29 minute read
Potty Training Success
powerful, and not just because they say it on YouTube. 2. Learning is about successive approximations. The hardest part of potty training my own kids was letting them make mistakes. A skinned knee is one thing but poop on the rug is quite another.
Potty Training Success 7 Tips from a Psychologist Mom
After 10 years raising my children, I’m returning to work in the same spot I started: the bathroom. In my first job, any potty-related referrals trickled down to the lowest psychologist on the totem pole: me. Later, I got into the complexities of diagnosis, consultation, and intervention. Then I had my own son and daughter, and there ended my ability to keep a straight face when using the words “parent” and “expert” in the same sentence. By Lynn Adams
Potty training shouldn’t be shunted to the office newbie. It’s an important chance for a parent to take on a teaching role. And your child’s responses might teach you something in return. 1. It’s your child’s accomplishment, not yours. Not all children are eager to please at all times. Potty training can be the first time you have to support self-motivation over parent-pleasing or compliance. You’ll need to do this over and over when your child learns skills you expect him or her to carry out of the home, such as manners or tidiness. Kids love to hear, “I’m so proud of you.” But “You got this” is even more
This year, my daughter learned to play volleyball. She spent the whole season getting her serve closer and closer to the net. Psychologists call these “successive approximations.” At the
last game, the crowd went wild when she finally made it over. Parents feel the same way when a child becomes independent with the potty. But first, they have some approximations to clean up. They’re part of the process. 3. The journey is more important than the destination. Like everything else these days, potty training is a metaphorical journey. Your child will learn from mistakes, yes, but also from your responses to those mistakes. Do you stay calm, take a step back, and problem solve as a team? “Oops! What just happened? I turned on the tub, and you peed on the floor. Hearing water makes you have to pee!” You’ll do this again later, with household chores: “Oops! Your jersey is under your bed! Maybe that’s why it didn’t make it into the washing machine!” If you focus too much on the destination, it’s all: “Why can’t you ever put your laundry where it goes?” and “Stop peeing on the floor!”
4. Learners need to test the limits. How do kids learn how full a bladder can get before it bursts? Accidents. I’m flashing back to a tall geyser in the checkout line at the supermarket. But you know what? They were lovely about it. Remember that everyone you’ll see pushing a grocery cart has been potty trained. 5. Skills can be broken into sub-skills. Potty training draws on multiple developmental skills your child is in the process of acquiring, each child at her or his own pace and in her or his own way. As your child’s learning, look beyond complex skills to simpler building blocks. Certain sub-skills will stand out as strengths or weaknesses for your child: • sensory: to recognize the need to go • attention: to drop one activity for another • social: to motivate her or him to avoid accidents diapers limited his school options. I knew I’d need several weeks with no travel or other major disruptions. So he started potty training with his motor skills still inadequate, and with absolutely no interest in big boy underwear. And he still succeeded. I had to think creatively when teaching other skills—like using a house key—as his motor skills continued to develop slowly. 7. Toddlers seek conflict. Parents don’t have to deliver it. Personality is the X-factor in toileting readiness. If your child likes to be in control, to surprise you, and to do things “her way,” toilet training will become an intense social interaction rather than a developmental
• language: if she or he needs direction to the potty • gross motor: to get from the playroom to the bathroom • fine motor: to pull down pants • motor coordination: to control the stream • persistence: to follow through from peeing to wiping to getting dressed • anxiety management: to cope with variations in bathrooms • planning ahead: to stay dry on the road 6. Readiness is important but not always essential. I really tried to wait for my son to be ready. But as he approached age three, milestone. Focus on your child’s accomplishments not your reactions: “I bet those dry pants feel great!” The same will work later with math homework: “Wow. How good does it feel to get all those math problems done before dinner?” It’s not a chance for your child to test your patience but rather to exercise her or his skills—as independently as possible.
There are many “right” ways to potty train. No matter how exciting the process turns out to be, your child will learn how the two of you are going to work together in the years ahead. ¶
Find more of Lynn Adams’s work at lynnadamsphd.com.
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Calendar of Events March
The Number Everyone’s Talking About T he mathematical constant π (pi) has been a celebrity for millennia— in 250 BC the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes developed a logarithm for calculating it. Today, it’s still a big deal; it even has its own special day, when mathematicians around the globe celebrate it. Pi Day is always held on March 14, in honor of the first three figures in the number (3.14). On that day, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., the Central Santa Rosa Library in Santa Rosa will be holding free pi-oriented children’s activities. For more information, go to sonomacounty.libcal.com/event/6299677. ¶
Wednesday 4
Resilient: A Supported Postpartum. For families with babies in the first year of life, expectant parents & caregivers. Pre-registration required. 6:30–8 p.m. The Luma Center. 616 Petaluma Blvd. N., St. A & B, Petaluma. thelumacenter.com.
Thursday 5
Just Between Friends Kids’ & Maternity Consignment Sales Event. The largest of its kind in Northern CA. $2–$4. Mar. 5 & 6: 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Mar. 7: 9 a.m.– 3 p.m. Mar. 8 (1/2 price day): 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Sonoma County Fair & Event Center. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. northbay.jbfsale.com.
FREE Teens Cook! Savory Pancakes. Ceres Community Project teaches teens how to make pancakes. 3–4 p.m. Registration & signed waiver form are required. Pick up a waiver at the library information desk or download form: sonomalibrary.org/sites/default/ files/attachments/Teens-CookKnifewaiver-form-for-libraries.pdf. Windsor Regional Library. 9291 Old Redwood
Hwy. #100, Windsor. sonomacounty. libcal.com.
Friday 6
Save Our Planet! Alien-themed musical. For ages 4 & up. Runs 45 minutes. Performed by A Theater for Children students. $5. Mar. 6: 7 p.m. Mar. 7: 1 & 3:30 p.m. Mar. 8: 3 p.m. Steele Lane Community Center. 415 Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. atheaterforchildren.com.
FREE Parents Play Group. Meet other parents in a safe, print-rich environment where kids ages 0–5 have
$100 Off with New Member Enrollment
140 STONY POINT RD, SUITE B 707.523.1144 www.IgniteMartialArts.org
access to books & toys. Fridays. 11 a.m.–noon. Petaluma Regional Library. 100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. Other libraries will host this event. See sonomacounty.libcal.com for branches/times.
Saturday 7
Comic Artist Workshop for Cadettes. Girl Scout Cadettes develop stories & characters & create a four-panel comic strip. Workshop participants receive Comic Artist Badge. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. For fees & reservations, call 544-5472. schulzmuseum.org.
25 Years of Mutts. Patrick McDonnell, cartoonist, talks about his comic strip MUTTS. Tickets: $5–$12. This does not include museum admission. 1 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.
Lord of the Flies. Play based on the 1954 book by Nobel Prize–winner William Golding. $10–$20. Tickets still available for Mar. 13 & 14: 7:30 p.m. Cinnabar Theater. 3333 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. cinnabartheater.com.
Dirty Cello. Blues & bluegrass band. $15–$25. In honor of International Women’s Day, this concert benefits Sonoma County’s Living Room, a center serving homeless & at-risk women & their children. 7 p.m. Hopmonk Tavern. 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. bit.ly/2mwbtqe.
FREE Family Bicycling Workshops. Children & parents must participate in the clinic together & bring helmets/ bikes. Hosted by the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition. 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Sebastopol Independent Charter School. 1111 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol. bikesonoma.org/ family-bike-workshops.
Wildflowers & Trillium Hike. An easy-intermediate, 3.5-mile slow-paced hike. Heavy rain cancels. $10. Parking: additional $10. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Jack London State Park. 2400 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen. Purchase tickets online: jacklondonpark.com.
Sunday 8
FREE Spreckels Performing Arts Center 30th Birthday Party. Concert-style songs from past seasons & previews of upcoming plays. 7 p.m. Spreckels Performing Arts Center.
Mission Plaza Corner of Hwy. 12 & Mission Blvd. 56 Mission Circle Ste. B Santa Rosa (707) 791-8511 HaircutsAreFun.com/MissionPlaza-CA @CookieCuttersMissionPlazaCA Online Booking Available On Our App
$ 4 OFF Expires May 31, 2020 Fun For Kids, Stress-Free For Parents! Haircuts Are Fun! ★ Safe, fun, friendly family feel ★ Experienced staff members working with children of all abilities ★ Indoor slide and media area ★ Wide range of fantasy cars ★ TVs at each cutting station with games and children’s shows ★ Bubbles ★ Balloons
Science Technology Engineering Math “Motivating Young Women in Science and Mathematics”
Sonoma State University 8:30 am - 2 pm
• Hands-on workshops led by STEM women for 7 th and 8 th grade girls.
• Registration opens in early
February and closes March 25 or when full
March 28 2020
For more information and to register: eyh-soco.org or leave a message: 707-800-9819
37 38 35 36 39 40 41 42
5409 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. ci.rohnert-park.ca.us.
Santa Rosa Symphony Youth Orchestra Concert. In collaboration with Maria Carrillo High School. $10–$20. 3 p.m. Green Music Center. Weill Hall. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. srsymphony.org.
Cinderella. Clover Sonoma Family Fun Series. $12–$17. Lap passes for ages 2 & younger (only available on show day): $5. 3 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. lutherburbankcenter.org.
Monday 9
8th Annual Honky Tonk Night. Music by Train Wreck Junction. $20–$35. $10–$20 without dinner. Ages 5 & younger: free. Proceeds benefit Girls on the Run Sonoma County. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Lagunitas Brewing Company. 1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. Tickets: raceplanner.com/info/events.
FREE SAT/ACT Student & Parent Seminar. Featuring SAT/ACT tutor David Benjamin Gruenbaum. Seminar for students: 6–7 p.m. Meeting for parents: 7–8 p.m. Fundemonium. 579 Rohnert Park Expy., Rohnert Park. fundemoniumtoys.com.
FREE Homework Help. For grades K–12. Help with all subjects on a drop-in basis. Mondays. 3:30–5:30 p.m. Sebastopol Regional Library. 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Other libraries will host this event. See sonomacounty.libcal.com for branches/times.
FREE Breastfeeding Café. Free breastfeeding support, tea & cookies. Mondays. 9:30–11 a.m. Bridges Prenatal Clinic. 750 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. Wednesdays: 10–11:30 a.m. Mobile Café at Howarth Park (meet at the picnic tables in the upper parking lot near Lake Ralphine). Fridays: 9:30–11 a.m. Early Learning Institute. 311 Professional Dr., Rohnert Park. betterbeginningsforbabies.org.
Tuesday 10
FREE Preschool Bilingual Storytime with Marlene/Hora de cuentos bilingües para preescolares con Marlene. Stories, songs, movement & fun for preschoolers. Escuche y aprenda con cuentos, canciones, movimientos y diversión mientras nutre en su niños
Classroom Safari
Take a walk on the wild side!
URJ Camp Newman is a Reform Jewish overnight camp that helps create a more whole, just, and compassionate world through living Jewish values.
An Educational Adventure Meet all of our animal ambassadors Schools • Parties • Events 707-529-9489 • www.classroomsafari.com bonnie.classroomsafari@gmail.com
el amor por los libros. Mar. 10 & 24: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Roseland Community Library. 779 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa. sonomacounty. libcal.com.
Purim in the Big Apple. Sights, sounds, tastes & vibe of New York City. Street entertainment, authentic Lower East Side Deli, Manhattan Bridge Graffiti Wall, Statue of Liberty Masquerade, Ellis Island dance floor & much more. Dress in costume for prizes. $8–$18. Family: $45–$60. 5–6:30 p.m. Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma. 205 Keller St. #101, Petaluma. jewishpetaluma.com.
Butter & Egg Days Button Launch Fundraiser. Food by 3 Hermanos Mexican Grill & live music by Randy & the Special Agents. $20–$25. Ages
12 & younger: $15–$20. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Lagunitas Brewing Sanctuary. 1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. buttonlaunchfundraiser2020.bpt.me.
The Real Irish Comedy Fest. Blend of Irish comedic talent (accents included). $15–$20. 8–10 p.m. Sally Tomatoes. 1100 Valley House Dr., Rohnert Park. sallytomatoes.com.
Wednesday 11
8th Annual Sonoma Invitational Wind Band & Orchestra Festival. More than 2,500 students from 45 high school ensembles perform over 3 days. Event: free. Parking: $5 per day. Mar. 11, 12 & 13. 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Sonoma State University. Weill & Schroeder Halls. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. music.sonoma.edu/ sonomainvitational.
Thursday 12
Care & Feeding of the Amazing Adolescent Brain. Students: $10. Parents: free. Students are in one room, adults in another. Pre-registration required. 6–7 p.m. Mar. 12: grades 8–12. Mar. 26: grades 5–7. Twin Hills Middle School. 1685 Watertrough Rd., Sebastopol. braincare.tips.
Friday 13
North Bay Sinfonietta. Suggested donation: $10. 7:30 p.m. Church of the Incarnation. 550 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. classicalsonoma.org.
Shabbat By the Bay. Presented by URJ Camp Newman. Tour of camp, Shabbat services, dinner, singing & dancing. Mar. 13 & 27. 5–9 p.m.
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YMCA Jones Gulch Camp, La Honda. campnewman.org.
Saturday 14
FREE Campfire Program. Hear a short talk, sing campfire songs & roast a marshmallow. All ages. Steady rain cancels. 6–7 p.m. Sonoma State Historic Park. Sonoma Barracks Courtyard. 20 E. Spain St., Sonoma. sonomaparks.org.
Western Roundup. Featuring music by Lon Hannah & San Joaquin Junction. Western dress is optional. Benefits Soroptimist International of Visalia. $35. Lunch: 11:30 a.m.
Cinderella by the Panto Company Sunday, March 8 at 3:00pm
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! by The Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences On Tour Wednesday, April 1 at 6:30pm
Champagne Hair Lounge 7981 Old Redwood Hwy. • Cotati Hair & Skin Care for the Entire Family!
Thank you for choosing local first!
Special Cut & Color $ 75 Special for 1st time clients.
Call for an appointment 707 665-5826 7 days a week
Wyndham Visalia. 9000 W. Airport Dr., Windsor. sivisalia.org.
Family Fun Bike Ride. Instruction on how to properly fit helmets & on trail-sharing etiquette & safety gear. Ages 7 & older. Bring bike, helmet, water, lunch & small backpack. Event: free. Parking: $7. Noon–2 p.m. Spring Lake Regional Park. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. parks. sonomacounty.ca.gov.
Space Pirates! Apprentice Company Musical Performance. An upbeat, 1-hour musical featuring 6th Street Playhouse drama students ages 8–15. Adults: $20. Kids: $15. March 14 & 15: 6:30 p.m. 6th Street Playhouse. 52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa. 6thstreetplayhouse.com.
Beginners Birding Walk. Explore the Laguna de Santa Rosa trail. Observe a variety of birds, including raptors, egrets, herons, woodpeckers, sparrows & other songbirds. $35. Pre-registration required. 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Laguna de Santa Rosa Trailhead (parking lot). 6303 Hwy. 12 (not the Occidental Rd. side), Santa Rosa. lagunafoundation.org.
ArtJam: Colin Foulke, Handpan. Free with admission ($12; babies younger than 12 months, free). 1–3 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org. handpanfan.com.
FREE Celebrate Pi Day. Info about the numerical constant π (pi). Children’s activities. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Central Santa Rosa Library. 211 E St., Santa Rosa. sonomacounty.libcal.com.
FREE Paracord Bracelets for Soldiers. Grades 7–12. Bracelets to be given to Project Gratitude
& sent to US troops. 2–3:30 p.m. Cloverdale Regional Library. 401 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. sonomacounty.libcal.com.
FREE Arbor Day Tree Planting Party. Plant trees & eat Luther Burbank’s birthday cake. 9 a.m.–noon. Finley Community Park. 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. Rincon Valley Community Park. 5108 Badger Rd., Santa Rosa. srcity.org.
Sunday 15
St. Patrick’s Day 5K. Annual themed run/walk race open to all ages & abilities. Post-race celebration features a costume contest, music & entertainment. Registration: $45 (adult) & $25 (youth). Race starts: 11 a.m. Old Courthouse Square. Santa Rosa. srcity.org/2175/st-patricks-day-5k.
Junior Ranger: First Aid Outdoors. For ages 7–13. Kids learn basic first aid & safety tips. Event: $5. Parking: $7. 10 a.m.–noon. Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach. 13839 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg. Register: tinyurl. com/tsvs5f6. 433-1625.
Kids at Camp? Find Your Happy Place
Petaluma East
Wednesday 18
Walk Through the Grades. Experience a day in the life of Summerfield, Sonoma County’s oldest independent school. Visit classrooms, stroll the campus, see the working biodynamic farm & have a snack during a Q&A period. 9–11 a.m. Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm. 655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa. RSVP: 575-7194. summerfieldwaldorf.org.
Thursday 19
Clean & Sober Rock Steady Fest. Featuring MC Yogi, Kevin Griffin & Laughing Buddha. All ages. $15–$20. 7–11 p.m. Phoenix Theatre. 201 Washington St., Petaluma. rocksteadyfest.org.
An Historic Evening with Anne Frank’s Stepsister, Eva Schloss. Enter the world of Anne Frank as told by her stepsister & childhood friend. $15–$25. Preferred seating: $50.
Spring activities are here!
Choose from hundreds of ac�vi�es for the whole family, registra�on now open!
Register at SantaRosaRec.com 707-543-3737
Plus, join the St. Patrick’s Day 5K presented by Fleet Feet to benefit Rec & Parks Scholarship Fund. Visit SRCity.org/SPDRun.
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Club Pilates Petaluma East 289 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma 707.559.9110 PetalumaEast@ClubPilates.com ClubPilates.com/PetalumaEast SUMMER SPECIAL $ 327 for 12 Classes (No membership fee, save $59)
EXPRESSWAY SELF STORAGE 6001 Commerce Blvd. Rohnert Park 707-588-8878 Ask About Our Premium Wine Storage
VIP: $100. 7 p.m. Petaluma Veterans Memorial Hall. 1094 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma. annefrankpetaluma.com.
Friday 20
Peppa Pig Live! Life-size puppets & costume characters. $39 & $59. 6:30 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. lutherburbankcenter.org.
Saturday 21
FREE Sonoma Nature Hike. Slow-paced, just over 1-mile with minor elevation. Led by Ranger Dave. Sturdy shoes recommended. All ages. Steady rain cancels. No reservations needed. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Sonoma State Historic Park. Meet at Vallejo Home parking lot at the end of 3rd St. W., Sonoma. sonomaparks.org.
Robert Ferguson Observatory Telescope Viewings. Solar Viewing: 11 a.m., free. Star Party: 8 p.m., $3. Ages 17 & younger: free. Parking:
$10. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. rfo.org.
Vernal Equinox Night Hike. A twilight walk to celebrate the first day of spring. Event: free. Parking: $7. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Crane Creek Regional Park. 5000 Pressley Rd., Rohnert Park. Registration required: tinyurl.com/ wxg7ht9.
Science Spark: The Bird Rescue Center of Sonoma County. Volunteer raptor handlers will bring 2 non-releasable birds of prey for an age-appropriate presentation. Free with admission ($12; babies under 12 months, free). 2–3 p.m. Children’s
Moms and Money M anaging money can be challenging. Add kids to the mix, and the stress doubles. The free Moms and Money class aims to help women in particular figure out their financial picture. Topics will include strategies for saving, budgeting, and paying off debt; the basics of investing; and how to teach kids about money. The class will be held on March 5 at 7 p.m. at the Fireside Lounge at Bacchus, 1 Doubletree Drive, in Rohnert Park. Call 217-9994 for more information. ¶
Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.
Polenta Feed & Auctions. Fundraiser for Montgomery High School. $30. 5–9 p.m. Becker Center. St. Eugene’s Cathedral. 2323 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa. eventbrite.com.
Monday 23
Pints for Paws. Featuring music from Nicole Sutton & Mark McGee of LuvPlanet. Dinner & prizes. Vegan/gluten-free meals available. $30–$35. Proceeds benefit Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Lagunitas Brewing Company. 1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. scwildliferescue.org.
Saturday 28
Stand Up for Youth Comedy Night. $25–$30. Sponsored by Sonoma County Family YMCA. Proceeds benefit local youth. Comedy content most appropriate for ages 18 & older. 7–9 p.m. (Cocktails & snacks: 6 p.m.) Odd Fellows Hall. 545 Pacific Ave., Santa Rosa. scfymca.org.
Expanding Your Horizons. Hands-on workshops to encourage girls in grades 7–8 to pursue careers in STEM fields. Registration required by March 25. 9 a.m.–2:15 p.m. Sonoma State University. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 800-9819. eyh-soco.org.
Sonoma County Orchid Show & Sale. $10. Ages 12 & younger: free. Mar. 28: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mar. 29: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Parking: free. Santa Rosa Veterans Hall. 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa. sonomaorchids.com.
34th Annual Sharing on the Green: Moulin Rouge. Cocktails, live & silent auctions, dinner & dancing. $80.
Benefits the Education Foundation of Cotati & Rohnert Park. 5–11 p.m. Doubletree Hotel Grand Ballroom. 1 Doubletree Dr., Rohnert Park. educationfoundationofcrp.org.
California Artisan Cheese Festival. Chef demos & pairings, educational sessions, authors, cheese makers & more. $25–$150. Mar. 28: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Cheese, Bites & Booze: 6–9 p.m.) Mar. 29: 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. (Bubbles & Brunch: 9:30–11 a.m.) Tickets & full schedule: artisancheesefestival.com.
Night at the Museum Fundraiser. Actors (playing historical figures), history hunt, vintage selfie booth & wine & beer. $60–$70. 7–11 p.m. Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. 20 4th St., Petaluma. petalumamuseum.com.
FREE Sonoma County Bunfest. Speakers, adoptable bunnies & fresh hay, toys & treats for sale. Free parking. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Rohnert Park Community Center. 5401 Synder Ln., Rohnert Park. sonomacountybunfest.com.
Sunday 29
FREE Hands-On Passover: A Kid-Friendly Adventure into the Passover Story. Family-friendly program to learn & celebrate the story of Passover thru hands-on experiences. Costumes, songs, play-acting & food samples. Designed for ages 3–7. Child must be accompanied by an adult (no more than 2 adults). Registration required. 3 sessions. 1–3:30 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) has a lot of people on edge. Make sure everyone in the family is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) simple but powerful steps to keep it, and all, nasty bugs at bay. Soap and Water Are Your Friends 1. Wash your hands often. Use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds—especially if hands are visibly dirty. This is especially important to do after using the bathroom; before taking in food; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. No soap and water around? Reach for an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, just make sure it contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Send your kids to school with a bottle and tell them to use it, and to wash their hands whenever they have the chance. 2. Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. 3. Stay away from sick people. 4. Use a cleaning spray or wipe to disinfect surfaces that are often touched, such as phones, doorknobs, tables, counters, etc. 5. If you or the kids are sick, stay home. 6. Use a tissue to cover a cough or sneeze, and then make sure to immediately throw it in the trash. Don’t let your kids leave snotty tissues around the house, where the little bundles can spread germs. Are Facemasks Necessary? The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) doesn’t think so—unless you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The CDC urges anyone who does develop these symptoms and who has recently traveled to China, Iran, Italy, Japan, or South Korea or has been in contact with someone with COVID-19 to immediately seek medical attention. For more information, see the CDC’s website: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/index.html. Bug Fighters How to Protect Your Family from Coronavirus and Flu
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Sonoma County Child Support Services 3725 Westwind Blvd., Ste 200 Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Childcare/Preschools
YMCA Early Education Center SANTA ROSA 2590 PINER ROAD
Part Time /Full Time Care Flexible Plans Available Serving Infant-5 years
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
Health & Nutrition, Motor Skills, Interpersonal Relationships, Self Confidence, and Cognitive Development
PRICING & REGISTRATION: 707.544.1829 www.scfymca.org
The Sonoma County Family YMCA is an inclusive, charitable organization that enriches community through the areas of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
Since 1981 Montessori School R h i o ’ s C a s a d e i B a m b i n i Preschool•Kindergarten Parent-Toddler Class Ages 18 months to 6-years
sonoma
LOCAL for 25 years #1 local resource for local families magazine • web • email • events
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
Schools
Afterschool Mon. & Wed. 4 Classes - $50 Summer Tennis Camps and Summer Swim Lessons Call or go online for our brochure! 544-9494 3737 Montgomery Dr. Santa Rosa www.lacanteraracquetandswimclub.com
SUPER KIDS CAMP AT SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY JUNE 3 TO AUGUST 9, 2019 JUNE 1ST TO JULY 31ST
VISIT: SSUSUPERKIDSCAMP.COM SUPER KIDS CAMP INCLUDES: WEEKLY THEMES, DRESS-UP DAYS, FIELD TRIPS, SWIMMING, ROCK CLIMBING AND MUCH MORE! SUPER KIDS CAMP INCLUDES: WEEKLY THEMES, DRESS-UP DAYS, FIELD TRIPS, SWIMMING, ROCK CLIMBING AND MUCH MORE!
Homeschool Program Grades K-5 Educating the whole child; head, heart, & hands.
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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.
Shop, Scroll, Sleep What Mom Wants for Her Birthday
By Meredith Ethington
My birthday is coming up, so I’ve been daydreaming about my fantasy moms-party. Here are some of my ideal themes: Napping Party We moms lie on our napping pads, put on noise-cancelling headphones, and pull down the blackout shades. Then we sleep for however freaking long we want. Party favors include eye masks and soft blankets. Target Party For a day, we are all Joanna Gaines picking out a new throw pillow or lampshade for our mom-caves. Starbucks or Diet Cokes in our hands, we stroll kid-free aisles and buy cactus-shaped earring holders without having to listen to temper tantrums in the distance. Party favors include loot from the “grab as many items as you can from the $1 aisle” contest. No-Responsibility Party This party has a few rules. No one can ask a mom for anything, especially while she is eating, peeing, or sleeping. Phrases like “to-do list” and “did you pick up cat food at the store?” are banned, and no one can speak their children’s names. Rather for the entire day everyone pretends to be single women with absolutely zero responsibilities. Party favors include one-way tickets to a deserted island, where no one asks for snacks and everyone gets to eat their food while it’s still warm. Mindless Social Media Scrolling/Meme-Sharing Party Simply watch stupid online videos
together and laugh until you cry. No one makes the birthday girl get off the couch to do something like pour someone a glass of milk when that someone is fully capable of completing the task. And no one shames anyone else for, for instance, not watching their kids twirl around in skirts. Party favors include a free Instagram filter that magically makes you look not tired. Slumber Party Bring your favorite chick-flick and adult beverage. No bras are allowed, and no one cares if your sweats have a hole in the crotch. Pass out, makeup still on, in your own separate beds at 10 p.m. without anyone rubbing your arm for a little action at midnight. In the morning, awaken when your body feels ready instead of when a toddler and his siblings have decided to play “the ground is lava” game right outside your bedroom door.
For any of these parties, no one can require you to clean your house or judge you when the half-eaten hot dog is inevitably discovered behind the couch. And, of course, no fantasy birthday party would be complete without a never-ending supply of cake that doesn’t make you fat—and an absence of little hands grabbing pieces of it right out of your hands.
Meredith Ethington is a writer and a mom to three who tries to help her kids understand sarcasm—and her need for personal space. Meredith’s debut parenting book, Mom Life: Perfection Pending, is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at Absolute Love Publishing. Meredith writes for many of her favorite parenting sites, including Scary Mommy, Babble, Momtastic, and on her own blog (perfectionpending.net). Follow her on Facebook @PerfectionPending and at instagram. com/perfectpending.
2020 12-4PM April 25
• A Showcase of Santa Rosa’s Performing Arts Scene • Unique Arts and Crafts •Fresh Local Food and Drink • Eco-Friendly Activities for All • A Zero Waste Event • Free Valet Bicycle Parking Provided by SCBC
LARGE PARTY ROOMS AVAILABLE
LOCATIONS WITH A FULL BAR COMMERCE BLVD., ROHNERT PARK CLEVELAND AVE., SANTA ROSA MONTGOMERY DR., SANTA ROSA HEMBREE LN., WINDSOR
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