July 2012 our kids magazine

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The Go-To Resource for San Antonio Parents

July 2012

ANXIETY DISORDERS IN KIDS

Is Cursive

Writing Extinct?

PARENTING A

STRONGWILLED CHILD

EDUCATION DIRECTORY

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All Rights Reserved.

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Birthday Bash & Clearance Event

To celebrate, we are passing the savings on to you!

July 7th 10AM – 7PM 10AM - 2PM - 50% off Selected toys, furniture and 2PM - 5PM - 60% off equipment - up to 50% off.

5PM - 7PM - 70% off 2 n 1 Strollers – Saturday Only $100 (Reg. Price $399 - while supplies last – pink or blue)

Get here early for the best selection! Come later for the biggest discounts!

See website for more details!

490-6822 16646 San Pedro Ave.

Bring your cameras!!

Hello Kitty and Woody From 2 – 3 PM

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City Center Health Careers A College Preparatory Public School

Now Enrolling for 2012-2013 School Year 6th - 12th Grades

FREE TUITIO N

• Emphasis on Science and Math skills development • College Readiness and Career Counseling • Free Before and After School Program • Extracurricular Activities and Tutoring • Safe Campus

210-255-8265 • www.citycenterhc.org 1114 Willow Street • St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Content is copyright protected and provided for personal use only - not for reproduction or retransmission.

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contents july 2012 volume 29 • number 7

12

departments 6 On the Web July Featured Web Content

8 Editor’s Note Keeping Kids’ Brains Active This Summer

10 FYI • The New ABCs of Sunscreen • Obesity in Pregnancy Linked to Autism in Kids • Metro Health Officials Urge Pertussis Immunization

18 Health Sense Could Measles Make a Comeback?

20 b.a.b.y.

features 12 When Your Kid Worries Too Much Does your child worry too much? According to National Institute of Mental Health statistics anxiety disorders is the top mental health issue among youth.

16

Summer Fun

calendar 36 Family Theater 40 Ongoing Exhibits

Is Cursive Writing A Thing of the Past?

Is cursive writing becoming extinct like the dinosaur or dodo bird? Read what some educators have to say.

on the cover PHOTO BY APRIL NEWELL

43 Your Kids in Our Kids

31 Highlights

Parenting Without Pulling Out Your Hair Parenting is not an easy job, but when you have a strong-willed child it can be a hairpulling experience.

22

The 5 S’s Method for Calming Baby After Vaccinations

12 Anxiety Discorders In Kids 22 Is Cursive Writing Extinct?

16 Parenting A Strong-Willed Child

advertising 20 b.a.b.y.

24 Education Directory

coming next month!

• Every Child is a Writer

Alfred III is ready to celebrate Independence Day.

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4 Our Kids | July 2012 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

theMcNay

Music programs for all ages, even adults, taught by Yamaha Certified Instructors.

Printmaking Possibilities

Early Learning Center A learning environment for children to develop & grow physically, cognitively, socially, & emotionally

Family Activity Sunday, July 29 1:00 & 3:00 pm

Family Music Time

Ages 6 weeks-5 years old, Parent’s Day Out, & School Age Program

Tues., July 17th at 10:30AM A free monthly music class !

W E NOPEN HOUSE for ages 3 and under JUNE 30th

210.688.7003 www.mustardseedelc.com

George Rouault used photogravure, etching, aquatint, and drypoint to make prints. Learn about his work and make your own etching with a table-top press. Art educator Analisa Shinn instructs.

2241 NW Military Hwy. 210-366-5048 www.jensensyamahamusic.com

11555 Galm Rd #200 2mi. Outside Loop 1604 & Shaenfield Rd

Free with museum admission. All ages welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. McNay members reserve space by calling 210.805.1768 by noon Friday before the activity. Nonmembers, pick up remaining free passes the day of the activity.

This program is made possible by generous support from the William Randolph Hearst Fund for Education Programs.

McNay Art Museum 210.805.1768 6000 North New Braunfels San Antonio, Texas 78209 mcnayart.org

Image: Georges Rouault, Nous Croyant Rois from Miserere, 1926. Etching, aquatint, and drypoint over photogravure. Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Gift of Gilbert M. Denman Jr. in honor of the Right Reverend and Mrs. Everett H. Jones.

Seafood • Catfish • Cajun Cookin’

6 & under eat free from Kiddie Menu (with adult entree purchase)

1289 SW Loop 410@Westlakes • 674-0019

Country Home Learning Center An Exceptional Child Care Program

Full and Part-time Programs for Infants and Children up to age 13 • Professionally Designed Accredited Preschool Curriculum • Country Home Waterpark and Splashdeck • Adventure Jungle Indoor Playground • Large Gymnasium and Basketball Court • Putt-Putt Golf Course • Arts and Crafts Lab • 1950’s Style Soda Shop • Computer Lab • Country Home Movie Theater • Horseback Riding and Petting Zoo at Adventure Quest

8 San Antonio Locations to Serve You • Now Enrolling Fully Accredited by AdvancED, a worldwide organization "Advancing Excellence in Education"

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July 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com 5

on the web

OurKidsSanAntonio.com

Your Go-To Source for Parenting Information on the Web July Contests

Win Glee Karaoke Revolution Wii Win Glee Karaoke Revolution Wii game and sing along with performances from the show. Complete with multiplayer singing for up to six players. Sign up at www.ourkidssanantonio.com by July 26, 2012 for a chance to win. Game is valued at $27.45.

Win a Winner!

Win NAPPA Gold winner, Mobi AnimaLamp, a versatile light that operates via cool LED bulbs. Adjustable brightness, onetouch operation and built-in rechargeable battery make this a perfect and safe light for children and parents. Great for desktop use, late night diaper changes and feedings, reading in bed, games and playtime. A $24.95 value. To enter, visit www.NAPPAAwards.com. Contest ends July 25, 2012.

Spotlight

Host a Backyard Olympics!

The 2012 Summer Olympics in London kick off at the end of this month. Get into the spirit by hosting Olympic games in your own back yard.

We’ve got some great ideas for fun, sporting activities for the whole family.

PLUS:

3 More Ways to Stay Connected

• “Like us on Facebook – facebook.com/OurKidsSanAntonio • Follow us on Twitter @ourkidsmagazine • Subscribe to our FREE enewsletter at OurKidsSanAntonio.com

■ An easy-to-use Digital Edition of this month’s issue ■ Calendar of Family Events ■ Family Friendly Business Directory ■ Subscribe to our Weekly Update Newsletter

Dorothy Keck Dancers Register Now for Summer Classes, Camps, and Fall Classes!

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We do the driving.

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Call us today at

Learn more at

512.301.8589

www.mmamusic.com

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• Creative, Vibrant Child-centered Curriculum • Experienced, Professional Staff • Extended Hours • Low Student Teacher Ratio • Spanish, Yoga, Music, Dance • Handwriting • Without Tears Literacy Program

Give your child the gift of

A Loving, Enriching Early Childhood Education at Heintz Preschool of Congregation Agudas Achim For Children Ages 18 months to Pre K Call us to schedule a tour!

16550 Hueber Road, San Antonio, Texas 78248 210-479-0429 • www.agudas-achim.org

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editor’s note

By Cynthia Ladson 8400 Blanco Road, Ste. 300 San Antonio, TX 78216 SanAntonio.Parenting@parenthood.com

Visit us online at OurKidsSanAntonio.com Publisher Gary Hibert

Keeping Kids’ Brains Active This Summer

S

chool’s out and that means some kids will spend more time in front of the television, the Xbox or some other gaming system. Not the best way to spend the summer, but if parents think creatively they can make TV and that gaming system work in their favor.

Research shows that during the summer kids lose a significant amount of what has been learned in the prior school year. Some research studies show this loss to be as high as 60 percent.

So what’s a parent to do? Use TV and the gaming stations to keep kids reading and using math and thinking skills developed during the school year. If kids are going to be watching television, why not use it as a learning tool? For example, after your child watches an age-appropriate show, have him or her explain to you or another adult what they’ve watched. Taken a step further, why not have them write about the show in a journal or in a letter or email to a friend. Another option is parents can watch the show with their child and ask questions at its conclusion that causes the child to think critically or use knowledge of math. As for gaming systems, when purchasing games for the Xbox or PS3, buy ones that require critical thinking, reading or some understanding of math.

While some parents try to keep their kids’ brains engaged by enrolling them in summer programs, other parents, for whatever reason, may not be able to enroll their children in a summer program where learning takes place. These parents can keep the juices flowing with visits to the library, zoo, museums, parks and to one of the many historical sites in San Antonio. The key is to make it fun as well as a learning experience.

A Duke University professor with the National Summer Learning Association found that kids’ summer learning loss was somewhat greater in math than in reading. The greatest loss, he says, was in math computation and spelling.

Check out this month’s calendar in which we provide a wealth of fun and engaging activities you can share with your kids to keep their minds active.

Think your kid is a pretty good writer, then enter him or her in the “My Kid’s a Great Writer Contest” sponsored by Our Kids. Deadline to enter is 5 p.m. July 5. Read more details in our ad on page 41.

Happy Reading!

EDITORIAL Editor: Cynthia Ladson, 855-232-1685 Copy Editor: Emilie Jordan-Michael Proofreader: April Newell ADVERTISING SALES Account Executives: Mary Anne Moffett, 855-232-1684 Dan Greenhouse, 855-232-1686 NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Cate Sanderson 7 Purdy St., Ste. 201, Harrison NY 10528 914-381-7474 PRODUCTION Production & Design Manager: Amanda Hawkins Senior Graphic Designer: Angela Rosa Graphic Designers: Arianna Azevedo, Wagner Chiang, Arianna Fernandez, Joshua Gonzales, Susan O, Brendon Peters, Staci Stedman-Morris DISTRIBUTION DDS, TASPAS and Distributech DOMINION PARENTING MEDIA A Division of Dominion Enterprises Vice President: Gary Hibert Senior Editor: Deirdre Wilson Parenthood.com General Manager: Tom Gonzales Content & Community Manager: Amy McCarthy NAPPA Manager: Julie Kertes NAPPA Representative: Lillian Doshay NAPPA Coordinator: Annette Covarrubias

OUR KIDS SAN ANTONIO is published monthly by Dominion Media, a division of Dominion Enterprises.

Advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Call 210-349-6667 to request additional copies. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the publisher. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis.

OUR KIDS SAN ANTONIO copyright 2012 Dominion Enterprises. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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8 Our Kids | July 2012 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

Brooks Academy An Integrated K-12 Instructional Program

Now Enrolling for 2012-13 • Emphasis on Science and Math Skills Development • Limited Enrollment

King of Kings Early Childhood Development Center NOW ENROLLING FOR OUR SUMMER FUN PROGRAM Children 6 weeks to 12 year olds

Weekly Swimming Field Trips C Continued Learning Hot Lunches

(210) 6 656-6509 13888 Dreamwood Dr. (Located off Nacogdoches Rd. between Judson and O’Connor) Call us to schedule a tour of our facility

www.sakingofkings.com

• Licensed Child Care Center • Accepts Children 6 Weeks 12 Years old • CCS Accepted • Enriched Learning Curriculum • Extracurricular Activities Offered • Indoor playground,12 classrooms & 3 outdoor playgrounds

(210) 566-1999

• Participate in UIL academic and athletic activities • College Readiness Program

Apply online at www.brooksacademy.org or Call 210-633-9006

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family f.y.i.

The New ABC’s of Sunscreen When shopping for sunscreen this summer, you may have noticed some new wording on the labels.

Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, ruled that manufacturers must change their labeling to more accurately detail the protection their products provide.

“With the rates of skin cancer rising so quickly, it is important that consumers get the protection they expect when buying and applying sunscreen,” notes Melissa Burnett, M.D., a pediatric dermatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, who says she was glad to hear of the FDA’s requirement.

The label changes may cause more confusion than expected, however. The deadline for enacting the changes was slated for June 18, but the FDA recently approved a delay in compliance until the end of this year. So, with some new labels already making their debut and others still showing the old terms, it’s important to understand what the label changes mean.

The FDA mandates that the new labels include the following information:

■ Broad Spectrum – Sunscreens now undergo testing to ensure they protect against both UVA rays, which cause premature aging and wrinkles, and UVB rays, which cause sunburns.

Both UVA and UVB rays are responsible for skin cancer.

Unless noted, sunscreens that do not say “Broad Spectrum” only protect against UVB rays.

■ Water-Resistant – “Waterproof,” “Sweatproof” and “All-Day Protection” are no longer usable claims; all sunscreen washes off. Labels will also need to specify waterresistance of either 40 or 80 minutes – after which time you must reapply.

■ Realistic SPF Ratings – Where we used to see SPF 100 or even 100+, new labels will max out at SPF 50+. There is no data indicating that an SPF over 50 provides any additional sun protection.

For now, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), sunscreen

without the new labeling is OK to use, provided it has a minimum of 30 SPF and clearly indicates protection against UVA and UVB rays. Despite former packaging claims, however, never consider sunscreen waterproof, and always reapply after swimming, sweating or toweling off.

The AAD also recommends wearing long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to further increase your protection.

Keep in mind, Burnett adds, “Aside from the obvious health benefits for parents, it is important for parents to model good sun protection for their children.”

– Katherine Wood

Did You Know?

A sunscreen receives its SPF rating according to the protection it provides at a recommended density of application – roughly the equivalent of the volume of one shot glass spread over your exposed skin in a single application.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology examined how SPF ratings hold up when applied at half of

the recommended amount, which is what people typically do. When sunscreens with SPF ratings of 30, 50+, 70+ and 100+ were applied at half of the recommended amount, the actual SPF achieved was 16.0, 26.0, 37.1 and 55.9, respectively. These numbers are far less than what is written on the label.

The message is clear: For fullest protection, don’t skimp on sunscreen.

– Katherine Wood

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Obesity in Pregnancy Linked to Autism in Kids Moms who struggle with diabetes, hypertension or obesity while pregnant are more likely to have children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or developmental delays, a new study has revealed.

The findings come on the heels of a well-publicized report by the national Centers for Disease Control, which revealed that autism and ASD diagnoses continue to rise, with one in 88 children in the United States now affected.

In this new study, published in a recent issue of Pediatrics, researchers from the MIND Institute at the University of California at Davis and the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine looked at California children, ages 2 to 5, enrolled in a population-based study from 2003 to 2010. Of the group, 500 had ASD, 200 had developmental delays and 300 were developing typically. The researchers reviewed medical records for the children’s mothers during pregnancy, asked the mothers about a history or diagnosis of diabetes or hypertension, and noted the women’s body-mass indexes (BMIs), a measure of weight related to height.

Women who were obese before pregnancy had a 60 percent higher chance of having a child with ASD, and

twice the risk of having a child with a developmental delay. Those with high blood pressure or diabetes before or during pregnancy were also more likely to have children with ASD or delays, but the increase wasn’t statistically significant.

Diabetes during pregnancy has previously been associated with developmental problems in children, but not consistently linked with ASD. Obesity is a significant risk factor for hypertension and diabetes, and all three conditions impact the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar (glucose). Exposing a developing fetus to too much glucose can trigger a condition called fetal hypoxia (increased metabolism leading to lack of oxygen), as well as iron deficiency – both of which can profoundly impact brain development.

The authors point out that nearly 60 percent of U.S. women of childbearing age are overweight, one-third are obese, and 16 percent are at risk of diabetes. “Our findings raise concerns that these maternal conditions may be associated with neurodevelopmental problems in children and therefore could have serious public health implications,” they note.

– Christina Elston

Metro Health Officials Urge Pertussis Immunization A Pertussis outbreak in Bell County has prompted Bexar County Metro Health to advise the community to immunize against the disease commonly referred to as “whooping cough.”

Since January, the Bell County Public Health District has reported 102 confirmed cases of Pertussis.

Although Bexar County did not experience an increase in cases this year, officials remind residents about the importance of vaccination to prevent the spread of this disease. Fifteen cases were confirmed in Bexar County this year. Last year at this time, Metro Health reported 12 confirmed cases.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection that may be mild in older children and adults, but the infection can cause serious problems,

even death, in infants.

In the beginning stages Pertussis may appear to be nothing more than the common cold, and often is not suspected or diagnosed until more severe symptoms surface. Infected individuals are most contagious during this time, up to two weeks after coughing begins.

Early symptoms can include runny nose, low-grade fever that is generally minimal throughout the course of the disease, mild occasional cough, apnea or a pause in breathing in infants. As the disease progresses, the traditional symptoms appear and may include paroxysms or bouts of many rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched “whoop” vomiting, exhaustion after coughing fits.

Call 210-207-8894 for more information.

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When

Your Child

Worries Too Much How to Detect and Deal with Problem Anxiety

By Janine DeFao

J

amie Williams’ son, Tanner, was always a sensitive child.

“It seems he was born with anxiety,” she says.

But after his grandfather died, the 4-year-old’s anxiety level reached a crisis point. He wouldn’t let his mother out of his sight. He refused to sleep alone.

He worried when his father was working late, fearing he’d die and never come home.

“He was having panic attack after panic attack – hyperventilating, throwing up, his muscles would be convulsing,” Williams recalls. “I felt like a bad mother that I couldn’t comfort him. No matter what we said, it made no difference.”

Finally, one night, “he said, ‘Mommy, is there someone who can help me? I need help. I don’t like feeling like this,’” Williams says. At that point, the family turned to a specialist in childhood anxiety.

While it’s normal – and even healthy – for all children to worry sometimes, mental health researchers estimate that 13 to 18 percent of children – and 25 percent of teens – have an anxiety disorder, in which worry becomes persistent and disruptive.

Those estimates, based on statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health, make anxiety disorders the top mental health problem for youth.

“That’s more than kids with (attention deficit disorder), more than kids with depression,” says Tamar Chansky, Ph.D., who worked with Tanner’s family and is the director of the Children’s Center for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety near Philadelphia. A nationally known expert in anxiety

disorders, she’s the author of numerous books, including Freeing Your Child From Anxiety.

Typically, anxiety is not diagnosed before preschool age. However, if a younger toddler has anxiety symptoms outside the norm for his developmental stage, an anxiety disorder could be diagnosed, Chansky says.

Often, though, serious anxiety can be overlooked in children. Because childhood worries are common – from fear of dogs to anxiety about test-taking – “it biases us against seeing when a child is really struggling. We assume it’s a normal thing,” she adds.

In addition, anxious children don’t always act out, but may keep their worries bottled up. “These are not the squeaky-wheel kids. A lot of them are people pleasers,” Chansky says. “They don’t want their friends or teachers to know, then they come home and fall apart because they’ve been holding it together all day.”

Red Flags “Anxiety is normal, worry is normal, fear is normal,” says Michael Tompkins, Ph.D., an expert in anxiety disorders and cognitive therapy and author of My Anxious Mind: A Teen’s Guide to Managing Anxiety and Panic. “They’re relatively transient in childhood.

Kids outgrow them.”

But persistent stomachaches or headaches, an aversion to school or other activities, and trouble sleeping or sleeping alone are all red flags for possible problem anxiety. If it appears that your child is not

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12 Our Kids | July 2012 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

outgrowing her worries, Tompkins says to consider “four D’s” in assessing whether it’s normal or reaching the level of an anxiety disorder: ■ Is the child’s anxious response disproportionate to

the situation?

■ Is his anxiety disruptive to his or the family’s day-

to-day functioning?

■ Is the anxiety itself distressing to the child?

■ What is the duration of the anxiety?

When to Worry About Your Child’s Worry Your child’s anxiety may be a problem if he or she: ■ Is easily distressed or agitated in stressful situations; ■ Asks repetitive reassurance questions, has “what if” concerns, or is inconsolable and won’t respond to logical arguments; ■ Has headaches or stomachaches and is too sick to go to school; ■ Has anticipatory anxiety and worries hours, days or weeks ahead; ■ Has difficulty falling asleep, sleeping alone or has frequent nightmares; ■ Is a self-critical perfectionist with high standards that make nothing good enough; ■ Is an overly responsible people-pleaser who apologizes unnecessarily or has excessive concerns that people are upset with him or her; ■ Demonstrates excessive avoidance, such as refusal to attend school or participate in activities; ■ Disrupts family functioning; and/or ■ Needs excessive consolation or coaxing for distress over ordinary situations

“If a child is fearful and worries in the same way for longer than six months, that may suggest there’s an anxiety disorder,” says Tompkins.

As was the case with Tanner, Harper Atkisson’s parents knew she was unusually anxious from a young age. Harper’s separation anxiety and long tantrums were particularly in contrast with the demeanor of her happy-go-lucky twin sister.

Her father had a “lightbulb” moment one day when Harper became incredibly upset that she couldn’t get her button collection lined up perfectly and knocked it from a table in frustration.

– Source: The Children’s Center for OCD and Anxiety While her mother was baffled, “it made perfect sense to me because it [also] made me anxious and “You can become angry instead of realizing that frustrated,” says Erik Atkisson, who has discovered she’s really hurting right now,” he says. “I try to more about his own anxiety issues in working with remind myself and her, no matter how much she’s his daughter.

Experts say the children of anxious parents are seven making life miserable for her siblings and parents, she times more likely to develop an anxiety disorder, and feels worse.” many anxious adults say their Working with therapists problems began as children. for her social anxiety has Harper, now 7, has also helped Harper make huge “A lot of them are been diagnosed with selective strides, to the point where people pleasers. They mutism – a form of anxiety in she can now take gymnastics don’t want their friends classes, something she’d been which a person won’t speak except to people she knows far too anxious to do before. or teachers to know, “Day to day, it can still be well – and sensory issues. then they come home tough, but we’ve had huge Oftentimes, her father and fall apart because improvements,” Atkisson says. says, her anxiety will play out as a sensory problem. If they’ve been holding it Getting Help she’s worried about going to together all day.”

If you are concerned school, for instance, she may – Tamar Chansky, Ph.D. about your child’s anxiety, instead complain that her your pediatrician is probably clothes don’t feel right and the best place to start. that she needs to change.

“The biggest challenge has been to recognize when “But (pediatricians’) attitude on something like she is starting to feel anxious, as opposed to the kind this is often to watch and wait,” says Tompkins. “As of childhood behavior you would need to punish or a parent, you may have been watching and waiting reprimand,” says Atkisson, recalling an episode in for years. . . . Go through the ‘four D’s’ with your which Harper had a tantrum over ski pants, nearly pediatrician and say, ‘This has been going on for ruining a family ski outing. a long time, I think it’s disruptive, and we need Content is copyright protected and provided for personal use only - not for reproduction or retransmission.

July 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com 13 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

to have an evaluation with a mental health professional.’”

Also, look for any underlying causes that could be provoking anxiety, such as a learning disability or ADD, which can result in school stress.

Williams recommends seeking out an expert in childhood anxiety, having taken Tanner first to a therapist who provided little help. A specialist may recommend therapy, medication or some combination, particularly if therapy alone isn’t successful.

Chansky says medication is usually not the first response to childhood anxiety but can be necessary for some children, including those with severe anxiety or other factors including depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or bipolar disorder.

The safety and efficacy of psychiatric medications, including selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, for children is still being researched, and children using such medications should be screened and monitored by a child psychiatrist, he says.

When Tanner, now 5, began seeing Chansky, her cognitive behavior therapy approach gave him and his parents a new way of looking at and responding to worry.

She emphasized that Tanner’s “worry brain” wasn’t necessarily telling him the truth and that his “smart brain” could counter with the facts.

Armed with a new vocabulary, Tanner’s family started to address some of his fears, including his separation anxiety, in small steps. They started with Tanner sitting at the bottom of the steps with his mother at the top, talking the entire time. Gradually, she moved farther and farther away, until she could be out of his sight without him having a panic attack.

They researched topics like the wind, providing scientific explanations for something that before seemed mysterious and scary. At bedtime, Tanner imagines doors with happy topics behind them so he can fall asleep focusing on good thoughts and not let worry creep in.

Cognitive behavior therapy also involves teaching patients breathing and other relaxation techniques to combat the very real physical symptoms of anxiety, including nausea, stomachaches and headaches, breathlessness and a racing heart.

One thing Jamie Williams learned was to slow down and take time to listen to her son and to not dismiss his worries.

“I was rushing us through the day, saying, ‘It’s going to be all right’ or ‘That’s a silly thing to worry about,’” she says. “If I’m discounting his emotions, he’s not going to trust me.”

Both Chansky and Tompkins counsel parents to seek help sooner rather than later.

“There’s no reason for your kid to suffer,” says Tompkins. “Not every kid benefits from treatment, but most kids do, and most kids improve greatly.”

Tanner has improved significantly and in a relatively short period of time, William says happily.

“He’s ready for a sleepover at our in-laws!” ■ Janine DeFao is an associate editor with Dominion Parenting Media.

Resources Books ■ Freeing Your Child From Anxiety, by Tamar E. Chansky, Ph.D., Broadway Books, 2004.

■ My Anxious Mind: A Teen’s Guide to Managing Anxiety and Panic, by Michael A. Tompkins, Ph.D., and Katherine Martinez, Psy.D., Magination Press, 2009.

■ The Anxiety Cure for Kids: A Guide for Parents, by Elizabeth DuPont Spencer, M.S.W., Robert L. DuPont, M.D., and Caroline DuPont, M.D., John Wiley & Sons, 2003.

■ What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety, by Dawn Huebner, Ph.D., Magination Press, 2006.

Helpful Websites ■ American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry – www.aacap.org ■ Anxiety and Depression Association of America – www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children ■ Children’s Center for OCD and Anxiety – www.worrywisekids.org ■ International OCD Foundation – www.ocfoundation.org

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14 Our Kids | July 2012 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

St.Andrew’s United Methodist Church 722 Robinhood Place

824-8737

Weekday School • 3 years - Kindergarten • 2, 3 and 5 Day Programs • Weekly Chapel

Great Beginnings • 8 weeks to 3 years • 2, 3 and 5 Day Programs • Low Ratios • Spiritual Setting www.standrewsumcschool.org

A program designed to provide quality childcare with positive hands-on learning experiences.

Ages 6 weeks-5 years

210-545-2175 www.shearerhills.org thaddad@shearerhills.org 12615 San Pedro San Antonio, TX 78216

Offering: • Speech Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy • Play Therapy • Educational Therapy

711 N. Main St., Ste. A Boerne, Texas 78006 www.dillonstlc.com

O: 830.816.5453 F: 830.816.5405 C: 210.685.8898

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Parenting Without

Pulling Out Your Hair How to Deal with Strong Wills

By Bonny Osterhage

E

leven-year-old Courtney Baker was looking forward to going with her family to a friend’s house for dinner, when the plans changed and the families decided to eat at a restaurant instead.

“Courtney really lost it,” says her mother Catherine. “She pitched a huge, 2-year-old-like tantrum because she wanted to go to their house so she could play the Xbox.”

While that may sound like shocking behavior for an 11-year-old, it is extremely common behavior in strong-willed children. According to Theresa Moore, licensed master social worker and counselor, most children want what they want, when they want it and will try a variety of manipulative behaviors to get it.

However, most children will usually choose to adapt when redirected and comply with the situation at hand – not so with the strong-willed child.

“This child does not reach a point of compliance.

He will go down with the ship and take everyone with him,” says Moore.

Identifying the Strong-Willed Child Since most children will try and get their way from time to time, how do you know if your child is strong willed or simply demonstrating normal behaviors?

Moore says it is the inception and duration of those stubborn behaviors that can be a strong indicator.

“Most parents will tell you that their strong-willed child has been a ‘handful’ or ‘demanding’ since birth,” she says.

That was the case for Susan McElhaney.

McElhaney says her second child was so stubborn from birth that he refused to speak until he was nearly 3 years old.

“We knew from birth he was strong willed,” McElhaney says of her now 9-year-old son. “He gave up a bottle on his own at 8 months, and he refused to potty train until he decided he wanted to wear underwear. Once he decided, he never even had one accident.”

This is a child who, when forced to do a required

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16 Our Kids | July 2012 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

hour of reading homework, will simply hold the book for one hour, but not read a word. He lands in the principal’s office every week and has a difficult time maintaining friendships with his peers, says McElhaney.

“No one wants to play with someone who is always right or always has to have things his way. It’s sad because he is very sweet, generous, helpful and always the first to befriend someone new,” McElhaney adds. “He wants to be the guy who follows the rules; he just wants them to be HIS rules.”

Don’t Ask – Do Tell The need to follow their own sets of rules and a disregard for authority are among the biggest challenges of parenting a strong-willed child. Author Leonard Sax, M.D. and Ph.D., writes about the challenges faced when parenting strong-willed children in his book “Why Gender Matters.” Sax says that often parents try too hard to be friends with their children, rather than establish a clear sense of who is in charge. He recommends a “positive discipline” approach for girls 12 and younger and boys 14 and younger. Positive discipline, Sax says is where parents “don’t ask, but tell!” Rather than make a suggestion or request, firmly outline what you expect and what the consequences will be for not following through, writes Sax. Moore concurs, adding that the response to the strong-willed child must be more specific, immediate and consistent than with other personality types.

“All children need a consistent, predictable and clear structure to thrive, but the strong-willed personality does not have the same flexibility or adaptability to incorporate the lesson as quickly as some,” Moore explains. Therefore, she recommends employing a few of the following strategies: ■ Avoid engaging in power struggles and emotional

responses to behaviors, ■ Be clear and concise about behavioral expectations, ■ Use an even, calm voice when redirecting or

providing information, ■ Role-play personal choices and social situations

before they occur, ■ Never answer the same question more than once, ■ Never enter a discussion or negotiation unless you

are willing to negotiate, ■ Never make excuses for, or ignore inappropriate

behavior because you don’t want a scene,

■ Never be overly jubilant when your child behaves

appropriately, ■ Never expect your child to see the world the same

way you do and ■ Always be predictable and consistent with redirec-

tion and consequences.

McElhaney says the key to success with her son has been making sure he knows the boundaries in every situation. “Otherwise he will try to push them.”

So, she works hard to help him navigate personal relationships, gives him reasonable choices, and chooses her battles wisely. Both she and Baker have found that remaining calm works wonders.

“Standing above Courtney or raising our voices never, ever works,” Baker explains. “We have to use calm voices and sit with her at her level. Sometimes, I sit on the floor, bed or somewhere close to her and simply sit without saying a word until she calms down.”

The Good News Parenting a strong-willed child is more challenging. First, there is the amount of time and patience involved before seeing any improvement, and second and even more significant, according to Moore, is the need for parents to understand their own personality strengths and weaknesses and what triggers their own “hot buttons.” Power struggles will occur if parents are not aware of what their own hot buttons are.

“It is important to understand that this child is not a problem child, he is a diamond in the rough,” says Moore. “There is the potential and opportunity for this child to become the adult we strive to be: compassionate, responsible and interdependent.”

That is why it is so important for the parents of these children to celebrate the little things like the day he comes home from school with no time-outs, or the time she accepts what you say without a fight.

Yes, these rewards may be few and far between, but they are present and they must be observed and acknowledged.

For Baker, it is when her daughter identifies and apologizes for her behavior on her own.

“It’s when she comes to me and says, ‘I am sure you are not happy with how I acted,’ or ‘I really need to work on that mom,’” says Baker. “It’s when she actually sees what she has done, admits it, and then mentions a better way to handle it, that makes me feel like she’s going to be OK after all.” ■

■ Never take your child’s behavior personally or make

it about you and your parenting,

Bonny Osterhage is a freelance writer and mother of two sons.

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health sense

Could Measles Make a Comeback?

Declining Vaccination Rates + Summer Travel Could = Trouble

By Christina Elston

I

n the year 2000, measles – a childhood disease that once plagued millions – was declared essentially dead in the United States. Most of today’s parents never had measles, nor have their children. But there were 222 cases in the U.S. last year (up from an all-time low of 37 in 2004), and 27 more cases have been reported as of this spring. With vaccination rates dipping here as anti-vaccine sentiment grows, a resurgence of measles abroad and summer travel in full swing, experts worry that measles could stage a comeback.

But in 1998, the well-respected British medical journal The Lancet published an article by a physician named Andrew Wakefield, who claimed there was a link between the measles vaccine and the rising incidence of autism. Frightened parents began refusing to vaccinate their children. And despite the facts that Wakefield’s work was discredited, Wakefield was stripped of his medical license, and the article was retracted by The Lancet in 2010, the vaccination rate today sits at 95 percent (and lower among some groups of families who are against the vaccine).

Health experts say that’s a risky level.

COURTESY OF THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

Why Resurgence is Possible “Measles is the most Not a Trifling Illness contagious disease known If you think of measles as in humans,” says Gregory just another childhood rash Poland, M.D., a vaccinolowith red spots, think again. gist at the Mayo Clinic, who Measles can cause fever as has studied measles for two high as 106º F, brain damage, decades. In fact, if you were and a respiratory infection that born before 1957 when the can turn into life-threatening first vaccines were develpneumonia. oped, doctors assume you’ve “Measles wasn’t a trifling had it. The virus is spread illness, and it isn’t a trifling easily on the air – via mucus illness even now in 2012,” droplets sneezed or coughed says Jane Seward, M.P.H., a out by an infected person deputy director at the Center (just like colds and flu). An Measles causes fever, runny nose, a cough and for Disease Control’s National unvaccinated person walking a rash all over the body.

Center for Immunization into a room where a person and Respiratory Diseases. with measles has been, even One-third of Americans who got measles last year eight hours before, will likely get measles, too. were hospitalized, and a 2-year-old in Minneapolis At one time, there were around 3.4 million cases almost died. “He was so sick,” says Seward. “It was in the U.S. every year. Around 48,000 people were really touch-and-go for a week whether he was going hospitalized by the disease; 1,000 were permanently to make it.” disabled when measles led to a brain infection called There are no drugs available to treat measles or encephalitis; and around 450 to 500 died – usually its complications. “Even with the best of modern from either encephalitis or pneumonia.

When a vaccine was perfected in 1963, the care, about three of 1,000 who get measles die,” notes measles rate began to drop. In fact, in 1992 the Poland. Many more are seriously injured. vaccination rate had reached 94 percent and was The vaccine, however, is effective. Almost all still climbing. measles cases in the U.S. today are brought in by Content is copyright protected and provided for personal use only - not for reproduction or retransmission.

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unvaccinated people either coming from, or coming back from, other countries – half from Europe. There were 15,000 reported cases of measles and seven deaths in France last year. In the United Kingdom, where measles was once thought eradicated, the disease is again widespread. Closer to home, Quebec reported more than 900 cases of measles in 2011.

People with measles are contagious for up to four days before the telltale rash develops. Because it looks like a common upper-respiratory infection in its early stages, many U.S. doctors aren’t on the lookout and misdiagnose it at first.

Anti-Vaccine Arguments Along with the now-discredited measles vaccine-autism connection first published in and then retracted by The Lancet, the anti-vaccine movement often cites three additional arguments.

In an April article published in Human Immunology and titled “The Clinician’s Guide to the Anti-Vaccinationists’ Galaxy,” Mayo Clinic vaccinologist Gregory Poland, M.D., and co-author Robert Jacobson, M.D., declared these arguments as myths and offered the following rebuttals.

Vaccination More Important Than Ever With summer vacation in full swing and travelers moving in and out of busy airports – especially those headed to the Summer Olympic Games in London at the end of July – experts worry that measles immunity in the U.S. has dropped to a dangerous level.

Clyde Martin, a mathematician from Texas Tech University, analyzed a 1987 measles epidemic in Lubbock, Texas, and found that it takes an immunity rate of 98 percent to prevent an epidemic of the disease in densely populated areas. Prior to his study, experts believed a 90 percent vaccination rate was enough.

Martin had measles around 60 years ago, when he was in second grade. He was sick and feverish for two weeks. “It was awful,” he says. “I remember being deathly ill. I was delirious a lot of the time, and I can remember my mother sitting there with a cold cloth, trying to bring my temperature down.”

Martin is concerned about communities across the country where vaccination rates have fallen dangerously low, leaving people with compromised immune systems and babies too young for the vaccine vulnerable. “They are just setting themselves up for a catastrophe,” he says.

Myth: The bodies of infants and young children can’t respond safely to the large number of antigens (substances that cause the body to produce antibodies) given in vaccines.

Fact: Children encounter far more antigens in the natural environment than they ever encounter in vaccines, and newer vaccines expose children to fewer antigens than older versions.

Traveling This Summer?

If you’re vacationing this summer, even within the United States, it makes sense to check your family’s vaccination status. “You can be exposed at an airport to someone from anywhere in the world,” says CDC’s Seward.

In the U.S., people usually get their first dose of MMR vaccine – which prevents measles, mumps and rubella – at 12 months of age. But the CDC now recommends that children traveling outside the U.S. get their first dose beginning at 6 months. Everyone ages 12 months and older should have had two doses of the vaccine.

Seward says that part of the reason vaccination rates aren’t where they should be is that people – including many doctors – don’t understand how bad things could get. “They’ve never seen measles.

They’ve never seen polio. They’ve never seen quarantine signs outside of people’s houses,” she says.

And without the vaccine, it wouldn’t take long until there were once again 3 to 4 million cases of measles a year in the U.S. “If everyone stopped vaccinating,” Seward says, “measles would be back.” ■

Myth: Vaccines can cause autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Fact: A 2011 Institute of Medicine review of more than 12,000 published reports failed to find evidence that vaccines cause any of these diseases.

Myth: Natural immunity is better than vaccineinduced immunity.

Fact: To gain natural immunity, a child has to be infected with a disease. And the risk of complications from infection are far greater than any risk from exposure to vaccines.

Parents who refuse vaccines create pockets of unprotected children in their communities, says Poland. “You’ve now provided tinder,” he says, “for that spark that will come.”

– Christina Elston

Christina Elston is a senior editor and health writer for Dominion Parenting Media.

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b.a.b.y.

Calming Babies After Shots

By Christina Elston

V

accinating babies protects them from a host of deadly diseases, but how to protect them from the pain of all those shots? A new study points to the popular “5 S’s” technique pioneered by renowned pediatrician Harvey Karp, M.D. The study, by researchers at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, VA., says the Karp technique – originally developed as a way to soothe colicky infants – also calms babies who’ve just received a vaccination. Karp is the author of The Happiest Baby on the Block (Bantam, 2003; $16).

His 5 S’s technique calls for calming an infant by tight swaddling, placing the baby on his/her side or stomach (but not using the stomach position for putting your baby to sleep, since this has been associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), making shushing noises (which imitate the sound of blood flowing near the womb), swinging the baby rhythmically by rocking, car rides, a motorized baby swing, etc.,; and allowing the baby to suck (which triggers a calming reflex).

Researchers divided 230 infants receiving their 2-month or 4-month checkups into four groups.

The first were given plain water two minutes before their vaccinations. The second received sugar-water,

which had been the gold standard for vaccination pain relief in infants. In the third group, caregivers employed the 5 S’s after the shot, while the final group received sugar-water before the shot and the 5 S’s treatment afterward.

Babies receiving water or sugar-water alone were still crying at least two minutes after their shots, but most of the babies who received the 5 S’s had stopped crying by 45 seconds – and all had stopped within one minute.

Another effective way to reduce pain in infants, breastfeeding, wasn’t included in the study. It provides infants with skin-to-skin contact, and the sugar from mother’s milk, but breastfeeding in a pediatrician’s office isn’t an option for all moms.

Lead study author John Harrington, M.D., says the 5 S’s were more effective than the other methods, but that the study didn’t evaluate each specifically. “I think the main thing is doing at least three to four of the S’s to get the full effect,” he says.

The study was published in a spring issue of Pediatrics. ■ Christina Elston is a senior editor and health writer for Dominion Parenting Media.

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education

Is Cursive Writing Extinct?

Basic handwriting skills not what they once were.

By Mary Lance

T

his May, 50 San Antonio Given the attendance at teachers sang, danced, the HWT workshop in San banged wooden sticks Antonio, it is clear that many and donned imaginary local educators are wondering, wet suits during an all-day is cursive handwriting among “Handwriting Without Tears school students going the way (HWT)” workshop designed of the extinct dinosaur or dodo to put the fun in – and take bird? out – the hard work aspect of For example, the fact that learning handwriting. only two of her 180 students HWT was designed and write in cursive, “is telling us founded by occupational something,” says North East therapist Jan Olsen who School District sixth-grade was aghast to learn that the teacher Kelly Meyer. handwriting curriculum for her children in Maryland However, the teaching of block printing and cursive was producing tears, frustration and little legible writing is part of the mandated curriculum in the first handwriting. through third grades by the Texas Education Agency Today the HWT curriculum, one of several (TEA). “Although we know students have to learn approved writing curriculums for use in Texas, offers cursive, Texas schools allow the students to decide 500 workshops annually throughout the United States and overseas to teachers and occupational which handwriting method to use, and often, because therapists searching for competent, but engaging they find it easier, the students elect to print,” explains methods to teach handwriting.

Debbie Ratcliffe, TEA communications director.

“We surveyed 3,500 teachers across America and Lynda Reyes, executive director of elementary found that 85 percent had not received instruction instruction in Northside School District notes, in how to teach handwriting,” explains Peter “Handwriting is a precursor to reading, is a factor in Giroux, Ph.D., professor of occupational therapy developing fine motor skills, and needs to be taught.” at the University of Mississippi Medical School, Ilna Colmere, senior program coordinator at the handwriting specialist for HWT and presenter at the College of Education and Human Development at recent San Antonio workshop. the University of Texas at San Antonio, wonders, “We find that children are not taught the proper “Is the emphasis on cursive writing waning because hand grip and don’t learn to form letters correctly of the stress on testing? I have observed in fourth – rather they are more often given a workbook and fifth grade classes that students have difficulty and asked to copy the letters – not the hands-on understanding cursive – somewhat a shock to me.” instruction that is needed.”

And says Colmere, there is an advantage to note Giroux says the negative consequences of the taking by hand. “If you handwrite, there is a physical lack of penmanship the fact that college entrance connection between brain, hand and paper which requirements are switching from computer-printed to notes triggers memory of issues and ideas shared in a handwritten essay – that of course must be legible the lecture.” along with demonstrating a mature thought process.

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Speaking for the classroom teacher’s viewpoint, Michelle Smith, occupational therapist in Northside School District, notes, “Teachers are mostly concerned about legibility, whether it’s cursive or printing.

“I do find, though, generally, that self-esteem is connected with better handwriting and that students who have more legible handwriting consistently get higher grades on their papers.”

“Not writing or reading cursive has not been a problem with how or what my students learn,” says Meyer.

Perhaps how you choose to write is not the issue says Roxanne Henkin, Ph.D., professor of literacy and education at UTSA. Henkin concludes, with her 40 years of classroom and university teaching, that “what’s important for students is the writing process – the getting of ideas on paper, editing and re-editing until a final draft – not whether the paper if handwritten or computer generated. There always have been issues with penmanship.”

“We need students to be able to write, no matter their method – printing, cursive or later, on the computer.

The important thing is that students have classroom instruction to learn to write – period,” says Cindy Miller, a Region 20 coordinator.

Kim Atkinson, another occupational therapist at Northside School District says she will be interested in seeing more research regarding kids abandoning cursive writing.

The verdict today is not clear about the how, the why and the impact of the decline of cursive handwriting.

More research anyone? ■ Mary Lance is a San Antonio freelance writer, mother of two grown children and grandmother of five.

“In my experience with middle-school students, very few are able to read or write cursive.”

– Sean Danweber, Legacy Middle School, East Central School District “Only two of my 180 students write in cursive – the remainder complete written assignments in block printing.”

– Kelly Meyer, 6th grade teacher, North East School District “I’ve been surprised that students, when asked to write their names in cursive handwriting, such as on SAT tests acknowledging that the work is their own, have to muddle through by connecting their printed letters.”

– Jeanette Pierce, English instructor, University of the Incarnate Word

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EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT CHARTER SCHOOLS

PRE-SCHOOLS

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210-633-9006 3803 Lyster Road San Antonio, TX www.brooksacademy.org Visit us online The long term vision for Brooks Academy of Science and Engineering www.countrydayschool.net is to build and develop a school for students who aspire to achieve above ST. ANDREW’S UNITED and beyond what they would otherwise San Antonio Country Day Montessori School does not discriminate METHODIST CHURCH be capable of in a traditional public on the basis of sex, religion, ethnicity, or national origin. school environment.

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EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT GREAT BEGINNINGS 210-824-8737 722 Robinhood Place, San Antonio, TX Ages 8 weeks - Kindergarten, 7:30 a.m.

- 5:30 p.m. We provide quality care and developmentally appropriate education for children. Low ratios, more one on one interaction of teachers to children.

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THE MUSTARD SEED EARLY LEARNING CENTER 210-688-7003 11555 Galm Road San Antonio, TX www.mustardseedelc.com Our mission is to provide a learning community in which each child is growing in all areas of development – social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 210-225-6794 1403 N. St. Mary’s Street San Antonio www.cchs-satx.org admissions@cchs-satx.org Central Catholic was established in 1852 and is currently the only all-male high school in San Antonio. A college preparatory taught in the Marianist tradition.

HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC SCHOOL 770 West Ramsey, San Antonio, TX (210) 349-1169 www.hscssa.org Holy Spirit Catholic School was established to provide a quality education in a caring environment. An ongoing relationship with the parish family enriches the school and furthers the school’s endeavor to help others understand and grow in Catholic tradition. Holy Spirit Catholic School is a leader in its field and is dedicated to providing opportunities for all students to develop a spiritual, moral, and intellectual foundation which will enable them to realize their full potential for a lifetime of commitment and service.

KEYSTONE SCHOOL 210-735-4022 119 East Craig, San Antonio www.keystoneschool.org admissions@keystoneschool.org Accelerated curriculum. Plus art, music, dramatics, computer and science labs, library facilities, athletics, languages.

Experienced teachers. Grades K - 12.

Where academic excellence is a way of life.

MONTESSORI SCHOOLHOUSE

MOUNT SACRED HEART SCHOOL 210-342-6711 619 Mt. Sacred Heart Road San Antonio, TX www.mountsacredheart.com Mount Sacred Heart is a private, coeducational Catholic school committed to quality education. A faithbased community fostering personal uniqueness and development of the whole person.

OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN SCHOOL 696-2716 11503 Vance Jackson San Antonio, TX www.oslcardinals.org OSL is a Christian school for children K – 8. At Our Savior, we strive to provide an excellent education with a Christ-centered focus and a caring family environment. Every program at OSL – from mathematics to music, biology to basketball – is done with The knowledge that God inspires us to pursue the highest possible quality in everything we teach.

SAN ANTONIO ACADEMY 210-733-7331 117 East French Place San Antonio, TX www.sa-academy.org San Antonio Academy educates PreK thru eighth grade boys to succeed in life scholastically, emotionally and physically. At The Academy, boys discover that it is awesome to be smart, loving and hardworking.

St. Monica Catholic School Now Enrolling for 2012/2013 School Y Year Pre-School thru 8th Grade

anding Leader in Outst l i c E d u c a t i o n Catho Principal Mrs. JoAnn Wood has been recognized by the Archdiocese of San Antonio as a 2012 Outstanding Leader in Catholic Education

• T.C.C.E.D. Accredited • Academic excellence • Leader in technology education • Middle school athletic program • Before and after school care • Full day kindergarten classes 515 North St. Converse, TX 78109

210-658-6701

www.saintmonica.net St. Monica School admits students of any race, religion and national or ethnic origin.

SAN ANTONIO CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS 210-340-1864 19202 Redland Road San Antonio, TX www.sachristianschools.org At SACS, we are committed to the Christian perspective of meeting the physical, intellectual, spiritual and emotional needs of your children.

Meeting these needs and being a partner with you requires dedicated, well-trained, biblically sound teachers and staff. SACS teachers have the highest professional, intellectual, spiritual and moral standards, and are committed to continuing education and professional development. The heart and quality of SACS truly resides in our personnel, and we praise God for them.

SAN ANTONIO COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

210-496-6033 210-341-0731 4194 Jung Rd., San Antonio, TX 10711 Dreamland Dr. www.countrydayschool.net San Antonio, TX The San Antonio Country Day School www.mymontessorischoolhouse.com provides a rich and peaceful Montessori We offer a stimulating environment in environment for children 2 years traditional Montessori curriculum with through fifth grade. Preschoolers are music, Spanish and motor skills programs. offered, two, three or five days per Before and after school care available.

Accepting ages 18Content months to 9isyears.

Call todayand for a provided tour. copyrightweek. protected for personal use only - not for reproduction or retransmission.

For reprints please contact the Publisher.

July 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com 25

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

Now Enrolling PK3-8th Grades for the 2012-2013 School Year • Accelerated Curriculum

• Promethean Interactive Boards

• PK3-8th grades

• Two Computer Labs

• Weekly Liturgies

• Honors Program 6th-8th Grades

• T.C.C.E.D. Accredited

• Athletics Program

• Certified Teachers

• Nat’l Junior Honor Society

• Two degreed Counselors • Two Reading Specialists • Registered Nurse

• Student Council • Safety Patrols

• “Buddy” Program • Year–round electives in Art, Music, • Renweb– Online access to Spanish, P.E., Library and student grades and school Computers information • Additional Middle School electives • Hot Lunch Program in Yearbook, Theater Arts, Art • After School Program History, and Campus Ministry • Enhanced Media Center

• Two yearly Fundraisers

Please call Mrs. Lisa Rosenfeld, Admissions Coordinator to schedule a personal tour at 349-1169 ext. 316 or Lisa.Rosenfeld@hscssa.org

210-826-0664 15 St. Luke’s Lane San Antonio, TX www.sles-sa.org With God’s guidance, St. Luke’s Episcopal School builds the foundation for academic, lifelong learning and responsible citizenship through a classical education that develops mind, body and soul.

ST. MONICA’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL 210-658-6701 515 North St., Converse http://www.saintmonica.net/ office@saintmonica.net At St. Monica our mission is to provide all students a challenging academic curriculum with in a program where Christian values reflecting God’s love are taught, practiced and ever present.

ST. PETER PRINCE OF THE APOSTLES SCHOOL 210-824-3171 112 Marcia Place, San Antonio, TX St. Peter Prince of the Apostle Catholic School was established in 1926.

Emphasis on strong academic for PreK3 to 8th grade. Before and after school care available.

SUNSHINE COTTAGE 603 Hildebrand, San Antonio, TX (210) 824-0579 www.sunshinecottage.org Sunshine Cottage teaches children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to listen and talk. Programs: Newborn Hearing Evaluation Center, ParentInfant Program, Audiology, SpeechLanguage Therapy and Pre-K through fifth grade.

THE CIRCLE SCHOOL 210-822-0461 217 Pershing San Antonio, TX www.thecircleschool.org The Circle School is a non-profit 501 (3), independent preschool and elementary in a family cooperative environment.

Currently we provide programs for children ages 3 to 9.

THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF SAN ANTONIO (FORMERLY THE JUDSON MONTESSORI SCHOOL)

THE WINSTON SCHOOL 210-615-6544 8565 Ewing Halsell San Antonio, TX www.winston-sa.org WSSA is a private, accredited school for students (K-12) of average to above average intellectual ability who have a diagnosed learning disability in one or more academic areas or a learning difference such as ADHD.

SPECIAL NEEDS MONARCH ACADEMY 479-3311 5235 David Edwards Drive San Antonio, TX info@monarchacademy.net www.monarchacademy.net Our mission is to provide students with special needs a unique learning environment so they may reach their maximum individual potential.

THE CLOWVAZAR ACADEMY (210) 690-4800 6391 DeZavala # 202 San Antonio, TX www.clowvazar.com Affordable, year-round Special Education accepting enrollment for ages 6-11.

Expect small class sizes and personalized curriculum to fit your child’s needs.

SUNSHINE COTTAGE (210) 824-0579 603 Hildebrand, San Antonio, TX www.sunshinecottage.org Sunshine Cottage teaches children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing to listen and talk. Programs: Newborn Hearing Evaluation Center, Parent-Infant Program, Audiology, Speech-Language Therapy and Pre-K through fifth grade.

LANGUAGE THE BILINGUAL CHILD ACADEMY 701-8461 96 Trailcrest Drive San Antonio, TX bilingualchildsa@att.net www.bilingualchildsacademy.com “Planting Seeds of Learning ~ Creating A World of Inspiration” BCA is dedicated to providing language enrichment classes in a learner centered environment by implementing a carefully selected curriculum and creating a nurturing atmosphere where children of all ages can flourish both socially and emotionally in a global world.

TUTORING

210-492-3553 17722 Rogers Ranch Pkwy.

San Antonio, TX INSPIRING EXCELLENCE www.montessoriSA.org Gail Saunders, Ed.C.I.TX Cert.

A personalized education, using the 509-7951 Montessori Method and philosophy to Inspiring Excellence is the result of many support each student’s development, successful years teaching students with while fostering a love of learning. Ages their parents. I provide a very positive 3-14. Offering the full range of core environment which helps them believe academics, music, the arts, Spanish, that success is achievable. I can teach in athletics, outdoor education, aftera relatively short amount of time with school activities, and summer camps. lots of strategies that will help your We are proud of our proven record of child continue to be successful! academic excellence.

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26 Our Kids | July 2012

For reprints please contact the Publisher.

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT

SCHOLARSHIP. C I T I Z E N S H I P. L E A D E R S H I P. A world of discovery awaits your child, including things like Singapore Math, robotics technology and stimulating outdoor classrooms. At St. Luke’s Episcopal School, we challenge our students to learn in different ways, to embrace their obligation to serve a much larger community and instill leadership to help them walk confidently into their futures. St. Luke’s Episcopal School is a nationally recognized independent school providing the finest classical and innovative education from PK3 – 8th grade.

Call today to schedule a tour of our campus. www.sles-sa.org 210.826.0664

Why choose Primrose ? ®

Just ask a mom. “themselves on a day-to-day basis. And it speaks to the character development that the curriculum encourages, which is respect and friendship, and caring and giving.

”

— Garrett and Nicholas’ Mom, Primrose Parent

Primrose School of Huebner Village www.PrimroseHuebnerVillage.com

Primrose School at Sonoma Ranch www.PrimroseSonomaRanch.com

Primrose School at Cibolo Canyons www.PrimroseCiboloCanyons.com

Educational Child Care for Infants through Private Kindergarten and After School

Now Enrolling for Fall 2012. Limited Spaces!

Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose, Primrose Schools, and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2012 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved.

Content is copyright protected and provided for personal use only - not for reproduction or retransmission.

July 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com 27 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT Shekinah Learning g Institute

dba

Shekinah Radiance Academy Washington W Wa shing n ton Tyrannus Tyrann nnuss School Schoool of of the tth he Arts Arts ts • 6th 6th - 12th 12th grade ggrrade

NO TUITION • NOW ENROLLING • LIMITED CLASS SPACE BRAND NEW CAMPUS!

• Rigourous Academic Standards • College Readiness Curriculum • Student-Centered Instruction • Free Transportation Provided

Render quality services to promote and achieve:

• Fine Arts • Project and Reserach Based Learning

• Academic excellence

• Community Outreach

• Stellar work performance

• Service Learning Applications

• Moral Leadership behavior

• After School Tutoring • Career and Technical Instruction • WTS Leadership Corps

12470 Woman Holleringg Rd., at 8453 E. FM1518 (3 mi east of FM78) 210-659-03 Mondayy – Fridayy 9 a.m. – 3 p.m Call 210-659-0329 Serving the th San Antonio Area since 1999 Shekinah Learning g Institute

dba

Radiance Academy of Learning Pre-Kindergarten P rree Kinderga gartteen - 8th 8th G Grade rade

NO TUITION • NOW ENROLLING • LIMITED CLASS SPACE NEW CAMPUS!

• Rigourous Academic Standards • After School Tutoring • Fine Arts • Free Transportation

Render quality services to promote and achieve:

• After School Care • Project and Research Based Learning

• Academic excellence

• Community Outreach

• Stellar work performance

• Service Learning Applcations

• Moral Leadership behavior

• College Readiness Curriculum • Student-Centered Instruction

8308 Fredericksburg d kb Rd (near Wurzbach & Medical Center) Call 210-593-0111 or 210-388-2782 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m Serving the San Antonio Area since 1999

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28 Our Kids | July 2012 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

Shekinah Learning Institute dba Radiance Academy of Learning

& Shekinah Radiance Academy

NO TUITION • NOW ENROLLING • LIMITED CLASS SPACE Render quality services to promote and achieve: • Academic excellence • Stellar work performance • Moral Leadership behavior

Shekinah Radiance Academies

Radiance Academies

• Live Oak Campus: Pre-K−5th grade Serving Live Oak/Universal City • Pearsall Campus: Kindergarten−5th grade Kelly Field/Lackland AFB/Five Palms/Medina Base Rd. • Walzem Campus: Pre-K−5th grade Serving Windcrest/Ventura Area • Washington Tyrannus Campus: 6th grade−12th grade Serving Converse/Schertz/Cibolo

• Daystar Campus: Pre-K−5th grade Serving Universal City and Converse • International Campus: K−5th grade Serving Culebra Road/St. Mary's University • Little Lions Campus: Pre-K−2nd grade Serving El Sendero/Thousand Oaks and Nacogdoches areas • Fredericksburg Rd. Campus Pre-K – 8th grade Serving medical center area

• Project Based Learning • Fine Arts • Rigorous Academic Standards • Student Centered Instruction • After School Tutoring • C-Scope Curriculum • Leadership • College Readiness Curriculum • Free Transportation • After School Care for those that apply

Summer Leadership Academy for Grades 1 – 5, Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

On-going through July 20, $300 tuition, limited scholarships available.

Held at Fredericksburg Road, Daystar and Little Lions.

Call today for more information on enrolling your child into our innovative schools.

Summer hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

210- 659-0329

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July 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com 29 Serving the Area since 1999 For San reprintsAntonio please contact the Publisher.

EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT

Mount Sacred Heart Catholic School

SAN ANTONIO ACADEMY

The Distinctive Choice in Catholic Education Since 1929

Now Enrolling 2012-2013 Schedule Your Personal Tour Today!

Call 342-6711 ext. 124 mountsacredheart.com For most students, the elementary years make up about half of their school lives, the foundation for the years to come.

Study habits are established and life-long attitudes are developed. Values are formed. Since 1886 The Academy has prepared young men to succeed in life.

San Antonio’s ONLY

Catholic Montessori Program Nationally Awarded - 5 Area Curriculum Ages 2½ - 5 years

PreK4–8th Grades Strong Academic Curriculum 619 Mt. Sacred Heart Rd. San Antonio, TX 78216 Community Compassion Integrity Service

www.sa-academy.org sa academ San Antonio Academy admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

733-7331 117 East French Place San Antonio, Texas 78212-5899

Accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest Member of the National Association of Independent Schools

Be honest. Be kind. Be the best you can be.®

Educating Boys for Life

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30 Our Kids | July 2012 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

calendar july

PHOTO COURTESY OF RINGLING BROS. & BARNUM BAILEY CIRCUS

By Cynthia Ladson

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Comes to Town

what’s inside 36 40

Family Theater Ongoing Exhibits

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus presents Fully Charged, an all-new production billed as “breathtaking dare-devilry” that offers stunts never-before-seen. Six electrifying performances come to the Alamodome July 4-8. Fully Charged features high-flying action and daring feats of athleticism, clowns, stallions, four-ton dancing Asian elephants, 12 tigers and more. Fully Charged has been designed to ignite excitement in children of all ages, according to press releases. Show times are: 4 p.m. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. ThursdaySaturday, 3:30 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday. Ticket prices range from $10 to $75 and may be purchased from Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Alamodome Box Office, 100 Montana St.

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July 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com 31 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

1 Sunday First Sundays for Families: Families can paint an abstract landscape, design a building or create a cool collage while discovering the “Spirit of American Modernism” at this month’s First Sundays event. 1-5 p.m. Free for ages 12 and younger.

San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. www.samuseum.org.

210-978-8183.

Sundays in the Park at Pearl: Live entertainment and family activities are featured each Sunday this Woodlawn Lake will be the scene again this year for one of several 4th of July month at the new amphitheater celebrations around the city. One of the most popular events is the annual overlooking the River Walk at Pearl Woodlawn Lake 4th of July Children’s Parade.

Brewery. Refreshments available.

1-5 p.m. Free. Park is behind the after 6 p.m. at the Durango Street lots across from the Culinary Institute of America at the Pearl Complex, Federal Courthouse. HemisFair Park Arch, South Alamo 200 E. Grayson St. River Walk at Pearl Brewery, Street, www.sanantonio.gov/dtops. 210-207-3677. www.atpearl.com.

4 Wednesday

2 Monday Made in Texas: Learn all about ideas and everyday items that have their origins right here in Texas during the exhibit “Made in Texas.” The new exhibit showcases the Lone Star State’s impact on the world – everything from cowboy boots, computers, salsa, Jalapeño jelly, prickly pear wine, ancient stone tools and artificial hearts.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Opens July 2. $8 ages 12-64, $7 seniors 65-plus, $6 ages 3-11, free for ages 2 and younger.

Institute of Texan Cultures, 801 César E. Chávez Blvd., www.texancultures.com. 210-458-2300.

Patriotic Pops: Concert titled “Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet” features church’s 60-member orchestra and 80-member choir. 7 p.m. Vintage cars will be on display and apple crisps will be served following concert. Free. Coker United Methodist Church, 231 East North Loop Road. 210-494-3455.

3 Tuesday Movies by Moonlight: Weekly outdoor film series features ZooKeeper, screened on the grassy area near the HemisFair Park arch on South Alamo Street. Take lawn chairs or blankets. Concessions available. Preentertainment at 7:30 p.m.; feature film at 8:30 p.m.

Free. Parking is free on a first-come first-served basis

Happy 4th of July!

Woodlawn Lake Fourth of July Celebration: Take the entire family out to celebrate this country’s birth and freedom at the city’s official July Fourth Celebration.

Family members of all ages can participate in a funfilled day of games, food, live music and fireworks. The day begins with a children’s parade at 10 a.m. and concludes with fireworks at 9 p.m. Free. Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati Ave. www.saparksfoundation.org.

210-212-8423.

5 Thursday Caffeinated Concerts: Cactus Pear Musical Festival Young People’s Concert will offer high-energy level performances featuring the works of Bach, Mendelssohn, Octet, Vivaldi and Piazzolla and Premo. Performances are in San Antonio, Boerne and New Braunfels. Season subscription, $125; individual tickets – adults, $25; active duty military, $20; and students, $5. 7 p.m. Thursday, San Antonio’s Coker United Methodist Church, 231 E. North Loop Road. Boerne concerts will be held at First United Methodist Church of Boerne, 205 James St., while New Braunfels concerts are scheduled for New Braunfels Presbyterian Church, 373 Howard St. Visit website for all concert times. www.cpmf.us.

210-838-2218.

get listed Items to be considered for the calendar XXXXX must be received at least six weeks prior to publication. The deadline for the September 2012 issue is July 15. Mail calendar items and photographs to: Calendar Editor, Our Kids San Antonio,

8400 Blanco Road, Suite 300, San Antonio, TX 78216, or e-mail to ourkidssacalendar@gmail.com.

Information cannot be accepted by phone.

If you miss the print deadline, you

may submit your event directly to our searchable online calendar at OurKidsSanAntonio.com. Just click on the “Submit Your Event” link below the Calendar on the home page. Online postings will appear on the Web only.

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32 Our Kids | July 2012 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SAN ANTONIO PARKS FOUNDATION

calendar

6 Friday Freedom Fest 2012: Three-day event celebrating Independence Day is filled with local entertainment, children’s activities, arts and crafts, food and more.

Noon-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday. Free. Market Square downtown, W. Commerce and Santa Rosa streets, www.marketsquaresa.com.

210-207-8600.

Crafty Kids Workshops – Mosaic Madness: Kids ages 6 to 10 have fun with mosaics. $35. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St., www.sakids.org/events/museumcamps.aspx.

210-212-4453.

8 Sunday YOSA Summer Symphony Camp: Youth Orchestras of San Antonio offers two-week day camps for young musicians. Stringed instrument players ages 8-18 with at least one year of experience and woodwind, brass or percussion players ages 13-18 with at least two years of experience are eligible to enroll. The camp will feature six orchestras of varying ability levels, and an advanced full orchestra. Camps offer theory, composition, conducting techniques and chamber music classes; music software instruction; crafts and PE activities for younger camp division; a young people’s concert presented by Cactus Pear Music Festival; multiple concert performances featuring all summer camp students; group outing; and center court half-time performance at a San Antonio Silver Stars basketball game. $415. Tuition assistance is available. Camps are held at St. Mary’s Hall and Church of Reconciliation. www.YOSA.org. 210-737-0097.

Sunday Jazz at the Witte: The Mission City Hot Rhythm Cats will perform outdoors in the courtyard. Take a blanket or lawn chair. No outside food or drink; food and beverages available for purchase. 4-7 p.m.

Museum galleries close at 5 p.m., however the H-E-B Science Treehouse is open until 7 p.m. Free with museum admission. Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway. www.wittemuseum.org.

9 Monday Teen Fashion Design Camp: Teen Fashion Design Camp for ages 14-18 is offered at Texas Woman’s University-Denton campus. Design professors, fashion students, and industry professionals present topics that will be fun and educational for teens, girls and boys. Classes and activities focus on basic fashion design, sewing, sketching, fashion shows and more.

Monday through Friday. Texas Woman’s University, 1210 Old Main Circle, Old Main Building, 4th Floor. www.twu.edu/fashion/fashion-camp.asp. 940-898-2661.

Build It: Kids entering first and second grades in the fall enjoy hands-on activities and problem solving with building blocks. Campers are introduced to simple machines, motors and gears while building to their hearts content. 9 a.m.-noon.

San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. www.sakids.org/events/museumcamps.aspx.

210-212-4453.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road: Campers ages 7-14 are the stars in this “land somewhere over the rainbow.”

All week long campers will rehearse the children’s tale The Wizard of Oz. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday with a performance at noon on Friday. $225. The Rose Theatre, 11838 Wurzbach Road, www.therosetheatreco.com. 210-360-0004.

Camp Disney: Youngsters ages 5-18 perform to songs from your favorite shows including Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins and more during Camp Disney. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. $395. Woodlawn Theatre, 1920 Fredericksburg Road. www.woodlawntheatre.com.

210-267-8388.

Science Wonders: Kids entering grades second-fourth grades in the fall can experience five days of science wonders as they participate in activities that change their perception, gross them out, move and shake and EXPLODE under pressure. $225. Online registration. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. www.sakids.org/events/museumcamps.aspx.

210-212-4453.

10 Tuesday Free Summer Movies at Santikos: Family friendly movie Rio will be shown. 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.

Free admission; first come first served. Santikos Theaters’ Palladium IMAX, Silverado 16, Rialto, Mayan Palace, Embassy and Northwest 14 theaters. www.santikos.com. 866-420-8626.

Movies by Moonlight: Weekly outdoor film series features Happy Feet 2, screened on the grassy area near the HemisFair Park arch on South Alamo Street. Take lawn chairs or blankets. Concessions available. Preentertainment at 7:30 p.m.; feature film at 8:30 p.m.

Free. Parking is free on a first-come first-served basis after 6 p.m. at the Durango Street lots across from the Federal Courthouse. HemisFair Park arch, South Alamo Street, www.sanantonio.gov/dtops. 210-207-3677.

Looking for family activities? Sign up to receive weekly event picks delivered right to your inbox. Go to www.ourkidssanantonio.com today!

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calendar 11 Wednesday River City Cluster of Dog Shows: One of the nation’s premier dog shows, with exhibitors from all over the world, features Best in Breed, Best in Group and Best in Show each day. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. $5, adults, children under 10 accompanied by adult, free. Freeman Coliseum Exposition Hall, 3201 E. Houston St., www.rivercitycds.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF YOSA

13 Friday

Young Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA) Summer Symphony campers enjoy studying music and making new friends.

Crafty Kids Workshops – Hula Hoop: Kids enjoy crafts and fun with Hula Hoops. $35. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. www.sakids.org/events/museumcamps.aspx.

210-212-4453.

14 Saturday Beginners’ Bird Walk: Join members of the San Antonio Audubon Society on a walk for families ages 6 and older the second Saturday of each month. Binoculars

Check Out Our New Site Today! http://sanantonio.parenthood.com/

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34 Our Kids | July 2012 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

available. 7:30 a.m. Free. Judson Nature Trail, 246 Viesca St., next to the Alamo Heights swimming pool. www.saaudubon.org. 210-308-6788.

UC Movies in the Park: Thor will be screened at the Universal City summer series of movies. Movies begin at sunset around 8 p.m. Free. Universal City Park, 305 North Blvd. www.universalcitytexas.com/movies. 210659-0333 ext. 721.

16 Monday Junior and Teen Combined Fashion Design and Merchandising Camp: Design and merchandising professors, fashion students, and industry professionals present topics that will be fun and educational for girls and boys ages 10-18. Classes and activities focus on basic fashion design, style interpretation, sewing, trend forecasting, and more. Call for more information. Monday through Friday. Registration deadline: July 2. Texas Woman’s University, 1210 Old Main Circle, Old Main Bulilding, 4th Floor. www.twu.edu/fashion/fashion-camp.asp.

940-898-2661.

Triple Threat Camp: Campers learn to be a triple threat in the theater arena as they learn simple dance steps, singing and acting. Campers and staff will

create a show they will always remember. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. $225. The Rose Theatre, 11838 Wurzbach Road. www.therosetheatreco.com.

210-360-0004.

Budding Ballerina Camp: Ballet Conservatory of South Texas present “Budding Ballerina,” a camp for 3 to 7 year olds geared to promoting coordination, grace and creativity. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday. $195.

The Ballet Conservatory of South Texas, 5200 Broadway. www.balletsouthtexas.org. 210-820-3400.

Mommy & Me: Kids 2 1/2-5 years old and their caregivers are invited to join in the messy, marvelous and creative fun at this camp designed especially with them in mind. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $115. Register online. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. www.sakids.org/events/museumcamps.aspx.

210-212-4453.

17 Tuesday Free Summer Movies at Santikos: Family friendly movie Rango will be shown. 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Free admission, first come first served.

Santikos Theaters’ Palladium IMAX, Silverado 16, Rialto, Mayan Palace, Embassy and Northwest 14 theaters. www.santikos.com. 866-420-8626.

CREATIVE EATIVE DRAMA ACADEMY ACAD

Coming in September

2012 Field Trip Guide Look for it in WalMart • H-E-B • Jim's Restaurant Medical Facilities • Libraries Book Stores • Other Retail Locations Call for location nearest you.

349-6667

• Summer Camp 2-Week Sessions 9am-3pm with before & after care available!

• Birthday Parties • Seussical Jr. the Musical!

210-508-5894 ActingUpCDA.com

24 Months - 5th Grade

SA's FIRST Reggio Emilia Inspired School

Register Now for Our Summer Programs

50% OFF

Fall Registration

CCSD Accepted (government voucher)

SUMMER DAYS: June 18 - Aug 17 Fall Registration NOW OPEN

210-320-4427

3110 NW Loop 410, SA, 78230 • Cherry Ridge and 410

www.tjschoolhouse.com

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calendar Family Music Time: Families with young children ages 3 and younger can enjoy free music classes together singing songs, playing instruments and reading stories.

10:30 a.m. every third Tuesday of the month. Jensen’s Yamaha Music, 2241 N.W. Military Highway, Ste. 202B. www.jensenyamahamusic.com. 210-366-5048.

Movies by Moonlight: Weekly outdoor film series features Kung Fu Panda 2, screened on the grassy area near the HemisFair Park arch on South Alamo street.

Take lawn chairs or blankets. Concessions available. Preentertainment at 7:30 p.m.; feature film at 8:30 p.m.

Free. Parking is free on a first-come first-served basis after 6 p.m. at the Durango Street lots across from the Federal Courthouse. HemisFair Park arch, South Alamo Street. www.sanantonio.gov/dtops. 210-207-3677.

20 Friday Summer Exploration Camp – Dirt Doctors: During this two-day camp, staff members from the Science Research Educational Institute of Texas will teach kids ages 6 to 10 how to take soil samples and how to identify and dissect the samples. Additionally, campers will learn about soil grading and how things live in soil.

10 a.m.-11:45 a.m. $20. Online registration. Maverick Public Library, 8700 Mystic Park. www.sreitonline.org.

Family Theater ■ Cinderella – The Royal ball is near and Cinderella’s stepmother and sisters didn’t invite her. Come out and help the Theater Tots find Cinderella the perfect dress to transform her into a beautiful princess in time for the ball. As in the fairy tale, Cinderella runs off and leaves her glass slipper at the ball. Will the prince find his princess?

10 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. Show runs from July 11-26. $5.50. Free for kids under age 1. Reservations required. The Rose Theatre, 11838 Wurzbach Road. www.therosetheatreco.com. 210-360-0004.

■ Sleeping Beauty and the Prince of the Canary Islands – This original musical by Richard Rosen is the third musical in the Fairy Tale Trilogy (La Cinderella and Snow White and the Seven Amigos.) Using English and a little Spanish, it weaves a new and wacky version of Sleeping Beauty, complete with fairies (good and evil), a sleeping castle on the top of a pyramid in Mexico, and the Prince of the Canary Islands, who is on his way to San Antonio, where he will become the governor and live in the Governor’s palace. 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays and 7 p.m. Fridays. Runs through July 28, Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. www.magiktheatre.org. 210-227-2751.

23 Monday

Crafty Kids Workshops – Self Portrait Painting: Kids ages 6-10 are introduced to self-portrait painting. $35. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. www.sakids.org/events/museumcamps.aspx.

210-212-4453.

KSN Summer Golf Camp: Golf Camp Level II with an increase of “on course” time. $135 for 15 hours of instruction. Snack and drink provided. Sets of clubs are available for purchase separately. Alamo Golf Club, 9700 Rochelle St. www.ksnusa.org/camps.htm.

201-654-4707.

21 Saturday

Tween-Scene Camp: Acting camp for tweens ages 10-13.

In one-week campers will cast, direct and perform a one-act play. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. $225. TThe Rose Theatre, 11838 Wurzbach Road. www.therosetheatreco.com. 210-360-0004.

Autism Society and AMC Films: Area families affected by autism and other disabilities can enjoy monthly films in a safe and accepting environment. No previews or silence policy during movie. Families can take their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks. Today’s film: Ice Age: Continental Drift. 10 a.m. $4 AMC Rivercenter 9, 849 E. Commerce St. E-mail aglensky@autism-society.org. 301657-0881, ext. 9015.

OPTIMIZED FOR YOUR SMART PHONE

Kids Bug Camp: Entomologists ages 7 and older will learn all about insects, collect and mark an insect collection, perform experiments and other activities with insects. Campers become junior entomologists and receive an entomology kit with net, vials, collection

Check out our new digital magazine editions available online at OurKidsSanAntonio.com Access all of our great online content through new NEW Parenthood app – COMING SOON! • Simple to access • Simple to use • Click through to more than 100 family Web sites!

Now’s the time to experience our magazine in a whole new way!

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36 Our Kids | July 2012 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

bag, pins, and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $100. Texas AgriLife Extension Service of Bexar County, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 212. 210-467-6575.

Me and My Pooch Camp: Kids ages 7-14 can enjoy all types of camp activities alongside their pooches. 9 a.m.1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. $200. Bluebonnet Bunk n Biscuit, 16302 Interstate 35 North in Selma.

210-655-2865.

Space – The Final Frontier: Kids prepare for a day that’s “out of this world” as they explore the galaxy and Earth’s solar system. $50. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. www.sakids.org/events/museumcamps.aspx.

210-212-4453.

26 Thursday

Free Summer Movies at Santikos: Family-friendly movie Puss n Boots will be shown. 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Free admission; first come first served.

Santikos Theaters’ Palladium IMAX, Silverado 16, Rialto, Mayan Palace, Embassy and Northwest 14 theaters. www.santikos.com. 866-420-8626.

Movies by Moonlight: Weekly outdoor film series features Lion King, screened on the grassy area near the HemisFair Park arch on S. Alamo Street. Take

Jones - Malts Berger

Auto Zone

Twinkle# World

25 Wednesday The Science of Magic: Campers will uncover the secrets behind popular magic tricks. $50. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. www.sakids.org/events/museumcamps.aspx.

210-212-4453.

24 Tuesday

Thousands Oaks

lawn chairs or blankets. Concessions available. Preentertainment at 7:30 p.m.; feature film at 8:30 p.m.

Free. Parking is free on a first-come first-served basis after 6 p.m. at the Durango Street lots across from the Federal Courthouse. HemisFair Park arch, South Alamo Street, www.sanantonio.gov/dtops. 210-207-3677.

Open 10:00 am - 7:30 pm Mon - Sat

Build Outside the Box: Kids learn the basics of structures and circuits as they tinker and test their own inventions. $50. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. www.sakids.org/events/museumcamps.aspx.

210-212-4453.

27 Friday Crafty Kids Workshops – Nifty Knitters: Kids ages 6-10 create and have fun with knitting. $35.

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July 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com 37 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

calendar San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. www.sakids.org/events/museumcamps.aspx.

210-212-4453.

28 Saturday Blue Sparrow Art Gallery: Enjoy an art show featuring local talent and live music every last Saturday of the month. Blue Sparrow Art Gallery at Jensen’s Yamaha Music School, 2241 N.W. Military Highway, Ste. 202B. www.jensenyamahamusic.com. 210-655-2865.

30 Monday A Sketch Above the Rest: Camp for kids interested in performing in sketches and doing improv. Camp begins with kids writing sketches, casting each scene and directing. Campers have the opportunity to act and direct. Final performance at the end of camp. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. $225. The Rose Theatre, 11838 Wurzbach Road. www.therosetheatreco.com.

210-360-0004.

Pint Sized-Science Camp: Youngsters 4-6 years old discover the world around them in this camp. Camp leaders will spark participants’ curiosity with fossil digs, glowing ors, magnetic cereal and a few things that go BOOM! 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $150. Register online now. San Antonio Children’s Museum, 305 E. Houston St. www.sakids.org/events/museumcamps.aspx.

210-212-4453.

31 Tuesday Movies by Moonlight: Weekly outdoor film series features Over the Hedge, screened on the grassy area near the HemisFair Park arch on S. Alamo Street. Take lawn chairs or blankets. Concessions available. Preentertainment at 7:30 p.m.; feature film at 8:30 p.m.

Free. Parking is free on a first-come first-served basis after 6 p.m. at the Durango Street lots across from the Federal Courthouse. HemisFair Park arch, South Alamo Street, www.sanantonio.gov/dtops. 210-207-3677.

looking ahead to august The Ford Canoe Challenge is Aug. 4 along the San Antonio River beginning near the Chamber of Commerce. St. Louis Day Celebration is Aug. 12 in Castroville.

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The Emmy Award-winning 1970’s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught math, grammar, science, history, and politics through clever, tuneful songs returns to The Magik Theatre stage!

camp sho WBiZ is here !

Summer Day Camp for Ages 3-17 Join us for another summer of fun, creativity and imagination! Choose from classes in musical theatre, School of Rock & Roll, classes just for teens and more! Register today for Camp Showbiz, call 210-227-2751 or visit magiktheatre.org for more information!

Bring this ad and receive one free soda with the purchase of a popcorn. Limit one per family.

Valid only at Friday 7PM and Saturday 2PM performances. Expires 7/28/12 210.227.2751 | magiktheatre.org 420 S. Alamo in Hemisfair Park OK7.12

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38 Our Kids | July 2012 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

The Royal Canvas 5005 Broadway St. San Antonio Painting Parlor 210.826.7246 2012 SUMMER CAMPS Painting Camps 2, & 3 • Ages: 3-5 & 6+ Jul.16-20, Aug.6-10 1/2 day of full day options

Early and After Care Options Available

NEW! Mixed Media Workshop • Jul.23-27 Grades 3-5, 9:00 am - Noon Grades 6-12, 1:00 - 4:00 pm NEW! Visual Art Journaling Workshop Jul.30–Aug.3 Grades 3-5, 9:00 am - Noon Grades 6-12, 1:00 - 4:00 pm Text LOVEART to 22828 to join our events newsletter

www.TheRoyalCanvas.com

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Our Kids San Antonio the region’s premier monthly magazine dedicated to serving and empowering, YOU, San Antonio Parents is not only available at: HEB and All Jim’s Coffee Shops.

Our unique camps provide three hours of fun and activities in a non-competitive, nurturing environment. Each day, they take part in exciting imaginative journeys.

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NOW ENROLLING SUMMER CAMPS AND CLASSES NE SAN ANTONIO 545-3770 ALAMO HEIGHTS 822-9252 www.thelittlegym.com

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July 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com 39 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

calendar Ongoing Exhibits INSTITUTE OF TEXAN CULTURES ■ “Made in Texas” explores the ideas and everyday items that have their origins right here in Texas. The new exhibit showcases the Lone Star State’s impact on the world – everything from cowboy boots, computers, salsa, Jalapeño jelly, prickly pear wine, ancient stone tools and artificial hearts.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m.

Sunday. Opens July 2.

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. MondaySaturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission: $8 ages 12-64, $7 seniors 65-plus, $6 ages 3-11, free for ages 2 and younger.

801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. www.texancultures.com. 210458-2300.

SAN ANTONIO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM ■ “Science City” invites kids to think like scientists in six interactive zones. Hands-on activities that encourage creative and innovative thinking include designing structures that withstand the forces of nature, investigating the science of circuits and experimenting with aerodynamics and momentum on a race track.

PHOTO BY CYNTHIA LADSON

■ “Timeless Texas Toys” explores life and culture through handmade folk toys. Designed like a toymaker’s shop, the new exhibit features Texas toymakers, a paper doll illustrator and the proprietor of San Antonio’s first known doll hospital. Young visitors can try their hand at making a toy and play with large-scale versions of folk toys. Through Aug. 5.

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission: $10 for ages 12 and older, $8 children ages 3-11 and seniors over 62, free for ages 2 and under. 3903 N. St. Mary’s St. in Brackenridge Park. www.sazoo-aq.org. 210-734-7184.

WITTE MUSEUM ■ Robert J. and Helen C. Kleberg South Texas Heritage Center allows visitors to experience more than 150 years of change and growth in San Antonio and South Texas. The new 20,000 square-foot, two-story building situated on the Witte Museum grounds provides a permanent home to a collection of artifacts that tell the story of San Antonio’s founding and of other key events that shaped South Texas from the early 1800s to the 1950s. Exhibits trace the growth of urban and rural South Texas through the stories of those who lived here. The Center lets visitors stand in a bustling mid-1800s San Antonio plaza, then explore life on rural ranches and along cattle trails while learning about the forces that shaped the region and its people during a time of rapid growth and development.

This Robert J. and Helen C. Kleberg South Texas Heritage Center exhibit is one of many offering museum goers a glimpse of life in South Texas from the 1880s to the 1950s.

■ “Frost Good Cents Bank” introduces kids to hands-on financial learning as they role play in a bank with a drive-up window, teller counters and an ATM. They can also explore interactive finance stations to learn about managing and spending money.

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $7; free for children younger than 2. 305 E. Houston St. www.sakids.org. 210-212-4453.

SAN ANTONIO ZOO ■ “Africa Live!” features up-close views of hippopotamus, Nile crocodiles, giant bullfrogs, Egyptian cobras, giant elephant shrews and more. Visitors experience the plants and animals of Africa three months after the seasonal rains, including animals from Lake Tanganyika and Lake Malawi that can be seen through underwater windows.

■ “Africa Live 2” boasts the second tallest aviary in North America, filled with trees, African birds and the colobus monkey. Visitors can see an okapi, dwarf mongoose, and walk through a giant termite mound, coming face to face with a pair of African wild dogs.

■ “Family Traditions: Easter in Brackenridge Park” is a new exhibit of photographs and words depicting the traditional weeklong Easter celebrations in Brackenridge Park. The images were taken in the park by Ricardo Romo between Good Friday and Easter Sunday in 2011. Through June 24.

■ “Darwin: How One Man’s Theory Turned the World on its Head” explores the famed naturalist’s life and discoveries that led to his ideas on the theory of evolution. The exhibit includes specimens, fossils, film, computer interactives, replicas of Darwin’s personal effects and a reconstruction of his study. $5 exhibit surcharge in addition to general museum admission. Through Sept. 3.

■ H-E-B Science Treehouse includes a geocaching adventure in which visitors can go on a high-tech scavenger hunt using a smart phone or GPS. Mount Witte is a 20-foot rock climbing wall for all ages that hones climbers’ organization and problem-solving skills. “Move It! A Game of Action” emphasizes wellness and physical activity with a 10-foot-by-10-foot lighted gaming floor and nine game choices. The H.E.Buddy SkyCycle is an outdoor bicycle ride 14 feet in the air featuring a large weight suspended under a 40-foot cable. Young riders learn the principles of counterbalance and center of gravity.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, WednesdaySaturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, noon-5 p.m.

Sunday. Admission: $10 ages 12-64, $9 ages 65-plus and active-duty military with ID, $8 ages 4-11, free for ages 3 and younger. 3801 Broadway. www.wittemuseum.org. 210-357-1900.

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40 Our Kids | July 2012 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

My Kid’s a Great Writer Contest So you think your child is a pretty good writer?

Submit one of his or her best writings to Our Kids and it could be published in the August issue of the magazine. Writings must be received by 5 p.m. July 5, 2012.

Submissions must be no more than 500 words and should be typed or legibly handwritten. Parents are permitted to help kids type or input submission into the computer, but not with the actual writing.

Submit articles online at ourkidssanantonio.com or mail to Our Kids Magazine, 8400 Blanco Road, Ste. 300, San Antonio, Texas 78216. ATTN: Cynthia Ladson, Editor.

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July 2012 | OurKidsSanAntonio.com 41 For reprints please contact the Publisher.

OUR KIDS To place a classified ad call 210-349-6667

CLASSIFIEDS

Publisher does not endorse nor recommend the following business and we encourage our readers to look carefully into any business before making personal or financial commitments.

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ADD - ADHD - Dyslexia - ESL Exp. 1:1 Pre-school - High school “Inspiring students to do and be their best”

Gail Saunders, B.S. Ed. C.I. 25+ Years Exp.(210) 509-7951

DANCE KINDERDANCE OF ALAMO CITY CHILDREN’S DANCE CLASSES Ages 2yrs-10yrs • 4 Locations Free Trial Class • Sibling Discounts

210-680-5964

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Spanish Classes For Kids High-Energy Fun Music,Games,Acting Award-Winning Program Native Speaking Teachers

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ENTERTAINMENT PARTY THEMES

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• Birthday Parties • Family Gatherings • Holiday Events The Greater Northside

210-887-3735

• picnics • birthdays parties • carnivals • fundraising • school events! www.jumpandpartyevents.com

ANIMALS

Visit our Online

Party & Entertainment Visit V ourr Online o Guide

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Madisyns_mansions@yahoo.com 210-849-8168 aircastlemoonwalks.com Content is copyright protected and provided for personal use only - not for reproduction or retransmission.

42 Our Kids | July 2012

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Y

1.

KIDS

in

Summer Fun 1. Christopher enjoys playing at SeaWorld waterpark.

2. Analisa and Yasmin spend day with Mom at the San Antonio Zoo.

Submit Your Photos for August and September Issue using It’s now easier than ever to submit your kids’ photos for publication in Our Kids magazine. Join our Flickr group today and submit your kids’ photos.

Here is how it’s done: Login www.flickr.com using your Google, Yahoo or Facebook account and join the Your Kids in Our Kids group and submit your photos to the group by clicking on the upload button at the top of the page. By submitting photos to the Your Kids in Our Kids Flickr group page, you give us permission to publish your photos in Our Kids San Antonio magazine.

Theme for Our Kids August issue is “Vacations and Staycations.” The deadline to submit photos for August is July 2. Our September theme is “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” and the deadline to submit photos is Aug. 1.

2.

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Shoot for the stars, reach for the moon, the sky is the limit….

Sandy says…

HAPPY 4th OF JULY Holiday Humor: Q: Did you hear the one about the Liberty Bell?

A: Yeah, it cracked me up.

Q: Why did the duck say bang?

A: Because he was a firequacker Q: What is red, white, blue and green?

A: A patriotic pickle.

Q: Why did the British cross the Atlantic A: To get to the other tide.

Q: What did one flag say to the other flag?

A: Nothing, it just waved.

Q: What was George Washington’s favorite tree?

A: The infantry.

Q: What’s the difference between a duck and George Washington?

A: One has a bill on his has face, and the other has a face on a bill.

Jokes Sources: yumsugar.com, hullium.com

Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy Home Health and Clinic Settings

www.ahc-sa.com 344-KIDS(5437)

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