YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
FAMILY life
Seeds of Change: Prepping your child for Kindergarten, middle or high school
Heaven Sent Adoption Services, Inc
JORDAN RIVER ART COUNCIL
East Jordan’s Cultural Leader
Has received the prestigious Eddi Award from the Crooked Tree Art Center
2011 FALL EVENTS Chad Pastotnik Retrospective August 7-26 Dog & Pony Show September 11th - October 7th The Magic Of The Mask Area Student Show October 16 - November 7
Charlevoix, MI 49720
231-237-9880 Office 1-877-583-0990 • Expectant Parent Offering Education, Counceling and Support Services to Expectant Parents and Adoptive Families throughout Michigan Non-Profit Licensed Child Placing and Education Service Agency
www.heavensentadopt.com
Open Daily 1-4 pm daily during exhibit times Annual Meeting & Picnic - September 18
The Jordan River Art Center 301 Main St., East Jordan, MI 49727 231.536.2152 • www.jordanriverarts.com
PCN will be adopting the highly successful world class early childhood education model called Reggio Emilia from Italy. This is an educational evening for everyone in our community who has an interest in the life of a young child. Guest speakers • Cheryl Priest Ed.D - CMU Child Development And Learning Laboratory Faculty Director • Margaret Desormes M.A. - CMU Child Development And Learning Laboratory Director
PETOSKEY CHILDREN’S NURSERY CO-OPERATIVE PRESCHOOL IN COLLABORATION WITH CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY TO HOST REGGIO EMILIA PARENT NIGHT
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16TH 2011 7:00 p.m. Petoskey United Methodist Church 1804 E. Mitchell Please RSVP to: (231)347-6581 or info@pcnpreschool.com PCN is a non-profit Reggio inspired co-operative preschool offering classes Tuesday & Thursday for 3 year olds, 9:00-11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, & Friday for 4 year olds, 9:00-11:30 a.m. Call for enrollment availability www.pcnpreschool.com
2 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
CONTENTS
18
12 10
On the cover: River Pease, 7, of Charlevoix models a Kelty backpack at Bearcub Outfi tters, located at 321 E. Lake St., Petoskey
featur 6 Family Voice Discipline Blended families
9 Looking Ahead Health suggestions for the school year
10 Family Health Healthy eating choices
16 Busy Bodies Places to go, things to do!
12 Picture This Summer fun!
18 Gearing Up Backpacks 101
14 Out of the Mouths of Babes Kids say the darndest things...
20 Family Challenge Preparing to send your child back to school
FAMILYlife 3
FAMILY AUGUST/NOVEMBER 2011 - Volume 1, Issue 1 PUBLISHER DOUG CALDWELL EDITOR JULIE WITTHOEFT PHOTOGRAPHY M. CHRIS LEESE LAYOUT AND DESIGN WENDY WOLFSEN FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CONTACT ADVERTISING DIRECTOR CHRISTY LYONS (231) 439-9329 clyons@petoskeynews.com ADVERTISING SALES BETH FLYNN (231) 439-4328 bflynn@petoskeynews.com
© FamilyLife, all rights reserved, 2011. Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part, without express written permission, is prohibited. The views expressed herein, whether expressed as fact, fiction, opinion, advice or otherwise, are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of this magazine. The publication of any advertisement does not reflect any endorsement for any products or services by the ownership or management of this magazine unless it is specifically stated in such advertisement that there is approval for such endorsement.
FamilyLife is published quarterly by Northern Michigan Review, Inc. FamilyLife Magazine 319 State St., Petoskey, Mich. 49770
EDITOR’S
NOTE
I remember my young frame lying restless in bed the night before the first day of school — clothes laid out next to me, backpack plum full of new supplies and a brown bag Julie Witth oeft lunch waiting in the fridge. And that’s how I spent the night. Laying there, wide awake, surrounded by all of these things that will accompany me on a somewhat uncertain, new journey. The first day of school brings with it so many unknowns. Will I be met with familiar smiles from friends? Can I possibly remember my locker combination? What do you mean homeroom isn’t where I stay all day? I only get one recess? In interviewing local school counselors we found this trepidation is shared by many students. This inaugural edition of Family Life is dedicated to easing the awkwardness of the transition commonly referred to as “Back to school.” Tools and tips inside give parents a game plan for prepping kids for the new adventure including healthy snack recipes featuring locally grown produce, what to do in the days leading up to the first day back and essential backpack basics. As a mother of two — a third-grader and another about to test the cool waters of preschool — I understand getting them ready mentally and gathering classroom supplies aren’t the only tasks to tackle. As we shake off the haze of beach days, trail runs, festivals and scrub that hideous DEET from our pores we know it’s time to get the troops up and out early and they will inevitably want to head back to ballet, sports teams and Leonardo lessons. The Busy Bodies section is for you. A listing of places to entertain your kids as well as registration information for rec sports, dance classes, gymnastics and more. Overwhelmed? Me too. Enjoy the flashback to summer photo pages and comic relief is just a read away on the “Out of the mouths of babes” page. These two features were made possible by readers! This is the first edition of Family Life — it is dedicated and created by local parents in the trenches, working moms and dads and most importantly Northern Michigan families. The next edition of Family Life will publish in November. If you have story ideas, columns, cute kid quotes or feedback, send them my way via email at jwitthoeft@petoskeynews.com.
4 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
Get started on your college career at North Central.
You will find top-quality instruction in an area of unmatched natural beauty. Whether you seek a degree or certificate, credits that will transfer, or personal enrichment, the people of North Central are ready to help you take the next step on your path to success. Here are a few good reasons to choose North Central: • Computer Information Systems • Criminal Justice • Early Childhood Education • Emergency Medical Technician • General Office Professional • Geographic Information Systems • Graphic Arts • Surgical Technologist – new offering! • Textiles • Viticulture and Enology (grape growing and wine making) – new offering!
Fall Semester classes begin September 6, 2011.
FAMILYlife 5
FAMILY
VOICE
Parenting with love and logic:
A spanking is not the answer By Lisa Doublestein
My youngest is three-and-ahalf years old, which means she’s just now old enough to cause real, honest-to-goodness, punishment-earning trouble. There’s a whole lot of hands-on-hips disrespect happening here, which wouldn’t be complete without pushing, screeching and kicking to boot. You may not be surprised to note that my husband and I are not fans of this phase. Often, natural instincts tempt us to spank our three-year-old dictator. We want to scream, too, and to push back, or make some grand gesture of parental rights, such as tossing a beloved toy into the garbage. But we don’t. We try to follow Parenting With Love & Logic principles, which include holding children accountable for their mistakes, helping them grow through the consequences, and empowering them to consider how each decision will turn out. This requires my husband and me to keep our voices low and stern, instead of flying off the handle. It means when there’s a time out, we sit nearby and enforce it, then talk about it after. And when a problem starts, they can either deal with it on their 6 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
own fairly, or they can go to their room until they can calm down, at which point we will listen to their side of the story before they listen to our take. It also includes brainstorming together to come up with a just punishment — like helping me with my household duties, since they wasted my time while they were flipping out. Of course, it’s not always easy, and most of the time we have to draw the good stuff out of them. But the concept they’re experiencing is this: Every person has lessons to learn about life. They can learn the lessons now, when the cost is low (extra chores, going to bed hungry instead of complaining about dinner, etc.), or later, when the cost is big (poor credit, lost jobs, drunk driving, etc.). We want it to cost us, and the kids, as little as possible. And it’s why for us, a spanking is not the answer. Lisa Doublestein, 33, is a freelance writer and mother of two from Petoskey. Her current projects can be found in Traverse Magazine and Country Lines Magazine. Before the wee ones came along she was a reporter for the Petoskey News-Review, where she won several state and national writing awards, none of which are helpful with potty training.
M. CHRIS LEESE/FAMILYLIFE Petoskey mother of two, Lisa Doublestein, is a Family Life columnist. She is pictured here with Marta, 3, her husband Trevor, 33 and Berit, 5.
Join our growing network of Northern Michigan Moms at www.northernmoms.com
Doesn’t every child deserve all their shots?
Roots: Heightened sense of
discipline, no one formula By Rich Bachus
I come from four generations of military men who have fought in every major American conflict since the Civil War. Even though I never served in uniform, I was born with a heightened sense of discipline. Then, I became a stay-athome dad, and just about everything I thought I knew about discipline flew out the window. Even from infancy, my darling (now-five-year-old) daughter had her own way of doing things and was not easily deterred when she was headed for trouble. She is like a NASA rocket with all systems “go.” Once the launch sequence starts, there is no “abort mission” switch. My wife is a veteran teacher, and I taught for four years working mostly with at-risk kids. We’ve seen a lot of young lives wrecked too soon, so we take this discipline stuff pretty seriously. We’ve used a discipline system with our daughter since she was about two – we use a time-out chair in the kitchen and count “1-2-3” for her to “do the right thing” before she earns a time out. But occasionally, there is the threat and (even less occasionally) the administration of the spanking – usually just a quick “swat” or two on the bottom. My wife and I aren’t always on the same page on this issue (my wife doesn’t spank). Is this kind of firm discipline the right answer for little children? Do the long-term benefits of such methods outweigh the short-term negative effects? Our honest answer is: “We don’t know … we’ll just have to wait and see.” For our family, it just comes down to this: day-by-day we’re just trying to do our best. Early on, my wife and I reached an understanding that we wouldn’t get too caught up in a bunch of “perfect parent” rules about what we “should” and “shouldn’t” do. Our girl is a fun, cheerful, unique little individual, and just because somebody else says “never” do this or “always” do that for their kid, doesn’t mean the same formulas work for our daughter. She’s a work in progress, and so are we.
By age two, your child should have:
O
ne of every four children in the U.S. is not fully immunized against serious communicable diseases like diphtheria, polio, and meningitis. Call your children’s health care provider or the Health Department to check if their immunizations are up-to-date and to schedule an appointment.
(4) DTaP
(3) Hep B
(4) Hib
(1) Varicella (4) Pneumococcal
(3) Polio (1) MMR (2) Hep A
(2) Influenza (3) Rotavirus
Medicaid and private insurance policies accepted; no one is turned away for inability to pay. Protect the lives of the little ones you love.
800-432-4121 www.nwhealth.org
Dental Clinics North
A PARTNERSHIP OF LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS General dentistry for the entire family. Catering to patients with Medicaid, Delta Healthy Kids, Northern Dental Plan Low Income/Uninsured
New patients are being accepted in: Cheboygan 825 S. Huron St. 866-878-6550 East Jordan 601 Bridge St. 866-878-6551 Petoskey/Harbor Springs 3434 M-119 866-878-6556
For appointment call 877-321-7070
Rich Bachus, 46, is a former-jouralist-turned marketing copywriter with Great Outdoors Copywriting. He lives in Harbor Springs with his wife, Carol, and 5-year-old daughter, Laney.
FAMILYlife 7
FAMILY
VOICE
Blended families:
How do we start over? By Gina Dunneback
Sad to say we are the majority not the minority these days. Blended families that is. I personally am a child of divorced parents who split in 1980 and now my children are experiencing it. It’s a sad thing to have to go through and put children through but for some there are no other options. How do we start over? How do we help our children through it? How do we blend families successfully? Well I am not an expert but I do have some experience in this area. I watched both my parents remarry when I was 12 and I am thankful to say they are still married 30 years later to those same people. I learned a lot from the whole “step” family situation and now I am using it in my life. Three years ago my husband, Rob Dunneback, and I were married and blended five children. At the time, my three children were eight, 10 and 18. His two who were also eight and ten. Two girls and three boys! Whew did we ever have our work cut out for us and still do! There are several things that we have found to be helpful that I would like to share with people who are in this situation. • Stay connected spiritually. For us that is with God. We try and have a devotion together daily and we pray together every day. Our top two priorities are God first, then each other. You cannot meet the needs of others if you are not getting your needs met. Our kids count on this. We have one child that doesn’t even like it if we don’t sit by each other at dinner. Our kids depend on our unity for their security. 8 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
• Keep the peace with ex spouse’s. I know from experience this is not always easy and there will be bumps in the road and every situation is different but I feel it is one of the most important things to do for the kids especially if you are sharing joint custody. We have two children fulltime and two joint. For kids that are shared evenly it is so important to be on the same page and in constant communication with that other parent. • To the absolute best of our ability we treat this family like it is one family there is no your children/my children they are all “our” children. We don’t plan vacations or special activities when we are not all together. We do not let guilt, from our divorce, shame us into feeling sorry for and
therefor favoring our own children. We do not allow outside influences to drive wedges in our family unit. We are not afraid to seek out a good counselor for advice on a situation. Above of all we give the kids what we know they need the most, unconditional love. I’ll say it now, it is not easy. I don’t think any family, blended or not, would say it is. But when it’s all said and done and all of these kids are raised I will say like my step-mom just told me a couple of weeks ago, “It isn’t always easy but it’s worth persevering.” Gina Dunneback, 43, is a Vassar native who has lived in Petoskey for just over three years. She has is rasing five children with her husband Rob Dunneback and refers to herself as a domestic engineer. She also mentors juvenile delinquent teens and works as a substitute caregiver in foster homes.
Gina Dunneback, 43, of Petoskey is pictured here with her family. They are Ryan, Julia, her husband, Rob Dunneback, Emma, Gina and Jake. Her son, Will, is not pictured.
LOOKING AHEAD
Back to the books in peak condition By Aebra Coe
Dr. Amy Mitchare diet, exercise and sleeping enough,” ell is a family pracMitchell said. Kids should start getting titioner at Boyne back into the habit of going to bed and Area Medical Cenwaking up early a couple weeks before ter and says she ofschool starts, according to Mitchell. ten sees many of the She went on to say that kids should get same health issues 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. Parcrop up every fall ents can keep their kids active through as kids head back to playing outdoors, walks and summer Dr. Amy Mitchell school. sports as well as limiting TV and video She commented game time to less than two hours per day. that the most common health related Another basic element of good health issues for fall are upper respiratory in- for kids of all ages includes a balanced fections such as colds while bronchitis, diet. Mitchell said that school-age chilthe flu and pneumonia are usually more dren should eat five servings of fruits prevalent in the winter. and vegetables per day and limit snack Also, sports injuries increase as kids food, sweets, fast food and sugary drinks. step back into team sports. Heat exhaus- “Remember that more than six ounces tion is a concern as sports practices begin of juice per day is unnecessary and only in August. adds extra calories and sugar,” Mitchell Health related issues when school said. sports practices start up commonly include heat exhaustion and overuse injuries. According to Mitchell, parents and coaches need to be responsive to how kids feel and make sure they get enough fluids. Sports practices should include water breaks and shouldn’t be excessively strenuous outdoors in the hottest hours of the day during August and September. To prevent common overuse injuries, Mitchell said students should keep up with conditioning over the summer or start exercising at least a few weeks be- UP TO DATE VACCINATIONS? An important issue to be aware of before practices begin by running, biking, swimming or participating in another fore school starts is whether your child summer activity to keep their muscles in is up to date on their vaccines. Suzette shape for when they need to start using Daly, immunization coordinator with the Northwest Michigan Department of them again. “The biggest health preventative mea- Community Health, said there are a sesures parents can help their children take ries of vaccinations that children need at
different ages. When kids are going into kindergarten they get TDaP, MMR, Varicella, Polio and they check for hepatitis A. Then, many parents think their children don’t need any more until college, but that is not true according to Daly. The department is making an effort to let parents know about important vaccines that are required going into sixthgrade. These include an update for TDaP, a meningitis shot, they check to see if they need chicken pox and boys as well as girls are recommended to get the HPV vaccine. For high school and college kids going overseas for study abroad or mission trips, Hepatitis A is strongly recommended. The health department suggests you get it done before your child starts to consider such a trip because you need two shots and the second is six months after the first. Meningitis shots are now not only a one-time shot. Daly recommends a first meningitis shot going into sixth-grade and a second at 16 or older because the antibodies become weaker and the booster provides fuller protection. When preventative measures are not enough and your child gets a cold, it isn’t always necessary to go to the doctor or take medicine. Mitchell said it is okay to let a cold run its course, as long as you monitor the child closely and how they look. If the child has underlying problems such as asthma, it is important to go to the doctor, or if they exhibit symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest or if their cold lasts for more than a week. FAMILYlife 9
FAMILY
HEALTH
It’ s in season Healthy snack recipes featuring locally grown produce
By Kathy Coveyou
Healthy, homemade snacks don’t always need a lot of preparation. Hand over Sungold cherry tomatoes like grapes or a whole heirloom for eating like an apple. Sweet pimento and bell peppers come in a variety of reds and browns. Let your children taste-test
sweet chocolate, carmen or lipstick peppers, and ponder how they got their names! Sweet potatoes and kale are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and are not typically popular among children... until now!
SWEET POTATO SMOOTHIE
I served this to my boys in a blind taste test. They couldn’t guess the ingredients! And while they typically insist that they don’t like sweet potatoes, they loved it! Great for a thermos or breakfast!
1 small sweet potato (cooked and cooled) 1 small, ripe banana (frozen if preferred) 2-3 TBL honey 1/2-3/4 cup milk Dash of cinnamon to taste
Combine all ingredients in a blender and serve.
10 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
BAKED KALE CHIPS Source: smittenkitchen.com
1 bunch (6 oz) kale 1 TBL olive oil Sea salt to taste
Preheat oven to 300. Rinse and dry kale, remove stems and tough ribs. Cut into large pieces, toss with olive oil in a bowl, sprinkle with salt. Arrange leaves in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes and cool on a rack.
PEANUT BUTTER APPLE 1 apple (cored but not peeled) Peanut butter
VANILLA YOGURT FRUIT DIP 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt 2 TBL honey 1/8-1/4 tsp. vanilla Dash nutmeg and cinnamon Slight dash of salt
Combine and serve. Great for lunch boxes with banana or cut-up apples and melon.
Slice the apple crosswise into rings. With the apple rings stacked in their original shape stuff the cored center of the apple with peanut butter. Hint: brushing the apple slices with lemon juice keeps them from turning brown over time.
Coveyou Scenic Farm Market, established in 1874, is an authentic centennial farm specializing in local produce, owers and seasonal trimmings. The market is located just two miles south of Petoskey on U.S. 131. Hours of operation are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Hourly hayrides are offered from noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from mid-September through midNovember. For more recipes and information, visit Coveyou online These recipes are provided by Kathy Coveyou, 42, of Petoskey. She and her family own and operate Coveyou Scenic at www.coveyouscenicfarm.com. Farm Market in Petoskey which has been in the family for 137 years. Pictured in this file photo with Kathy are her sons, (from left) Patrick, 8, William, 11, Andrew, 9, and her husband David. FAMILYlife 11
PICTURE
THIS…
Summer fun! Julie Witthoeft - (231)439-9355 - jwitthoeft@petoskeynews.com
Pristine Northern Michigan scenery coupled with amazing weather and smiling kids make for picture perfect photo opportunities. Family Life readers submitted these shots and were entered into the publication’s first photo contest. Our next edition will publish in November and will include a Christmas morning photo contest. Send us your cuties curled up under
the tree where they passed out waiting for Santa, shaking packages hoping against hope there are no socks or underwear inside or shoveling back breakfast pastries. We want it all! Photo entries must include the name(s) and age(s) of the people pictured and where they are from. Email entries to Family Life editor Julie Witthoeft at jwitthoeft@petoskeynews.com.
Jill Ha old so
RIGthHeseTsh”ades as B O S ’S ol in FUTURE too cool for scho rk.
“HstISer from Petoskeeyy’sisPennsylvania Pa
Collin Schoolcraft, 4, soaks in fun in the sun at a local beach where he and his cousins were having a water fight.
Local phot o rapher Ph gHutchinso ilip n tured this capim of his beau age daughters tiful E 8, and Loi stelle , s, 5 their front , in ya in Boyne Fa rd lls.
Fo sk Gabriel e he at in Peto th he be ats
EDITOR’S PICK: WINNER OF $60 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO OLESON’S! Grace , Josi a Petoskey S h and Nathaniel A rn ummer O pen House dt ride pedicab st yle at the .
12 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
“St w St ar P A Jo N A an al
Alex Old ham, 7, o f Petoskey, at the Od en State F ish Hatch er y.
Phil Cabana shared this pic of his cowgirl Josephine Cabana, 3, kickin’ it in Emmet County.
ardy of Petoskey submitted this picture of her 2-yearon, DJ Hardy, enjoying some watermelon on July 4.
Kassidy Had at Petoske y ix of Harbor Spring s en State Park . joys a quiet day
Simone Kozminski and Abby Donovan dig a hole at Petoskey State Park.
turgeon Bay cousins� watch the sunset at turgeon Bay. They re Molly Arthur, 5, of etoskey, Mackenzie Arthur, 13, of Northville, osh Arthur, 10, Northville, Jack Arthur, 9, of Petoskey nd Sam Arthur, 8, lso of Petoskey. Kate children, pic of her 3 at a family is th t n rshall se rshall, 1 Penny Ma 5 and Brianna Ma 1 y. , it ll a C h w rs a a in M ip in Mack camping tr
Shayla L a Petoske y. rocque , 3, of O nta H raised in er mother Christ rio, Canada play s Petoske y before m ina (Fox) Larocq at the be ach in oving to C ue wa s b orn and an a d a .
FAMILYlife 13
OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF
BABES “It’s on like Donkey Kong!”
“I am so happy to be alive
so I can eat
(ice cream cone in hand).”
Sister: “I found POP ROCKS under my bed.” Brother replies: “Ewww, they’re old. Let’s
THROW THEM IN THE TOILET and see what happens.”
air confessioner, “Please turn on the
I’m hot.” “You don’t have to wash after holding a baby, only a toad, because they can give you rashes.”
“You don’t want deese FISTIES or deese TOESIES.”
14 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
“Geez mom, you need a math-a-lator.” (Instead of calculator)
“Daddy,
my watch says you need to hurry!”
“Do I have girl eyes?” “Yes!” “I have to talk to my doctor about that.” Brother:
Sister replies:
“Mommy, I’m 5 years old, and 5 year old’s need to learn how to do these things.” (Change batteries on Leapster)
Brother responds:
“Mom can you make me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? I need it to calm my nerves.”
THREE-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER TO MOM: “Mom, who do I marry when I grow up?” I told her she can marry whoever she loves. To which she replied, “OK! So I will marry daddy and chocolate because I just love them both SO much!”
“Mom, how far can you see without your tomcats in (your eyes)?” (Contacts)
of dead ants.”
“I HATE the smell Submit your kid quotes to Family Life editor Julie Witthoeft via email at jwitthoeft@petoskeynews.com.
FAMILYlife 15
BUSY
BODIES fer swimming programs for beginners and more experienced swimmers. In Charlevoix, call (231) 547-0982; in Harbor Springs, call (231) 526-4824; and in East Jordan, call (231) 5362250.
To have your class or recreation facility included in our Busy Bodies listing, email Julie Witthoeft at jwitthoeft@petoskeynews.com.
INDOOR EXERCISE
orth Central Michigan College N Student and Community Resource Center
Let little ones run wild in the college gym in Petoskey. Gym accommodations include three courts and staff provides games, toys, tumbling mats, mini-basketball hoops, indoor soccer balls and more; just ask at the desk. Find gym hours online at www.ncmich. edu. A loose-knit group of moms gathers for tot time on certain days each week, usually Friday mornings; call (231) 439-6370 to find out the current day. College gym use, $2 per day if you are 15 and under, $3 if you are over 15 and it’s free for children under 6 and currently enrolled students. A family pass, conveniently kept at the college office so you won’t lose it in a diaper bag, costs $50 and is good for 25 punches.
GYMNASTICS AND DANCE CLASSES
S tepping Stones Child Development Center/Studio 45
Not only is this Petoskey facility a child care center, but it also offers dance classes and an indoor gymnastics program with trampolines, balance beams, giant balls and soft play mats, bounce house structures and more. Located on Cedar Valley Road, the facility offers the following gymnastics classes beginning Monday, Sept. 12: Little Dippers, for 18 months to 3 year olds, 10-10:45 a.m. Monday and Thursday; Big Dippers, 3-4 year olds, 10-11 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; Big Dippers 2, 5-6 year olds, 3:45-5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; and Shooting Stars, ages 7 and up 3:45-5:15 p.m. Monday and Wednesday. For complete schedules and fees, visit www.fitnessplusco.com or call (231) 348-5681. Classes are available for intermediate and advanced students; Saturday classes are also offered.
16 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
EXERCISE THEIR MINDS
OWLING AND B MINI-GOLF, ARCADES
• Kids can have a bunch of fun trying to knock pins down at Northern Lights Recreation on M-119 between Petoskey and Harbor Springs. The smoke-free bowling alley offers bumpers and kid-sized balls and daytime hours as well. Inside Northern Lights, there’s also a mini-golf course and arcade. Visit www.northernlightsrec.com. • Th e Jungle in Petoskey is another indoor fun spot for families. Hours are typically after school during the week, but on the weekends it opens earlier. An arcade and tropical mini-golf course mean hours of entertainment for the little ones. Plus, they can accumulate coupons from the games to redeem for prizes to take home. Visit www.junglefuncenter.com.
SWIM
Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, community pools
Boyne Resorts’ Avalanche Bay at Boyne Mountain can keep little ones wet and happy for hours. Age-appropriate play areas for toddlers and older children are found throughout the indoor park. For rates, visit www. avalanchebay.com. Local community pools also of-
Books, puzzles, games, computers, stuffed animals, puppets and a spacious recreation room for organized activities make Charlevoix Public Library a hot spot for families. 220 W. Clinton St. Call (231) 547-2651 or visit www.charlevoixlibrary.org. Petoskey, too, has a great library with plentiful children’s offerings, including the popular lapsit storytelling program during the week. 500 E. Mitchell St., downtown Petoskey. Call (231) 758-3112 or visit www. petoskeylibrary.org. The Boyne District Library offers online resources for children as well as a Homework Help program. 201 Main St. in Boyne City. Call (231) 582-7861 or visit www.boynelibrary. org.
SPORTS AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
YMCA of Northern Michigan
Y Winners Sports program, Youth in Government and after-school programs can help eliminate some of that TV time. The YMCA is located at 622 Howard St., Petoskey. For more information, call (231) 348-8393 or visit www.ymcanm.org.
SCIENCE
Raven Hill Discovery Center
A museum for children and adults to enjoy hands-on experiences in science, history and the arts. Raven Hill is open weekdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Weekend hours are noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and 2-4 p.m. Sundays. For more information, visit www.ravenhilldiscoverycenter.org or call (231) 5363369. Raven Hill Discovery Center is located at 4737 Fuller Road, in East Jordan.
ARTS/DANCE PROGRAMS
Crooked Tree Arts Center
Learn to paint, sing, dance, play an instrument — express yourself! To read the complete course schedule or register online, visit www.crookedtree.org. Crooked Tree Arts Center is located at 461 East Mitchell St. in Petoskey, (231) 347-4337.
Charlevoix Circle of Arts
In addition to rotating art exhibits at the Circle, this community arts center offer a diverse array of activities including art classes for children and adults, lectures, family sing-along concerts and demonstrations. Photography, watercolor painting, palette knife painting, clay sculpture and furniture painting. Charlevoix Circle of Arts is located at 109 Clinton St. For more information, call (231) 547-3554 or visit charlevoixcircle.org.
SKATE
Charlevoix Community Sk8park
Skateboarding, inline skating, roller blading, BMX, safety equipment rental, 401 West Carpenter Avenue, Charlevoix, (231) 547-3253.
reational activities include hiking, biking, jogging, archery and disc golf. The preserve is located at 1129 Wilson St., Boyne City, (231) 582-6597.
Harbor Springs Skatepark
Located at 740 East Main St., Harbor Springs, (231) 526-0610.
Petoskey Skatepark
Ramps for skateboarding, bikes and inline skating. Located off Standish Avenue near the Curtis Field Football Stadium adjacent to the sand volleyball courts in Petoskey, (231) 347-2500.
F ALL REC SPORTS: SOCCER, FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL
Charlevoix (231) 547-3253; www. cityofcharlevoix.org Petoskey (231) 347-2500; online registration at www.petoskey.us
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Avalanche Mountain Preserve
Avalanche Mountain Preserve rec-
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FAMILYlife 17
GEARING
UP
Backpack 101 By Kyle Denholm, D.C.
The impact of improperly wearing and loading/overloading a backpack can create problems that can last a lifetime. A 2001 study by Simmons College found that 55 percent of students carry more than the recommended national guidelines. Carrying more than the recommended load can lead to neck, mid-back and low back pain. The most common problems overloading and improper positioning cause are fatigue (from carrying a heavy load), arm and finger numbness, headaches from upper back and neck strain, shoulder pain, upper back pain and vertebral subluxations (misalignments). Some extreme problems that can occur are postural misalignment, abnormal gait (walking pattern), disc herniation, and osteoarthritis. A University of Michigan study found that 60 percent of children will experience back pain by the time they are 18. This is a problem that is getting bigger every year. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that backpack related injuries are up 330 percent since 1996. The commission also states that backpack related injuries account for 7,277 emergency room visits every year. Being proactive and getting the proper pack for your child can prevent problems in the future.
2) Wear the backpack properly - this means you follow these guidelines: - Distribute the weight evenly. Put heavier items at the bottom and against the child’s back. This helps to keep the weight off the shoulders and allows for better posture. - Wear both shoulder straps. Carrying a heavy pack on one shoulder creates imbalance. This can lead to muscle spasms, low back pain and improper walking. You may not look as cool, but your back will thank you for it. - Choose a backpack with wider and thickly padded shoulder straps. Thickly padded straps help to spread out the weight of the pack which reduces shoulder pain and strain on the shoulder joints. The extra padding makes the pack more comfortable to wear. - Choose a backpack with a lumbar support. A lumbar cushion (inflatable is best) will redistribute the weight to the lower half of the body which is much better equipped to handle heavier loads. This will improve and promote upright posture which is vital for good spinal health. - Find an ergonomic backpack. Ergonomic backpacks shift the weight off the shoulders,neck and M. CHRIS LEESE/FAMILY LIFE upper back to the hips and lower Local health practitioners warn of the physical impact back. This allows the child to stand of improperly wearing a backpack. Here, Mailie Witupright and will prevent injury. thoeft, 8, of Charlevoix demonstrates how some carry 3) Lift the backpack properly. - Face the backpack before you lift it. - Bend at the knees and lift with your legs. - Keep the pack close to the body and as near to your belly button as possible. This keeps the pack close to your center of gravity. - Carry only what you need.
PROPER BACKPACK USE
There are three aspects to backpack use that when done properly will greatly reduce the risk of an injury. 1) D ON’T overload the backpack. 10-15 percent of the carrier’s weight is the maximum.
18 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
ROLLER VS. STRAPS? Straps are better than rollers. Because we all have a tendency to carry things in one hand or the other. With a roller bag this can create the same
the backpack with one strap and suffer from misalignment and discomfort.
problems as if you were only wearing one strap at a time. Also, roller bags have the ability to be VERY overloaded and can cause problems or injury when the child (or parent!) goes to lift the bag to get it into a vehicle or bus. Dr. Kyle Denholm is a certified chiropractor and owner of Breath of Life Chiropractic Wellness Center P.C., located at 322 Bay St., Unit 3, in Petoskey. For more information, call (231) 622-8828 or visit www. breathoflifechiropractic.net.
Family Life visited Bearcub Outfitters in downtown Petoskey for our photo shoot and to shop packs.
M. CHRIS LEESE/FAMILY LIFE Even the youngest students — preschoolers — can have a backpack that fits properly and meets their needs. Bearcub Outfitters co-owner, B.J. Shawn, said, “A good backpack can last a mimimum of two years. It needs to be size appropriate — don’t grow into a backpack.”
• Multiple compartments • Padded laptop sleeve • Comfy Airmesh backpanel
They carry The North Face, Marmot, Osprey and Keen backpacks with functions including skateboard carriers, multimedia inputs and hydration and food storage. Bearcub packs range in price from $35-100.
• AirScape backpanel • Comfy and adjustable harness • Biostretch built-in hipbelt
Buy Right + Wear Right = Write On! (think back to school) 321 E. Lake St. • Petoskey
231.439.9500 • bearcuboutfitters.com
FAMILYlife 19
FAMILY
CHALLENGE:
Back to school basics
By Aebra Coe
There are challenges for each new school year and milestone in a child’s education. The transition from preschool to kindergarten, elementary to middle school and middle to high school can be intimidating and present new experiences that will be either scary or empowering for students based on support from parents, teachers and schools. Here is some advice from area counselors on how to help your child adjust well to a new grade.
KINDERGARTEN
Debra Devitt, Charlevoix Elementary School guidance counselor described the challenges children face when entering kindergarten. “It might be the child’s first time being away from home for a full school day, meeting new friends and they’ll have to get comfortable with their new teacher,” she said. She went on to detail new expectations for the five and six year olds, “Sitting still for extended periods of time and to be able to read by the end of the year.” Devitt said that for some younger students or students who might not be as ready as the rest of their peers, Charlevoix has a “beginnergarten” so that those children can prepare for kindergarten the following year. 20 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
“A year of developmental growth between 5 and 6 can be significant,” she said. Tips from Devitt’s experience as a counselor and teacher for parents to help ease their children into kindergarten include visiting the school building and classroom before the first day, meet the child’s teacher before school starts and provide a picture of the child’s family or pet to ease homesickness. Finally, Devitt commented that children who attended preschool will be better adjusted to being away from home all day and may find it easier to make the jump to kindergarten.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Megan McShannock is going into her sixth year as the guidance counselor at Harbor Springs Middle School. According to McShannock, the big-
“Socially, it’s a good idea to find a club, band or a sport so the student can establish themselves in a group of peers with similar interests.” - Julie Bergmann
gest challenge for kids going into middle school is getting used to the schedule with six different classes and several different teachers. They no longer keep their work in a desk and have to be responsible for carrying it with them and they need to be able to learn the expectations of each new teacher. Some fears students new to middle school may face include gym class, an increase in homework, getting used to a new building (not a variable at Harbor Springs Middle School but a common
For a look at college life and money tips visit our online back to school section at www.petoskeynews.com/features/backtoschool
change at other schools) and developmental changes. “When you come in to middle school, you have such a range of maturity levels and physical development,” said McShannock. She went on to say that kids at this age want to be accepted by their peers and not stand out which is hard when some are going through puberty and growth spurts and others are not. There are also friendship shifts in middle school, said McShannock, kids are starting to get to know themselves better and their interests and tend to choose friends accordingly. McShannock’s advice for parents is that even though kids are starting to pull away and desire independence, it’s important to stay involved with the student, ask questions and set solid boundaries for your child. Parents should try to stay involved at home and talk frequently with other parents at the school, with teachers and counselors to stay involved with their child by checking up on their grades and homework frequently. McShannock said that it is important to ask broad, open questions of your child instead of yes or no questions. It is also important to note that there is more homework, responsibility and higher expectations in middle school which could lead to more stress on a fifth-grade student.
HIGH SCHOOL
Julie Bergmann, Petoskey High School assistant principal, described
the fears of young people going into ninth grade. These include finding their way around the school, fitting in with peers and rigorous new classes. She highlighted several tactics to deal with those fears. Petoskey has a mentor program where upperclassmen are matched with freshmen, they are trained in counselor referral and help the younger students deal with settling in. The upperclassmen even have their lockers next to the younger students they mentor so they can watch out for them. Parents are encouraged to attend orientation with their child the spring before they enter high school. They can get information on academic, athletic and social clubs, gain familiarity with the building, meet faculty and staff and get answers to all the questions they have about the school. There is a parent advisory team and Bergmann encourages parents of ninth graders to attend. “Socially, it’s a good idea to find a club, band or a sport so the student can establish themselves in a group of peers with similar interests,” Bergmann said. She said that as a ninth grader, students can already be thinking about a four-year academic plan that leads to the individual goals for the child upon graduation. “Some students don’t have experience with challenging academics yet, but we are all committed to helping every one get there,” Bergmann said.
Advice from Lynne Zimmer on how to prepare your child to go back to school - Start a sleep schedule before school starts. - Set goals with your child for the school year, look at previous years and talk about how to reach those goals. - Set up a designated study area, let the child decorate the area and get organized so they enjoy being there, no distractions allowed. - Maintain knowledge year-round. There are educational activities that can be found online and summer reading lists at the local library. - For students going to college and being on their own for the first time be sure to do all homework, go to class and know that there are people there to help and who want you to come in and use their services. - For younger students, practice with their locker combination and getting used to the lock. Lynne Zimmer was a teacher in East Jordan, Petoskey and Midland for many years and taught special education. She has been tutoring for 10 years now with Learning Solutions in Harbor Springs. Learning Solutions serves those who are just learning to read all the way up to adults going back to college. For more information, call Learning Solutions Inc. (231) 348-8469.
Zion Lutheran
Pre-School Open Enrollment Zion Lutheran Church, 500 W. Mitchell Street, in Petoskey, has open enrollment for its Christian Pre-School for the 2011-2012 school year. For more information or to enroll your child, call the Pre-School office at 347-2757.
Serving Northern Michigan since 1987 Offering Educational Testing and One-on-one Reading & Writing Instruction for all ages Financial Assistance Available Northern Michigan Center (231) 526-9282 681 E. Lake St., Harbor Springs
www.dyslexia.net
FAMILYlife 21
RC’s Hockey Shop 205 W. Mitchell, Petoskey
Your Northern Michigan Lacrosse Headquarters!
Great Lakes Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, P.C.
347-1060
Complete lines of equipment and apparel for all ages
3260 Woods Way, Suite 1 Petoskey, MI 49770 Phone: (231) 348-5590 Fax: (231) 348-5676
Professional Skate Sharpening • Custom Radius • Skate Repair
Watch Me Grow! Childcare • Preschool • Dev. Kindergarten Summer Kids Camp • K-6 Tutoring
Marit E. Vogel, M.D.
Board Certified in General, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Music By Angela
Instruction for beginning Piano
Call to schedule your lessons today!
Experienced, Educated, Enthusiastic Teachers
231.526.7733
Great Location in Downtown Petoskey
Now Enrolling for Fall!
Also available Pianist for Weddings, Funerals, Holiday Parties and more
231-348-7650
www.watchmegrowcdc.com
Who does your child look up too? Beginner to advance levels on-going classes
Monday-Friday 6:30am-6pm
Infant - Kindergarten age Healthy snacks & hot lunches included.
PETOSKEY 348-5681
1040 Cedar Valley Road
www.fitnessplusco.com
Head Start Programs
Serving children and their families prenatal to age five through: • Early Head Start Home Visiting Programs • Head Start Center Based Programs • Family Child Care Partnership Programs Early Childhood Programs designed to include children of all abilities. Call 231-347-9070 or 1-800-443-5518 www.nmcaa.net Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency 22 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH
“A partnership in learning where the SON always Shines”
St.Francis Xavier School • Kindergarten thru 8th Grade • Proven Excellence Academic Record • Smaller class size supports individualized instruction • Structured, organized, faith filled environment • Strong Family Partnerships
Contact office 231.347.3651 for more information Child Development Center Programs Offered • Infant Care • Child Care • Latchkey • Pre-school Contact Leigh or Krystyna 231.347.3860
Serving families since 1883
Fun Fitness KIDZ
4
Where kids have FUN while getting FIT! We offer care for: After School • Early Release Half Day of School • Full Day • Summer Camp NO CONTRACT! Contact Michelle Suarez, Director, for more information and rates at 231.526.4504
Educating Dancers For 25 Years Offering classes: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Kinderdance, Creative Movement Ages 3 1/2 to adult
Where dance is unparalleled!
Northern Lights Gymnastics, Petoskey • Circle of Arts, Charlevoix Deborah Knight 231-709-6738. Or visit our website at Dancepetoskey.com
• One Caring, Trusted Office for All Your Dental Needs • Caring & Courteous Staff • Gentle Family Practice Dentist • Implants •Low-Radiation Digital X-Rays • Cosmetic Dentistry • Dentures Little or No Out-of-Pocket Costs for Insured Patients!
523 West Jefferson Street • Petoskey (231) 347-8899 • www.HarborPointeDental.com
Simple goodness down to our roots®
We promise
to grow health-giving seasonal produce and uniquely arranged flowers and trimmings of superior quality Visit today for an authentic farm experience
Spring � Summer � Fall � Winter Find us online at
CoveyouScenicFarm.com
or in real life just 2 miles south of Petoskey’s big box stores on US-131, 347-0011 FAMILYlife 23
Committed + Quality + Educating = Supporting Families for 15 years HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES has experienced staff.
HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES has sales specials each week.
HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES hours: M-F 9:30am to 6pm
Saturdays from 9:30am to 4pm
C.S. Lewis and The Magician’s Nephew October and November in Petoskey!
ENJOY this 15% off coupon from
Magician’s Nephew performance
August 15th for 15 days on ALL Non-Food Items (except sale items)
A Community Reading of - The Magician’s Nephew
5th Grade Writer’s Workshop Book Discussions and more!
For complete festival schedule Toski-Sands Plaza | Harbor-Petoskey Rd. Petoskey | 348-8390
www.cslewisfestival.org
Northwest Michigan
Mom-to-Mom Sale
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sat., November 5, 2011 Emmet County Fairgrounds
Make Money and Shop! Visit petoskeynews.com/m2m/ to book your space today!
Sell your nearly new or gently used maternity, baby and children’s clothing, toys, furniture, and more at one of the largest Mom-to-Mom sales in Northwest Michigan. Call or email Julie Witthoeft today to learn more:
(231) 439-9355
www.petoskeynews.com/m2m 319 State Street, Petoskey • northernmoms.com • (231) 347-2544 24 YOUR LIFE UP NORTH