momaha.com
volume 7 路 issue 5
Get OrGanized Smart snack solutions
FARM DAY FUN
Give kids a fresh take on food
Finding the perfect nanny
MAY 2016
YOUR OWN BIRD’S EYE VIEW Walk across a suspension bridge thirty feet above the forest floor and see majestic birds of prey up close. Introducing Raptor Woodland Refuge, a new sanctuary for non-releasable hawks, falcons, owls, and other raptors in thirteen custom mews. Opening this spring, only at Fontenelle Forest. Each visit to the forest is its own unique adventure, its own story, its own memory to share. Make this one yours.
Visit
FONTENELLEFOREST.ORG for a complete listing of upcoming events and activities.
THE PLACE TO PLAY! For Omaha Area Athletes Ages 4 & Up
REGISTRATION FOR FOOTBALL & CHEER
NOW OPEN!
For more information visit:
MillardAthletics.com 1
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REGISTRATION BEGINS: Summer 1:
MAKE A SPLASH! YMCA Swim Lessons
Members: May 2 Non Members: May 6
Summer 2: Members: June 13 Non Members: June 17
Summer Session 1: May 15-June 25 Summer Session 2: June 26-August 6
REGISTER TODAY AT ANY YMCA LOCATION OR AT WWW.METROYMCA.ORG!
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER DAY CAMP IS STILL OPEN!
JOIN THE FUN! YMCA Summer Day Camp 2016
Preschool Camps • Summer Day Camp • Mini Camps • Specialty Camps Teen Camps • YMCA Camp Platte • Counselor-in-Training Program
YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • www.metroymca.org 3
REGISTER NOW For Summer Swim Lessons!
momaha where moms connect VOLUME 7 . ISSUE 5 . MAY 2016 editor in chief CHRIS CHRISTEN chris.christen@owh.com 402-444-1094
creative director + designer HEIDI THoRSoN hthorson@owh.com 402-444-1351
Once-a-Week Swim Lessons
assistant editor
Two Week Camp Sessions
Classes Available For Ages 6 Mos. & Up, Choose From Morning, Afternoon, Evening & Saturday Morning Time Slots!
kIm CaRpENTER kim.carpenter@owh.com 402-444-1416
momaha.com editor aSHlEE CoffEy ashlee.coffey@owh.com 402-444-1075
production coordinator paT R I C I a “ m U R p H y ” B E N o I T
content contributors aNNIE CaRpENTER DEV HaNUmaRa E R I N fa I R C H I l D kURT a. kEElER H owaR D k . m aRCUS aNNET TE SHUkRy amy TokoS SaNDRa wENDEl
account manager CaRRIE kENTCH carrie.kentch@owh.com 402-444-1448
account executive SaRa BakER sara.baker@owh.com 402-444-1442
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 C aT H l E E N Va N H a U E R cathleen.vanhauer@owh.com 402-444-1209
Call for more information 402-932-2030 LittleWavesFamilySwimSchool.com 4
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 2016 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.
The Rose Theater presents
Dive “Under the Sea” for a swimmingly good time as one of Disney’s alltime favorites splashes to life in this Broadway musical adaptation. Ariel is a bold young mermaid princess fascinated with the human world, in spite of the warnings of her father, King Triton, and her finny friends. When she makes a dangerous deal with Ursula, the Sea Witch, she begins a race against the se ing sun to find true love. With all your favorite songs and an ocean’s worth of colorful characters, you will definitely want The Li le Mermaid to be “Part of Your World!” PREMIUM SHOW • RESERVED SEATING TICKETS: $30 MAIN FLOOR • $25 BALCONY DISCOUNTED RATE FOR MEMBERS EXPECTED RUN TIME: 2 HOURS + INTERMISSION
June 3-26 Sponsors:
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Discount vouchers available at Hy-Vee
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CONTENTS
Real MoMs + advice 8 Momaha.com Editor 10 On Our Radar 12 Be Well 14 Get Organized 26 Nanny Search
diY coRneR
20 Omaha Tote Bag 28 Fairy Garden 32 Teacher Gifts
a daY on THe FaRM 18 Easy Picnic Recipes 22 May Farm Days 24 Farm Fresh in Action
Does Your Child Have ADHD? A new clinical trial is under way in Omaha. Your child may be eligible if he or she is: • 6-12 years old • Taking only one medication for ADHD • Having aggressive & impulsive outbursts Compensation for time and travel provided.
402.934.0044
10040 Regency Pkwy - Omaha qrcomaha.com - info@qrcomaha.com 6
by Omaha Head Coach Derrin Hansen For boys entering 1st - 8th Grades JUNE 20-22 INDIVIDUAL SKILLS RED JUNE 27-29 INDIVIDUAL SKILLS BLACK JULY 20-22 OFFENSIVE IMPROVEMENT JULY 25-27 JUNIOR MAVERICKS CAMP 1ST - 6TH GRADERS
Early Bird Special only $130/week till April 30th or $145 after.
For more information & to register www.unobasketballcamps.com or call 402-554-2574
WE ARE ALWAYS A STEP AHEAD. GEAR UP FOR NEXT YEAR WITH SUMMER SCHOOL AND ATHLETIC CAMPS AT CREIGHTON PREP.
Don’t let your child miss this opportunity to broaden their horizons, get some practice and prepare for a new school year. During June and July, Creighton Prep offers a wide range of summer enrichment courses and athletic camps for a variety of grade levels. Enrichment courses include: • Art for grades 5 and 6 • Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) for grades 7-9 • Weight Training/Exercise for grades 7-9
Summer athletic camps include: • Basketball Academy • Baseball Camp • Soccer Camp (5- to 12-year-old boys and girls) • Speed and Agility Camp
SPOTS ARE LIMITED SO REGISTER NOW. TO LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP, VISIT CREIGHTONPREP.ORG TODAY.
WE ARE PREP. 7400 Western Ave. Omaha, NE 68114-1878 | www.CreightonPrep.org
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MoMAhA.coM editor // AShlee coffey Wife to Kevin Coffey, music critic for the Omaha World-Herald. Mom to Sam. Baby on the way. Native of Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Follow her on Twitter: @ashleecoffeyowH
Let’s hear it for moms – and dads!
A
s I prepare for life with two children, I’m once again reminded of the gift that motherhood truly is for me. Sure, I rarely get time to myself these days. My house is a perpetual mess of toys, crumbs and toddler clothes. And I don’t have extra money to splurge on clothes, jewelry or vacations to the Caribbean. But I wouldn’t trade this life of mine for anything – not the cleanest house in the world or the biggest savings account. As the calendar turns to May and we celebrate Mother’s Day, I hope
all you moms out there will make time to enjoy the little things that go with being a parent – because they disappear in the blink of an eye. I know it’s a little early, but can we talk about dads for just a minute? This month, we’re launching a contest to name an Awesome Dad of Momaha – in time for Father’s Day. Do you have an awesome dad? Tell us about him! We’re accepting Awesome Dad nominations May 9-20. Check momaha.com for details. Starting May 23 and continuing through June 3, you can vote once a day for your favorite Awesome Dad.
The week of June 6, we’ll count down the top vote-getters on momaha.com. On June 13, we’ll introduce Awesome Dad 2016! The contest is a way to pay tribute to all those guys who put their kids first, play dress up with their children, coach a youth team, shoot free throws in the driveway for hours, scare away monsters under beds or make bedtime stories special. Until next time, Happy Mother’s Day to moms everywhere from the entire Momaha team!
Get SociAl Facebook /momahacom TwiTTer @momaha_owh PinTeresT /momahaowh .
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THE BEST PLACE FOR KIDS.
Lawson, age 8 Clubfeet
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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On OUR RADAR // ERin FAiRchilD Erin Fairchild is a 20-something lifestyle blogger living in Omaha. Follow her latest posts at herheartlandsoul.com
HaVe a PaRTY
THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH
Throw your own Cinco de Mayo party for your family with fun props like these mini donkey piñatas from Amazon. Your kids will love the fanciful design and bright colors. Best of all, you can stuff them with everything from confetti and candy to small toys and trinkets.
WHeN THe WeaTHeR GeTS WaRMeR.
STaY HYDRaTeD
Be GOOD TO YOUR eYeS
Treat yourself this Mother’s Day with a purchase that’s good for your eyes and your style. Karen Walker Super Spaceship Sunglasses are the hottest shades of the moment. They’re such a cute, fun design, you’re sure to feel pulled together when wearing them – even if you’re just running errands in yoga pants.
ReaD a CLaSSIC
As the weather gets warmer and your to-do list gets busier with outdoor activities, keep your makeup fresh and skin hydrated with Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. It will help set your makeup, nourish skin and refresh your look after a long day out and about.
What better way to talk about Mother’s Day with young kids than with the classic book Are You My Mother? This beloved tale by P.D. Eastman recounts the story of a baby bird looking for his mama in all the wrong places. Show your young chicks you’re proud to be their mama, and that you are definitely not a “Snort.”
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SNaCK IT UP
If you’re looking to add a new product to your snacking routine, pair Wild Friends Nut Butters with your favorite crackers, veggies and fruit. This brand offers a variety of delicious nut butters in fun flavors like Maple Sunflower Butter. Best of all: they’re organic.
Concerned with your child’s progress report? Organizational Skills
Anxiety
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Attention & Focus
Academic Struggles
Contact today for long term solutions! Classes and private sessions available
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Dial 2-1-1 to locate public and nonprofit human services.
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Learn more at unitedwaymidlands.org 2201 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102 402-342-8232
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ATTENTION GIRLS Grades 5-12 For 2016-2017
What: Where: When: Times:
Girls Lacrosse Camp Millard West High School June 6th-8th, 2016 1 pm-3 pm
COST: $60 Welcome to our first annual intro to lacrosse camp. We will provide a safe environment where we will teach the basics of lacrosse with sticks and soft lacrosse balls. Equipment will be provided, however if you already have a stick, we encourage you to bring it For additonal information go to www.mwlax.com
Grill Bits: tips for HealtHy GrillinG CoMpileD by Sandra Wendel
Go easy on the grilling. With the weather warming up, it’s tempting to fire up the grill - a lot. But experts advise against gung-ho grilling. Why? Charring, burning or grilling meat, poultry and fish over high temperatures causes heterocyclic amines (HCAs) to form. These HCAs can damage your genes and raise your risk for stomach and colorectal cancers, say sources such as The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Of course, with Memorial Day barbecues looming, it’s impossible to avoid the grill altogether, so here are some tips for minimizing those harmful HCAs:
SPECIAL
Daily after 6pm EXTREME WRISTBANDS sell for $14 each
MID WEEK MID-WEEK
Use a MarinaDe. Marinating meat in vinegar, lemon juice and herbs such as mint, rosemary, tarragon or sage can reduce HCA formation by as much as 96 percent. Just 30 minutes in a marinade can make a difference. stiCk witH fisH. Fish contains less fat and cooks faster
than meat and poultry.
liGHtly oil tHe Grill. This keeps charred materials
Occurs EVERY WEDNESDAY JUNE 4-AUG 12TH EXTREME WRISTBANDSS sell for $14 ALL DAY
ED access to go-ka NLIMIT rts, de U lf, laser tag, Spaceba u l llll, inc ini go a W t e d n r W a t a m o r s! psh Jum
from sticking to your food.
pre-Cook fooD. Cook meat, poultry or fish in the microwave or oven for 2 to 5 minutes, then finish on the grill. Less grill time means less exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. lower tHe teMperatUre. For a charcoal grill, spread the coals thinly or prop the grill rack on bricks. This reduces the heat by increasing the distance between your food and the coals. Also, use barbecue briquettes and hardwood products, such as hickory and maple chips. They burn at lower temperatures than softwood (pine) chips. sCrUB tHe Grill. Cleaning the grill after each use prevents harmful chemicals from building up on the surface and transferring to your food. The author, who lives in Omaha, specializes in medical writing. Information for this column was compiled from various medical websites and journals.
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2 1 6
Summer camps & classes for the performing arts! Camps are taught by leading professionals in the field Many performance opportunities One-week & multi-week camps available Camps for ages 4-18, beginners to advanced
Caps off to you, Graduates! Brownell-Talbot extends our congratulations to members of the Class of 2016 across the metro area.
As educators, we share in the pride parents have when their students reach this milestone. We are privileged to be part of helping students achieve their goals. At Brownell-Talbot: College counseling classes begin in 8th grade Every senior attends college Small classes allow for customized curriculum
Safe environment promotes self-discovery Community environment celebrates uniqueness Students thrive in a collegeminded culture
Educational plus emotional support develops the whole student Leadership development outside the classroom
of a Brownell-Talbot education. 402.556.3772
BT Preschool - Grade 12 400 N Happy Hollow Blvd Omaha NE 68132 402.556.3772 brownell.edu
Register for Summer Camps Now!
Aquatics, Athletics, Robotics, Technology, and Retrain Your Brain! brownell.edu
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Get ORGanized // amy tOkOs Amy Tokos is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of Freshly Organized. You can find more organizing tips at freshlyorganized.com.
Kids are always hungry. Keeping snacks handy and healthy can help minimize meltdowns when tummies growl. But managing the whole snacking situation can be a challenge. Here are five organizing tips.
GRAB AND GO
Keep apples, oranges, bananas, grapes and other fresh fruit that your household enjoys in an easy-toreach bowl on the kitchen counter. Soon everyone will be grabbing a piece of fruit on their way out the door. You might even get some takers room to room.
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SELECT A SHELF
Consolidate nonperishable snacks in your pantry. Designate a reachable shelf or cabinet – away from breakfast foods – for these snacks. Store snacks that you don’t want the kids to eat right away on a high shelf. If a snack repeatedly stirs an argument, that’s your cue to remove it from your inventory.
OPEN CONTAINERS
Avoid an “empty box in the pantry” crisis by placing newly purchased snacks into food storage containers (sans lids), baskets or bins. The family shopper can see at a glance when supplies are running low and which snacks should be swapped out for lack of popularity.
TRAVEL PACKS
Be proactive. If you anticipate a long evening at the ballfield, pack snacks to eat between innings. This will spare you from having to leave a game to feed a starving 2-year-old. Going on a road trip? Enlist the kids in preparing individual servings of nutritious snacks.
KEEP A LIST
Keep track of your snack inventory by having a grocery list and a pen handy for the kids when snacks are low. Shop from the list to keep shelves stocked and to discourage overbuying. Here’s the catch: Kids forget to write down things. When they do, get the item on the next trip to the store. Just get it on the list. This advice goes for spouses, too!
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TexT + STyling Heather Winkel PhoTograPhy Dev Hanumara
M
ake your trip to the farm a family event worth celebrating with a nostalgic picnic lunch. The chicken salad is packed with farm fresh ingredients, while the tote is perfect for bringing home local produce. And if your little one is lucky, maybe the hens will be laying!
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on The CoVer Find instructions for our picnic tote bag on Page 20.
learn aBoUT FarM aniMalS Get to know where food comes from. Page 22.
eaSy PiCniC reCiPeS Page 18
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HARD-BOILED EGGS Sprinkle farm fresh hardboiled eggs with Old Bay Seasoning instead of paprika for a more flavorful taste.
Wherever Your Summer Outings Take You, We Have You Covered with Bag Lunches. KIDDO BAG LUNCHES
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$ 99 OPEN ALL DAY EVERYDAY 6AM - 8PM | Conveniently located off I-680 & Center - Rockbrook Village | 402.393.0252 | gardencaferockbrook.com 18
Farm Picnic
ChiCken Salad
1. Mix ½ cup diced celery, ½ cup
diced red onion, 2½ cups cubed chicken breast, 2⁄3 cup quartered red grapes, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt and freshly ground black pepper. 2. Serve on fresh ciabatta bread rolls.
1/2 off first month for new and returning students!
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DOWNLOAD Find a printable copy of this tote bag pattern on mOmAhA.cOm.
MARKET TOTE BAG
1. Print tote design onto 8.5� x 11� iron-on transfer sheet using instructions on package. 2. Cut out circle design with scissors. 3. Center the circle on canvas tote bag with printed side facing down. 4. Using firm, steady pressure iron the transfer onto the bag. 5. Let cool completely before peeling off the back of the transfer sheet.
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Are GMO Foods Really Safe? What are the Differences between Organic and Non-Organic Foods?
When do Farmers use Antibiotics, and Why?
Don’t Fear your Food. Farm Fa rmer rm mer erss of offe fer er an imp mp por o ta tant nt persp nt pec ecti tive ti ve on fo food od od od. That’ t’s why the far arm m wo wome men n of Commo monG nGro r un nd a e a va ar valu uab able resource forr making inf nfor orme m d food-r fo - elated d decisions. Visitt them on thee weeb at Com Visi omm monGrounndN dNeb ebbra raska.co com m annd Findouurc rcom ommo mong mo ngro roun oun u d..co com om
Brou ughtt to you by A Am meric erica’s a’ss soyb soy o ean oy a an and d cor corn far corn farmers meers and nd th their the irr check heckoffs ckoffs off .
AGES: 5-14
Summer
Camps
CAMP REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN TO MEMBERS & NON MEMBERS Â Â Â? Â?Â? Â? Â Â? Â Â? Â
Full-Time Positions Available We are seeking energetic individuals who enjoy working with young children. Previous childcare experience and /or early childhood education helpful.
Please email enrollment @smallmiraclechildcare.com or call Debbie at 402-932-2922.
 €  in � �  � ‚ � ƒ� „ ƒ�
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2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS: 180th & Dodge • 402-932-2922 192nd & Pacific • 402-991-0696
www.smallmiraclechildcare.com 21
Teach your children about where food comes from with May Farm Days TEXT Kim Carpenter PHOTOGRAPHY Courtesy of Gifford Farm
“You are what you eat,”
mothers often admonish when exhorting children to make healthy food choices. They omit, though, the logical sequitur: “And you eat what you know.” Knowing what you eat is easier said than done. Most families get their food from supermarkets, where food is often prepackaged and far removed from its natural state. A visit to a working farm allows kids to witness where food comes from firsthand and learn about wise nutritional choices. This month, Gifford Farm Education Center and Rhizosphere Farm are hosting Farm Days featuring barnyard animals, fresh produce and plenty of fun. “When I grew up, it was typical to have a farmer in the family,” recalled Laura Pedersen, a team leader at Gifford Farm in Bellevue who visited her grandfather’s farm every summer. “Nowadays, kids don’t have that chance, and I think it’s very important, especially in Nebraska.” she said. “Agriculture is one of our biggest job providers, and kids need to make that connection of where their food comes from and appreciate the farming tradition. There’s more to it than just going to the grocery store to get your food.” Terra Hall, who runs Rhizosphere Farm with her husband, Matt, agreed. “Children can be very challenged by not understanding where their food comes from. The best way to empower them is to see it in person.”
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Pedersen said she can often identify the exact moment kids begin to understand the relationship between farms and what they eat. “I see them make the connection when we go through our poultry house and tell them about the chickens,” she said. “Of course, they know where their eggs come from, but when we tell them, ‘McNuggets come from chickens,’ the little lightbulbs go off in their heads. I can see the wheels turning.” At Gifford Farm’s event in early May, youngsters can get up close and personal with horses, donkeys, cows, calves, llamas, rabbits, pigs, chickens, ducks, goats, sheep and lambs. “For a lot of children, this the first time they get to see farm animals up close,” said Pedersen. A similar introduction to food, nature, the farm and its seasons awaits later in the month at Rhizosphere Farm in the Loess Hills near Missouri Valley, Iowa. Seeing a working farm leaves a lasting impression, said Hall. “Kids’ faces light up when they come to the farm and see carrots coming out of the ground and ducks and chickens running everywhere. And they (kids) really connect to seeing food grow,” she said. “I love how that informs their understanding of food and helps them make decisions in the future about how they want to nourish themselves.”
Family Fun Saturday Exotic Animal Day
WhErE: Gifford Farm Education Center, 700 Camp Gifford Road, Bellevue WhEn: May 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Additional Family Fun Days take place on Saturdays, June 4, July 9 and Aug. 6 ADmiSSion: $5 BonuS: Kids ages 4-12 can pull on overalls and become farmers for a week with the center’s half-day summer farm camps; June 20-July 22. www2.esu3.org
Family Farm Day
WhErE: Rhizosphere Farm, 3306 Lima Trail, Missouri Valley, Iowa WhEn: May 29, 3 p.m. ADmiSSion: Free rhizospherefarm.org
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From farmers markets to downtown restaurant, kids can experience fresh produce firsthand TEXT Kim Carpenter & Erin Fairchild
Love to sing? REGISTER NOW for Cantate Choral Academy! Choirs for students entering grades 1-8 Music reading skills, music theory and vocal technique Frequent performance opportunities Affordable tuition
www.trinityepiscopal.org/cantate
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral 402.342.7010 - 113 N 18th Street
E
ven if kids never set foot on a working farm, there are plenty of ways they can still make the connection between what’s sown and grown and what they eat every day. Farmers markets open many of their stalls this month, and Kitchen Table, a downtown family-friendly restaurant, is an ideal spot to head to after the Omaha Farmers Market in the Old Market. The downtown business, run by Colin and Jessica Duggan, focuses on creating high-quality, fuss-free food that’s made with local ingredients whenever possible. It sources its ingredients from farms like Petersons Greens, Squeaky Greens, Rhizosphere Farm, Farm Table Delivery, Tomato Tomato, Botna Burrow, Jones Produce, Branched Oak Cheese, Iowana Farm, Bee Grateful Gardens and Lone Tree Foods. The restaurant has received lots of recognition in the few years it has been open, but according to Jessica, “There is nothing fancy about the food we make. What sets us apart are superior ingredients. A head of lettuce picked fresh that morning is always more flavorful in taste as compared to one that has been sitting in a warehouse or semitrailer for weeks.” Menu offerings include dishes made with in-season asparagus, carrots, beets, peas, mushrooms, leeks and Calabrese broccoli. Jessica says, “Supporting local farmers doesn’t just have an economic impact, it also has a cultural one. It enhances everyone’s pride and sense of place – our community!” As an added bonus, families can head to the mall after lunch for some quick trips down the giant slides and a leisurely stroll around Heartland of America Park to visit with the local population of geese, ducks and young swans.
FarmErs markET kickoFFs
main street Farmers market, may 5 Thursdays, 5-8 p.m. Historic 100 Block of West Broadway, Council Bluffs Benson Farmers market, may 7 Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Omaha Home for Boys, 4343 N. 52nd St. omaha Farmers market, old market, may 7 Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jackson and 11th Streets omaha Farmers market, aksarben Village, may 8 Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aksarben Village, 67th and Center Streets Bellevue Farmers market, may 14 Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon Washington Park on Franklin Street at West 20th Avenue, Bellevue
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Here’s where to start TEXT Annette Shukry, Momaha.com blogger
For many parents who work, summer break means making plans for summer childcare. Perhaps you and your spouse both work full time and need a nanny every weekday for 12 weeks straight. Maybe one of you works part time, and you only need a sitter who can help with the kids a few days a week. Or maybe you stay home during the day and need a sitter here and there so you can run errands and do household tasks. Whatever your situation, your family won’t be able to get through the summer without the help of a nanny or sitter. As you embark on the process of finding the right person, here are a few tips.
1. Look for someone who specifically wants summer work.
A student or teacher may be ideal. If you hire someone who prefers year-round employment, he or she might spend time with your kids looking for other jobs, or worse, leave before summer is over.
2. Know your logistics.
How many hours will the sitter work? And when? Will your nanny need to drive his or her car to shuttle kids around and run errands or will your vehicle be available? Will you ask your nanny to do light housekeeping? Share these details during your interview, so the candidate isn’t surprised when hired.
3. Identify the qualities that are important to you in a caregiver.
Do you want someone who is a certain age? Who is certified in CPR or first aid? How much experience do you prefer or require? What ages of children has your top candidate cared for in the past? Does he or she have a record of being reliable, prepared and in charge? Knowing what you’re looking for in advance will make it easier to identify the right sitter.
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4. Be upfront about pay.
Minimum wage – $9 an hour in Nebraska – should provide a baseline for what you pay your nanny. However, experienced sitters command between $13 to $15 an hour. The number of kids being cared for, how many days a week will be worked and whether you need the nanny for nights or weekends should also factor into the wages you offer. Be frank about whether you’ll need the nanny to join you on family vacations or whether you will offer paid time off while you’re out of town. That way, you won’t have any awkward conversations about money later in the summer.
5. Brainstorm summer activities.
You might expect your sitter to come up with a few ideas for summer activities, such as trips to the park or pool, summer festivals or story time at the library. But let’s face it – summer days can get long, especially if you have kids who are used to more structured days at school. Before your nanny starts, make a list of places your kids can go and activities they enjoy. Your nanny can still plan each day, but having a list of extras to choose from can keep everyone from having the summertime blues. Every family has different needs when it comes to childcare. In fact, as the ages of our children change, so do their needs and interests. As a result, what you’re looking for in a summer nanny might change every year. The best advice I can give, based on what I’ve learned from interviewing dozens of sitters over the past few years, is to be flexible and open-minded during this process. Also, never give up or lower your standards if you can’t find the right person right away. Your kids deserve nothing less than the best. Annette Shukry has two children and owns SeekingSitters, a full-service nanny and babysitting referral service with locations in Omaha and Lincoln.
GET MORE LIKES AT THE DINNER TABLE. HEALTHYKOHLSKIDS.COM
2016 Jr.
Golf Programs P
Snag Golf 5-8 yrs
SNAG is the first step of the pathway for all players new to the game. We provide all the equipment to make that first step fun. Wednesday June 1st - June 29th / July 6th August 3rd / 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM For beginning golfers with limited golf experience. Each session will consist of golf swing instructions, activities and on course skill building. Tuesdays June 7th - August 9th / 8AM to 9:45AM.
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registration
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We came across this fanciful fairy home in a Midtown neighborhood. Be on the lookout. You may have some new neighbors of your own.
Add enchantment to your child’s room with an indoor fairy garden TEXT Kim Carpenter STYLING Annie Carpenter PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson
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If you’ve ever seen fairies out of the corner of your eye, you know the magic they create. Delicate as butterflies and fast as hummingbirds, these charming childhood companions open doors into whimsical realms filled with fantasy, imagination and creativity. An indoor fairy garden is a delightful way to invite these winged wee folk into your child’s room as well as add some air-purifying greenery.
INDOOR FAIRY GARDEN HOW TO MAKE IT:
1. Fill shallow container
(large enough to hold several plants and fairy decorations) about half way with potting soil and small houseplants (We used two “Pamela� ivies and one coffee plant). Fairies love natural materials, so avoid plastic when choosing your base. 2. Insert small grapevine wreath vertically into soil to create an arched trellis. 3. Cover soil with floral moss. 4. Lay decorative stones to create a small patio or path. 5. Position miniature furniture. Get creative with your youngster by using household items such as thimbles, small glass jars, metal lids and spools of thread for furniture. You can also fashion tables or chairs from bark, twigs and stones. 6. Watch the enchantment unfold. It may take a few days for fairies to discover their new habitat, but frequently, they move items around slightly to announce their presence to children in the household. Your child will take delight in any redecorating.
DESIGN YOUR OWN Miniature funiture and additions to complete your fairy garden. Fairy tree trunk seat, $7 Mini gnome, $6 Fairy tree trunk bench, $9 Ladybugs, $3 each Fairy tree trunk table, $9 Fairy stepping stones, $10 (set of 6)
BLUE POMEGRANATE GALLERY BLUEPOM.COM
Fairy garden set, $25 TARGET
TARGET.COM
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These books will
keep the enchantment alive
“How to Find Flower Fairies,” “Fairyopolis” and “The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies”
by Cicely Mary Barker. These classics will delight young and old alike. Barker’s gentle drawings and descriptions bring fairies – and their world – to beautiful life. Kindergarten and older
“The Rainbow Fairy” adventure series by Daisy
Meadows. Follow best friends Rachel and Kirsty as they aid a kingdom of fairies in their quest to thwart Jack Frost and his goblins. Ages 7-10
“Pixie Hollow” series by RH Disney. When Disney
rebooted “Tinkerbell,” it introduced the magical realm of Pixie Hollow along with a vast array of fairies, each of whom has a special talent. Ages 8-12
“Pinkalicious: Fairy House” by Victoria Kann. The little girl who loves all things pink celebrates spring by making a fairy house for her little friends. Ages 4-8 “The Spiderwick Chronicles” by Tony DiTerlizzi
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August 12 , 13 , 14 2016 th
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Hastings, Nebraska
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and Holly Black. Join twins Jared and Simon and their sister Mallory as they discover a world full of fairies. Ages 7 and older
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END CHILD ABUSE BE SOMEONE SO O
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MONdAY: COffEE
For the teacher who gets me up and going. Choose a special gourmet coffee. Many teachers now have Keurig machines in their rooms, so pods would be an especially welcome gift.
TuESdAY: CANdLE
For the teacher who lights my way. Select a lightly scented candle to enjoy at home. Don’t send matches or lighters with this gift, as many schools have policies prohibiting students from bringing them to school.
WEdNESdAY: HOuSEPLANT
Make your child’s teacher feel special all week long TEXT Kim Carpenter STYLING Kim Carpenter + Annie Carpenter PHOTOGRAPHY Heidi Thorson
Teachers work hard. They not only educate, but also nurture, encourage and foster curiosity. They’re instructors, role models and cheerleaders, and they have a significant presence in your child’s life outside family members. Teacher Appreciation Week is May 2-6. Show teachers how much they mean with a gift a day, or a single gift at the beginning of the week. Either way, the person at the head of the classroom is sure to be touched.
For the teacher who helps me grow. Go with an easy-to-grow, minimal care plant like a pothos in a neutral planter that will complement any home – or classroom – décor.
THuRSdAY: CHOCOLATE For the teacher who’s sweet. Fill a small dish with individually wrapped gourmet chocolates or other sweets.
fRIdAY: HANdWRITTEN LETTER
For the teacher who means the world to me. Have your child write a personal note citing things that make the teacher particularly special. This will most likely be the most meaningful gift of the week.
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