Momaha Magazine January 2024

VOLUME 15 · ISSUE 1

JANUARY

2024

BOOKSHELF Winter-themed books for kids to curl up with

LUNCHBOX REFRESH In a school lunch rut?

We’ve got ideas for you

We’re Here

When and Where You Need Us Whether it’s an ice hockey injury or a frosty night fever, Boys Town Pediatrics wants you to know that we’re here for you and your family. Our comprehensive access to care includes: • 24-Hour Appointment Scheduling

• Extended Evening and Saturday Hours

• Same-Day Sick Appointments, Including Evenings, Weekends and Holidays

• Virtual Visits for Primary, Specialty and Behavioral Healthcare

• 24-Hour Nurse Support

Looking for a healthcare home?

Scan the QR code to schedule a free meet and greet with one of our pediatricians.

531-355-1234

boystownpediatrics.org

2

January 2024

With 30 providers across six Omaha-metro clinics, you’ll find quick, compassionate care when and where you need it.

CONTENTS VOLUME 15 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2024 editor in chief KILEY CRUSE cruse@owh.com 402-444-1375

editors MARJIE DUCEY BETSIE FREEMAN

contributors

7 4 Bookshelf 5 On Our Radar 6 Bonding With Baby 7 A Night at the Farm 8 Bento Box Lunches 10 Easy Egg Cups

11 Pizza Pinwheels 11 Sausage Roll 12 Mac and Cheese Muffins 13 Death Doula 14 Healthy Digital Habits 15 Be Well

MARJIE DUCEY R AC H E L G EO R G E KO R I R A D LO F F C H I L D R E N ’ S PH YS I C I A N S

designer JENNIFER FRENCL

cover photo KILEY CRUSE

Advertisting sales TIERNEY CLIFFORD 402-444-1275 TClifford@owh.com

Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2024 by the Omaha WorldHerald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.

3

WINTER WONDERLAND BOOKSHELF THE BOOKWORM

‘CURIOUS GEORGE CURIOUS ABOUT WINTER’‌

by H. A. Rey

From shoveling to snow angels, coats to cocoa, little ones will enjoy a perfect day of winter play with Curious George in this tabbed board book. Join George and the man with the yellow hat as they watch the first snowflakes fall, go sledding, and warm up by the fire. The book incorporates preschool-appropriate concepts like counting, colors, and seek-and-find.

‘ONE WINTER UP NORTH’‌

by John Owens

In winter the Boundary Waters, way up north in Minnesota, beckons and welcomes you. Grab a pack, strap on snowshoes, make a path, and venture out across the frozen lakes and through the snowy woods. The vast wintery world here is so still and quiet, you might think you’re all alone — but no! Who made these tracks?

A deer? A hare? A fox? And far off there’s a musher, making tracks with his sled dogs. And when the dark descends, it’s back to camp, to your warm winter tent, where Father feeds the stove with wood you gathered, Mother snuggles into her big sleeping bag, and you curl up in the

fire’s glow and know that in your dreams and memories you will return again and again to this one winter up north.

animals gather around to bask in its light. Winter Solstice arrives as the winter sky brings magic for all to share.

‘RICHARD SCARRY’S BUSY, BUSY WINTER’‌

‘WINTER TALES’‌

Busytown is a wonderful place to visit, especially after a winter snowfall. Time to bundle up and play in the snow! Girls and boys can join the fun in this winterthemed Busytown board book. A great way to introduce young children to the friendly characters in Richard Scarry’s Busytown.

This stunning book brings together a selection of wintery tales from all over the globe — from North America to Siberia, Scotland, France, Russia, and Norway.

This is a magical book to be treasured for generations to come.

Some of the 18 stories included are: “The White Bear King,” “The Mitten,” “The Apple Tree Man,” “The Twelve Months,” “The Snow Queen,” and more.

by Dawn Casey illustrated by Zanna Goldhawk

by Richard Scarry

‘WINTER—A SOLSTICE STORY’‌

by Kelsey E. Gross illustrated by Renata Liwska

Tonight is the longest night of the year — solstice is here. Deep in the forest, the dark, cold and quiet of winter is all around. Owl, Mouse and Deer all watch as the light fades and dark surrounds them, but they have a gift of hope to share with their neighbors. The moon and stars shine down on a lone tree in the forest, and the

‘A WINTER’S TALE’‌

by Beatrix Potter

This fresh imagining takes some of the mostloved Beatrix Potter characters on a seasonal adventure through a snowy forest. In this tale of mischief and bravery: will Peter and Benjamin save the day and manage to stay clear of the terrible Mr. Tod?

‘ANNIE AND THE WILD ANIMALS’‌

by Jan Brett

When Annie’s cat disappears one winter morning, the lonely little girl tries to befriend the woodland animals behind her home. But instead of finding companionship, a giant moose, a grumpy bear and others show up to eat her corn cakes until they are all gone.

Then they leave, and to Annie’s surprise, out of the woods comes Taffy — with three new kittens! Now she has more soft and cuddly friends than she’d ever imagined.

‘THE SNOWY DAY’‌

by Ezra Jack Keats

In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. This story beautifully depicts a child’s wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever.

The quiet fun and sweetness of Peter’s small adventures in the deep, deep snow is perfect for reading together on a cozy winter day.

Find these titles and many more by shopping locally at The Bookworm. Located at 90th and Center Streets, The Bookworm is an independent, family-owned bookstore with over 6,000-square-feet of space. The Bookworm offers an excellent selection of books, an outstanding children’s section and friendly, knowledgeable staff who know the books they sell. Learn more at bookwormomaha.com.

2501 S. 90th 402-392-2877 bookwormomaha.com 4

January 2024

Books for all ages and interests!

Registration Recommended for Story Time.

ON OUR RADAR MOMAHA STAFF

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

SHOWER STEAMER Spinster Sisters Co. eucalyptus shower steamers are a minty eucalyptus and menthol tablet that works with the water droplets in your shower to release a nice scent and create a relaxing mist. “It’s like a bath bomb for your shower. I appreciate the eucalyptus scent most when my sinuses are acting up. The combination of the steam and the scent smooth and help to clear me up.” Place it on your shower floor just before you get in and the hot water activates the scent. $3.99, spinstersistersco.com

PILATES BALL RESISTANCE BAND If you work out with resistance bands, you’ve undoubtedly experienced the rubber or latex variety which curls, shifts, and causes the band to dig in. “Finally, someone has made a comfortable cotton-blend fabric for resistance bands!” said our reviewer. “The fabric-loop band by MoveActive stays in place, is sturdy and is really comfortable to use.” This heavy duty 8-centimeter wide band is designed for pilates, barre and yoga and lower-body workouts. Bonus: it’s machine washable and tucks into a handy drawstring mesh bag. $22, moveactive.net

Tucked inside of a little mesh bag comes a ready-to-inflate pilates ball, a straw and two stoppers. Just inflate to your desired resistance and you’re ready to go. This nicely sturdy but pliable ball from MoveActive is well constructed. The texture provides an excellent grip and its size makes it a very versatile piece. The overall feel and durability in the PVC construction should make you move with confidence through your pilates workouts. “Love this ball!” $15, moveactive.net

TELETIES Teleties hair ties are the strong-grip, no-slip hair tie that doubles as a fashionable bracelet. Strong and stylish, Teleties are designed to withstand everyday demands while taking your look to the next level.

“These are super durable hair ties. They come in a range of sizes so they are perfect for all hair types and thicknesses. They hold your hair so well, your high ponies will stay high all day! The hair ties are also so much thicker than similar ties I’ve tried.” 3-pack large hair ties, $9.99, www.teleties.com

DESIGNS BY PLANNER PERFECT Designs by Planner Perfect’s planners, notebooks and journals are handcrafted and designed, with bindings sewn by Planner Perfect’s Nebraska team. The planners are designed for daily, weekly and monthly goals with a wide variety of cover designs, layouts and accessories. Our reviewer sampled a yearly planner. “This 5-by-8-inch journal is super cute and very well constructed. The cover is made of velvet fine art paper and features fun artwork, and the pages, made of high-quality journaling paper, are stitched together with red thread.

The journal has traditional calendar pages that you would see in most planners but also has a place for notes and several pages between months for extra journaling observations and thoughts.” starting at $25, designsbyplannerperf.com

5

PARENTING | ADVICE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS

MAKE TIME FOR FUN

B

onding is the process of creating a loving, healthy attachment with your child.

Many new parents feel a unique relationship beginning the moment they lay eyes on their baby. But even though you might assume bonding happens in an instant, it’s actually a gradual process that unfolds over time.

As you and your little one get to know each other, a sense of safety and comfort will develop. Babies are built to bond. This feeling of security will prepare your child to form healthy, supportive relationships in the wider world.

Whether you give birth in the hospital, at home, in a birthing center or you welcome your child as adoptive parents, special moments can enhance bonding.

Tips for making a lasting connection with your little one

Dreamstime and Pexels photos

SEIZE THE MOMENTS Holding your baby close, especially skin to skin, creates a feeling of security and closeness.

Your infant will become accustomed to your scent, your voice and your touch while they’re in your arms.

A soft baby carrier is another way to keep your newborn close while you move around, read or relax.

Feeding is a warm, intimate time when you may feel especially close to your child. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, you will enjoy holding your baby and watching their body movements and expressions.

Gradually, you’ll be able to “read” your baby and anticipate what they may need next: a hug, a fresh diaper or a soft lullaby to help them drift back to sleep.

Make eye contact with your baby, offering smiles and sounds that convey your love. You’ll find your baby delights in hearing your voice, seeing and feeling your body movements and watching your facial expressions.

Another way to bond with your baby is to consider reading and singing to your baby before they’re born. Babies can hear sounds outside their mother’s body at around six or seven months. After they’re born, familiar songs and stories (and the sound of your voice) can bring them comfort. If you’re parenting with a partner, invite them to read and sing to your baby, too — it’s a delightful way to get ready for your child’s arrival.

Play with your baby once you bring them home. It’s not only fun, but also a great way to enrich the bond between you. Finger puppets, colorful board books and soft toys with sound-makers inside will surprise and delight your baby. Playing peekaboo, reading and singing to your child are great ways to share things you loved when you were little.

THE ‘BABY BLUES’

BONDING WITH BABY

Don’t be afraid to comfort your infant when they cry. Responding to your child’s distress builds trust and security. And while conditions like colic — which can cause at least three hours of crying per day, three or more days per week — can be frightening and exhausting, with the right support you will be able to navigate this brief stage in your child’s development.

ACCEPT HELP FROM OTHERS

When you are home with your new baby, your job is to meet their needs. The household needs attention, but you’ll be able to focus on your baby if you let other people help out. Say yes when friends and family volunteer to handle the laundry, groceries and cooking. It might be hard to let go of things you’ve always handled yourself, but

it means you’ll be fully present for more giggles, wiggles and heartmelting smiles.

Babies naturally bond with their parents, but they can also develop close attachments with other people who regularly, lovingly care for them and make them feel safe, like grandparents, paid caregivers or other family members and friends.

Bonding with more than one person helps your child learn about trust.

If the cozy picture we’re describing here feels far from your experience, don’t worry. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, and many things can get in the way, such as recovering from a long or difficult birth, sleep deprivation or depression. Adoptive parents experience depression, too, as do partners, so keep an eye out for signs that one or both of you need professional help to regain your balance.

Please don’t shame yourself if you feel sad, anxious and unsteady right now. Parenthood is challenging. It triggers intense feelings and places huge demands on people.

It may help you to know that 50% to 80% of all new parents experience the “baby blues,” causing serious mood swings that last for two to three weeks after a newborn’s arrival. Around 1 in 8 of all parents develop postpartum depression, a more serious condition that requires treatment.

Your baby comes to you more than eager to connect. While parenting is not without its worries, interruptions and struggles, rest assured: Bonding happens when you simply let it happen.

Dr. Arthur Lavin is a pediatrician in Cleveland and the former chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on the Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health.

6

January 2024

A ‘NIGHT AT THE FARM’

IS A BIG TAKE ON FUN FOR LITTLES KORI RADLOFF

The Rose Theater

A

collaboration between The Rose Theater and two Omaha-based artists will soon result in a boisterous onstage dance party that will have families rolling — and dancing — in the aisles.

The Rose will collaborate with C+C Mini Factory (an artistic duo with ties to Omaha) and noted Omaha-based musician Graham Ulicny to bring the children’s book, “Night at the Farm: A Bedtime Party,” to life in a world premiere production.

Directed by Omaha-based Suzanne Withem, “Night at the Farm: A Bedtime Party” finds a barnyard that is anything but sleepy. As the farmer drifts off to sleep, the animals get ready for the wildest party this side of the barn. A young goat named Kid is excited to attend the party for the first time and can’t wait to help his farm friends get ready. From baking pies with Uncle Horse, to taking a bath as instructed by the Pigs, to deciding what to

‘NIGHT AT THE FARM: A BEDTIME PARTY’ When: Jan. 19 to Feb. 4, Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 5 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Length: 60 minutes without an intermission Tickets: $30. Rose members receive discounted tickets.

Discounted tickets are also available at all area Hy-Vee stores.

Sponsors: Children’s Nebraska, Nebraska Furniture Mart, Max I. Walker, the Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Kiewit Companies More information: rosetheater.org

wear alongside Uncle Sheep, the audience gets to participate alongside Kid as the night culminates in a raucous dance party.

C+C Mini Factory is the work of artists Chelsea Cates of Brooklyn and Quinn Corbin of Omaha. Cates and Corbin have built a worldwide social media following centered around placing miniatures in fanciful and otherworldly environments and photographing the outcome. The result is photography that is nostalgic, theatrical, sometimes absurd and always playful. The artists were recently recognized as “Instagrammer of the Year” at the Shorty Awards.

They have worked with brands including Starbucks, Refinery 29, Mozilla

Firefox, and florist Putnam and Putnam, among many others — and now, The Rose.

Corbin, a native of Omaha, grew up as a “Rose kid.” As she explains, “My involvement there was instrumental in my lifelong career path in theatre — including 13 years working in Broadway and Off Broadway in New York City and now as manager for Great Plains Theatre Commons here in Omaha.”

She returned to Omaha during the pandemic, eventually connecting with Rose artistic director Matt Gutschick where the idea of turning “Night at the Farm” into a stage adaptation began to form.

“Quinn Corbin is a theater superstar,” Gutschick says. “Together with her collaborator Chelsea, they make these delightful miniatures that totally transport the viewer to whimsical worlds that feel just like what it meant to play with toys as a child, to open up your imagination with fairly rudimentary objects.”

“Night at the Farm” is what Gutschick calls an “anti-bedtime story.” “It has all kinds of fun and silly audience participation to go alongside a bopping musical score by one of the best musicians our city has ever produced in Graham Ulicny,” he says.

Ulicny, a multiinstrumentalist and current keyboardist of Omaha-based band The Faint, has composed original music for “Night at the Farm.”

His vast resume

includes recording and touring with noted artists and bands and performances with many large national festivals including Bonaroo, Governor’s Ball, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Sasquatch, Beach Goth, Electric Forest, Wakarusa, and others. His work was last seen at The Rose in the 2016 production of Plastic Drastic. He was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music in a Play along with collaborators Daniel Ocanto and Sean Smith.

“Graham has created a truly unique aural world for ‘Night at the Farm.’ He combines the best of indie rock and pop in this score to create memorable tunes that suit the colorful characters,” says Gutschick.

Adapted by Rose education director Jackie Kappes, “Night at the Farm” promises an hour of raucous laughter and family fun.

Kappes brings an understanding on how to appeal to young children and a brilliant sense of humor and playfulness. “As an educator, Jackie knows how to write really fun invitations for the audience to participate in key moments of the story along with the actors,” Gutschick says.

In fact, audiences are encouraged to come dressed in their pajamas! “We are looking forward to a wacky pajama party each night at the theater,” says Kappes. “I’m most excited for how interactive this piece is going to be.

There will be opportunities to get up and dance, to sing along, to give answers to our actors and to cheer on our hero. We made this piece to not only entertain but to actively engage our youngest audience members.”

Corbin agrees. “We cannot wait to see the live reactions of children in the audience seeing the animals celebrate a bedtime party!”

“It is exciting to showcase the talents of so many Omaha-based artists,” says Gutschick. “‘Night at the Farm’ is going to be an exuberant celebration of local talent. What could be more fun than that?”

7

Swim Lessons REGISTER NOW FOR ONCE-A-WEEK SWIM LESSONS AGES 6 MOS. & OLDER. MORNING, AFTERNOON, EVENING & SAT. MORNING

ADAPTABLE EGG MUFFINS ARE PERFECT FOR BREAKFAST OR LUNCH TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

E

gg cups are perfectly portioned breakfast or lunchbox options.

They are simple to make and can be made ahead of time. But the best thing about them is how easy they are to customize for even the pickiest eater.

Simply fill muffin cups halfway with a scrambled egg mixture and top with your favorite things: meats, cheeses and veggies.

If your child doesn’t care for them cold, put a warmed egg cup in a prepared thermos container and it will be warm at lunchtime.

EASY LUNCHBOX EGG CUPS‌ Makes 18+ cups • • • •

402-932-2030 LittleWavesFamilySwimSchool.com 10

January 2024

12 eggs 1 tablespoon milk or cream Salt and pepper Coconut oil or spray oil for greasing

Filling Ideas Ham + Cheese • Diced ham • Grated cheese Broccoli, Peppers + Cheese • Broccoli stalks, thinly sliced • Diced peppers • Grated cheese Potato + Cheese • Frozen diced hash brown potatoes • Grated cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, cream, salt and pepper. Pour into a jug.

3. Grease 2 muffin trays in a thick layer of firm coconut oil to prevent egg cups sticking.

Alternately, line muffin trays with silicone muffin liners and coat with spray oil.

4. Pour egg mixture into muffin holes, filling no more than halfway. These will really puff up while cooking.

5. Divide your chosen topping combination into all the muffin cups.

6. Bake for 20 minutes.

7. Eat warm or put in lunchboxes for school.

These can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for three days.

PIZZA PINWHEELS GO EASILY FROM FREEZER TO LUNCHBOX

K

ids love pizza and these Pizza Pinwheels are an easy way to pack your child’s lunch.

Make a batch over the weekend (it’ll make about 2 dozen), then pop them in the freezer to have them on hand for the mornings when you need a quick lunch option. Add them to a lunchbox frozen in the morning and they’ll be thawed by lunchtime. Serve with a dipping cup of extra pizza sauce.

¼ cup sauce over the dough leaving a 1-inch edge of one of the long sides of the rectangle free from sauce so the edge will seal when rolled up.

Layer meat, cheese and any other pizza toppings you’d like.

7. After all your pizza toppings have been added, begin rolling up the Dough dough starting at the long side of • 1 tablespoon 3. Place dough in a lightly greased • 1½ cups warm the rectangle where the sauce is all yeast water bowl, cover and let rise for 45 minutes the way to the edge — you want • ½ teaspoon salt • 1 tablespoon or until double in size. Remove dough to leave that sauce free edge to be • 3-4½ cups f lour sugar from bowl. Separate into three equal rolled up last. Roll all the way up and Pizza toppings parts. then pinch the edges to seal. Now • optional: • ¾ cup pizza using a small length of dental floss or 4. Prepare your pizza ingredients. We pepperoni, sauce a serrated knife, slice off equal sized used pepperoni slices, hamburger, browned • 8 ounces rolls. Ours were about 2 inches. You diced red peppers, mozzarella cheese sausage or shredded could make them smaller, but we and pizza sauce, but anything goes. hamburger, mozzarella wouldn’t recommend larger than 2 mushrooms, cheese 5. Take one portion of the dough and inches. peppers, etc. roll out on a lightly greased or floured surface. Roll dough into a long skinny 8. Place rolls in a greased baking dish.

Cover and allow buns to rise 30 1. In a bowl combine water, sugar and rectangle as you would for cinnamon minutes. yeast. Let stand for about 10 minutes. rolls.

9. Bake in the oven at 350 F for 25 to 30 2. Add salt. Stir. Add 2 cups of flour and 6. Once your dough is rolled, you can minutes or until golden brown. mix well. Gradually add more flour begin layering your pizza ingredients until dough pulls away from edges Source: simpleasthatblog.com starting with the sauce. Spread about

PIZZA PINWHEELS‌

of the bowl when mixing and it isn’t sticky.

A SNEAKY WAY TO SERVE EXTRA VEGGIES

T

his sausage roll is, hands down, the ultimate carrier for smuggling veggies!

Any vegetables can be added to your sausage roll mix. We chose zucchini, onions and carrots, but mushrooms or peppers would be great options, too. Take note: If your kids are good at spotting even the tiniest bit of green or orange, grate the vegetables as finely as possible.

The recipe is tasty both hot or cold, which makes it great for school lunches.

VEGGIE-SMUGGLING SAUSAGE ROLLS‌ • • • •

½-1 onion, grated • 3 sheets of frozen ½ zucchini, grated puff pastr y, thawed 1 carrot, grated • Egg for glazing 1 pound ground • Optional: sesame, sausage poppy seeds or • 1 cup breadcrumbs ever ything bagel • 2 tablespoons seasoning for tomato paste topping • 1 egg , lightly beaten

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Line two oven trays with baking paper.

board and cut in halves vertically. Divide the meat mixture into six portions and spoon mixture across the middle of all puff pastry rectangles, to look like a long sausage on each sheet.

5. Roll the edges over and turn the roll shape over so the pastry seam is on the bottom.

Use a serrated knife to make a shallow cut in the top of the puff pastry about every 1 to 1½ inches. Place three logs on each of the prepared baking trays.

2. Using small grate on a box grater, grate all of the vegetables.

6. Brush each sausage roll with beaten egg using a pastry brush, and, if you wish, sprinkle some sesame seeds, poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning on top.

3. In a bowl combine sausage, onion, zucchini, carrot, breadcrumbs, tomato paste and egg.

Use clean hands to mix thoroughly (it’s messy, but it’s the best method).

7. Bake for 12 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350 F and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until puffed up and golden.

4. Lay pastry sheets on a lightly floured cutting

Adapted from babyology.com.au

11

TURN MAC AND CHEESE INTO A FINGER FOOD

M

ac and cheese you can pick up and eat with your fingers? Yes, please.

These mac and cheese muffins are perfect lunchbox food. The trick is making the cheese thick — if you make it too saucy and they won’t hold together.

You’ll cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package directions say because the macaroni will continue cooking in the oven.

While your pasta cooks, grate the cheese. Fresh grated cheese melts much better than packaged grated cheese. We used a sharp cheddar but you can use your favorite or even a mix of what’s in the refrigerator.

Make sure you use butter to coat the muffin tin. This will help create a good crusty edge to the muffin which will help hold it together.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

MAC AND CHEESE MUFFINS WITH HAM‌ • 8 ounces elbow macaroni • 2 tablespoons salted butter • 1½ teaspoon paprika • 3 tablespoons f lour 2 3 • / cup whole milk • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese,

grated • ½ cup small diced ham, optional • 2 eggs, beaten • Chopped scallions for garnish, optional • Butter for greasing the pan

1. Grease a nonstick muffin pan very well with butter. Preheat the oven to 400 F.

2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions.

3. Drain the pasta. Return the empty pasta pot to the stovetop and turn the heat to medium.

Melt the 2 tablespoons butter and add the paprika. Add the flour and stir the mixture for 5. Using a ½ cup measuring cup, portion your about 2 minutes. mac and cheese into the muffin cups. Pack 4. Whisk in the milk. The mixture will be thick. the mac and cheese into the muffin cups Turn the heat to low and add the cheese really well. If you don’t pack the mac and and stir until mostly melted. Add the 2 eggs cheese down, they won’t hold their shape and mix well. Add drained pasta and ham, if when you take them out after baking. using, stirring it all together until the sauce is 6. Bake the mac and cheese cups for 18-20 well distributed. minutes, until bubbling and gooey. Remove

the muffin tin to a wire rack to cool for at least 20 minutes, then carefully run a plastic knife around the edges to loosen. If you try to remove them too soon, they may fall apart.

7. Remove the mac and cheese cups from the pan and garnish with optional scallion greens.

BRINGING THE WHOLE FAMILY TOGETHER! JOIN THE YMCA! WHERE THERE’S FAMILY FUN FOR ALL. OPEN SWIM TIMES • FREE CHILDWATCH • SHOOT HOOPS IN OUR GYMS SUMMER DAY CAMP • YOUTH SPORTS • SWIM LESSONS AND MORE!

YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • metroymca.org 12

January 2024

ADOBE STOCK

‘DEATH DOULA’ CREATES ‘END-OF-LIFE’ PLAN FOR HER CLIENTS MARJIE DUCEY

their legacy to be.

“What kind of things are important to wrap up here to look ighty percent of people want to die peacefully at home, forward to whatever you think is next,” she said.

Jenni Herchenbach says, but instead 80% pass away in a When death itself is near, Herchenbach is there to make sure nursing home or hospital. the person’s requests are met.

Herchenbach, a “death doula,” hopes It might cover who is welcome in the room, if music is to change those odds for her clients. The playing or avoiding smells they hate.

Omaha woman helps people design “their “At that point, my role is to just help the plan go as close to perfect death” and then ensures that their the script as possible,” she said. wishes are carried out.

Death can make other people panic and she’s there to guide That’s just one part of her business, the them the way her client asked. She encourages people to stay Flourish Collaborative. and witness what is a normal part of being human.

“I tell people I help them pursue their With everything already lined up, it can end regrets and the Herchenbach good death,” she said. “It doesn’t mean I incompleteness that can surround someone’s death. help them die. I help them imagine what a good death looks “They are usually ready to go on their own journey,” she like.” said. “The people left behind are the ones who have the She starts with the question: You have 90 days to live. What problem.” feels important to you?

Herchenbach also talks to people about grief, whether it be They might share what they want to listen to when they die from death, divorce or not being able to have a child. or what they want done with their body afterward. There’s Instead of chasing it away, she helps them unlock how to live funeral and burial options to discuss. with it.

That question can lead to discussions about a job they might “We live in a society where grief is finite, and we’re hate and how to change the situation, getting in touch with supposed to get over it quickly,” she said. “That’s not my a sister they haven’t spoken to in 10 years or what they want experience in how grief works.”

World-Herald Staff Writer

E

Want to know more?

If you’d like more information on how a “death doula” works, go to flourishcollab.com, call 402-290-9936 or send an email to flourishcollaborative@gmail.com.

Herchenbach, who is certified, said most clients work with her on a monthly basis. They can craft their end-of-life plan for between $500 and $1,000, but she will work to tailor her services to fit any budget.

She offers free get-acquainted calls to make sure she and potential clients are a good match.

The most important thing is to then share that plan, she said, so the plan is honored.

After years as an occupational therapist, she’s grown to love her new career and sharing its concepts with individuals as well as groups.

“It’s fascinating and beautiful,” she said. “It’s such important work.” marjie.ducey@owh.com, 402-444-1034, twitter.com/mduceyowh

13

a family media plan that balances 1 Build time with and without devices. Work to-

gether to set rules about social media use so you and your children agree on how devices fit into your lives. screen-free times and places in 2 Create your home, such as meals and bedtime.

Set do-not-disturb times and media time limits. online activities and talk about 3 Track which ones may be problematic. regular screen-free activities your 4 Plan family enjoys. Make a habit of turning off

media that isn’t in use. Try music if you need ambient noise. about social media. Start regular, 5 Talk open-minded conversations with your

children (even the youngest ones) about their media use, and yours. You don’t have to be an expert on each platform to have meaningful discussions. Ask questions like: What do you like about social media platforms? How do you feel when you’re on social media? And when I’m on social media? Have you seen anything concerning? children understand what’s real and 6 Help what’s edited, how to recognize ads or in-

For more information on how to facilitate safe and healthy screen time, go to AAP.org/socialmedia or HealthyChildren.org.

DREAMSTIME‌

HEALTHY S

DR. JENNY RADESKY AND DR. MEGAN MORENO

DIGITAL HABITS

12 tips for guiding kids’ screen time and social media use

14

January 2024

American Academy of Pediatrics‌

ocial media plays a huge role in the lives of many children and teens, serving as a virtual meeting place for friends, a source of entertainment or a learning tool.

But for some, social media can become allconsuming, stress-inducing or even unsafe. It’s helpful for families to step back and take a look at how each member spends time on devices and interacts with social media.

The American Academy of Pediatrics National Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health offers resources for families, clinicians and educators. These include a Q&A portal, where anyone can ask questions about social media and children’s mental health that pediatricians and other experts will answer.

Here are 12 tips for families based on practices that researchers say help ensure adolescents’ use of digital devices remains a healthy and safe way to connect:

appropriate content and how media and emotions connect. sure your kids know they can come 7 Make to you about their experiences online. a good example. Include your own 8 Set habits in discussions about social media

usage. When your attention is on your device, tell your kids what you’re doing. Be kind to others online and talk to your kids about how you are using media for good. your family’s online experience.

9 Optimize Choose quality content to use together as

a family.

which platforms are age- and con10 Know tent-appropriate for your children. Set

and follow safety rules for who family members can chat with online. Set privacy settings at the most secure level. for warning signs, such as if your 11 Watch child is withdrawing from social interac-

tion and hobbies. Another red flag is if screen time interferes with physical activity, healthy eating or bedtime. you’re concerned about your child’s so12 If cial media usage or mental health, talk

with your pediatrician.

Sometimes the problem is not what children are doing on social media — but what they’re not doing instead. We encourage children to be involved in creating a plan that balances their day.

BE WELL

WAYS TO ENSURE A

healthy winter for your family CHILDREN’S PHYSICIANS

W

ith flu season in full swing and a rise in RSV cases, there can be increased concerns about how to limit exposure to an illness and what to do if your child becomes sick. It can also be tricky to determine what your child has developed because the common cold, COVID-19, the flu and RSV share many of the same symptoms: fever, cough, fatigue, stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing.

Here are a few ways to ensure you and your family stay healthy this winter.

CONSULT YOUR PEDIATRICIAN‌

If you have concerns about vaccines, at-home treatments or symptoms, contact your pediatrician for further guidance. Your pediatrician will determine if your child needs to be seen.

Many over-the-counter medicines contain ingredients that can harm children, so seek your pediatrician’s recommendations before giving any medication.

If your pediatrician recommends being seen, tests can be performed to confirm

your child’s illness.

STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH VACCINES‌

Make sure you and your child are upto-date on all vaccines.

Vaccines prevent the spread of diseases and protect your child from serious diseases.

Children six months and older are eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

LIMIT PERSON-TO-PERSON TRANSMISSION‌

Avoid contact, as much as possible, with anyone showing symptoms of an illness.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and wear a mask if you must leave home.

Teach your children proper techniques by sneezing or coughing into a tissue or their elbow.

ADOBE STOCK‌

If your child is showing symptoms, keep them home from daycare or school to allow your child to rest and to prevent

others from becoming ill.

WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY‌

Frequently washing your hands is the best way to prevent spreading sicknesses.

The best practice is to wet your child’s hands and scrub them for 20 seconds.

Wash your hands before eating, after

using the restroom, playing with pets, playing outdoors, sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.

WHAT TO DO AT HOME‌

Stay hydrated. Make sure your child is drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration.

Manage fever and pain with OTC fever reducers and pain relievers if approved by your pediatrician.

Call your doctor if their temperature reaches 100.4 F for children under three months and 104 F for any age.

When your child is sick, it can be hard to know where to go. Visit ChildrensNebraska.org/WhenToGo for guidelines on when it’s best to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician, schedule a virtual urgent care appointment, visit an urgent care or go to the emergency room.

15

16

January 2024