L I V E • PLAY • DO
magazine
HEALTH & WELLNESS ISSUE CHIROPRACTIC FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY | MOM-ME TIME EYE HEALTH | SUMMER FIRST AID KIT | WHEN TO SEEK SPEECH THERAPY | HEALTHY JELLO RECIPE
nwkidsmagazine.com
July 2014
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EDITORS’
Corner
As parents, we are always thinking about our kids’ well-being. From what they eat, how much they sleep and how to keep them from getting sick to larger issues like meeting milestones in their development. Are they happy kids? And what do we do when they start complaining about something that you can’t fix? How many times have you been to the pediatrician to ask questions about the unexplainable? If you’re like us and a natural worrier, you’ve been there at least a few times (or a dozen) because google searches often lead us down the road of diagnosing incorrectly and then irrational thinking kicks in. Sound familiar? This month, you guessed it, we focus on family health. If you have kiddos who you think may need glasses, check out the piece on eye health on page 22. It can provide some answers to questions you might be having and will point you in the direction of some great resources. We also feature speech development in this issue. Maybe you have a child who is not yet speaking when they should be or you’re just realizing that you are translating what your 3-year-old is saying to those she speaks to. Read up on what kids should be saying by certain ages to determine if you need to seek speech therapy. And don’t miss the Emergency Resources Guide, and how you can build your own summer First Aid Kit. With so many opportunities to get outside and reconnect with family and friends, July is a great month to celebrate healthy living. The NW Kids calendar is bursting at the seams with endless activities for moving and shaking this summer. If you’re a planner or like to fly by the seat of your pants, we’ve got you covered for fun. Check out our top picks on page 26 or head on over to nwkidsmagazine.com for more ideas. Here’s to a happy and healthy summer! Cheers, Kelley & Beth
Cover and Contents Photography courtesy of JESSICA BUTLER OF EYE POWER KIDS WEAR eyepowerkidswear.com
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Contents JULY 2014
8 The Importance of Mom-ME Time 12 Straighten Up 16 Summer First Aid Kit 18 Say What? 22 Eye Health: When Kids Need Glasses 24 Healthy Jello! 25 Emergency Resources 26 Best of Portland and Beyond: Our Top Picks for Getting Out This Month 30 Book Reviews For Kids: The Human Body
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Listings Aadland Dental............................................ 29 Aurora Family Health................................... 11 Barre3............................................................. 3 Beanstalk...................................................... 13 Beaumont Business Association.................... 7 Bennett Suzuki Violin Studio....................... 15 Child’s Play Toys............................................. 7 City of Gresham............................................ 13 City of Hillsboro............................................ 29 Clackamas Speech....................................... 21 Clear Pathways............................................. 21 DolFUN Swim Academy.............................. 19 Dr. Pike Dentistry for Children........................ 3 Eb and Bean................................................... 9 Eco Maids....................................................... 7 Glendoveer Tennis........................................ 19 GoodTime Chinese School........................... 15 Kruger’s Farm............................................... 29 Laurelwood Brewpub.................................. 11 Leisure Sports Inc/Club Sport........................ 7 Little Fruit Farm Montessori......................... 15 Little Linguists............................................. 13 Mother NaturAle PDX.................................... 9 My Masterpiece Art Studio.......................... 13 North Portland Orthodontics......................... 9 North Portland Wellness Center.................. 11 Oregon Hope Chinese School...................... 15 Oregon Pediatrics........................................... 9 Pizazz Baking Camp..................................... 13 Portland Children’s Dentistry....................... 21 Portland Language Arts.............................. 29 Portland Trampoline...................................... 2 Rising Star Chinese School.......................... 15 Rox in Sox..................................................... 31 Spielwerk Toys.............................................. 11 Summa Institute.......................................... 19 The Kids’ Backyard Store................................ 2 The Vintage Pearl......................................... 21 Westside Montessori International............. 15 WeVillage..................................................... 21 Whole Foods Market.................................... 32 Willow Tree Wellness..................................... 9 World of Smiles............................................ 15 Yoga Continuum.......................................... 11 6 | NW Kids Magazine
magazine Publisher / Advertising Director Michelle Snell michelle@nwkidsmagazine.com Editorial Beth Friesenhahn beth@nwkidsmagazine.com Kelley Schaefer-Levi kelley@nwkidsmagazine.com Account Manager Laurel Ackerman laurel@nwkidsmagazine.com Client Services Coordinator Brenna Burke brenna@nwkidsmagazine.com Design Robyn Barbon robyn@folkloremedia.com Client Ad Design Karel Chan karel@nwkidsmagazine.com Advertising Inquiries: 503-282-2711, ext. 1 sales@nwkidsmagazine.com Accounting & Business Services Heather Rex heather@nwkidsmagazine.com Connect With Us: • Phone: 503.282.2711 • email: contact@nwkidsmagazine.com • Facebook: facebook.com/nwkids • Twitter: @nwkids • Pinterest: pinterest.com/nwkids NW Kids is published monthly by Miche Media, LLC. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy; sometimes we make errors. Please let us know when we do and accept our apologies. Printed locally; Please recycle.
WHAT WE’RE READING
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THE IMPORTANCE OF
Mom-ME TIME
Moms, do you feel like you’re at the bottom of the priority list? Does juggling family, home, work, and even caring for the family dog, leave you longing for some mom-ME time? Well moms, it’s time you put yourself at the top of the list! What we won’t do for ourselves we will do for our children. Do you want your children to know how to embrace health and wellness? It starts with you. Be a role model mom. When children see you choosing to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, taking time to exercise, and practicing a bit of peaceful living through meditation, massage, or even a walk in the park, they learn better practices for themselves. Becoming a mom is a major life change. It’s tough to forget those tender first few weeks of welcoming a newborn into your life. First time mom’s transition
Article and Photographs by MEGAN CALDWELL
from being a unique individual to being responsible for another life, makes it difficult to recognize or take time for her own needs. Nearly 20% of women experience some type of post-partum depression following childbirth. It’s a conscious decision to take time to care for your needs as a mom, no matter the ages of your children. Recognize the importance of taking mom-ME time. Many moms recognize intuitively the importance of getting out to connect with other moms, often building connections through local moms’ groups at library story time, by enrolling in music and fitness classes with their kids, or even just striking up conversation with a fellow mom at the neighborhood park. Some moms may struggle to reach out and build a community, be it new moms adjusting to their new roles or experienced moms continuing to find balance. continued on p. 10
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This summer, practice opti-mom health and do something good for yourself ! Begin to reflect on what makes YOU happy and rediscover what makes YOU tick. Reconnect with your passions and interests: Do something for you. Step away from your role as wife, mother, or colleague. Without those roles defining you, what would you spend free moments doing? Would you go for a run? Complete a craft? Cook? Tackle yard work? Have you forgotten what it is you used to love doing in your free time? As a mom it’s natural for our interests and passions to change, but it’s so important to connect back to those roots. Take a moment to brainstorm the activities and events you used to spend your time doing premotherhood. Have your interests changed? Take care of your mind and body. Be cognizant of how your body feels. Are you exhausted? Do you have aches and pains? Are you eating well?
Ready to take action and get mom-ME time? 1. Determine what things you like to do for YOU and make a real date with yourself at least 2-times a month and don’t break it! 2. Start small. Ask for help with things you find yourself doing that others can do. 3. Be present with your kids. Giving them the attention they need will help them better understand when you need to ask them for space. 4. Schedule at least 10 minutes of your day for YOU time. Step outside and walk around the block, read a blog or a book, do some yoga or meditate. Hold to that time everyday! 5. Rest. Try to go to bed 10-30 minutes earlier than you would normally. And remember, SMILE. Being a mom is wonderful and you’re doing great!
Diet and exercise can play a big role in mental and physical wellbeing, and far too often gets pushed down on our list of priorities. Exercise is one of the best ways to improve post-partum depression, manage stress, and stay fit for motherhood. Opportunities to be active alongside our kids are numerous: mommy and me yoga, strollerbased fitness programs, and family hiking groups are a few great ways to incorporate fitness into life as a mom. Light to moderate exercise can help boost endorphins, fuel your body and calm your mind. Or check out a class or group without your kids!
Megan Caldwell is the owner and lead instructor of FIT4MOM Cedar Mill, offering all-levels fitness programs and events to moms in NW & NE Portland. When she’s not playing mom to her two young sons, she can be found taking mom-ME time by going for a run, playing board games with friends, or gardening. To get active alongside other moms, with or without your baby, visit www.fit4mom.com to find classes near you! 10 | NW Kids Magazine
NEXT MONTH:
BACK TO SCHOOL
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Straighten Up Article and Photographs by LAURA JOST
A few months ago, I was getting dressed to volunteer at my daughter’s elementary school. I put on my favorite skinny jeans and it almost instantly occurred to me that they might not be the best choice. I started to take off my pants and got stuck in tree pose with both legs encapsulated in denim. I gave another tug, lost my balance, and with nothing to keep me upright, I fell through the open bathroom door. I came down hard on the tiled floor, right on my hip. My only consolation was that there were no witnesses. The next couple of weeks, I did my typical post-injury regimen. Realizing that stick-on heat patches were a more expensive habit than daily lattes, and other anti-inflammatory measures weren’t working, it was clear that I needed to see someone. Enter the chiropractor. I got a recommendation from a friend for a clinic right in the neighborhood and made an appointment. I was apprehensive at first, because I didn’t think I had “real” back problems.
With my initial exam, my doctor set up a treatment plan that included adjustments, exercise therapy, and manual therapy (massage). After my first complete visit, I was shocked at how much better I felt. I had been feeling very lumpy and scrunched down and had been experiencing painful twinges more frequently when I bent down or twisted during housecleaning. After the visit I was feeling more vertical (skinnier even!) and my hip was improved by leaps and bounds. I was kicking myself for not going sooner. Now I do less frequent maintenance visits, but I always feel amazing after I go. I knew I had horrible posture and now I have exercises and mental double-checks to keep me on track at home; I’ve learned a ton about my body. I talked to Dr. Melanie Brown at Pure Life Clinic about chiropractic health specific to parents and children. She says that we can all benefit from sufficient hydration, nutrient rich foods, appropriate amounts of sleep, healthy sleep positions, and exercise. With continued on p. 14
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visits, alignment of the spine allows healthy movement and nerve flow so that the brain can talk to the body; the nervous system controls EVERYTHING. Think about everyone’s comfort and health when you approach issues of co-sleeping. I know I feel awful when I wake up in a pile of people. Make that extra trip to avoid strain when unloading groceries or carrying laundry. Children come into this world via birth experiences that can involve squeezing, twisting, and pulling. Dr. Brown recommends visits within the first two weeks of life. These visits have been shown to be effective in treating colic and latching/nursing issues. As kids grow, chiropractors can examine the spine to watch for abnormalities during development. You can additionally help your kids by ensuring they have an appropriately sized pillow that holds their head in a neutral position (adult pillows truly aren’t made for kids) and teaching them to sleep on their side or back (sleeping on the stomach creates too much head rotation and can cause neck pain and headaches). And a mattress low to the floor prevents injuries from falling out of bed. As parents, we tend to overload our bodies with heavy bags (and kids) and poor posture permeates our day-to-day activities. We need to hold our heads back and shoulders down, keep a neutral pelvis, and activate our cores. Also, we need to stop bending to look down at our phones and computers. We tend to take our minor aches and pains as just a part of life, but they aren’t. Dr. Brown describes a feeling of walking on clouds for new-adult patients and I can attest to that description. As with any self-care, you have to find what’s right for you. Chiropractic happens to be something that worked for me. And I know that my family can see how good I’m feeling because now my daughter wants her own appointment. Changing a few habits can also make a world of difference. 14 | NW Kids Magazine
In addition to Dr. Brown’s recommendations, here are a few personal tips: Consult a local baby-wearing expert to select and purchase a child carrier that works specifically for you and your babe. The same “fit” considerations should be made for infant car seats you plan to haul around. If you just don’t feel right (for any reason), see a professional. You are worth it! Laura Jost is coming to terms with the fact that she’s inherited “the bad hip” from her mother. She’ll do everything she can to never be caught limping in the mall with her teenagers. Now she wants to stop thinking about her babies being teenagers.
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Summer First Aid Kit Summertime is here and with it comes more time outside and inevitably a few cuts, scrapes, bug bites, rashes and other ouchies. These are a few items we keep with us when out and about. They’re also great as basics to building your own at home kit to have on hand for minor injuries and common ailments.
Tummy Trouble (aka eating too many marshmallows) Ginger, Peppermint or Chamomile tea Carbonated water Papaya enzyme tablets Pepto Bizmol Activated charcoal tablets
Stings and insect bites Green clay Witch Hazel Calamine lotion All-purpose salve
Disclaimer: We’re not doctors, so for emergency situations, please contact a healthcare professional. And for brand specifications visit your local drugstore or wellness department. 16 | NW Kids Magazine
Cuts, scrapes, bruises, strained or sore muscles Hydrogen peroxide All-purpose salve Neosporin Muscle Therapy gel Tiger Balm patches
Miscellaneous items Cotton balls Wet wipes Butterfly bandages Insect repellent Thermometer 4� x 4� sterilized gauze pads Tweezers Rescue Remedy Ace Bandages Tongue depressors Other assorted bandages First Aid tape
Sunburn (and other burns) Sunscreen Aloe Vera gel Burn cream Lavender oil (diluted and made into a spray) NW Kids Magazine | 17
SAY WHAT? by HEIDII ROBERTS CCC-SLP
What are we supposed to be saying and when? This is a big question for parents. Each child has his or her own development pattern. Some walk then talk, some talk and then walk, some do it at the same time and well, others do it to their own drumbeat. All of these can be ‘normal’ but how do you know when you should be concerned?
SPEECH is the use of sounds to form words. This starts as early as one month. Babies like playing with their voices and do so until they form words about 1 year of age. When should you worry about speech? If your child is: • N ot exploring sounds by 3-4 months, not babbling by 7 months. • N ot producing p,b,m,h or W sounds in words by 1-2 years. • N ot adding k,g,f,t,d,n sounds to their repertoire by 2-3 years. • N ot understood by familiar people by 2-3 years. They should be somewhat intelligible by now and mostly understood by those around them. • N ot producing most sounds by kindergarten. Most sounds with the exception of possibly s,r, and blended sounds (sl, pr) etc. should be developed. 18 | NW Kids Magazine
Contact your pediatrician or a speechlanguage pathologist if you have concerns about your child’s development.
LANGUAGE is how we communicate. We start with our eyes and then start to add sounds and gestures. Babies learn by watching our faces and listening to our voices. Once they form words they should continue to combine the words into sentences and the next thing you know, they are having conversations. When should you worry about language? If your child is: • N ot engaging socially by 3 months (watching your face, smiling) • N ot distinguishing sounds for emotions (hunger, happy, tired) by 6 months • Not responding to name by 6 months • N ot using gestures by 7-9 months (waves, reaches for desired item to request) • Not using true words by 18 months • N ot responding to language or responds inappropriately by 1-2 years • Not combining words by 2-3 years • N ot interested in other children or has troubling interacting with them by 2-3 years continued on p. 20
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Contact your pediatrician or a speechlanguage pathologist if you have concerns about your child’s development.
ear may cause ear infections. When should you be concerned about feeding and eating? If your child is:
HEARING is more than just registering
• Projectile burping
a sound. It involves sound and identifying the sound. When should you worry about hearing? If your child is:
• Having difficulty breathing and eating
• Not responding to sounds by 3 months
• Experiencing chronic ear infections
• Not responding to name by 6 months • Not following simple directions 1-2 years • H aving difficulty developing speech and language skills • M isinterpreting information presented or responds with ‘what’ most of the time Contact your pediatrician, audiologist or a speech-language pathologist if you have concerns about your child’s development.
FEEDING is aother area related to speech and social development. When a baby is fed, they synchronize their suck, swallow and breathing. Feed your baby holding them close, with their ear above their mouth. Not only does this create a stronger bond, initiate social interaction and make your baby feel secure, it can help prevent ear infections. The Eustachian tube is horizontal at first and eventually takes a diagonal route as your child grows. Milk leaking through this tube to the 20 | NW Kids Magazine
• H aving difficulty latching (making a productive seal on your breast)
Contact your pediatrician, local speechlanguage pathologist or a lactation specialist if you have concerns about your child’s development. Please remember that this is only a guideline. If you have any concerns regarding your child contact a local specialist in your area. Portland Public Schools evaluate and diagnose speech, language, cognitivecommunication and swallowing disorders. Regardless of whether your child is a registered student in the PPS system, you can contact them before your child begins Kindergarten to assess their needs. They provide free screenings to determine if you should seek treatment before they start school. They also treat students enrolled in a Portland public school and children on their way to Kindergarten. For more information visit, pps.k12.or.us. You can also find more information at the American Speech and Hearing Association website, www.asha.org.
Heidii Roberts, CCC-SLP earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees at Portland State University studying communication disorders. She is the owner of Clackamas Speech LLC and has been a practicing speech pathologist for 19 years. She has worked in both medical and educational settings.
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EYE HEALTH: WHEN CHILDREN NEED GLASSES Article and Photographs by BRENNA BURKE
I will never forget the day of my youngest son’s 6-month well child check. Our smart, wonderful family doctor noticed something neither my husband nor I had; one eye was slightly turned out. This is something that can be typical of newborns, but by 6 months it was a reason to go see a pediatric ophthalmologist. Of course as soon as anything comes up with your child that is even slightly off at any age most parents are probably apt to panic or brush it aside. I thought everything would be fine and nearly canceled his older brother’s eye exam believing all would be well. We were lucky and discovered that all he really needed were a pair of thick glasses. It was exciting to watch him see bubbles for the first time and explore those things that had been in front of him for so long without him knowing it. 22 | NW Kids Magazine
My family now has three kiddos who wear glasses full-time (even prescription swim goggles) and I am grateful every day for early intervention. Early intervention for children is the key.
EYE HEALTH FAST FACTS • Undiagnosed vision problems can affect physical and intellectual development. • 1 in 10 children is at risk from undiagnosed vision problems. • Less than 15% of all preschool children receive an eye exam, and less than 22% of preschool children receive some type of vision screening. • Only 10% of children between ages 9 and 15 who need glasses actually have them.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR Myopia, hyperopia, strabismus, astigmatism, accommodative esotropia. Big words that all mean your child’s eyes need extra help so they and their developing brain are not strained too much. Unless you take your child in for a comprehensive eye exam with an appropriately trained doctor with pupil dilation, you might not know exactly what you are seeing. Of course, there are a few things you can try to watch for knowing that children are excellent at adapting to a variety of situations and neither of you may recognize a problem right away.
INFANTS • Excessive tearing • Red or encrusted eye lids • Constant eye turning • Extreme sensitivity to light • Appearance of a white pupil
PRESCHOOLERS • Sitting close to the TV or holding a book too close • Squinting • Tilting their head • Frequently rubbing their eyes • Short attention span for the child’s age • Turning of an eye in or out • Sensitivity to light • Difficulty with eye-hand-body coordination when playing ball or bike riding
SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN • Frequent eye rubbing or blinking • Short attention span • Avoiding reading and other close activities • Frequent headaches • Covering one eye • Tilting the head to one side • Holding reading materials close to the face • An eye turning in or out • Seeing double • Losing place when reading • Difficulty remembering what he or she read
RESOURCES • InfantSEE® provides a one-time, comprehensive eye assessment to infants in their first year of life, offering early detection of potential eye and vision problems at no cost regardless of income. infantsee.org • Sight for Students provides free vision exams and glasses to low-income, uninsured children. sightforstudents.org • Prevent Blindness America is the nation’s leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. preventblindness.org • Lions Club Sight Programs spearheads projects aimed at preventing blindness, restoring eyesight and improving eye care for hundreds of millions of people worldwide through: eyeglass recycling. lionsclubs.org • Lions Medical Eye Banks provides vision screening, and treatment. lionseyebank.org • Little Four Eyes and Facebook Group is a community for family and friends of little ones in glasses. facebook.com/groups/ littlefoureyes • Great Glasses Play Day celebrates kids in eyeglasses, educating parents and communities, building support for families and children with vision problems. greatglassesplayday.com • Eye Power Kid’s Wear is a great company empowering kids with eyeglasses and patches to feel like superheroes. eyepowerkidswear.com Brenna Burke is mama of three trying to live a green life, pursue greater health and wellbeing for my family and the planet, while teaching my children well so they will grow up successfully and leave me. NW Kids Magazine | 23
Healthy Jello! Recipe by SUE BURNS
I grew up loving Knox blocks. My mom would make them for every summer get together and we, kids, could just have at it, eating fistfuls of the sugary, artificially colored AND flavored wiggly snack. I think there might have been a lost-in-translation moment between the generations, but don’t worry, Grandma, I got it back! Grass fed beef, organic gelatin (I recommend greatlakesgelatin.com) is a nutritious addition to your summer snack list. Full of protein and amino acids, easy to make, and delicious, though not vegan, gelatin also improves digestion. Perfect for after a stomach bug. My 4-year-old daughter thinks they are dessert, but I let her eat them anytime. Here’s my recipe:
INGREDIENTS: 32 ounces of your favorite liquid (I’ve used ReCharge, Coconut water, fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, and raspberry lemonade.)
1-3 Tablespoons of honey (the gelatin leaves a slightly bitter taste.) Optional 1-2 Tablespoons of pro-biotics (Why not?)
3-4 Tablespoons of gelatin
DIRECTIONS:
1 2 3
ombine ingredients and gently stir in a pot over low heat, just until all powder C is dissolved (about 90 degrees). Pour into 9x9 glass container (or whatever you have) and let cool.
Refrigerate for 3 or more hours.
Stays fresh up to a week in the fridge covered, but you’ll eat it sooner.
Sue Burns is a feminist, pro-choice mother, herbalist, writer, swimmer, reader, lover, activist. She is a veteran of high school classrooms and independent bookstores, and currently manages We’Moon. She believes in love, grief, accountability, and family. 24 | NW Kids Magazine
Emergency Resources While thinking about health and wellness this month, we have found ourselves assessing how prepared we are for the unexpected. The answer is, not very. It could be that our kids are coming into the age of reading, but having an emergency list of numbers on the refrigerator (like the ones we grew up with) still seems relevant. The American Red Cross is an excellent resource for finding information about how to prepare for emergencies. The Oregon Trail chapter provides local resources on CPR, First Aid or AED training classes. They also furnish lists of emergency contact numbers and have created a handy booklet called “Together We Prepare” filled with useful information. It’s a worthy read. This short list, compiled by the American Red Cross, of emergency contacts is a great place to start when talking to your kids about what to do in an emergency. (Hint: Post it on your fridge.)
For Kids LOCAL AREA 911 911 oregon.gov/OSP/CTS/index.shtml OREGON SAFE KIDS (971) 673-1001 oregon.gov/DHS/ph/safekids/index.shtml OREGON POISON CENTER (800) 222-1222 ohsu.edu/poison AMERICAN RED CROSS/ OREGON TRAIL CHAPTER (503) 284-1234 redcross-pdx.org
For Parents OREGON CLIMATE SERVICE (541) 737-5705 ocs.orst.edu OREGON DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (800) 452-4011 deq.state.or.us/lq/cu/emergency/index.htm OREGON DISASTER CENTER Information on disasters in Oregon disastercenter.com/oregon/oregon.htm OREGON EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (503) 378-2911
OREGON OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL (503) 378-3473 oregon.gov/OSP/SFM PARTNERSHIP FOR DISASTER RESILIENCE: showcase@uoregon.edu oregonshowcase.org
Useful websites AMERICAN NATIONAL RED CROSS redcross.org/services/disaster SAFE AND WELL disastersafe.redcross.org FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY – FEMA fema.gov INSTITUTE FOR BUSINESS AND HOME SAFETY disastersafety.org U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ready.gov CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION cdc.gov NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION nfpa.org sparky.org (for kids) NW Kids Magazine | 25
Best of Portland and beyond OUR TOP PICKS FOR GETTING OUT THIS MONTH
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July July 4th FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS CELEBRATIONS
This July 4th you can celebrate 238 years of independence by staying up late, lighting some sparklers and watching the spectacular fireworks celebrations from Portland and beyond. In Portland, the fireworks begin at 10:05pm at Tom McCall Waterfront Park as part of the Blues Festival. If you’re willing to brave the crowds; Mt. Tabor, Hawthorne Bridge, East Bank Esplanade, Council Crest, Rocky Butte, Rose Test Garden in Washington Park and NE Marine Drive are good spots for viewing. waterfrontbluesfestival.com. In Vancouver, check out the brilliant firework display at Fort Vancouver. The park opens at 8am on July 4th with tons of fun events and activities scheduled throughout the day. Tickets are $7 at the gate or $5 in advance. The grand finale of the day begins promptly at 10:05pm. fortvan.org. Other favorite celebrations (all great for the littles) include: Oaks Park, Happy Valley, and the Corbett Fun Festival.
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July 5, 19 & 26 BEAVERTON FARMERS MARKET MARKET SPROUTS
Budding foodies unite. Enjoy a weekly scavenger hunt, interact with vendors and increase your knowledge of healthy foods during this popular program for kiddos ages 5-12. Check the schedule for upcoming themes. Some of our favorites include: Natural Dye Painting and Healthy Eating on a Budget where kids use play money and mock food to learn about making good food choices; 8am-1:30pm. beavertonfarmersmarket.com
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July 9, 11, 12, 15, 29 & 30 ALL ABOUT BUGS
Learn all about the amazing world of insects. If you haven’t seen the Bug Chicks yet, you are in for a treat! These entomologists a.k.a. bug scientists are the real deal and if you’ve ever had the hankering to hold a hissing cockroach now is your chance. Various times and locations. multcolib.org/events/all-about-bugs
Please confirm calendar events and performances as scheduling changes may occur. 26 | NW Kids Magazine
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July 12 & 26 KIDS DIG AT FT. VANCOUVER
Calling all burgeoning archaeologists! This summer at Ft. Vancouver, kids ages 8-12 have the opportunity to experience the thrill of a hands on archaeological dig. Take turns digging, sifting through soil, bagging artifacts and documenting your experience. The Kids Dig program is free with admission and is limited to 20 children on a first-come, firstserve basis. Sessions begin at 10:30am and 2pm. For more information, call (360) 8166250 or visit go.usa.gov/kpNd
PHOTO COURTESY OF NPS
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July 12 PORTLAND BASTILLE DAY
Celebrate all things French with food from Portland’s top chefs, children’s activities, arts & craft vendors, live French-themed music and the exciting waiter race. Directors Park, noon-6pm. afportland.org
July 12 MISSISSIPPI STREET FAIR
The people watching of 30,000+ visitors is divine and reason enough to enjoy this festive fair with tons of live music, a stage devoted to children’s music, loads of food, pony rides, shopping and fun. 10am-9pm, free. mississippiave.com
Remember to check the NW Kids online calendar for dozens more outings and activities each day. Share with friends, subscribe to the RSS, add directly to your calendar, and more features. There’s something going on you don’t want to miss!! nwkidsmagazine.com/events/month NW Kids Magazine | 27
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July 18-20 OREGON BERRY FESTIVAL
It’s berry time! Eat your fill of Oregon berries at this family-friendly event with children’s activities, live entertainment, berry themed cooking demonstrations and a chance to win a bike. Did someone say Ollaliberries? Ecotrust Event Space, noon-6pm. oregonberryfestival.com
July 18-20 YOSHIDA’S SAND IN THE CITY The 19th annual Sand in the City brings the beach to the Square for 3 days of sand castles, competitions and free family entertainment. Have fun exploring the sand castle creations and stay for interactive children’s exhibits, live music, local entertainment and more! sandinthecitypdx.org
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July 27 NORTHEAST PORTLAND SUNDAY PARKWAYS
If you missed the June event, don’t fret. On Sunday, July 27th you’ll have the opportunity to explore 8 miles of Northeast Portland Greenways sans cars. Don’t forget to stop by Woodlawn, Alberta and Fernhill Parks where the whole family can enjoy fun activities, music and yummy food. 11am-4pm. portlandoregon.gov/ transportation/58929
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August 2nd ROX IN SOX
Rox in Sox is back and we can’t wait! If you didn’t get a chance to attend last year, don’t miss the awesome line-up up of children’s music, author readings and fun festivities this year. Admission is free with a donation of new shoes, socks or books for kiddos in need. Bring your favorite party animals, big and small, and shake and shimmy to the sounds of The Not Its, Red Yarn, 23 Skidoo and more! 10am to 4pm at the West End Building in Lake Oswego. roxinsox.org
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BOOK REVIEWS FOR KIDS: THE HUMAN BODY By CAT WIESE OF GREEN BEAN BOOKS
ALL ABOUT ME by National Geographic Kids (Board Book $6.99) Learn the different parts of your body with All About Me. What are those things that wiggle at the ends of your feet? Where could your “funny bone” be? Can you pinpoint the exact location of your belly button? All the answers to these difficult questions and more can be found when you learn all about you in All About Me. EYE: HOW IT WORKS (MY READERS, LEVEL 4) by David Macaulay (Beginning Reader $3.99) Let’s take a moment to “focus” on those eyes of yours! How can you see your shoe laces are untied? How did you know which players were on your team? The eye is an amazing part of your body that communicates with your brain constantly! David Macaulay, author of the popular, The Way Things Work, creatively illustrates the different parts of the eye and all the amazing things it can do. This book is a real eye-opener!
HUMAN BODY: A BOOK WITH GUTS! by Simon Basher and Dan Green (Paperback $8.99) Discover your body from the inside out. Basher Science brings you a book all about your insides in the coolest way possible. Figure out when your sweat glands work the hardest, or who all is in the gland gang. I bet you couldn’t guess the number of bacteria in your mouth. (Hint: it’s in the billions!) Check out Human Body and learn about all the nifty things your body does. THE BUSY BODY BOOK: A KID’S GUIDE TO FITNESS by Lizzy Rockwell (Paperback $6.99) It’s time to hop off that couch and get busy with that active body of yours! Did you know your body was made to be on the move? Whether you’re playing outside, running a race, or walking your dog – your body loves to be in motion! Lizzy Rockwell creatively and movingly illustrates the importance of putting your body to work. But don’t forget hydration and sustenance! Can you think of other fun ways to get your body moving?
1600 NE Alberta Street 503-954-2354 greenbeanbookspdx.com 30 | NW Kids Magazine
NW Kids Magazine | 31