2022 May Momaha Magazine by Omaha World-Herald

VOLUME 13 · ISSUE 5

MAY

2022

MOTHERLY ADVICE Local moms offer simple, helpful tips to first-time parents

SPOONFUL OF SUGAR Area pediatricians weigh in on effective home remedies for common illnesses T1

We’re Here

Primary Care to Keep Kids Growing Strong Did you know even if your child never got sick, they should see their pediatrician 27 times by age 18? Regular well checks keep kids growing healthy and strong. Pediatricians use these appointments to chart growth and development patterns and screen for possible concerns. At Boys Town Pediatrics, we make accessing this vital healthcare easy with: • 6 Omaha-Area Locations • 24-Hour Appointment Scheduling

• Same-Day Sick Appointments, Including Weekends and Holidays

• 24-Hour Nurse Support

• Virtual Visits

• Extended Evening and Saturday Hours

• Behavioral Healthcare in Every Clinic

We’re now scheduling school and sports physicals for the 2022-2023 school year (and we’re always scheduling well checks)!

531-355-1234

boystownpediatrics.org

May 2022

Find a Clinic Near You

Every child, everywhere, deserves the very best. It’s why Children’s Hospital & Medical Center combines the largest group of pediatric specialties in the region, the most advanced technology and the biggest hearts all in one place. Together, in this safe and welcoming environment of excellence, we’re shaping the future of pediatric medicine to deliver the very best for kids. Visit ChildrensOmaha.org or call 1.800.833.3100 to find a physician near you.

CARE

May 2022

ADVO CACY

RESEARCH

E D U C AT I O N

ooey G

GOODNESS Lime squares are a citrus delight

TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

By the luck of the Irish, I discovered this finger-licking, lip-puckering recipe. It has the perfect balance of buttery, flaky shortbread and creamy lime filling. As much as I love chocolate desserts, the citrus flavor in this treat is my new favorite.

CREAMY LIME SQUARES‌ For Crust • 1 cup f lour • ¼ cup powdered sugar

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt • 1 stick unsalted butter, cold

For Creamy Lime filling • 2/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 6 limes) • 1¼ cups sugar • ¼ cup f lour • 4 eggs

• 2 teaspoons lime zest • Green food coloring • Powdered sugar, for dusting

1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. For crust, combine the powdered sugar, flour and sea salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter and work with your fingers until the mixture resembles cornmeal. Press into a greased 9-by-9-inch pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden. 3. To make the filling, whisk together the granulated sugar and flour in a bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Add the zest, lime juice and enough green food coloring to produce the desired color. (Be very careful not to add so much coloring you make your filling neon green.) Mix until everything is smooth and combined. 4. Pour filling over hot crust and return to oven to bake for 20 minutes or until filing no longer jiggles. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing and dusting with powdered sugar. Source: www.eatliverun.com

BOOKSHELF OMAHA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Check out the next generation of

ANIMAL STORIES KIDS CAN ENJOY

ack in the day, “Black Beauty,” “The Wind in the Willows” and “The Incredible Journey” may have been the animal classics you were most liked to read. Who can forget “Babe,” the gallant pig? And what little girl hasn’t devoured horse books like “Misty of Chincoteague” and “My Friend Flicka”? Corduroy isn’t real, but he was just as endearing. Just like Paddington Bear. But now our children have a fresh set of favorites. Youth services staff at the Omaha Public Library share these animal classics that kids are sure to enjoy now.

BABIES AND TODDLERS‌ “BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR, WHAT DO YOU SEE?” by Bill Martin Jr. The repetitive structure makes it a perfect readaloud with very young children, who delight in guessing what animal comes next. The lines are easy to memorize, encouraging even toddlers to “read” along. Pre-readers can practice identifying colors and animals.

“IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE” by Laura Numeroff Mouse and human friend Oliver have all sorts of adventures with Pig, Moose, Cat, Dog and their favorite people pals. No matter

May 2022

“THE WORLD ACCORDING TO HUMPHREY” by Betty G. Birney

how ordinarily their day starts, there’s no telling where their paths will take them when they follow their imaginations. Through it all, they rediscover the importance of friendship, responsibility and learning from mistakes.

PRESCHOOL‌ “DIARY OF A WORM” by Doreen Cronin The firstperson narrative gives the reader an idea of the daily life of a funny, intelligent worm. He shares his family’s pride about the important role that worms play in caring for the earth and loves his life, although he can see both sides to being a worm. He shares all kinds of adventures as he records his life.

“WHAT PET SHOULD I GET?” by Dr. Seuss This book was discovered among Seuss’ papers in 2013. The same siblings from “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish”

finally have their parents’ permission to get a pet. Their mission has two constraints: Choose one pet only, and be back home by noon. When they walk into the pet store, the number of fascinating pets available overwhelms them. What’ll it be?

EARLY ELEMENTARY‌ “MERCY WATSON TO THE RESCUE” by Kate DiCamillo Pig Mercy Watson is loved by Mr. and Mrs. Watson, who sing her to sleep every night. One night, Mercy gets scared and crawls into bed with the Watsons. However, the added weight of Mercy in the bed turns out to be more than the floorboards can bear. Mix-ups abound as the Watsons think Mercy is going for help. But all turns out well.

You can learn a lot about life by observing another species. That’s what hamster Humphrey was told when he was first brought to Room 26. There are always adventures in the classroom, and each weekend he gets to sleep over with a different student. Humphrey learns to read, write, shoot rubber bands (only in selfdefense, of course) and much more.

MIDDLE GRADES‌ “BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE” by Kate DiCamillo The heartwarming, often funny, story of a young girl’s relationship with a lovable mutt. The book deals with some significant life experiences, (abandonment, alcoholism, death of a loved one and the difficulties that come with major change in a child’s life). The issues are treated sensitively and gently, without too much detail.

“HOOT” by Carl Hiaasen Three kids unite to combat the corporate entity endangering owls. One of the rebels,

Lauritzen Gardens is a great locale for young birder HARPER HEGGEN

Going out to look for birds is exciting and a great activity. An amazing place to find birds is anywhere in nature. I like going to Lauritzen Gardens. I like going there with my grandmother, Nan, and my brother, Archie. Some of the birds I saw were cardinals, finches, robins and more. All birds, in my eyes, are probably the most beautiful creatures in the world. Their singing is the most amazing thing to wake up to in the morning, which I do because my bed is right next to windows. You should always listen and look for birds when you are outside in nice weather because birds love that sort of weather. It is always a great thing to have a notebook or “The Backyard Bird Journal” to log or track the birds you see. I have one, and it is absolutely an amazing way to record all the birds, so I can remember them later. “The Backyard Bird Sanctuary” is a helpful book that has some great tips

A wily nature-boy named Mullet Fingers, discovers the company’s scheme and then sets to sabotaging the construction site, persuading his friends to help him. The kids get into all kinds of trouble. But is it OK since they are trying to do something good?

“MARLEY: A DOG LIKE NO OTHER” by John Grogan Newlyweds John and Jenny Grogan leave Michigan winters behind in favor of Florida, where they find themselves struggling to gain

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HARPER HEGGEN‌

Harper Heggen says having a bird journal helps her remember what birds she’s seen. and pictures to help you create your own bird sanctuary.

footing. When Jenny starts talking about a family, John asks a friend for advice on how to distract her. Sebastian suggests a puppy. As Marley destroys their house, their car and their social interactions, John decides to use his antics as fodder for his new newspaper column.

“THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN” by Katherine Applegate Based on the true story of a gorilla who now lives in a lowland gorilla habitat at Zoo Atlanta but before that had spent 27 years in a cage in a shopping mall after being captured as a baby in Africa. The story is from Ivan’s standpoint, of life in the circus mall, being gawked at by tourists and how it all seems so normal. But the arrival of a baby elephant starts to trigger memories.

402-932-2030 LittleWavesFamilySwimSchool.com 17602 Wright St, Omaha, 68130 7

SPONSORED FEATURE CREIGHTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL

With income-based tuition, Creighton Prep offers

AFFORDABLE PATH TO SUCCESS

MIKE WATKINS SPECIAL FOR CREIGHTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL

hen a new student sets foot on campus for the first day of classes at Creighton Preparatory School, they start out by learning their mission for the next four years of their life. That mission is to discover and cultivate the fullness of their God-given abilities, so when they leave for the next phase of their lives, they’re prepared both educationally and spiritually. “We tell our students that they are responsible for becoming men for others, and that when they leave here, they should have begun to decide how they are going to offer their gifts and talents in generous service to the world,” said Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ, President of Creighton Prep. “For we who are lucky enough to be educators, our mission shapes the reason why we do what we do,” Spotts said. “We believe that every student who walks through our door is a unique and unrepeatable gift from God. The most vital work we can ever do is honor that gift through the way that we welcome, treasure, support and form the young men entrusted to our care.” While there’s no denying Creighton Prep offers a comprehensive education for the mind and soul, some families may think a private Catholic school must be too expensive and that they can’t afford to send their son or sons there. But thanks to the school’s income-based tuition model, a private education is very possible and more accessible than ever before. Spotts said the model considers both the family’s income and financial ability to determine a guaranteed maximum yearly tuition. It was clear to the administration there were many families who didn’t realize adjustments to tuition could be made. “There are parents who might never consider Prep for their son’s education because they don’t realize their actual tuition cost,” he said. “Families of all income levels

Para leer este artículo en enpañol, visite bit.ly/CreightonPrep. PHOTOS BY SCOTT DOBRY

May 2022

SPONSORED FEATURE CREIGHTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL

need to know that they will never pay more than the tuition amount indicated for their income bracket.” Creighton Prep is also continuing its bus service – providing transportation to the school and offering 12 bus stops throughout Omaha. Great education starts with great teachers, and Spotts said Creighton Prep faculty are passionate, professional and mission-oriented. The school is blessed with fantastic facilities – the newest addition being the Lannon Learning Commons – which houses student study and recreation areas and also creates a highly accessible and collaborative space for student support services. By the time Prep students are juniors and seniors, many are doing college-level work. Prep offers approximately 25 AP classes and 25 dual-enrollment classes, allowing students a more personalized course progression throughout their four years. “Families rightly want to know if a college prep education is a good investment; I think we can point to a lot of reasons why it is,” Spotts said. “Ninety-seven percent of our students attend a four-year university after they graduate. In last year’s graduating class (2021), 25% earned a full ride to college, which is a massive return on investment in a Prep education.” “Eighty percent of students receive at least one scholarship,” added Spotts. “Just as important as getting into college, however, is what happens when our students get there. Our students come back from college and regularly report that they were prepared not only to succeed but to thrive.” Prep students also engage in a rich formation program for the whole person. Students take multiple spiritual retreats over their four years. The vast majority of Prep students engage in service, which cultivates a lifelong habit of placing their gifts and talents at the service of others and the world. In the process, they form enduring, authentic friendships that can only be formed through sharing transformative experiences with others. “Our parents are often surprised by the degree to which the Prep community becomes their community,” Spotts said. “Some of this simply happens as parents are drawn into

“

We believe that every student who walks through our door is a unique and unrepeatable gift from God. The most vital work we can ever do is honor that gift through the way that we welcome, treasure, support and form the young men entrusted to our care. — Fr. Matt Spotts, SJ, President of Creighton Prep

”

Other factors may further reduce your tuition, including larger families, multiple students at Prep or other tuition-charging high schools, or other special circumstances impacting your family ﬁnances.

the community and find ways to get engaged, but we also regularly offer spiritual programming for our families so that they can experience some of what their sons also receive.” While a majority of students are Catholic, Creighton Prep welcomes students from every religious tradition. A significant number of students come from families who are not Catholic. All students will study theology for their four

years, but they’ll also be invited to reflect deeply on how their encounter with God shapes their deepest values and the way they hope to live their lives. “We ask our non-Catholic students the same thing we do of our Catholic students: to reflect deeply on questions of the meaning and purpose of human life; to take their own faith and spirituality as a matter of the utmost importance; and to consider how their faith will inform their lives,” Spotts said. Senior Raul Contreras-Garrido said he will miss the brotherhood he’s developed and grown from over the past four years, as it’s helped him become the confident person he is today. “Everyone at Creighton Prep treated me with respect and kindness from my first day,” Contreras-Garrido said. “I was really shy as a freshman, and I transitioned from not knowing anyone. Because of the brotherhood – the community – I experienced, I quickly found my place.” “People welcome you and are always there to support you even when things get tough,” added Contreras-Garrido. “I’ve made some very good friends. We’ve always been there for each other, and I think we’ll be there for each other after we leave.” For more information about Creighton Prep, visit www.creightonprep.org/learnmore.

KATIE KRAUSE‌

For the youngest gardeners, let them start by just playing in the dirt. Provide a spot to continue exploring digging, even after planting is done.

PRESCHOOLERS/ KINDERGARTENERS

ADOBE STOCK‌

Kids have more ownership if they get to be involved from the beginning of the process, said Katie Krause, an early childhood educator for Nebraska Extension.

GROWING GARDENERS

Teach your child about gardening and watch their inner gardener bloom

STORY Marjie Ducey

atie Krause’s kids love going to the garden center and picking out seeds to plant. They get to choose some of the veggies and flowers planted in the garden, too. Krause, an early childhood educator for Nebraska Extension, said that’s one of the easiest ways to get your kids interested in gardening. “They have more ownership if they get to be involved from the beginning of the process,” she said. For those under age 5, the process likely

May 2022

will start with them just playing in the dirt. Make sure to give them a space of their own, so you don’t find your entire garden accidently dug up by an over-enthusiastic helper. Don’t force your child to become a gardener, Krause said. If it’s something that you like, just keep doing it and ask them if they’d like to be involved. “Any time you force a child to do something they don’t want to do it’s going to backfire,” she said. Some more tips from Krause to awaken the gardener in your child:

INFANTS Have baby outside with you while gardening. They can take in all the sights, sounds, smells, etc. Talk with baby about what you are doing.

TODDLERS Toddlers love to help, so take your time and show them what they can do — digging, putting seeds or plants in the ground, watering, anything you are comfortable with them doing. Introduce your toddler to tools like old wooden or metal spoons for digging.

Take them along to purchase plants and seeds, let them pick some out. Encourage your child to have some responsibility for their garden — have them keep track of how much rain you get with a rain gauge and water when needed (great early math skill!). Harvest and cook a meal together.

SCHOOL-AGE KIDS Let them create their own garden space, maybe a container or two, part of the flower gardens, or their own patch of the veggie garden — they pick the plants, care for them, and harvest. Use the garden to extend math and science learning — they can track how much rain their garden gets, identify bugs that might be on the plants, measure how quickly the plants are growing. There are endless possibilities. Encourage them to teach someone else about how they care for their garden, such as a family member, a friend or a neighbor. Children at this age love to be an “expert” at something, which can really help their self-confidence. Remember, even for the most experienced gardener, gardening is a lot of trial and error. Gardening is fun and children can learn so much participating in the process, no matter what the end result. marjie.ducey@owh.com, 402-444-1034, twitter.com/mduceyowh

ON OUR RADAR MARJIE DUCEY

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

‘WEED’S WORST NIGHTMARE’ That’s how reviewer John Porter described the hula hoe. It’s a blade that you pull just under the surface soil to cut weeds off at the root. Since it is a small blade it pulls through the soil pretty easily and can maneuver easily around plants in the garden. You can make quick work of a large garden area when dealing with weeds. It’s been around a while but just seems to be catching on. It’s also known as a scuffle hoe, stirrup hoe or action hoe. $27.98, lowes.com

IT DOES EVERYTHING

CAN YOU DIG IT?

THEY FIT LIKE A GLOVE Gardener Karen Scdoris received the Foxgloves second-skin gloves from a friend and thought they were amazing. “I like the grip not only for weeding, but for the steering wheel on the lawn mower,” she said. She also liked that wet soil does not leak through to your fingers or hand. “The fact that they are washable is icing on the cake.” $28, thegrommet.com

This Alterra 24-inch planting auger works on almost any drill to make quick work of digging small holes for bulbs or small plants. Using it can help reduce hand fatigue if you’re planting lots of things and may be easier for some folks when dealing with heavier soils. There’s also a larger version that works on larger drills and impact drivers for larger planting holes. $19.98, homedepot.com

This battery powered “multi” tool made by Ryobi comes as a weed trimmer, but you buy interchangeable heads to turn it into an edger, tiller, leaf blower, snow thrower, chainsaw, etc. You can find this type of tool under several different brands, but the Ryobi is the one that our garden reviewer settled on because of the options of tools. “I like that you can have multiple power tools but only have one motor and battery,” he said. “It definitely saves space in the shed and the tools are perfect for folks with smaller yards.” $169 for base and weed trimmer attachment, additional attachments sold separately, homedepot.com

A MULTI-TOOK FOR GARDENERS Our garden expert loves multi-tools and the Hori Hori Ultimate knife fits that description. The knife is sharp enough to cut down plants and other things but can also be used as a spade. Some also come with measurement markings on the blade to dig holes to planting depth, a metal cap on the end of the handle to work as a hammer, a serrated saw edge to cut bigger stems and a twine cutter/bottle opener. $55 for knife and sheath, barebonesliving.com

SPONSORED FEATURE EARLY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK

Jump, Hop, Skip Summer offers plenty of activities to develop gross motor skills SPECIAL FOR EARLY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK

ross motor skills are the skills we possess for whole body movement. They involve the large muscles of the body that help us perform our everyday functions. Your child’s gross motor skill development starts the day they are born and never stops. These skills are vital for standing, walking and running. They also make it possible to dress themselves, get out of bed and make it through a day of school. During the summer, there are endless activities for young children to strengthen their gross motor skills: climbing on the playground, running through sprinklers, riding tricycles or scooters. Let them explore their favorite activities and encourage them to get outside. Milestones by age include:

May 2022

0-6 MONTHS • They can do tummy time on the floor regularly • While on their back they can kick both legs and move both arms equally • They start rolling from belly to back Starting tummy time the day your baby comes home with you even for one to two minutes at a time can encourage development of muscles that are necessary for strong gross motor skills like lifting their head, sitting up, crawling and walking.

6-12 MONTHS • Sitting up alone • Crawling on belly then on hands and knees then walking when you are holding their hands • Starting to be able to stand alone for a few seconds Once your child is crawling, a great way to get their muscles moving is by creating an obstacle course with pillows, boxes or blankets for them to navigate around.

12 MONTHS - 2 YEARS • Starting to crawl up stairs developing towards being able to walk up stairs with railing

• Squats and stands back up without support • Walking alone well and starting to run Play a pick up game with your child by placing things outside in the grass, encourage them to squat down to grab them and place them in a bucket. This activity will help with leg strength and balance.

2 YEARS - 4 YEARS • Jumping in place with both feet leaving the ground • Walks up and down stairs alone • By four years they are running, jumping, climbing and starting to skip Research shows that the first three years are the most important time for learning in a child’s life. Providing support and services early improves a child’s ability to develop and learn. Also, it may prevent or decrease the need for special help later. The goal for early intervention in Nebraska is to open a window of opportunity for families to help their children develop to their full potential. It is never too early to ask questions about your child’s development. Take advantage of free early intervention services through your school district. Call 402-597-4936 or visit omahaedn.esu3.org.

Cactus

rocks

TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Ashlee Coffey

f you’re a busy, working parent, buying and taking care of real plants can be a bit... cumbersome. You have to remember to water them regularly and you need to make sure their soil is just right. If you don’t have time for real plants, but want something green to spruce up your house, try making these rock cactus plants. They’re fun to make and easy to keep up with because — you guessed it — they’re not real.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Rocks in various shapes — think tall and skinny similar to a cactus (if you want f lowers, find some smaller ones) • Acr ylic paints in various shades of green • Paint pens to draw on detail • Hot glue gun • A small pot • Small garden rocks

1. To start, wash off your rocks. Make sure there’s no dirt or moss growing on them. 2. Once dry, get to painting. I suggest doing this outside or at least spreading newspaper down and having lots of paper towels available. It can get messy (even for adults).

3. Once dry, use the paint pens to draw on details such as the spines. 4. Take your pot and fill with some small garden rocks. Then you can start assembling your cacti. If you created small flowers for your cacti, you can hot glue them to the bigger rocks. 5. Enjoy!

Forget the soda, infused water is a

tasty, healthier alternative D

STORY Kiley Cruse

o you ever get tired of trying to drink enough water? And, how much is enough? Water is crucial to maintaining your normal body processes. Your body is made up of about 60% water and you naturally lose water throughout the day. Activity, higher altitudes, extreme temperatures and sickness can cause

additional water loss, says Teresa Garvin, chief clinical dietician at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital. “Because of that, you want to make sure you are replacing any of those fluid losses throughout the day.” Adults get about 20% of their fluids from the foods they eat. In general, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that, in addition to the fluids from food, men drink 12½ cups of water per

day and nine for women. For lactating women, they recommend 12 8-ounce glasses of caffeine-free beverages per day. On a hot day, there’s nothing more thirst quenching than a glass of ice-cold water. But sometimes it can feel like a chore to get the recommended daily intake. Drinking infused water can help. Infused water is simply adding cut fruit, vegetables and/or herbs to your water to add flavor.

Garvin

Fruit infused water ADOBE STOCK

May 2022

“The biggest benefit of drinking infused water is to add some variety and flavor to your water, which is going to make it easier to make your water goals throughout the day,” Garvin says. “We like to do some infused waters in our cafeterias across our health system in the month of March because it’s National Nutrition Month. It’s a fun way to promote drinking water.” Because infused water is made by infusing flavors — rather than blending or juicing the fruits and vegetables — it is naturally very low in calories and sugar. “It’s a good alternative to replace sweetened beverages such as juice or soda,” said Garvin. The combinations of fruits, vegetables and herbs are endless. Start with flavors you like and experiment from there. Or you can turn to the internet for suggestions. Some popular combinations include: • • • • • • • • •

cucumber and mint apple and cinnamon blackberry and orange lemon and lime lemon and strawberry strawberry and basil watermelon and mint lime, ginger root and mint lemon, raspberry and rosemary

While you might get some benefits from the infused fruits — such as Vitamin C if you are using lemons or limes — it’s not going to be much compared to what you would get from eating whole fruit, said Garvin. She also cautions us to be wary of any infused water combinations that promise health benefits or detox. “You don’t need to actively detox your body because your liver does that for you,” Garvin said. “As far as nutrition, your body takes care of detoxing. You don’t need to do any additional help.” Bottom line, if you find plain water boring to drink, then infusing your water with fruits, vegetables and herbs can help increase your likelihood of reaching for a glass of water.

HOW TO MAKE INFUSED WATER • Wash fruits, vegetables and/or herbs. • Slice (or tear herbs into large chunks) and add to a pitcher of water. The more of an ingredient you use, and the longer you let it infuse, the stronger the flavors will be. To speed up the process, crush fruits before adding them to the water.

• For safety, keep your water refrigerated and in a sealed pitcher while infusing. Remove the fruit solids and herbs after your desired flavor is reached, but within 24 hours. • The water can remain refrigerated for up to three days.

• Always start with clean equipment for new batches; avoid refilling the same pitcher. • If you are planning to take your infused water on the go, make sure to drink it within four hours. Infused water at room temperature must be discarded after four hours to prevent bacteria growth, according to Michigan State University

BE WELL

What really works for your child’s

COMMON SICKNESSES? KLOEE SANDER

World-Herald Staff Writer‌

Grandpa’s old whiskey cough medicine has long not had the approval of pediatricians. And with the plethora of blogs touting home remedies and aisles of medications promising to help your little one, it can be pretty confusing to know what is safe and effective. “There are so many products that you can read about, buy online and you assume that

May 2022

because it’s sold and says it’s for a child or infant people think it’s safe,” said Methodist Hospital pediatrician Dr. Mikal Kraft. “But, I caution parents to always read the label and make sure it’s been FDA-approved. If it hasn’t, make sure you talk to your pediatrician.” CHI Family Medicine Physician Dr. Diva Wilson said, “Kids are not little adults.” Parents should not treat them in the same way they treat themselves. Children should

never take adult medicine — even in smaller doses. Parents should only give medicine made for their age and weight.

COLDS Colds are caused by a virus. Symptoms like coughs and runny noses are good signs because coughs protect the lungs from fluid buildup and snot helps get the “junk” out of the body. Coughs can last up to four to six weeks, so parents should not be concerned

right away. However, if after a week, new symptoms like a fever develop, then they should consider seeing a doctor, Kraft said. Cough medication is not always the best option for children. It often can leave children drowsy or make them not act like themselves. Both Kraft and Wilson said giving a teaspoon of honey to children is a great way to relieve a cough, and there is data to back up its effectiveness. The honey coats the

throat, provides relief from the cough and can help children sleep easier, Wilson said. Do not give honey to children younger than age 1. It can cause botulism, a possibly fatal illness. It is important to keep a child with cold symptoms comfortable. Cold mist humidifiers are great for any age and can help keep mucus thin and clear so they can breathe easier. For children under age 1, Kraft said, parents can place two to three drops of nasal saline in each nostril and use a suction bulb syringe to help them breathe easier.

FEVERS “There’s a lot of confusion on (fevers), and you could ask 10 different doctors or 10 different nurses, and you’d hear 10 different things. But from what the infectious disease doctors tell us, there is not a fever that a child will get from an infection that is too high,” Kraft said. Fevers help fight infection and are a good reaction from the body. Kraft said for children, the difference between a 104-degree fever and a 101-degree one is minimal. A baby younger than 2 months with a 101-degree temperature or if the child

refuses to eat or wake up, parents should be bring them to the emergency room. Children with high fevers will not feel great and will be uncomfortable. A parents’ primary goal should be to make their child with a fever as comfortable as possible. Children’s Tylenol and Motrin can also be given at the proper dosage and alternated, Kraft and Wilson said. Fevers dehydrate the body, so parents need to give their

child plenty of fluids. Cold baths are “uncomfortable and unnecessary,” but a cool rag or ice pack on the forehead can help make children more comfortable, Kraft said.

STOMACH BUG Both Kraft and Wilson agree — hydration is key for children with stomach bugs. Water, Pedialyte and Gatorade are great fluids to give to children when their stomachs hurt.

If they cannot keep fluids down or there is blood in their diarrhea or vomit, then parents should take them to the hospital, Wilson said. It is OK if for three days children are primarily consuming fluids. Parents should not be forcing children to eat well-balanced meals but simple foods. Bland foods are the best thing to give them. Wilson recommends the BRAT diet: bread, rice, applesauce and toast. When children can keep fluids and bland food down, then parents can begin to reintroduce more rich foods again, Wilson said. Peppermint is a proven home remedy for an upset stomach. If a child can handle the flavor, parents can give them peppermint flavored things to help settle their stomach. Tea without caffeine and drinks like ginger ale and lemon-lime pop are not backed by science, but they also will not hurt to give a child, Wilson said. For most home remedies, Wilson said, “I will usually tell people if it’s not going to hurt you, and you feel it helps, go ahead, and try it. If it helps you feel better, that is great!” Parents can always contact their family doctor or pediatrician before giving their child any medication of home remedy.

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THINGS TO DO IN MAY ASHLEE COFFEY + KILEY CRUSE

CHECK OUT A RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL. The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska will take place today and May 14 and 15 at the Bellevue Berry Farm, 11001 S. 48th St. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fun will include a daily 2 p.m. parade, a magical butterfly release, historical re-enactments, a May pole dance, an archery range, walk through a pirate’s cave, a castle catapult game, visits with fairies and mermaids and more. Tickets are $14 per adult, $8 per child or $10 for a group. renfestnebraska.com

VISIT A FARMERS MARKET. Peruse an incredible selection of locally produced products including vegetables, fruits, herbs, bedding plants, flowers, meats, baked goods, jams and jellies, condiments, organic foods, ethnic foods, crafts and much more. Omaha Farmers Market has two locations that are open weekly through midOctober. The Old Market location is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Aksarben Village is open Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

CHECK OUT CELEBRATE CB The annual event will take place Monday through May 15 in Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St. in Council Bluffs. The event is a way to get together and celebrate community pride. Activities will include a scavenger hunt, a carnival, a parade, a farmer’s market, kids’ activities and more. the712initiative.org

TREKKING AT FONTENELLE FOREST

MEGAN SMITH, THE WORLD-HERALD‌

Full-contact equestrian jousting, a half-dozen live stage performance locations, more than 200 costumed characters, hands-on activities, makeand-take crafts and many one-of-a-kind artisans await you at the annual Renaissance Festival of Nebraska. The event will take place at the Bellevue Berry Farm, 11001 S. 48th St. in Papillion.

Discover the forest coming alive on this guided spring hike at Camp Wa-Kon-Da. Search for early blooming wildflowers and fantastic fungi, while discussing the rich history of the area. Join Naturalist Educators on a guided hike May 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. Hikes are free for members; $15 for non-members. Register at fontenelleforest.org.

prairie while enjoying spring wildflowers. Pre-registration is not required for this event, however participants must purchase a $5 per vehicle daily pass (exact change or cash) at the front gate paybox. The event will be weather permitting. Meet at the Loess Hills Lodge. Hitchcock Nature Center is located at 27792 Ski Hill Loop in Honey Creek, Iowa. pottconservation.com/calendar

GO ON AN OUTDOOR HIKE.

LEARN ABOUT STEM

On May 17, head to Hitchcock Nature Center for the first hike of their 2022 Hitch Hike series. The all-ages guided hike will take place through a section of the Loess Hills that is not open to the public and is only accessible with a Pottawattamie County Conservation staff member. You’ll learn about plants, animals and history of the

On May 20, Werner Park will host a STEM Night from noon to 9:30 p.m. Kids can participate in fun STEM-themed activities around the concourse provided by the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, NASA Nebraska and Prairie STEM. A game ticket is required to enter. Friday nights at Werner Park also include post-game

May 2022

Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD‌

Customers purchase flowers and herbs at the downtown Omaha Farmers Market Saturday morning.

PATRIOTIC PARADE AND CONCERT Bring the family for a meaningful tribute to American pride. The May 28 parade will begin at 10 a.m. in Omaha’s Old Market Entertainment District on Jackson and Howard Streets. There will be free food and a free outdoor concert after the parade at 12th and Jackson Streets.

FAMILY TIME AT KANEKO

ASHLEE COFFEY, THE WORLD-HERALD‌

The Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek, Iowa, is a great place to get outside and appreciate nature, Coffey says. fireworks. Werner Park is located at 12356 Ballpark Way in Papillion. www.facebook.com/ events/811536626469643

KICK OFF SUMMER WITH THE SALUTE TO SUMMER FESTIVAL The free event will take place May 28 from noon to 9:30 p.m. There will be a parade, entertainment, a car show, fireworks and more. cityoflavista.org

CHECK OUT SOME DINOSAURS On May 28, the Durham Museum will open its newest exhibit, Dinosaur Revolution. Come uncover facts about fossils and dinosaurs as you live large in reptilian role-play activities, undertake three Mesozoic Missions spanning 150 million years, mimic dino behavior and much more. The exhibit runs through Sept. 4. The Durham Museum is located at 801 S. 10th St. durhammuseum.org

BALLOON GLOW AT MEMORIAL PARK Bring the family to see eight hot air balloons, including the world’s largest American flag, will be on display in Memorial Park beginning at 7 p.m. on May 27. The U.S. Army’s Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps from Fort Myer, Virginia, will perform, as well as Fort Riley’s Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard. Memorial Park is located at 6005 Underwood Ave.

Bring your kiddos to Kaneko on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon for exclusive family time to enjoy exhibits. This time is set aside for parents and caregivers of small children (under 12) to move freely within the galleries and enjoy the current FORM exhibits and K-UNO Creative Library that has a dedicated space for kids. Kaneko, is free to the public and is located at 1111 Jones St. thekaneko.org

LIVE MUSIC AT STINSON PARK. Join your friends every Saturday night from 7 to 10 p.m. in Stinson Park at Aksarben Village for the Saturdays at Stinson concert series. Local bands will entertain the crowd, and the best part is it’s free. There will be food and drink vendors, face painting and balloon artists. For the concerts, you may bring chairs, blankets and coolers. Stinson Park is located at 2285 S. 67th St.

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CHALKBOARD

A glimpse at what’s happening in our local schools.

MEGAN HUNTER‌

Cast members of “I Never Saw Another Butterfly,” Ava Larson Gallegos, Guy Shipley, Ingrid Nelson and Fruzsina Roka, helped to hang more than 10,000 butterflies in Swanson Lobby at Brownell Talbot. The butterflies, which were donated from all over the world, represent the more than 15,000 children who passed through Terezin concentration camp during World War II.

SARA HALVORSEN‌ PACIFIC HEIGHTS ECC

It’s preschool prom at the Pacific Heights Early Childhood Center. It’s a way to celebrate the completion of the ECC’s clothing studies.

Charlotte Halvorsen, the daughter of Westside coach Wade Halvorsen, looks ready for football season at an eighth grade open house. “Charlotte loves being a coach’s kid and cheering on the Warriors,” her dad said.

LEFT: Award winners at the sixth-grade speech contest at Westside Middle School were Lyla Mann of Sunset Hills, first place; Marley Helvey of Loveland, second place; and Olivia Rensch of Rockbrook, third place. WESTSIDE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS‌

BELOW: Gifford Farm brought their portable planetarium to Hickory Hill Elementary for first grade students to enjoy and learn about space in a different visual way. Presenters provided a lesson about the planets before entering the blow-up planetarium, and taught students about constellations once inside. The visit is part of the first grade science unit focusing on the night sky, and funded through a Teacher Grant from the PLCS Foundation. PAPILLION-LA VISTA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS‌

BELLEVUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS‌

Market Days provide parents and families of students an opportunity to visit Peter Sarpy Elementary School and purchase goods from each student’s stand with currency provided by the teachers.

May 2022

Foundations for life

Six tips for preparing your teen (and you) to leave home for college

4 Learn how to use

other forms of transportation

Public bus, train, Uber, Lyft, taxi, or even airplanes. Depending on where your child is going, their car or your car won’t be in the scenario. They are way more tech-savvy than us, so have them download the apps on their phone and create accounts for them now. I know feelings about their safety can vary here, so have them learn what to look out for, too.

KELLY BARNHARDT

Tribune News Service

funny thing starts to happen this time of year for both high school seniors and their parents. It’s a bit of a senior spring awakening in a sense. Sometimes it is more the parent; sometimes it is more the student, but there is a dawning question of “Am I ready to go to college, or is my child ready to go to college?” May is a month of big reality checks as graduations take place and deposits are put down at colleges. Our kids knew enough to get into college, but do they now know enough to go to and survive college? It’s no wonder when a new life chapter is on the horizon that we start to wonder if we, as parents, have properly prepared them to leave the nest. Up until this point, everything was about getting them into college. Now that we have gone through the anxiety of waiting on acceptances or denials, we start to realize that they are in fact going somewhere — and soon. They will live on their own, totally free to do what they want, when they want. You look at their messy room or perhaps their scrunched-over body while they are sitting at the kitchen counter slurping cereal and watching a YouTube video, and you may be thinking, “I need to teach them so much more because they are not ready to leave home.” Fear not, because they will figure it out. Forget momentarily about all the items you need to buy and pack to actually move them to college. Here are six things to help them (and you) get prepared over the next couple of months to survive being solo at college.

5 Have them get

a job before going off to college Nothing is more of a reality check than learning how to deal with other people while working. This could be the people they are working with or the people or clients they are serving. This can be a great life lesson in communications and problem-solving that doesn’t involve friends or family.

6 Learn about money management

SHANNON FAGAN, DREAMSTIME

1 Have them go to the dentist solo

Send them on an appointment before they leave for college, and then have them make a follow-up appointment for when they are home on break. Make sure they put it on their phone/calendar with a reminder. Learning how to do things solo and then having the forward-thinking ability to plan for the future is a new concept to some kids. I have run the family calendar for years and all they have had to do is show up. It’s time for them to create their own personal calendar.

2 Teach them to grocery-shop

Make them buy those special things at the grocery store that they tend to remind you they are out of and for you to buy the next time you are there. Sorry kid, it is your turn. But this is a great seek and find mission; much more elevated than asking where the ketchup is in the fridge and they stand there for five minutes trying to figure it out.

3 Start taking vitamins

More so than that, have them learn about certain over-the-counter medications and for what ailment they may be used. They need to learn why not to mix certain things and when it is time to go to a doctor. Remember when they all started kindergarten and they all got sick because it was new kids and a new environment? Well, the same theory applies to college. I created a spreadsheet and medical care toolkit for my child when he went to college, and he found it helpful.

That job they have is hopefully putting money into their account. If it isn’t, it is time they learn how to save versus how to spend. Perhaps make some financial goals they need to achieve by the time they leave for college — they need to save “x” amount of dollars to either help pay for tuition or for spending while there. With this goal in mind, perhaps have them break it down for how much weekly or monthly they will be able to spend. It is amazing to see that once they get to college, they don’t mind buying the off-brand items with their own money quite so much.

Kelly Barnhardt is an independent college consultant based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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May 2022