Sonoma Family Life February 2017

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February 2017

Shiny & Bright Kids at the dentist

Preschool 10 tips Prep for success

Warm Your Heart Local V-day fun Teen Love Avoid digital drama

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10 Features 10 Young (Cyber) Love What happens when crushes go digital?

14 Pamper Your Spouse Simple ways to show you care.

12 Secrets to a Long Marriage

16 Say “Ah” Prepare kids for dental visits.

A mom’s practical advice to her teen son.

18 Preschool Prep Steps to make sure your child is ready.

20 A World of Color Educate kids about diversity.

22 Crack the Cold Is it serious or just a bug?

24 The Doctor Is In Prevent examining room meltdowns.

February 2017

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

8

Bits and Pieces Fishing for Fun Social Media Savvy The Family that Bends Together…

Sebastopol’s Got Talent Piecing Together the Autism Puzzle

28 Cooking with Kids Pecan Dreams

29 Crafting with Kids Sweet on You

30 Family Fun Let Your Love Shine

32 Calendar of Events Citrus Sensation

42 Humor Break Wild Child

30

26 Inside Out Raising an outgoing child.

8 4 SonomaFamilyLife

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

9

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A Doctor’s ConfessiontotoPetaluma Petaluma Doctor’s Confession

Dear Friend, I wanted Dear Friend,to let everyone know what happened while I was in college. was a I wanted to let everyone know It what moment that changed my life forever.

But happened while I was in college. It was a before I tell you about my experience, I moment that changed my life forever. But wanted tellyou youabout my story from the start. before Itotell my experience, I Let me start by explaining the photo wanted to tell you my story from thein start. this letter. amexplaining the guy inthe thephoto middle, Dr Let me startI by in this Taatjes.

You when I meet people letter. I am theknow guy in the middle, Dr. Taatjes. in town and theyI usually say, in “Oh yeah, You know when meet people town andI know you, you’re Dr. Taatjes.

You’ve been they usually say, “Oh yeah, I know you, you’re on and Ross years…”

Well, Dr.McDowell Taatjes. You’ve been for serving the commuthat’s nity forme. twenty-four years! Well that’s me. We years agoinsomething hapareTwenty-six now centrally located our beautiful new pened to me that changed my life forever. office to better serve the community.

LetTwenty-seven me tell you my story. years ago something I was studying pre-Med in college, happened to me that changed my lifein hopes of becoming a medical doctor. forever. Let me tell you my story.

Things looking up, andinlife was good, Dr. with his sons, Hayden (left) and Henry (right).

I waswere studying pre-Med college, in Dr.Taatjes Taatjes with his sons, Hayden (left) and Henry (right). until things took a turn for the worse. hopes of becoming a medical doctor. whole ball of wax. This exam could cost practic, we don’t add anything to the body I began to looking have terrible back Things were up, and lifeand wasstomgood, you $350 elsewhere. Great care at a great or take anything from it. We find interferach For a young guy,worse.

I felt pretty ence but that simply isn’t system the case.and With chirolesser amount for chiropractic. When you untilproblems. things took a turn for the fee… in the nervous remove it, rotten.

Mytoback so badly thatstomach I had a practic, we don’tthe addhealing anything to the body or bring in this article bythere’s February 28, 2017, I began havehurt terrible back and Please, I hope that no misunderthus enhancing capacities of the hard time even in pretty class. rotten.

I was body. take anything it. We results…it find interference you will receive my entire new patient exam problems.

For aconcentrating young guy, I felt about quality of care, just because We get from tremendous really standing miserable.

The medical doctors tried differin the nervous system and remove it, thus for $27.

That’s with x-rays, exam, report My back hurt so badly that I had a hard time I have a lower exam fee. You’ll get great of is as simple as that. ent but theyin only made memiserable. feel like I enhancing the healing of thehad body. care findings…the ball of wax. This exam evendrugs, concentrating class.

I was at a great whole fee. My qualifications…

Here’s what some capacities of my patients was in a “cloud.” not getting Wesay: get tremendous results…it really is as could cost you of $350 elsewhere. College Great care The medical doctorsI was triedjust different drugs, betbut I’m a graduate Northwestern of to ter. friend of mine convinced give a simple as that. at a great fee… theyAonly made me feel like I wasme in ato“cloud.”

Chiropractic who regularly goes to monthly “I have had a problem with migraines chiropractor try. The chiropractor an Here’s whatback some of my patients had Please, I hope that there’s no misunderI was just not agetting better.

A friend ofdid mine educational chiropractic seminars.

I’ve as well as low pain.

Even after seeing exam, took some films and then “adjusted” to say: and other health professionals, the standing about quality care, just because convinced me to give a chiropractor a try. The doctors been entrusted to take of care of tiny babies toI my spine. The didn’t hurt -- it “I have had a problem with migraines have a lower exam You’ll getI great care at chiropractor didadjustment an exam, took some films neighbors that youfee. may know. just have pains remained.

After coming to Dr. Joel, actually good. my I gotspine. relief,The andadjustI soon as well as low back pain.

Even after seeing a great fee.

My qualifications…I’m a graduate and then felt “adjusted” that low exam fee to help more people who they have helped me tremendously. They was all medication.

It worked so well doctors and othermy health professionals, of Northwestern College of Chiropractic who mentoff didn’t hurt — it actually felt good.

I got need care. even take away migraines.

They’rethe that to become pains remained. regularly goes to monthly educational chirorelief,I decided, and I soonthen wasand off there, all medication.

It a My associates, Dr. Rose, Dr. Truong and great!”

(Judy E.) After coming to Dr. Joel, chiropractor myself. they have helped me tremendously.

They practic seminars.

I’ve been entrusted to take worked so well that I decided, then and there, I are ready to see if we can help you. Our “I came in pending laser surgery for Now fora my kids, Hayden and Henry. evenherniated take awaydiscs. my migraines.

They’re care of tiny babies to neighbors that you to become chiropractor myself. offices are both friendly and warm andmay we two Over a few months They have been under chiropractic care their great!”

(Judy E.) know. just have that you low exam to helpWe Now for my kids, Hayden and Henry. They try ourI best to make feel atfee home. here the need for surgery subsided, and the entire lives.

And, unlike most other in came in pending laser discomfort surgery for with two more apeople who need care.at an exceptional have been under chiropractic care theirkids entire have wonderful service, pain“Ihas subsided to a mild their never thekids “common” herniated discs.

Over a few months here I am ready to see if I REDWOOD can help you. CHIlives. class, And, they unlike mostget other in their fee.

Our office is called occasional morning stiffness. Over all, I childhood illnesses like“common” ear infections, the need surgery the pain Our office is both warm class, they never get the childhood ROPRACTIC andfriendly we nowand have twoand locafeel betterforvisit after subsided, visit. It’sand a gradual asthma In fact, they and haveallerhas subsided to a O.) mild discomfort with ocwe try Our our best makeisyou feel at illnessesand likeallergies. ear infections, asthma tions. maintooffice located at home.

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(Jaime never taken drughave in their they casional morning Overthank all, Ime feel We have wonderful service, atphone an excepgies. In fact,athey neverlives. takenAnd a drug in McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, number Several times astiffness. day patients are 17And and they 18! are now 17 and 19! better visit after gradualproblems. process.” is tional fee. Our is called theirnow lives.

763-8910.

Dr.office Taatjes wouldREDWOOD love to help for helping themvisit. with It’s theira health It’s strange strangehow howlife lifeis,is,because becausenow now (Jaime O.) really take credit.

CHIROPRACTIC. Wesecond are located at 937 It’s people But you at this location.Our location I can’t people come to see me with their back probSeveral times a day patients thank me for Lakeville Street Petaluma, and our phone come to see me with their back problems and Find out for yourself and benefit from is at 225 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, lems andproblems. stomach problems. helping them with their health problems.

But with number 763-8910.

Callphone Alex,number Phoebe isor stomach They comeThey to mecome with to Dr. is Truong, and the an AMAZING OFFER. Look, it shouldn’t me their headaches, chronic cost I can’t really takeand credit.

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Call Alex, or Chauntel you an arm a leg to correct your pain, neck pain, shoulder/arm pain, whipFind out for yourself and benefit help you.

Thank you. neck pain, shoulder/arm pain, whiplash from today for an appointment.

We can help you. health. You are going to write a check to lash from car asthma, accidents, asthma,numbness allergies,in from an AMAZING OFFER. Look, you Thank -Dr. Joel Taatjes car accidents, allergies, you. someone for your health care expenses, numbness in limbs, athletic injuries, just to it shouldn’t youone an for arma and a leg to P.S. When accompanied by this I am also limbs, athletic injuries, just to name a few.

-Dr.ad.

Joel Taatjes may as wellcost write lesser amount name a few.make people well, then those correct your health.

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February 2017

SonomaFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader

Y

ou and your partner are not only parents but sweethearts. This Valentine’s Day, turn to “Let Your Love Shine” (page Sharon Gowan 30) and “Pamper Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us Your Spouse” (page 14) for great ways to fete your significant other. Want to know how to keep your relationship going strong? Read “Secrets to a Long Marriage” (page 12).

Most of us can remember the excitement and angst of our first crush. But, despite our life experience, teen romance in the age of the Internet may be quite befuddling. Turn to “Young (Cyber) Love” (page 10) to get a psychologist’s

take on the world of Facebook flirting and other digital dramas.

Besides being the month of love, February is also smack dab in the middle of cold season. “Crack the Cold” (page 22) helps you figure out when to worry about your kid’s symptoms. If a trip to the pediatrician is necessary, “The Doctor Is In” (page 24) offers advice on keeping little patients from melting down in the examining room. Meanwhile, “Say Ah” (page 16) provides ideas for making a visit to that “other” doctor—the dentist—more appealing to children.

Features Editor

Keep warm and healthy this month, and remember to cherish everyone you love.

Production Manager

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Marie Anderson marie@family-life.us

Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Web and Social Media Jean Flint jean@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Sandra Gordon Jessica Graham Devorah Heitner Holly Hester Christy Jordan Sarah Lyons Sharon Nolfi Laura Lyles Reagan Meagan Ruffing Kathryn Streeter Denise Morrison Yearian

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office 134 Lystra Court, Suite A Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Tel (707) 586-9562 Fax (707) 586-9571

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February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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Bits & Pieces

Fishing for Fun

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et your little anglers catch the family dinner in Lake Sonoma at the Steelhead Festival.

After they hook their fishes, they can take a tour of the hatchery, visit the booths of more than 40 exhibitors, or do arts and crafts projects. Meanwhile, you can try your hand at archery or listen to live music while you indulge in Bear Republic beer, Dry Creek Valley wines, and food truck offerings. The free event will be held on February 11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at the Milt Brandt Visitor Center in Geyserville. ¶

Social Media Savvy

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o you worry about how much time your kids spend playing video games or posting on Facebook? Has technology seemed to negatively affect their grades? In her film Screenagers, mother and physician Delaney Ruston explores her own family’s struggles with these issues. She interviews authors, psychologists, and brain scientists about how technology affects children’s development and how adults can help kids find balance. The film will be shown on February 17 at 7 p.m. at Schroeder Hall in the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park. Tickets are $10, $5 for children under 16. ¶

8 SonomaFamilyLife

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

The Family that Bends Together…

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wist, stretch, sigh. Yoga is a source of relaxation and renewal for many American adults. Local teachers like Elizabeth Smith ask, why not teach kids to use its centering powers? Take your little ones to a free family yoga class on February 26, 2–3 p.m., at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa. Sponsored by Kidding Around Yoga, the class is held in concert with a workshop to teach parents, teachers, and yogis how to share yoga with children. The workshop will be held at the museum February 25–26. Find out more at kiddingaroundyoga.com. ¶

Piecing Together the Autism Puzzle

Sebastopol’s Got Talent

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o you want to inspire your kids to pick up an instrument or learn to sing? Take them to watch other kids (and adults) strut their stuff at the Sebastopol Talent Show.

Local performers will compete for the title of Sebastopol’s Biggest Talent of 2017. See them take the stage of the Sebastopol Community Center on February 11 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5–$13, free for kids ages 11 and under, and may be purchased at seb.org or by calling 823-1511. ¶

www.sonomafamilylife.com

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ccording to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 68 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—a 30 percent increase from 2012. As the disorder grows in prominence, so does the need to understand it. Diagnosed at a young age with autism, Temple Grandin sheds light on what it’s like to have ASD in her famous books Emergence: Labeled Autistic (Warner, 1986) and Thinking in Pictures (Vintage, 1995). Now the Colorado State University professor of animal sciences has become an internationally renowned speaker on the subject. One of her tour stops this year is the Anova Center for Education’s Autism in the Family conference, where she will keynote. Grandin will be joined by several other leaders in the autism community: Frank Campagna, Sesame Street producer and father of a son with autism; Jill Escher, president of the Autism Society of the San Francisco Bay Area; and Feda Almaliti, director of outreach for the Autism Health Research Project. The conference will be held on February 25 at 10 a.m. at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa.

Tickets are $48–$53 and may be purchased at tickets. lutherburbankcenter.org. ¶ February 2017

SonomaFamilyLife 9

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Young (Cyber) L♥ve

By Devorah Heitner

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Teen Romance in the Digital Age

he Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project is one of my favorite sources for useful data on the ways kids and families use technology. In October 2015, the center released a study showing that (surprise!) kids are still falling in love, getting crushes, getting mad, getting even, etc.

So things haven’t changed...that much. But for those parents who worry about the complications that technology brings to dating life, I have some good news: at least in 2015, most kids were not actually meeting or “hooking up” with other people online.

10 SonomaFamilyLife

It may feel like dating has moved entirely to the Internet, but according to the same Pew study, only 8 percent of American teens have met a romantic partner online.

Expectations Change with Constant Connectivity Once teens or tweens are involved romantically, their expectations are surely affected by the availability of constant connection. This is parallel to the changes in expectations we

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

face in our own adult relationships.

For example, my husband and I were dating before we had cell phones, yet today our expectations for being in contact (while far lower than those of teenagers!) are higher

Once teens or tweens are involved romantically, their expectations are surely affected by the availability of constant connection. than they were before we had these devices with us at all times. Fully 85 percent of young people surveyed expected to hear from their partner at least once a day. Eleven percent expected to hear from their partners once an hour! Teens are just getting used to the physical and emotional changes that come with puberty, and one of those is the infatuation with others their age. While in the past, flirtatious exchanges may have been confined to lunch and the occasional movie, today every couple can keep in never-ending contact via their phones. When talking to your child, remind her that the fact that she can reach out to her crush at all times does not mean she has to. It’s okay not to text. On the other hand, flirting, dropping hints, and trying to figure out how mutual an interest is (age-old preoccupations) have moved more into the digital realm.

In the Pew study, 50 percent of teens reported that they used Facebook or other social media platforms to flirt or express romantic intentions. While kids may still www.sonomafamilylife.com

prefer to meet romantic partners at school or through friends, social media is often where they feel most comfortable discussing their feelings.

Kids can be clumsy, inept, and immature about relationships. After all, they are kids! In one of my focus groups, a girl described how boys badgered her with repeated texts until she texted back. Then one boy erased the previous texts to make it look as if the girl texted first, so he could show his friends, “Look, she texted me!” Kids on either end of this exchange might benefit from adult mentorship, or they may figure it out on their own by trial and error. Think about how you might mentor your child—on either end of the texting exchange where the boy badgered the girl into texting him.

Ask your kids: What are the most annoying things other kids do in these digital spaces? And how do kids deal with those things when

Only 8 percent of American teens have met a romantic partner online. they happen? One parent pointed out that marry/kiss/kill can also be an in‑person game. Digital connections just make it easier for answers to be shared widely.

Talk with your children about the possible outcomes when people text or post messages intended to be kept between friends. Is that intent always honored? Ask your child if she has ever seen someone share a February 2017

Help for LGBTQ Kids For gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning kids, social media and the Internet can be incredibly positive sources of validation, information, and community.

They can also be sites for bullying, so adults need to be aware of this possibility.

For young people trying to navigate different identities in different situations (e.g., kids who are out in some settings, but not in others) social media presents many complications.

Here are some great resources for these kids and their families: www.safeschoolscoalition.org www.glsen.org www.impactprogram.org/ lgbtq-youth/youth-blog

screenshot of someone’s personal texts. Why do people do it? Is it ever okay? How can you protect yourself, knowing that this is technically possible, and in fact happens frequently? ¶ Adapted with permission from Screenwise by Devorah Heitner (Routledge, 2016).

Devorah Heitner, PhD, is the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World (find it on Amazon: tinyurl.com/jetntc9). She is also the founder of Raising Digital Natives, which helps parents, schools, and kids grow a culture of positive digital citizenship. Want to learn more? Take the “How Screenwise Are You?” quiz at raisingdigitalnatives.com/ how-screenwise-are-you.

SonomaFamilyLife 11

Secrets to a Long Marriage

better able to keep up with grandkids.

A Letter to My Teenage Son

By Kathryn Streeter

Dear Teenage Son, Today your dad and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary. It was a remarkable day since, increasingly, marriages are falling apart.

Tying the knot is the easy part; staying together requires intentional habits, and staying in love most certainly does not happen by chance. You may be unaware of the things your dad has done to keep us together and in love over the years. Here are a few of them.

Exercise has been a priority.

We married young when he had a high school football body. Luckily, he quickly realized that without playing the game his muscles would soften, and he morphed into a runner.

When we turned 30, just as when we turned 40, people continued to warn that rapid weight gain was practically guaranteed due to a slower metabolism and a sedentary lifestyle.

Your dad thought it a ridiculous prophecy and rejected it.

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Because of this, at age 46 he kept up with you in the last Spartan Race competition. Not only is he able to be a more engaged father, his disciplined workout routine has kept me motivated to do the same. We have a fuller life because we can bike, paddleboard, and hike together. Besides the natural health benefits of exercising, we recognize that our options are more open to the adventures we can have now in midlife and beyond. If the day comes, I imagine that we’ll also be

We synchronized our habits. Your dad’s professional life has always meant that the alarm sounds early. Synchronizing our sleep habits was reasonable because we wanted to be tired at the same time so that we could get the day started together. Establishing this routine helped us do the little but difficult daily things together like getting you out of bed for school. There were

Do couples that play together stay together?

For us, yes. periods in your dad’s career when he’d barely get home in time to kiss you good night before you drifted to sleep.

We’d then share a simple meal off the grill, and though he’d be deservedly whipped, he would fill me in, as I would him, on the day. It helped keep our worlds connected. Too many couples fall apart because their worlds grow apart.

He doesn’t harbor resentment.

Your dad doesn’t keep a list about what I’ve done wrong. He doesn’t

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

keep score. This character quality is something I’ve admired in him since we were first married. I’m profoundly grateful that he honestly lets things go after some disagreement has been righted. There are already too many things that pull relationships apart.

Nagging each other about trivia is perilous to a strong marriage. So is regurgitating past wrongs. It simply doesn’t profit the relationship.

We prioritize play every weekend. Your dad likes to make memories together. Early on in our marriage, we did weekends very simply: We played together. When you kids entered the picture, we adjusted and went to playgrounds. We didn’t have huge expectations for our weekends. The honey-do list didn’t exist and neither did your dad have unrealistic expectations of me. We were content putzing around and playing together. Do couples that play together stay together? For us, yes. This doesn’t negate the obvious, that, as you’ve seen, he’s often worked late into the night. But play over the weekend was and always will be important.

We discussed the week’s demands. We talked about what was scheduled for the upcoming week— no surprises meant we were better prepared. This time of exchanging and reviewing the week’s activities often revealed just how many times your dad would excuse himself from various cocktail parties and receptions so he could get home to us at night.

As a work-at-home-mom (WAHM), I also found these conversations helped me to prepare for the extra-long days when he was gone, and I was running completely solo. www.sonomafamilylife.com

He’s willing to lead. Since I’m the product of an indecisive home, I’ve appreciated your dad’s unapologetic direction. When I am ambivalent and he’s felt strongly about something, I appreciate your dad showing decisiveness. It’s a relief. He’s offering something I don’t have and helping us to

Too many couples fall apart because their worlds grow apart. be whole. Of course there are ways I solely contribute to our marriage partnership, but I humbly acknowledge that this isn’t one of them.

As you grow into manhood, you’re learning from observing men in your life. We both know that your dad hasn’t been perfect. But when he’s messed up, he’s been able to readily apologize and make fun of himself. He doesn’t take himself too seriously. As your mom, I’ve been delighted to watch you two hang out together. Ultimately, these notes I’ve written down today are to help you know your dad more fully and recognize habits that have contributed to our marriage. This letter isn’t to be confused with marriage insurance, as if such an equation existed to achieve a long, happy marriage. You’re your own man. You’ll be great just as you are.

—Mom ¶ Originally published on The Good Men Project.

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February 2017

SonomaFamilyLife 13

I would put the kids to bed early once a week and either get take-out or cook a special meal at home. No television, phones, or electronics; just conversation and quality time together. For busy parents, a quiet night in is a perfect way to unwind.

Pamper Your Spouse B Tips for Busy Parents

By Sarah Lyons

etween coping with sleep deprivation, juggling work and school schedules, and generally managing the household, parenting can leave little time for romantic dates with your spouse. This doesn’t mean that working on your marriage and making your spouse feel loved and appreciated aren’t high priorities. This Valentine’s Day follow these tips for giving your spouse a little extra TLC. It’ll keep your marriage going strong.

Set up spa time. Offer to take care of the kids and send your partner off to the salon for a day of relaxation, or get a babysitter and go as a couple. If a spa isn’t your partner’s thing, offer to take the kids while he or she spends 14 SonomaFamilyLife

the day enjoying a favorite pastime.

Your spouse is sure to come home rejuvenated.

Eat dinner in. When our children were young and a babysitter was not in the budget, my husband and

Go out on a date. Plan a night on the town doing things that you and your spouse enjoyed before you became parents. If hiring a babysitter isn’t an option and family is unable to help, try doing a babysitting trade with another couple. Watch their children for them one weekend, and the next weekend they can do the same for you.

Plan a surprise. Send a treat to your mate’s workplace. Flowers are nice but you might want to try cookies, balloons, or a homemade goodie, too. You could also mail a card with a special note or, if time allows, take him or her to lunch.

Take on a chore. In most relationships, responsibilities are divided. Pamper your significant other by doing one of his or her

Letting your spouse make all the choices for a whole day is a gift. “jobs.” For example, if your spouse always mows the lawn, do it for him or her. If your spouse usually does all the grocery shopping, offer to do it one evening. Another idea is to let him or her have the “day off” and do all of his or her normal responsibilities that day.

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Leave a note. If you want to make your spouse feel special, leave him or her love notes. Simple and sweet messages like “Thinking of you,” “I love you,” or “Have a great

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Happy Valentine’s Day from our family to yours

day” will let your honey know you care. Have fun with it! Stash notes in a coat pocket, coffee mug, car, or anywhere else you think they will be a surprise.

Let him or her choose. If your marriage is anything like mine, everything from what you eat for dinner to what movie you watch is a compromise. So letting your spouse make all the choices for a whole day is a gift. Don’t complain! Just focus on doing whatever makes your partner happy.

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Pick up a fave. If I am at the gas station, I grab my husband’s favorite drink, gum, or candy. At the grocery store, I pick up his favorite ice cream or snack. I rent a movie he likes, cook his favorite meal, or buy him a shirt with his favorite sports team logo. It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift, just something to let him know I was thinking of him while I was out. ¶

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SonomaFamilyLife 15

Say “Ah” Preparing Your Child for the Dentist

By Denise Morrison Yearian

J

ane and Drew Tamassia love going to the dentist. They think it is fun. Perhaps it’s words like “tickle toothbrush” and “sugar bug remover” that make these preschoolers giggle. Maybe it’s the mini movie theater or downtown Disney decorations that draw them in.

“I think they like going because I started them early and chose someone who knows how to work with children,” says Suzanne Tamassia, whose own childhood dental fears drove her to find a dentist who works specifically with children.

“Getting children in at an early age is key,” says pediatric dentist Lawrence Louie. “I like to see them when the first tooth erupts. It gives me a chance to get a good look at the child’s mouth and lets me share oral health care and nutrition information with the parents.”

16 SonomaFamilyLife

Jennifer Luzader, pediatric dental hygienist, agrees. “We recommend children have their first dental exam by their first birthday, and their first dental cleaning by age two.”

Even before that first appointment, there are things parents can do to prepare their child for their visit.

“Use books, videos, and role play at home,” says Luzader. “Talk with your child using good, positive terms, and remind him how important it is to take care of his teeth and eat the right kinds of foods.”

“What I appreciate most about our dental practice is that they have given me tools to teach my children preventative dentistry.”

That is what Susan Magasiny did.

“Before Jake’s first appointment, we talked about how the dentist was a doctor for his teeth and that to keep them healthy, he needed to have check ups,” says the mother of two. “I told him the dentist was going to look at his teeth, count them, and maybe take a picture. It was no big deal.”

“I remember sitting at home role-playing with Jane,” recalls Tamassia. “I would say, ‘Open your mouth and let me see your teeth,’ then I would pretend to be the dentist. She liked that.”

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Role-playing did prepare Jane for that first visit, because when she went she knew just what to expect.

“When a child comes in, we try to make it a fun experience,” say Luzader. “They get to pick out things like fluoride flavor, sunglasses for eye protection, and a new toothbrush and floss. Then we go through each step of what we are going to do, first on their fingers then in their mouths. We count their teeth, scale those that are covered with plaque and tartar, and then polish. We finish with a fluoride treatment and have the dentist come in for an exam.”

Louie talks children through the procedures, too. “We call it, ‘Tell.

Show. Do.’ First we tell them what

“Talk with your child using good, positive terms, and remind him how important it is to take care of his teeth.” we are going to do, show them on our hands, then do it—that way there are no surprises.”

Even without so-called “surprises,” sometimes anxiety sets in.

“Crying through the first two years is very expected, even at three,” says Luzader. “One way to ward off tears is with distraction. We have puppets we use and will talk with children on their level to gain their confidence. We also try to make it fun—‘What kind of animal is down your throat today?’

Even when children come in crying, 95 percent of them leave with a smile.”

about going to the dentist,” says Louie. “Every once in a while I see where parents have elaborated on what happened to them, and it comes through to the children.”

“Before Jake’s first appointment, we talked about how the dentist was a doctor for his teeth and that to keep them healthy, he needed to have check ups.”

On occasion, dental emergencies arise that cannot be avoided.

“One week after Jake’s first appointment, he fell into a picnic table and had a severe dental injury.

His gum was pushed up to the top of his mouth and his whole front tooth was exposed,” recalls Magasiny. “I called the dentist, and they took us in right away.”

But it was a wait-and-see injury. In the months to follow, Jake had to return several times so the dentist could evaluate the situation.

“I started to prep him about losing his tooth early, which he did about six months later,” she continues. “But through it all, Jake built trust and confidence in the dentist.”

So much so, if you asked him today he would tell you he looks forward to his dental visits. His mother does, too.

“What I appreciate most about our dental practice is that they have given me tools to teach my children preventative dentistry,” says Magasiny.

Tamassia agrees.

“I like how our dentist takes a sincere interest in children,” she says. “Everything is catered to them—there’s an indoor climbing playhouse, video room, and lots of books. They even get to take home a goodie bag and report card!”

“The goal is to have the child enjoy his first, second, third—whatever visit it is,” says Luzader. “Because if he does, he’ll want to return again and again.” ¶ Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

4 Tips for the First Office Visit 1. Consider a “get acquainted” visit to introduce your child to the dental office before the first appointment.

2. Choose a pediatric dental practice. Pediatric dentists have two to three years of specialized training beyond dental school in treating children. Plus, the offices are child friendly.

3. Select an appointment time when your child is alert and rested.

4. Explain before the visit that the dentist is a friend and will help your child keep his or her teeth healthy. Add that the visits will be fun.

“What is really important is that parents not relay any fears they have www.sonomafamilylife.com

February 2017

SonomaFamilyLife 17

Preschool Prep 10 Steps to Success

1

Talk with your children, not at them. Preschool is a verbal place where children are required to express themselves in words. Give your children a lot of practice by encouraging conversations at home.

When your children are telling you something, focus your attention on them and on what they are saying. Ask questions so they will tell you more.

2

Find playmates. Give your children the opportunity to play with others their own age. At first each child may engage in his or her own activity, although other children are present. Psychologists

Let your children get used to the idea of preschool with visits designed to tantalize.

T

By Sharon Nolfi

he beginning of preschool is a major milestone for children and their parents. Preschool presents new challenges, even for children who have been in day care. Many preschools have expectations more commonly associated with kindergarten or first grade. Some preschools even have entrance exams that require children to demonstrate specific skills.

Preschool readiness results from a combination of natural childhood growth processes and learned skills.

Children have different timetables for such natural milestones as crawling and walking, and parents can do little to affect when these skills will emerge.

In contrast, there are numerous 18 SonomaFamilyLife

abilities that depend on learning, and parents can do much to provide an environment in which such learning will occur.

You can prepare your children for preschool success by incorporating some simple activities into their daily routines. Here are some specific ideas:

call this “parallel play,” a developmental skill that must be mastered prior to “interactive play,” in which children actively engage each other. Gradually introduce the concept of sharing, but understand that children develop this skill at different rates.

3

Emphasize physical play.

Children’s muscle control develops in sequence from larger, looser movements to smaller, more detailed ones. For this reason, hours spent running, jumping, throwing a ball, and climbing will make children more able to master holding a crayon or pair of scissors later on.

4

Provide sensory play experiences. Playing with sand and water allows children to

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

read the alphabet, or even words, just by following along with a parent’s reading.

learn about the properties of each while also developing perceptual pathways in the brain. Many preschools emphasize sensory activities in their reading readiness programs.

5

7

Introduce materials and tools. Provide your children with paper, fat crayons, washable markers, child-sized safety scissors, removable tape, and stick glue. Teach them to hold and use these tools safely.

Then let them create!

6

Pull out picture books.

Read to your children, pausing occasionally to discuss images or action in the book. Your children will love having you close, and they will learn how to properly handle and enjoy books. Some children learn to

Teach hygiene for good health. Preschools are incubation rooms for germs, so make sure your children know how to wash their hands before eating and after using the bathroom. Teach them to sneeze into a tissue and cough into the inside of the forearm.

your children can check as tasks are completed.

9

Visit preschools with your children. Let your children get used to the idea of preschool with visits designed to tantalize. Point out the attractive toys and activities.

Remember that some fear and a period of adjustment are normal.

10

Explore your own feelings. Preschool can be more traumatic for parents than for children. Sometimes it’s painful to realize that our “babies” aren’t babies anymore. Accept that it may be an emotional time. Try to separate your own emotions from any adjustment issues your children may have. ¶

8

Provide structured activities. Play simple games with your children, emphasizing that following the rules makes the game go smoothly. If your children don’t have routines for getting up in the morning and going to bed, establish regular sequences of tasks for those times. Make a chart with boxes that

Sharon Nolfi is a licensed school psychologist and mother. Her writing has been published worldwide.

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February 2017

SonomaFamilyLife 19

A World of Color How to Talk to Kids About Race & Culture

By Laura Lyles Reagan

F

ebruary is Black History Month, a time when we pay particular attention to issues of diversity and racial and cultural differences. These seem like weighty topics to tackle with kids, yet, thanks to social media and the evening news, children are daily exposed to stories about culture and race. So what is the best way to help children sort through these issues? Behaviorists tell us that the first rule of thumb is to model the behavior you want.

Demonstrate positive race relations in practical ways in your own life. Do you have friends of other races? If most of your friends are from your own race and culture, you may want to consider opportunities for you and your child to interact with others from diverse backgrounds. One idea is to attend a different place of worship for a day. Observe the service, find something to appreciate about it, and comment on it to your child. If you see 20 SonomaFamilyLife

a television program about a different culture, use the opportunity to discuss different ways of life and worldviews. Find one thing you like about the culture you are discussing, and state it out loud.

Apart from modeling positive behaviors, it’s also important to answer in age-appropriate terms the questions kids are bound to have.

Psychiatrist Alvin Poussaint, MD, says to expect questions about race and culture particularly around ages 6–8 years old and the teenage years; both are periods when a child’s world is expanding and values are forming or solidifying. Using simple, honest terms to respond to kids is important.

Even a response of “I don’t know” or “Let’s read about that” can show you are open to learning about different cultures, customs, and communities.

When race and culture issues arise in day-to-day life, turn them into “teachable moments.” For instance, if your child’s response to a classmate’s Asian mom and an African-American dad is “Isn’t that

weird?” you may choose to say “Not weird, just different.” When your teen asks what you think about his school renaming the sports teams because Native Americans find “Redskins” to be offensive, you can use it as an opportunity to discuss the impact of racial slurs.

If you need help with talking about these issues with your kids, there are many resources, including the following: • civilrights.org/publications/reports/ talking_to_our_children • tolerance.org • parenting.com/article/5-tips-fortalking-about-racism-with-kids • bouncebackparenting.com/ resources-for-talking-to-kids-aboutrace-and-racism • raceconscious.org ¶ Laura Lyles Reagan, MS, is a clinical sociologist and parenting journalist. She is the author of How to Raise Respectful Parents (Moonshine Cove Publishing, 2016). She can be reached through her website, lauralreagan.com.

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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SonomaFamilyLife 21

Crack the Cold

the body can also produce other chemicals that can make a child feel lousy.

A phlegmy cough, without wheezing or fast breathing, may develop because of post-nasal drip—a slow leak of mucus from the nose that irritates the back of your child’s throat. It does not require medical treatment.

When to Worry Cold-like symptoms you should be concerned about include distressed breathing (your child can’t catch his breath, even when trying to breathe through his mouth), a high fever

Decode Your Child’s Symptoms

Milk may make secretions at the back of your child’s throat thicker, which is why clear liquids are best.

By Sandra Gordon

A

s miserable as a cough or stuffy nose can make your child feel, it’s helpful to know that cold symptoms can often seem worse than they actually are.

“Congestion is a normal, healthy response to a virus or an irritant.

It’s generally the body’s way of trapping it in the nose and throat so it doesn’t get to your lungs,” says pediatrician Michael Brady, MD. And coughing is the body’s way of clearing and protecting airways from irritating mucus and other secretions.

Still, coughs and congestion can sometimes signal something more serious.

22 SonomaFamilyLife

What’s worrisome and what’s not?

Here’s what you need to know to decipher your child’s cold symptoms and the best ways to handle them so everyone can breathe easier.

See the Signs Nasal congestion is often the first evidence of a cold. It’s an inflammatory response to bacteria or most commonly, a virus. When a virus invades the nose or, less often, the air passages in the chest, cells lining these areas swell and produce mucus. Clogged nasal and throat passages help block the bad bug from traveling further. If the virus manages to get to the lungs, it can cause pneumonia and other nasty respiratory infections. As part of this inflammatory response, the nose can also run, which helps shed the virus. In response to the virus,

(100.5°F or greater), loss of appetite, disrupted sleep, a lack of energy and/ or chest congestion. Sometimes chest congestion is mistaken for nasal congestion. “Parents will often tell me they can hear their child’s chest rattling, but most of the time, they’re hearing noises being made in their child’s nose that get transmitted down to their child’s chest,” says Brady.

It’s a medical phenomenon known as transmitted sounds. True chest congestion produces a unique noise that pediatricians need a stethoscope to detect. This symptom can signal pneumonia, bronchitis, or asthma.

Call your doctor immediately, even if it’s in the middle of the night or on the weekend, if your child’s breathing ever seems labored. You should also contact your doctor if your child’s

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

cough or congestion interferes with his or her sleep, activity, or appetite, or if it’s associated with a fever. Tell your doctor what temperature-taking method you used and be prepared to report any other symptoms your child is experiencing, such as loss of appetite or thirst.

See the pediatrician if your child’s cough and stuffy nose persist for more than ten days without improving, even if it’s not causing other symptoms. Rarely, a cold can start off as a viral nasal infection and develop into a bacterial infection in the lungs, aka pneumonia, which does require medical attention. “There are a lot more colds than there are pneumonias,” says Brady. That’s because there are more than 100 viruses that cause colds and many of them are circulating in the environment at the same time, he says.

Your little one could also have asthma, allergies, or even enlarged adenoids, which inhibit breathing. Older kids could have sinusitis (a bacterial infection that’s often brought on by a cold) or an allergy. It could also simply be seasonal stuffiness. My 9-year-old daughter, for example, has a chronically stuffy nose in the winter that doesn’t seem to bother her. “Her nose might just be sensitive to dry winter air,” says Lawrence Rosen, MD, an integrative medicine pediatrician. When the humidity level in the air drops along with the thermometer, mucous membranes in the nose can swell.

Kid Comfort You can’t shorten the duration of a cold, but you can help your child feel better by trying these tactics: www.sonomafamilylife.com

Keep nasal passages as clear as possible. Using a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s bedroom will help moisten airways to reduce the coughing caused by post-nasal drip. A steamy shower can also help hydrate nasal membranes and make mucus easier to dislodge. But be sure to clean the humidifier often and use it only when your child is congested.

“If you run a humidifier full time, there’s a greater chance you’ll create

True chest congestion produces a unique noise that pediatricians need a stethoscope to detect. mold spores in the room, which your child can inhale,” says Rosen. As a result, kids can develop an allergy to mold and a chronic cough.

For babies and toddlers who can’t blow their noses yet, use nasal saline drops and a nasal aspirator to suction a runny nose. It’s important that your child can breathe through the nose when nursing or having a bottle. Otherwise, she or he may not drink as much and may become dehydrated, which can complicate your child’s condition. Use saline spray for older kids. It helps lubricate mucus so it’s easier to blow out.

Fill up on fluids. Drinking plenty of clear fluids such as water can help your child stay hydrated, which helps thin mucus and clear nasal secretions. “If you’re sick, your body’s metabolism may be higher.

You’ll burn more fluid, especially if you also have a fever, so you want to February 2017

replace that fluid,” says Rosen. Even the steam from hot liquids such as chicken soup or herbal tea can help open nasal passages. Try chamomile or homemade lemon-mint tea made with hot water, a few lemon slices, mint leaves, and a teaspoon or two of sugar.

Milk may make secretions at the back of your child’s throat thicker, which is why clear liquids are best.

But if you have a baby under age 1, stick with breast milk or formula, if your baby can tolerate it. If your baby is vomiting, Rosen recommends alternating formula or breast milk with Pedialyte, but check with your doctor to be sure. Don’t give babies under 1 year old straight water, Rosen advises. Infants are susceptible to water intoxication, a potentially lethal condition that results when too much water dilutes the electrolyte balance of the blood.

Try aromatherapy. Combine massage oil with a drop or two of eucalyptus essential oil, and rub the blend on your baby or toddler’s chest—it’s a potential congestion cure.

“Breathing in the smell helps open air passages,” Rosen says. You can also try mint and menthol essential oils. But if your child has a history of asthma, avoid these oils as well as the age-old Vicks VapoRub, which is not recommended for kids under age 2. “Any kind of smell can irritate the airways in children with asthma,” Rosen says. If you do want to try massage and essential oils, they are available at health food stores. ¶ Sandra Gordon writes on the latest developments in health, medicine, nutrition, parenting, and consumer issues for online and print outlets.

SonomaFamilyLife 23

The Doctor Is In

Avoid Meltdowns at the Pediatrician

don’t have time to fuss. Think iPad, iPhone, Gameboy, LeapPad, books, and toys. If you have Netflix at home, you can download the app for free on your iPad or smart-phone, and stock up on all of your children’s favorite movies.

Just be sure to charge all of your electronics before heading out the door. If you prefer books, bring easy-to-carry, age-appropriate ones

Ask your pediatrician if your child can have a medicine syringe, latex glove, mask, or Band-Aid. Tell them about each item and how to use it. that your kids look forward to reading. Kids love to fill their own backpacks with diversions that they can play with while waiting for the doctor.

By Meagan Ruffing

G

oing to the doctor’s office can be intimidating— especially when you have more than one child with you. You wonder: Will my kids behave? Will they have a meltdown? Be prepared with these tips.

• Timing is everything. To increase your chances of avoiding a meltdown, schedule the appointment around your child’s naptime. The more rested your child is, the better.

Mondays are the busiest day at the pediatrician’s office because parents take in children who have been sick over the weekend. Avoid Mondays like the plague, unless a visit is absolutely necessary.

24 SonomaFamilyLife

• Bring tons of snacks. I mean a plethora! It’s a great time to empty out cereal boxes and cupboards for any last-minute items that you have been trying to get your kids to eat up. Add some of their favorite snacks, too—even a special surprise just for the doctor’s office.

Don’t forget Sippy cups!

• Entertainment is key. When your kids are occupied, they

• Introduce them to their environment. While one of the worst things about being stuck in an examining room is trying to keep kids’ hands off all the “fun” medical equipment around, there is stuff that it is okay for them to explore. For example, if there is a sink in the room, they can wash their hands. If there are charts on the walls, read them aloud; make a game out of finding different items on the posters. Ask your pediatrician if your children can have a medicine syringe, latex glove, mask, or Band-Aid. Tell them about each item and how to use it. Pretend to play “doctor,” and even have your children bring their own doctor’s kit from home

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

125TH ANNUAL so that they can add their new “tools” to it. Just watch the smiles take over their faces with this one.

What kid doesn’t love pulling out all of their new doctor’s tools?

• Tag-team it. If you are fortunate enough to have both parents attending the appointment, each of you can be responsible for one child. Or if the appointment is only for one child, have your partner take the other kids to the park or, if it’s too cold outside, an indoor play area at the mall.

• Be patient. It’s key. Kids are kids and sometimes there is nothing we as parents can do to prevent a meltdown. Do what you

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can to be at your best. If prayer is your thing, then say a prayer.

If calling a friend on the way to the appointment helps you to get focused, then pick up the phone.

• Reward them. If all goes well and the children behave to your liking, surprise them with a treat such as ice cream, or take a quick trip to the park. Outings like these can set the tone for how you would like future situations to go. ¶ Meagan Ruffing is a parenting journalist, author, and speaker.

She is always looking for new and creative ways to keep her kids occupied at the doctor’s office. Sign up for her free monthly parenting newsletter at meaganruffing.com and like her on Facebook.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

HEY MOM, GIVE US A SHOUT! We want to know what you think.

• What did you like in this issue?

• What do you want to see more or less of?

• Know a teacher, coach, or special person that makes local family life better?

• Know of an upcoming event or fun family outing?

• Want to write stories, recipes, or blog for Family Life?

e-mail melissa@family-life.us February 2017

SonomaFamilyLife 25

Inside Out

Parenting an Extrovert

By Jessica Graham

O

ne of my kids is a classic extrovert or rather he’s an extrovert’s extrovert. No kidding, daily he chats with the mailman, our neighbors over the fence, and his classmates at school.

From the moment he wakes up to the moment he goes to sleep, he’s got something to say, usually loudly.

He’s also been known to talk in his sleep and while he should be asleep. One morning, I got called into his room at 3 a.m. Naturally, I assumed that this summons meant that someone was either bleeding or throwing up. Instead he told me he could spell the word idea and wanted to know if I would like to hear him do so. (I did not.)

I’m an introvert. Like most introverts, I like books. I like my close friends. Loud, crowded places make me cranky. Running too many errands has a similar effect on me.

26 SonomaFamilyLife

I’ve always known that Mr. Outgoing and I are temperamentally opposite; but I hadn’t realized that I needed to take that into account

Extroverts learn by talking. It’s how they sort through their thoughts and emotions. when I interacted with him, until recently. I was reading the book Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka (William Morrow, 2015) when I found out that extroverts learn by talking. It’s how they sort through their thoughts and emotions.

Sheedy Kurcinka explained that extroverts may ask questions with obvious answers not because they want an answer but because they’re processing their thoughts aloud.

The example she gave was a classic “me and him” moment. She talked about how an extroverted child might ask things like “Where’s my pen?” or “Where are the scissors?”

Reading this was a light bulb moment for me. Every day when it’s homework time I’m asked “Where are the pencils?” or “I can’t find the erasers.” These things make me want to bang my head on the wall because the pencils are in the same place today that they were yesterday (and the day before that, too)!

But now I realize, he’s not asking me to ask me. He’s just talking out loud. The favor of my reply is neither expected nor wanted.

Instead of responding in frustration, I can just zip it. By talking, he’s already figuring it out.

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

The difference between being an extrovert and an introvert is often described like a bag of marbles.

An introvert starts the day with a

I’ve always known that Mr. Outgoing and I are temperamentally opposite; but I hadn’t realized that I needed to take that into account when I interacted with him bag full of marbles. As she goes about her day interacting with other people and situations, those marbles are taken out of the bag.

An extrovert starts the day with an

empty bag. As he goes about his day, each time he interacts with someone or does some new activity, it adds a marble to his bag. Even though introverts and extroverts fill and deplete their bags differently, the goal is the same: a full bag of marbles at the end of the day.

One of the ways to “fill” an extrovert’s bag is to give immediate feedback or approval. I’m going to try doing this from now on. Maybe this way I’ll be able to keep more of my marbles. ¶ Jessica Graham has written for Riverside Lawyer Magazine, Parent.co, Scary Mommy, and Very Well. Find more of her work on her blog at inpursuitofloud.com, where she writes about the art of everyday living.

Innie or Outie?

Do you know if you’re an introvert or an extrovert? What about your kids? Below are some of the distinguishing characteristics of introverts and extroverts.

Introverts • Need time alone to recharge; dislike crowds • Like to think things through before they speak • Don’t like last-minute changes or schedule surprises Extroverts • Are energized by being around other people and social situations • Often process things verbally • Are avid multitaskers

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SonomaFamilyLife 27

Cooking with Kids

Pecan Dreams Easy-to-Make, Heavenly Treats

By Christy Jordan

I

love traditional Southern divinity candy and shared our family recipe in my first book; the holidays just aren’t the same without it. Divinity is a white, fluffy candy made from egg whites and sugar, which requires perfect weather and lots of mixing. Mama and I both make up batches and divvy it out like gold doubloons among our families and friends.

It’s just that good.

Cream Cheese Divinity

Guess what else, though. This recipe doesn’t depend on the weather, or the temperature of your house, or how your pinkie toes are crossed. There is no thermometer needed, no syrup to be made, and nothing hot that will give you a burn. You toss all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl, mix, roll into balls, and press a pecan in the center. That’s it. Seriously!

Cream Cheese Divinity Makes 50 to 60 pieces • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature

So here is the thing: This recipe is not traditional divinity. I didn’t develop it to be that. I developed it to be an awful lot like it but simple enough for anyone to make and just as good.

• 3 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

Will it remind you of divinity?

Definitely. But this is decadently wonderful in its own special way.

Think of how good cream cheese frosting tastes, especially when you get a bite that has a big pecan on it, and you have some understanding of what this is going to be like—only a good bit better.

• 7 to 9 cups confectioners’ sugar (I buy a 2-pound bag)

28 SonomaFamilyLife

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 50 to 60 pecan halves (optional) 1. Place the cream cheese, butter, and lemon juice in a medium-size mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer at medium speed until fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes.

2. Add the vanilla and gradually add 7 cups of the confectioners’ sugar.

Beat at medium speed, scraping down the side of the bowl as needed, until well blended, 2 to 3 minutes. Add up to 1 cup more confectioners’ sugar if needed to make a thick cookie-dough consistency.

3. Place 1 cup of the confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and dip the bottoms in the sugar to coat. Place the balls on waxed paper or parchment and press a pecan half into each one, if desired, flattening the ball slightly.

4. Allow the divinity to dry at room temperature until they’re no longer sticky, 2 to 3 hours, before serving.

Cream Cheese Divinity will keep, in an airtight container at room temperature, for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. ¶ Excerpted with permission from Sweetness: Southern Recipes to Celebrate the Warmth, the Love, and the Blessings of a Full Life

by Christy Jordan (Workman, 2016).

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Crafting with Kids

Sweet on You Share Crafty Love

By Denise Morrison Yearian

F

ebruary is quite possibly the sweetest month of the year.

Following is a confection of crafts to make and share with someone you love.

Lacy Licorice Candy Heart Items needed: Clear contact paper, red or pink construction paper, ruler, scissors, hole punch, tape, string licorice, small Valentine candy.

Remove backing from contact paper and place construction paper over it, smoothing wrinkles and bubbles.

Measure and cut two identical hearts from the contact-construction paper. Place the hearts together, contact paper facing out, and punch holes every ½ inch along the outer rim of the heart, ¼ inch from the edge. Use string licorice to sew the two hearts together, looping each stitch around the outer edge of the heart. If the licorice runs out, tie the loose end to a new piece of string and continue lacing. When you’ve laced nearly the entire heart, stop and fill the interior heart pouch with candy, then finish lacing until

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Candy Necklace

you reach your starting point. Tie the two licorice free ends in a knot or bow and trim off excess string.

Candy Necklace Items needed: Clear plastic wrap, ruler, scissors, red and white peppermint candies (unwrapped), red ribbon.

Measure and cut a 4- by 40-inch piece of plastic wrap. Working from the middle of the plastic toward the outer edge, place unwrapped candy 1 inch apart to form a row that measures approximately 18 inches.

Fold plastic around the candy, gently rolling it to create a long strand. Cut ribbon into 3-inch strips and tie between candies. Tie the ends of the plastic wrap together, then snip off excess plastic to create a necklace.

Pop-Up Greeting Items needed: Construction paper, scissors, cardboard, glue gun (low setting), heart-shaped stencil, pencil, February 2017

ruler, markers, stickers, glitter, jewels and other embellishments, envelope.

Fold a piece of construction paper in half and then in half again to create a rectangular card. Cut a 5- by ½-inch strip from cardboard then fold back and forth accordion style to create a “spring” for the pop-up card. Glue one end of the strip to the inside of your card. Use a stencil to trace around and cut out a heart then glue it to the other end of the paper spring. Write a greeting on the front and inside of the card and embellish with stickers, glitter, or jewels. Fold the spring down and place it, along with the attached heart, flat against the inside of the card. Close the card and slip it into an envelope. When your recipient opens the card, the design will pop out. ¶ Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

SonomaFamilyLife 29

Family Fun

Eric Zivian, Tanya Tomkins, and Eric Hoeprich play the Valley of the Moon Music Festival in Rohnert Park.

Let Your Love Shine 6 Local V-Day Adventures

W

hether you spend Valentine’s Day with just your partner, or you bring your kids along, these activities will make it fun and special.

Rohnert Park Evoking images of starlit Sonoma County hills, the Valley of the Moon Music Festival conjures up romance with its very name. For festivalgoers, the soundtrack for our enchanting local landscape will be early clarinet music, including Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, performed by Eric Hoeprich on clarinet, Catherine Manson on violin and viola, Tanya Tomkins on cello, and Eric Zivian on fortepiano.

The concert will be held on February 11 at 3 p.m. at Schroeder Hall in the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at gmc.sonoma.edu/ event/3269307-musicians-from-the-valley-of-the.

Santa Rosa If the object of your affection has crimson tresses, you’re in luck. In honor of Charlie Brown’s famous infatuation with a certain Little Red-Haired Girl, the Charles M. Schulz Museum is letting redheaded folks in for free on February 12, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Bring the kids, and make it a family outing. Check out schulzmuseum.org.

30 SonomaFamilyLife

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Rohnert Park Shakespeare’s archetypal lovers, Romeo and Juliet, have inspired all manner of art, from paintings to poetry to music. In the latter category is the symphony Roméo et Juliette by Berlioz and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet ballet score. Both will be performed as part of the Santa Rosa Symphony’s Alessio Tales of Love program. In Bax addition, pianist Alessio Bax will play Piano Concerto No. 2 by Brahms. The concert will be held in Weill Hall at Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center on February 11 and 13 at 8 p.m. and February 12 at 3 p.m.

In addition, an open rehearsal will be held on February 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $17 for the open rehearsal and $20–$80 for other shows. Purchase them at srsymphony.org.

Petaluma If your sweetie is gastronomically inclined, then the Petaluma Sons of Italy Crab Feed is just the place to woo his or her affections.

You both can fill up on an all-you-can-eat supply of tasty crustaceans (pasta and salad, too) on February 11 at the Lucchesi Park Community Center. No-host cocktails are at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 and must be purchased by February 5. Call 486-5085 or e-mail vlaszlo5319@gmail.com.

Healdsburg Heart-shaped boxes of confections abound this time of year. Stand out from the crowd with your own homemade edible delights. At the SHED’s Chocolate Truffle Workshop, pastry chef Lorrette Patzwald will help you turn raspberries and Guittard chocolate into amour-inspiring goodies. The class will be held on February 12, 1–3 p.m. Admission is $65; register at healdsburgshed. com/events/chocolate-truffle.

Nick Hoffman

Santa Rosa Transport you and your valentine to the Summer of Love at the Beat Goes On Family Day: Psychedelic Valentines and More. The whole fam can make groovy macramé key chains, tie-dye tile coasters, and even psychedelic art. The event will be held on February 11, 2–4 p.m., at the History Museum of Sonoma County. It’s free for kids ages 12 and under, who must be accompanied by an adult, and free with admission to the museum ($7–$10) for ages 13 and up. See museumsc.org for more information and to register (not required.) ¶ www.sonomafamilylife.com

February 2017

SonomaFamilyLife 31

February Calendar of Events

Citrus Sensation

F

or the town of Cloverdale, oranges are a cause for celebration.

Every year the town hosts its Citrus Fair to showcase these stars of Sonoma County agriculture. Fairgoers can take in 3-D exhibits of citrus fruits and then go fly through the air on a Ferris wheel, or kick up their heels to the music of local band Court ’n Disaster or a mariachi group. Other entertainment includes the Cabaret Players, comedy hypnotist Tyzen, and storytellers the Gypsy Time Travelers. Check it all out February 17–20 at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds in Cloverdale.

A parade will be held February 18 at 11 a.m. in downtown Cloverdale.

Admission to the fair is $5–$8. (Entertainment may incur a separate fee.) See cloverdalecitrusfair.org for more information. ¶

Wednesday 1 FREE Fam Team: Black History Through Music. Listen & dance to

essential compositions by legendary artists such as Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Robert Johnson, Louis Jordan, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday & more. 3–4:30 p.m. Sebastopol Regional Library.

7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Immigration Program of Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa. Citizenship

admissions decisions? Bring questions about the college planning process.

Presented by college counselor Martha Garfield. 6–7:30 p.m. Sebastopol Regional Library. 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

classes begin in February. Also offering free (up to $50) legal services for those in the process of becoming a US citizen. Reserve a spot in classes: Call 578-6000, ext. 235 & state where you reside.

FREE CoderDojo. Learn to code & develop websites & games. Beginners welcome. Ages 8–17. Wednesdays. 4:30 p.m. Petaluma Regional Library. 100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. Register: coderdojopetaluma.org.

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February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Friday 3 Murder at Joe’s Speakeasy. Murder mystery dinner theater. Also Feb 11 & 24. 7 p.m. $68. Charlie’s Restaurant.

1340 19th Hole Dr., Windsor. getaclueproductions.com.

Paint the Town Red. Guests will

stroll to each of the participating restaurants & receive drink & food discounts. Fun activities inspired by love & heart health. 5–10:30 p.m. $25. Various restaurants in Santa Rosa. Buy tickets online: eventbrite. com/e/paint-the-town-red-tickets29462523200?aff=efbeventtix.

FREE Tinker Thinkers: Forces & Motion. Work with kapla blocks,

marble runs, ramps & balls to explore the physics of motion & energy. Ages 5–12. 4 p.m. Cloverdale Regional Library. 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Cuentos y Cantos—Bilingual Story & Play Time. Exploraremos

cuentos, cantos y rimas en inglés y español. Explore books, songs & rhymes in both English & Spanish.

Ages 0–5. 11–11:30 a.m. Sebastopol Regional Library. 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. sonomalibrary.org.

Registration begins February 2nd.

Register for classes at www.santarosarec.com 707-543-3737 Register onlin

e! www.sant aro

performed by Sonoma Arts Live. Thru Feb. 5. Feb. 3 & 4: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5: 2 p.m. $22–$43. Sonoma Community www.sonomafamilylife.com

sarec.com Para informaci on

Splash Aroun d!

Check out the

Community Eve nts

en Español, vea

pagina 91

Spring and Su mmer

Teens Summer Musical Camp (ages 13-19)

Hairspray, Jr. June 12–July 20.

Shows on July 21, 22, and 23rd.

FREE Bodega Marine Laboratory Tours. Explore the dynamic

Evita. Andrew Lloyd Webber musical

Spring/Summer 2017

Choose from over 800 activities for the whole family!

Crazy, Awesome Science! Fridays.

2 p.m. $10 (admission to museum).

Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.

biodiversity of the Northern California Coast. 2–4 p.m. Bodega Marine Laboratory. 2099 Westshore Rd., Bodega Bay. bml.ucdavis.edu.

ActivityG uide

Spring activities are here!

Youth Summer Musical Camp (ages 8–12)

Lion King

SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS! February 2017

June 19–July 27.

Shows July 28, 29, and 30th.

CHECK IT OUT TODAY! www.6thStreetPlayhouse.com

Call (707) 523-4185 Today!

SonomaFamilyLife 33

STS For Less Stress, Fly

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport Seattle (SEA)

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WAUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Relentlessly Pursuing Success for All

Now Enrolling for 2017-2018

Corona Creek & Meadow School Transitional Kindergarten–6th Grade Computer, Art & Music Teachers, Band, Librarians, Classroom Aides, Animation Lab, Maker Lab & Small Class Sizes

COME FOR A TOUR Call (707) 765-3331 to make a reservation

1851 Hartman Lane, Petaluma

www.waughsd.org

34 SonomaFamilyLife

FREE Preschool Story Time. 10:30 a.m. Northwest Santa Rosa Library.

150 Coddingtown Ctr., Santa Rosa. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Saturday 4

Nonstop Service to & from Wine Country

San Diego (SAN)

Center. 276 East Napa St., Sonoma. sonomaartslive.org.

FREE New SAT & College Standardized Test Prep Workshop.

With local test preparation consultant Ellen Jakes Kelm, PhD. Group workshop for high school students & their families. Bilingual: Spanish/English. 1–2:30 p.m.

Cloverdale Regional Library. 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Art Spark. Every week there is a

different craft, from printing to felting to building cars. Saturdays. 2–3 p.m.

Free with admission ($12). Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.

FREE Santa Rosa Symphony Flute & Harp Duet. First part of

program is an introduction to music & instruments, for ages 3–11. Second part of program is a concert for adults.

Works by John Dowland, J. S. Bach, Eric Satie & Vincent Persichetti.

2–3:45 p.m. Sonoma Valley Regional Library. 755 West Napa St., Sonoma. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Nuestros Parques Hike. A bilingual naturalist will lead this free family walk. 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Walk: Free. Parking: $7. Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail. 20600 Mockingbird Rd., Bodega Bay. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.

FREE Hora de Cuentos para Niños/ Bilingual Storytime. ¡Bienvenidos

a la Hora de Cuentos para Niños en español e inglés! Vamos a leer cuentos en español e inglés. Para niños de 0–5 años ¡Gratis! 10:15 a.m. Roseland

Community Library. 779 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

Sunday 5 FREE Sunday Boating at the Barn.

Borrow a rowboat, canoe, kayak, or sailboat & spend the afternoon on the Petaluma River. Short safety demo required. Sundays. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. David Yearsley River Heritage Center. 100 E. D St., Petaluma. friendsofthepetalumariver.org.

Monday 6 Museum Mondays for Little Ones.

Stories, arts & crafts activities & movement games for children ages 1–5 & their caregivers. 10 a.m.–noon. $5 per child. Up to 2 adults per child are free before 11 a.m. After 11 a.m., regular museum admission ($8–$12) applies. Charles M. Schulz Museum.

2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.

Tuesday 7 FREE Homework Help. Help with all subjects on a drop-in basis. Grades K–12. Tuesdays. 3:30–5 p.m. Windsor Regional Library. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor. sonomalibrary.org.

Skaggs Island Raptor Tour. Tuesdays

in Feb. Noon–3 p.m. Meet at the big white gate at Skaggs Island Rd. & Rt. 37 in Sonoma. This is the first gate you’ll pass through. Do not stop vehicle on the bridge. fws.gov/refuge/ san_pablo_bay/raptor_tour.html.

Wednesday 8 Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters.

African tale that has been compared to the story of Cinderella. 6:30 p.m.

(Arts & crafts & pizza one hour before show.) $12–$17. Lap passes for kids 2 & under (available on day of show only): $5. Luther Burbank Center for the

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. lutherburbankcenter.org.

Thursday 9 FREE Valentine’s Day Drop-In Craft Table. Ages 3 & up. Thru Feb. 14. 10

a.m.–6 p.m. (10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Feb. 11. No class Feb. 12 & 13.) Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library. 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Friday 10 One Stone. Multi-media production

explores life & discoveries of Albert Einstein. Puppetry, drama, music & projections. Thru Feb. 19. $15–$25.

(Junior & high school students $9 on Feb. 9 only.) Cinnabar Theatre.

3333 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. cinnabartheater.org.

FREE Pre-school Story Time. Ages

3–6. Fridays. 10:30 a.m. Rohnert Park–Cotati Regional Library. 6250 Lynne Condé Way, Rohnert Park. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Mindful Minis. Kids yoga &

meditation workshop. Playful yoga practice & exploration of mindfulness through fun activities. Children will learn tools for home & school to increase awareness, self-esteem, balance & how to calm those busy minds. Ages 6–12. 4 p.m. Register by calling 433-3772. Healdsburg Regional Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. sonomalibrary.org.

Amista Sparkling Valentine’s Weekend. Pairing of Sparkling Syrah

& chocolate-dipped strawberries. Thru Feb. 12. 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $15 (includes classic flight). Amista Vineyards.

3320 Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg. amistavineyards.com.

FREE Healthy Living at Your Library: Family Bootcamp. This

class is designed to provide a wide variety of interval training, body weight–based strength building exercises & stretching for a fun & intense workout for the whole family.

Ages 8 & up. 4:30–5:30 p.m. Petaluma Regional Library. 100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Saturday 11 FREE Early Education Fair. Get information about early education services & meet preschool program directors. The first 150 guests will receive free passes to the museum.

This event is sponsored by First 5 Sonoma County. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

sonoma AT Y CAMP, YOUR CHILD WILL MAKE MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME!

LOCAL

#1 local resource for for 25 years local families

magazine • web • email • events

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SIGN-UPS BEGIN MARCH 1ST! Adventure Camp•Sports Camp•Super Science Camp•Little Campsters•Moving On Camp•Kids Club & Counselor in Training Program Call or visit us for more details & registration information.

707.544.1829 www.scfymca.org Sonoma County Family Y  1111 College Avenue  Santa Rosa 707-545-9622  www.scfymca.org The Y is a non-profit community based organization.

February 2017

SonomaFamilyLife 35

ONE-CLICK GIVEAWAYS! Sign up for our weekly FUN BLAST & enter to win free goodies every week.

SonomaFamilyLife.com

Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. Schulz Annex. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.

Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce Hot Crab Feed.

All-you-can-eat hot crab, pasta, salad & bread from Mary’s Pizza Shack. No-host bar. 5 p.m. $70.

Rohnert Park Community Center.

5401 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. rohnertparkchamber.org.

The Beat Goes on Family Day: Psychedelic Valentines & More.

Make macramé key chains & tie-dye tile coasters. Printmaking & face-painting. 2–4 p.m. Free for ages 13 & up with admission ($7–$10).

Free for ages 12 & under, who must be accompanied by adult. History Museum of Sonoma County. 425 7th St., Santa Rosa. museumsc.org.

Walk on the Wild Side. 2.75-mile

guided hike with moderate incline. 9 a.m.–noon. Individual: $3. Family: $5.

Parking: $7. Tolay Lake Regional Park.

5869 Cannon Ln., Petaluma. parks. sonomacounty.ca.gov.

The Sebastopol Talent Show. 7

p.m. $5–$13. Ages 11 & under free.

Sebastopol Community Center. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. seb.org.

Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival.

Fish in Lake Sonoma, tour hatchery, try archery. 40 exhibitors, live music, food, beer & wine. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Milt Brandt Visitors Center. Skaggs Springs Rd., Geyserville. lakesonoma.org.

Sons of Italy Crab Feed.

All-you-can-eat crab, pasta & salad.

No-host cocktails: 6 p.m. Dinner: 7 p.m. $50. Tickets must be purchased

by Feb. 5. Contact 486-5085 or vlaszlo5319@gmail.com. Lucchesi Park Community Center. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma.

36 SonomaFamilyLife

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Fall 2017-18 Preschool Enrollment

Wine, Pizza & Bocce. Flight of

Family Nature Walk. 1–4 p.m.

Comstock wine, wood-fired pizza & bocce ball. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. $50.

Comstock Wines. 1290 Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg. comstockwines.com.

Parking: $7. Heavy rain cancels.

Spring Lake Regional Park.

Environmental Discovery Center. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. parksstg. sonomacounty.ca.gov.

FREE African Folktales, Legends & Music. Storyteller Kirk Waller

performs. 2 p.m. Petaluma Regional Library. 100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Sunday 12 FREE Little Red-Haired Girl (or Boy) Day. Red-haired folks of all ages get

in for free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.

Chocolate Truffle Workshop. Learn

to make chocolate-raspberry truffles from chef Lorrette Patzwald. 1–3 p.m. $65. SHED. 25 North St., Healdsburg.

Register: healdsburgshed.com/events/ chocolate-truffle.

Friday 17 Screenagers. Film about how

technology affects children’s development. 7 p.m. $5–$10. Sonoma State University. Green Music Center.

Schroeder Hall. 1801 E. Cotati Ln., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu.

Cloverdale Citrus Fair. 3-D exhibits

of citrus fruits, carnival, local bands.

Thru Feb. 20. (Parade in downtown Cloverdale on Feb. 18 at 11 a.m.) $5–$8.

Entertainment may incur a separate fee. Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds.

1 Citrus Fair Dr., Cloverdale. cloverdalecitrusfair.org.

Saturday 18 Tezlaff-Vogt Duo. Violinist & pianist

playing Beethoven, Bartok, Mozart & Schubert. 7:30 p.m. $35–$85. Sonoma State University. Green Music Center.

Weill Hall. 1801 E. Cotati Ln., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu.

FREE ¿Quien Vive en Su Vecindad?/ Who Lives in Your Neighborhood?

7-mile bilingual family walk. Heavy rain cancels. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. A Place to Play Park. 2375 W. Third St., Santa Rosa. parksstg.sonomacounty.ca.gov.

Call to visit our programs: • Children’s Circle 2.5-3.5+ yrs.

• Kinderclub 3-5 yrs.

• Montessori in Motion 3-6 yrs.

Sunday 19

Enrollment starts March 20th

Beethoven Piano Trios. Performed

by Wu Han (piano), Phillip Setzer (violin) & David Finckel (cello).

3 p.m. $35–$85. Sonoma State University. Green Music Center.

Weill Hall. 1801 E. Cotati Ln., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu.

Quality Affordable Preschool ● 7:1 ratio ● Credentialed Experienced Teachers Windsor Parks & Recreation 9291 Old Redwood Hwy. Bldg. 300D www.townofwindsor.com/preschool

707-838-1260

Wednesday 22 Winging It Wednesday. Birding walk

with Dave LaCasse. 8:30–10:30 a.m.

Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail. Hwy. 12 entrance, Santa Rosa. parksstg. sonomacounty.ca.gov.

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9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor. sonomalibrary.org.

back-to-school.

OnlineCheck-In Download our free app today.

Rohnert Park: 360 Rohnert Park Expressway Santa Rosa: Coddingtown Mall 750 Farmers Ln. (by Ross) Schubert & Kodaly. 7:30 p.m. $35–$85.

2240 Mendocino Ave. (by Safeway) 750 Stony Pt. Rd. (by Starbucks) Sonoma State University. Green Music 1425 Fulton Rd. (by Raley’s) Center. Weill Hall. 1801 E. Cotati Ln., 2700 Yulupa Ave. (by CVS) ANY HAIRCUT ANY HAIRCUT Windsor: 9018 Brooks Rd. (by Mary’s Pizza) Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu. $ 99 $ 99 Healdsburg: 1017 Vineyard Plaza Sonoma: ANY HAIRCUT ANY HAIRCUT 19217 Sonoma Hwy. (Maxwell Village Center) $ 99 ANY $ 99 Terra Linda: HAIRCUT ANY HAIRCUT Northgate One Shopping Center FREE Kawaii-Style Anime 701 Sonoma $Mountain Parkway. $ Petaluma: 99 99

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It’s not just

Gymnastics...

It’s confidence for a lifetime!

• Tumblebug Program for preschool-aged children • Boys & Girls Classes Recreation 6–12 • Tumbling & Tramp Classes

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redwood empire gymnastics

Newly Remodeled Campus All new state-of-theart dance studio, music room, and Black Box Theater.

An expanded stage, a kiln room, & science lab.

K-8 • Creativity • Collaboration Critical Thinking • Communication

CALL TODAY FOR TOUR! Santa Rosa Charter School for the Arts 707-522-3170 Humboldt Ave • Santa Rosa

KaCees Car Wash Self-Serve Dog Wash

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Reg. $10.00 • Expires 2/28/17 Present this coupon for discount.

Coupons cannot be combined with other offers.

586-8997

320 Rohnert Park Expressway Open Daily 8am–6pm

38 SonomaFamilyLife

Grades 3–6 (or higher). 10–11:30 a.m.

Advance sign-up required. Contact rinconvalley@sonoma.lib.ca.us or 537-0162. Rincon Valley Library.

6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

Anova Center for Education’s Autism & the Family Conference.

Keynote: Temple Grandin. Other speakers include Frank Campagna, Jill Escher & Feda Almaliti. 10 a.m. $48–$53. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. lutherburbankcenter.org.

Broadway Bash. A

talent showcase featuring current & former Young Rep actors/singers performing a wide variety of songs from favorite classics & modern musicals. Also wine, champagne, beer, small plates, hors d’oeuvres & desserts. $50.

6 p.m. Benefits Cinnabar Theater Young Rep. Santa Rosa Junior College, Petaluma Campus. Ellis Auditorium. 680 Sonoma Mountain Pkwy., Petaluma. 763-8920.

Songwriter’s Showcase. Occidental

Community Choir. A special concert featuring choir composers/ singers/instrumentalists performing

Mom & Dad Please Put Your Affairs in Order Be Prepared • • • • •

Nominate Guardians for Minors Wills & Revocable Living Trusts Powers of Attorney Meet at Your Home FREE Consultation

Evening & Weekend Appointments Available

707-431-7250

Maria Grace Wilson, Attorney at Law mgracewilson@mgracewilsonlaw.com

original works in an informal setting. 8 p.m. $10. Kids free.

Occidental Center for the Arts.

3850 Doris Murphy Ct., Occidental. occidentalchoir.org.

Brunch on Bald Hike. Rain or shine.

Meet at 9:45 a.m. in main parking lot. Prompt departure at 10 a.m. $8 admission fee. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. 833-6288. 539-8847. billanddavehikes.com.

Sunday 26 Carnival of the Animals & Nutcracker Suite. Performance

by Sonoma State University (SSU) Orchestra & Fratello Marionettes. 2 p.m. $8. Free for under age 2. Enter promo code 5LIVE for 37 percent off tickets. SSU. Green Music Center. Weill Hall. 1801 E. Cotati Ln., Rohnert Park. sonoma.edu/music/ concert_calendar.

FREE Family Yoga Class. Sponsored

by Kidding Around Yoga. 2–3 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum.

2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.

Cross & Crown Lutheran School 2 - 5 years Preschool Jr. Kindergarten – Kindergarten 1st through 5th Grade

CCLS - PSP Private Satellite Program K-5th

REGISTER NOW FOR 2017-18 (707) 795-7863

www.crossandcrownschoolrp.org Preschool license #490100475

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Have More Fun & Create Great Memories sonoma

FRE E!

February 2017

Shiny & Bright Kids at the dentist

Presch10otipos l Prep for success

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Classified Marketplace Lessons

Lessons

Got Art? We Do!!!

Ages 4-5 & 5-12

n the mid-1940s, Eva Perón was an iconic figure in Argentina, where, as the First Lady of President Juan Perón, she was a champion of women’s suffrage and labor rights. Her rise from humble beginnings to great political power is the subject of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita. A Sonoma Arts Live production of the rock opera will star Ellen Toscano as Eva Perón and Michael Conte as Juan Perón. Shows will be performed at the Sonoma Community Center in Sonoma on February 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and February 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22–$43 and may be purchased at sonomaartslive.org. ¶

Fratello Marionettes

Dancing Animals

C

amille Saint-Saens’s playful Carnival of the Animals is a favorite among educators for introducing orchestral music to kids. The humorous piece, a set of 14 movements that each portray a different animal or animals, will be performed along with Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite at Sonoma State University Symphony Orchestra’s first-ever family concert on February 26 at 2 p.m. Fratello Marionettes, a Bay Area marionette troupe, will enact stories and dances inspired by the music.

The 60-minute concert will be held at Weill Hall at the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park.

Tickets are $8, free for children under age 2, and may be purchased by calling 866-955-6040 or by logging on to sonoma.edu/music/concert_calendar. Enter promo code 5LIVE for 37 percent off single tickets. ¶ 40 SonomaFamilyLife

Painting • Drawing Cartooning Mask Making Glass Staining Silk Painting Wood Burning Mosaic • Clay

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Counseling

Childcare/Preschools

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Educating the Whole Child

YMCA PRESCHOOL

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YMCA Program Office The Y isConfidence, a non-profit community based organization. and Cognitive 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Bldg. 300D 707.544.1829 Financial Assistance is available.

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SonomaFamilyLife 41

Humor Break

Wild Child 12 Signs Your Kids Have Gone Feral

By Holly Hester

W

hen I pictured my future children, they always looked like they belonged in a Hanna Andersson catalog—perfect hair, matching pajamas, not a speck of dirt on them. But the more kids I had, the more unruly they seemed to get, banding together with a wild look in their eyes. Sure, I tried to keep my “catalog children” dream alive, but at some point I realized it was hopeless.

My children had turned feral.

Here’s what to look for if you’re worried that the same thing might be happening to your kids: 1. A “Lord of the Flies” hairstyle.

When you hold feral children down long enough to brush their hair, you find things like string, play dough, food, oatmeal, and sometimes other siblings trapped in it.

2. Spoons and forks are only used for drumming, never eating. Why even have hands if you’re not going to use them to grab a fistful of yogurt?

3. When you set up a humane trap in the living room to catch a feral child, the only thing you get is the neighbor’s cat.

4. All furniture is considered a mountainous region that needs to be conquered. This includes not only the furniture in your own house, but the furniture in doctors’ offices, nice furniture at furniture stores, and the 42 SonomaFamilyLife

furniture at the house of your friend who doesn’t have children and swears once you leave that her future children will never be like your feral children.

(Fortunately they will, and you will have the last laugh.)

5. When food falls on the ground, the feral child does not have a three-second rule. It’s more like a

Crawling under a bathroom stall is the obvious best choice for leaving a public bathroom. Duh. two-week rule, a two-month rule, or a “What? But Mom, I already ate it” rule.

6. Bathtubs and showers are used as good hiding spots for hide-and-seek or places to race matchbox cars, and that’s it—they’re never for bathing.

Feral children also know bathtubs as the place where Mommy goes to cry.

7. Fingernail dirt is a sign that you’re a feral child “elder.” Clipping the nails of feral children should always be approached with caution and possibly the use of a tranquilizer gun.

8. Crawling under a bathroom stall is the obvious best choice for leaving a public bathroom. Duh. 9. Feral children know the only purpose of anti-bacterial hand soap is to squirt as much of it into your hand

as possible and then chase another feral child around with it.

10. Clothing is optional for feral children. How can you cover yourself with temporary tattoos if you’re wearing clothes? Plus, in general, underwear is for losers. Fancy occasions only require a cape and possibly a wand.

11. Feral children are good at running while eating because they are always prepared for the possibility that someone might try to grab them and clean them. A feral child can run while eating a bowl of cereal, climb while drinking a smoothie, and eat handfuls of candy while sliding under a bed.

12. Overpopulation. Your feral child will undoubtedly attract other feral children and soon your yard will be crawling with packs of them. If you feed them, they will never leave.

The good news is that feral children can still be loving members of your household. They are easy-going and fun, and their filthy, sticky hugs are just wonderful.

Plus, even better than catalog children, feral children are great at catching rats.

Enjoy your feral child! ¶ Holly Hester lives in Sebastopol and writes about life on her blog, Riot Ranch. Find her book, Escape from Ugly Mom Island!, on Amazon.

February 2017 www.sonomafamilylife.com

FIVE AMAZING SCHOOLS NOW ENROLLING FOR 2017-18 La Tercera Elementary School

Featuring a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

Loma Vista Immersion Academy Charter School

Featuring the internationally acclaimed Dual Immersion language model

Miwok Valley Language Academy Elementary Charter School Featuring a focus on Expeditionary Learning

Old Adobe Elementary Charter School

Featuring a focus on Arts and Ecology

Sonoma Mountain Elementary Charter School Featuring a focus on Arts and Music

845 Crinella Drive, Petaluma • 707-765-4321 • www.oldadobe.org

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SPRING CAMPS Crafts, Gymnastics, Games & Sports Fun Weekly Themes!

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Logan Logan Had Had Given Given Up, Up, but but his his Parents Parents Were Were

Determined Determined to to Find Find an an Answer Answer “Logan, you’re a smart kid. C’mon.

“Logan, you’resort a smart kid. C’mon.

Make some of effort!”

Make some sort of effort!”

Laura pleaded with her 13-year-old son as he sulked over the books strewn the with kitchen Lauraacross pleaded her table.

13-year-old son as he sulked over the books strewn across the kitchen table.

Every night Laura and her husband, Ted, worked with Logan for hours onnight reading andand homework.

LoganTed, was worked a great kid with a great Every Laura her husband, with Logan for heart, butreading he seemed to have given up. was Luckily, his kid parents hours on and homework.

Logan a great with weren’t a great willing to dohethe same. to have given up. Luckily, his parents weren’t heart, but seemed willing to do the The first thingsame. that attracted Laura and Ted to brain training was how it was tutoring. explains, “The last thing Thedifferent first thing that from attracted LauraLaura and Ted to brain training was Logan needed was to go to a tutoring have them another how different it was from tutoring.center Lauraand explains, “Thedo last thing three of was whattohad just been done in school thatthem hadn’t Loganhours needed go to a tutoring center and have doworked!” another three hours of what had just been done in school that hadn’t worked!”

The second thing they loved was the testing. They’d had Logan tested LearningRx the first exThe before, second but thingthe they loved wasassessment the testing.was They’d had to Logan plain wasbut actually happening in Logan’s brain testedwhat before, the LearningRx assessment was and the why first he to was exstruggling—and then offer a solution!in Logan’s brain and why he was plain what was actually happening struggling—and then offer director a solution!

“When the LearningRx told us Logan had weak skills in auditory everything making his skills mother “Whenprocessing, the LearningRx directorstarted told us Logan sense,” had weak in remembers.

“And because auditory processing foundational for auditory processing, everything started making issense,” his mother reading, no wonder Logan hated books!” remembers.

“And because auditory processing is foundational for reading, no wonder Logan hated books!”

But the bigger surprise was that Logan actually looked forward to

+27 +27 Auditory Processing Before LearningRx Auditory Processing BrainLearningRx Training Before Brain Training

Auditory Processing After LearningRx Auditory Processing BrainLearningRx Training After Brain Training

According to the department of Education, poor auditory contributes 85% of the nation’s Accordingprocessing to the department of to Education, poor reading one study ofto2,112 LearningRx auditoryproblems! processingIncontributes 85% of the nation’s clients dyslexia, in LearningRx auditory readingwith problems!

In the oneaverage study ofgain 2,112 processing 27 percentile points, years! clients withwas dyslexia, the average gainor in3.6 auditory processing 27 percentile points,results or 3.6may years!

(Based on pastwas LearningRx clients. Individual vary.

To learnon more our research results results on thousands of (Based pastabout LearningRx clients.and Individual may vary.

LearningRx clients, To learn more aboutvisit: ourwww.learningrx.com/results) research and results on thousands of LearningRx clients, visit: www.learningrx.com/results)

LearningRx brain training. every session, he couldn’t wait to tell But the bigger surprise After was that Logan actually looked forward to his parents brain everything he After had learned and accomplished.

His grades LearningRx training. every session, he couldn’t wait to tell improved, when the opportunity arose to transfer to more his parents and everything he had learned and accomplished.

Hisagrades academically school,arose Logantowas actually improved, andchallenging when theprivate opportunity transfer to excited. a more Then there were the books. a new for excited. words, academically challenging privateDiscovering school, Logan was love actually Logan read Treasure Island with Discovering enthusiasm. He talked about Then there were the books. a new love for insights words, gleaned from things he’d read. even askedHe for talked books about for Christmas.

Logan read Treasure Island withHeenthusiasm. insights The day from Laurathings walked family and found her son gleaned he’dthrough read. Hethe even askedroom for books for Christmas. lounging in a chair with his nose buried in a book—for fun!—she knew The day Laura walked through the family room and found her sona transformation had truly place. in a book—for fun!—she knew a lounging in a chair with histaken nose buried transformation hadyears truly taken place.

That was three ago, and Logan is still benefiting from the changes brought through LearningRx. it comes to That was three about years ago, and Logan is still “When benefiting from the thinking and learning the restLearningRx. of his life, Logan tools and changes brought aboutforthrough “Whenhas it comes to motivation now that hefor didn’t before,” his Logan motherhas says.

“To and this thinking and learning the have rest of his life, tools day, my husband andhe I will watch accomplish something motivation now that didn’t haveLogan before,” his mother says. “Tonew, this look at each otherand andIsay, made that possible.’” day, my husband will‘Brain watchtraining Logan accomplish something new, look at each other and say, ‘Brain training made that possible.’”

If your child is struggling, find out WHY. If your child is struggling, find out WHY. A one-hour Cognitive Skills Assessment unlocked the root cause A one-hour of Logan’s Cognitive readingSkills struggle.

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Center Name Center CenterAddress Name LearningRx Petaluma Center Website Address Center Website (707) 781-7373

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