momaha.com
VOLUME 9 · ISSUE 6 JULY
FLYING WITH KIDS Navigating the ups and downs
PARTIES RULE A good guest is the best gift
waves of fun WE MAY BE LANDLOCKED BUT A SHRIMP BOIL MAKES A SPLASH
2018
Memorial Day Run THE BEST
PLACE FOR KIDS. Mason, age 4
Launched in life at our Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, this junior jet-setter really enjoys taking off – proof that complex medical issues don’t have to keep you down, especially when your journey includes a highly-skilled team of neonatal critical care specialists, cardiologists, nurses and therapists.
Kids’ Fun Run
1-Mile Walk/Run
5 5-Mile Walk/Run
in the lives of children who are deaf and hard of hearing.
May 28, 2018 Register online at MemorialDayRun.org or call 402-498-6729 for more information. Presented by: Visit ChildrensOmaha.org for more information on how we can help your child. For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.
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SUMMER CAMPS ENROLLING NOW MAKE THEIR SUMMERS ELECTRIFYING 402-691-8875 Omaha@SchoolofRock.com www.schoolofrock.com 2076603-01
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RAILROAD-THEMED ATTRACTIONS PER FAMILY
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HEATHER WINKEL
CONTENTS
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REAL MOMS + ADVICE
SEASONAL
ON THE COVER
6 Editor’s Column 8 On Our Radar 10 Momaha Bookshelf 30 Be Well 32 Get Organized
12 Watermelon Salsa 22 Birthday Etiquette 24 Colorful Chaos 26 DIY Stackable Robots 28 DIY Rock Photo Holders
18 Easy Shrimp Boil
SPONSORED FEATURES 14 YMCA: Togetherness
momaha where moms connect VOLUME 9 . ISSUE 7 . JULY 2018 editor in chief
Let’s take the kids out to dinner tonight. The World-Herald has created Omaha Dines, a one-of-a-kind website and newsletter for local dining news. Read Sarah Baker Hansen’s latest review or be the first to know about new restaurant openings. Sarah’s Faves can help you sort through your options.
CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094
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creative director + designer HEIDI THORSON hthorson@owh.com 402-444-1351
assistant editor MARJIE DUCEY marjie.ducey@owh.com 402-444-1034
copy editor SHELLEY LARSEN shelley.larsen@owh.com 402-444-1143
momaha.com editor ASHLEE COFFEY ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075
VISIT OMAHADINES.COM TO SIGN UP FOR THE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER.
production coordinator PAT R I C I A “ M U R P H Y ” B E N O I T
content contributors AMY TOKOS M I K E W AT K I N S H E AT H E R W I N K E L
cover photo CR AB COOKIES: ALICIA WEIMAN P H O T O : H E AT H E R W I N K E L
account manager L AURE N KRUGE R lauren.kruger@owh.com 402-444-1261
account executive G AY L I D D E L L gay.liddell@owh.com 402-444-1489
account executive E M I LY M A R T I N emily.martin@owh.com 402-444-1411
account executive MICHAEL MEDRANO michael.medrano@owh.com 402-444-1209 Momaha Magazine is a monthly publication of the Omaha World-Herald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102. Momaha is a registered trademark, and all content is copyright 2018 by the Omaha World-Herald. All rights reserved. The opinions and perspectives published herein are those of the authors and should not be construed as those of Momaha Magazine.
Join us at the Brand New Steppe Center 11730 Peel Circle LaVista, NE 68128 402-592-4545
Baton Twirling Tumbling Pom Cheerleading Hip Hop Ballet Preschool Register for Fall Classes Now!
Benefits your child will enjoy
• Upbeat, age appropriate music • Easy to learn routines • Physical fitness and coordination skills for girls and boys • Enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructors
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MOMAHA.COM EDITOR // ASHLEE COFFEY Wife to Kevin Coffey, music critic for the Omaha World-Herald. Mom to Sam and Elliott. Follow her on Twitter: @AshleeCoffeyOWH
SMASHING GOOD FUN
B
irthdays are a huge thing in my family. My parents always made sure the day was all about us. We each got to choose the meal and the cake (and ice cream). We’d sing happy birthday, blow out the candles, open the gifts and then — the best tradition of all — take a giant bite out of our cake. (Yes! A bite out of the uncut cake!) Right now you might be thinking, “Weird.” But honestly, it was awesome. Eventually, the tradition evolved … hilariously. One year, one of my siblings (or maybe it was me) decided it would be fun to push the birthday person’s face into the cake as they took a bite.
Of course, revenge is a dish best served cold. So when we celebrated the next birthday, another face got pushed into a cake. And on and on it went. Today, our children are continuing the tradition. But pushing someone’s face into a cake is probably not a good thing to do at just anyone’s birthday party. We have a great piece on birthday party etiquette, in case you’re just not sure, on page 22. Also, since it’s summer (yay!), we’ve included a couple of travel pieces. If you’re flying with kids, be sure to check out the tips on page 30. Whatever you’re doing this summer, I hope you’re staying cool!
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Join us at BT Storytime! Storytime events are from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Families of children ages 1-4 are invited to attend!
BROW NELL TAL BOT
STORYT IME
We’ll share stories, sing songs, do fun activities, and have play time in the Kotula Family Nature Classroom.
Summer Storytime Dates Tuesday, June 12 Wednesday, July 18 Tuesday, August 14
BT Storytime is free and open to the community!
brownell.edu 400 N. Happy Hollow Blvd. • 402.556.3772 2093242-01
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ZIP LINE
t. Crescent Ski Area
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ON OUR RADAR // EDITOR’S PICKS New and Momaha-tested too!
TAKE A SELFIE Pets make travel fun, and who doesn’t want a photo of their puppy cavorting on the beach? The Woofie, a pet selfie and portrait tool, makes it easier to get the shot because it holds Sparky’s favorite treat on your phone, capturing your pet’s attention. $9.50, modelcitizenpet.com
THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH
PLAY OUTSIDE
WORRY LESS Studies show airplane germs can live awhile, and cold and flu season is the worst. Instead of worrying about what you might catch, try SeatSitters, easyon reusable, machine-washable seat covers. The set includes a disposable tray table cover, two sanitary wipes and an allergy mask. The cover will work on a movie theater seat, too. There’s even a his-and-hers package for newlyweds. $14.99, seatsitters.com
The bbluv Nido 2-in-1 Travel and Play Tent is great for outside activities, our mom of two says. Her baby is able to get tummy time while being protected from the sun and mosquitoes while she plays outside with her toddler. The tent folds up easily and doesn’t take up much vehicle space, making it great for travel. The only drawback, she says, is the thinness of the pad. She needed to add a blanket for more comfort. $79.99, bbluvgroup.com
BOOST YOUR RIDE This inflatable booster seat from BubbleBum was easy to assemble and take apart. And it proved sturdy and safe. The bonus: It stored nicely in its own bag that can be kept in a trunk or a purse for use on demand – especially if you’re traveling and don’t have a car of your own. $29.99, bubblebum.co
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DOUBLE DUTY This innovative water bottle, with its two independent chambers, works well for pet owners, athletes and travelers. The 22-ounce outer chamber is great for water or sports drinks while the 8-ounce inner chamber is perfect for storing snacks, a pet treat or car keys and cash. The BPA-free product is a sustainable alternative to plastics, and better yet, FLPSDE comes from a husbandand-wife team in Elkhorn. $19.99, flpsde.com
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MOMAHA BOOKSHELF Hot off the presses and worthy of your home library COMPILED by Momaha Magazine
MUCH TOO MUCH BIRTHDAY
J.E. Morris Maud the Koala has invited all 56 of her friends to a birthday party in her backyard. But when the crowd arrives, she feels overwhelmed and needs to be alone. What will happen if Maud can’t bear her own birthday party? The book, with its charming illustrations, includes a note to caregivers. Ages 4 to 6
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
Kristen L. Depken This Step Into Reading book features the characters from Nickelodeon’s “Shimmer and Shine.” In it, the twin genies and their friends prepare for a very special birthday party. A Step 1 book, it features big type and easy words for children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. It includes 30 shiny stickers. Ages 4 to 6
I GOT A CHICKEN FOR MY BIRTHDAY
Laura Gehl Though Ana had asked three times for amusement park tickets for her birthday, she is given a chicken instead. Ana tries to have a good attitude and decides it’s better than socks or underwear. But the chicken, which arrives wearing yellow construction boots, has a surprise in store. She recruits Ana’s other pets to help with a secret construction project. You’ll never guess what it is. Ages 3 to 8.
THE PARTY AND OTHER STORIES
Sergio Ruzzier This easy reader picture book is actually three stories in one and stars two lovable but very different best friends. Fox is an eventempered reader, cook and artist; Chick is a pain in the neck. In “The Party,” Fox is trying to read while Chick repeatedly interrupts him and requests to use his bathroom, where he proceeds to throw a raucous shindig with some other party animals. Two more chapters follow. Ages 5 to 8.
PARTY CRASHERS
Jonathan Roth Beep and his best friend Bob pack their favorite swimsuits and TV watching gear for Lani’s birthday on the Starship Titanic. When they arrive on the space ship, however, they realize they forgot a present for Lani. And everyone is expected to wear a real suit for dinner, not a bathing suit. Things go from bad to worse when guests’ jewelry is stolen and Beep and Bob are blamed. And then they discover the “indestructible’’ ship is headed right for the ice rings of Neptune. Can they save the day? Ages 6 to 9.
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CHECK OUT Momaha.com & the Momaha Newsletter for more information on ways to keep your child on track over the summer months. PARENT TESTIMONIAL: “From day one, all the staff have truly cared about our child’s learning. The staff have even included siblings in the learning too. My child enjoys going and learning!” - Marybeth Korver Huntington parent
OMAHA 546 North 155th Plaza Pepperwood Village Omaha, NE 68135 402-884-4407
MILLARD 17935 Welch Plaza Bay #6 Omaha, NE 68135 402-934-7909 2042837-01
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WATERMELON SALSA This refreshing summertime snack comes together in minutes
STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson
TIP Tastes great as a topping for grilled chicken or salmon.
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When temperatures soar, appetites nose-dive. It’s just too hot to eat! Break out the watermelon salsa with chips, however, and everyone will make a beeline for the bowl. This recipe calls for a mini watermelon, just the right portion for you and the kids between cannonballs in the pool.
INSTRUCTIONS MAKES 3 CUPS
• 1 personal-size watermelon, cut in half • 1 cup mini sweet peppers, diced • 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped • 1/2 cup onion, diced • 2 tablespoons lime juice • 1 tablespoon jalapeno, chopped (optional) • Salt and black pepper
1. Hallow out one half of a personalized watermelon. Use a knife to cut watermelon into a checkerboard pattern and scoop out the watermelon to create a bowl. Set watermelon bowl aside. 2. Dice remaining watermelon chunks to measure one cup. 3. Drain the watermelon juice from the cup and place the diced watermelon in a large bowl. 4. Add the onion, peppers, jalapeno (optional), cilantro, lime juice and black pepper. 5. Mix well and taste. Add salt and additional lime juice and black pepper, if needed. Drain any excess juice from the bowl. 6. Scoop the salsa into the hollowed-out watermelon bowl and serve with chips. Source: thegunnysack.com
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SPONSORED FEATURE // YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
TOGETHERNESS
There's more to a YMCA membership than a dip in the pool TEXT Mike Watkins
F
amilies often join the YMCA of Greater Omaha primarily to swim or hit the gym. After all, those are the cornerstones of membership in the longstanding community organization. But after a closer look, families quickly discover there’s more to enjoy than a dip in the pool. That’s by design, says Sha Foland Bemba, YMCA of Greater Omaha’s executive director of membership and wellness. “Family programming is not a new concept,” Bemba says. “What’s new is that the YMCA is being very intentional about family programming and making sure it’s offered at times that are convenient for families.” And relevant to their interests and needs. One perk of a family membership is a monthly Parent’s Night Out at each
YMCA location. Children ages 3 to 12 enjoy games, movies and crafts while their parents enjoy time to themselves. Each event runs four hours and is free with membership. Some YMCA locations also offer themed events and Family Fun Nights. Ages, activities (Legos, STEM challenges, etc.) and dates vary by location. The Southwest YMCA’s popular First Friday Family Fun Night, for example, features a bounce house, family swimming and a healthy snack. The Childwatch program provides children ages 6 weeks to 7 years a safe, fun place to play while their parents enjoy YMCA facilities and classes. At the same time, most YMCA locations offer a family fitness component where school-age kids can join a parent in a family-friendly class once a week or once a month. And all YMCA
locations have dedicated family swim and gym times. “Parents have said that they enjoy the many options at the YMCA,” Bemba says. Parent’s Night Out, themed events and Childwatch, parents say, allow them to be better parents when they are with their children. “Mom and/or dad can have some ‘adult’ time with other adults, which allows them to have more patience and engagement with their children when they are together as a family.” “Families love to have something to do together,” Bemba says. “At the YMCA of Greater Omaha, parents can model being active and healthy for their kids. Another benefit is the opportunity to meet other families who share your interests and values and develop friendships.”
• Family Fitness, Monday evenings during the school year • Youth Kickboxing (for parents and children together), Tuesday evenings • First Friday Family Fun Night, monthly during the school year • Family Pickleball, Tuesday evenings • Family Swims, various days and times
A SNAPSHOT OF OFFERINGS AT THE SARPY COUNTY YMCA: • Family Fitness, first Friday of the month • YFT (family workouts), the first and third Saturdays of the month (more often in the summer) • Open gym, various times • Open swims, various times • Parent’s Night Out, second Friday of the month, 6-10 p.m.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA
A SAMPLING OF PROGRAMS AT THE SOUTHWEST OMAHA YMCA:
Visit metroymca.org to learn more about family memberships and the ever-expanding variety of things to do at the YMCA of Greater Omaha.
FAMILY FUN FOR EVERYONE! Join us at the YMCA today! BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
THERE’S FUN FOR EVERY FAMILY AT THE Y!
• FREE childcare while you use the Y • 2 FREE sessions with a trainer • • Reduced rates on sports, swim lessons, camp & more • Dedicated family swim times • • FREE Parent’s Night Out • • and MORE! •
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • www.metroymca.org 2100628-01
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Get more at nfm.com or in store at 700 S. 72nd Street.
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PINCH, PEEL, PULL Shrimp are made to be eaten with your fingers. First, working from head to tail, peel off the shell. Next, grasp the shrimp by the tail with one hand and the head with the other. In one quick twist, break the head free from the body and discard. Next, use the tip of a knife to devein the shrimp, being careful to remove all of the thin black matter. Discard the vein and rinse shrimp in fresh cold water.
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EASY SHRIMP BOIL It's the perfect party: no dirty dishes and very little labor. So dig in and pretend you're at the seashore.
TEXT + PHOTOGRAPHY Heather Winkel STYLING Alicia Weiman
Y
ou don’t have to live on the Gulf Coast to enjoy a good, old-fashioned shrimp boil. We ordered head-on gulf shrimp from the Louisiana Crawfish Company (lacrawfish.com) and had it shipped to the Midwest. But you also can find fresh shrimp at local seafood markets and some supermarket delis. Best of all: Peak shrimp season is from May to September, which coincides perfectly with sweet corn season in Nebraska. Serving is super easy. Cover the tabletop with freezer paper, shiny-side up. Sprinkle baguette slices, bottles of squeeze butter, cocktail sauce, spicy mustard and sliced lemons down the center of the table. Add the boiled shrimp and dig in! No utensils or plates allowed. When finished just roll up the paper and pass the finger wipes!
STRAW TOPPERS Print straw toppers on 8.5-by-11-inch kraft paper and punch out using a 2.5-inch circle punch. Using a standard-sized hole punch, punch hole at top and bottom of printed circle as shown. Attach topper by sliding straw through holes.
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Gulf Coast Shrimp INSTRUCTIONS
4 pounds large unpeeled, head-on shrimp with tails ½ cup Old Bay Seasoning 3 cups beer 3 cups water 8 ears corn on the cob (to be cooked with shrimp) Baguettes
1. In a large pot, bring water, beer and seasoning to a boil. 2. If you wish to cook with corn, add corn and continue to boil for about 5 minutes. 3. Add the shrimp and reduce heat to medium-high. Stir, then cover and boil for about 4 minutes, stirring halfway through. (Cook until shrimp are pink.) 4. Drain liquid. If you are using a basket, remove the basket and let the liquid drain off, back into the boil pot. 5. Dump shrimp onto the serving table or a serving dish or pail and sprinkle with additional seasoning. 6. Serve with Old Bay, cocktail sauce, squeeze butter, lemons and sliced baguettes. 7. Peel, eat and enjoy! TIP: To fill out the menu, ask guests to bring a Southern side dish. Perfect companions: fried chicken, mac and cheese and bread pudding and beer.
LIFE SAVER SILVERWARE PACKS Roll silverware in a gingham napkin and attach unwrapped mint Life Saver to front with twine.
Country Bunting Printable Invitations
WATER BOTTLE LABELS Peel the labels from water bottles and customize with our downloadable water bottle labels. Just print on 8.5-by-11-inch printer paper (cardstock is too thick to bend), cut and attach.
• 8.5-by-11-inch white cardstock
BUCKET LABELS Print bucket labels on 8.5-by-11-inch kraft label paper and punch out using a 3-inch circle punch. Peel off and adhere to buckets.
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INSTRUCTIONS
• Gingham patterned paper • Foam mounting dots • A7 kraft paper envelopes
1. Use our invitation template to print and cut out invitations on the white cardstock. 2. Cut miniature bunting shapes from the gingham paper. Make each about .375 of an inch wide by .75 of an inch tall. 3. Fill out your party information and enclose invite in an A7 envelope.
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BIRTHDAY ETIQUETTE RULE NO. 1: Don't be 45 minutes late for your own party STORY Marjie Ducey
PEXELS.COM
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J
ulie Anderson and Corina Kruger host about 30 birthday parties a month at Clara’s Closet Dress-up Parties in Elkhorn. They’ve seen everything in the past 20 years – from no-shows to a
family arriving 45 minutes late for their own child’s 1½-hour birthday celebration. For the most part, though, it’s been a positive experience. Or at least they try to turn everything into a positive, even if 17 children
RSVPS ARE EVERYTHING • All about email. Who wants to spend hours making food and gift bags for 15 of your child’s closest friends when only five show up? Anderson suggests sending invites by email for easy replies and follow-ups. • Start with a save-the-date notice. That lets you know if a specific day will work for most of your guests or if they’re all playing in an out-of-town baseball tournament. • Give two weeks' notice. Send your invites about two weeks before the party and if done electronically, follow up with a reminder one week to a few days before the big day. It’s OK for a host to call, too, to see whether a child is coming. It can be a good time to remind parents about the time and date and learn how the child will be arriving. Relay the head count to your contact at the party venue, to make sure they have adequate staff, food and seating. • Be careful about invitations. Most schools have a policy that if invitations are handed out at school, everyone in the class must be invited. That way, no one feels left out. Some families follow the “age plus one’’ rule. If a child is age 4, five friends are invited. If you are not asking everyone, make sure your child doesn’t talk about the party at school. Consider setting up a play date or another activity with children who are not invited. If you have a big guest list, make sure you have space and activities to keep everyone entertained. A tea party may do well for five but not for 25.
GRACIOUS HOST • Receiving guests. If your child is old enough, emphasize that it’s his or her responsibility to
– and their parents – show up instead of seven who RSVP'd. You can make your next party the best one yet, and make sure your child is a wonderful guest, too, if you follow these tips on birthday party etiquette.
make sure guests are having a good time. Have your child greet guests at the door and hand out favors as they leave. If you think your youngster could have a problem sharing, put away special toys before anyone arrives. • Thank-you notes. Children of any age can help with thank-you notes, even with a squiggle or a picture. You’ll teach them consideration, gratitude and writing skills.
GIFT TIME • Consider cost. Most parents, Anderson says, seem to spend between $20 and $25 on a present. But if you invite the whole class, that could be a financial burden for some. One mom organized a stuffed animal exchange instead. Everyone went home with a new toy, at least to them. “I loved the idea,’’ Anderson says. Another family had children bring a book to be donated to a little library in their neighborhood. • Gift opening. If you have a big guest list, open gifts at the end of the party and announce that on the invitation. Teach your child to say an enthusiastic thank you, no matter if it’s a duplicate gift or he or she doesn’t like the present. • Do your own discipline. Just because the party isn’t at your own home doesn’t mean you don’t have to keep your children in line. That’s the host parents’ responsibility, especially with kids hyped up by a sugar-filled menu. People at the party facility are too busy keeping the group occupied and happy. • Is your child allergic? Let your host know if nuts or gluten products are a problem. “You don’t want those kids to come and not have anything to eat,’’ Anderson says.
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COLORFUL CHAOS When rain keeps toddlers
inside, make tracks for the finger paints TEXT + STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson
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HELPFUL TIPS: Use washable paints; dress your kids in clothes that can get messy (and don't bother with shoes or socks), or even better, have them wear a swimsuit for easy washoff in the tub or shower.
Toddlers love running their toy vehicles through dirt and sand. When rain drives creative play indoors, pull out the finger paints and let the kids make some tracks in a more permanent way – on paper, of course!
INSTRUCTIONS • 1 large roll kraft paper • 1 roll white paper • Masking tape • Washable finger paint • Toy dinosaurs • Toy cars
1. On a hard surface, roll out two sheets of kraft paper to desired length. Tape to the floor (or table) with masking tape. 2. On top of kraft paper, roll out one sheet of white paper, long enough to stay within the kraft paper area. 3. Pour small puddles of finger paint onto paper plates or in various spots directly on the white paper. 4. Let the kids drive toy cars, trucks and trains through the paint to make tire tracks or walk the dinosaurs through the paint to make footprints. 5. Allow paint to dry. 6. Hang the art or cut paper to desired size to display or make into homemade cards (works great for birthday thank-yous!)
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CREATIVE PLAY Save those toilet paper rolls! Your budding engineer can make stack-and-play robots from them. TEXT + STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson
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INSTRUCTIONS • Empty toilet paper rolls • Markers • Single hole punch • Pipe cleaners • Scissors
1. Using markers, color the cardboard tubes. 2. Cut the tubes into sections, varying the lengths. 3. Sort the sections into heads and bodies. Decorate the head sections with eyes and mouths. Add patterns to the body sections using markers. 4. Create hair and arms with pipe cleaners. For hair, fold several pipe cleaners in half and twist ends together. Wrap twisted pipe cleaner around a pencil to curl. For arms, punch holes on opposite sides of the cardboard tube. Slide the pipe cleaner through the holes and use a pencil to curl the ends. 5. Build, stack and play to create robot personalities. Optional: Give your robot a name. Source: kidssteamlab.com
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ROCK ON Turn your nature walk finds into easy photo holders TEXT + STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson
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INSTRUCTIONS • Child's palm-sized rock • White paint markers • White floral wire • Photo
1. Wash your rock selections. TIP: The best rocks are about the size of the palm of your child's hand. 2. Use a white paint marker to draw your own pattern. 3. Wrap the
floral wire around the rock. Optional: hot glue in place. 4. Curl the top of the wire, stopping 3-4 inches from the top of the rock. 5. Print the photos you wish to display
(wallet size or 4x6 work well), or take new ones with an instant camera.
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FLIGHT ATTENDANTS DISH ON THE UPS AND DOWNS OF FLYING WITH KIDS
I
STORY Marjie Ducey
t’s summer. Time for family vacations and visits to grandpa and grandma. If flying is your transportation of choice, and you have kids, it can be a challenge. Dave Albers of Audubon, Iowa, and Mary Lainson of Omaha have been flight attendants for more than 30 years. They’ve seen everything, from kicking kiddos to distraught parents. We asked them for advice on how to make flying an enjoyable (rather than harrowing) experience for you, your child and your fellow passengers. They happily obliged and asked fellow attendants to chime in, too.
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• Bring lots of things to keep the kids busy. Books, puzzles, electronic games and movies are good choices. Coloring books are big right now and can entertain for hours. Your child’s favorites are a must but throw in a few new items, too. Aim for quiet activities and make sure to leave anything that requires glitter or glue at home. PlayDoh is a no-no. • Snacks are a must. Parents think their airline of choice will have plenty, but that isn’t the case anymore, besides a few pretzels or cookies. So pack healthy items that your child likes, which is especially important with a picky eater or one with allergies. Finger foods will keep your youngster full and occupied at the same time. • Pack empty water bottles. You'll find bottle-filling stations at most airports. Avoid sugary items such as juice to keep the excitement level under control, and be sure to bring wipes for sticky fingers and mouths. • Each child should have a backpack or carry-on that includes their snacks and activities. Albers calls it a survival kit. Just make sure it's not so heavy that you end up carrying it. For long flights, consider bringing a favorite small pillow or blanket or even a face mask to cover their eyes. Fellow travelers’ lights and tablets can be a distraction for a child trying to nap. Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on in case of an accident. A plastic bag for dirty clothes is smart, too. • Many times the airlines will have free movies if you download an app. Earphones will ensure that fellow travelers don’t hear every ka-boom or laugh track.
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Attendants can probably provide a set of ear buds if you forget. If you bring your own mobile devices, make sure they are fully charged. Takeoff and landing are the most difficult parts of a flight for a baby, who can’t tell you that his ears hurt. Lainson recommends pulling out a pacifier or nursing your baby as swallowing helps clear ears. Encourage little ones to yawn and give older children a piece of chewing gum. Make sure to pack Children's Tylenol in your survival bag. Early flights are the best. Later-day travel often sees an increase in delays, especially in the summer with thunderstorms. Missed connections can be miserable, especially if kids are tired and hungry. Those possible delays are why you want to have lots of food and water on hand. Make sure to have your children use the restroom before boarding and limit liquids. Try to keep them awake on the way to the airport so they'll sleep on the plane. A kicking toddler can drive the traveler in the seat in front crazy. To distract your child and burn energy, take a walk up and down the aircraft aisle. Just make sure the seat belt sign is off and attendants aren’t serving snacks or drinks. You also can try having your child sit on your lap, facing you instead of the seat in front. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have your hands full with a crying baby, many times an attendant will be happy to take the youngster off your hands while you walk to the restroom or just take a short break. Lainson says she has walked many crying babies up and down the aisle to soothe them. Do your homework. Talk with your children about airline rules and etiquette before the trip. Things like keeping your seat belt on at all times, using inside voices, no fighting, whining or crying, and doing whatever the attendants or pilots say because that's the law. Make sure they know to clean up their messes and keep their shoes on any time they walk in the plane. Reward good behavior with a game or activity. Consider buying matching clothes or colored tees for each member of the family. That will help everyone keep track of one another in a crowd and make children easier to spot if separated. Take a full-length picture of your child so you know exactly what he's wearing in case he does get lost. Clothes with no snaps and zippers are a good way to avoid setting off the metal detectors. Slip-on shoes make that part of the trip easier, too. Practice going under a made-up “bridge” of adults with hands raised and touching to simulate going through the detector if you think that will be a problem. Don't forget the camera. Albers bought his son a disposable camera for each trip,. He was always amazed to see vacations through his son’s eyes (and eye level).
SWIM SUMMER IN TO
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ROADTRIP READY
Snacks, toys and an explorer's attitude will help you enjoy the ride
Creating new experiences for kids is fun. Traveling is one of the best ways to give them several. Whether by car or plane, there’s a lot to see and explore. The hard part can be getting there. Planning and packing well can ease the challenge.
KIDS NEED CLOTHES Allow for an outfit a day plus two or three extras. If you’re visiting a place with laundry available, your child can get by with fewer outfits. Try not to buy new clothes for travel. It’s no fun having a miserable kid because the new shirt is itchy. Pack a suitcase for each family member. If you’re combining clothes in a suitcase, use packing cubes for each person's clothes. When you arrive at your destination, simply hand out the cubes and let the kids put their items in a drawer or in a corner on the floor.
KIDS WANT ENTERTAINMENT The key here is balance. Your child's backpack should hold enough entertainment for a break on the road
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but not so much that they never look away from their toys or movies. Take a written inventory of the items and use it as a checklist to prevent items from being left behind on the road.
KIDS ARE MESSY Carry wipes. If traveling by car, keep a trash bag handy and empty it at every stop. Have the kids return items to their backpacks at every stop. This will help maintain the space.
KIDS LIKE TO EXPLORE Traveling is an opportunity to “stop and smell the roses.'' Even if you’re traveling to Grandma’s for the fifth time this summer, stop and explore. Kids enjoy experiencing more than seeing. If you are driving by the World’s Biggest Truck Stop, take a few minutes to go inside. It may not be something you want to see, but your kids will think it’s awesome, especially if you play it up. Welcome centers are also great places to stop and explore. Many have brochures for the state you’re visiting, which can add to the anticipation of reaching your destina-
tion. If you’re in airports, walk around and explore. Kids love conveyors and escalators. Sit by a window where you can see planes and passengers coming and going. This may seem old hat to you, but kids love it.
KIDS NEED TO EAT Stock up on healthy snacks and drinks for backpacks. Nagging, hungry kids are the worst. Snacks in backpacks give kids independence and keep them from constantly asking you for something to eat. Restock their stash when you stop for meals or gas.
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