Sonoma Family Life July 2015 by familylifemag

sonoma July 2015

Safe Sports

How to stay injury-free

July 4th Hot spots Brunch to Beach

4 terrific trips Â

Back-2-School Thrift-store bargains

Fun in the Sun 12 great games

Have You Had Your Apple Today? Fresh Frozen Natural Apple Juice

Find our award-winning Sebastopol Ratzlaff Ranch’s

Apple-A-Day Cider At These Local Stores

Andy’s Produce in Sebastopol, Pacific Markets in Sebastopol & Santa Rosa, Speers Market in Forestville, Bill’s Farm Basket in Sebastopol, Bohemian Market in Occidental, Glen Ellen Village Market in Glen Ellen, Oliver’s Market in Santa Rosa & Rohnert Park, Petaluma Market in Petaluma, Sonoma Market in Sonoma, Santa Rosa Community Market in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol Community Market in Sebastopol, Sheltons Natural in Healdsburg, Whole Foods Markets in Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, Sonoma & Petaluma.

Also at Ratzlaff Ranch, 13128 Occidental Rd., Sebastopol Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8am–5pm • Closed Sat. • Sun. 9am–5pm

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Summer Camps Birthday Parties Afterschool Programs, Classes Kids ages 4 to 14

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July 2015

Every Issue

10 Features

Dear Reader

Bits and Pieces Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Go Fly a Kite! Funny Girls A Day Just for Kids Under the Big Top Get Down at the Revival

26 Calendar of Events

10 Brunch to Beach Fill up then chill out!

12 Fun in the Sun Have a blast with traditional games.

14 The Frugal Fashionista Find great back-to-school deals at local thrift shops.

16 The Tiniest Learner How to prepare your child for preschool.

18 Stop the Squabbles Nip sibling rivalry in the bud.

Summer + Fair = Good Times

27 Pyrotechnic Pizzazz 32 Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Be a Drip 36 Cooking with Kids To Churn with Love

37 Kids Craft Patriotic Play

42 Humor Break

20 No Pain. Yes Gain! Keep kids safe on the playing field.

22 Solid Self-esteem Help your daughter connect to herself.

23 A Safe Ride Tips for making sure your car is fit for the road.

24 Make a Splash! How to spot a top-notch swimming instructor. 4 SonomaFamilyLife

July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

CLIMBING, TRAINING, COMMUNITY

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Session 4: July 6-10, ages 11-14 Session 5: July 13-17, ages 7-10 Session 6: July 20-24, ages 11-14 Session 7: July 27-31, ages 7-10 Session 8: Aug 3-7, ages 11-14 Session 9: Aug 10-14, ages 7-10 $195/participant. Camp is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-12pm. Thursdays are 9am-4pm. We will be climbing at Goat Rock all day.

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July 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader

ere we are, smack-dab in the middle of summer! You need to entertain the kids and Sharon Gowan prepare for the Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us beginning of school. We’re here to help you with both. First, the fun: Top on everyone’s list is celebrating Independence Day in style. See “Pyrotechnic Pizzazz” (page 27) for popular local spots to see fireworks. Then read “Brunch to Beach” (page 10) to get the scoop on where to fuel up for a day of surf and sand. Before you hit the beach, assess your brood’s swimming skills. If lessons are in order, let “Make a Splash!” (page

24) help you suss out an excellent swim program for your child. Waiting in the wings of summer leisure is the new school year. “The Tiniest Learner” (page 16) offers ways to help preschoolers adjust to the idea of spending time away from Mom and Dad. Meanwhile, “The Frugal Fashionista” (page 14) lists local thrift stores where you’ll find surprising back-to-school deals.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Jolie Cook jolie@family-life.us Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us

Before classes even begin, kids are running off to sports practice. Make sure they stay injury-free by following the advice in “No Pain. Yes Gain!” (page 20).

Features Editor

We hope your July is full of sparkling summer delights!

Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Marie Anderson marie@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Contributing Writers John Corippo Bull Garlington Holly Hester Malia Jacobson Pam Molnar Denise Yearian

Calendar Anna Freeman

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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July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

WHAT?

Kindergarten is over already!

SUMMER IS HERE!

Our teachers and staff are getting ready for a great 2015/16 school year.

You can visit any of our schools to take a closer look. Call the school of your choice to set up a tour.

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Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District has been in a Renaissance of change since 2011 thanks to the passing of Measures D & B. Enrollment is up, spirits are high and, even greater changes are on the horizon. New campus upgrades, technology enhancements and, our strong teaching team, creates a great learning experience for your child.

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July 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces The Berkeley Kite Festival in action.

Let’s Go Fly a Kite!

olorful kites flying through the air express the freedom and joy of childhood. Tap in to that carefree exuberance at the annual Berkeley Kite Festival. Learn to build a kite, watch multiple kites fly in teams, be entranced by taiko drummers, and let children wander around the special Kids’ Zone. The festival runs July 25–26, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., at César Chávez Park in Berkeley. The event is free; parking is $15. There will be free shuttles from Golden Gate Fields to the park. See highlinekites.com for further details. ¶

Funny Girls

here are probably days when you feel so dragged out from being a parent that life seems humorless. Enter Mama-logues, a theatrical show that will make you laugh at it all! The event will feature comical staged readings from mommy blogs, such as Moms Who Drink and Swear, The Bloggess, Samantha Bee, Rants from Mommyland, and Haiku Mama. The event will be held on July 16, 7–9 p.m., at Fourchette Restaurant (soon to be Harvest Petaluma) in Petaluma. Tickets are $25 and include coffee, tea, lemonade, and water. Beer and wine and eats will be for sale. Proceeds from the event benefit the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association. See cmtausa.org/mamalogues for details. ¶

A Day Just for Kids

alling all tiny tots! Cotati has dedicated a whole day to celebrating you. The 23rd Annual Cotati Kids’ Day Parade and Festival on July 11 will offer free family entertainment, games, food, and music to kids of all ages. Chow down on free flapjacks at the Church of the Oaks’s pancake breakfast, 7–9 a.m., and then head over to City Hall to watch the parade, which starts at 10 a.m. The festival itself runs from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at La Plaza Park in Cotati. See cotatikidsday.org for more information. ¶

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July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Under the Big Top

Get Down at the Revival

Photo by Larry R. Wagner

et ready to be amazed by knife throwers, jugglers, acrobats, and aerialists. The Flynn Creek Circus is coming to town. This year’s show features Nelson and Goulia Pivaral, world famous equilibrists from Guatemala and Turkmenistan. Look for the vintage circus tent July 9–12 at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. Advance tickets are available at flynncreekcircus.com and are $12 for kids ages 12 and under, and seniors ages 55 and over; $22 for adults. Door tickets are an additional $3. ¶

re you a creative just waiting for an excuse to let your freak flag fly? Get thee to the Petaluma Rivertown Revival, an all-day festival dedicated to artistic expression and community creation. See art boat races, floating art barges, and a parade of the outlandishly costumed. Listen to live music and get some munchies while you let the young ones roam through Kidstown. The festival is July 18, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., at Steamer Landing Park in Petaluma. See rivertownrevival.com. ¶

Flynn Creek Circus acrobats are art in motion.

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July 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 9 SYLVANLEARNING.COM

Hit the Road

Brunch to Beach Local Spots to Feast and Frolic

Help yourself to a double order of bread pudding French toast.

Toast and Boats

Fork Roadhouse, Sebastopol This place comes highly recommended for its super fresh, organic ingredients and beautifully presented dishes adorned with edible flowers. Sit outdoors by a creek while you chow down on the Kale and Mushroom Scramble, made with organic eggs, and treat the kids to house-made bread pudding French toast drizzled with organic maple syrup. forkcatering.com.

Note: Unless otherwise mentioned, beaches are free, dogs are required to be on a maximum six-foot leash, and swimming is not allowed.

Doran Regional Park, Bodega Bay When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve finished your mid-morning feast, head up Bodega Highway 20 minutes to Doran Beach. Protected by Bodega Bay, this beach is relatively safe for swimming, but there are no lifeguards and the water is cold, so bring wetsuits. A boat launch accommodates up to 20-foot vessels while a rock jetty at the harborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mouth is perfect for fishing and crabbing. The two-mile beach welcomes long walks, kite flying, and sand castle construction. Flush toilets are available. The day-use fee is $7 per vehicle. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.

ne of the most pleasurable ways to spend the weekend is enjoying a hearty brunch and then hitting the beach. Here are some terrific places to get good eats and soak in sun.

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July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Ph o

Scramble and Surf

to by: Dal eH

Waffles and Waves

Howard Station, Occidental This place is serious about breakfasts, offering everything from build-your-own omelets and piles of potatoes to blueberry cornmeal pancakes and gluten-free waffles. Breakfast is served until 12:30 p.m., but several items are available all day. Note: Only cash is accepted. howardstationcafe.com. Furlong Gulch Beach, Bodega Bay After everyone has had their fill, travel 20 minutes up the twisty-turny Coleman Valley Road, which, on a clear day, will wow you with unbelievably breathtaking coastal vistas before delivering you to Highway One, where you’ll find several beach options. One of them is this spot, a cozy hidden cove with plenty of nooks and crannies for play protected from the wind and sun. To get to this unmarked gem, just turn onto Carlevaro Way, drive a block or two, and find the trailhead on the right. It’s a gentle 5–10 minute walk down to the beach. Note: There are no toilets here. But, you can also access the beach via a 20-minute flat walk on the southern part of the Kortum Trail at Shell Beach, where there are pit toilets. parks.ca.gov. www.sonomafamilylife.com

Pi c

Scones and Dunes Tea Room Café, Petaluma This little downtown spot has a great Sunday brunch, including tasty pastries made in its in-house bakery. Try the scones along with the savory Vegetable Frittata or for, wee ones, the Kid Mélange—a piece of French toast and two scrambled eggs, a good protein/carb combo. Gluten-free pancakes as well as a Vegan Tofu Scramble are available. Expect to order at the counter and pay with only cash or checks; no credit or debit cards are accepted. tearoomcafe.com. Dillon Beach From the Tea Room, travel a half hour on back roads to Dillon Beach, a small town with an expansive stretch of sand. Take a long stroll, climb and explore dunes, or go tide-pooling. Let your canine buddies run free; leashes are not required. A well-maintained restroom with flush toilets and a roomy, beach-accessible parking lot make it a hit with families. There is an $8 entrance/parking fee. dillonbeachresort.com. July 2015

Breakers, Stinson Beach If you don’t want to spend a lot of time going from brunch to beach, then head over to Breakers for a down-home breakfast (served all day) or lunch. Kids can gobble down bagels dressed up with Nutella and banana while you dive into Bill’s Breakfast Enchiladas. stinsonbeachcafe.com. Stinson Beach After your meal, walk five minutes to a wide, two-mile beach that’s great for walking, wading, and general summer fun. With a backdrop of rolling green hills, Stinson Beach is magnificent and the town itself, charming. Calm waters mean swimming is okay between late May and early September, when lifeguards are on duty. (Watch out for rip currents and sneaker waves, and wear a wetsuit—it’s brrr-y!) Stinson’s only real downside is that it can get crowded, especially on hot weekends and holidays. If it’s packed at the main entrance to the beach, hang a left, and walk toward the rock formations on the southern end. You’ll find a lot less people there and have access to the less frequented flush-toilets that are adjacent to the back parking lot, just behind the dunes. Leashed dogs are allowed on the county section of the beach, but not on the part owned by the National Park Service. nps.gov. SonomaFamilyLife 11

12 Oldfashioned Summer Activities

Fun in the Sun By Pam Molnar

ummer is the best time to be a kid. School is out, the weather is great, and each day promises a new adventure. At least that is how it used to be. Today, summer’s biggest rival is the computer screen. With

the return of warm weather, there is no need to bask in the artificial

light of a digital display. Instead, encourage your child to gather up the neighborhood kids and have some old-fashioned summer fun. Drip, Drip, Drop Played like Duck, Duck, Goose, this is a fun game for a hot day. Instead of tapping each person as you say, “Duck,” drip a little water from a sponge onto her or him. Each player has to duck from the drip of water. When you choose a player to “goose,” yell, “Drop!” and squeeze the sponge over her or his head before you start running. Frisbee Tic-Tac-Toe Draw a tic-tac-toe board on the driveway 12 SonomaFamilyLife

with chalk or in the yard with spray paint. Gather four Frisbees for each player and try to get the Frisbees to land in the squares to win tic-tac-toe. Water Gun Shooting Range Gather empty water and soda bottles, and set them up on a deck railing or table edge. Fill a water gun and try to knock them over. On windy days, fill each bottle with an inch of water. (Be drought smart and use gray water.)

Obstacle Course Dig out the Hula-Hoops, soccer cones, and jump ropes. Set up an obstacle course in the backyard, and let the races begin. Nature Scavenger Hunt Whether you are in the backyard or a local forest preserve, help the kids make a list of items they can gather, such as a river rock, pinecone, acorn, and a robin’s egg shell. See who can gather everything on the list first. Pillowcase Race It’s the same idea as a potato sack race, but it’s easier to find pillowcases. Kids slip pillowcases over their lower bodies, and then jump across the lawn to the finish line. Sharks and Minnows Line up the players, called minnows, on one end of the yard. One kid is the shark and stands in the middle of the yard. The minnows try to cross to the other side

July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

of the yard without getting tagged and becoming sharks themselves. Play continues until all minnows have changed to sharks. Watermelon Eating Contest Cut watermelon into half-moon pieces and set in front of each player on the table. Competitors try to eat the watermelon as fast as they can without using their hands. Tug-of-war Find a long rope and a kiddy pool. Separate kids into two groups; each group takes an end of the rope and holds it over a water-filled kiddy pool. Shout “Go!” and see who makes the first splash. Five Hundred One player stands at the end of the yard or street with a baseball bat and tennis ball. He or she throws the ball up and hits it with the bat into the crowd. The other players try to catch it on a fly, for which they get 100 points. If they catch it with just one bounce, they get 50 points, or with two bounces, 25 points. Whoever scores 500 first is the winner. Water Balloon Toss Stand in parallel lines and pass a water balloon back and forth without dropping it. Change it up by putting one person with a bowl on her or his head in the middle of a circle of players. Players try to toss the balloon into the bowl.

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Clothespin Tag Everyone clips a hinged clothespin to the back of her or his shirt. The person who is “it” tries to grab the clothespin as the other players run by. ¶ Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. She has fond memories of summertime games with her neighbors and looks forward to watching her children make summer memories of their own.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Santa Rosa

2280 Santa Rosa Ave 707-544-2828

Rohnert Park

1451 Southwest Blvd 707-795-4433

July 2015

Petaluma

919 Lakeville St 707-769-8989

Healdsburg 1051 Vine St 707-433-2911

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Santa Rosa

3781 Cleveland Ave 707-595-6505

SonomaFamilyLife 13

The Frugal N Fashionista Find Back-to-school Thrift Store Treasures By Holly Hester

ot all thrift stores are created equal. Some are terrifying places filled with ceramic clown figurines, seventies gold-lamé jumpsuits, and bins of bargain underwear that say things like “I love to fart.” And other places, like the kind I visit, are well-organized and awesome shops where you and your family can get a complete designer wardrobe for about as much as you spend at Starbucks every week.

It is my personal belief that moms and children should never wear anything new. I have three kids and not only do they take great pride in wrecking their own clothes, but they have an incredible knack for wrecking mine. Whether I’ve sat on a big blob of play dough or someone’s accidentally just spilled a Slurpee in my lap, my clothes look like a Jackson Pollock painting of stains, which would be a big deal if I were wearing $100 jeans. But $5 jeans? Well, I say let the pizza sauce fly. So here are my favorite thrift stores. I promise that if you shop at these places you will never have to shop anywhere else again. Don’t forget to bring your Go Local card along for extra savings at some of these places. Good luck, have fun, and I’ll see you near the underwear bin. (I’ll be the one in the gold-lamé jumpsuit.) Holly Hester lives in Sebastopol and writes about life on her blog, Riot Ranch. Find her book, Escape from Ugly Mom Island!, on Amazon.

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Your Guide to Second-hand Shops Healdsburg Sprout Children’s Clothing 177 Healdsburg Avenue You wouldn’t even know this place is a thrift store because it’s so “boutiquey.” But that’s Healdsburg for ya. We’re in fancy-pants town now, people! Adorable kids’ clothes, mostly for the younger set, and really good prices, considering the quality and location. This is a terrific store for back-to-school items or if you’re suddenly invited to a wedding and the only thing your kid has to wear are ripped jeans and a minion t-shirt.

Goodwill 513 Healdsburg Avenue Super quality kids’ clothes. Really nice work outfits for women and men. Think “Muffy, let’s go to the club and have a drink” clothes.

Petaluma Thrifty Hippie 216 Petaluma Boulevard North This store has the coolest men’s and women’s slacker/grunge/hippie clothes this side of Burning Man. And, are you ready? They have a children’s section in the back that is free. Yep. They call it the “community exchange room.” All you do is drop off the clothes your kid doesn’t fit into anymore, and then take whatever you need. It’s a beautiful thing.

Santa Rosa Wee Three Children’s Store 1007 West College Avenue I love this place. If this store were a person, I’d kiss it right on the mouth. Great sales. Designer brands. It’s one-stop back-to-school shopping.

Restyle Marketplace 1001 West College Avenue

It’s mostly furniture, but it does have a small kids’ section with a lot of clothes for a buck. (Good stuff, too.)

Crossing the Jordan 3403 Santa Rosa Avenue Fabulous purse selection. Tons of kids’, women’s, and men’s clothes. Plus all their seasons are out all the time—meaning, if you’re one of those super annoying organized moms who’s already planned your next ski trip to Tahoe, then you can also make us all sick by getting your kid’s winter clothes six months in advance.

Sebastopol Goodwill 6826 Sebastopol Avenue Come here for all your hippie needs. Kids’ tie-dye t-shirts? Got ’em. Long, billowy Stevie Nicks skirts? You know it. Yoga clothes? Namaste, baby. Afterwards, walk down the street to Guayaki and grab a yerba mate, and you will be horrifying your relatives from back East in no time!

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Pine Grove General Store 149 North Main Street Best women’s shoe selection anywhere in Sonoma County. Don’t tell anyone.

Launch 971 Gravenstein Highway South This is a consignment store, not a thrift store, so the prices are more expensive. I’ve included it because it happens to be my favorite store in Sonoma County. Shana, the owner, is wonderful and so is the rest of her hipster staff. She has half-off sales a lot. If you want to dress upscale boho West County, Launch will be your Mecca. ¶

After you’ve hit Wee Three, cross the parking lot and check out this shop.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

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July 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 15

The Tiniest Learner 9 Ways to Get Kids Excited about Preschool By Denise Yearian

reschool is a wonderful time of growth in young children’s lives—a time to broaden their horizons, develop social skills, and ignite a love for learning. To help your children adjust to the new environment and ease into a routine, consider these ten tips.

Talk it up. Weeks before preschool begins, prepare your children by using positive and encouraging words. If you drive by the building where they will be attending school, say, “Oh, look! There’s your new school. You are going to have so much fun there!” Tell your children that they are growing up and this means that they get to spend more time learning and playing with other children their age. If you, as a parent, have any reservations, choose your words carefully. Even from a young age, children can pick up on what their parents are and are not saying! 16 SonomaFamilyLife

Stop by to visit. Several weeks before school begins, take your children to the facility so that they can familiarize themselves with their new surroundings. Go as many times as your children need to feel comfortable. If you know which classroom they will be in, stop by for a visit. If possible, let them meet the teacher and play with some of the toys or hang out at the playground.

Invite others to play. If, for some reason, your children have had little interaction with their peers, invite several kids their age over to your house to play. It doesn’t have to

be a daylong event; one or two hours is a sufficient amount of time for children to begin learning skills such as sharing and politeness. Schedule this time when the children are the most likely to be well-rested—early morning or after naptime. Plan a few activities, but allow plenty of time for free play.

Introduce school materials. Long before formal education begins, your children should become familiar with books, puzzles, games, crayons, scissors, glue, and clay. To ease into a structured environment, set aside time each day for you and your children to work on puzzles together; play games; color; cut and glue various items; and mold things out of clay. Start with just a few minutes each day and gradually increase the amount of time you spend doing it. While you are participating in

July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

an activity together, tell your children that this is just one of many fun things that they will be doing in preschool. Be alert for signs that they are getting bored with a given activity, and stop before they get too restless.

Read all about it. One of the best ways to prepare your children for preschool is to read about first-day jitters. Library shelves and bookstores are stacked high with stories of children and animals that were afraid to go to school. Through books like these, your children will learn that they aren’t the only ones with worries and apprehensions about attending school.

Establish a routine. If your children don’t already have a daily routine, create one for them. While it need not be as rigid as a day of preschool, structured play time in

the morning (see number 4), story time after lunch, and outdoor play at the same time every day will help your children establish a routine. Consistency is key.

Go shopping. Nothing builds excitement more quickly than taking your children out to buy a new lunchbox, backpack, school clothes, or other needed school items. Make a day of it by first stopping by the school, shopping a little, and then enjoying a fun lunch together.

Take a dry run. The day before school begins, get your children up and out the door at the time that they will need to be ready for school. If they are attending a morning program, take them for a fun breakfast after they have made the dry run. If they are attending an afternoon program, stop by for a

special ice cream cone to celebrate their upcoming day.

Watch and wait (if necessary). On the first day, if your children eagerly welcome their new environment, give each of them a hug, and tell them you will be back in a little while. If, however, they seem uncertain, tell them you will stay, but only for a few minutes. During this time, help them get settled. When the time limit is up, give each of them a hug, reassure them of your love, and leave quickly. Although there may be tears, your children will more than likely stop crying and start enjoying themselves soon after you leave. Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

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MH_SonomaFamilyLife_Jul15_7.625x4.75.indd www.sonomafamilylife.com

July 2015

5/28/2015 4:19:37 PM SonomaFamilyLife 17

Stop the Squabbles

How to Help Siblings Get Along

Spending extra one-on-one time with a jealous toddler can help reassure him or her and soothe feelings of jealousy. “Allow the child to warm up to the sibling on his or her own time, and don’t force interactions,” Clark-Trippodo says. Help prep a tot for a smooth sibling bond by reading books together, including My New Baby by Rachel Fuller (Child’s Play International, 2009), I’m a Big Brother by Joanna Cole (HarperFestival, 2010), or There Is Going to Be a Baby by John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury (Candlewick, 2014). Parents can pick out a special big brother or sister gift from the new baby to the older sibling and present the gift when the new baby comes home from the hospital. ELEMENTARY YEARS (Ages 6–12)

By Malia Jacobson

f you have more than one child living under your roof, chances are that you’ve dealt with sibling rivalry, along with shrieks of “It’s not fair!” or “But he did it first!” Because eight out of ten U.S. children have one or more sibs, rivalry can be a daily struggle for millions of American parents. But sibling tensions don’t have to rule your home. Read on for age-by-age strategies on smoothing sibling squabbles. 18 SonomaFamilyLife

TODDLER/PRESCHOOL (Ages 2–5) Toddlers are often blissfully oblivious to sibling tensions—until a new baby arrives on the scene. Even a toddler who shows excitement and tenderness toward a new sibling can display a sudden, uncharacteristic jealous streak, says family therapist Josie Clark-Trippodo, L.P.C. “Behavioral signs of jealousy could include regression, clinginess, tantrums, and aggression towards the new baby, parents, or pets,” she says. Jealousy can be stealthy and appear seemingly out of the blue, which is one reason to never leave a new baby alone with a toddler sibling, notes Clark-Trippodo.

Parents of school-agers can accidentally fuel sibling feuds by pitting siblings against one another. It’s easy to do. Phrases like “Hey, let’s see who can finish their chores fastest,” or “First person to clean her plate gets first pick of the Popsicles” seem like easy ways to motivate and reward kids, but these tactics can backfire, says licensed counselor Debbie Pincus, M.S., creator of The Calm Parent program. Avoid creating a competitive atmosphere with “races,” and instead use individual rewards to encourage positive behaviors. “Try something like ‘When you get your room clean, I will give you some time with the iPad.’ Have them compete with themselves, rather than each other,” Pincus says. Beware comparisons and labels, too; simple statements like, “Josh gets ready so quickly in the morning, why can’t you?” or “She’s the athletic one!” can feed resentment and spark rivalry,

July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

New themes & materials each month. Sibling discounts & financial aid available. Ukulele and piano lessons.

particularly if a sibling already feels sensitive about her or his performance in that area. Recognize each child’s traits apart from siblings’ to help each child shine in her or his own right.

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SUMMER SONOMA COUNTY & FALL CHILDREN’S

TEEN YEARS (Ages 13–18) Bickering between teen siblings can be intense, but sibling rivalry isn’t always negative, Pincus notes. “If parents can stay out of the middle, rivalry can be positive, helping kids learn about problem solving, empathy, and self-regulation, and helping them to recognize and strive toward qualities they admire in a brother or sister.” If a teen envies a sibling’s possessions, grades, social

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life, or bank balance, ask him or her to think about the personality traits and behaviors that helped the envied sibling get where he or she is, and work together to outline a few steps to help the jealous sib achieve something similar—then step back and let the teen independently carry out the steps to promote personal growth without sparking competition. When each sibling feels valued and heard, and nobody has to compete for a parent’s favor, kids will naturally respect their siblings. ¶

Y OF MI XED D EM M

Spending extra one-on-one time with a jealous toddler can help reassure him or her.

santa rosa sonoma

July 2015

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SonomaFamilyLife 19

Yes Gain!

Protect Young Athletes from Injuries

By Malia Jacobson

ports injuries are sidelining more young athletes than ever before, a trend that concerns doctors, coaches, and parents. According to the STOP Sports Injury Campaign (stopsportsinjuries. org), two million sports injuries strike high school students each year. Doctors are seeing serious injuries in children as young as 5; kids under 14 account for 40 percent of sports-related injuries treated in hospitals.

Sports injuries can stop budding athletes in their tracks and reduce their ability to enjoy healthy exercise later in life, says Lyle J. Micheli, M.D., director of sports medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital and clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at Harvard Medical School. Doctors point to several reasons for recent increases in injury rates: greater recognition of some types of injury (like concussion); year-round training for athletes; and more intense training at younger ages. “Young kids—11, 12 years old—are swimming thousands of yards a day,” says Dr. Micheli. “A decade ago, we wouldn’t see that type of training intensity until college.” Fear of injury shouldn’t stop kids from participating in sports. Organized 20 SonomaFamilyLife

sports boost fitness and teach important skills like cooperation, perseverance, and team building. Help ensure that your budding athlete stays

Childhood sports set the stage for a lifetime of healthy, active living. on the field and out of the emergency room with the right safety measures. Focus on fun. Enjoyment is the key to safe sportsmanship, says Dr. Micheli, so make sure kids truly want to participate. Those who play to please parents, friends, or coaches, instead of themselves, may be less likely to take a break if they’re in pain or fatigued.

Watch for signs of burnout, including irritability, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, and difficulties at school. These symptoms can indicate that a child is working too hard and needs a change of pace. Take a break. Young athletes who train year-round are more prone to injury, says Marci Goolsby, M.D., assistant attending physician at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery in the Women’s Sports Medicine Center. Adequate downtime between seasons allows tissues to rest and repair. She recommends a minimum of two weeks off; a full month is ideal. Watch for signs. Early detection and treatment of an injury are important to recovery, says Dr. Micheli, so parents should be aware

July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

of the signs of injury and act quickly. Any pain that doesn’t disappear within a day or two should be evaluated by a doctor. Signs of concussion are especially important to recognize because they can be subtle and are sometimes masked by other symptoms. This type of brain injury can cause confusion, headaches, ringing in the ears, nausea, and lack of responsiveness.

Enjoyment is the key to safe sportsmanship, so make sure kids truly want to participate. Concussions sometimes go unrecognized for weeks, says Dr. Micheli. If you suspect one, see a doctor immediately. Screen for safety. Many sports programs are encouraging athletes to take part in pre-injury screening that helps identify brain injuries and rate their severity. The most widely used is the ImPACT test (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), developed in the early 1990s by Dr. Mark Lovell and Dr. Joseph Maroon. When the test is taken before an injury, it provides a baseline for evaluating cognitive performance. After a concussion, the athlete’s recovery can be tracked so she or he doesn’t return to sports prematurely. Build muscle. Strength training and conditioning can help a child ward off injury. Dr. Micheli and Dr. Goolsby both recommend age-appropriate weight lifting under proper supervision. Stronger muscles www.sonomafamilylife.com

provide greater stability and balance for jumping, landing, turning, throwing, and other strenuous moves. Grow caution. According to Dr. Micheli, kids are especially vulnerable to injury during growth spurts. If your child is growing (sudden increases in appetite and sleep needs are signs of a growth spurt), take extra safety precautions. Protect practice. Safety procedures for games and meets should be upheld at practice, too. Over 60 percent of sports-related injuries happen during practice, where safety standards are often more relaxed. Make practice safer by insisting on protective gear, rest, hydration, and other safety measures. See superior supervision. Sports medicine experts agree that parents should be aware of the level and quality of adult supervision

for their children’s sports teams. Credentialing and experience for coaches varies widely, particularly in community sports programs. School-sanctioned sports programs benefit from access to athletic trainers and conditioning facilities, while community-based sports programs often don’t. Serious sports injuries are tragic, says Dr. Micheli, because sports can and should be fun for kids. Childhood sports set the stage for a lifetime of healthy, active living. With the right safety precautions, sports-loving kids can stay safe and keep running, pitching, throwing, jumping, and cheering for years to come. ¶ Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three. Her latest book is Sleep Tight, Every Night: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Sleep Well Without Tears, Tricks, or Tirades.

Sports Safety for Girls

rowing evidence points to the need for special safety precautions for female athletes, particularly those participating in high-intensity contact sports like basketball and soccer. “There’s good evidence that girls have two to three times the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and a greater risk of knee injuries in general,” says Dr. Micheli.

Dr. Goolsby played high school and collegiate basketball without a traumatic knee or ACL injury, something she attributes to conditioning and strength training. She advises girls to lift weights for strength, balance, and injury protection. As with all athletes and all sports, proper technique, experienced coaching, and skilled supervision are critical to safety. Nutrition is particularly important to pre-teen and teenage girls who play sports. A girl who has reached puberty but isn’t getting a period may have an energy imbalance; she needs to take in more calories to make up for energy spent during practice and games. Added calories should be nutrient-dense. Chips and soda don’t cut it, says Dr. Goolsby. If girl athletes don’t get enough calcium, their risk of stress fractures increases, so aim for 800 milligrams of calcium per day for kids ages 4–8 and 1300 milligrams per day for ages 9–18. —M.J.

July 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 21

Solid Self-esteem

5 Ways to Help Girls Feel Good about Themselves

tudies have shown that 53 percent of 13-year-old American girls are unhappy with their bodies. This number grows to 78 percent by the time girls are 17 years old. In today’s society,

where celebrity teens use social media outlets to post photo-shopped selfies, young girls expect perfection. The Camping and Education Foundation offers the following tips for helping girls develop a good body image and strong sense of self. Establish daily reflection time. Require your daughter to take 30 minutes each day to reflect on her feelings and needs, and any conflicts in her life. She can journal, do yoga, go for a jog, or spend quiet, tech-free time in her room. What’s important is that she connects with herself. Learn new skills. Create an opportunity for your daughter to accomplish a task that seems challenging to her, whether it’s learning to mow the lawn, weave a basket, sew a skirt, change a tire, fix a leaky faucet, or administer CPR. 22 SonomaFamilyLife

Create an opportunity for your daughter to accomplish a task that seems challenging to her. Volunteer. Even if it’s just a few hours a week, volunteering lets a teen feel needed. Become a role model. Getting your daughter involved with babysitting or coaching younger children can help build self-esteem. Younger children will admire characteristics in your daughter that she might not value in herself, and they probably won’t be afraid to tell her what those qualities are.

Turn off tech. Support your daughter by creating a family tech-disconnect challenge. One day a week, turn off all cell phones, tablets, computers, and other technology. Plan a family adventure like a walk in a local park or a backyard family game competition, or cook dinner together. Choose an activity that fits your family’s interests and, even if your kids protest, insist everyone participate. This break from routine can help kids step out of their normal worldview, and realize that hairstyles, clothes, and other materialistic aspects of life may not be as vital as they seem. ¶ For more information about the Camping and Education Foundation, see campingedu.org.

July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Expect the Unexpected

Your Summer Automobile Checklist

f you are like many families, you’ve made big travel plans for the summer. Before you hit the road, make sure your car is in tip-top shape. Here are some key components to check before you leave.

1. Are the rear view and side view mirrors functional and in the appropriate positions?

8. Do headlights provide enough illumination?

2. Do safety belts in both the front and back seats work?

10. Do brakes function without squeaking?

3. Are the air bags functioning?

11. Does the emergency brake work?

4. Do the windshield wipers work? Is there enough wiper fluid?

12. Is the muffler functional?

5. Are oil and coolant levels adequate? 6. Does the horn sound? 7. Do turn signals function?

www.sonomafamilylife.com

9. Do taillights work? Brake lights?

13. Does the windshield have any cracks that affect visibility? 14. Do seats stay locked in place? 15. Does the car contain a serviced fire extinguisher? July 2015

• High-protein food and extra water—one gallon for every person and every day of travel. • A first aid kit, flashlight, and small battery-operated radio. • An emergency contacts card that includes names and phone numbers. • Extra prescription medications. In addition, be sure someone knows the details of your trip: your destination, route, and when you are expected to arrive. Find out about the weather for the area you are visiting. Prepare for rainstorms, heavy winds, heat waves, or any other kind of problematic conditions that may visit the area. And finally, don’t let your fuel tank get too low.

SonomaFamilyLife 23

Source: for “A Safe Ride”: tdi.texas.gov/pubs/videoresource/cklvehicle.pdfv

A Safe Ride

Make sure that you are prepared if a storm or other emergency hits. The American Red Cross suggests packing a Disaster Supplies Kit so that your family is safe no matter what. See redcross.org/prepare/ location/home-family/get-kit fo find out what your kit should include. Also make sure to pack the following:

Make a Splash! How to Choose the Best Swim Program for Your Child By Denise Yearian

24 SonomaFamilyLife

ools, beaches, and water parks are a great way to beat the heat. While cooling off in the water can be a lot of fun, it can also be dangerous for people who don’t know how to swim. Make sure your kids know their way around water by enrolling them in swim lessons this summer.

How do you choose a swim program? To find a program that meets your needs, ask friends who have experience with various programs in the community. Find out what they did or didn’t like about the classes they were enrolled in. What skills were taught? What was the class size and the student/ teacher ratio? For children’s classes, were the parents involved? Did their child enjoy him or herself? Would they enroll their child in a program at that location again? Asking these questions will help narrow your search. Once you have the names of a few schools or gyms, find out the ages the program serves, the duration and frequency of sessions, class size, and the program’s specific goals.

July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

What age should lessons start? Swim coach and instructor Bob McKay recommends starting lessons by 18 months. “The sooner a child gets acclimated to the water, the more comfortable he or she will be with learning water safety skills. Somewhere around 18 months, the terrible twos kick in and children are more resistant to new experiences.

What is the best way to handle screamed every time he got near a fears? First, don’t make a child go pool. Rather than forcing him in, into the water if he or she doesn’t want McKay redirected his attention to to. “The biggest mistake many parents a basketball hoop, letting the child and instructors make is forcing a child “shoot baskets” while he moved the into the water,” says McKay. The key hoop progressively closer toward the is to redirect their attention toward water, until the child was tossing the something they enjoy—activities, basketball through the hoop from the games, or puppets. He gives the second step of the pool. SFZ-SculpturePlaza-SFL.pdf 1 5/15/15 9:48 AM Continued on page 43 example of a 20-month-old child who

How long and often should the lessons be? This can vary depending on the age and attention span of the students, and the program. For infant/parent classes, McKay recommends one to two times a week for approximately 30 minutes. However, as children get older and begin learning various techniques, instruction should increase to four or five times a week for about 30 minutes each session. The longer students go between sessions, the more likely they will forget what they have learned. What is the best class size and student/teacher ratio? Again, this can vary. For children, it normally ranges from six to ten students per instructor. “More important than the number is the pool depth, age, and ability of the class,” says Eric Norman, former administrator for Health and Emergency Education at the American Red Cross. What should I look for in a teacher? The two most important qualifications an instructor must have are proper certification and good interaction skills with students. Norman believes that anyone teaching swimming should be certified through a water safety instruction course, like the one offered by the American Red Cross. Equally important is that the instructor has a good rapport with the students. www.sonomafamilylife.com

July 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 25

July

Calendar of Events

Summer + Fair = Good Times

hat says summer more than warm days and nights spent strolling the midway at the fair? You’ll get your chance at the Sonoma County Fair, which comes to Santa Rosa July 24– August 9. Experience thrilling rides, take in a rainbow of color at one of the largest floral shows in the West, sit on the edge of your seat at a horse race, and dance to live national music acts. The fair runs daily 11 a.m.–11 p.m., and is closed on Mondays. Pre-sale tickets are $5 for kids ages 7–12 and $8 for children 13 and up; ages 6 and under are free every day; ages 7–12 are free on Fridays. (There are additional fees for headliner music events and reserved horse racing seats.) See sonomacountyfair.com for more information. ¶

Wednesday 1 Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Picnic,

hike & hug ancient trees. 8 a.m. to 1 hour after sunset. Visitor Center 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Parking $8. Senior parking $7. Free to pedestrians & bicyclists. 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guerneville. 869-2015. Howarth Park Rides & Attractions.

Carousel, animal barn, train & pony rides. Open daily sunrise to sunset. $2–$7. Howarth Park. Summerfield Rd., Santa Rosa. howarthpark.com. FREE Kids Bowling. Two

free games per kid under 18 every day thru Aug. 31. Double Decker Lanes. 300 Golf Course Dr., Rohnert Park. doubledeckerlanes.com. FREE Sculpture Trail. Enjoy

& interpret the art of sculptures in the public-accessible streets of Cloverdale & Geyserville. cloverdaleartsalliance.org.

p.m. Downtown Santa Rosa. wednesdaynightmarket.org. FREE Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market. Open year-round.

Wednesdays & Saturdays. 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. thesantarosafarmersmarket.com. Ridgway Swim Center Public Swim. Cool

off with a fun summer swim. Thru Aug. 23. Mon.–Fri. Noon–4 p.m. Fri. eve. 7:30–9:30 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 1:15–6 p.m. $4 & $5. 455 Ridgeway Ave., Santa Rosa. ci.santa-rosa.ca.us. Peter & the Starcatcher. All welcome, but best for children 10 & older. Prequel to Peter Pan. Thru July 29. Times vary. $15–$25. Santa Rosa Junior College. Burbank Auditorium. 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. summerrep.com. FREE Magical Moonshine Theatre:

FREE Wednesday Night Market.

The 3 Little Pigs. Marionette

Live performances & fresh produce. Thru Aug. 19. 5–8:30

puppet show in Spanish & English. Audience members help the story

26 SonomaFamilyLife

along with lots of music, singing, construction & laughter. 2 p.m. Central Santa Rosa Library. 211 E. St., Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org. Marin County Fair. Thru July 5. Live music by Pablo Cruise, Aaron Neville, Judy Collins, Kansas, more. Carnival & fireworks daily. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. $12–$20. Marin Civic Center. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. marinfair.org. FREE Peacetown Concert Series. Joe Craven & Sometimers. Wednesdays. 5–8 p.m. Ives Park. Sebastopol. seb.org.

Thursday 2 FREE Windsor Summer Nights on the Green. Live

entertainment, family lawn games, fresh produce. Thru Aug. 27. Thursdays. 5–8 p.m. (Farmers Market at 5 p.m., music at 6 p.m.) Windsor Town Green. townofwindsor.com. Hot Dog Thursday. $5. (Members get $1 off.) Includes admission, large

July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Enjoy a Fourth of July concert and fireworks at Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center in Rohnert Park.

Pyrotechnic Pizzazz July 3

Kenwood: Fourth of July Celebration. Pancake breakfast at Kenwood Community Church 7–11:30 a.m. 3K–10K Kenwood Footrace 7:30 a.m. Parade at Kenwood Plaza Park 10:30 a.m. kenwoodparade.com.

Bodega Bay: Fireworks display over Bodega Bay. 9:30 p.m. Free. Handicap parking at Westside Park. visitbodegabayca.com. Monte Rio: Fireworks Over the River. Big Rocky games for kids 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Water Carnival Boat Parade and Water Curtain at dusk. Fireworks follow. Free. (Big Rocky Games continue July 4, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.). No dogs allowed. monterio.org. Sebastopol: Fireworks at Analy High School. Live music, dancing, games, and food. 5:30 p.m. Flag ceremony at dusk, followed by fireworks. Ages 12 and up $10; ages 6–11 $5; ages 5 and under free. sebastopolkiwanis.org/ independence-day-celebration-a. Windsor: Kaboom Independence Day at Keiser Park. Live music by eighties band Tainted Love, laser light shows, bouncy houses, and food, beer, and wine. No pets allowed. 4 p.m. Fireworks start at dusk. $5. windsorkaboom.com.

July 4 Cloverdale: Fourth of July Community Barbecue. Live music, games, and activities. 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Free fireworks at the Cloverdale High School Football Field. Dusk. cloverdalechamber.com. sonomacounty.com. Guerneville: Independence Day Celebration. Russian River Rotary barbecue 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Live music. Free fireworks at dusk. russianriver.com. Healdsburg: Fireworks at Healdsburg High School Football Field. Dusk. Free.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Top Spots to Celebrate the Fourth

Kenwood: Fourth of July Fireworks Hike at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Hike up the tallest mountain in Sonoma Valley and view up to 18 fireworks displays in the Bay Area. 7–11 p.m. $50. Ages 12–17 $10. Not recommended for kids under 13. Space limited. Reservations required. sonomaecologycenter.org. Petaluma: Fourth of July Fireworks at Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds. Live music, kids’ activities, and food and drink. Gates open at 5 p.m. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. $5. Free parking. Rohnert Park: Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular with Megan Hilty and the Santa Rosa Symphony. Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center. Indoor and lawn seating. Bring a picnic. (Beverages not permitted.) Face-painting, carnival games, bouncy houses, music, and food 4:30 p.m. Concert 7:30 p.m. Firework display follows the show. $20–$75. Half price for ages 2–12; under 2 free. gmc.sonoma.edu/summer2015. Santa Rosa: Red, White, and Boom. Local bands, watermelon eating contest, bouncy houses, face painters, and clowns. Gates open 3:30 p.m. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Fireworks 9:30 p.m. Ages 12 and up $10; ages 5–11 $5; veterans $5; under 5 free. Parking $5. srboom.com. Sonoma: Sonoma Community Center’s Old-fashioned Fourth of July Parade and Celebration. Parade at Sonoma Plaza 10 a.m. Carnival with games and food and drink on the plaza 10 a.m.–5 p.m. sonomacommunitycenter.org. July 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 27

hot dog, chili, chips & soda or water. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Pacific Coast Air Museum. One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa. pacificcoastairmuseum.org. FREE Henna Art for Teens. Learn about the natural, ancient art form of henna & express yourself with body art. Grades 7–12. 3–5 p.m. Guerneville Regional Library. 14107 Armstrong Woods Rd., Guerneville. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Jungle James: Animal Adventures. Get

up close & personal with bearded dragons, blue-tongued skinks & an albino Burmese python! Ages 5 & up. 11 a.m. Rohnert Park–Cotati Library. 6250 Lynne Condé Way, Rohnert Park. sonomalibrary.org.

Friday 3 FREE Fireworks Over Bodega Bay. Can

be seen all over the Bay.

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Handicap parking at Westside Park. 9:30 p.m. bodegabayca.com. Hello Dolly! Classic musical comedy! All ages. Thru July 12. 8 p.m. & 2 p.m. Adults $35. Seniors $30. Students $10. Raven Performing Arts Theater. 115 N. St., Healdsburg. raventheatre.org. Windsor Kaboom! Live

music by Tainted Love & Kingsborough. Beer & wine, VIP area, kids’ zones, bouncy houses, laser light show, more. No pets allowed. Doors 4 p.m. $5. Kids under 2 free. Keiser Park. 700 Windsor River Rd., Windsor. windsorkaboom.com. FREE Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market. Open year-round. Fridays. 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Arnold Field. 241 W. First St., Sonoma. svcfm.org. FREE Party on the Plaza. Rohnert Park farmers market. Bring your lawn chair & blanket. Thru August. Fridays. 5–8 p.m. City Center Plaza. 500 City Center Dr., Rohnert Park. rpcity.org. FREE Monte Rio Fireworks. Water parade at dusk followed by sound and light show on a curtain of water. Fireworks. Big Rocky Games for kids 11 a.m.–4 p.m. on July 3 & 4. No dogs allowed. Monte Rio Beach. monterio.org. Sebastopol Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza. Music

festival, free games & relays, food, raffle. Flag ceremony. Gates at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks at 9:40 p.m. Ages 12 & up $10. Ages 6–11 $5. Ages 5 & under free. Analy High School Football Field. 6950 Analy Ave., Sebastopol. sebastopolkiwanis.org. 28 SonomaFamilyLife

July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

FREE Stuffed Critters. Learn basic sewing skills to create a wacky stuffed creature. All materials provided. Ages 12–17. 3–4:30 p.m. Sebastopol Library. 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. sonomalibrary.org.

Saturday 4 Santa Rosa Red, White & BOOM!

Live music by Wonder Bread 5, Kingsborough & Pat Jordan Band. Food & kids’ activities. Fireworks simulcast to music by KZST. No pets. Gates 3:30 p.m. Fireworks 9:30 p.m. $10. Veterans & ages 5–11 $5. Under 5 free. Parking $5. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. srboom.com. Rohnert Park 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. Featuring

Megan

Hilty & the Santa Rosa Symphony. Face-painting, carnival games, bouncy houses, music, food at 4:30 p.m. Concert 7:30 p.m. followed by fireworks. $20–$75. Ages 2–12 half-price. Under 2 free. Sonoma State University. Green Music Center. Weill Hall and Lawn. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc. sonoma.edu. FREE Cloverdale 4th of July Community BBQ. Live

music, games, activities. Fireworks at Cloverdale High School Football Field at dusk. 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Cloverdale City Park. 490 W. Second St., Cloverdale. cloverdalechamber.com. FREE Guerneville July 4th Celebration. Russian

River Rotary

BBQ available. 11 a.m. Fireworks at dusk. Downtown Guerneville. russianriver.com. FREE Healdsburg Fireworks. Bring

a blanket & picnic. Dusk. Lasts 40 minutes. Healdsburg High Football Field. 1024 Prince St., Healdsburg. Kenwood 4th of July Celebration.

Pancake breakfast at Kenwood Community Church 7–11:30 a.m. 3K–10K footrace 7:30 a.m. Parade at Kenwood Plaza Park 10:30 a.m. kenwoodparade.com. Fireworks Hike. View up to 18 firework displays in the Bay Area. Space limited. Reservations required. 6:45–11 p.m. $50. Ages 12–17 $10. Not recommended for children under 13. Sugarloaf Ridge

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State Park. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. sonomaecologycenter.org.

FREE Sonoma Community Center’s

World’s Largest Salmon BBQ.

Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade

Live music. Free admission. $30 BBQ. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Noyo Harbor. 1910 S. Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg. salmonrestoration.com/world_ largest_b_3.html.

& Celebration. Parade 10 a.m. at

Petaluma 4th of July Celebration.

Gates 5 p.m. Fireworks 9:30 p.m. $5. Free parking. Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds. sonoma-marinfair.org.

Sonoma Plaza. Fireworks at dusk. Carnival with games, food, drink. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The Plaza, Sonoma. sonomacommunitycenter.org.

Sunday 5 FREE Bodega Bay Community Farmers Market. Food, shopping, live music, beautiful venue. Sundays. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 2255 Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay. FREE Boating at the Barn.

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CHESS FOR KIDS 527-6427

www.chessclubforkids.com

Volunteers help you try a non-motorized vessel (yours or theirs) on the Petaluma River. Try canoe, kayak, rowboat, or sailboat. Open year-round. Sundays. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. David Yearsley River Heritage Center. Copeland & D Streets, Petaluma. friendsofthepetalumariver.org. FREE Live at Julliard. Sunday summer concert series. Buck Nickels & Loose Change (country). July 12: The Rhythm Rangers (Americana). July 19: The Crux (folk, eastern European, soul). July 26: The Vivants (Dixie swing). Thru Aug. 9. 5–7 p.m. Juilliard Park. 227 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. srcity.org.

Monday 6 Rock-n-Glow Bowling. Family

SONOMA COUNTY’S

favorite pediatricians

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Same day and after hours appointments

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Manage your child’s healthcare online; lab results, prescriptions, appointments, and e-mail your doctor with questions 24/7

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Network of Pediatric subspecialists for complex cases

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Most health plans welcome

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Convenient locations

fun with LED lane-lighting & automated scoring. Special bumper-rails for kids. Mondays. 5–10 p.m. $9 for 2 hours. Shoes included. Windsor Bowl. 8801 Conde Ln., Windsor. windsorbowl.com.

Tuesday 7 FREE Petaluma East Side Farmers Market. Open year-round. Rain or shine.

To find the Pediatrician that’s right for you, call 1-888-699-DOCS (3627) or visit sutterpacific.org

30 SonomaFamilyLife

Tuesdays. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Lucchesi July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Park. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. communityfarmersmarkets.com.

100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. sonomalibrary.org.

FREE Open Mic Night! Not just for musicians. Also comedians, beat boxers, jugglers, hula hoopers, magicians, more. All ages welcome! Tuesdays. Doors 7 p.m. Show 7:30 p.m. Hopmonk Tavern. 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. hopmonk.com.

FREE Mad Science Spectacular:

FREE Healdsburg Music in the Plaza. Food

vendors. Thru Aug. 25. Tuesdays. 5–8 p.m. 100 Plaza St., Healdsburg. ci.healdsburg.ca.us. FREE Comic Making 101. Write,

draw & assemble a one-of-a-kind mini-sized comic book. Bring your imagination & come ready to tell your story! Grades 7–12. 3–4:30 p.m. Petaluma Regional Library.

Take Action ✔Yardwork Done! Check yardwork off your to-do list today

Movie Special Effects. Children

will learn how to create special effects sounds & watch how science can create superheroes! Ages 5–12. 2:30 p.m. Cloverdale Regional Library. 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. sonomalibrary.org.

We have all your lawn and garden equipment needs covered.

Aerators, Tillers & Dethatchers The region’s largest rental equipment provider with 4 Sonoma County locations. Open 7 days a week

Wednesday 8 FREE Summer Cinema. Popcorn & snacks provided. July 8: The Gruffalo. July 15: The Lightning Thief. July 22: Fantastic Mr. Fox. July 29: Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Ages 0–12. Wednesdays. 3 p.m. Healdsburg Regional Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. sonomalibrary.org.

Santa Rosa 539-0707 • Windsor 838-4373 Healdsburg 431-3544 • Fulton 544-0501 B Mî `ƒ

Wings

Sonoma County Airport

AFTER-SCHOOL

MARTIAL ARTS PROGRAM

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6001 Commerce Blvd. Rohnert Park

707-588-8878 July 2015

Experience Flight Training Aircraft; Helicopters

Discover Scenic Tours Aircraft; Helicopters; Balloons; Historic Aircraft

(707) 544-2302

EXPRESSWAY STORAGE

Los Angeles; Portland; San Diego; Seattle

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• Daily Martial Arts Classes • Swimming, Movies • Weekly Adventures • Science, Art & Discovery Labs

Rohnert Park, CA 94928 707-588-8878

Travel on Nonstop Flights to/from

www.sonomacountyairport.org 707.565.7240 Follow STS on

SonomaFamilyLife 31

KaCees Car Wash Car Wash Discount

2 OFF

Reg. $7.00 • Expires 9/30/15

High-Tech Car Wash Present this coupon for discount. Coupons cannot be combined with other offers.

586-8997

320 Rohnert Park Expressway Open Daily 7am–8:30pm

SANTA ROSA CO-OP PRESCHOOL

EST. 1951 A Place to Play. A Place to Learn. A Place to Grow. • Pre-Kindergarten class for academic & social Kindergarten readiness • To support our families, we provide parenting tools & classes to work together as a team for your children • Adlerian Positive Discipline: ~ Kind AND Firm tools ~ Encouragement tools with mutual respect for children & adults, to achieve cooperation

Now accepting applications for 2015/16 school year

579-3718

srecschool.org

Violin lessons

Don’t Be a Drip Save Water L

eaves are turning brown and creeks are running dry. California is enduring an official drought and teaching kids to save water is essential. Have fun figuring out your family’s water footprint here: http://environment.nationalgeographic. com/environment (search on “water footprint calculator”). Then get to work implementing the following steps for reducing the amount of gallons you use. • Wash the bike or the car using a hose nozzle; turn off the water in between washing and rinsing. Better yet, ditch the hose altogether and wash with a sponge and a bucket of soapy water. If your family uses a car wash, choose one that recycles water. • Take showers not baths. If you keep showers under five minutes, you’ll save up to 1,000 gallons a month. You can even make a game out of timing yourself and the kids, challenging everyone to beat their own records. • Turn off water while shampooing hair and brushing teeth. • When waiting for running water to get hot, place a bucket under the faucet and pour what you catch on houseplants or use it in the garden. • When it’s time to clean out your fish tank, give your plants the nutrient-rich tank water. • Water outdoor plants in the morning or evening, when it’s cool enough for them to absorb moisture before it evaporates. Also, be careful not to overwater; a little goes a long way. • Enlist the kids to help test the toilet for leaks. Let them place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color appears in the toilet without flushing, you’ve got a leak, which can waste 200 gallons a day. • Teach kids to turn off the faucet tightly after each use.

Melanie Webster; MA Instructor & Performer

Enrich your child’s life! Prize Winning Students Beginning to Advanced Levels Private Lessons, Groups & Chamber Music Suzuki & Traditional Methods

• Avoid using recreational water toys, especially those that require a steady stream of water. • Wash pets on the lawn, where excess water can feed the grass. • Use a broom instead of a hose to clean paved surfaces like sidewalks and driveways. For more water-saving tips, see wateruseitwisely.com and epa.gov.

www.mwviolin.com 823-3268 32 SonomaFamilyLife

July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

FREE ZunZun: Earth Heroes.

Instruments used from around the world: charango, steel pan & recycled instruments. Ages 0–12. 11 a.m. Sonoma Valley Regional Library. 755 West Napa St., Sonoma. sonomalibrary.org. FREE Tony Borders: Magic, Ventriloquism & Puppets. Interactive,

funny show. Ages 3 & up. 6 p.m. Windsor Regional Library. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Bldg. 100, Windsor. sonomalibrary.org.

Thursday 9 Flynn Creek Circus. Thru

July 12. Various times. $12–$25. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. flynncreekcircus.com. FREE Magician Mike Della Penna.

Playful & astonishing magic performances. Ages 3 & up. 2 p.m. Northwest Santa Rosa Library. 150 Coddingtown Center, Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

Friday 10

FREE Foster Parent Information Meeting. 565-4274 to register. Includes light dinner. 6 p.m. Human Services Family, Youth & Children Services. 1202 Apollo Way, Santa Rosa. sonomafostercare.org.

FREE Bodega Marine Laboratory Tours. Explore

the dynamic biodiversity of the Northern California coast. Closed July 3. Fridays. 2–4 p.m. 2099 Westside Rd., Bodega Bay. bml.ucdavis.edu.

86th Annual Lake County Rodeo.

Barrel racing, team roping, calf roping, steer roping, bareback riding, bull riding. No pets, ice chests, or alcohol. Thru July 11. 6 p.m. both days. Free parking. July 10 prices: Adults $9. Seniors (60+) $6. Kids (ages 7–12) $4. July 11 prices: Adults $13. Seniors $10. Kids $6. Both days: Children under 12 admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Dance on July 11 at 9 p.m. is $6 after 8:45 p.m. Lake County Fairgrounds. 401 Martin St., Lakeport. lakecountyrodeo. sharepoint.com/pages/default.aspx.

Saturday 11 FREE 23rd Annual Cotati Kids’ Day Parade & Festival! Family fun, games, entertainment. Free pancake

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 www.sonomafamilylife.com

July 2015

SonomaFamilyLife 33

ADDED SUMMER SESSIONS! June 4th thru Aug. 14th Monday thru Thursday 12–4 Friday 12–5:30 check calskate.com for more info

breakfast at Church of the Oaks (185 Page St., Cotati). 7–9 a.m. Parade 10 a.m. Festival 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Downtown Cotati & La Plaza Park. Old Redwood Hwy. & W. Sierra Ave., Cotati. cotatikidsday.org. Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance Musical

CAL SKATE Roller Skating & Blading Center

585-0500 • FOR RESERVATIONS: 585-0494 6100 COMMERCE BLVD. • WWW.CALSKATE.COM

Cross & Crown Lutheran School

Where the JOY of learning meets the JOY of the Lord Register Now for 2015/2016 2 - 5 years Preschool Jr. Kindergarten - Kindergarten 1st - 6th Grade Preschool license #490100475

Call or email to visit our school:

(707)795-7863 www.crossandcrownschoolrp.org

Review. Featuring

The Kut-Ups. 30% of the 40-member cast is in their 80s. Thru July 18. 1 p.m. Friday 7:30 p.m. Spreckels Performing Arts Center. 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. 588-3400. rpcity.org. FREE Kids Outdoor Summer Movies. Show 15 minutes after sunset. Windsor Town Green. 838-1260. townofwindsor.com.

(707)763-2954

3700 Lakeville Hwy., Ste 210 • Petaluma www.harvestpetaluma.org

34 SonomaFamilyLife

FREE Traveling Lantern: Peter Pan. Live performance of the treasured tale of the adventurous boy who never grows up! Ages 4 & up. 11 a.m. Rincon Valley Library. 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. sonomalibrary.org.

Friday 17

fine mix of traditional, contemporary, gospel & original songs. Ages 12 & up. 2 p.m. Rohnert Park–Cotati Regional Library. 6250 Lynne Condé Way, Rohnert Park. sonomalibrary.org. Mendocino Music Festival. Evening

Star Gazing Family Sleepover.

& afternoon concerts include orchestra, Big Band, a piano series,

Dinner & continental breakfast included. 5:30 p.m.–9 a.m. $40–$50.

It’s all about the party!

GOT LICE?

The only Classical, Christian school in the North Bay!

Tuesday 14

West Side Story. Musical masterpiece about two lovebirds from opposite sides of the track. Thru Aug. 2. 2 & 8 p.m. $28. Carston Cabaret. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. wellsfargocenterarts.org.

FREE Sonoma Mountain Band. A

Now Enrolling for 2015/2016

Kindergarten-8th Grade

chamber music ensembles, dance, blues, jazz, world, folk, bluegrass & popular contemporary music. Runs thru July 25. Mendocino Music Festival. Various venues in Mendocino. Visit website for schedule & tickets. mendocinomusic.org.

A whole loada fun!

TREAT TODAY… GONE TODAY! • Unique system for lice removal. • 100% guaranteed on 1st visit. • Certified operators. • FDA cleared. 415-328-1350 • www.lcanorthbay.com 159 Lynch Creek Way • Petaluma

Birthday • Graduation • Family Reunion • Office Event 327 O’Hair Court, Santa Rosa • 575-KIDS

July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Family Portraits Stargazing only: $25–$32. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.

Saturday 18 Civil War Days. Civil war

battles, cannon firings, artillery demonstrations, cavalry horses in an 1863 civilian town. Thru July 19. July 18: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Battles at 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. July 19: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Battles at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Adults $12. Ages 6–12 $6. 5 & under free. Parking $5. Cash only. Freezeout Road, Duncans Mills. civilwardays.net. Bastille Day music performance.

Accordion, acoustic guitar & voice performance by French music trio La Guinguette & Un Deux Trois. 8–10 p.m. $15. Occidental Center for the Arts. 3850 Doris Murphy Ct., Occidental. occidentalcenterforthearts.org. Petaluma Rivertown Revival. All-day

festival with live music, art, art boat race, parade, floating art barges, Kidstown area & food & drink. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Steamer Landing Park. D & Copeland Streets, Petaluma. rivertownrevival.com.

Friday 24 Sonoma County Fair. This

year’s theme is Down on the Farm. Thru Aug. 9. Hall of Flowers, horse races, carnival. Closed Mondays. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. $5–$8. 6 & under free every day. Ages 7–12 free on Fridays. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. sonomacountyfair.com.

Saturday 25 26th Annual Vineman Triathlon.

The oldest independent full distance triathlon held in the continental U.S. Starts at Johnson’s Beach, Guerneville, with a swim, then a ride & run thru scenic wine country. See website for details. vineman.com. FREE Berkeley Kite Festival. Lively family festival with kite-building lessons, team kite flying, taiko drummers, kids’ zone, more. Thru July 26. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Parking $15. Free shuttles from Golden Gate Fields. César E. Chávez Park. 11 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley. highlinekites.com.

707-892-3565

www.natashamcguire.com

Fort Ross Festival. Multicultural

celebration of the Kashaya, Russian & Ranch-era peoples who have lived in Fort Ross. Featuring costumed historical re-enactments, crafts, militia cannon firings, music & dance, food court & children’s crafts. $20 per car (includes parking). 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Fort Ross Historic Park. 19005 Hwy. 1, Fort Ross. 847-3437. fortross.org.

MonkeyJumperZ.com

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July 2015

Enrolling for Summer Camps

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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

Put Your Affairs in Order • • • • • •

Monkey JumperZ Bounce House Rentals Birthday Parties • Daycare Centers Carnivals • Schools • Corporate events and all your bounce house needs (707) 978-2144 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Wedding, Engagement & High School Senior Photographer

FREE Consultation

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

Evening & Weekend Appointments Available

707-431-7250

Maria Grace Wilson, Attorney at Law mgracewilson@comcast.net SonomaFamilyLife 35

Cooking with Kids

To Churn with Love Make Your Own Ice Cream

By John Corippo

ave a house full of hot, complaining kids? Homemade ice cream offers sweet relief. Everyone should have an ice cream machine. During summer, it becomes a magic cauldron that enchants kids by transforming a few ingredients into an icy delight. As you make this recipe, have fun telling your little helpers that the berries need to be heated to release their special joo joo—and blueberries do indeed contain lots of powerful antioxidants, whether you heat them or not. They also lend an enchanting royal purple hue to your creamy concoction. Wait for a little churning and freezing, and ta-da! —you’ll have conjured up a dessert so delicious it’ll disappear before you can say Abracadabra!

Blueberry Ice Cream Ingredients

Directions In a large saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil.

• 4 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

Reduce heat and simmer until sugar is dissolved and blueberries are soft.

• 2 cups sugar

Strain mixture and discard skins and seeds.

• 2 tablespoons water

Stir in half-and-half, then cover and refrigerate for at least two hours.

• 4 cups half-and-half • Plenty of ice and rock salt

Fill the ice cream machine’s freezer cylinder 2/3 full. Pour 2 inches of ice around the bucket and then 1/4 cup of rock salt on top of the ice. Repeat until ice and salt reach the top lip of the bucket. Churn and freeze according to your machine’s directions. Allow ice cream to firm up in the freezer for 2–4 hours before serving.

John Corippo lives in Ukiah, where he is a husband and father of two sons as well as a fire captain, paramedic, hazmat specialist, journalist, college instructor, avid sports fan, and stand-up paddleboard representative.

36 SonomaFamilyLife

July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Kids Craft

Patriotic Play

3 Decorative Crafts

By Denise Morrison Yearian

ummer is a time when stars and stripes abound! Here are a few Fourth of July crafts and activities that double as decorations. FIRECRACKER MURALS Items needed: Sidewalk chalk; sidewalk or driveway Give your little “firecrackers” their own sidewalk square and chalk and let them design superstar patriotic scenes. You can even turn it into a competition. Just make sure each child receives a prize. PATRIOTIC PLANTERS Items needed: red, white, and blue nontoxic acrylic paint; terra-cotta planter; www.sonomafamilylife.com

paintbrushes; pencil; ruler; small, white star stickers; potting soil; plant; small American flag Paint the top rim of the planter blue and the lower portion white. Let dry. Give both colors a second coat of paint, then let dry again. On the lower, white portion, use a pencil and ruler to draw vertical lines that are evenly spaced apart. Paint a red stripe between every other line so it looks like an American flag. On the upper, blue rim attach white star stickers over the blue paint. Fill the planter with potting soil, add a plant, and push a small American flag into the soil. “THREE CHEERS FOR THE…” TABLECLOTH Items needed: Red and blue crêpe paper streamers; two bowls; July 2015

lukewarm water; pen; various sizes of star stencils; flat sponges; scissors; heavy-duty white paper tablecloth Cut red and blue crêpe paper into small pieces and place each color in its own bowl. Add just enough lukewarm water to each bowl to cover the paper. Let it stand for a few minutes to tint the water. Pull out the wet paper and discard. Using a pen and the star stencils, trace over flat sponges to create differently sized stars. Cut them out. One by one, dip the sponges in colored water (they will expand), and then press randomly on the tablecloth until it is studded with stars. Let dry, then use for your next patriotic picnic. ¶ Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and four grandchildren.

SonomaFamilyLife 37

They may never ask how you always know… all the coolest things to do & places to go. But they’ll always remember the fun! And you don’t have to reveal the source of your superpowers. Get weekly email updates from the editors at Sonoma Family Life with all the latest LOCAL family-fun events, ideas, and outings. On your phone, tablet, or desktop…

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Your one stop cake, candy, party & wedding shop

— 2015 summer camp — Science! Art! Games! Each week is unique, see website for themes santa rosa: Rincon Vlly School TBD, June 15–July 31 M–F, 9–3, S. R. Rec. Parks & Cmnty Srvcs: (707) 543-3737

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Pony Camp! Weekly June 8 thru August 14

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Hiking, Swimming, Crafts, Music, Drama, Puppetry, Wilderness & Native American Garden Studies, Stewardship & Pioneer History. “like” us on facebook~naturecampnapavalleyatbothe

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Classes

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July 2015

A full week of camp as low as $145 per week. Call, email, or check out our website for details.

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SonomaFamilyLife 39

Classified Marketplace Counseling

Lessons

Parties

We Make Your Event –Our Event

PIANO & SINGING LESSONS IN YOUR HOME New students get 1st lesson free! Piano: Ages 6 & older Singing: Ages 12 & older

Since 1984

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Mindfulness for Schools & Families

Is Your Child Defiant, Stubborn, or Aggressive? It doesn’t have to be that way.

We know how difficult and frustrating it can be when everything you have tried has not worked. Through a highly effective program for children 3-6 years old, we can help you to successfully manage these behaviors. Start to see results in as little as 6 sessions.

In-school, after school, homeschool, & private sessions Ages 3-12 New classes enrolling July & August

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Let Us Decorate Your Next Party for You! • Birthdays • Quince’s • Weddings • Events • Corporate

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COLLEGE GRADS CALL NOW! For information on our no hassle College Grad Discount Program

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where your imagination comes to play

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Katie's Balloons

707-539-1818 ktsballoons@gmail.com

July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Services

Schools

Childcare/Preschools

Program of First United Methodist Church Year-round • Play based Ages 2 - 5 (Pre-Kindergarten) Excellent Teacher-Child ratios Open 7am-6pm

YMCA PRESCHOOL

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NEED TUNING? Professional Piano Tuning 20% Off - Mention this ad 18 years experience, Sonoma County Ron Sondergaard Piano Service silvertune@gmx.com

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Financial Assistance is available.

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Children’s Circle 2.5-3.5+ yrs. Kinderclub 3-5 yrs. Montessori in Motion 3-6 yrs.

Register at the Parks and Recreation Office 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Bldg 300D, Windsor 838-1260 • townofwindsor.com/preschool

#1 local for 23 years resource for local families magazine • web • email • events

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Developing the Foundations for a Lifetime of Creative Learning

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JANBOREE PRE-SCHOOL A fun filled curriculum for 3 & 4 year–olds. 8:30 –11:30 a.m. Mon.– Fri. $15 per day. Dunham-Hessel area. 795-8568. www.janboree.com License #490111872

July 2015

The Bridge School. Located in Central Santa Rosa, 1625 Franklin Ave. Year-round full/half–day. Rich nurturing environment. Center based program for ages 3–5 with separate 2’s program. Caring, qualified teachers. Julie & Andrew Day; owners. Lic.#493005697. 575-7959.

Playtime Daycare/Preschool Join our loving family. Spacious playroom, large yard, meals provided. CPR & first aid certified. M-F. Infants & up. Call Wendy 539-7524. Lic. #04746.

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Humor Break

This Dad Is Done Summer Tests

I quit. LOL, Dad. You’re funny. Danny needs a ride home and his dog pooped in the kitchen. I quit. Dad? It’s a good cigar. I mean, really, really good. I keep smoking and stare into the haze until my phone vibrates a hole in the chair.

a Father’s Sanity

By Bull Garlington

quit.

I am hip deep in laundry. There are 17 more shoes than feet in our front hall—not pairs, just shoes. There’s a kid I don’t know sleeping on the couch. There’s a dog I don’t know drinking out of my toilet. My fridge is loaded to the gills with old Chinese food and outdated Go-gurts. I’m out of bread, eggs, milk, hot dogs, and Ho Hos. I haven’t shaved in four days. I have no clean towels. I wander into my son’s room where he’s fallen asleep like a true warrior, in a puddle of drool surrounded by a crenellated edifice of Brisk cans and spent instant Smack ramen bowls. It’s snackhenge.

The dinner table is piled to the roof beams with clean clothes. I put them there with the admonition my kids ought to put away their own duds. They just started changing in the dining room. There’s a Wii avatar staring at me from the flat screen. He seems angry, impatient, like he’s been standing there a long time. He’s looking at me like he’s thinking “Well? What are you going to do now?” What am I going to do? The only sane thing left. This experiment called 42 SonomaFamilyLife

“summer” has run its course and it’s an epic fail. I know when I’ve been beat. I grab my keys, my giant leather manbag, and my panama hat, and walk out the front door. I quit. I’ve been a slave for weeks. A kept man. A minion for my miniature

This experiment called “summer” has run its course and it’s an epic fail. I know when I’ve been beat. overlords and I’ve had it. I need to refill my man card. I go to my favorite cigar lounge and disappear into a deep leather chair under a cloud of fine Nicaraguan smoke. I break out a good book. I order a cup of coffee so strong it could bend time. I wallow deeper into the leather, tilt my hat down over my eyes, and crack the spine on the book. Then the texts begin. Dad where are you? Nicaragua. Srsly. I’m hungry.

Dad, Connor is grubhubbing a pizza. Can I get a pizza? I quit. LOL. Hilarious. I’m starving. Some dog pooped in the kitchen. I quit. Dad? The thing about a Partagas Maduro is you have to take time to smoke it right. You can’t smoke it too fast; it’s like fishing. You have to— Hon? The kids seem concerned about you. I quit. It’s been a long summer. You probably need a mini-vacation. I quit. Our house is full of kids and dogs, and they’re all starving to death. Maybe you should— I quit. If you quit your duties . . . I’ll quit mine. I’m back at the house in ten minutes flat. ¶ Bull Garlington is the author of Death by Children, the ForeWord Review’s Humor 2013 Book of the Year.

July 2015 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Continued from page 25

What is the best way to teach submersion? For newbies, often the scariest part of swimming is not going into the water but going under. Although there are many right ways to teach submersion, there is definitely one wrong way. Both Norman and McKay agree that, under no circumstances should anyone ever be forced to put their head under the water. “Only when a child is happy and comfortable with his or her surroundings—the water, the teacher, and his classmates—should he or she be taught to put his head under the water,” says McKay. For a child who hasn’t swum before or who is afraid of the water, McKay suggests easing into the water. He uses a multistep process that starts off with a child playing in the water, moves to pouring water on the child’s face, and then advances to

“The biggest mistake many parents and instructors make is forcing a child into the water.” —Bob McKay the child dipping one cheek then the other into the water. “Finally, when the child is completely comfortable with having his or her face wet, we hold and dip him or her under the water,” McKay says, emphasizing the importance of submerging the entire face—eyes, nose, and mouth—at once.

Before enrolling in any program, stop by the school and sit in on a class. Watch how the instructor interacts with the students. Is he or she encouraging without pushing too hard? Patient and respectful of a child’s fear? Consistent? Does he or she use positive reinforcement? Are the students listening and attentive? Do they seem happy? Is the program geared for the skill level and ages of the students? All in all, finding the right swim program can be relatively easy. Just locate a few schools, find out their teaching philosophies, and stop by for a visit. Once you find the program that meets your needs, dive in and get started. ¶ Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

SAFE SWIMMERS START HERE

SONOMA COUNTY FAMILY YMCA 707-545-9622 x 3138 www.scfymca.org

Sonoma County Family YMCA 1111 College Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 • 707-545-9622 • F 707-544-7805 The Y is a non-profit Community Organization. Financial Assistance is available.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

July 2015 SCP Oliver's 3.46 x 4.56 Friday, May 15, 2015 11:40:56 AM

SonomaFamilyLife 43

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