2021 October Momaha Magazine by Omaha World-Herald

VOLUME 12 · ISSUE 10 OCTOBER

*Dip your own fun-to-eat snack

2021

KILEY CRUSE

CONTENTS

REAL MOMS + ADVICE

SEASONAL

SPONSORED FEATURE YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA

First timer? Don’t sweat it STORY Anna Stech, Armbrust YMCA Group Fitness Manager

just what a person is looking for. Fortunately, there are a few simple tips to help alleviate anxiety prior to your first group fitness class: ARRIVE EARLY Showing up a few minutes early will allow you the opportunity to choose a place in the room that feels best to you. Perhaps you’re like me and want that space at the very back, or maybe you prefer to be right up front so you can see and hear the instructor well. You will also have the time to chat with the instructor quickly about what to expect as well as any modifications you might need.

YMCA

How to reduce anxiety when joining a group fitness class

e have spent the better part of the past weeks sending kids back to school or off to college. We have listened to their worries and tried to calm their fears. We do not often consider how these same fears and anticipation affect adults as they make their way to their first group fitness class. For many people, the idea of working out with 20+ people can be very daunting. Sometimes it’s enough to get us right up to the door before turning around to head to a treadmill instead. It may be those selfconscious feelings... • What if I can’t keep up? • What if I’m not strong enough or fast enough? • What if everyone else knows each other? I felt these same fears walking into my

October 2021

first group fitness class, which seems like forever ago. I remember walking directly to the back corner and then mimicking exactly what the person next to me had set up just hoping that no one would notice me, and I would be able to complete the class with my dignity still intact. Oh, but that was just too much to ask. The gentleman who was standing next to me promptly announced my presence to the instructor and the rest of the class to let everyone know I was a newbie! I was mortified, until the instructor popped right in and said, “She’s not new, I’ve known her forever.” It wasn’t true, but I couldn’t have been more grateful at that moment. The rest is history; as a group fitness instructor I always do my best to welcome everyone and keep in mind that anonymity may be

TAKE A FRIEND It’s always nice to have a familiar face there for support and accountability. It will be much more difficult to bail on the class when your friend is there too. It helps to have a friend who can laugh with you when you miss a step or cheer you on when you nail that pushup. REMEMBER EVERYONE ELSE IS THERE FOR THEMSELVES As hard as it may seem to believe, the other members in class aren’t there to judge. They are there to workout. They aren’t watching you; they are focused on getting the most out of their workout. Keep in mind they were new once too and would more than likely love to offer you support and encouragement! COME BACK Remember no one has their best performance on their first day. Show yourself grace and come back. Try out lots of classes and lots of instructors until you find the ones that make you feel successful and motivated. The only workout we regret is the one we do not do. Group fitness helps to motivate us, keep us accountable, and allows us to be part of a community. We would love to welcome you to class! Learn more at www.metroymca.org.

Further Your Child’s Walk

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EXERCISE YOUR HEART I N M O R E W AY S T H A N O N E Join the Y, and you’re getting so much more than a gym.

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YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA • metroymca.org 5

BE WELL

WORKING-MOM

BURNOUT 5 ways to prevent draining yourself from parenting and your job STORY Gina Grippo-Martinez | Kiplinger

October 2021

e already know the devastating impact COVID has had on women in the workforce — four times as many women as men dropped out of the labor force last September, and 9.8 million working mothers were suffering from burnout. As a working mom, I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to raise my children while also building my own career. I genuinely believe that I have been blessed with the opportunity to have the best of both worlds. Every mom knows the joy that comes from raising children — and how often that joy can be found nestled between the familiar and crushing walls of fatigue. If we are stretching ourselves too thin between motherhood and careers, then we won’t be our best selves for either. As the world opens back up and we can return to some semblance of our normal lives, here are five tactics that helped me navigate and balance employment and parenting while avoiding burnout.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

It’s impossible to be everywhere at once. Try to split school events with your spouse or other members of your support system. When my girls were in grade school, my husband had more flexibility at work than I did. So, it was dad selling hot dogs with the other moms on “Hot Dog Day.” My daughters loved seeing him there, as it was uncommon for a dad to be there, and he had a great time. It’s a memory my girls still laugh about to this day. Don’t stress about making fancy desserts for bake sales, either. While you may feel obligated to say yes to everything, remember not to stretch yourself too thin.

OUTSOURCE

Think about operating your home like a small business. Try to outsource everything you don’t like or don’t have time to do, if you have the resources to do so. Your time is valuable, so consider where it’s best spent. I am a very neat person, but cleaning the house is so time consuming. Having someone clean my house once a week when the girls lived at home was the best money ever spent. This opened more time for me to spend on both the kids and my career.

TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF

It may seem out of the question, but finding time for yourself is critical for your mental health. I know you’re probably so focused on your children, your career and your home that finding a few minutes for yourself can seem impossible. But that time will be well spent — even if you have to wake up early to have some “you” time. I love to wake up early to have some time to myself before the chaos of the day gets started. My “me” time is a daily workout. This is a part of my day I will never miss. It is a positive outlet that releases endorphins and a great way to start your day. Find your positive outlet. Every mom deserves at least one thing they do just for themselves.

NEGOTIATE FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST

This doesn’t only apply to your salary. Years ago, I lived on Long Island but worked in Manhattan. As my kids grew older, I needed to be closer to home. I asked my boss at the time if he would open a Long Island office for me, and his initial response was “no.” So, I took it upon myself to do research and build a case for an office space nearby. I found an office that was cheaper than the desk in their NYC office and showed him how I would be able to be more productive with a shorter commute. I made such a compelling argument that he had no choice but to say “yes.” This win was amazing and life changing for me and my family. Understand what is most important to you, and figure out a way to make it happen. You have to advocate for yourself, because no one else will.

BUILD A SOLID SUPPORT SYSTEM

Having child care was necessary for me to continue with my career. But beyond our sitter, I also put trust in my daughters’ teachers and took advice from other parents, especially those who had older children. Starting with the fifth grade, teachers told us not to help our girls with homework so they could learn how to do it on their own. While it was hard at first, it was a blessing in disguise, because it taught my children how to be independent and figure things out on their own. I had friends whose kids were in high school, and the parents were still trying to help them with their homework. Other mothers also gave me great advice and helped me feel like I was not in it alone. It truly takes a village to raise a family, and it is always OK to ask for help.

Dip-your-own apple bar brings sweet fun to your next gathering STORY, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Kiley Cruse

October 2021

ourmet caramel apples are so eye-catching. And they come in so many fun flavor combinations that it’s often hard to choose. The problem comes when trying to eat one. They are often made with gigantic apples and are covered in so much gooey goodness you can barely sink your teeth into them. Problem solved. Create a DYO (dip your own) apple bar. Instead of using whole apples, cored and sliced apples allow for easier eating and the option to try multiple flavor combinations. To create your own apple bar, start with a mixture of red and green apples. The tartness of a Granny Smith pairs well with the sweetness of the dips and toppings. Some prefer a sweet apple. Whatever flavor you choose, wash them well. Use an apple corer/slicer to cut the apples. There are a number of ways you can prevent the apples from browning: • A squeeze of lemon juice • A squirt of pineapple juice • Clear soda, such as Sprite or 7-up • Fruit fresh (often found near canning supplies) Next, decide what dipping options you prefer. We like caramel, chocolate and white chocolate. You can produce endless combinations with these three easy-to-make dips. Caramel: Combine one 14-ounce package of unwrapped caramels with two tablespoons of milk. Melt one of two ways: microwave for two minutes, stirring halfway through; or put in a 1-quart slow cooker on low for 2 hours, stirring every 20 to 30 minutes. Chocolate: Combine 1 cup of chocolate chips, ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir. Microwave an additional 15 to 30 seconds depending on the microwave, and then whisk until smooth. White Chocolate: Heat ½ cup of whipping cream to a near boil. Pour over 9 ounces of white chocolate, and whisk until smooth. Last comes the fun part. The toppings. The combinations are endless. Here are just a few ideas. Muffin tins, silicone muffin cups or

small prep bowls are great serving vessels for the toppings. • Toffee bits • Mini marshmallows • Mini chocolate chips • Mini M&Ms • Gummy bears/worms • Toasted coconut shreds • Chopped peanuts • Slivered almond • Crushed Oreos • Pretzel pieces • Graham cracker crumbs

• Cinnamon sugar • Chopped Butterfinger • Chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Apples can be served in a couple of different ways. Add slices to a bowl or plate and add dips and toppings over the top. Or you can buy candy sticks to skewer the apples and each person to dip them like fondue. We don’t recommend wooden bamboo skewers as the sharp point on them could hurt kids.

FOR THE

STORY, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY Ashlee Coffey

hat’s Halloween without a little spooky decoration at home? This lit pumpkin tower will be the hit of the neighborhood, and especially with little trick-or-treaters on Halloween night. While time consuming, the end results are to die for and can be reused year after year.

October 2021

PUMPKIN TOWER • 5 foam pumpkins (found at any craft store) • Christmas lights, number of strands needed will depend on the length of the strands and the size of the pumpkins • A fall-colored planter • Dirt/potting soil • 1-inch dowel rod the height of the five pumpkins stacked on top of each other • Scrap 2-by-4-inch pieces of wood • Pencil • Hay, leaves or branches • Orange duct tape (or whatever color your pumpkins will be) • Orange acrylic paint (in case you need to touch the pumpkins up) • Dremel tool • Drill with a 1-inch spade bit 1. Using the pencil, draw different faces on each of the five pumpkins. You can hand draw or find templates online. 2. Next, use the Dremel tool to cut out the faces. Have patience, this is the longest part of the project. If you don’t have a Dremel, a box cutter or knife can be used but be careful! If you have a sanding attachment on your Dremel, use it to smooth out the cut outs. Once cutting and sanding is finished, use the acrylic paint to touch up any spots if necessary. 3. Next, take the scrap 2-by-4-inch pieces of wood and place them in the bottom of the planter in an “x” shape. They should fit nicely in your planter. 4. Using a drill with a 1-inch spade bit, create a hole in each piece of wood. With the wood still in an “x” shape, secure your dowel rod into the holes. 5. Next, add dirt to your planter and pack it down around the dowel rod. Add hay, leaves or branches (with spider webs even) to cover the dirt and make it festive or extra spooky. 6. Gather your pumpkins. Use your drill to cut two 1-inch holes that will fit over the dowel. The pumpkins should all sit at angles, so make sure your top and bottom holes are opposite from each other. Use a pencil to mark all the pumpkins first and make sure they are sitting how you like before you drill the holes. Then drill a hole in the back of each pumpkin for the lights. 7. Erase any pencil lines or cover them up with the acrylic paint if needed. Now stack the pumpkins by sliding them onto the dowel. 8. Stick a strand of light inside each pumpkin with the end hanging out the back. If your light strands are long, you can stick a few lights into each pumpkin until you reach the bottom. Use duct tape to cover the holes. It doesn’t have to be pretty. It won’t be visible. 9. Plug all the strands together and then plug the bottom one into an outlet and voila! You have a beautiful illuminated pumpkin tower. Note: Be sure this is kept in a covered porch area and don’t forget to unplug the tower before you go to bed. — Inspiration from www.diycandy.com

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Understanding your child’s bite Tips for decreasing biting behavior

nless your child is bobbing for apples, biting can be scary and frustrating. Understanding why your child bites and how to respond is important in decreasing the behavior. Children bite for a variety of reasons. They may be overwhelmed socially. They might be looking for oral stimulation. Or they are biting because they are hungry or bored. Here are some tips to decrease biting behavior:

October 2021

YOUR CHILD BITES WHEN PLAYING WITH OTHERS

YOUR CHILD BITES WHEN HUNGRY

Join your child during play and encourage them to learn how to take turns, share and communicate with others in the moment. If your child bites, calmly remove your child from the situation, avoiding too much negative attention. Keep your attention focused on the child who was bitten, as even negative attention can encourage biting.

Oﬀer your child healthy and developmentally-appropriate snacks that promote stimulation. Opt for crackers, pretzels, rice cakes and other crunchy snack items.

YOUR CHILD IS BITING FOR ORAL STIMULATION Allow your child to use a teething ring or cloth. You can also place a teether in the fridge to soothe sore gums.

YOUR CHILD BITES WHEN TIRED OR BORED

Try to provide opportunities for rest. Increase nap times by 10-15 minutes and avoid stressful or stimulating activities when your child is tired. If your child is experiencing boredom, provide interesting and new activities to explore. Change your child’s environment as needed by going outside or playing in a new location.

If the biting behavior continues, try to be patient with your child and be nearby during play time. Be open to having conversations about your child’s biting with anyone who cares for your child. If your child’s biting does not decrease over time, it might be time to seek guidance from a professional. The Early Development Network provides free developmental evaluations for children from 0-3 years old. Call 402-597-4936 or visit omahaedn.esu3.org for more information. Adapted from the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning, Vanderbilt University.

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All Tips to make your next family photo session a success STORY Ashlee Coffey

ADOBESTOCK PHOTOS

October 2021

s fall arrives, many families start planning their annual family photo session. While we usually love the results, the planning and actual photo session can be a bit stressful, to say the least. Here are some tips from area photographers that will help make your next family photo session a success. 1. Use positive reinforcement. “No bribes or threats. Your kids will tend to mirror your feelings towards photos, so if you’re excited, it helps your kids get excited.” — Katie Hammond, Katie Hammond Photography 2. Wear comfortable clothes. “You can have the most gorgeous outfit picked out but if you’re not comfy in it, you’ll be able to tell by your body language. You should be able to stand, sit, walk and bend comfortably.” — Emily Dukat, EMDukat Photography 3. Moms, pick your outfits first. “We tend to be more critical on how we look in something, so if we find something we love and are comfortable in, it’s a much more smooth process finding something that coordinates with that. And I always emphasis coordination and not matchy-match.” — Heather Hochstetler, Life Inspired Photography

4. Try a morning session. While everyone has to get up early, families “score great light, the most mild temperatures of the day and are done before breakfast. And what’s better than rewarding an awesome photo session than with grabbing a rare breakfast out with family while everyone’s looking adorable?” — Hochstetler 5. Look at the photographer. This is especially important for moms and dads. “When posing with kids, keep looking at the photographer. Let the photographer get the kids’ attention.” — Katie Sharpe, Katie Sharpe Images 6. Have patience. “Try to live in the moment and not get frustrated with your littles! Trust your photographer; they captured some great images.” — Britnee Hoffner, Emerald Light Photography 7. Try on outfits early. This means one to two weeks early. “This gives plenty of time if something needs to be exchanged or sized up or down. Have everyone move in their outfit — standing, sitting and walking.” — Joey Winn Hansen, Joey Winn Portrait Studio

8. Bring the pets. If you’re taking family photos with pets, don’t wear black or white shirts. “It will make your pet sort of drowned out or dull looking and (they) won’t stand out. Do wear fun soft or rich colors without a busy print.” — Kala Howard, Dogtography by Kala Howard 9. Do some last-minute checks. Don’t forget to check hair for flyaways and faces for food and dirt before the session begins. — Katherine McPherson, Katherine McPherson Photography 10. Plan around kiddos. For families with little kids, try to plan around meal and nap times so they’re fed and happy before a session. “Grumpy kids are hard to photograph!” — Jamie Zarlingo, Adélie Photo & Film

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

CANDY CORN ORNAMENT

Old World Christmas, which makes ornaments for occasions year-round, has created the perfect fall decor accessory — a candy corn ornament. With this ornament you can enjoy Halloween all year long. $8.99, oldworldchristmas.com

PLUS-PLUS HALLOWEEN TUBE

This spooky season, kids can build their own bat or jack-o’lantern with the PlusPlus Halloween tube. This STEM activity will keep kids entertained for hours. Ages 5+. $7.99, Amazon.com.

CUTE AS A BUG

Dress your little one as the Very Hungry Caterpillar to trick-or-treat. The costume is perfect for a cool Halloween night — it is comfy, cozy, warm and utterly adorable. It’s made of soft corduroy and velboa with plump padding and embroidered details. The onepiece design includes the costume with an attached hood. Sizes range from 0-6 months, 6-12 months and 12-24 months. $69, potterbarn.com

October 2021

HALLOWEEN MAGNA-TILES

CreateOn and Crayola have teamed up to offer PaintOn Magna-Tiles. With this fun toy, kids can paint Halloween designs on the tiles and put them together to build their own creations or even display them as a suncatcher. Or, add an LED light inside to illuminate them. $24.95, createon.com

When children are your everything, Anything can be. At Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, science and heart lead us to even greater pediatric breakthroughs. We provide the very best in pediatric specialty care, advance pediatric research, educate tomorrow’s experts and advocate for children, families and entire communities – to improve the future of medicine, and the life of every child. To find a physician for your child, call 1.800.833.3100 or visit ChildrensOmaha.org.

Education

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Research

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Advocacy

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Care

Rediscover the Magic!

Corduroy Oct 2 29 - Nov 14, 2021

Dec 3 -19, 2021 De

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Jan an 2 28 - Feb 13, 2022

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Rediscover the magic of live theater the entire family will love during the 2021-22 season at The Rose! Introduce young children to the theater with a memorable mainstage experience with Corduroy. Share an empowering message about being yourself with Giraffes Can’t Dance or the power of dreams with the world premiere of Carmela Full of Wishes. And, of course, get set for an entertaining evening for the entire family at the world’s most beloved musical, The Sound of Music! Set the stage for an experience your entire family will enjoy – at Omaha’s beautiful Rose Theater!

June 3-1 3-19, 2022

Tickets start at just $20. Memberships available.

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Tickets & memberships available at www.rosetheater.org

2021 October Momaha Magazine

Articles inside

On Our Radar

Caramel Apple Bar

Early Development Network

Family Photo Tips

Be Well

YMCA of Greater Omaha