leading up to the party.

An invite by mail is always an exciting thing to receive, especially for children. If you’d rather send a paper invitation by mail try drug stores, big box stores or apps such as TouchNote or VistaCreate, which have a variety of print designs to choose from and allow you to print easily from the online options. It’s also a good way to send thank you’s when the party ends.

Either way you choose, make sure to include important information such as the date, time and location of the event as well as the deadline to RSVP. Some invites also allow for gift registry information. If you’re inviting mostly children, it’s a good idea to specify if parents are expected to stay with their child for the duration of the party.

If your child is inviting school friends, make sure to check with their teacher to see what the classroom policy is for handing out invites.

Party Location

Are you hosting at home or using a venue? There are benefits to both. An at-home party can be more cost effective and allow you to control things such as time of day for the party, food and guest count. Hosting a party at an entertainment venue (such as a play place, bowling alley, or even the zoo) is usually more all-inclusive and doesn’t require you to do much, except show up and have fun.

A few things to consider if you’re hosting at home:

• Will it be indoors or outdoors

• How will you keep food heated or chilled

• What type of seating will you need

• Will you need entertainment such as a balloon twister, face painter, bounce house, special characters, games or animal encounters

• Are there rooms or items in your home that are off limits for guests

A few things to consider if you’re hosting at a venue:

• Make sure they have your date and desired party time (venues can book several months in advance, so the earlier you plan, the better)

• Ask about number of guests and if there are extra charges for additional guests

• Do they let you bring in your own food/cake or do you have to order from the venue or a preferred caterer

• How long is the party and how much time will you have beforehand to set up

• Do they provide items such as plates, cups, decorations, or do you need to bring those items

• What type of entertainment is provided

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for 15 guests, reserved party space and party invitations. Choose your own adventure with the various add-ons, such as carousel rides, virtual reality experiences and a visit from the zoo mascot, Potter the Otter. Book your party today 330-375-2550 or visit akronzoo.org/birthday-parties

Maple HAPPENINGS

Saturdays & Sundays

Maple Sugaring at Rocky River Reservation. Take a self-guided hike through the sugarbush, see demonstrations, visit the sugarhouse and sample maple syrup. Through 3/19. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Maple Grove Picnic Area, North Olmsted, clevelandmetroparks.com

Sundays

Sap’s-a’Risin.’ Gather sap in the sugarbush, experience the tapping, gathering and boiling methods used throughout history, and more. Through 3/19. Noon-4 p.m. Swine Creek Reservation, 16004 Hayes Road, Middlefield Twp, geaugaparkdistrict.org

3/4 & 3/11

Ohio Maple Madness Tour. “Pa” hitches up the horses and takes visitors into the woods to collect the sweet stuff, then brings it back to demonstrate how it is all done. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Ma & Pa’s, 15161 Main Market Road, Burton, maandpas.com

3/4-5, 3/11-12

Maple Sugaring Weekends. Witness the maple-producing process as sap is collected and boiled and turned into maple syrup and candy. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com

Maple Sugar Festival. Explore the science, history, and cultural importance of maple sugar and syrup through interactive activities, ongoing demonstrations, and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. until 3 p.m. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, wrhs.org

3/11

Little Explorers: Maple Magic. Bring your little explorer on an adventure in the WorkingWoods sugarbush. 10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Holden Arboretum, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, holdenarb.org

3/19

Maple Mania Open House. Join a naturalist and learn the ins and outs of maple syrup production. Noon- 4 p.m. Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg, summitmetroparks.org

4/27-30

Geauga County Maple Festival. Four days of fun, food and “everything maple.” Chardon Square, 111 E. Park St., 440-286-3007, maplefestival.com

For more Maple Events

Early Spring events

THROUGH 3/13

Egg Hatching at the Library. Stop by the children’s department to see chicken eggs ready to hatch. Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., mentorpl.org

3/9

Hoot Camp. It’s time to train your ears. Learn to identify and learn when and where to listen to owl calls. 6-7:30 p.m. Sippo Lake Park, 800 Genoa Ave. NW Massillon, starkparks.com

3/12

Spring Forward Hike. Come along on this 1.4-mile hike, welcoming the “spring forward” of daylight saving time. 10-11 a.m. Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Pioneer Area, 550 Frazier Ave., Akron, summitmetroparks.org

3/18 & 3/25

Searching for Spring. Stretch your legs and mind through experiencing something new in your park. Come search for the first signs of spring. 2 p.m. Location tbd. nps.gov

3/19

Hinckley Buzzard Sunday. See buzzards come home to roost. Enjoy skits, songs and stories and more. 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Hinckley Reservation off Bellus and State Roads, ohiotraveler.com/ hinckley-buzzard-sunday

3/23

Hello Spring. Curious youngsters and an adult will meet a naturalist for a hike to explore the arrival of spring with stories, movement and more. 10:30 a.m.

F. A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron, summitmetroparks.org

3/25-26, 4/1-2 & 4/8

Egg-stra Wild Egg Hunt. The zoo is hosting a wild egg hunt, perfect for the kiddos. 9:30-11 a.m. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org

4/23

Spring Fling. Visit with lambs, ducklings and bunnies, watch the flock get sheared, see sheep-herding demonstrations, and see a short theater performance. Noon-4 p.m., The Spicy Lamb Farm, 6560 Akron-Peninsula Road, Peninsula, thespicylamb.com

SPRING BREAK events

3/20-21, 4/3-4, 4/10-11

Spring Break Adventure: Wild Ohio. Explore many habitats on 30 acres through interactive, hands-on activities and nature hiking. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Common Ground, 14240 Baird Road, Oberlin, commongroundcenter. org

3/20-25,

4/3-7

3/37-31,

Spring Break Day Camps at Adrenaline Monkey. Obstacle training, team building, games and contests, rope climbing and more. 9 a.m-5 p.m. 26800 Renaissance Pkwy., Cleveland, adrenalinemonkeyfun.com

3/22-21, 4/5-6, 4/12-13

Spring Break Adventure: Nature Survival. Become your own survivalist utilizing your outdoor living skills. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Common Ground, 14240 Baird Road, Oberlin, commongroundcenter.org

3/25

Try-It: Family Land Navigation. Learn map and compass skills together through engaging activities. 1:30-3 p.m. North Chagrin Reservation Nature Center, 401 Buttermilk Falls Pkwy., Mayfield Village, clevelandmetroparks.com

3/27-28

Civil War Encampment. Infantry, cannons, battles, living history, confederate camps, blanket talks, and so much more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Century Village Museum, 14653 E. Park St., Burton, 440-834-1492, centuryvillagemuseum.org

3/27-31

Spring Break Camp at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. Daily themes for Pre-K through grade 5 including Spring Scientists, Jaws, Paws and Claws and more. 2600 S. Park Blvd., shakerlakes.org

3/27-4/1

Spring Break Camp at Cleveland Clinic Akron General LifeStyles. Ages 5-14 spend their days off school enjoying gym games, swimming, rock climbing and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m . 4125 Medina Road, Akron, my.clevelandclinic.org

4/3-7

Spring Break Camp at Peak Potential Therapy. A recreational speech therapy camp with fun, adventure and activity, where every child with a disability can be successful.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. 7689 Sagamore Hills Blvd., Northfield, peakpotentialtherapy.com

Help kids — and parents — think positivelyabout themselves.

Happy self

by Georgia Lattas

When was the last time you felt good about yourself? As you think of this question, you might be envisioning a time you felt good emotionally or a time you felt good because you looked good. There are “standards” that surround us daily – from Instagram-filtered social media influencers to people we compare ourselves to when we are in-person. We are constantly exposed to a “definition” of what we should look like — and it’s not just us, it’s our kids too.

According to the 2022 national poll from the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Michigan, they asked parents of children from ages 8-18 about issues related to their child’s self-perception of their appearance.

It states “64% of parents say their child is self-conscious about some aspect of their appearance, including acne/skin condition, weight, hair, teeth, height, and facial features. Parents of teens 13-18 are more likely than parents of younger children 8-12 to report their child is self-conscious about at least one aspect of their appearance in both boys and girls.

Among parents who say that their child is self-conscious about their appearance, 27% feel it has a negative impact on their child’s self-esteem and 20% on their child’s willingness to participate in activities. Nearly onethird of parents (31%) say they notice their child making negative comments about their own appearance. Other parents say their child avoids being in photos (18%), tries to hide their appearance with clothing (17%), or restricts what they eat (8%) due to being self-conscious about how they look. Parents of teens are more likely to report these actions than parents of younger children 8-12 years.”

While body positivity can be a teen issue, children as young as ages 3-5 are experiencing body image issues, according to a 2016 study by the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years. That means instead of worrying about learning the alphabet and how to color within the lines, children in preschool and kindergarten are concerned about the way they look.

Best friends Alison Rampa and Erica Chiseck are not surprised that children as young as age 3 are concerned with their body image. They too have struggled with their body image.

After listening to an episode of the “Maintenance Phase” podcast, Rampa and Chiseck were inspired to create a summer camp for overweight women in hopes of inspiring women of all shapes and sizes to love themselves.

“We thought it would be a great opportunity for women of all ages to have an adult summer camp,” Rampa says.

In 2022, Camp Roundup was established in Newark, Ohio, just outside of Columbus, to help overweight women have the opportunity to be surrounded by other women in a body positive environment.

People of all shapes, sizes and appearances get criticized for the way they look — and not just for body types.

According to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital poll, it states “parents indicate that their child has been treated unkindly due to their appearance

This is the first article in a three-part series of “Body Positivity”

by other children (28%), strangers (12%), other family members (12%), teachers (5%), and health care providers (5%). Two-thirds of these parents believe their child was aware of the unkind treatment. Parents’ most common action in response to their child being treated unkindly is talking with their child about the incident (63%). Less often, parents keep their child away from the person making unkind statements (33%) or speak to the person who made the unkind comments (27%).”

Dr. John Layke offers a unique perspective to the conversation of body positivity – he is a plastic surgeon based in Beverly Hills, Calif. and his book, “No Body is the Same, A Book About Body Positivity,” was written for his three children, especially his daughter.

“Body positivity is a social movement that says we should accept all bodies regardless of shape, size, skin color, you name it,” Layke says. “Be confident in your own skin.”

Layke adds he wants his kids to focus on those positive attributes rather than worry about their physical appearance.

“We all have dark brown eyes and my son is the only one with hazel eyes,” he says. “At first, he thought it was a negative thing. We turned that around and showed him that he's special. You say he's special, then the other kids say, ‘Well, you know, what about me?’ and then you start picking out some of the unique and positive traits that they all have, and I think that's what parents really need to do.”

“Kids are so impressionable,” he adds. “When you're walking around the grocery store, your kids will say, ‘why does that person look like that?’ The idea is we're trying to teach them respect, but also the fact that we're all unique. The idea is every single one of us has different characteristics.”

Being a Role Model

It is important for parents to be aware of their language and their actions around their kids, including how we view ourselves. How many of us parents have said or heard others say “does this dress make me look fat?” or stare at a mirror and sigh to say “I hate (body or hair type). I wish I could have (fill in blank of wants.”) While parents may think these actions are harmless, children internalize these actions and begin to hyper-analyze themselves, too.

For example, in 2022, the term ‘almond mom’ became popularized on social media, particularly Tik Tok. An ‘almond mom’ is a mother (or dad) who ‘only eats a few almonds every day’ and is very concerned about portion control and how much they are eating. ‘Almond moms’ will typically eat what most would consider a snack, such as almonds, for dinner. The idea is that these types of

Tips for Parents

WATCH WHAT YOU SAY Do not talk about other people’s looks. Don’t say “Wow, look at this person, they lost weight and look so much better now!” Talk about other people’s accomplishments and what makes them a good person. Do not say “does this dress make me look fat?” or “have I put on weight?” Kids internalize this negative self-talk.

MAKE A JUDGEMENT-FREE ZONE “The most fundamental thing parents can do to help their kids build a healthy body image is to make home a safe place that is judgment-free for both kids and parents,” Dr. Leslie Heinberg, psychologist and body image researcher from The Cleveland Clinic says in a 2018 article “4 Things That Might Be Affecting Your Daughter’s Body Image. “

BEING HEALTHY IS IMPORTANT FOR HEALTH, NOT APPEARANCE

It is important to exercise and eat healthy. Instill in your kids to eat apples because they are healthy and taste good and exercise is a fun activity, it’s not just weight-loss tools.

BUY THE RIGHT TOYS Are your kids’ toys realistic? Do the dolls have characteristics that look just like them? Find toys and books that encourage body positivity and self-image to help facilitate conversations.

SOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT REAL Have a conversation with your kids about social media and how it makes them feel. Who are they following, what type of videos or images are they seeing? Encourage them to follow people who feel good about themselves and unfollow those who don’t.

parents get full after eating a very small amount of food. Not letting your child explore food options or making comments about your own food choices can be detrimental to their body image and the way they think about food. Parents should always encourage their children to have healthy eating habits.

“I have always been very cognizant of how (my daughter and I) talk about food and how we talk about calories and how we talk about weight,” Chiseck says. “So I make sure that we talk about food from a neutral standpoint.”

It’s not just for kids to be positive about themselves, but for parents, too.

“Surround yourself with positive influences,” Rampa adds. “Surround yourself with positive self- talk. Go look at people who look like you and are being fabulous.”

“I think that body positivity for me is being confident in your own skin, knowing your limitations, accepting them and trying to be the best version of yourself,” Layke says. “So I think for me, it is recognizing our limitations, focusing on our positive attributes, trying to be the best version of ourselves, and I think if everybody does that, you can be accepting of everyone else, including yourself.”

Social Media And Body Image

Negative feelings kids have about their body can also be associated with social media use. In a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, 95% of teens ages 13-17 use YouTube, 67% of teens use Tik Tok, and six in 10 teens use Instagram and Snapchat. Social media can expose

impressionable children and teens to unrealistic body standards.

According to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital poll, it states “while 41% of parents say their child’s view of themselves is affected equally by in-person interactions and by social media, 43% say their child is more affected by in-person interactions and 16% more affected by social media. Parents who report their child is self-conscious about their appearance are twice as likely to say their child is more affected by social media.”

“There's always going to be societal traits that are considered beautiful,” Layke says. “I think the difference with social media is now they create these filters so everybody can look like that. I have people coming to the office saying ‘can you make me look like this filter?’ It’s a distortion of reality. I just think we've never looked at ourselves so much in our lives. Everybody's continuously posting photos. I just see these kids that are uploading images every single day and they're tweaking them and putting filters on them. Even the influencers that everybody is flocking towards, they come here to the office, and most of them don’t look like the heavily-filtered versions of themselves that they post on social media.”

It is important to teach kids to consume content that makes them feel good and follow influencers who celebrate all types of people.

Robyn Taylor of Cleveland says she treats her daughter like a child and not like an adult.

“I am making sure she enjoys her childhood,” she says. “Due to the internet, I think children of today are exposed to things that aren’t age appropriate. The children are growing up too fast.”

That’s why, having a conversation with your child about body positivity is important.

“I would say start talking to your child as early as possible,” Layke says. “When things are introduced really early, they no longer become an issue because it becomes a way of life. So, with my sons and my daughter, they've been making their bed every single morning because that's just a pattern that we set into place. Now try telling a 10 year old for the first time ‘Hey, clean up your room, make your bed,’ it becomes really difficult. Same thing with the way you view others. You introduce the concepts early. Say ‘listen, you are going to see many different people from all walks of life and you have to respect everybody.’”

Taylor notes she tells her daughter when people say negative things, it’s about them, not you.

“I tell her to gravitate toward positive (influences), people that make her feel good,” Taylor says.

She adds, while her daughter has to learn to deal with these things as a kid, negativity happens in adulthood, too.

“I make sure to let (my daughter) know she is loved and protected,” she says. “She is happy, I just tell her to love herself.”

“Body positivity is a social movement that says we should accept all bodies regardless of shape, size, skin color, you name it. Be confident in your own skin.”

CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

Summer adventures await your kids, day or overnight. Search these camps and programs for options.

CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

ADRENALINE MONKEY

adrenalinemonkeyfun.com

BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Beck Center offers classes at the Lakewood campus in dance, theater, visual arts, private music lessons, and group lessons. Students of all ages and abilities learn as they create unique works of art, discover hidden talents, and have loads of fun with new friends. They have something for every interest in visual and performing arts, and every skill level. Looking for entertainment? Please call 216-521-2540 to buy tickets for the entire family to enjoy “Once On this Island” or visit beckcenter.org for more details.

BELLWETHER FARM CAMP

At Bellwether Farm, campers can experience farm-to-table food, goat snuggles, foraging, swimming, reading, singing, cooking, hiking, crafting, and much more on the beautiful 137-acre property. Specialty camps include all traditional camp activities in addition to a focus on specific topics. Mini camp is offered to rising 2nd & 3rd graders Sunday - Tuesday as a sample of a weeklong camp. Bellwether Farm works to inspire future generations to become passionate leaders in the. bellwetherfarm.com

CAMP CURIOSITY: SUMMER SCIENCE CAMPS

Do your kids excel at exploration, or thrill at discovery? If so, a weeklong, summer STEM adventure might be just what they need. New camp themes offer exciting challenges for kids in grades K-6, with options from nature, fossils, ocean life, engineering, Minecraft, LEGOs, space, chemistry, and everything in between. Register by March 31 and receive $20 off. Sessions begin June 5. For more information, call 216-621-2400 or visit greatscience.com.

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CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

CAMP FITCH

Camp Fitch’s century-old classic sleep-away summer camp provides kids ages 6-17 with a holistically safe, values-driven community where they discover friendship and achievement. Kids feel like they belong among the camp’s carefully vetted, committed and caring staff, who create transformative experiences on the shore of Lake Erie. Partnering with the Erie Health Department and healthcare professionals, they have designed a safe camping environment to make kids better, forever. North Springfield, Pa., 814-922-3219, campfitchymca.org

CAMP GILMOUR

With offerings that include outdoor adventure, drone, sports camps and the arts, Camp Gilmour has something for everyone! Camps offered June 5-August 4. Preschool Camp (ages 3-5), Day Camp (ages 5-12), sports camps and specialty camps available. Come for one week or all nine. Before and after care available 7:15 a.m. until 6 p.m. Registration open at gilmour.org/summercamp. Questions? 440-473-8000 ext. 2267 or summercamp@gilmour.org.

CAMP INVENTION

Spark your child’s curiosity and creativity with the all-new Camp Invention program, Wonder! Coming to your town, campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends to take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges. From building a mini skate park to launching a pop-up shop to transforming a robot into a stuffie, each experience adds up to an imagination-stretching, confidence-boosting summer. Visit invent.org/local to secure your spot. Use promo code SUM25 by 3/30 to save $25.

CAMP JCC IN AKRON

June 5-Aug 11. Different weekly experiences allow campers to discover new hobbies and explore favorite interests. Specialty camp offerings include a variety of sports, creative arts, and STEM. All are welcome at the JCC, regardless of religious preference or economic status. Whether you choose a specialty or traditional camp, all campers attend from 8-3:30 p.m. daily (aftercare available). Daily activities include swimming, art, and games. Available for grades 1-8. Register at shawjcc.org/camp-j.

CAMP QUALITY campqualityusa.org/oh/

CAMP RATNER

theratnerschool.org/summer-program

CAMP TIPPECANOE

Camps at the Y are about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence, and make lasting friendships and memories. Camp Tippecanoe has been providing opportunities for kids to learn and grow since 1958 and is a traditional sleepaway camp for ages 6-18. Our summer day camps provide a safe and nurturing environment for kids to enjoy summer, and are offered at 8 locations across Stark County. ymcastark.org

CHALLENGE ISLAND

challenge-island.com/neo

CLASSROOM ANTICS

Learn what you love. If your child likes LEGO, Minecraft, or coding, they are going to love becoming a creator in a Classroom Antics summer camp. Classroom Antics is an educational enrichment provider offering fun, educational STEAM programs for kids ages 6-14. Weeklong summer camps are offered in a variety of STEAM activities, including video game design, robotics, animation, video production, and coding. Attend half-day or full-day in Beachwood, Berea, Brecksville, Brunswick, Fairlawn, Hudson, Solon, or Westlake. classroomantics.com

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CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

CLEVELAND CITY DANCE

clevelandcitydance.com

CLEVELAND METROPARKS

Cleveland Metroparks

Summer Nature Camps connect children with the natural world. From hikes in the woods, kayaking, crafts and games, a variety of Summer Nature Camps offer compelling outdoor adventures.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Summer Day Camps connect campers with wildlife and inspire the next generation of conservationists. Campers can spend their summer days at the zoo, participating in special activities like giraffe feeding, carousel rides, educational games and crafts. Cleveland Metroparks Golf Junior Day Camps offer activities and instruction for junior golfers of several ages and skill levels. Learn more at clevelandmetroparks.com/camps

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

This summer, choose from two Cleveland Museum of Natural History experiences that will unleash your child’s creativity and curiosity. At Make your Own Museum Camp, campers will meet with the museum’s exhibits team and design and create museum displays of their own— keepsakes from an unforgettable summer. At Circle Sampler Camp: Curated Curiosity, campers will spend an exciting week exploring the scientific, artistic, musical, theatrical, and cultural institutions around University Circle. Visit cmnh.org/summer-camps for more information.

COMMON GROUND SUMMER CAMPS

commongroundcenter.org/ summer-camps

CORNERSTONE OF HOPE

cornerstoneofhope.org/cleveland

CREATIVE PLAYROOMS

Get Creative for Summer Camp. Summer’s coming, which means longer days, fun in the sun and great friends. Join the “Voyagers” at Creative Playrooms

Montessori and Child Care Centers for the best summer ever — full of adventure, imagination and engagement to keep campers ages 5-12 busy and active. Themed activities and programs. Explorations around famous people, places and things. They believe in encouraging children to explore more deeply through doing, asking questions, and having a great time. Join them this summer as they heat up the fun factor: Save your space today. Call 440-349-9111 or creativeplayrooms.com

CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (TRI-C)

tri-c.edu/summercamps

EN POINTE DANSE

Come dance with them. En Pointe

Danse in Chagrin Falls, now celebrating its 23rd year, offers dance classes for ages 3 through adult in creative movement, ballet, pointe, tap and modern dance. Summer sessions and dance camps will be held June 12-July 29. En Pointe Danse 516 East Washington Street Chagrin Falls. For more info, call 440-247-5747 or visit enpointedanse.com

FAIRMOUNT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Fairmount Center for the Arts offers a variety of performing and visual arts camps and classes year-round for toddlers through seniors. Campers ages 3 and older can explore dance, music, theatre, and visual arts offerings. Mix and match half-day camps to build a full-day camp experience for ages 6 and up. Registration for all summer camps, workshops, and classes will begin on Monday, February 13. Call at 440-338-3171 or fairmountcenter.org.

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FALCON CAMP

CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

Recognized throughout the Midwest as Ohio’s premier summer camp since 1959. Falcon offers a beautiful lakefront setting; talented, experienced staff; and a wide variety of activities. Campers choose their own schedules within the general framework. Most of all, it’s great fun. Special introductory camp for ages 6-10. ACA accredited. At Falcon, good things happen by design. 800-837-CAMP, falconcamp.com

THE FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION fineartsassociation.org

FIT BY FIVE fitbyfive.com.

FLYING HORSE FARMS

Do you know a child living with a serious illness who would benefit from the transformative power of camp? Heal, grow, and thrive at Flying Horse Farms, a medical-specialty camp that prioritizes safety and delivers equitable camp programs including high ropes, archery, and swimming with 24/7 medical and psychosocial care, and a program team who is at the ready to deliver transformational camp experiences – at no cost to the camper family. Apply now at flyinghorsefarms.org.

FRUITS OF THE FARM SUMMER CAMP AT BLUE JAY ORCHARD

Farm life yields many fruits… and not just the edible kind. They are looking for energetic and enthusiastic children to experience the joy of independent learning through outdoor play. Campers will have the opportunity to explore the 50-plus acre orchard and forest including a natural play area. Daily activities will introduce campers to organic growing practices and a character-building virtue of the week. With lots of free play, campers can explore their passions. Becoming a life-long learner is fun at Fruits of the Farm Summer Camp. bluejayorchard.com/summer-camp

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

Geauga Park District will host its 11th annual summer camps for youth entering third and fourth grades the weeks of July 10 and August 7; youth entering fifth through seventh grades the weeks of June 5, 12 and 26 and July 17, 24 and 31; and teens entering eighth grade through 10th the weeks of June 19 and July 10, as well as “X-TREME” adventures for these ages on July 26 (kayak) and August 2 (evening). Registration opens March 20. bit.ly/gpdcamps

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CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

GELFAND STEM CENTER

The Gelfand STEM Center leverages the resources of Case Western Reserve University to engage preK-12 students in activities that introduce them to scientific practices and concepts and inspire a lasting interest in science and engineering. The Center will change students’ lives in northeast Ohio and beyond by preparing them to succeed in STEMbased careers, enabling them to make informed contributions to public discussions of important scientific issues, and fostering lifelong learning in science and engineering.

GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTH EAST OHIO

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning your girl’s next big adventure.The best part is, all girls are welcome — no Girl Scout experience necessary. Girl Scouts are a force of nature. They were meant for outdoor adventures. Your girl is ready to rediscover the world, to disconnect from technology and embrace the freedom of the woods, the sky, and water. For more information call customer care at 800-852-4474 or visit gsneo.org/camplife.

HATHAWAY BROWN

Located in Shaker Heights, Hathaway Brown offers camps for boys and girls, toddlers through college. One of the many things that sets HB’s camp programming apart is the ability to truly create your son or daughter’s own summer adventures. Visit hb.edu/summer to register for academic, athletics, adventure, and specialty camps to have the best summer ever. hb.edu

HAWKEN SCHOOL

Hawken Summer Programs offer a variety of activities led by experienced professionals for boys and girls ages 4-18. Camps run between June and August, and offerings include day camps, passport camps, athletics camps, and summer studies. These opportunities enable children to develop existing passions and discover new ones; they also provide exposure to new people and new skills, which helps build self-esteem, independence, and confidence. For more information, email summerprograms@hawken. edu, call 440-423-2940, or visit summer.hawken.edu.

HOLDEN FORESTS & GARDENS

holdenfg.org.

LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s summer camps offer preschoolers and students the opportunity to explore and connect with the outdoors, meet new friends, encounter local wildlife, and discover the wonders of the sky in Schuele Planetarium. Campers will engage in hands-on, nature-based activities that integrate science, math, literacy, and the arts as they discover the natural world at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. View offerings and register at lensc.org/summer-camps.

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CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

LAKE RIDGE ACADEMY

Open to all area students in first through 12th grades, the summer program includes full- and half-day experiences from June 5 to July 14. Camps and classes include themed discovery camps, fine arts, technology/STEAM, environmental and experiential, academic, athletics and chess. Most programs are taught by experienced Lake Ridge Academy faculty. Call 440-3271175 ext. 9141 or visit lakeridgeacademy.org/ school-life/summer-programs.

LAKESHORE DANCE AND GYMNASTICS

Lakeshore Dance and Gymnastics offers recreational classes and competitive teams in dance and gymnastics. The newly renovated 27,000 square foot facility in Mayfield Village is equipped with two dance studios, a competitive gymnastics area, a preschool gymnastics area, boys gymnastics area, and a rhythmic gymnastics floor. Lakeshore offers dance and gymnastics classes for infants all the way through to adults. Lakeshore’s offerings may be broad but it’s a child focused business where everyone is family. lakeshoregym.com

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

loraincountymetroparks.com/ summer-camps.

MARTELL SCHOOL OF DANCE

Keep your child, twirling, singing, and moving to the beat at Martell School of Dance. By popular demand, their Princess Day Camp, Musical Theatre Camp, and Acro Camp return this summer. With the perfect amount of creativity and exploration of dance and musicality, their camps include a variety of styles for all ages in a family oriented, non-competitive dance environment located in Akron. Please call 330-8054854 or visit our website, martellschoolofdance.com.

MASTER MARR’S

TAEKWON-DO marrtkd.com

NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES

shakerlakes.org/camp

Summer camps open new worlds for your child as does a higher education. For over 33 years, Ohio’s 529 Plan has been helping families nationwide save tax-free for education, whether at a four-year or two-year college, a trade or technical school, or an apprenticeship. You can also use your Ohio 529 account to pay for K-12 tuition as well as repay student loan debt. Learn, plan, and start with Ohio’s 529 Plan today at collegeadvantage.com.

PARK DAY CAMP

Experience a summer like no other this year at Park Day Camp in Pepper Pike. Serving kindergarten through sixth graders, there’s something for everyone to love at PDC. Some highlights include their iconic Late Night, the show-stopping Blue and White Games, annual talent show, and more. Your child’s summer will be spent swimming (lessons included), creating art, playing sports and games, making music and most importantly making friends. Register today to ensure a safe and memorable summer. parksynagogue.org/park-day-camp

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CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Guide

PRESTIGE LACROSSE

Join Prestige Lacrosse, players and coaches from the PLL, D1, & D3. They offer boys and girls lacrosse camps designed to help you achieve your goals, regardless of skill level. Their boys and girls camps will focus on fundamentals, skills, team concepts, small group training, position specific drills, speed and agility, and mindset. Central locations. Goalie discounts. Visit prestigelacrosse.com for info and to register.

PROGRESS WITH CHESS

NortheastOhioParent.com

Enrich your child’s summer with chess camp. Students learn and improve at the intriguing game of chess. Camps conducted by PWC, experienced provider of after-school chess programs in 50+ Northeast Ohio locations. Players of all levels, beginner to advanced, will receive plenty of individual attention in small groups divided by age and skill level. Activities include a healthy mixture of interactive lessons and supervised open play. Register by March 31 for $20 off at progresswithchess.org/camps

SAINT IGNATIUS

The Saint Ignatius Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) has served the greater Cleveland community since 1968, accounting for more than 50 years of academic, social, cultural and athletic enrichment opportunities for young men going into eighth grade. Through a combination of academic instruction and athletic opportunities, SEP creates a competitive, yet friendly atmosphere that prepares students for high school. This year’s program will take place June 12-30, 2023, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. ignatius.edu.

SNAPOLOGY

If your child likes LEGO, you’ll LOVE this. Snapology Day Camps provide a perfect mix of learning and fun at their Beachwood Discovery Center. They incorporate STEAM concepts, social skills development, and play while creating, inventing, and building. Join for a week or the entire summer. STEAM, Themed, and Robotics for ages 5-12 with extended care available. Visit cleveland. snapology.com for more information and/or to enroll. Call or text 216-990-8988 with any questions.

For more camp info, pick up the pull-out Camp and Summer Programs Guide in our upcoming April Issue!

SUPER NINJA ZONE

Keep your kids active at Super Ninja Zone Summer Camp. Kids will climb, swing, balance, run and jump their way through the summer on their Ninja Warrior obstacles with themed weeks like heroes, ninjas, and sports week. Their summer camp features guided games and challenges, field trips to local parks, arts and crafts, fitness classes, movies, snack times, and special events on Fridays. Half-day and full-day options. Single-day, 3-day, and full-week options. Ages 5-13. superninjazone.com

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL us.edu/summer

WALSH JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL walshjesuit.org/summer-camps-2023.

YMCA SUMMER CAMPS

There’s no place like the YMCA Summer Camp: a home away from home where kids laugh, learn, explore and grow, all while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. The YMCA knows that every kid is different. That’s why it offers camps for your child’s needs. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Learn about their sites and curriculum at clevelandymca.org.

March CA lenDAR

Find more events at NortheastOhioParent.com

toddler time 3/15

Mess Makers. Park the stroller and wander over to learn, play and explore creation stations designed with the messiest kids in mind. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., akronartmuseum.org

Pediatric Safe Sleep Workshop. Join a pediatric sleep consultant to explore common sleep challenges and learn five practical sleep tips for children. 10:30 a.m. Green Branch Library, 4046 Massillon Road, Uniontown, akronlibrary.org

4/1

Club Sippy Cup. This preschool and toddler dancing event will feature music, dancing, parachute play and more. 11 a.m. Hudson Library, 96 Library St., hudsonlibrary.org

Pick - a - day

MONDAYS

Campus Life: Teens. Food, games, and conversations that matter to teens.

6:30-8:30 p.m. That Place for Teens, 1480 Pearl Road, #10, Brunswick, thatplace4teens.com

Middle School Makers. A club for middle schoolers who love to create, craft, explore and discover. 7 p.m. Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., kentfreelibrary.org

Pathfinders. Children in grades K-2 discover and try new ways of doing things. Through 3/27. 4-5 p.m. Chardon Branch Library, 110 E. Park St., divi.geaugalibrary.net

TUESDAYS

Afterschool Spot for Teens & Tweens. Video games, board games, snacks and more. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Coventry Village Branch Library, 1925 Coventry Road, Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org

Family Ceramics. Explore the use of the potter’s wheel with your loved ones. 6:30-7:45 p.m. 3/21-5/16. The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, fineartsassociation.org

Young Scholars’ Academy Transitional Program. For children 4-6 who are in Kindergarten in the fall of 2022 or 2023. Through 3/28. 5:30-6 p.m. Cleveland Main Library, 325 Superior Ave., cpl.org

After School Adventures. Children kindergarten through fourth grade will explore literature, science concepts, arts, and culture through various activities. 3:15 p.m. Wickliffe Public Library, 1713 Lincoln Road, wickliffepl.org

Little Beans Story Time. Join Miss Linda for books, rhymes, and music. 11 a.m. CouchLand Coffee House, 29933 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, wicklifepl.org

THURSDAYS

Mini Movers & Music. Combination class of creative movement, music and dance games for ages 3-5. Through 3/16. 1-1:45 p.m. Orange Community Education & Recreation, 32000 Chagrin Blvd., orangerec.com

Keyboard Explorers. Engaging music class, featuring keyboard instruction and much more for ages 4-5. Through 5/25. The Music Settlement, 2610 Detroit Ave., Ohio City, themusicsettlement.org

SATURDAYS

Comic Club. All ages work in the company of others to create a page of comics, drawings, or poetry. First Saturday of each month through April. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Community Arts Center, 2937 W. 25th St., clevelandart.org

Spring Theatre Academy. Students will learn to think outside the box and use their imaginations to explore, create, learn and grow. Ages 3-17. Through 3/13. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron, weathervaneplayhouse.com

Intro to Music Lessons. Ages 6-10 get exposure to a variety of instruments to help families decide what instruments children are most interested in. 3/25-5/27. 10-10:45 a.m. The Music Settlement, 11125 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland, themusicsettlement.org

SUNDAYS

Family FUNday. Family-friendly games, movement-based activities, art, and more. First Sunday of each month. 1-4 p.m. Community Arts Center, West 25th St., Cleveland, clevelandart.org

Mentor Marsh Family Hike. Come explore the forest. 2-3:30 p.m. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, The Carol H. Sweet Nature Center, 5185 Corduroy Road, Mentor, cmnh.org

day - by - day

3/5

All Aboard: Riding with a Ranger. Hear stories of wildlife, nature, and the history of CVNP. 12:30 p.m. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Peninsula Station, cvsr.org

Tiny Dancers. Ages 3-6 dance along with Mrs. Connie and learn about different types of dance. 11 a.m.-noon.

French Creek Reservation, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, loraincountymetroparks.com

3/7

Kite Making Workshop. Choose from various shapes and materials to make a unique kite that is all your own.

3-4 p.m. North Hill Branch Library, 183 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, akronlibrary.org

Preschoolers in the Garden. Explore the basic idea of a gardener with dress-up, storytime and activities. 10-11:30 a.m. Krabill Lodge, 7597 Ballash Road, Medina, medinacountyparks.com

3/10

Wild & Scenic Film Festival. These films inspire a love of nature while bringing unique perspectives to environmental advocacy, justice, and activism. 6 p.m. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, cmnh.org

3/11

Mindful Meditation for the Family. Learn to meditate together as a family in a fun and playful way. 3-3:45 p.m. Rocky River Public Library, 1600 Hampton Road, rrpl.org

- SPONSORED CONTENT -

Special Exhibit Features Activism, Freedom Movement

Presented by Maltz Museum

Join us at the Maltz Museum in March for public programs connected to the special exhibition, This Light of Ours, and the museum’s core collections.

As relevant today as they were a half-century ago, more than 150 black-and-white images chronicling the Southern Freedom Movement are featured in This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement, now through April 2, at the Maltz Museum.

School groups are $3 per student (one adult chaperone free with every 10 students). CMSD schools can attend for free, plus the museum covers busing for Northeast Ohio schools with 50% or more of students on the reduced lunch program. To book a group tour, email education@mmjh. org.

To see a full schedule and to register for programs, visit maltzmuseum.org. The Maltz Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Wednesday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. The Museum is closed on Monday.

3/14

Story Time: Messy Art. Feeling creative? Join us for stories, rhymes, and songs about art, then get ready to get messy. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mogadore Branch Library, 144 S. Cleveland Ave., akronlibrary.org

3/15

Astronomy Club at the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. Explore the world of astronomy in a fun, social environment. Ages 12+. 6:30-8 pm. 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, lensc.org

3/17

Storybook Theater. Watch some of your favorite storybooks come to life on the big screen. 11 a.m. Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, 3512 Darrow Road, smfpl.org

3/18

Super Science Saturday: Making Materials. Discover the world of material science. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Akron Fossils & Science Center, 2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Copley, akronfossils.com

St. Patrick’s Day Public Skate. Wear something green and receive free skate rental. Mentor Civic Ice Arena, 8600 Munson Road, cityofmentor.com

FAMILY THEATER TIME

FAVORITE STORY CHARACTERS COME TO LIFE: LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS MONTH!

3/10-12

PAW Patrol Live!: Heroes Unite

The PAW Patrol is yelping for help as they face their greatest challenge yet. Mayor Humdinger has dognapped Robo Dog and cloned him, causing chaos all over the world. State Theatre at Playhouse Square, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org

3/10-26

Hook and Smee

Directed by Ren Twardzik. Talespinner Children’s Theatre, 5209 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, talespinnerchildrenstheatre.org

3/11-12

Hansel and Gretel

A lively re-telling of the well-known fairytale about a brother and sister who wander into a forest where they are captured by a witch in a fantastic gingerbread house. 2 p.m. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, akroncivic.com

3/25-26, 4/1-2 Cinderella

Cinderella Ballet dance student performances will take place in the Music and Creative Arts Therapies Building. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, beckcenter.org

3/21

Homeschool Gardening. Kid friendly hands-on garden projects to inspire your children to grow their own plants. 9:30-11 a.m. Lehman’s, 4779 Kidron Road, Dalton, lehmans.com

Magical Musical Adventures. Explore the magic of books and music. For preschoolers-1st graders with an adult. 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St., ncantonlibrary.com

3/25

24th Annual KidShow. Entertainment, kids’ activities, snacks, prizes, costume characters and exhibitors featuring kids and family products and services. 11 a.m.6 p.m. Great Lakes Mall, 7850 Mentor Ave., Mentor, kidshowinfo.com

3/25-26

Buckeye Alpaca Show. Come see these amazing animals compete for Champion Status and find special gifts for your loved ones. Summit County Fairgrounds, Tallmadge, buckeyealpacashow.com

4/2

Medina Railroad & Toy Show. Come browse a wide variety of trains, planes. toys and collectables. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Medina County Fairgrounds, 735 Lafayette Road, Medina, polyethnic mom and her daughter conraddowdell.com

Events and Sensory-Fun for Families

PICK - A - DAY

MONDAY & THURSDAY

Victory Athletics Fitness Program. Provides coaching, training and guidance to children and young adults dealing with mental, physical and emotional disorders. Through 3/27. 5 p.m. Victory Gallop, 1745 N. Hametown Road, Akron, victorygallop.org

WEDNESDAYS

Therapeutic Art Series. A board certified art therapist will lead you through art experiences that focus on using art media for expression and self awareness. Grades 7-12. Through 3/15. 9-10 a.m. North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St., ncantonlibrary.com

FRIDAYS

Adapted Fridays on the Farm. In March, learn about maple syrup. In April, visit the new lambs. For those who are sensory sensitive. 4-5 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com

SUNDAYS

Sunday Circle. Children gain positive experiences in group activities while receiving one-on-one attention.

12:30-2:30 p.m. Friendship Circle, 27900 Gates Mills Blvd., Pepper Pike, friendscleveland.com

DAY - BY - DAY

3/1,

3/14 & 3/25

Connecting for Kids Resource Fairs. Resources for families with concerns about their youth. March 1: Tri-C Eastern Campus, Highland Hills. March 14: Lorain County Community College, Elyria. March 25: Don Umerley Civic Center, Rocky River. connectingforkids.org

3/4

Inclusion Fair. Stations set up to help you and your family gain a better understanding of this valued part of the community. 1-4 p.m. North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St., ncantonlibrary.com

3/4-6

Inclusion Days at the Akron Zoo. Wear orange for free admission and celebrate March DD Awareness Month. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

3/10

Inclusive Storytime and Craft. For children with disabilities and typical peers, ages 3-10. 4:15 p.m. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, westlakelibrary.org

3/27

Sensory Friendly Story Time. Story time prepared especially for those on the autism spectrum or with sensory integration challenges. 6:30 p.m. Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., wadsworthlibrary.com

4/7

Sensory Cinema: Hop. A theatre experience tailored to patrons with sensory processing disorders and their families. 10 a.m. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. North, Canton, cantonpalacetheatre.org

3/25 24th Annual KidShow

One Big Day for one Really Big Event! Join the fun on Saturday, March 25 from 11 a.m. to-6 p.m. as the KidShow returns to Great Lakes Mall in Mentor (7850 Mentor Avenue). Free entertainment, kids’ activities, snacks, prizes, costume characters and exhibitors featuring kids and family products and services are all part of the 24th Annual KidShow. New this year is the Pet Zone, Camp Area and Magic Fun Spot. Returning is the” Meet the Author Corner” and Cookie Art Contest. A fun-filled day and best of all — it’s free! It’s for parents and grandparents looking for family and kid-related resources, services, and activities, also family-friendly fun. For KidShow details, along with a complete entertainment schedule visit kidshowinfo.com

PARENT & CHILD

PICK-A-DAY

MONDAYS

Toy Time Mondays. 10 a.m.-noon. Through 4/3. Thompson Branch Library, 6645 Madison Road, Thompson, geaugalibrary.net

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY

Family Story Time. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers with a participating adult. Through 3/29. 9:30 a.m. Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., alpl.org

MONDAYS & THURSDAYS

Preschool Story Time. Through April. 10-11 a.m. Peninsula Library, 6105 Riverview Road, peninsulalibrary.org

MONDAYS & FRIDAYS

Squeaky Sneakers. 10-11:30 a.m. Preschool families come for gym play. Rocky River Recreation Center, 21016 Hilliard Blvd., rrcity.com

TUESDAYS

Family Fun Storytime. 11:30 a.m., 6 & 7 p.m. Through 4/18. Euclid Public Library, 631 E. 222nd St., euclidlibrary.org

WEDNESDAYS

Toddler Tales. Families with children ages 2 and 3 are invited to join us for songs, fingerplays and books. 10:30 a.m. Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., kentfreelibrary.org

THURSDAYS

Waddlers. Sing songs, read stories, do a few rhymes, and engage in some well-deserved playtime. Through 5/25. 10-10:30 a.m. Lee Road Branch Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org

My First Storytime. 10:30-11 a.m. 3/30-5/11. West River Library, 1194 W. River Road N., Elyria, elyrialibrary.org

FRIDAYS

0 to 3: Read to Me Playdates. Read books and sing songs with time for playing and talking! Through 5/26. 10:30 a.m. Jefferson Branch Library, 850 Jefferson Ave., Cleveland, cpl.org

Finger Paint Fridays. Bring your little one to explore their creativity. Through 6/23. 10 a.m.-noon. Mentor Headlands Branch Library, 4669 Corduroy Road, Mentor, mentorpl.org

For more Parent & Me events, visit NortheastOhioParent.com

Should We Fear or Embrace AI

Have you heard of this? CHATGPT? Could it be the next Google? It debuted in November and is quickly becoming a viral sensation. It’s basically like an open search engine where it will answer questions, write articles, create codes, translate, and more. Really, it does just about anything you ask. This program is just one of the most-talked about uses of Artificial intelligence (AI) impacting our children lately. As parents, it’s important for us to be aware and keep a close eye on it. So what do you think, is AI good or bad? Or both?

Truly, AI is rapidly becoming a part of our daily lives, and as technology advances, it is increasingly important for us as parents to understand the ways in which our children may be interacting with it. By understanding the benefits of AI, we can better prepare our children for the future and ensure that they are safe and responsible users of technology.

One of the main benefits of AI for children is its ability to enhance learning and educational experiences. AI-powered educational apps and games can personalize learning for each child, providing them with customized and interactive experiences that keep them engaged and motivated. Additionally, AI

can also help children with special needs or disabilities, providing them with tailored learning experiences that cater to their individual needs. It’s really cool what can be done.

Another benefit of AI for children is its ability to provide them with increased access to information and resources. AI-powered virtual assistants and search engines can help children find information and resources quickly and easily, allowing them to explore their interests and expand their knowledge.

It could also help children develop important skills for the future, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and coding. AI-powered games and apps can provide children with hands-on experience with these skills, helping them to develop them in a fun and interactive way.

However, it is also important for us as parents to be aware of the potential risks of AI, such as online safety and privacy concerns. Parents, it’s a good idea to monitor your children’s use of technology and ensure that they understand the importance of keeping their personal information private and staying safe online. We should also be aware of the potential for AI to create addiction

and impact the mental and emotional well-being of children, and actively encourage children to take breaks and have a balance.

Overall, understanding the benefits and potential risks of AI is crucial for parents as they prepare their children for the future. By staying informed and actively engaging with our children’s use of technology, parents can ensure that their children are safe, responsible, and wellequipped to navigate the digital world.

But, should we be afraid of AI? Of things like CHATGPT? Like most everything, I don’t think we should be afraid, but look to understand. The future (digital) world is changing fast. For example, I used CHATGPT to help write this article. Did you notice? It was kind of an experiment. “It” wrote half of this article in under 10 seconds. Pretty incredible. It has the capability to do a lot. Our kids are going to be impacted by all this — and tempted. It will be really interesting, and challenging no doubt to see how schools and teachers maneuver through all these changes. I have mixed feelings about some of these advancements right now, but I do know there’s no stopping it. And again as parents, knowledge is power.

SARA CARNES

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THE EMERGING TECHNOLOGY IS HERE AND WILL BECOME MORE PART OF OUR DAILY LIVES.