Sonoma Family Life March 2018

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March 2018

Labor Love Hire a doula Fire Relief Help children cope

Kids at Camp Choose a great one

Egg Craze

6 local hunts

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Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect, Exploration Makes Explorers Half and full day camps Week-long sessions from June 18 through August 3 for ages5th 10-14 Rising to 8th graders Visit www.sonomaacademy.org for more information and to register.

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March 2018

SonomaFamilyLife 3

March 2018

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

7

Crafting with Kids Peanut Play

8

Bits and Pieces Bluegrass Boogie

12 Features

Yes, She Can! Fire Song Fishing for Fun

9

The Sound of Longing Say Cheese

10 Healing Hearts Help fire-affected kids cope.

12 A Summer to Remember How to pick a great camp.

14 Talking about Homebirth

24 Calendar of Events What’s Old Is New

34 Humor Break City Mom, Country Mom

A few dos and don’ts.

16 Mother’s Helper How doulas help create better birth outcomes.

20 The Mindful New Parent Tending to your baby— and yourself.

22 A Festive Mess Sometimes chaos makes for the best b-day fun.

9 4 SonomaFamilyLife

7 March 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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Summer Day Camps

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Dear Reader

D

eciding to have a child is one of life’s major decisions.

And once you’ve made the leap, you want to make sure that you have a terrific Sharon Gowan support system, Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us starting at your birth.

Whether you labor at home or the hospital (if the former, turn to page 14 for advice), research has shown that doulas make for better birth outcomes, for both moms and babies.

What’s a doula? Find out when you read “Mother’s Helper” (page 16).

sonomafamilylife.com to find out about more events as the big day draws near.

One of the delightful things about having little ones is celebrating holidays like Easter. Egg hunts are a flurry of pure kid joy. To find one near you, turn to “Hop to a Hunt” (page 32), and go to

We hope you and your family blossom this spring!

Another wonderful part of parenting is watching children learn and grow.

They do both at summer camps, and it’s not too early to start looking for one.

See “A Summer to Remember” (page 12) for some tips on how to choose programs that best suit your family. And then mark your calendar for our Family Expo & Camp Fair on April 13, 3–7 p.m., at Coddingtown Mall in Santa Rosa.

Browse through the exhibits and learn about a myriad of local camps that teach everything from horseback riding to fencing to clowning.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Warren Kaufman warren@family-life.us

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Web and Social Media Natalie Bruzon natalie@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Sandra Gordon Steven D. Herrington Holly Hester Christina Katz Karen Sue Knight Meagan Ruffing Denise Morrison Yearian

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office P.O. Box 351, Philo CA 95466 Tel (707) 586-9562

6 SonomaFamilyLife

March 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Crafting with Kids

Peanut Play Turn a Snack into a Craft

By Meagan Ruffing

W

hen you hear the word “peanuts” you may think of PBJs, peanut brittle or, depending on your age, even Jimmy Carter. You probably don’t think of crafts. But these projects make use of the illustrious legume in a whole, new creative way.

Finger Puppets

5-10 empty peanut shells (plus a few more in case some break) Tempura paint (multiple colors) Paintbrushes Paper plate

Break peanut shell at its weakest point, in the middle. Shells can be delicate so be careful when breaking them. To make finger puppets, you want as complete a shell as possible.

Pull peanut out. (Sometimes the peanut won’t come out, but your child can still fit one of her fingers in the shell. If that’s the case, don’t worry about getting the peanut out.) Let your child use paint and a brush to paint a face on the peanut shell. Leave shell to dry on a paper plate. Repeat. Once shells are dried, have your child put the shells on her fingers and help her sing the “Daddy Peanut” song. (Make up your own tune.) “Daddy Peanut, Daddy www.sonomafamilylife.com

Peanut, where are you? Here I am, here I am, how do you do? Mommy Peanut, Mommy Peanut, where are you? Here I am, here I am, how do you do?” Repeat song using Brother Peanut, Sister Peanut, and so on.

Butterflies

(See picture below for general shape or find a template online.) This is a great time for your child to decorate the wings with markers and stickers.

Cut the butterfly in half lengthwise, creating separate left and right wings.

Pipe a thick line of glue on one side of the peanut shell and stick the flat edge of the left wing in the glue. Hold there until it sets. Repeat on the other side of the shell and with the other wing. Both wings should be across from each other. Glue two eyes on the front of the peanut shell (or just color eyes with marker). Cut the pipe cleaner into one, 2-inch piece and form it into the shape of a V. Place one large pea-sized dab of hot glue on the backside of the peanut. Place the apex of the V in that dab of glue and hold until it sets. ¶ Parenting journalist Meagan Ruffing is always looking for fun, new ways to get her kids involved with crafts. Through the writing of this article, her 4-year-old daughter Elinor realized just how much she loved eating peanuts. For some peanut-inspired recipes, visit meaganruffing.com.

Peanut shells Pencil Cardstock or construction paper Scissors Butterfly template Markers & stickers Hot glue gun with glue Googly eyes Black pipe cleaner

This craft will require help from an adult since a glue gun is involved.

Have your child pick out a full-sized peanut shell. Draw a butterfly shape on paper and let your child cut it out.

March 2018

SonomaFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

Fire Song

T

he Tubbs Fire was an experience that, for many, was too overwhelming to express in words. So Santa Rosa Symphony Principal Trumpet Douglas Morton portrays it through music. His tone poem, Heroism, communicates the many different aspects of the firestorm, from the ominous orange sky to the explosive conflagration and the battle to overcome it, and finally, the reflection on what has been lost.

More than 300 musicians will perform the work as part of the Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Ensembles Showcase on March 10 at 3 p.m. at Weill Hall in the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park. Call 546-8742 or log on to srsymphony.org to purchase tickets, which are $5­–$10. ¶

The Mammals

Bluegrass Boogie

f your spirit could use a little foot-stomping joy, check out the Mammals. The high-energy Americana group, founded

by Pete Seeger’s grandson Tao, will be delivering banjo, bass, and pedal-steel guitar–fueled tunes at the Sebastopol Community Center on March 2 at 8:30 p.m. Check out a video of the band’s music at seb.org/event/3667817-themammals and if you like what you hear, purchase tickets, which are $17–$22, at the same URL. ¶

Susan and Neil Silverman Photography

I

Santa Rosa Symphony youth

Yes, She Can!

I

8 SonomaFamilyLife

n honor of Women’s History Month, Sonoma County libraries are screening free films that showcase girl power in March. See Queen of Katwe, a biopic about the slums-to-stardom rise of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, on March 17 at 1 p.m. at the Central Santa Rosa Library in Santa Rosa. And on March 10 at noon see the blockbuster Wonder Woman (and get faces painted like superheroes, too) at the Roseland Community Library in Roseland. There will be other free showings of Wonder Woman at Sonoma County libraries throughout the month. Search on “Wonder Woman” at sonomacounty. libcal.com for listings. ¶ March 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Fishing for Fun

D

o your kids love the ocean? Indulge their marine imagination—and experience Jewish culture—at Purim Under the Sea. Chabad of Petaluma will turn the Petaluma Community Center in Petaluma into a watery world for Purim, one of the most festive of Jewish holidays. Little fishes can nosh on traditional goodies like hamantash, as well as a kosher seafood buffet, and then go to a Bubblemania Show, take a Mechanical Surfboard Challenge, hang out and play carnival games, or make crafts. Kids wearing sea-creature costumes may even win a prize. The event will be held on March 1, 5–7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for kids, and $50 (max) for a family. See jewishpetaluma.com to RSVP. ¶

The Sound of Longing

O

Derrick Story

riginating in Portugal in the early 1800s, fado is infused with saudade, the Portuguese word for melancholic longing, particularly that borne of loss. Ramana Vieira, a northern California native of Portuguese descent, will offer her interpretation of this Portuguese folk music, as well as sing American classics and jazzy blues, at a free 60-minute performance on March 3 at 2 p.m. at the Sonoma Valley Regional Library in Sonoma. For more information, see sonomacounty.libcal.com/event/3974286. ¶

California Artisan Cheese Festival

Ramana Vieira

Say Cheese

“G

romit, I think it’s time for a peck of cheese,” Wallace, of the popular British clay-mation duo Wallace and Gromit, is famous for saying. If you share his passion for the indulgent side of dairy, then the 12th Annual California Artisan Cheese Festival could be your nirvana. Go on tours of local creameries or take seminars on topics such as cheese and wine (or beer) pairings, the art of melting cheese, and how to create a cheese and charcuterie plate. The festival will be held March 23–25 at various locations. Prices for events vary. Find out more and purchase tickets at artisancheesefestival.com. ¶

www.sonomafamilylife.com

March 2018

SonomaFamilyLife 9

children are still grieving. Providing ongoing opportunities to tell their stories and be supported can help prevent long-term symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

Many factors affect how children recover from such a tragedy, including the support and resources they receive

A supportive response can help a child heal and even grow after a traumatic experience.

Healing Hearts Helping Children

Thrive after the Fires

By Steven D. Herrington, PhD, Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools

G

rass and flowers are already springing up in some of the areas destroyed by the North Bay fires, but emotional scars can take much longer to heal. Thankfully, any parent, teacher, or adult who works with children can be a possible source of healing when armed with the right tools. Following are some ways to tell if your child might be suffering or needing more help after the fires—and what you can do to help.

Experience Varies from Child to Child Even if a child didn’t lose her home, she or he could have suffered from the fires in a myriad of ways. The blazes that swept through Sonoma County destroyed the homes of roughly 1,450 public school students, several public and private schools, and countless businesses where parents worked.

Some children experienced extreme trauma, injury, or loss and may need professional help dealing with these feelings. Others are feeling a sense of profound displacement as they move 10 SonomaFamilyLife

to new neighborhoods and schools.

Others weren’t directly affected by the fire, but fear that their family will lose its home due to the rising cost of rent or a parent’s job loss.

There is no right or wrong timeline for how quickly a child will recover from trauma. Some children will experience a period of time in which they perceive that everyone else around them has returned to “normal.” It is important not to remove supports too soon, particularly for these children.

Many people tire of talking about the fires as time passes, while these

at home and school, said Dr. David Schonfeld, a nationally renowned expert in school crisis and director of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement at the University of Southern California. He recently visited Sonoma County schools to assist with fire recovery and offered guidance I’ll share below. Here are some signs to look out for and ways to support your child.

Signs of Distress All children grieve differently: Some may become aggressive or hyper, while others may withdraw. A child’s behavior can also change over time, in response to something that reminds him of the disaster or another stressful life event. That said, here are some common signs that a child could be struggling to adjust.

• Trouble sleeping • Separation anxiety • Fear of going to school • Trouble concentrating • Withdrawal • Increased irritability or anxiety • Loss of academic performance

March 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

• Regressive behaviors in young children (bedwetting, tantrums) • Depression, lack of interest in activities they usually enjoy • Substance abuse • Physical symptoms such as headaches or fatigue • No symptoms after experiencing a significant trauma What You Can Do A supportive response can help a child heal and even grow after a traumatic experience. Here are a few tips: Be there: Perhaps the most important thing you can do is talk with—and listen to—your children. “Be present, observant, and let them know we are here for you. That can go a long way,” advises Dr. Schonfeld. Be sure to let them know it is OK to ask questions and share their feelings.

Be flexible with expectations.

“When you have kids that are struggling and they feel they aren’t keeping up to expectations, that puts a lot of stress on them,” says Dr. Schonfeld. Patience, flexibility, and

There is no right or wrong timeline for how quickly a child will recover from trauma. extra attention can all give a child the room he or she needs to heal. This can include gentle reminders or added help with chores or homework.

Be a role model. Children take cues from their parents for how to handle stressful situations, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Do your

best to model calm behaviors and healthy self-care.

Take care of yourself. You may be familiar with the advice “put your own air mask on first.” You can’t be a good role model if you are struggling yourself. Go easy on yourself. Take time to make sure you are eating and sleeping well, getting exercise, and receiving proper medical care.

Seek professional help. If a child you care for has shown signs of distress for more than six weeks after the fires, consider consulting with a mental health professional. ¶ This article includes information from a presentation by Dr. David Schonfeld and the article “Parent Guidelines for Helping Children Impacted by Wildfires,” published by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Additional information can be found online at nctsnet.org.

Remember the adult who gave you a second

(707) 565 - 4274 www.sonomafamilylife.com

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2

Value in variety. Ask your children if they want to do one activity or have a variety of experiences. A lot of parents think they have to be tied down to one camp,

It may be worth driving a few miles out of the way to get what you’re looking for.

A Summer to Remember 10 Tips for Choosing the Right Camp

By Denise Morrison Yearian

S

ummer day camp is a place where children can stretch their minds, exercise their bodies, and develop new friendships and interests. Here are 10 suggestions on how you can choose the right day camp for your child.

1

Look, listen, and learn.

Talk with your children to find out what their interests are. As you do, get a list of camps, show them what the options are, and ask if any appeal to them. Need ideas? Come to Sonoma Family Life’s Family Expo & Camp Fair on April 13, 3–7 p.m., in Coddingtown Mall in Santa

12 SonomaFamilyLife

Rosa. You can collect information about, and talk to representatives from, camps all over the area.

There will be free family-friendly entertainment, too. Once you’ve chosen some camps to explore more deeply, talk with people whose children have attended them to find out if they had good experiences.

but it is okay to send your children to different places. Enroll them in a traditional camp for several weeks, then a specialized camp for a week or two, and then maybe a scouting camp.

This adds variety and makes the summer more exciting.

3

Consider your family’s needs. If you have two working parents with set schedules, this may be a factor in determining where to send your children. Check to see if the program you are considering has before- and after-care. Also ask if friends in similar situations want to put their kids in the same program so you can coordinate rides.

4

Focus on friendships.

Friendships are an important part of camp so factor that into your decision. The focus of day camp is to have fun and learn skills, and a lot of that is done through face-to-face interaction with peers.

Have your children go with a friend but encourage them to make new friends there.

5

Look at location. Most families want a camp close to home or work or one somewhere along the way, but convenience shouldn’t be the only consideration.

March 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

We Grow Them★

If your child has a specific interest and there isn’t a program close by, it may be worth driving a few miles out of the way to get what you’re looking for.

6

Ponder program length.

Day camps run from several hours to a full day, so consider your children’s ages, developmental levels, and previous camp or group-setting experiences when looking at the program’s duration. Find out how many activities will be done in a day and determine if your kids can keep up the pace. If you still have reservations, ask the camp director what she or he suggests.

7

Ask key questions. Safety is a top priority, so find out what the counselors-to-camper ratio is.

The American Camping Association suggests 1–8 for ages 6–8, 1–10 for ages 9–14, and 1–12 for ages 15–18. Also look at hiring practices: How old are the staff members? Have background checks been done on them? How many hours of camp training do they have? And how many are CPR and safety certified? Many times an overseeing organization’s accreditation or certification covers health, safety, and staff issues, as well as the quality of the program. Ask if the camp is certified or accredited, and then find out exactly what that means.

8

Check out cost. When examining fees, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Some day camps have a base price but charge extra for field trips, special activities, materials, registration, and food. Also ask about a refund policy or transfer of weeks if there is an unforeseen illness or emergency. If the camp is more

www.sonomafamilylife.com

than you can afford, find out if there is a scholarship program for those with limited resources.

9

Plan a pre-visit. If an open house is available, try to attend, even if your child previously went to the camp. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet and discuss things with counselors. If that’s not

If the camp is more than you can afford, find out if there is a scholarship program for those with limited resources. possible, give yourself a few extra minutes at the start of camp to meet the staff and share information you think is important. This establishes a good relationship and increases the chance of open communication if a problem occurs.

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Peruse policies and procedures. Most camps have a parent handbook or policies and procedures manual. So if you’re undecided on a camp, ask for a copy to see if you agree with the rules and regulations set forth. It’s equally important to go over this information with your children so they know and agree to the expectations.

If you feel comfortable with the information you have received, the staff meets your expectations, and your children are enthusiastic, chances are it’s the right program and your campers will have a wonderful experience. ¶ Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

March 2018

Spring Break Classes Art, cartooning, animation, and ice skating at the Charles M. Schulz Museum

April 2–6, 2018 Reserve your space online

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or call

(707) 284-1272 SonomaFamilyLife 13

percent of US births occur at home.

Since so few women give birth at home, or know someone who has, it seems unfamiliar and therefore frightening.

Most fears are the result of common misconceptions of homebirths, including the kind of care available at

Expect very few people to understand your choice.

Talking about Homebirth F

Help Others Understand Your Decision

By Karen Sue Knight

ive months into my pregnancy with my first baby I realized giving birth in a hospital bed restrained by wires and monitors wouldn’t work for me.

However, my husband is in the Army, and a hospital delivery loomed in my future. Yet, I couldn’t accept it as inevitable. Instead, I was more determined than ever to choose a safe, comfortable place to give birth.

I wanted to be alert to every detail, from feeling the first pains of labor to holding the wet baby in my arms.

I wanted to move around freely in a familiar environment. So, I decided to have a homebirth with a certified midwife. Thankfully, my husband agreed.

14 SonomaFamilyLife

But the question remained, how could I help family and friends understand my decision? All the births in the last three generations of both our families took place in hospitals. I found out, of course, that I couldn’t please everyone.

But I did learn a few dos and don’ts to help ease their concerns during my three homebirths.

Don’t expect everyone to understand your choice. In fact, expect very few people to understand your choice. According to the CDC’s most recent Vital Statistics data, one

home, the education requirements of midwives, and what happens if there is an emergency. Some people will be open to hearing the facts that debunk their misconceptions, and some will not. Enjoy the discussion with those willing to talk about it, and be willing to let the others go.

Do listen to concerns without interrupting or defending. Use listening as a way to help friends and family deal with their concerns for you and your baby’s well-being during the labor and delivery. Good listening skills take intentional effort for most of us, even more so when we’re being questioned about the wisdom of our choice to give birth at home.

Part of making an intentional effort to listen means resisting the urge to interrupt or defend the choice you’ve made. Instead, try to place yourself in the questioner’s shoes, asking nonjudgmental questions to better understand the other’s point-of-view while maintaining eye contact and a pleasant facial expression.

Listening also earns you the right to share your perspective. But still consider asking the other’s permission

March 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

first. For instance, what if someone expresses concern about the need for an emergency C-section. Wait until he or she finishes talking, then respond, “My midwife and I have discussed that.

May I share with you what we would

I wanted to be alert to every detail, from feeling the first pains of labor to holding the wet baby in my arms. do if that happens?” Now you have his or her ear to talk about the distance to the hospital and the backup obstetrician your midwife works with.

Do answer specific concerns.

Often family and friends feel uneasy about homebirths but can’t pinpoint why. It’s not enough to assure www.sonomafamilylife.com

Do be confident. You’re not alone. Even though relatively few Americans give birth at home, their numbers are growing. In 2015, there were more than 38,542 homebirths in the United States, the highest number reported since 1989. For more women than ever, choosing a certified midwife-attended homebirth means exercising their maternal prerogative to take an active role in giving birth to their baby.

TS

Although these are legitimate reasons for choosing a homebirth, such information can feel overwhelming to friends and family. Instead make general, easily acceptable statements such as, “Birth is a natural process.” Or, “I want to manage my labor pain without medication and technology so that I can fully participate in my baby’s birth.”

Instead, help them focus their concern by asking for a specific scenario. Most scenarios you will have already discussed with your midwife, for instance, how she handles prolonged labor, breech presentation, umbilical cord prolapse, excessive bleeding, meconium in the amniotic fluid, etc. If the scenario is new to you, thank them for bringing it to your attention and tell them you’ll ask your midwife and get back to them.

©P N

Don’t overload them with information. Chances are you’ve done a lot of research. You’ve read the reports and know that only five percent of homebirths result in cesareans compared to 32 percent of hospital births. And you’ve seen the recent CMAJ study that found that hospital births result in more labor augmentations, perineal trauma, and postpartum hemorrhage.

them that research shows low-risk, healthy pregnancies with a certified midwife are just as safe at home as at a hospital, only they involve fewer interventions.

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In the end, though, all your good intentions may not be enough to get family and friends on board with your decision to have a homebirth.

But that doesn’t have to spoil your experience. Go ahead and give yourself permission to cherish your homebirth, from the first contractions when you call your midwife, to the last push when you deliver your baby into the world. ¶ Karen Sue Knight is a freelance writer and the mother of three amazing young adults.

March 2018

Book your tickets today at:

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SonomaFamilyLife 15

caregiver”—doesn’t necessarily have medical training, but she is familiar with the usual procedures involved in childbirth. She is part of your labor support team, which typically includes your partner, the doctor (or midwife), and a nurse (who may have her hands full tending to

Mother’s Doulas Make Childbirth Helper Shorter & Easier

By Sandra Gordon

T

wo years ago, when she was pregnant with her first child, Rebecca Hart, a 29-year-old public relations consultant, needed a birthing coach. “My husband didn’t want the pressure of being in charge,” she says. On the recommendation of several friends, Hart hired Brenda Csonka to be her doula.

Csonka proved to be a “lifesaver” during Hart’s 42-hour labor. She went to Hart’s home to help the mom-to-be breathe through her first contractions. When Hart’s back labor became especially challenging, Hart, her husband, Todd, and Csonka all headed out, by arrangement, to a neighbor’s swimming pool—being in the water eased the pressure on Hart’s back. Later, at the hospital, 16 SonomaFamilyLife

when Hart’s labor stalled, her doctor said, “I can do a C-section now, or you can keep trying.” She elected to stay the course. “I felt so confident with Brenda there,” Hart recalls.

Soon after, she delivered a 9-pound boy—with the benefit of little pain medication. “I couldn’t have done it without Brenda.”

What Is a Doula?

A doula—Greek for “woman

If you decide to use a doula’s services, let your obstetrician known as early as possible. several patients). A doula’s job isn’t to deliver your baby but to give you her continuous attention, offering techniques to help ease the pain of labor.

She may encourage you to use a shower or whirlpool, for example.

(Water is known as “the doula’s epidural.”) Other pain-relief methods include breathing techniques, walking, and using a birthing ball, a large rubber sphere that the mother sits on during labor to help relax the pelvic area.

Massage, another favored technique, helped Amy Anthony, a 27-year-old first-time mom during her 20-hour labor. “My doula squeezed my hips together from the back with almost every contraction for two straight hours,” she says. The doula also offered moral support to Anthony’s husband. “The pain got pretty bad at times, and I was crying,” she recalls. “Having our doula there helped him relax.”

Considered “alternative” in the early 1980s, when the movement was in its infancy, doulas have

March 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

gained acceptance in hospitals.

According to a Cochrane Review of multiple studies involving more than 15,000 women in a variety of circumstances, a doula’s constant help during childbirth can shorten labor and reduce the need for cesarean or forceps delivery. In addition, women may be less likely to use pain medications and may be more likely to be satisfied with their birth experiences. The babies of women who receive continuous support may be less likely to have low five-minute Apgar scores (the score used when babies’ health and well-being are assessed at birth and

Considered “alternative” in the early 1980s, doulas have gained acceptance in hospitals. shortly afterwards). And, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Perinatal Education, doula-assisted women are four times less likely to have a low birth-weight baby and two times less likely to have complications involving themselves or their babies.

Labor Negotiations Thousands of doulas practice in the United States. Those who are certified through Doulas of North America (DONA), a nonprofit international doula association, and the Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators receive specialized training.

You and your partner will likely meet with your doula a few times before your due date to discuss your plans for the birth. If possible, introduce her to your doctor at a prenatal appointment and discuss any important points.

some of the details and provide an objective view of the birth. You can also hire a post-partum doula who will come to your home to help out with childcare or household chores after the birth.

Mothering Moms During labor’s turbulent moments, an experienced, reassuring voice can provide moms with a much-needed reality check. “Sometimes a woman doesn’t know if what she’s going through is normal or not,” says nationally known author and childbirth educator Penny Simkin, a DONA cofounder. “A doula can provide some perspective.”

Choosing a Doula It’s important to select a labor coach with whom you feel comfortable.

Ask your obstetrician or childbirth educator for a recommendation. Or consult the following organizations:

Shortly after delivery, doulas also routinely contact the mother to relive

• Doulas of North America (DONA): dona.org.

• International Childbirth Education Association: icea.org. ¶ Sandra Gordon is an award-winning writer who covers health and parenting.

READY TO CHANGE SOME LIVES? Volunteers are critical to ending hunger in our community. An hour or two of your time is all it takes.

Pledge to volunteer with the Redwood Empire Food Bank today.

TAKE ACTION AT REFB.ORG

If you decide to use a doula’s services, let your obstetrician know as early as possible. www.sonomafamilylife.com

March 2018

SonomaFamilyLife 17

FREE

Family E & Camp FRIDAY APRIL 13 3-7 P.M. AT CODDINGTOWN MALL, SANTA ROSA westminster woods RECREATION & PARKS W

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FIND YOUR PERFECT CAMP!

Expo Fair

Anderson Entertainment DJ

Renewal By Andersen

Birthday/Classroom Safari

Rincon Valley USD

Camp Winnarainbow

Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks

Charles M. Schulz Museum

Santa Rosa Symphony Camp

Cloverleaf Ranch Camp

Shotokan Karate Leadership

En Garde Fencing Academy

Sonoma Academy

EXCEL for Youth

Sonoma Co. Family YMCA

Fiddleheads Summer Camp

Sonoma Co. Human Services

iD Tech Camps

Sonoma Gymnastics

Julie Nation Academy

Sports City Arena Sports

Kidding Around Yoga

Strides Riding Academy

Learning Rx of Santa Rosa

Summit Education Center

McDonald Ranch Day Camp

Super Kids Camp

Mt. Gilead Bible Camp

Taimalietane Dance Studio

Play Well TEKnologies

Vertex Climbing

PO PO the Clown

Westminster Woods Camp

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Redwood Adventure Camp

of security in order to develop healthy self-esteem in the future. A baby needs to feel his primary caregiver is taking care of his every need. And if childcare is needed, a secondary caregiver needs to give as much quality attention as a parent. Even so, a parent may wish to invest extra affection after work to re-bond.

The Mindful New Parent 5 Things Every Baby Needs

By Christina Katz

F

rom the moment of conception, parents are bombarded with messages about everything they need to buy to ensure their baby’s well-being. But the wholeness of children has little to do with purchasing the newest bouncy seat on the market or dressing them in adorable outfits that will impress friends on social media.

Children need our presence more than they need our presents.

Successful parents focus on fulfilling the basic needs every baby has. And babies are not the only ones with needs. All people on the planet long to experience these five feelings from the day they are born until the day they leave the world. By identifying the desires you have in common with 20 SonomaFamilyLife

your baby, you can become a more mindful parent.

1. A Solid Sense of Security Every baby needs to feel wanted. A child’s future ability to manage tension will be affected by how secure he feels during the first years of life. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children must have a sense

Parents need to make sure they feel grounded after having a baby, too. Financial insecurity, a lack of healthy food, or excessive stress can undermine your sense of rootedness.

Of course, every parent feels insecure sometimes. The key to staying grounded is to know how to manage tension when it happens. Have tools on hand that help you quickly and effectively lower stress—taking a walk or deep breaths or meditating.

Remember, your goal is not to become a perfect parent; your goal is to have enough support to feel secure, so you can pass the quality of rootedness on to your child.

2. A Natural Flow of Emotions Every baby expresses a range of feelings. If only positive feelings are allowable and negative feelings are discouraged, your baby will lose her natural emotional equilibrium. Your child’s future ability to experience pleasure and intimacy and create healthy relationships hinges on her ability to get her emotional needs met in infancy and beyond. When we are older, so much of our ability to experience joy depends on our ability to process grief in a healthy manner.

No one is asking you to be emotionally perfect, parents. But try to process your emotions so you feel emotionally available for your

March 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

baby’s ongoing needs. Find someone to talk to about your feelings. Other expressive outlets might include journaling, doodling, painting, or any other type of artistic practice that helps you channel emotions. If

When we can look at parenting as a process of doing our best and then letting go, everyone’s growth goes more smoothly. you are regularly expressing your feelings, you will have an easier time responding to the ebb and flow of your child’s emotions. An emotionally calm parent is more likely to have a happy, relaxed child.

3. Feelings of Worthiness Every baby needs to feel valued.

According to therapist Tamara Hill, children develop their identity based on feeling valued, loved, heard, and respected. From birth onward, your child needs help developing the foundation for his future abilities. This is why parents spend so much time encouraging little ones to do things like roll over, crawl, and walk. Your child might not appreciate his own progress as much without you positively mirroring it back. So go ahead and cheer for your child’s latest, age-appropriate accomplishment.

You are not spoiling your baby; you are motivating him to tackle the next developmental challenge.

Of course, parents need encouragement as well. You will have your fair share of exhausted moments while parenting, so make www.sonomafamilylife.com

an agreement with your partner to encourage each other. If you focus on your relationship as a partnership and your family as a team, life’s many challenges will fall into their rightful places. Try laughing about how exhausted you feel, instead of taking it out on each other. Keeping a sense of humor can help us feel worthy of support during challenging times.

4. Giving & Receiving Love To love and to be loved makes us human. Our ability to experience compassion for others, create harmony rather than strife, and cultivate a peaceful life begins as we learn to love and be loved during babyhood. This is why every baby needs to feel loved, and will happily love you back, when her needs are met. So don’t ever worry about spoiling an infant because, according to medical professionals, it’s not possible. Infants are not sophisticated enough to purposely manipulate adults. They only express themselves to get their needs met, and they will grow up to be better communicators when they do.

The tone of your relationships matters, parents. So try to set as moral, empathetic, and peaceful a tone as possible in your home. If you and your partner love the baby but struggle to love each other, get help from a professional or join a support group. Many couples experience turbulence while adjusting to parenthood. Couples that make time to connect have more harmonious marriages than couples that don’t.

5. Ability to Self-Express Babies make noise. They cry, March 2018

squawk, gurgle—and that is only the beginning. Before you know it, they will be chanting ma-ma-ma, da-da-da and imitating the sounds that go with specific objects. If you don’t teach your child the basic building blocks of communication, and repeat words back over and over, he won’t learn as well or as quickly. Get a head start by communicating with your baby as early as in the womb. A recent study at the University of Washington showed that babies begin absorbing language as early as 10 weeks before birth.

Children must have a sense of security in order to develop healthy self-esteem in the future.

Baby talk can get tiring for parents, though. So connect frequently with adults who have either been in your shoes or who are going through the same baby stage. Consider joining mom-baby playgroups or exercise groups to meet up with like-minded parents. You can also find online discussion groups, write letters by hand, or send e-mail messages as a way of reaching out to other parents. If you honestly express your thoughts and ask for what you need from adults, you’ll be more available and willing to converse in an age-appropriate manner with your developing baby. ¶ When author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz harkens back to what it was like to be a new parent, she wishes that more parenting advice could have been this simple.

SonomaFamilyLife 21

kids swing at it with a bat or broom handle. Secure a tarp underneath with duct tape (indoors) or camping stakes (outdoors) for easy cleanup.

3. Franken-beauty. Make natural facial masks out of banana, avocado, or cocoa. Sit guests around a large table in pairs to take turns applying

Fill squirt guns or squirt bottles with non-toxic watercolor paints, and let the kids decorate each other.

A Festive Mess 11 Creative Birthday Activities

By Christina Katz

I

don’t mean to brag, but my husband and I have thrown quite a few awesome birthday parties over the years. The most memorable ones were not the most elaborate or even the most expensive. They were simply the messiest. Messy and birthday parties go together better than you might imagine. After all, what could be more festive than a little bit of parent-approved pandemonium?

In that spirit, here is a list of ideas that won’t break the bank.

The only rule is no one leaves the field until the paint is all spent.

1. Take aim, color. Mark off a square play arena outdoors with five-foot tall bamboo garden stakes and blue painter’s masking tape. Fill squirt guns or squirt bottles with non-toxic watercolor paints, don a pair of clear swim goggles while the kids put on white t-shirts and leggings or sweats and then decorate each other.

2. Take a whack at it. Fill a store-bought piñata two-thirds of the way full with cooked, well-drained spaghetti. Then add small plastic toys, foil-wrapped granola bars, and plastic wrapped candies. To extend the fun, hang the piñata on a pull cord threaded through an eyehook so you can pull it up and down as

22 SonomaFamilyLife

masks to each other’s faces. Be sure to have some hand mirrors around so everyone can see what all the squeals are about.

4. Reach for the foam. Play messy Twister in the yard by mixing foam shaving cream and food coloring.

Wear clothing that can get stained. If no one wants to worry about clothing stains, simply use white shaving cream for the same effect.

5. Pudding slide. Make about a gallon of chocolate pudding. Drop large spoonfuls of pudding onto a Slip & Slide. Have guests take a running start down a low-grade slope. To make slide more slippery, have guests sprinkle it with water from a sprinkler can or set the hose sprayer to “mist.” Add more pudding or water, as needed.

6. Musical silly string. Put half the group in the middle on a plastic tarp. Encircle guests with the other half of the group. Turn on the music.

Have the inside group move in one direction and the outside group move in the other direction, while spraying the inside group with silly

March 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

string. When the music is turned off, switch groups.

7. Pasta fling. Cook one box of spaghetti per party guest. Get some five-gallon buckets and fill them two-thirds of the way with water. Add enough flour to thicken the water, and then add spaghetti. The only rules are: Use your own spaghetti, no bucket-dumping, and no touching—just throwing. Put them in the square play arena and get the heck out of the way.

8. Mud puddle fun. On a sturdy table at playing height, fill a small kiddie pool with dirt and just enough water to make mud. Add digging and pouring toys for an hour of industry for young guests.

Duck-Duck-Goose. But first, hand them a cup of water and a half-cup of flour to pour over each goose’s head.

10. The opposite of tiny bubbles. Make bubble mix with 10 cups of regular Dawn dish soap and five gallons of water. Let it

Play messy Twister in the yard by mixing foam shaving cream and food coloring. sit overnight. Do not agitate the solution as you pour it into a small wading pool slightly larger than a Hula-Hoop in diameter. Have one guest don a pair of clear goggles and stand in the middle of the pool

9. Duck-Duck-Dump. Have kids sit in a circle for a game of

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without splashing. Let two party guests lower a Hula-Hoop over the first guest and then pull it straight up into a giant bubble.

11. Three-legged color run.

Set up a start and finish line for a short jaunt. Tie the legs of two guests together and have them wear clear swim goggles and white play clothing. Have other guests stand on the sidelines and throw color from bags of nontoxic Holi colors (the type used for color runs, available online).

The winners take on the next pair of challengers until everyone has run.

The most colorful pair wins. ¶ Like most parents, Christina Katz’s first instinct is not necessarily to throw the messiest party. But she’s learned that sometimes it’s fun to throw tidiness out the window, especially for the sake of big birthday joy.

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March

Calendar of Events What’s Old Is New

K

ids outgrow their things so quickly; many parents find it just makes sense to buy used stuff. If you are of like mind, make way to the Just Between Friends Kids and Maternity Consignment Event, where you’ll find rows and rows of gently used clothes, toys, books, games, DVDs, furniture, and outdoor gear. The event will be held at Grace Pavilion at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds on March 8, 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; March 9, 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m.; March 10, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; and March 11, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (half-price day). Admission, which benefits the Active 20–30 service organization, is $4 on March 8, $2 on March 9, and free on March 10 and 11. For more information, including how to sell your items on consignment, see northbay.jbfsale.com. ¶

Thursday 1 Whirling Waters Vortex. New exhibit.

Be prepared to get wet. Weather permitting. $9–$12. Babies under 12 months: free. Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. 546-4069. cmosc.org.

50 Years of Franklin. After

the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., teacher Harriet Glickman wrote to Charles Schulz about

integrating the world of Peanuts.

The result was the character of Franklin. Exhibit is a display of correspondence between Glickman & Schulz. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thru Aug. 5. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. 579-4452. schulzmuseum.org.

Purim Under the Sea. Live fish, bubble show, kosher seafood, traditional hamantash & more. $8–$15. $50 family (max). 5–7 p.m. Petaluma Community Center. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. jewishpetaluma.com.

I Only Have Ives for You. 6 short

comedies by David Ives. Presented

by Raven Performing Arts Theater.

Recommended for ages 16 & up.

Mar. 1–4 & 8–11. $10–$25. (Adults $15 on Thursdays.) 8 p.m. Cousteaux French Bakery. 417 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. raventheater.org.

Friday 2 The Language of Flowers. West Coast premiere of play by Gavin Kayner. Adult content. Thru Mar. 23: Fridays & Saturdays, 8 p.m. Sundays,

Watch your child gain new skills and grow in confidence with each new level.

Sonoma County Children’s Music 867 Third Street Santa Rosa (707) 527-7900

Enroll now at

www.childrenlovemusic.com 24 SonomaFamilyLife

March 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

2 p.m. $15–$20. Mar. 24: Champagne gala. $50. Curtain Call Theatre.

20347 Hwy. 116, Monte Rio. 524-8739. russianriverhall.com.

Cloverleaf Ranch summer camp Open Houses: April 22nd & May 20th

FREE Maker Studio: Hour of Code.

A fun & simple intro to computer science. No experience needed.

Computers provided. Ages 9–12.

4:30–5:40 p.m. Rohnert Park–Cotati Regional Library. 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park. Registration required. Go to event on calendar at sonomacounty.libcal.com or call 584-9121.

Sonoma County Strong since 1947

Synopsys-Sonoma County STEAM Showcase. Students showcase work

in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts & mathematics (STEAM). Student projects that address the community’s unique needs both before & after the North Bay fires. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Sonoma County Fairgrounds & Events Center. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa.

Dorothy & the Wizard of Oz.

Audience-participation theater for ages 3–12. Thru Mar. 11. Fridays: 7 p.m. Saturdays: 1 & 3:30 p.m. Sundays: 3 p.m. $5. Steele Lane Community Center. 415 Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. santarosatheaterforchildren.com.

Saturday 3 FREE Build a Periscope. Parent & child workshop. 9 a.m.–noon. Home Depot. 6280 Hembree Ln., Windsor.

Register: homedepot.com/workshops.

Special Needs Activity Program.

Fun & developmental activities for kids with special needs & their families. Alternating sessions of music, dance, arts, crafts, physical exercise & yoga. Saturdays. 10 a.m.–noon.

Healdsburg Community Center.

1557 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg.

206-399-7597. wonder.rotarycares.org.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Helping Your Child Recover from a Disaster Keep an eye out for:

What you can do:

• Trouble sleeping • Separation anxiety • Fear of going to school • Trouble concentrating • Withdrawal • Increased irritability or anxiety • Loss of academic performance • Regressive behaviors in young children (bedwetting, tantrums) • Depression, lack of interest in activities they usually enjoy • Substance abuse • Physical symptoms such as headaches or fatigue • No symptoms after experiencing a significant trauma

• Be there for your child: Ask questions, listen, and observe • Be flexible with expectations: Give children your patience, understanding, and attention • Be a role model: Do your best to model calm behaviors and healthy self-care • Take care of yourself: Put your own ‘air mask’ on first and make sure you are healthy enough to care for your children • Seek professional help if you or your child continues to show symptoms of distress The Sonoma County Office of Education is committed to helping schools, families, and students recover from the North Bay fires. To learn more and access resources, visit scoe.org/schoolfirerelief.

5340 Skylane Boulevard Santa Rosa, CA 95403 scoe.org March 2018

SonomaFamilyLife 25

Petaluma Cinema Series.

Sunday 4 SSU Symphony Orchestra Family Concert. $8. 2 p.m. Sonoma State

University. Green Music Center. Weill Hall. 1801 E. Cotati Ln., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu.

Monday 5 FREE Teen Tech Week: Circuits Class & Maker Space. Hands-on

opportunity to learn about, create & explore circuits. 3:30–5:30 p.m. Sebastopol Regional Library.

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

Screenings of classic, foreign & independent films. Wednesdays. Thru May 2. $5–$6. Parking: $4. Pre-film lecture: 6 p.m. Film: 7 p.m. Santa Rosa Junior College, Petaluma Campus. 680 Sonoma Mountain Pkwy., Petaluma. petalumafilmalliance.org.

FREE Young Adults & the Arts: Young People’s Chamber Orchestra.

Performance of Grieg, Biber, Patzner & others. 6–9 p.m. Sebastopol Regional Library. 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. sonomacounty.libcal. com/event/3931526.

Thursday 8

Wednesday 7 FREE Bilingual Storytime/ Cuentos y Cantos. Ages 1–5.

5:30 p.m. Rohnert Park Library. 6250 Lynne Conde Way, Rohnert Park. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Just Between Friends Kids & Maternity Consignment Event. New

& gently used clothes (0–12 yrs.), toys, books, games, DVDs, furniture & outdoor gear. Mar. 8: 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m.,

$4. Mar. 9: 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m., $2. Mar. 10: 9 a.m.–3 p.m., free. Mar. 11: 9 a.m.–2 p.m., free. Free parking. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Grace Pavilion.

1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. sonomacountyfair.com.

Friday 9 Noises Off. Classically comic play about a cast of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop. Weekends thru Mar. 31. $20–$33. Fridays & Saturdays: 7:30 p.m. Sundays: 2 p.m. Mar. 15: 7:30 p.m. Mar. 17, 24 & 31: 2 p.m. 6th Street Playhouse. 52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa.

523-4185. 6thstreetplayhouse.com.

FREE Teen Anime Club. Ages 13–18.

4–5 p.m. Central Santa Rosa Library.

211 E St., Santa Rosa. Register sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Visit with a Beekeeper. 1–2:30 p.m.

$9–$12. Babies under 12 months:

Priority Registration OPPORTUNITIES FOR Learning for aLearning lifetime - Committed future for a lifetime - Committedtoto the the future

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26 SonomaFamilyLife

March 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

free. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. 546-4069. cmosc.org.

Saturday 10 Gumshoe Murders. Murder

mystery dinner theater. $68. 7 p.m.

Charlie’s Restaurant. Windsor Golf Club. 1340 19th Hole Dr., Windsor. getaclueproductions.com.

Hair & Skin Care for the Entire Family!

Champagne Hair Lounge

7981 Old Redwood Hwy. • Cotati

Special

Cut & Color $75 Special for 1st time clients.

Call for an appointment 707 665-5826 7 days a week

FREE Wonder Woman. Free showing of blockbuster film. PG-13. 1 p.m.

Central Santa Rosa Library. 211 E St., Santa Rosa. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

FREE Second Saturdays Redwood State Parks. To celebrate 100 years

of saving California’s redwood forest, the Save the Redwoods League & California State Parks are offering free admission to more than 40 redwood state parks. Find out what parks are participating & download a free pass at savetheredwoods.org.

Wine & Girl Scout Cookie Pairing.

$20 per wine flight. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Meadowcroft Wines. 23574 Arnold Dr., Sonoma. meadowcroftwines.com.

The #1 Summer STEM Camp for Ages 7–18 From coding and game development to robotics and design, your child will develop in-demand skills and ignite lifelong passions, all within a fun, inclusive environment. Get ready for the best summer ever!

Held at 150 Prestigious Campuses Including: Sonoma County Day | San Domenico School SFSU | UC Berkeley | Stanford | MIT

North Bay Wildfire Relief Fundraiser. The music of George &

Ira Gershwin. With Richard Glazier & friends. Early kids’ concert ($1): 1 p.m.

Main concert ($75): 4 p.m. VIP ($125): reception, 5:30 p.m. & concert, 7 p.m.

Hanna Boys Center. 17000 Arnold Dr., Sonoma. gershwinforgood.org.

Second Saturday Cartoonist: Sterling Sheehy. Lucasfilm

storyboard artist & illustrator will discuss visual storytelling & his work. $5–$12. Ages 3 & under: free. 1–3 p.m.

Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. 579-4452. schulzmuseum.org.

FREE ACT Test Intensive Prep Class. 5-hour ACT Intensive Prep

class with local test preparation www.sonomafamilylife.com

CAMPS & ACADEMIES

Get a brochure and find a camp near you! iDTechCamps.com | 1-844-788-1858 March 2018

SonomaFamilyLife 27

Spring activities are here!

Plan your Spring & Summer adventures now!

consultant Ellen Jakes Kelm, PhD. For juniors only. Must attend 2 classes. Mar. 10: 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Mar. 14: 6–8:30 p.m. Sonoma Valley Regional Library. 755 W. Napa St., Sonoma. Register in person or at: sonomacounty.libcal.com/ event/4015661.

Sign up today!

Register for classes at SantaRosaRec.com 707-543-3737

Sunday 11 FREE Spring Forward, Flash Back. Free activities for all ages, live

CAMP

entertainment by the ’80s hair band Aquanet, food, beverages & more.

1–4 p.m. Rohnert Park Community Center. 5401 Synder Ln., Rohnert Park. facebook.com/rpcommunityservices.

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FREE Pi Day. 3:30–5:30 p.m. Visual representations of math & art on display. Math competition, games & pie. Sebastopol Regional Library. 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Registration required: sonomacounty.libcal.com.

✓ Juggling ✓ Unicycle ✓ Swimming ✓ Song Writing ✓ Dance

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Friday 16

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Yamato Drummers. $35–$85.

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By the Water. Play about a family that loses their home to Hurricane Sandy & works to rebuild. Thru Apr. 8. Fridays & Saturdays: 8 p.m. Mar. 18 & 25 & Apr. 8: 2 p.m. Apr. 5: 7:30 p.m. Spreckels Performing Arts. 5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. 588-3400. ci.rohnert-park.ca.us.

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Celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dog with a special Snoopy button & photo ops & by making an Easter egg pop-up craft. $5–$12. Ages 3 & under: free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Charles M. Schulz

March 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. 579-4452. schulzmuseum.org.

Solar Viewing & Star Party. Solar

Viewing (free): 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Star Party ($3, ages 18 & under free): 8 p.m.–midnight. Parking: $8. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Robert Ferguson Observatory. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. rfo.org.

Brunch on Bald Mountain.

Fundraiser for Sonoma Ecology Center. Rides up mountain available. $10–$60. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. brownpapertickets. com/event/3320478.

FREE Festival of Carousel Animals.

Limited time exhibit of carousel animals in the gardens. Dancing ostriches, prancing horses & many more. Saturdays & Sundays only. Thru April 8. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Garden Valley Ranch. 498 Pepper Rd., Petaluma.

792-0377.

Chris Smither. $25–$30. 8 p.m.

Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol.

823-1511. seb.org.

Sunday 18 Nature Heals: Mindfulness through Wildlife Observation. Explore

wildlife tracking as a mindfulness practice. Expand sensory awareness & strengthen connection to wild spaces.

10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Riverfront Regional Park. 7821 Eastside Rd., Healdsburg. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/play/ calendar.

Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage. Santa

Rosa Symphony family concert. $12–$17. 3 p.m. Instrument petting zoo at 2 p.m. Sonoma State University.

Green Music Center. Weill Hall.

1801 E. Cotati Ln., Rohnert Park. srsymphony.org. www.sonomafamilylife.com

Matheson St., Healdsburg. Register: relishculinary.com.

Tuesday 20 Step into Spring on Equinox.

Celebrate the first day of spring with a family walk! 4:30–6 p.m. Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail. 6303 Hwy. 12, Santa Rosa. parks.sonomacounty. ca.gov/play/calendar.

Saturday 24 Easter Egg Hunt. 10 a.m. Bring basket. Forestville Youth Park. 7045 Mirabel Rd., Forestville.

The Ladies of Broadway.

Thursday 22 FREE Maker Studio: Lego Robotics.

In teams of 2, kids build a sensor robot using Lego NXT Mindstorms. Kids use the programs stored on the bot to complete challenges & do drag racing & sumo. 3:30 p.m. Rincon Valley Library. 6959 Montecito Blvd., Santa Rosa. To register, go to event on calendar at sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Equinosh Spring Solstice Pop-Up Dinner. With the Nectary team. $49.

6–8 p.m. Relish Culinary Center. 14

Transcendence Theatre Company performance. $29–$89. Mar. 24: 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Mar. 25: 2 p.m. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. ladiesofbroadway.com.

FREE Bill & Dave Hike. 6.5-mile moderately strenuous hike (1,000 ft. elevation gain) in Hood Mountain Regional Park & McCormick addition of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Shallow water crossing at Santa Rosa Creek.

Meet at 9:45 a.m. at the parking lot at

Bennett Valley Union School District There is still time to register for Transitional Kindergarten (Kinder Bridge) for 2018-19 School Year

Call 542-6272 to sign up

A limited number of interdistrict transfer requests for 2018-19 will be accepted

California Distinguished Schools

Yulupa Primary School Preschool–Third Grade 2250 Mesquite Drive, Santa Rosa 707 542-6272

Strawberry Intermediate School Fourth–Sixth Grade 2311 Horseshoe Drive, Santa Rosa 707 526-4433

Consistently high student academic achievement at both schools

Your child’s joy of learning is nurtured with our: • Excellent Teachers • Reduced Class Size (K–3) • Kinder Bridge Transitional Kindergarten • Extended Day Kindergarten (8:30-1:25) • Fully Staffed Libraries and Technology Labs • Visual and Performing Arts Programs YMCA provides on-site child care

• Band, Percussion and Chorus (4th–6th) • Boys’ and Girls’ Interscholastic Basketball (4th–6th) • Emphasis on Environmental Stewardship • Gifted and Talented Education (4th–6th)

Call to reserve tours: Yulupa 3/6, 3/14, 3/18 Strawberry by reservation only 526-4433 Registration Packets available Jan. 9. Children must be five on or before Sept. 1, 2018 to be eligible for kindergarten.

Two year Kinder Bridge program offered for children turning five on or after Sept. 2, 2018.

707 542-2201 • Visit us at www.bvusd.org March 2018

SonomaFamilyLife 29

Cross & Crown Lutheran School 2 - 5 years Preschool Jr. Kindergarten – Kindergarten 1st through 6th Grade

CCLS - PSP Private Satellite Program K-6th

REGISTER NOW FOR 2018-19 (707) 795-7863

www.crossandcrownschoolrp.org Preschool license #490100475

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

A scene from the film Beacon

the end of Los Alamos Rd. $7 park entrance fee. billanddavehikes.com.

FREE Sesquicentennial Reception for Time Capsule. Opening of time

capsule buried in Old Courthouse Square in 1968. 1–2 p.m. History Museum of Sonoma County. 425 7th St., Santa Rosa.

Monday 26 Museum Mondays for Little Ones.

Stories, arts & craft activities & movement games. Activities are designed 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 admission applies. Charles M. Schulz Museum.

2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa.

579-4452. schulzmuseum.org.

Tuesday 27 Dodgeball Tournament. 8–10 p.m. Participants must be ages 18 & up. $100 to register a team. $2 for spectators. Fundraiser for Resurrection Roller Girls. Cal Skate of Rohnert Park. 6100 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park. Register: resurrection rollergirls.org.

Wednesday 28 Home School Day: Art & Creativity.

A Slice of Real Life

G

et a sitter and steal away to catch hard-to-see flicks. The Sebastopol Documentary Festival will screen unique films from all over the world March 22–25. Included in the menagerie is the film Beacon, by San Francisco filmmaker Isara Krieger, about a program that prepares underprivileged Boston youth for private high schools and colleges.

Meanwhile, the film Voices Beyond the Wall looks at what happens when Spencer Reece, an American Episcopalian priest and poet, lives and teaches poetry for one year at the only girls’ orphanage in Honduras. The film will be shown with the short Sununú: The Revolution of Love, which follows the lives of a transgendered Ecuadorian couple in their first days as new parents. See them all at Rialto Cinemas in Sebastopol on March 23: Beacon at 4 p.m. and Voices and Sununú at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. For a complete festival film guide, go to sebastopolfilmfestival.org. ¶

30 SonomaFamilyLife

Experiment with solar cars, basic coding & a variety of hands-on art & science activities. 10 a.m.–noon. (Ice skate at Snoopy’s Home Ice, noon–2 p.m.) Before Mar. 19: $6 per child; chaperones are free; ice skating is an additional $5 per person. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. Advance reservations required. Register at schulzmuseum. org/learn/calendar-of-events/#March or call 284-1272.

Winging It Wednesdays. A leisurely bird walk for all levels of experience.

March 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

8:30–10:30 a.m. Crane Creek Regional Park. 5000 Pressley Rd., Santa Rosa. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.

Saturday 31 Kids’ Free Day. Hands-on crafts & free admission for kids. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. 579-4452. schulzmuseum.org.

Easter Egg Hunt & Family Day. Hunt followed by old-fashioned outdoor games. Ages 13 & under. 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Hunt at 1:30 p.m. $7/ child. (Before 1:30 p.m., only kids charged admission. Adults must be with a child to get free admission.)

History Museum of Sonoma County.

425 7th St., Santa Rosa. museumsc.org.

Pre-purchase tickets: museumsc.org/ events/?eid=3197. 579-1500.

FREE Easter Egg Hunt. Sponsored

by the Kenwood Firefighters’ Association. Bring your own basket.

9 a.m. sharp. Kenwood Plaza Park.

200 Warm Springs Rd., Kenwood.

Easter Eggstravaganza. Easter egg hunt, police & fire departments, bouncy houses, games & prizes. $5 per family. 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Adobe Christian Church. 2875 Adobe Rd., Petaluma. adobecc.org.

Have More Fun & Create Great Memories Get weekly FREE e-mail updates for the best LOCAL family fun calendar

FREE Easter in the Park. Egg hunts,

Easter Bunny, Kidventure puppet shows, bouncy houses, prizes & games.

9 a.m.–4 p.m. Synder Lane Baptist Church. 4689 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. Pre-registration appreciated: snyderlanebaptist.com.

visit

SonomaFamily Life.com

Easter Egg Hunt. 10 a.m. Dunbar

Elementary School. 11700 Dunbar Rd., Glen Ellen.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

March 2018

SonomaFamilyLife 31

Hop to a Hunt

Camps

Camps

Searching for a place to celebrate Easter? Look no further. These local spots promise fun galore.

Forestville Bring your own basket to this hunt, which will be held at the Forestville Youth Park at 10 a.m. on March 24.

Super Kids Camp At Sonoma State University

Glen Ellen Kids can go to the Glen Ellen Fire Station on March 30 at 4 p.m. to help dye eggs, and then hunt for their creations on March 31 at 10 a.m. at Dunbar Elementary School.

An exciting, recreational & educational experience for campers, ages 5-11.

Kenwood The Kenwood Firefighters’ Association will sponsor a free egg hunt on March 31 at 9 a.m. sharp in Kenwood Plaza Park.

tickets.sonoma.edu (search ‘super kids camp’)

Lessons

Are You Ready for a Musical Adventure?

Learn to play piano in a small group Piano technique • Music theory Ear training • Sight reading Improvisation, & fun

E OF MUSI LOV CB HE

OC

OU

AN

L A SSES

4Y

Piano Classes 4 You (707) 397-5291 pianoclasses4you.com

Got Art? We Do!!!

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

Birthday Parties!

Spring Art Camp March 19-April 6 5435 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park • 285-2002 www.scribblesandgigglesart.com

SUMMER

ADVENTURE CAMP!

Check out our online directories at SonomaFamilyLife.com 32 SonomaFamilyLife

At RedwoodAdventure.org

superkidscamp@sonoma.edu www.sonoma.edu/campusrec/programs/skc

PI

Santa Rosa For its Easter Egg Hunt and Family Day on March 31, the History Museum of Sonoma County will hide eggs in an unusual setting: its sculpture garden.

The hunt will begin at 1:30 p.m. and will be followed by docent-led, old-fashioned outdoor games, which will run until 3:30 p.m. For this event, only children ages 13 and under will be charged admission, $7, while adults accompanying a child will get in free.

(After 1:30 p.m. regular admission fees apply.) Pre-purchase tickets and learn more at museumsc.org/ events/?eid=3197.

707-664-4FUN

MS SSO LO

Rohnert Park After a long hiatus, Easter in the Park returns with Kidventure puppet shows as well as egg hunts, Easter Bunny visits, bouncy houses, and games and prizes. The free event is slated for March 31, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., at the Synder Lane Baptist Church.

Pre-registration is appreciated; go to snyderlanebaptist. com to sign up.

A full week of camp

WHER ET

Petaluma At the Adobe Christian Church Easter Eggstravaganza, kids can not only hunt for eggs, but also check out police and fire vehicles, jump around in bouncy houses, play games, and even win prizes.

The festivities run 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. on March 31 at the church; admission is $5 per family. For more information, see adobecc.org.

Fun weekly themes, field trips, swimming, rock wall climbing & so much more!

The Art of the Sword 596-3626 egfencing.com

March 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Classified Marketplace Camps

After-School

Childcare/Preschools

Childcare/Preschools

W

Educating the Whole Child

MARK WEST STABLES

YMCA PRESCHOOL

W

YMCA PRESCHOO

GROW.LEARN.THRIVE YMCA PRESCHOOL

GROW.LEARN.THRIVE SANTA ROSA GROW.LEARN.THRIVE 2590 PINER SANTA RD. ROSA

Montessori In Motion & More!

The Garden Art Studio After School Program At The Reach School Play • Creative Arts • Nature Activities Accepting Children from ALL SCHOOLS

RIDE WITH US!

MARKWESTSTABLES.COM

Check out our online directories at SonomaFamilyLife.com

Part Time /Full Time Care

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: Health & Flexible Nutrition, Motor Skills, Plans Available

Nutrition, Relationships, Motor Skills,Self Interpersonal Montessori In Motion: 3–6 yrs. Health & Serving 2-5 year olds Relationships, Self Confidence, and Cognitive & Children’s Circle: 2.5–3.5+ yrs. Interpersonal Academic Skills. & Confidence, and Cognitive KinderClub: 3–5 yrs.

PRICING &

Now Enrolling

Academic Skills.

REGISTRATION:

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

707.544.1829

PRICINGwww.scfymca.org & Health & Nutrition, Motor Skil REGISTRATION: Interpersonal Relationships, S Register at the Parks and Recreation Office

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.

838-1260 • townofwindsor.com/preschool Academic Skills.

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

The Y is a non-profit community based organization.

Financial Assistance is available.

PRICING & REGISTRATION: Casa dei Bam

YMCA Office b io’s Program Since 1981 707.544.1829 Montessori School

Preschool•Kindergarten The Y is a non-profit Parent-Toddler Class community based Ages 18 months organization. to 6-years

Financial Assistance is available.

Diane: 546-7012

ADVENTURES

Services

science! art!

Games!

Santa Rosa, Rincon Valley June—July; M–F; 9am–3pm siGn up: Santa Rosa Rec. Parks & Cmnty Srvcs: (707) 543-3737 Questions: (707) 793-2251

kidscienceadventures.com

Like Us On Facebook www.sonomafamilylife.com

preschool@fumcsantarosa.org www.fumcsantarosa.org/preschool License#490110699 25th Anniversary!

2018 summer camp

FUMC We can help!

Preschool & Child Care Center

Check out our online web directories  Paternity and Child Support Order Establishment  Payment Collection Services  Payment Tracking and Accounting  Child Support Modification

Sonoma County Child Support Services 3725 Westwind Blvd., Ste 200 Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Schools

Homeschool Program Grades K-5 Educating the whole child; head, heart, & hands.

www.sunridgeschool.org 707-824-2276 March 2018

&

ini

We offer a FUN kids riding program, lessons and camps!

707-538-2000

487 Watertrough Road • Sebastopol 707-790-9968 gardenartstudio.org

SANTA ROSA 2590 PINER RD. Serving 2-5 year olds

Rh

TK-5th Grades

Kinder & Preschool 3-6 yrs.

Part Time2590 /Full Time Care PINER RD. Flexible Plans Part TimeAvailable /Full Time Care Flexible Plans Available Serving 2-5 year olds

Montessori Education Inspires ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Joy of Learning Order & Detail Concentration Grace & Courtesy

2427 Professional Dr. • Santa Rosa Near Steele Lane & Hwy 101

707-528-0889•www.rhioscasa.com

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.

SonomaFamilyLife 33

Humor Break

City Mom, Country Mom Bye-Bye Insanity. Hello Sunsets.

By Holly Hester

D

o you ever find yourself scanning real estate on the Internet for that perfect little farmhouse where you can leave your insane city life behind?

Yeah, me too. I went so far as to actually move to the country. I only wish that someone had told me a few things before I decided to turn from city mouse to country mouse.

1. You will never have food delivered to your house again.

This is sad. I know. I thought I should tell you right up front in case it’s a deal breaker.

2. You will run outside for airplanes. In cities you never notice airplanes. But in the country an airplane flying over your house is an event.

3. Spiders. They’re everywhere. After a while, one will crawl on you and you won’t even flinch.

4. You will complain about small amounts of traffic. When you first move to a small town, you will be delighted by the absence of traffic, but after a while something happens and you will get annoyed when there’s even a single car ahead of you at a stop sign.

34 SonomaFamilyLife

5. You will discover how capable you are. If a tree falls in the middle of a city street, people will quickly arrive in uniforms to fix it. If a tree falls across your driveway in the country, you are the one that fixes it.

6. You will wear overalls.

Non-ironically. They will not be paired with hipster eyewear and chunky heels, but instead with rain boots and a knife.

7. You will miss the city. And that’s okay. I’ve lived in Miami, New York, and Los Angeles, and I miss them all for different reasons.

But they’re always there for me,

A spider will crawl on you and you won’t even flinch. and when I go back to visit it’s like seeing an old friend I still love, but I just don’t have that much in common with anymore.

8. You will watch the sunset.

A lot of them. Sure, you watched sunsets in the city, but not all the time. But a country sunset raps you on the shoulder and says, “I will not be ignored.” And for good reason, they are majestic.

9. You will love parades. Half the town is in the parade, the other half watches. The next year, everybody switches.

10. Your car will be ugly. The whole purpose of your city car was to impress people. The whole purpose of your country car is to be as hearty and functional as you are now. Your car will always have a Mad Max level of dirt on it and the inside will be filled with things that seem like you’re preparing for an apocalypse.

11. You will not regret moving.

Oh sure, at times you will regret it. In the beginning you will hear about a gallery opening or a play or a new restaurant or a party that you’re missing in the city and you will look around at all your quiet and start to tear your hair out.

But listen to that quiet. Because inside that quiet is you. All that time you were searching online for that perfect little farmhouse? Well, you were actually searching for yourself and the city is sometimes just too distracting for that journey.

Remember, Thoreau went into the woods not the subway.

And you will find exactly what you are looking for—you—out here, in the country.

Along with spiders. ¶ Holly Hester lives in Sebastopol and writes about life on her blog, Riot Ranch. Find her book, Escape from Ugly Mom Island!, on Amazon.

March 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Join the Y for active games, crafts, demonstrations, community resources, healthy snacks, and more!

Free event for the community!

Saturday April 14 11am-2pm Sonoma County Family YMCA Call or visit us for more details 707.545.9622 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.

Financial assistance is available.

Merryhill School

®

6 weeks – Pre-K

The perfect balance of learning and play

®

LINKS 2 HOME

®

Parents receive daily reports and photos, accessible through email and our new Links 2 Home® mobile app.

• • • •

Safe, nurturing environment Enthusiastic and caring teachers Links to Learning curriculum Ongoing parent communication

Merryhill School 4044 Mayette Avenue Santa Rosa, CA

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, March 24, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm mayette.merryhillschool.com

877-959-4187

490108352, 49000448

MH_SonomaFamilyLife_Mar18_7.625x4.75.indd 1

1/30/18 3:51 PM

When reading is easier,

learning is easier.

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LearningRx Santa Rosa In the Copper Dome Building 100 Brush Creek Road, Suite 102 (707) 890-3200 www.learningrx.com/santa-rosa

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