Sept/Oct Willamette Kids and Family Magazine

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(503)362-9548 www.BryanJohnsonOrthodontics.com

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Back to School!

While at the dentist with my daughter today, he imparted some wisdom that went beyond flossing.

He told her that an important thing to remember is that while the days may be long, the years are short.

Oh, that one made me tear up! The dental bill at the end made me tear up too, but for an entirely different reason. :) My kids are senior and sophomores this year. I did the math the other day, and factoring in all four children, when my youngest graduates, I will have been parenting them for 30 years. It’s like I am in the last three laps of a 30 lap marathon.

Those laps feel really,really short, as I head to the finish line. I find it hard to catch my breath.

I know it can get old- being told to savor the time with your kiddos and to relish every spilled milk, laundry-piled-up, kids-riled-up moment. As parents, we can occasionally get caught up in the stress of moment and lose sight of the blessings.

I get that way too, of course. I just pray that I don’t forget a thing. That the highs make me smile and that I can reflect on the lows and know that no matter what- our little team of a family made it through, hands held tightly and heads held high.

Anyway, this issue is packed full of useful info for you by local experts. I reached out for help with this issue, and you won’t be disappointed. From acne to giftedness; attendance to how to best handle stress... back to school time has it’s own challenges and sweet, remarkable moments.

Mark your calendars, y’all. Here we go again. Have fun packing those backpacks and school supply shopping... these years are short.

Dedicated to my sweet, sweet mama.

I miss you so much already.

October 1941- August 2019

Yvette 5

Sept/ Oct 2019 PUBLISHER Yvette Tripp

ISSUE 25

EDITOR Yvette Tripp

yvette@willamettekidsandfamily.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Yvette Tripp ADVERTISING Yvette Tripp 307.797.6730

Willamette Kids & Family PO Box 266 Midwest, Wyoming 82643

www.willamettekidsandfamily.com Willamette Kids and Family is a free community bi-monthly publication. We are dedicated to being a central hub for information in the Salem - Keizer area, by providing a variety of current news and resources to help local Oregonians care for their families.

We promote neighborhood family-centered businesses by increasing their visibility within their target market. Willamette Kids and Family promotes peace and prosperity and never publish any information that could be construed as harmful or libelous. We never discriminate based on race, sex, religion or favorite brand of macaroni and cheese.

No content may be reproduced without written permission of the editor.

Copyright 2017-2019. All rights reserved

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Many of us can liken our summer season to the Velveteen Rabbit - well loved and worn around the edges. The rhythm of fall beckons a return to efficiency with a promise of ease, perhaps bringing to mind a stroll in the park among golden-leafed trees. Bring that sense of ease into your moment-to-moment experience with these tips as you find your fall groove.

-Making a list of the steps you’ll need to take to plan the vacation is a step.

Sometimes, the most accessible step is to sharpen a pencil or put a bottle of cleaner and a rag on the counter. Whatever smaller step you can take, do it, and notice how much more efficient you feel at the end of the day or week. Tracking your steps on paper can offer a visual boost to this practice.

Break projects down into tasks.

Take an interval approach.

In education, we call this principle scaffolding.

You might imagine a ladder, with the big goal or completed project at the top.

Whether your to do list is in your head or on paper, this strategy helps you get it done more efficiently. Anything that will take longer than 20 minutes is a project, less than that, a task (or step on the ladder).

This can be applied to planning a vacation or cleaning the house or homework or having that tough conversation with someone important to you. When the big project or end goal feels overwhelming, you’re less likely to even get started. Breaking it down to bite sized chunks helps make it accessible.

Here are some examples of breaking projects down into tasks.

-Writing down some thoughts you might like to share in that difficult conversation could be a 15 minute step on the ladder.

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You may have heard of interval training for physical health. Productivity research has shown it’s an effective tool for getting stuff done, too. And resiliency research tells us it’s good for our mental health.

How does this look in practice? In two words, take breaks! How often do we need breaks, and for how long? One international socialnetworking company looked at their top performing employees and found they preferred an average routine of 52 minutes working time followed by a 17 minute break.

You probably don’t work in the same industry, but the example is useful as a starting place for self-observation. You might create a formal tracking system, or you might decide how frequently to check in with yourself and your needs for a brain and/or body break.

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of noticing these elements of your physical experience has a soothing effect on the parts of your brain that deal with stress.

Don’t buy in to the lie that you have to keep going until you are burnt out to get it all done.

Once you’ve become aware of your body, you might notice small shifts you can make to improve your state. You might sit differently, invite a deeper breath, stretch, or move.

Optimize your breaks.

So many of us can go for hours and hours without realizing we haven’t stopped to eat (and enjoy the food), take a conscious breath, or even use the bathroom. Our ‘breaks’ are often completing other tasks, like scheduling doctor’s appointments for our kids on our lunch break, or catching up on social media while the baby’s napping.

If you choose to spend a few more moments staying with yourself, you might reflect deeper on what your system needs to feel restored.

Some common needs found all across the globe with different groups of people include: rest, play, connect with others, support, creative expression, sharing, and freedom.

(See cnvc.org for more on needs.)

How our brains work with relationship to stress has been illuminated in the last decade or so. Our bodies go through the same stress pathway whether we’ve spotted a lion ready to pounce or we’re thinking about that deadline at work.

A key strategy for making your break really count, then, is including an element of body awareness.

Here are some suggestions for how to do that: Notice what’s happening in your body. You’re looking for sensations like warmth, tightness, relaxation, heaviness, and openness. You also might notice your breath and the quality of your breath, or your heartbeat. The simple act

Once you’ve finished - whether thirty seconds or thirty minutes - notice how you feel. Notice how you move through the rest of your day.

Notice what worked and what didn’t work.

Make a plan, whether formal or mental notation, of how you can build more moments like this into your day, for yourself, your kids, the people you care about, and to make the world a better place to live.

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Jenifer offers digestible, useable neuroscience and practical tools from trauma and resiliency research to youth, parents, and educators through her books, coaching services, mindfulness classes, and trainings.

Learn more at www.wisemindservices.com

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POWER PACKED Lunchbox Ideas Living in the Willamette Valley means that fresh and healthy produce is just a roadside stand away! Packing and prepping wholesome lunches doesn’t have to be a chore. You can kick health into high gear this school year with new ideas to make creative, nutrient-rich meals.

Fit to satisfy various dietary restrictions, the Power Your Lunchbox program offers kidfriendly options and allergy-sensitive selections. The program, which is dedicated to helping families make healthier lunches during the school year, features more than 80 registered dietitian-approved, familytested meal ideas with produce as a focal point.

Chinese Mandarin Pasta Salad Bento Box Prep time: 20 minutes Servings: 1

16 ounces rotini pasta 6 mini sweet peppers, sliced 3 mandarin oranges, peeled /segmented 3 green onions, sliced 2 cups baby spinach, chopped 1/2 cup matchstick carrots 1/2 cup sesame ginger dressing 1/4 cup chow mein noodles 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced 1/2 cup steamed edamame

Consider skipping the typical sandwich, chips and apple. Instead, it only takes a few minutes to embark on a creative approach to lunch. Get the kids involved by having them use small cookie cutters to make fresh fruits and vegetables into fun shapes.

Try complementing the produce with wraps or soups to add extra excitement to typical lunchbox fare.

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water.

Regardless if your child is a picky eater or is on the more adventurous side, bento box lunches such as Chinese Mandarin Pasta Salad Bento Box and Turkey Taco Salad Bento Box can prove to be satisfying, power-packed meals.

In large bowl, mix pasta, peppers, oranges, green onions, spinach, carrots & dressing.

Toss to coat well.

Top with chow mein noodles.

Place in lunchbox with kiwi and edamame.

For more lunchbox inspiration, visit poweryourlunchbox.com.

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SANDWICH FREE

Turkey Taco Salad Bento Box Prep time: 10 minutes Servings: 1

1 cup chopped romaine lettuce or spinach 1/4 cup cooked turkey meat, seasoned with taco seasoning 2 tablespoons shredded cheese 4 cherry tomatoes, quartered 2 tablespoons guacamole 1 ounce tortilla chips

Uncommon Ideas Food on Sticks- Chicken,

ham or beef skewers, sausage kebabs

Assemble taco salad with lettuce, taco meat, cheese and tomatoes.

Quesadillas Spring Rolls Deli Meat Roll-Ups Vegetable Sushi or Onigiri Cold Noodle Salads Hummus and Pita Plate Quinoa Salad Refried Beans, Cheese & Salsa Ham and Cheese Cubes

Place in lunchbox with guacamole and chips.

Energy Bites- 1 3/4 cup quick cooking oats 3/4 cup of peanut butter, 1/4 cup of honey handful of carob chips.

Feeding your kiddo doesn’t have to be complicated. Bento boxes can serve up nutrition and fun all nestled in it’s cute little compartments. You can find all sorts of tasty and unusual lunch ideas that pack a powerful, nutritional punch, by visiting www.poweryourlunchbox.com!

Stir until everything is well combined and then form into balls and refrigerate before packing.

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Is your Child GIFTED? Find us on facebook! /willamettekidsandfamily

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The term “Gifted” sounds pretentious— elitist really—and is largely misunderstood. Giftedness exists in every demographic group and personality type. It is not equal to high achievement, performance, smarts or talent; rather giftedness is a different way of thinking and interacting with the world.

• • • •

While it’s true that gifted children have an increased capacity for concepts beyond that of their same-aged peers, these precocious children have developmental differences in abstract reasoning, emotional sensitivity and intensity. They perceive and interact with the world differently from other children. Gifted is who they are.

Perhaps most notably, gifted children experience “asynchrony.” This is a term used to describe an, often significant, variation in cognitive, academic, emotional and physical development. For example, a seven-year-old gifted child may read at a 6th grade level yet have fine motor and social skills at the level of kindergarten.

According to the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), “Children are gifted when their ability is significantly above the norm for their age. Giftedness may manifest in one or more domains such as: intellectual, creative, artistic, leadership, or in a specific academic field such as language arts, mathematics or science.”

Some gifted children are twice exceptional (2e), meaning they have the characteristics of gifted students and also give evidence of one or more disabilities or disorders. Because asynchrony is so prominent in gifted children, some professionals believe asynchronous development is the defining characteristic of giftedness—and asynchrony increases with higher levels of giftedness.

Giftedness is typically first noticed by parents, often early in a child’s development.

While all gifted children do not look or act alike, most exhibit some common characteristics, including: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Keen Sense of Humor, Including Puns and Wordplay Strong Sense of Justice and Fairness Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Social and Moral Issues Unusually Intense Emotions and Depth of Feeling Extreme Capacity for Compassion and Empathy

There are levels of giftedness, and the differences between levels have significant implications for a child’s home and school life.

Rapid Independent Learning Avid Reading and Interest in Books Passion and Perseverance for Learning/Need for Mental Stimulation Complex Vocabulary, Often at an Early Age Advanced Reasoning Skills and Abstract Thinking Rapid Processing of Complex Information Excellent Memory Mature Judgement Emotional and/or Physical Sensitivity Intuitiveness Vivid Imagination and Complexity in Play Wide Range of Interests and Intense Curiosity

Deborah Ruf, PhD, author of 5 Levels of Gifted: School Issues and Educational Options has defined five distinct levels. Level one children are seen as bright, demonstrate skills a couple of years beyond grade level and make up the majority of Talented and Gifted (TAG) programs in our schools whereas level three children typically read two to five years beyond grade level by age six, and level five children are often capable of completing all academic work, or even attending college, at a very young age. (continued)

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One local non-profit is bridging the gap.

Silverleaf School in Salem was created specifically with gifted learners in mind.

The school provides a project-based curriculum individualized for each student, social-emotional coaching, music, art, science and technology, and—beyond academics—a supportive community for gifted children and their families.

Without being recognized and supported as gifted, or at the appropriate level of giftedness, students can quickly lose motivation as early as first grade.

Their frustrations can result in withdrawal, behavior problems, or psychosomatic symptoms. They may experience social isolation, abandon their passion for learning or drop out of school altogether. A child with an IQ of 161 is as different intellectually from a child with an IQ of 131 as that child is from a 101 IQ child.

According to a study for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Silent Epidemic (2006), “88% of high school dropouts had passing grades, but dropped out due to boredom.” The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented argues, “The dropout rate of gifted and talented students from high school constitutes the loss of a national resource that must be addressed.”

Forcing a 161 IQ child to learn at the pace of a typical classroom is like placing a typical student in a special-education classroom and asking that their learning rate be slowed to keep pace with the rest of the class. To no fault of their own, most school districts are not resourced to identify or differentiate to meet the needs of gifted children.

David Lubinski of Vanderbilt University has heavily researched this dilemma.

Intellectually talented kids “don’t get the attention of policymakers,” he says, “But if you’re trying to solve problems in the world like climate change and terrorism and STEM innovation, and transportation and managing our healthcare, you want intellectually precocious youth who have had their intellectual needs met.”

Further, highly gifted kids sometimes have a more difficult time finding compatible peers. Their complex play, advanced conceptions of group organization, and extensive vocabulary may not be understood by same-age peers. Social alienation is sometimes exacerbated by expectations of teachers and caregivers to spend time with same-aged peers.

Highly gifted children desire friendships with others of similar mental age who interact with the world like they do.

If you see signs of giftedness in your child, seek out help in meeting their academic, emotional and social needs. Nurturing the success of extraordinary children can change the world.

Research indicates that many of the emotional and social difficulties gifted students experience disappear when their curriculum is adapted to their level and pace, and provided in the presence of intellectual peers with whom to interact.

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Submitted by: Karen Toombs Like us on Facebook at Talented and Gifted Salem.

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September 1

Outrageous monster trucks doing crazy stunts is the order of the day. The show is free with admission to the Fair. Doors open at 1:00 pm and the monster truck fun begins at 2:00 sharp. Bring ear protection. FREE WITH FAIR ADMISSION. Tickets: http://bit.ly/FindYourFunPresale

and 8:00pm for dancing, dress-up, games, bouncy house fun, meet and greet, and tasty treats. Learn the top three things you need to know for your child to start wiggling and giggling, meet our Starr staff, and spin to win free prizes!

This is a free and commitment-free event.

Starr Studios Salem School of Dance 2290 Commercial St SE, Ste 130, Salem www.starrstudiossalem.com

September 3

September 4

Salem- Monster Truck Northwest Championships- State Fair

Gilbert House Community Day

Take advantage of one final day of summer fun with a FREE ADMISSION day at Gilbert House Children’s Museum! On Tuesday, Sept 3rd, the Museum will open it’s doors from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM with no admission charge. 116 Marion St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301 www.acgilbert.org

12 PM – 10 PM Table fees are half-price every Wednesday Ticket to Play Board Game Cafe 5008 Commercial St SE www.salemtickettoplaycafe.com

Sepember 4

Salem- Build Your Own Terrarium This event is during Salem First Wednesday. Come in anytime between 5-8PM Complete with gift box, care instructions and hemp twine for tear drop shape. I would love to see you! Rofe Designs 110 Commercial St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301

September 3

Salem- Dance Open House

Learn about our dance classes for ages 2+, from ballet and tap to modern and hip-hop. Stop by any time between 5:30

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Salem- Half Price Day Ticket to Play Board Game Cafe

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September 5

hosted by SamFit, a Marathon & 5k Run/ Walk, Kids Fun Zone with inflatables, face painting, rock climbing and other fun activities. A variety of entertainment is scheduled on the Main Stage throughout the day and new this year is a Car Show.

Beer & Wine and several Food Carts, a variety of vendors with their specialties and Business Expo to get to know our great area businesses. www.millersburgcelebration.com

Salem-State Capitol State Park Guided Tours

11 AM – 11:30 AM Come and take an easy stroll with a park ranger to explore icons of Oregon’s nature and history. Explore some of the oldest remains of an earlier Capitol and learn about Oregon’s Native American tribes. Approximately 30 minutes. State Capitol 900 Court St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301

September 15

September 7

Salem- Mango Joe Children’s Program at BREW Salem

Salem- Saturday Morning Cartoons and Waffles!

2 PM – 4 PM PDT Musician Mango Joe heads up this interactive children’s program appropriate for kids 3 to 9.

Brew Coffee & Tap House - W. Salem 1320 Edgewater St NW B10, Salem

9AM-12-PM $5 buys *Belgian waffle with your choice of toppings, a juice, milk, or chocolate milk *add a scoop of ice cream for $3! On Any Sundae 3987 Commercial St SE

September 10

September 28

Salem- Kids Yoga Series

Salem- Youth Farm Harvest Fest

Open to the Public. Tuesdays | 3:304:40pm at Abiqua Academy 8 wk series | $200 per kid Ages: Pre-K to 4th Grade REGISTRATION OPENS ON AUGUST 26th!

Each class begins with an imaginative yoga flow & mindfulness techniques.

Group sharing & fun cognitive yoga games help kids learn how to communicate and support each other. Art projects based on the theme of each class! Abiqua Academy 6974 Bates Rd S, Salem www.abiquaacademy.org/

9 AM – 11 AM Explore our Youth Farm at this free event!

Youth Farmers will be on hand to help guide guests. Learn more about this nonprofit program, what skills the students gain and how they grow food to give back to our hungry neighbors.

Pick fresh tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, green beans, radishes and more to take home!

OSU Master Food Preservers will be on site to offer pickling and preserving demonstrations and Caesar the No Drama Llama will be there giving away free hugs.

Feel free to bring little ones, too, as there will be kid friendly activities and snacks available.Marion-Polk Food Share Youth Farm 4000 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem, Oregon 97305

September 14

Salem- 7th Annual Walk & Wag

9 AM – 12 PM $10 online registration ends 9/12/2019.

Register at the event for $15. Children 12 years and under are free. Goodie bags are guaranteed to the first 250 participants.

Minto-Brown Island Park Salem, Oregon WVH.org/pets

Find more events and add your event for FREE on our website.

September 14

Albany- Millersburg Car Show

12:00 pm - 9:00pm The day will be filled with fun activities for all ages including a morning stretch

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October 5

October 2-6

Salem-Oregon’s Bounty: A Celebration of the Agricultural Oct 2 at 9 AM – Oct 6 at 4 PM 17,000 sqft of shopping space!! Bring your Harvest Salem-Baby’s Bottom Dollar Sale

whole family as you shop! Family-friendly vendors with great giveaways... Free parking and free admission, always! ALL brands @ great prices!

Wednesday: October 2nd; 9am-7pm Thursday: October 3rd; 9am-7pm Oregon State Fairgrounds - Columbia Hall 2330 17th Street NE, Salem OR 97301

October 2

Salem-Half Price Day Ticket To Play Board Game Cafe

12 PM – 10 PM Table fees are half-price every Wednesday Ticket to Play Board Game Cafe 5008 Commercial St SE www.salemtickettoplaycafe.com

October 5

Salem-Willamette Valley Fall Festival

October 4

Albany-Fall Home & Remodel Show

Oct 4 at 3 PM – Oct 6 at 5 PM Come on out to the Linn County/Albany Home and Remodel Show, your local onestop-shop for anything you could need for your home improvement, garden, or yard! Come learn from your local experts on all things home-improvement! This FREE event boasts many giveaways, both large and small.

Linn County Fair & Expo 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, Albany, Oregon salemandalbanyhomeshows.com

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10 AM – 2 PM Capitol Galleria/State Capitol State Park Event will showcase the variety of crops harvested in Oregon and shared with the world. Families are encouraged to learn about the significance of agriculture through sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. This will be a free, fun learning event for kids and adults with lots of hands-on activities and displays. This event is sponsored by the Oregon State Capitol Foundation.​ Schedule coming September 2019.

Oregon State Capitol 900 Court St NE, Salem, Oregon 97301 www.oregoncapitol.com

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10 AM – 4 PM Art vendors of all ages. LIVE MUSIC brought to you by artists of the Silverton and dancing at our outdoor stage. Arts & craft projects. Food. Events for all ages including Kids Yoga and a petting zoo.

After the event ends, we will be hosting a bonfire and family campout. Space is limited so reserve your spot asap.

Tickets In Advance: Adults: $5 Youth: $2 Day Of: Adults: $8 Youth: $4 KIDS UNDER AGE 3 ARE FREE :) GeerCrest Farm & Historical Society 12390 Sunnyview Rd NE, Salem www.geercrest.org/fall-festival

October 5

October 12

12 PM – 4 PM Visitors may tour the facilities, learn about fire safety, participate in realistic firefighter activities, watch fire and rescue demonstrations, interact with other community safety organizations, and meet members of the Corvallis Fire Department. For information call 541-766-6961.

Corvallis Fire Department 400 Nw Harrison Blvd, Corvallis, Oregon 97330

6 PM – 8 PM Join us for an evening of dancing, dessert, games, crafts, princesses and more. All net proceeds will go to Operation Underground Railroad (www.ourrescue.org) Jesus Pursuit Church 2110 Santiam Hwy SE, Albany, OR 97322-5203, United States www.wvddd.com

Corvallis-Fire Department Open House & Safety Fair

Albany- Willamette Valley Daddy Daughter Dance

October 12

Salem- Halcyon Aerial Show: Aureum at the Elsinore

October 8

Salem- Evening Support Group

7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Thrill to the original music, choreography, and some never-seen-before aerial performances. DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 PM TIX: $35 to $55; +$5 DAY OF SHOW Elsinore Theatre 170 High St SE, Salem www.elsinoretheatre.com

6 PM – 7:30 PM Join us every 2nd and 4th Tuesday.

Pregnancy & postpartum mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, affect so many of us in different ways and we could all benefit from social peer support. Arrive when hon can and leave when you need to. Babes in arms welcome.

From the Heart - Birth Doula Services 2111 Front St NE, Ste 200 (above the Oregon School of Massage)

October 26

Corvallis-BCSO Mounted Posse Annual Ride for Children with Special Needs

October 12

10 AM – 11 AM The Benton County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse is hosting their 10th annual horseback ride event for children with special needs and their siblings. Please RSVP by Oct 23, by FB message, email or phone with the parent/guardian name, email address and the number of children riding.

Benton County Event Center & Fairgrounds

Salem- Read to a Pet

1PM-2:30PM Young readers are invited to read to one of our friendly 4-footed, furry volunteers and their human partners in the Children’s area.A fantastic way for kids to boost their reading confidence!.

Salem Public Library (Salem, OR) 585 Liberty St SE, Salem, Oregon 97301

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TRIAL CLASS!

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2 cups flour 1/2 cup salt 3 Tablespoons cream of tartar 3 Tablespoons cornstarch 2 cups warm water 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) Food coloring- (gel type creates rich, vibrant colors!)

Add dry ingredients to slow cooker Add wet ingredients in and stir until everything is well combined.

Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.

Remove lid and stir until dough is an even consistency. Scoop it out of your slow cooker and divide evenly for each of the different colors you want to make.

Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion, kneading with a spoon first (to avoid staining hands). Once colors starts to mix into the dough, you can finish kneading by hand.

If needed, add more coloring until you have your desired shade.

Dough will be warm when it comes out of the slow cooker/Crock pot.

Let cool and enjoy! Store in airtight container for longer use.

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D E ST

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Acne. It’s a thorn in the side of countless teens and adult alike. But it is also a medical condition which has inspired many myths and untruths. The following are a few popular opinions about acne.

Test your knowledge to see how much you know about acne!

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U B

by Adrienne Mee, FNP-C

#1: Eating pizza, fried foods, and other greasy foods causes acne.

Oily skin is caused by overactive sebaceous glands and not by greasy foods. But there may be some truth in the popular opinion that certain foods cause or worsen break-

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outs. Researchers have been arguing for years about what role diet plays in acne and skin health. There have been several studies which indicate a potential link between diet and acne, but the true impact of this relationship remains unclear and controversial. Some possible pimple-worsening foods include milk and other dairy products, chocolate, and foods with a high glycemic index, such as breads, cereals, enriched pastas, and short grain white rice.

Other foods which may actually help reduce skin inflammation and improve acne include those high in omega-3 fatty acids such as spinach and kale, nuts, soybeans, eggs, and fatty fish like mackerel and tuna.

Many healthcare providers recommend keeping a food journal if you feel there is a dietary link to your breakouts. By tracking the foods you are eating, you may notice a pattern in your acne breakouts and be able to modify your diet to see if your symptoms improve.

#3: Acne is a teen problem.

The hormones of puberty play an important role in the development of acne, but pimples and breakouts are definitely not just a teenage problem. For most, acne improves with age, but many people will still experience acne well into their adult lives. Acne may persist into one’s 30’s, 40’s, or even into the 50’s and 60’s! For some, acne may develop first in adulthood, even if it was not present during teen years. Typically women are more prone to adult acne, and potential factors which contribute to breakouts as an adult include hormonal fluctuations, stress, genetic predisposition, and even certain medications or underlying medical conditions.

There are many over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products available for acne treatment. Many contain the active ingredients of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or alpha hydroxy acids, all of which help prevent and treat acne by removing excess oil and dead skin cells and killing acne-causing bacteria. For many people, OTC products alone work well for managing acne. However, if symptoms are not responding well to these methods, there are prescription only medications which may be beneficial. Remember, acne needs more than a one-time treatment, and establishing a maintenance treatment plan is crucial for clearer skin.

#2: Scrubbing your face several times per day will help prevent acne.

While you may think giving your face a good scrub to clean off dirt and oil will help prevent acne, over cleansing your skin does more harm than good. Excessive cleaning, harsh scrubbing, and using acne products or astringents to dry the skin out cause irritation, and irritated skin is actually more prone to breakouts. And contrary to popular belief, blackheads are not dark in color because they are pores filled with dirt – blackheads are dark in color because they are clogged up with excess oil and dead skin cells. A chemical reaction between these cells and the outside air causes the dark color change. Scrubbing harder will not remove the blackheads; it will only irritate the skin and lead to more acne instead of less. Instead, skin should be gently cleansed with a mild, non-comedogenic skin cleanser and rinsed off with warm water. This should be done twice daily and as needed after any excessive sweating.

Typical acne treatment can take 4 to 8 weeks to work effectively, so consistency with a skin care regimen is important. Try to avoid changing acne products too often as they really do need time to work. As always, if you have any questions about acne or what treatment options are available, contact your healthcare provider today!

Adrienne Mee, FNP-C is a Salem-based mother of two young daughters. She works as a family nurse practitioner at Cascade Medical Clinic, Part of Santiam Hospital located in Stayton, Oregon.

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50 ways to ask...

How Was Your Day? 1. What made you laugh today?

13. One good, one bad thing?

2. In what way were you kind today?

14. Who did you sit with at lunch?

15. Did you learn something you didn’ t know?

3. Was there an example of unkindness? How did you respond?

16. What inspired you today?

17. What was the best thing, ever?

4. What fun things did you do at recess?

18. Was there a not-so-great part of the day?

5. What great books are you reading?

19. Was anyone gone today?

6. If you could describe your day with one word, what would it be?

20. Did you ever feel sad?

21. Did anything surprise you?

7. What was something silly that happened today?

22. Was there something you saw that made you think?

8. Did you see anyone cry?

9. Tell me what you did with your hands today- did you make anything creative?

10. What did you play at recess?

11. What was the best thing that happened today?

12. How were you a helper?

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23. Who did you play with today?

24. Tell me something you know today that you didn’t know yesterday.

25. I wonder what challenged you today.

26. Did you hear anything kind today? Who said it?

27. Who talks the most in your class?

28. Did you like your lunch? See anyone’s lunch that looked yummy?

29. Rate your day on a scale from 1-10.

30. Did anyone get in trouble today?

31. Would you call today an easy day or a hard one?

Why?

32. What questions did you ask at school today?

33. Tell us your top two things from the day!

34. What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

35. Who is your favorite friend in class?

36. Teach me something I don’t know.

37. If you could change one thing about your day, what would it be?

38. Is there anything on your mind that you’d like to talk about?

39. Did you feel well prepared today?

40. What made your teacher smile?

What made her frown?

41. What kind of person were you today?

42. What made you feel happy?

43. Are there more girls or boys?

44. Did you learn any new words today?

45. Do you have any goals to accomplish before school is out for the year?

46. If you could switch seats with anyone in class, who would it be? And why?

47. What is your least favorite part of the school building? And favorite?

48. If you could be the teacher, what would you teach the class?

49. How fo you feel about being in the __ grade?

50. What made you feel smart today?

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Please say “I saw it inWillamette Kids and Family.”

Sometimes Parent Misconceptions About Attendance Unknowingly Affect Students.

By Shawn Aker, Regional Capacity Builder Serving the Willamette Region

In March, when Lexi’s first grade teacher was helping her prepare for student-led parent conferences, Lexi’s teacher asked her if there was anything she’d like to tell her mom about school. Lexi did want to share something she had been thinking about, and her teacher helped her plan out the conversation she would have with her mom.

As a kindergartener, even though she showed up to school within the first 30 minutes, Lexi was late to school 72 times.

That same year, Lexi missed 37 half-days of school, which is equal to missing 18.5 full days. As a first grader, coming into spring parent teacher conferences, Lexi already had 55 tardies and 22 half-day absences.

At conferences, Lexi reported her academic progress to her mom, and then, at the end of Lexi’s presentation, her teacher asked Lexi if there was anything else she wanted to say. Lexi sat up straight and said, “Mom, I want to quit being late to school.”

Lexi’s mom was surprised by the total number of tardies and absences that had been accumulated. She said, “I knew I was getting her to school late, but I thought to myself, ‘at least I’m getting her to school.’”

Lexi and her teacher had an idea. Lexi’s teacher told Lexi’s mom that if she could do her best to get Lexi to school on time for the next 19 out of 20 school days, Lexi would celebrate with her class and they would all have rootbeer floats.

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Over the next twenty days, Lexi arrived early for school, everyday. Her principal was there to greet her and reported that Lexi was like a totally different kid, hood off, excited, and happy. When asked what Lexi liked most about getting to school on time, she said, “I get recess before school, and reading is easier.”

When kids miss school, for excused or unexcused reasons, they miss out on academic and social opportunities that they can never get back.

And, students who are chronically absent in the early grades, missing 10% of school or more, are very likely to be struggling readers.

Missing 18 days of school in a year is more than 10%. And, over the course of the school year, missing 2 days per month adds up to missing 18 days. It’s important to let your school know if your child isn’t feeling comfortable at school. It’s also important to set up appointments on non-school days or after school, whenever it is possible.

It can take years of intervention and additional support for a child who is chronically absent in early grades to catch up with peers. Prevention is the best medicine. And, for most kids, prevention starts when they #showup to school.

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Resilience is the ability to respond and recover from stress, trauma, and adversity. This is a trait that will serve us all our lives and the sooner we learn it, the better.

Fortunately, strengthening our kiddos and building their resilience can become a daily habit, and is easily implemented into every day situations.

Here are some ways that you can build up your child’s tolerance and resilience.

This too, shall pass. Remind your child

that bad times won’t last. While they may be feeling overwhelmed- the reminder that this too, shall pass, can go a long way toward calming them. Being able to recall past events that felt out of control and scary but ended up just fine in the end, can reassure your child that they can overcome whatever is in their way. Gently telling them that these situations arise to teach us a new and better way of doing things, help to show that there is a purpose to the pain.

Problems aren’t partial. Tough times

befall us all. Helping your child to see that everyone experiences setbacks, trauma and troubles can help normalize the experience.

Humanize yourself by sharing an appropriate problem you experienced either as a child or as an adult, to help your child realize that even grown ups can sometimes

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experience setbacks. It may be reassuring to them that we are all sometimes winging it at one point or another.

Laugh it up, if you can. Helping your child see the humor in a situation can be an effective coping strategy, if done with care.

Oftentimes, after the tragedy passes and relief is right around the corner, you can relax and look at the lighter side of things.

Nobody died, right? There’s the bonus.

Of course, a parent will need to exercise caution in using this technique. A child should never feel laughed at or ridiculed.

It’s never as black and white as it seems.

Children sometimes have the inability to separate out the different areas of their lives. A foible in one area could seem overwhelming to them and cause them to be unable to see that 95% of their life is going perfectly fine. Gently remind them that whatever situation they are encountering is only a small percentage of the big picture.

Mistakes are Lessons. Growth is never

easy and seldom is it painless. Mistakes are lessons, and learning from our mistakes is a chance to grow ahead to maturity.

By reminding our kids that we all make mistakes, and recover from them- and that most mistakes are a springboard toward knowing better and thus doing better, we

allow them to take personal responsibility and accept their role in maturing. Owning our problems and mistakes and setbacks, gives us the power to correct them. Teaching our children to accept that they are human, and not perfect, but fully capable of learning and growing, is a most important lesson toward self responsibility and the ability to regulate themselves.

Letting them know that mistakes may be made, but the end outcome will be successful, helps them stay on track and follow their progress. Nothing like notable progress shows them that sweating it out and working diligently is worth it in the end. Having notable steps shows them a trackable progress and proof that their hard work paid off.

Offer them a safe place. By safe place, I

Speak in a language they understand.

don’t mean that we never let our children experience embarrassment, dread, fear, or regret when faced with adversity. Each of these outcomes packs a pretty significant lesson. Instead, a safe place would be a home and relationship with you that is consistently kind, calm and nurturing. A child who knows he or she can approach you and be met with love and understanding will be a child that can believe your acknowledgement of their strength and ability to recover.

By getting down on your child’s level- looking them in the eye, and showing them that you are present and ready to help show them the way, or support them while they figure it out- you help them feel secure in their ability to try and possibly fail until they finally figure it all out.

Kids know that it may take a million tries to reach the end boss and engage in an epic battle in their favorite video game. What prompts them to try time and again? A clear vision of the reward and outcome. A clear goal, clear levels to get there, and the glory of the end zone dance to celebrate.

And by all means, celebrate! Let them bask in the glory of a fight well fought. Brag where they can hear you. Praise their ability to be tenacious and persistant.

Let them know that these traits, above all else, can be learned and grown, and will, by and large, be the best route to their desired outcome.

Written by: Yvette Tripp

Goal setting for purpose. Grit can

be described as a “Do what it takes” attitude. In order to achieve such an attitude, first there must be a goal.

Goals give kids a sense of purpose and direction. Spending time with your kiddo, setting goals and outlining the steps to get to the end result will naturally instill a sense of grit and perseverance.

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