Sonoma Family Life February 2022

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February 2022

Hypnosis for Kids Interview with MD

V-Day Fun 14 kids’ activities

Dental Care Help little ones brush

Muffin Magic Yummy treat

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SonomaFamilyLife 3

February 2022

Every Issue

10

6

Dear Reader

7

Cooking with Kids Muffin Magic

8

Freeze Out! Zulu Sounds For the Love of Animals

Features 10 Hypnosis for Kids How one doctor helps kids regulate emotions.

12 Make Kids’ Hearts Happy Stay-at-home ideas for celebrating V-Day.

14 Connected Couples Nonsexual ways to get close.

9

Bits and Pieces

Crab Feed for Kids

16 Kindergarten Cool

Celebrate Black History Month

Nine ways to help your little one prepare for school.

LGBT Teens Create Community

18 Time to Brush!

How to encourage tots to take care of their teeth.

20 Every Mom Needs a Butler A fantasy helps a mother take better care of herself.

22

Crafting with Kids Earth-Friendly Valentines

24

Calendar of Events

28 Humor Break Hand Over Your Candy!

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8 4 SonomaFamilyLife

February 2022

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Dear Reader

I

t’s the time of year when we celebrate love. And in these pages, it’s all about Sharon Gowan familial love— Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us and romantic love, too. When couples have kids, they may find the passion dial is turned to Low. But that doesn’t mean they can’t get close, says Pam Moore.

Read her “Connected Couples” (page 14) for a list of nonsexual ways to build intimacy.

For kids, Valentine’s Day means paper hearts and candy.

Unfortunately, glitter and glue aren’t the best for the planet.

So turn to “Earth-Friendly Valentines” (page 22) for instructions on how to make missives that keep the environment safe. And then check out “Make Kids’ Hearts Happy” (page 12) for even more children’s activities.

Marketing/ Sales/Events Patricia Ramos 707-205-1539 patty@family-life.us

For mom-humorist Cheryl Maguire, shepherding little ones through Valentine’s Day is not a bowl of cherries. Perhaps you can relate? Read her “Hand Over Your Candy!” (page 28) for a stress-reducing laugh.

Features Editor

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Leanne Brown Christina Katz Cheryl Maguire Kerrie McLoughlin Pam Moore Jill Morgenstern Sandy Sandler

Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Contributing Writers

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205 1539

READY, SET, GO! Register now for spring and summer activities.

Plus, join the St. Patrick's Day 5K on March 13!

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6 SonomaFamilyLife

February 2022

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Cooking with Kids

Muffin Magic

Whip Up a Kid-Friendly Snack

By Leanne Brown

I

wasn’t sure I was going to put these muffins in my book Good Enough until I served one to my two-year-old and she shimmied her shoulders and said “So yummy!” and “So good!” over and over again.

I mean, it’s the law now. Everyone has to have these. Zucchini adds texture and moisture, and these muffins have an incredibly floral, bright, sweet aroma and flavor. My senses always feel dull and far away in the morning, and these muffins smell and taste like stepping into a quiet garden, with the gentle breeze on your skin bringing a light scent.

They gently and lovingly awaken your senses to the undeniable truth: They are so yummy. ¶ Excerpted from Good Enough: A Cookbook

by Leanne Brown, illustrations by Allison Gore. Workman Publishing © 2022.

Leanne Brown, one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30, is the author of Good Enough: A Cookbook (Workman Publishing, 2022) and the New York Times bestselling Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day (Workman Publishing, 2015). Find her at leannebrown.com.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Zucchini, Pistachio, and Lemon Muffins 1 cup grated zucchini ½ cup ground pistachios (see note) ½ cup sugar Zest of 1 lemon 1 large egg ½ cup plain yogurt 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon fine sea salt Note: Take a heaping half-cup of shelled pistachios and grind them in your food processor, adding more until you get a half-cup ground. I like them to be crumbly but not powder-fine.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with silicone or paper liners.

Note: I highly recommend investing in silicone molds if you bake muffins

February 2022

or cupcakes often. They are reusable so you cut down on waste.

2. Place the zucchini, ground pistachios, sugar, lemon zest, egg, and yogurt in a large bowl and mix well.

3. Place the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.

4. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the zucchini mixture and gently mix until the flour is just incorporated. Don’t overmix, or the muffins won’t be as tender.

5. Fill each muffin cup about three-quarters of the way full with batter. Bake until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let the muffins cool to room temperature before enjoying. Store them in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Makes 12 muffins

SonomaFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

Freeze Out!

D

o you have freezer space to spare? The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County is looking for volunteers to freeze ice in various shapes for its Frozen Frenzy. The event, which will feature falling bubble snow, ice painting, ice sculptures, arctic games, and other activities, will be held at the museum in Santa Rosa on February 19, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Those who have frozen ice for the event can bring their ice blocks when they attend. It’s free with admission ($2–$14 or free for babies 0–11 months). Find out more at cmosc.org/ event/frozen-frenzy-2022. ¶

Frozen Frenzy

Zulu Sounds

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO MANAGEMENT

I

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

n 1986, when Paul Simon released the album

Graceland, he introduced the world to the Zulu

rhythms and harmonies of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Thanks to Simon, the South African a cappella vocal ensemble became instantly famous, and went on to be nominated for 17 Grammys, winning 5. Over its more than 60-year career, the group has worked with Dolly Parton, Josh Groban, Emmylou Harris, and other artists.

See them perform at the Green Music Center in Rohnert Park on February 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, which are $25–$55, are available at gmc.sonoma. edu. ¶

For the Love of Animals

W

here do farm animals go when they get old or have outlived their purpose? Some go to Charlie’s Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary in Sonoma.

The nonprofit holds regular weekend farm tours, when kids can come and meet the pigs, chickens, goats, and other animals the sanctuary houses.

Sign up for $10–$25 at charliesacres.org/visit. html#community. They also hold goat yoga classes— you, know, where goats hang out with yoginis while they bend and twist. (If you haven’t heard of it, yes, it’s a thing.) And, on February 5, 12:30–4 p.m., the sanctuary will host a fundraiser, the Valentine’s Barn Crawl. Attendees will grab a local brew or glass of wine, some plant-based eats, and venture from barn to barn, hanging out with the farm’s rescued animals. This outdoor 21-and-older event will be held at staggered times. Purchase tickets, which are $125, at tinyurl.com/duz9ez9n. ¶ 8 SonomaFamilyLife

Charlie’s Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary

February 2022

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Crab Feed for Kids

L

iving by the ocean has its advantages, and many would say that eating fresh local crab is one of them. The Active 20-30 Club’s Shellibration Soiree will offer plenty of the celebrated crustacean—and an opportunity to bid at an online auction, too—with proceeds going to Sonoma County children. Last year’s crab feed allowed the club to give more than 100 students back-to-school clothes, school supplies, backpacks, shoes, hygiene products, haircuts, and dental check-ups. This year’s feed will be held on February 5, noon–5 p.m. Due to COVID-19, it will be a drive-thru affair; attendees will pick up their crab dinners at the New Vintage Church in Santa Rosa. Tickets are $130 for two meals and may be purchased at form.jotform.com/220155326177149. ¶

Celebrate Black History Month

T

Audre Lorde

he late renowned American author James Baldwin was known for exploring race in his essays, novels, plays, and poems. The 2016 documentary I Am Not Your Negro, based on Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript, Remember This House, continues this exploration as it looks at the history of racism in America. Directed by Raoul Peck and narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, the film was nominated for an Academy Award and won the BAFTA award for Best Documentary.

Sonoma County Library cardholders can watch it for free via Kanopy.

Then they can come to an online adult discussion group on February 24 and March 24, 6–7 p.m., to share their thoughts about it. Sign up at tinyurl.com/2p9ese6m. The screening is part of the library’s celebration of Black History Month. Additional virtual events include a discussion of Audre Lorde’s Sister Outsider at the Queer Book Club (ages 18 and older) on February 9 at 6 p.m.; and African and African American Folktales with Kirk Waller (for grades K–6) on February 16 at 10:30 a.m. Throughout the year, the Read BIPOC Book Club discusses books by authors who are Black, indigenous, or people of color. For more information, go to events.sonomalibrary.org. ¶

LGBT Teens Create Community

L

esbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT) teens often struggle to claim their sexual identities and feel included in community. The Sonoma County Library’s Virtual Pride Club for Teens gives LGBT kids and allies ages 13–18 a place to make friends while they explore queer-oriented media. The free group meets on Tuesdays, 5–6 p.m., via Zoom. Kids can register for it at tinyurl.com/mr27akb8. ¶

www.sonomafamilylife.com

February 2022

SonomaFamilyLife 9

location, you want to use all of your senses: What can you see, and hear, smell, and feel, and touch and taste?

By imagining using all of your senses, it becomes more real and has a bigger effect on your emotions.

FL: So when you are under hypnosis, you can use affirming statements to “program” yourself to think differently.

But it also sounds like you don’t have to be in a hypnotic trance to do this.

Hypnosis for Kids An Interview with Ran Anbar, MD

F

or more than 20 years, Ran Anbar, MD, FAAP, a board certified pediatric pulmonologist, has offered clinical hypnosis to thousands of patients. He is the author of Changing Children’s Lives with Hypnosis: Journey to the Center (Rowman & Littlefield, 2021).

Family Life: What are some of the misconceptions about hypnosis?

Ran Anbar, MD: The misconceptions are largely what are portrayed by Hollywood: Hypnosis is mind control. But that is a misconception in that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. People only do hypnosis when they want to.

FL: Are there ways parents can use what you teach to help their kids?

RA: Sure. My book is full of ideas for what parents can do. One thing that parents can do easily is to learn to speak in a positive manner. If you say 10 SonomaFamilyLife

something in a negative manner, such as “Stop yelling!,” the child focuses on the word yelling and then yells further.

So a much better way to instruct children is to say, “Please be quiet.”

Tell them what you want them to do, not what you don’t want them to do.

To children themselves, I teach, rather than saying, “I’m nervous” or “I’m scared,” say, “I want to be confident. I want to be calm.”

If you are feeling unhappy or poorly, imagine going to a calm, happy place, where you might have been or would like to go. When you imagine that February 2022

RA: Correct. The one thing that the hypnotic state allows is that it suspends critical judgment. If I said to an adult, “Calm down.” [The response may be] “I can’t calm down! If I knew how to calm down, I would have done

Kids learn to regulate their emotional reactions very quickly. it already.” But in hypnosis, I’ll say “Calm down!” and the person just says, “Alright.” With young kids, you can just give the suggestion without formal hypnosis. They just accept things.

FL: So how can hypnosis help kids experiencing pandemic-related anxiety?

RA: My book talks about dealing with COVID. When people become anxious, [it is because] they are thinking anxiety-provoking thoughts: “What happens if I get COVID? What happens if I infect my family members?” The way to deal with this is to shift your thinking. With or without hypnosis, it’s the same kind of mind shift. But with hypnosis it might be easier. Any bad event has good aspects to it. So what’s good about COVID? Well, when we went into www.sonomafamilylife.com

lockdown, the environment cleaned up. People were stuck at home and got a chance to get to know their family members better. To the kids I was working with, I said, “Oh, you’ve got all this time you usually don’t have.

Why don’t you develop a new skill or hobby?” So focus on the silver linings.

And as you focus on those things then the things that made you anxious recede and you feel better.

program themselves so that whenever they make the physical gesture—the relaxation sign—they become calm even when they’re not doing hypnosis.

I tell them, “When you get stressed, make your relaxation sign and you’ll

FL: And is that what you do in a hypnosis session? Help people focus on the positive?

find yourself calming automatically.”

Kids learn to regulate their emotional reactions very quickly.

RA: When I do a hypnosis session I will teach them how to trigger their relaxation response. I will teach them how to associate a physical gesture, such as crossing fingers or making a fist, with relaxation. In hypnosis, they

FL: Would this idea transfer to working with kids who are afraid of needles?

People only do hypnosis when they want to.

RA: Absolutely. When you work with a child you want to find out what their issue is. Kids sometimes don’t like

foreign things in their bodies, and some are afraid of blood. Some kids don’t like to be held down. You don’t hold them down and the problem is solved. In the case of pain, which is the most common issue around needle fear, besides [teaching them] how to relax, you can teach them how to use imagery to decrease their perception of discomfort. Some of the most gifted kids can imagine rubbing numbing medicine where the needle will be, or they can imagine a dial that controls pain perception, that they turn up and down. So you teach them imagery to deal with the discomfort and they aren’t as afraid, or they aren’t afraid at all. ¶ Dr. Anbar works online and in-person.

Learn more at centerpointmedicine.com.

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SonomaFamilyLife 11

shop for special cards, and mail them. Children love picking out their own stamps at the post office.

Depending on your children’s ages, you can address the envelopes for them, or use this as an opportunity to teach the finer points of letter writing.

3. Decorate with hearts. So many items can be found in heart shapes these days. Heart-shaped

Make Kids’ Hearts Happy

14 Family-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

By Jill Morgenstern

A

lthough it may be true that Valentine’s Day is often thought of as a holiday for adult couples, what could be sweeter than Valentine’s Day with your kids? This year school parties may be back in the classrooms, but you can make the day extra special at home, too. Here are 14 ideas to put you in the mood to celebrate.

1. Make a Valentine’s Day charcuterie board. While a simple cheese plate used to suffice, the popularity of the charcuterie board is still going strong.

Technically a charcuterie board means a board of prepared meats, but these days anything goes! Why not make a board with cheese or salami cut into heart shapes?

2. Email or snail mail Valentines. Sites such as Blue 12 SonomaFamilyLife

Mountain Cards (bluemountain. com), American Greetings (americangreetings.com), or Punchbowl (punchbowl.com) allow you to email fun cards for free. Or for a small charge the Touchnote app lets you send a postcard with your own picture. They do the printing and mailing for you.

You can also go the old-fashioned route and make your own valentines (see page 22 for DIY glitter), or February 2022

Kids will love creating their own personal heart-shaped pizzas. balloons or simple pink and red balloons will make your child’s day.

4. Create a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt. Put clues around the house and let your kids search high and low for a box of candy hearts or similar treat.

5. Have a Valentine’s Day photo shoot. Dress the kids in red and, for props, cut out hearts from red and pink construction paper. Then grab your phone and snap away.

6. Surprise your kids with love notes. Leave Post-it notes of love or encouragement on the fridge, the bathroom mirror, or other places around the house where the kids will see them. For extra V-Day fun, use pink Post-it notes, and/or put the notes together into the shape of a heart.

7. Put up a Valentine’s Day tree. Haven’t taken down that Christmas tree yet? Don’t despair! Just switch the decor from ornaments to hearts. www.sonomafamilylife.com

8. Break a heart-shaped piñata. (If only actual heartbreak was this fun.) Kids love smashing piñatas. If you can’t find a heart-shaped one in a local store, they are available online.

11. Make heart-shaped pizza.

Whether you make the dough yourself or buy prepared dough, kids will love creating their own personal heart-shaped pizzas. Sound like too

9. Play Tic-Tac-Toe. Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like the “x”s and “o”s in this game that kids already love. Winner gets the number of kisses and hugs on the board.

Put clues around the house and let your kids search high and low for a box of candy hearts.

10. Bake sweets for your sweeties. Pink-frosted cupcakes or heart-shaped sugar cookies are sure to be a big hit. When frosting cookies, use icing to add messages like “Forget me not” and “Number one daughter” to your confections.

much work? Make heart-shaped sandwiches instead. Just use a heart cookie cutter to shape the bread.

12. Whip up pink smoothies or milkshakes. Recipes for strawberry smoothies or milkshakes are plentiful online.

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13. Read aloud a Valentine’s Day–themed picture book.

There are many, many great picture books that complement Valentine’s Day. Try Mama, Do You Love Me?

by Barbara M. Joosse (Chronicle Books, 1998) or Henry in Love by Peter McCarty (Balzer & Bray, 2009).

14. Make chocolate-covered strawberries. These are actually very easy to churn out. Just melt chocolate chips in the microwave, dip the strawberries in the melted chocolate, and then place on wax paper. Voilà! You have a beautiful and delectable treat. ¶ Freelance writer Jill Morgenstern has 13 years teaching experience and a master’s degree in teaching reading.

KINDERGARTEN

SNEAK PEEK TOUR

Join us for a Kindergarten Sneak Peek Tour for families and their prospective students to attend a portion of the kindergarten day.

FEBRUARY 8, 8–10AM

700 Watertrough Rd. Sebastopol, CA, 707.823.6278 twinhillsusd.org

RSVP: PRESENTATIONSCHOOL.COM UNDER “ADMISSIONS, VISIT OUR SCHOOL” OR CALL 707-935-0122 EXT. 202

February 2022

SonomaFamilyLife 13

Once you create a distraction-free space for a conversation, you might be surprised where that conversation leads. Sarah Protzman Howlett, a mom of four-year-old twins, describes a simple ritual she and her husband share. He says, “So tell me things,” and from there they might discuss anything from work to travel plans to politics well into the night.

Connected Couples

5 Ways to Build Intimacy (with Your Clothes On)

By Pam Moore

B

y the time your kids are asleep, your mood is exhausted, not erotic. In theory, you want to connect with your partner. In reality, you’re too tired to make the effort. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

It is totally normal for your sex life to take a dive when you have kids, says Dr. Jenni Skyler, certified sex therapist and director of the Intimacy Institute.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t—or shouldn’t—seek intimacy in other ways.

According to Skyler, the definition of intimacy is quality connection and it is essential to a healthy relationship. And while it’s the rare marriage that thrives without sex, she says there are many ways to be intimate without it.

Opportunities for intimacy might be less scarce than they seem—if you know where to look.

14 SonomaFamilyLife

1. Talking Experts and couples agree that uninterrupted conversation is an excellent way to create intimacy.

While the first step is finding a sitter, putting the kids to bed, or scheduling a lunch date while the kids are at school, the second step is just as important: Put away your phones.

Says marriage therapist Jill Whitney, LMFT, “We’re so busy replying to texts or checking social media that we hardly hear the one we’re with. This is toxic to relationships.”

February 2022

2. Kissing Kissing (with all your clothes on) is something you can do virtually anytime, anywhere—even in front of the kids—and it’s incredibly intimate.

I’m not talking about the chaste kisses

Uninterrupted conversation is an excellent way to create intimacy.

Mike and Carol Brady exchanged before bed. I’m talking prolonged kissing. Skyler recommends what she calls a “kissing date,” in which kissing is not a means to sex, but rather the main event. Kelly Burch is a strong proponent of kissing. Though she and her husband have always enjoyed it, now as parents of a three-year-old and working opposite shifts, it has become much more important to them. Burch explains, “Kissing only takes a minute and builds that connection and intimacy.”

3. Touching The power of touch is huge. Says therapist Kimberly Hershenson, LMSW, “Whether it’s a kiss hello or goodbye or holding hands, even nonsexual touching builds connection between partners.” David Bennett, a certified counselor and relationship www.sonomafamilylife.com

expert, explains this phenomenon in terms of neuroscience. “Any form of longer-duration cuddling and touching causes a release of oxytocin in the brain. This is the chemical that bonds couples together. So, any type of cuddling or hand-holding (just make it longer than 20 seconds) will build intimacy.”

4. Engaging Your Senses If you’re not in the mood to be touched, or if physical affection just isn’t your love language, Skyler reminds us, the five senses include not just touch, but also sight, hearing, smell, and taste. She says sharing a sensual experience is an excellent way to connect. This could be listening to music together, enjoying a meal together, or looking at something beautiful. When a couple sits outside

to watch the sunset together, all kinds of good things happen, says Rhonda Milrad, LCSW. “Stress decreases, the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in, neurotransmitters are released,

The power of touch is huge. and your mood becomes calmer.

Consequently, you both are more open to connection and communication.”

5. Sharing a Hobby As parents stretched in many different directions and with a “scarcity of resources” as my husband is fond of saying, it’s easy to forget what attracted you and your partner to each other in the first place. Doing a hobby together can be an excellent reminder.

Especially when time together as a couple is at a premium, “sharing something novel helps keep your relationship from getting stagnant,” says Whitney. Julie Burton can attest to this. With two daughters, now ages 11 and 8, Julie felt that she and her husband, Scott, were moving in separate directions—until they started fishing together. It’s never inexpensive or convenient, but “it’s always like falling in love again.”

Intimacy encompasses so much more than sex. It’s about connection. While you can expect your kids to ruin certain things (e.g. your sleep), your connection with your partner doesn’t have to be one of them. ¶ Pam Moore is the host of the Real Fit podcast. Find her at pam-moore.com.

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Dancers will feel like pop-culture royalty as they walk the red carpet and learn epic dances to their favorite songs!

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Learn more at scoe.org/vaccines February 2022

Parents, guardians, and youth interested to learn more about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to visit our website

COVID-19 vaccine clinics are currently available at school sites around Sonoma County for students ages 5+ and their families SonomaFamilyLife 15

seem fun and familiar. Let them take ownership of ‘their’ school,” offers mom Shari Medini.

Find some friends. You should be able to discover some other kids in the neighborhood for your kid to meet before school starts. Otherwise, talk about what it’s going to be like to make new friends at school and what it means to be a good friend.

Kindergarten Help Your Child Prepare for Cool the First Year of School

By Kerrie McLoughlin

M

y mom always tells me she was a mess when she dropped me off for my first day of kindergarten. She had to go out to breakfast and cry. While it wasn’t a big deal for me, some kids do experience anxiety on opening day of kindergarten, and it’s entirely normal. Letting go of your kids’ hands might be difficult for you, too. But it’s the first step toward letting them fly on their own, and it’s an important milestone. Here are some real-mom tips to make it easier.

Visit the school. Steph Dalrymple, mom of one, suggests visiting the inside of the school sometime before the first day. If the school is hosting a kindergarten intro session for new students—an experience created just for the purpose of getting kids familiar with the school, classroom, teachers, and 16 SonomaFamilyLife

Don’t talk about how much you’re going to miss your kids in front of them. their peers—don’t skip it. Also, “Play at the school playground a few times over the summer. It helps make it February 2022

Go shopping. Kitty Fulks, mom of seven, says, “Take them shopping for school supplies and for a few new outfits.” Back-to-school shopping is very important to get

Set up a routine for the end of each school day. kids excited for the first day. A new backpack, water bottle, lunch box, shoes, and nap blanket might calm some fears.

Talk about it. Reading some books about kindergarten and school is a great way to get kids excited, offers Cathie Maschler, mom of four. Check out On the First Day of Kindergarten by Tish Rabe (HarperCollins, 2016), and The 12 Days of Kindergarten by Jenna Lettice (Random House, 2017).

Hit the high notes. Tell your kid about fun school situations, such as field trips, recess, assemblies, substitute teachers, new friends, physical education, art, music, and lunchtime. Mom Gina Kennedy

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suggests even calling the playground a “park,” since it really is like a park at the school.

Successful Distance Learning & Homeschool programs

Set it up. Laying out clothes the night before, planning a special breakfast, and packing a fabulous lunch will go a long way toward kicking off a great day.

sebastopolschools.org (707) 829-4570

Watch your emotions. As the first day approaches, express excitement even if you are anxious, and don’t talk about how much you’re going to miss your kids in front of them.

Talk about what it’s going to be like to make new friends at school.

Don’t linger. “It’s easier if the kids can walk away from you [rather] than you leaving them. So don’t go into the classroom and hover. Walk them into school then let them go, or go to the classroom then [let them] go in and don’t linger. It’s like sneaking out when you have a babysitter,” suggests mom of four Tresa McAlhaney.

Wrap it up. Set up a routine for the end of each school day that your child can look forward to. Even a daily simple snack and a chat about the day will help the child stay positive and confident throughout the school year. ¶ Kerrie McLoughlin is the mom of five.

Find her at thekerrieshow.com.

CASTLE Preschool & Child Care Park Side School (K–4) Brook Haven School (5–8)

RELENTLESSLY PURSUING EXCELLENCE FOR ALL STUDENTS EARLY REGISTRATION FEB. 8 & 9.

SAVE YOUR PLACE! TOUR DATES:

FEB. 16, MAR. 14, APR. 11 SPACE IS LIMITED CALL 707-542-6272 TO RESERVE A SPOT

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION PACKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PICK UP JANUARY 4TH CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS Yulupa Primary School Strawberry Intermediate School TK-Third 2250 Mesquite Drive, Santa Rosa 707 542-6272

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

Children must be five on or before Sept. 1, 2022 to be eligible for kindergarten.

Two-year Kinder Bridge program offered for children turning five on or after Sept. 2, 2022.

707-542-2201 • LEARN MORE AT WWW.BVUSD.ORG www.sonomafamilylife.com

February 2022

SonomaFamilyLife 17

the toothpaste foam run down your chin while making silly faces in the mirror. Keep disinfectant cleaning wipes handy to make tidying up after brushing quick and easy. If you need help getting in the brushing mood, check out this list of fun songs: mouthhealthy.org/en/ kids-brushing-playlist.

Time to Brush!

How to Get Kids to Take Care of Their Teeth

By Christina Katz

W

hen I was a kid, I was expected to brush my teeth once a day, in the morning before leaving the house. This habit stuck with me and I passed it on to my daughter.

But, according to her dentist, once a day was not going to be enough to keep cavities at bay. So there was only one thing to do— encourage her to brush twice a day. Thankfully, this simple shift has made all the difference. Here are seven ways to encourage your kids to take excellent care of their teeth.

1. Establish a routine early on. Healthy teeth can last a lifetime and repetition helps form positive habits. So be sure to impress on young children that teeth need to be brushed twice a day, morning and night. Keep reminding them as they grow up and don’t be afraid to check up on them. You can’t control your child’s oral inheritance, so emphasize the long-term 18 SonomaFamilyLife

cavity-prevention game instead.

Help kids understand that they have the power to prevent cavities simply by brushing regularly.

2. Have fun showing them how. Show your kids that tooth brushing can be fun and empowering: Brush along with them.

Don’t be afraid to be playful with young children, for example letting February 2022

3. Use electronic toothbrushes.

Combining electricity and water can seem counterintuitive at first.

But our dentist recommended the Sonicare electronic toothbrush

Healthy teeth can last a lifetime and repetition helps form positive habits. system for the whole family. Now that we are using the system, we all get fewer cavities. If you don’t have an electronic toothbrush timing your tooth-brushing, a simple two-minute timer can help older kids to make sure they are brushing long enough.

4. Supply the tastiest toothpaste. The taste of toothpaste can make or break a good brusher. And, of course, taste is extremely subjective. For example, I detest wintergreen-flavored toothpaste so much it makes me gag. Your child might have a similar aversion to toothpaste flavors, so choose flavors family members like.

And don’t worry if you have four different flavors; they won’t cost you any more in the long run and will encourage happy brushing.

5. Let them wiggle. Staring at yourself in the mirror for two minutes www.sonomafamilylife.com

twice a day is not exactly entertaining.

So let your kids wander around a bit while they are brushing. Kids who are naturally kinesthetic may actually do a more thorough job if they don’t have to stand still. As they walk about, they can focus on the sensation of moving the toothbrush all around their mouths. Wiggly kids who are too young to safely manage brushing beyond the bathroom can make up a little teeth-brushing dance to help them pass the minutes quickly.

6. Educate them about the pitfalls of neglect. Initially, focus on the positive; don’t use fear to motivate kids to brush. But down the road, don’t be afraid to leverage disappointing results into an opportunity to motivate kids

to brush more often and more thoroughly. Make sure your kids understand that folks who do not take good care of their teeth can

The taste of toothpaste can make or break a good brusher. lose them to dentures later in life. If you have had any preventable dental work, share some of your dental disappointments with your kids.

Encourage them to avoid the same stress and discomfort by taking conscientious care of their teeth.

7. Reward good oral hygiene.

Of course, there is more to good dental care than merely brushing

twice a day. There is also flossing regularly and making bi-annual visits to the dentist for check-ups, x-rays, and treatments. Some of the best rewards for good dental hygiene are the simplest ones: biting into a crisp apple, munching newly popped corn, and even enjoying sugar-free gum once in a while. These make good after-dentist rewards for young children who take good care of their teeth. But, of course, the best reward of all is that toothy grin and feeling of pride that emerges each time the dentist announces, “No cavities this time.” ¶ For years, author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz believed that she had simply inherited “soft teeth,” until she learned how to take better care of her smile.

WAUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT Relentlessly Pursuing Success for All

Now Enrolling for 2022-23 Corona Creek & Meadow School Transitional Kindergarten–6th Grade

Computer, Art & Music Teachers, Band, Librarians, Classroom Aides, STEAM Emphasis & Small Class Sizes

Dr. Charlene R. Chan

Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Children • Teens • Adults

COME FOR A TOUR

Call (707) 765-3331 to make a reservation

707.823.1200 www.chanorthodontics.com

1851 Hartman Lane, Petaluma

www.waughsd.org

www.sonomafamilylife.com

February 2022

SonomaFamilyLife 19

me, set everything out without being asked, make sure there was mint and lemon in a cold pitcher of water in the fridge, carry me to bed and tuck me in when I fell asleep reading on the couch. You know, just treat me like a queen—and, in an important point for my particular psyche, this butler would be happy to do it! There would be no judgment or annoyance, just desire to give me the space and opportunity to be my best self.

Every Mom Needs One Mother’s a Butler Self-Care Strategy A

By Leanne Brown

fter I had my daughter, Io, I struggled for months and months to find the balance between caring for her, caring for the other people in my life, and caring for myself. For the first many months of her life, balance for me meant complete focus on Io and absolutely nothing for myself or others. This is pretty standard new-parent behavior—that doesn’t make it right or good, but it’s standard. I told myself that I was caring for myself by caring for Io because I wanted nothing more fiercely than for her to thrive. Looking back, I realize I had serious parent guilt. I thought that if there was any moment when I wasn’t focusing on her, I was letting her down. I was putting so much pressure on myself and building up a lot of resentment that ended up being released into my other relationships. My mental state slowly improved as I began to come out of the fog of exhaustion and intensity of early parenthood. I started to notice what I needed: more help, more time to myself, and more time with friends to reconnect to who I was without Io. One day my husband, Dan, asked me to describe my perfect day, no limits.

I surprised myself by describing a day with a personal butler. Someone 20 SonomaFamilyLife

who knew just what I liked and lived for nothing more than to make me happy. Someone who would follow me around and silently clean up after February 2022

I decided to do an experiment: I would pretend to be my butler and do all the things I wished he would do for me. Yes, I am 100

One day my husband, Dan, asked me to describe my perfect day, no limits. percent about to tell you that playing make-believe helped me take better care of myself. I’m whimsical, okay?

I wanted my butler to seem like a real(ish) person so I could fully connect to him. Along came Antonio.

My Antonio is an older Italian gentleman with wavy salt-and-pepper hair and twinkly, smiling eyes who wears beautiful suits, sings to himself, and has a gentle, fatherly nature. And, of course, he is paid handsomely and feels valued and adored in return.

Antonio loves taking care of me. He is motivated by pure love, never judging my needs as too trite or silly to bother with—unlike what I often do to myself.

By inhabiting this persona, I began to practice the art of self-distancing, a technique in which you step outside yourself and observe from a safe www.sonomafamilylife.com

distance in order to see things more clearly. As Kristin Neff explains in her book Self-Compassion, when you focus on caring for yourself, it allows you distance from the pain you are experiencing. Instead of sitting paralyzed inside the pain, you spend time inhabiting the part of yourself capable of giving care, and that experience is deeply empowering and energizing.

From this safe distance, you see yourself as you truly are: a flawed and utterly lovable human being. As Antonio, I could love myself and find the energy to care for myself. I could care for myself as lovingly as I take care of my daughter and partner.

Antonio would gladly do all the chores I tended to avoid or felt annoyed or

resentful about doing, like scrubbing the stovetop, washing and properly storing produce after I buy it, and, yes, putting mint and lemon in a big jar of water in the fridge. He always got my bills and other paperwork

Yes, I am 100 percent about to tell you that playing make-believe helped me take better care of myself. done quickly because he didn’t want me to worry about expenses and piles of paper. Being Antonio was a transformative experience. And the exciting part was that I could be my own Antonio simply by not judging

myself for having needs and not avoiding taking care of them.

We all need and deserve our own butlers, but being Antonio is not about taking on everything yourself. It is about creating the space in yourself to notice the self-care that you can take on, find the courage to ask for the help you need, and accept that some dirty dishes and undone tasks are a part of life. ¶ Adapted from Good Enough: A Cookbook

by Leanne Brown, illustrations by Allison Gore.

Workman Publishing © 2022. (See recipe excerpt on page 7 of this issue.)

Leanne Brown is the author of Good Enough: A Cookbook (Workman Publishing, 2022) and the New York Times bestselling Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day (Workman Publishing, 2015). Find her at leannebrown.com.

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or visit our website AskAboutKarate.com Shotokan Karate Leadership School®

367 West Robles Avenue, Santa Rosa • www.schoolbusing.org www.sonomafamilylife.com

At the corner of Marlow and Piner Roads

February 2022

SonomaFamilyLife 21

Crafting with Kids

Here’s what you’ll need: • Course (Kosher) salt • Food coloring • Heart card template (tinyurl.com/ye7fncb9) • Cardstock • Recyclable glue (see how-to instructions below) • Craft paintbrush Let’s make salt glitter: 1. Add a few drops of food coloring to the salt and stir to mix.

2. Stir the salt until it is evenly colored.

Earth-Friendly Valentines Spiff Up Cards with Salt Glitter

By Sandy Sandler Since plastic glitter is a no-no for recycling, let’s make salt glitter, an eco-friendly alternative. Glitter is made from tiny specks of metal or plastic that are too small to be screened out during the recycling process. This makes it a microplastic. When glitter gets into the water system, plankton, fish, and birds consume it, which is a bad 22 SonomaFamilyLife

thing. Animals die from starvation when microplastics collect in their systems. And there is the potential for those microplastics to make it up the food chain and onto our plates. Yuck! Salt glitter is a 100 percent biodegradable, recyclable alternative—and it’s easy to make and use to decorate craft projects.

February 2022

3. Spread the finished salt glitter on a plate to dry completely. Or, if you’re in a rush, spread it on the bottom of an oven-safe container and bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

Allow salt to cool before using.

Here’s how to make the recyclable glue: 1. Boil 3 tablespoons water in a saucepan. Add 1 envelope (¼ oz.) unflavored gelatin, and stir until the gelatin is dissolved.

2. Add 1 teaspoon glycerin and 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and stir to mix.

3. Store your glue in a lidded glass container.

Use the glue while it is warm and liquid. As the glue cools it will set up—just like Jell-O. Rewarm the glue to re-liquefy it. You can do this by placing the container of glue in a hot water bath,

www.sonomafamilylife.com

DEVELOP SKILLS. DEVELOP SKILLS. BUILD CHARACTER. BUILD CHARACTER. Sonoma County Family YMCA Sonoma County Family YMCA microwaving in five-second spurts, or gently reheating with a heat gun.

If you opt for the heat gun method, keep the heat gun constantly moving and not too close to the glue.

Now, let’s use the salt glitter and recyclable glue to make a Valentine’s Day card: 1. Print the heart card template, and then cut out the card shapes. The phrase “I love you and the Earth. I used 100% recyclable glitter on this card” is on the back of one of the templates, while the other is blank.

2. Add your sentiment or note to the inside of the card. This is easier to do before you add decoration to the outside.

REGISTER

YMTODAY CA Yofor uth REGISTER Y S oCrSPORTS! ts…

YpMTODAY A Yo.for uth more than just SpYorSPORTS! ts….

about a score. more than just It’s teamwork, about a score. sportsmanship It’s teamwork, and developing sportsmanship healthy habits. and developing healthy habits.

Registration opens Sept. 20 Registration REGISTER @scfymca.org Sept. 20 opensNOW @scfymca.org Sonoma County Family YMCA 1 eguentAyvFeanm ueil,y SYRMCA707-545-9622  scfymca.org So1n1o1mCaoCllo 1111 College Avenue, SR 707-545-9622  scfymca.org

3. Paint the outside of the card with recyclable glue. You can completely cover the outside, draw a smaller heart, or draw a design of your choice.

4. Cover the wet glue with the salt glitter. Set aside until completely dry.

5. Share your eco-friendly Valentine love! ¶ For more creative ideas, visit: bowdabra.com/ blog.

For past broadcast segments with Sandy, go to: bowdabra.com/tv.

Sandy Sandler is the creator of the Bowdabra, a QVC bestseller. Her frugal craft projects and activity ideas are designed to transform the creatively challenged into creative pros. Her focus is on creating easy, creative, green projects that parents can do with their kids and that kids can even do on their own.

Five Amazing Schools Schools Five Amazing Enrolling EnrollingNow Nowfor for2022–23 2018-19 La La Tercera Tercera Elementary Elementary School School

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

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Featuring the the internationally internationally acclaimed acclaimed Dual Dual Featuring Immersion Immersion Language Language Model Model

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Old Adobe Elementary Old Charter Adobe Elementary School FeaturingCharter a focus onSchool Arts and Ecology

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

Kid’s Care Program

Available at all schools 6:30a.m.–6p.m.

Featuring a focus on Arts and Music

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

www.sonomafamilylife.com

February 2022

SonomaFamilyLife 23

February Tuesday 1 FREE Spanish Conversation for Beginners. Practice Spanish

Conversation skills with facilitator & each other via Zoom. Intended for beginners; intermediate learners are welcome. Tuesdays. 6:30–7:45 p.m.

Register: tinyurl.com/4pr98kzv.

FREE Virtual Pride Club for Teens.

Kids ages 13–18 discuss books & other media that showcase queer voices & experiences. Sponsored by the Sonoma County Library. Tuesdays.

5–6 p.m. Register for Zoom link: tinyurl.com/mr27akb8.

Wednesday 2 FREE Dial a Story. Call 707-755-2050

to listen to a recording of children’s librarians reading storybooks. For ages 0–5. Available in Spanish & English. New stories every Wednesday. tinyurl.com/yckc22tv.

FREE Bilingual Family Storytime/ Hora de cuentos bilingües para familias. Via Zoom. For ages 0–6.

Stories read in Spanish & English.

Calendar of Events

10:30–11:30 a.m. Registration required: tinyurl.com/2p8w46kd.

FREE Girls Who Code. Grades 7–12. Extended coding virtual club.

Via Zoom. Wednesdays. 4–5:30 p.m.

Advance registration required: tinyurl. com/evtnrdr5.

Garden Party. Weed, plant, harvest &

learn gardening practices at the edible garden. Free with museum admission ($11–$14; babies 0–11 mos.: free).

Wednesdays. 10–11 a.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.

FREE Pet ID Tags & Microchips.

Free for residents of Rohnert Park & Cotati only. (Nonresidents: $5 ID tag & $10 microchip). No appointment needed. Wednesdays: 1–6:30 p.m.

Thursdays–Saturdays: 1–5:30 p.m.

Sundays: 1–4:30 p.m. Rohnert Park Animal Shelter. 301 J Rogers Ln., Rohnert Park. rpanimalshelter.org.

Family Bicycling Lessons.

Learn tips, tricks, & tools for bicycling safely. Classes offered thru the Windsor, Petaluma &

Santa Rosa Parks & Recreation Departments. Info: bikesonoma.org/ family-bike-workshops.

Thursday 3 FREE Family Storytime in the Children’s Garden. For 0 months–5

yrs. Thursdays. 10:15–10:45 a.m.

Petaluma Library. 100 Fairgrounds Dr., Petaluma. Registration required: tinyurl.com/7rbpshbz.

Saturday 5 Drive-Thru Penngrove Social Firemen Crab Feed. Pick up a crab dinner. Proceeds support Penngrove Park & Clubhouse. $65. 4:30–7 p.m.

Penngrove Community Clubhouse.

385 Woodward Ave., Penngrove. Order

by Feb. 1: tinyurl.com/2p88phnw.

FREE The Adventures of Tortoise & Hare: The Next Gen. Virtual

performance by Lightwire Theater with visuals, storytelling & music. Part of the Clover Sonoma Family Fun Series. Feb. 5 & 6. Free tickets: tinyurl. com/23nyfk6t.

Annual Drive-Thru Crab Feed for Kids. Meal for 2: $130. Meal

for 4: $250. Proceeds benefit local children’s charities. Noon–5 p.m. New Vintage Church. 3300 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa. Tickets: form.jotform. com/220155326177149.

Sunday 6 Pop-Up Kosher Jewish NY Deli Fundraiser. 1–4 p.m. Curbside pick-up

at Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma.

24 SonomaFamilyLife

February 2022

www.sonomafamilylife.com

205 Keller St. #101, Petaluma. Order by Feb. 4: tinyurl.com/mwnb2k47.

Monday 7 Museum Mondays for Little Ones.

Ages 1–5. Before 11 a.m.: $7 per child & free for up to 2 adults per child.

After 11 a.m. regular admission applies ($5–$12 or free for ages 3 & younger).

Mondays. 10 a.m.–noon. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org.

Mud Lab. Create mud sculptures &

“cook” with mud. Smocks provided.

Free with museum admission ($11–$14; babies 0–11 mos.: free). Mondays. 2–3 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.

Big Thinkers. Staff members use

FREE Sensory Friendly Afternoon.

experiments & art projects to illustrate scientific concepts to kids ages 7 & older. Free with museum admission ($11–$14; babies 0–11 mos.: free.)

Wednesdays. 2:30–3:30 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. cmosc.org.

Exclusively for children ages 0–12 who have special needs. Hands-on exhibits, art studio. Safe, accessible environment. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. Registration required: tinyurl.com/bdcntnmb.

Tuesday 8

Wednesday 9

FREE Fulton Community School

FREE Humboldt Community

Tour. Meet teachers & learn about

Preschool Tour. Meet teachers &

outdoor, nature-based learning for ages 2–5. This initial tour, which will be held mostly outdoors, is for adults only, no children. Masks & social-distancing required. 9:30–10:30 a.m. Fulton Community School & Farm. 1225 Fulton Rd., Santa Rosa.

RSVP: tinyurl.com/3rxc8426.

learn about school’s approach. This initial tour is for adults only, no children. Masks & social-distancing required. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Humboldt Community Preschool. 2000 Humboldt St., Santa Rosa. Register: tinyurl.com/2p99zkt5.

FREE Virtual Queer Book Club. For ages 18 & older. Discussion of Audre

Mar 16 - Apr 23 Grades k-3, 4-7, 8-12 March & April 2022

Science Technology Engineering Math

“Motivating Young Women in Science and Mathematics”

Virtual Events

March 19 & 26 and April 2 & 9 10 am - 11 am

• 4 hands-on Saturday workshops led

by STEM women for 7th and 8th grade girls. Others are welcome.

• Kits will be available for pick up

ACT • SING • DANCE

• Registration opens mid February & closes March 16 or when full.

e ectur Archit

Biology of the Hea

rt

Chemistry of Colorlsanes p

g Air

Flyin

Sparkly M

inerals

e... d mor

an

42 40 38

www.YoungActors.Studio

36

For more information and to register:

eyh-soco.org

Luther Burbank CenteR for the Arts www.sonomafamilylife.com

41

39

37

35

or leave a message: 707-800-9819

February 2022

SonomaFamilyLife 25

Lorde’s Sister Outsider. Sponsored

by Sonoma County Library. 6 p.m.

Register: tinyurl.com/4j6c6yf5.

Friday 11 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Comedic

play summarizes all of Shakespeare’s work, using reenactments & audience participation. $10–$25. Masks & proof of COVID-19 vaccination required. Feb. 11–12 & 17–18: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 & 20: 2 p.m. Raven Performing Arts Theater. 115 North St., Healdsburg. Tickets: raventheater.org.

Saturday 12 Love Is In The Air Peanuts Movie Marathon. Watch short Peanuts animated movies about love throughout the day on the big screen. Free with museum admission ($5–$12 or free for ages 3 & younger).

Runs thru Feb. 14. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org/calendar.

Second Saturday Cartoonist. Meet, watch & talk to Megan Kelso, a cartoonist whose comics include Girlhero, Queen of the Black Black & Squirrel Mother. Free with museum

Like Us On Facebook www.facebook.com/ SonomaFamilyLifeMagazine Find critical COVID-19 info plus lots of free kid-friendly activities.

26 SonomaFamilyLife

admission ($5–$12 or free for ages 3 & younger). 1–3 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. schulzmuseum.org/calendar.

FREE Bees & Blooms Valentine’s Day Weekend. Lavender

gifts from lavender fields. Bees & Blooms.

Feb. 12–13. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 3883 Petaluma Hill Rd., Santa Rosa. beesnblooms.com.

FREE Whale Watching Adventure.

2-mile round-trip hike. Event free; parking is $7 or free for Regional Parks members. Feb. 12 & 26. Two sessions: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 1:30–3 p.m. Gualala Point Regional Park.

42401 Hwy. 1, Gualala. Registration required: tinyurl.com/yckntb24.

high-resolution document camera. 4–5 p.m. Finley Community Center. 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. Register: tinyurl.com/mrahncyr.

Wednesday 16 FREE BiblioBus. Sonoma County

Library’s new mobile library features a small collection of English & Spanish books for all ages, free Wi-Fi & more. 1–3 p.m. 21079 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville. tinyurl.com/5n7757wa.

FREE African-American Folktales with Kirk Waller. Sonoma County

Library online event for grades K–6.

10:30 a.m. Register for Zoom link: tinyurl.com/5yn93h6w.

Thursday 17

Hair. The American tribal-love rock

Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

musical provides an affectionate look at the flower children of the ’60s. $24–$36. Masks & proof of COVID-19 vaccination required. Shows at 2 & 7:30 p.m. Runs thru Mar. 6. 6th Street Playhouse. 52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa.

Tickets: 6thstreetplayhouse.com.

Grammy-award winning South African a cappella group. $25–$55.

Masks & proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required. 7:30 p.m. Green Music Center. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Tickets. gmc.sonoma.edu.

Monday 14

Saturday 19

Happy Valentine’s Day, Charlie

San Francisco Chinese New Year

Brown! Make special cards & crafts,

Parade. Biggest outside of Asia.

Kearny & California Streets, San Francisco. Bleacher seating: $38–$65.

Bleacher seat ticket holders will be required to show either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. 5–9 p.m. Map & tickets for bleachers: tinyurl.com/yc8xtruw.

watch Peanuts movies & take a photo with Charlie Brown. Cost included with museum admission ($5–$12 or free for ages 3 & younger). 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Charles M. Schulz Museum.

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

Tuesday 15 FREE After School Snacks & STEM.

Immersive STEM experience: Boxlight interactive panels, Labdiscs, 3-D printers, MyBots, MimioConnect software, MyStemKits software & February 2022

FREE Santa Rosa Creek Monthly Clean-Up. Volunteers will choose

various walking routes along the creek based on where the trash is. Bring a face mask, gloves, water & other supplies. 9–11 a.m. Olive Park. 105 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Orange St., Santa Rosa. Register: tinyurl.com/mrxw9w8x.

Sunday 20 North Bay Food Truck Festival. A

foodie event from the San Francisco North Bay. $5–$35. Noon–6:30 p.m. Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building. 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa.

Tickets: tinyurl.com/2p9bfc7b.

Young People’s Chamber Orchestra: Recollections. Four

centuries of music by women composers. Directed by Aaron Westman. $5–$20. Masks & proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required. Phoenix Theater. 201 Washington St., Petaluma. Tickets: tinyurl.com/2p8hbrym.

Thursday 24 FREE I Am Not Your Negro Film Discussion. Watch film for free

via Kanopy, with Sonoma County Library card. Then attend online adult discussion group. 6–7 p.m. Register: tinyurl.com/2p9ese6m.

Saturday 26 FREE Familias al Aire Libre/ Families Outdoors. Bilingual family nature walk at Laguna de Santa Rosa. Bring a picnic lunch & water.

10 a.m.–2 p.m. Meet at Sonoma Land Trust. 822 5th St., Santa Rosa.

Caravan to the Laguna de Santa Rosa.

Walkers can register in advance or just show up. Info: Mirella at 707-324-3525.

FREE Teen Film Festival. Free for all

with the filmmakers & judges. 1 p.m.

Registration required: tinyurl.com/ kbd229ye.

Texas Hold ’Em Tournament. Poker

fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Petaluma. Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place. Buy-in is $100. 5–10 p.m.

Harmony Grove. Hermann Sons Hall.

860 Western Ave., Petaluma. Tickets: tinyurl.com/2p8hhxvm.

Family Concert: Fantastic Tales.

Part of SSU Family Day. Orchestral masterpieces by Ravel, Stravinsky & Grieg, based on well-known fairy tales.

Narrated by Megan McDonald (author of the Judy Moody series). $12. Ages 3–12 get free admission with code: FreeYouthOrch22. 2 p.m. Via Zoom. tinyurl.com/4mcud2mz.

ages to attend. Short-film awards. Chat

LOVE TO DANCE?

WE LOVE TO DANCE AND YOU CAN TOO! The Keenan School works to bring the fun and joy of traditional Irish dance to all! From the age of 3 to the teen years, dancers of all levels of interest and experience have a place here.

PLEASE CALL FOR COMPLIMENTARY CLASS 326 Petaluma Blvd. North • 542-1367 Keenan5678@att.net www.keenanirishdanceschool.com

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February 2022

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Humor Break 3. I know you already have five Valentine’s Day t-shirts, but I couldn’t resist buying another one. Valentine’s Day kid shirts are adorable. And let’s face it: Teens aren’t going to let you dress them up in a “Love-a-saurus” dinosaur shirt. So dress up your

Pinterest is a black hole that will suck all of the hours out of your day.

Hand Over Your And Other Things Candy! Moms Say on V-Day

By Cheryl Maguire

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ong before your “mom days,” you probably dined by candlelight in some swanky restaurant on Valentine’s Day. Now that you’ve given birth to sweet little munchkins, your “romantic” meal is more likely to involve spit-up or chicken nuggets.

And your lips, instead of puckering up for kisses, are probably gearing up to say stuff like this: 1. Thank God this holiday doesn’t involve Santas, fairies, leprechauns, or any other magical night creatures. I’m not sure who came up with the brilliant idea of having magical beings visit kids at night, but I can guarantee it wasn’t a mom. At night, moms are counting down the seconds until they can go to sleep. The last thing on a mom’s 28 SonomaFamilyLife

mind is remembering to retrieve a tooth or paint green leprechaun footprints on the floor. So please don’t create a magical cupid that comes in the night. We already have more magic than Harry Potter at our house. Thanks, but no thanks.

2. I just need about ten more hours on Pinterest to find the perfect Valentine’s Day craft, cupcake, and card. Pinterest is a black hole that will suck all of the hours out of your day. Just when you think you’ve found the perfect craft, cupcake, or card to replicate for the 25 kids in your child’s class, you’ll see another one—and then another one and another one. Before you know it, the whole day will be gone and you still won’t have picked up a glue gun or spatula.

February 2022

younger ones while you still can.

Some of my favorites are “More Spice than Sugar,” “I Choo-Choo Choose You,” and “You Have a Pizza of My Heart.”

4. Rose are red, violets are blue, I’ll give you some candy if you go number 2—in the potty this time. Oh, the joys of potty training on Valentine’s Day! Enough said.

5. Since I wrote all 25 of your Valentine’s Day cards, I think it’s fair to get half of your candy. Not only do you have to write each kid’s name on a valentine, but also you have to lick each envelope and put a candy or sticker on it. If you are lucky enough to have three kids, you’ll have to address and seal 75 cards. Surely all this work warrants at least half of the candy loot, if not more—actually 60/40 is probably a fairer cut. Once a confiscated Hershey kiss starts melting in your mouth, your hand cramp may even go away—until next year. ¶ Find Cheryl Maguire on Twitter @ CherylMaguire05.

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Families Outdoors walk

Walk in a Wetland

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alifornia’s coastal wetlands are disappearing, but the Laguna de Santa Rosa is still here. It’s actually the largest wetland complex on the northern California coast.

And kids and parents can explore it at Sonoma Land Trust’s free Families Outdoors/Familias al Aire Libre guided bilingual nature walk, which will be held on February 26, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Families are invited to pack a picnic lunch and water, and meet at 10 a.m. at 822 5th Street, Santa Rosa, to caravan to the park. Walkers can register in advance or just show up. For more information, contact Mirella at 707324-3525 or mirella@sonomalandtrust.org. ¶

YEARS Celebrating Food Truck Foodies

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ood trucks have been hailed as great places to expand the palette and get extra-fresh meals. And with the pandemic making outdoor dining in vogue, they are extra appealing. The North Bay Food Truck Festival will offer the opportunity to try out the eats of a variety of North Bay food purveyors. Nosh away on February 20, noon–6:30 p.m., at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Rosa.

General admission is $5; an additional $20 Fast Pass allows ticketholders to bypass lines. Purchase tickets via Eventbrite at tinyurl.com/29x42bcn. ¶

www.sonomafamilylife.com

February 2022

YEARS as the #1 resource for local families magazine • web • email • events SonomaFamilyLife 29

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