Our Kids Magaizne March April 2022.pdf by Our Kids Magazine

The Go-To Resource for San Antonio Families Since 1985

FREE March / April 2022

Magazine

DIG THIS! 10 Big Benefits of Gardening with Kids

IN-PERSON CAMPS

The Importance of Traditional Play in a Digital World

Magazine

EASTER EGGS Things to Fill Them That Aren’t Candy

CAMP Magazine UIDE G

agazine

gazine

agazine

table of

CONTENTS

March/April 2022

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volume 37 • number 2

WHAT TYPE OF CAMP WILL YOUR CHILD LIKE? IN PERSON CAMPS:

THE IMPORTANCE OF TRADITIONAL PLAY IN A DIGITAL WORLD

50 + THINGS TO FILL EASTER EGGS (THAT AREN’T CANDY)

DIG THIS!

10 BIG BENEFITS OF GARDENING WITH KIDS

CREATIVE THEME GARDENS TO GROW WITH KIDS

Magaz

Magazine EXTENDING KINDNESS TO FRIENDS DEALING WITH INFERTILITY

SUPER ST. PATRICK’S DAY CRAFTS, SNACKS & ACTIVITIES Magazine

Magaz

CALENDAR Magazine

The Go-To Resource for San Antonio Families Since 1985

Marc

WHEN IT FEELS LIKE EVERYONE IS HAVING MORE FUN Magazine

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P.O. Box 1809 Castroville, TX 78009 210-305-4181

PUBLISHER Rudy Riojas 210-526-0312

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OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC is a locally owned magazine published monthly. 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. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the publisher. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis. OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

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CAMP

Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

CAMP GUIDE

What Type of Camp Will Your Child Like? By Cheryl Maguire

When I was younger, I only had one choice for summer camp—the town camp. The town camp was a traditional allday 6 hour camp with a heavy emphasis on sports. I was more of a bookworm than an athlete so this type of camp was not a good match for my personality. I remember coming home every day whinnying to my mom, “It was so hot and all we did was play (fill in a sport). Do I have to go to camp tomorrow?” By the end of the summer I’m sure my mom wished there were other options for me. Now there are so many choices it can be overwhelming to figure out what type of camp would be a good fit for your child. Hopefully, the following descriptions will help you to match your child with the correct camp so you hear your child tell you, “Camp was so much fun today,” instead of what my poor mother dealt with daily.

Traditional Day Camp A traditional day camp is 6 hours (half-day options may be available) and offers a variety of activities such as sports, swimming, art, and music. These camps are located at YMCAs, public schools, or private settings.

Is this a good fit for your child? Most of the activities are outside so if your child loves the outdoors and playing sports or team building activities then this would be a good type of camp for them. Since there is a variety of activities this would also be a good fit for a child that likes to try different things. 4

Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

Sports

Specialty sports camps usually are one sport such as baseball or soccer that the child plays either for 3 or 6 hours. Depending on where you live there may even be an option for tennis, golf, surfing, or sailing camp. This type of camp is typically owned by private organizations. Some towns may have town operated sports camps.

Is this a good fit for your child?

If your child loves a specific sport and would like to improve their skills, this would be a great option. It could even be a way for your child to try a sport such as surfing that they might not otherwise have exposure to it.

Art/Musical Theater

Specialty art or musical theater camps focus solely on the arts. Musical theater camps typically showcase a production such as “Beauty and the Beast,” whereas in an art camp a child would use a variety of art mediums like painting or drawing. These types of camps are located in public schools or private organizations. In the public school setting the drama teacher usually runs the camp, and it isn’t widely advertised but it is available for anyone to participate. To find out more information call public schools in your area.

Is this a good fit for your child?

If your child is creative and prefers the indoors, then these types of camps would be worth looking into. It may be a good way to introduce the arts to your child since most of these camps are time-limited for one week. FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

CAMP GUIDE Educational

Travel

An educational camp focuses on learning a new skill or subject matter. Since it is camp and not school these types of camps tend to be hands-on with an emphasis on fun. These camps are located at public schools, museums, and colleges.

There are two types of travel camps. One type is when your child goes on day trips and the other type sometimes referred to as “teen tours” is when your child travels with a group for an extended period (usually a few weeks or a month). This type of camp is located at religious or private organizations.

Is this a good fit for your child? If your child is curious and always asking questions about how/why things work, this may be a good match for them. If a child is interested in learning a new skill such as commuter programming or speaking Spanish some educational camps offer that as well.

Sleepaway Overnight camp is when your child lives at the camp for either a week or longer period. There are Boy/Girl Scout camps and private residential camps. These camps tend to offer options such as sailing, boating, archery, horseback riding, and other activities that may not be available close to your home.

Is this a good fit for your child? An overnight camp gives your child the chance to meet other kids from different states and countries. There is also more time to do activities and foster independence compared to traditional day camps.

Is this a good fit for your child? Some of these camps travel to places by plane so it would give your child the chance to travel to a place that you might not have gone to as a family. If your child enjoys experiencing new destinations, then this would be a great fit for them.

How Can I Find These Camps? A good place to start is asking friends and family where they sent their child to camp and if it was a positive experience for them. You could then call your local public school and ask about local camp programs. Private camps usually offer an open house during the year to allow your child to visit before signing up. Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05

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Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

CAMP GUIDE

In Person Camps:

The Importance of Traditional Play in a Digital World By Sarah Lyon

Play comes naturally to kids. They use it as a way to express their feelings and learn new things. In the age of electronics we live in, video games and television can take over a child’s free time. It is important to be intentional about creating opportunities where children can play freely, use their imaginations, and have fun. Traditional play can provide the following lasting benefits for children:

Social skills and leadership development Children learn valuable social skills that will help them be successful as they grow. By taking turns, sharing, and interacting with others they are learning how to appropriately respond to others. During play, they are able to practice both their verbal and nonverbal communication skills. They also learn to negotiate when things don’t go as planned. Experimenting with different roles in their family and community as they pretend to play house, school, or store helps them gain insight into the world around them and interpret the feelings of others. (www.education.com)

Motor skills development Children develop their fine motor skills through play. Using crayons to color a picture helps develop fine motor skills. Other activities that help develop fine motor skills are playing with play-doh, practicing scissoring, stringing beads, and using lacing cards . Gross motor skills are also developed during play time. Games like tag or hopscotch integrate the large muscle movement which will help children gain balance and spatial relationship to the world . Playing and climbing at the park helps kids learn to use their bodies and provides vital exercise for children. (www.handsonwegrow.com) 6

Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

Problem solving skills & emotional development Kids can work through their emotions by simplifying situations through play. This helps them express their feelings and regain control. “Play supports emotional development by providing a way to express and cope with feelings.” (www.education.com) They may act out something that scared them, like a car accident they saw while driving past. They may also play out something they are not allowed to do and then work through the consequences through play. “Play can be a safe outlet to work through situations that cause them anxiety, such as starting school or visiting the doctor. Letting the child take on the role of the authority figure will help them process how events may unfold.” says Early Childhood Education Educator, Kara Thomas.

Development of imagination Play builds a child’s imagination. You can help your child with imaginative play by role playing with them. Call them on the pretend phone, ask them to cook you lunch in the play kitchen, or have them use the doctor kit to do a check up on you. Engage them in conversation while you act out these scenarios. Often, you will be surprised at their perceptions. By role playing, they learn to better understand their surroundings and build their imagination. Traditional play time allows kids to work through their emotions in a healthy way and develop important skills. It is vital to provide a child with adequate play time in their day, especially with all the distractions in today’s digital world. The best part is, the kids will be having so much fun, they won’t realize they are learning. FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

CAMP GUIDE Abby’s Attic Sewing & Crafting Studio 2250 Thousand Oaks Suite 208 78232 210.375.5241 http://www. AbbysAtticSewingSchool. com Abby’s Attic Sewing Studio offers beginner sewing camps for ages 8 and up! We teach your child all the fundamentals of learning to use a sewing machine safely and proficiently, while also emphasizing math and reading skills, manners, self-patience, fine motor skills, and so much more. Half days or full days; before and after care available too. All materials and snacks provided.

The Clowvazar Academy 12746 Cimarron Path #120 SA, TX 78249210-690-4800 www.clowvazar.com The Clowvazar Academy is hosting summer camps in June, July & August for kids in Kinder-12th grade. We specialize in education for kids with

Anxiety, Autism, ADD, ADHD et cetera. The Clowvazar Academy is a yearround, K-12, private school for kids with Anxiety, Autism, ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, et cetera.

Camp Invention Multiple San Antonio locations 800-968-4332 Invent.org/camp A STEM Summer Camp for Grades K – 6 that turns curious kids into innovative thinkers. A confidence -boosting summer camp where kids build creative inventions and lasting friendships. Led by certified local educators, our camps offer new and exciting hands-on activities every year.

Camp Humane San Antonio Humane Society 4804 Fredricksburg Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78229 education@SAhumane.org SAhumane.org/summercamp The San Antonio Humane Society’s popular summer camp program, Camp Humane, is BACK! Campers will have the

opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of the SAHS to learn more about its mission and role in the community. We will focus on encouraging empathy, compassion, and respect for people, animals, and the environment as well as recognizing the connection among these. In addition, each camp session will have a unique theme for specialized learning. This program is open to campers in grades 1-12 with select availability for 2-day and 5-day sessions all summer long! Camp Metro for Girls Sally Cheever Girl Scout Center 5622 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd San Antonio, TX 78237 210-349-2404 www.girlscouts-swtx.org/camp The premier summer camp for girls to develop her G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) potential. Girls will explore other countries, travel through space and learn survival skills. Meals and before & aftercare are offered. You don’t need to be a Girl Scout to join the fun!

SUMMER ART STUDIOS

The most comprehensive and largest summer arts experience for students in San Antonio, ages 5 - 18.

Phonics Reading Writing Tues. Composition Friends- of SSA Priority -Registration: March 22 Open Registration: Tues. March 29 Phonics Reading Writing Composition Math - Handwriting - STAAR Prep. Math - Handwriting - STAAR Prep. Phonics Reading --- Writing Composition Phonics Reading -Reading Writing Phonics --Reading Writing Composition Phonics Reading Writing Composition ADD ADHD Dyslexia ESL -Composition Phonics -Autism Writing Composition Phonics --Reading - Writing Composition Math Handwriting STAAR Prep. Math Handwriting STAAR Prep. ADD ADHD Dyslexia ESL Autism Math Handwriting STAAR Prep. Math Handwriting STAAR Prep. - Handwriting - STAAR Phonics - Reading - Writing Composition MathMath - Handwriting - STAAR Prep.Prep. ADD - ADHD - -Dyslexia - ESL - Autism Exp. 1:1 Pre-K to 8th Grade ADD ADHD Dyslexia ESL Autism ADD ADHD Dyslexia ESL Autism ADD ADHD Dyslexia ESL - Autism ADD ADHD Dyslexia ESL Autism Math - Exp. Handwriting STAAR ADD -Prep. ADHD 1:1 -- Pre-K to 8th- Dyslexia Grade- ESL - Autism

Exp. 1:11:1-Exp. Pre-K to-toPre-K 8th8thGrade Exp. -8th Pre-K Grade 1:1 tobest!” 8th Grade Exp. 1:1“Inspiring -- Pre-K Pre-K to Grade ADD - ADHD -- Writing Dyslexia ESL -students Autism Exp. 1:1 Pre-K todo8th Grade Exp. 1:1 to 8th Grade “Inspiring students to excel and do their Phonics - Reading Composition to to excel and their best!” “Inspiring students excel and do their best!” “Inspiring students to excel and do their best!” “Inspiring students to excel and do best!” their best!” “Inspiring students to excel and do their Math - Handwriting - students STAARto Prep.8th Exp. 1:1 - Pre-K Grade “Inspiring to excel and do their best!” “Inspiring students to excel and do their best!” ADD - ADHD - Dyslexia - ESL - Autism “Inspiring students to excel and do Exp. 1:1 - Pre-K to 8th Grade their best!” “Inspiring students to excel and do their best!” Call or Text 210-722-4947 Call or Text 210-722-4947 or Text 210-722-4947 CallCall or Text 210-722-4947 inspiringexcellencetutoring.com inspiringexcellencetutoring.com inspiringexcellencetutoring.com inspiringexcellencetutoring.com Call or Text 210-722-4947 Call or Text Call or Text 210-722-4947 Call or210-722-4947 Text 210-722-4947 inspiringexcellencetutoring.com inspiringexcellencetutoring.com inspiringexcellencetutoring.com inspiringexcellencetutoring.com

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Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

CAMP GUIDE Country Home Learning Center 8 locations in San Antonio 210-687-1002 www.countryhomelearningcenter.com Join us for an INCREDIBLE Summer Camp Experience! *Kinder – 13 years *Child Approved Special Events *Funfilled days with activities every child enjoys *Kids’ Choice Special Interest Clubs *Exciting Weekly Field Trips.

ID Tech Camp Trinity University Summer Tech Camp www.IDtech.com Ages 7 – 17, coed. Week-long camps include coding, game development, robotics and design for kids and teens. Our San Antonio summer camps held at Trinity University strike the perfect balance between STEM skill development and summer fun! Students have the opportunity to explore the Trinity campus, which overlooks downtown San Antonio and stretches over 117 acres of land.

Jump Rope Express 210-269-0725 coachbobby7755@gmail.com www.coachbobbysports.com Throughout its 25-year existence, JR Express has trained thousands of kids all across the U.S. The “fun factor” is the foundation of all the games, activities, drills and challenges that are taught. It is what makes the classes so appealing to kids and keeps them looking forward to every class. The program emphasizes progressive mastery of specific jump rope skills that will get your kids in top form. It increases speed, agility, strength, endurance, stamina, balance, timing and hand-eyefoot coordination. It is also a great tool

to help boost your child’s confidence while encouraging self-expression, selfdiscipline, diligence, and fulfillment.

Jumping Dragons 210-269-0725 coachbobby7755@gmail.com www.coachbobbysports.com Calling all Jump Rope Enthusiasts! We are very pleased to announce that the Elite Jumping Dragons Performance Team is looking for members. The team consists of jumpers in elementary and middle school.

Mad Science & Imagine Arts Academy of San Antonio Multiple Locations 210-651-1143 sanantonio.madscience.org Mad Science & Imagine Arts Academy camps are designed with exciting, fun and hands-on science or art activities. Children will design, create, build and assemble a variety of interesting projects. 15 different camp themes are available including robots, rockets, spy academy, camp eureka and more! Mad Science has camp locations all over town. Register now: Pay Later!

Martin Swim School 210-240-7974 www.MartinSwimSchool. com Swim lessons for children aged 18 months to 10 years. 98% of children learn in 2 weeks. Only 3 students per classes. Private lessons available. Register now as space is limited. Instructor is Marguerite MartinBoseman

Camp Metro for Girls Sally Cheever Girl Scout Center 5622 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd San Antonio, TX 78237

210-349-2404 www.girlscouts-swtx.org/camp The premier summer camp for girls to develop her G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) potential. Girls will explore other countries, travel through space and learn survival skills. Meals and before & aftercare are offered. You don’t need to be a Girl Scout to join the fun!

San Antonio Botanical Garden Summer Camp 555 Funston Place 210-536-1400 Sabot.org Get rooted in nature at Summer Camp at the San Antonio Botanical Garden! Campers will explore connections to plants through activities, games, recipes, and experiments. Campers can sign up for morning, afternoon, or both sessions. Contact jwolanski@sabot.org or 210-536-1434 with questions.

Seaworld San Antonio Day Camp Programs 210-523-3608 Seaworld.com/daycamp SeaWorld San Antonio provides a variety of day-camp programs for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Groups are based on the grade your camper will be entering in Fall 2022. Counselors trained in youth development will lead groups in games, songs, and activities that can only be found at SeaWorld while campers experience one of a kind animal shows, visit animal habitats in the park and behind the scenes, and ride some thrilling roller coasters (campers must meet height requirements). SeaWorld San Antonio Camps are accredited by the American Camp Association. For more information or if you have questions, please call 210-523-3608 or email SWTDayCamps@seaworld.com.

LEARN TO SEW! Ages 4 to Adult

LLC

North Central at 281/Thousand Oaks

210-375-5241

Sewing Classes, Events and Parties www.AbbysAtticSewingSchool.com

• Ages 18 months - 10 years • Three Students per Class • Private Lessons Available • Heated backyard pool, classes till September 98% Learn in 2 weeks Register Now Space Limited

Instructor Marguerite Martin-Bozeman (210) 240-7974 mswimschool@gmail.com www.MartinSwimSchool.com

Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

PARTIES & FIELD TRIPS for Kids Ages 5-12

Hands-On Science Fun In Person or Virtual!

Virtual & Socially Distanced Options

210-651-1143

Parties, Classes, Camps, and More! Register your child today! imagineartsacademy.com

210-651-1143

SANANTONIO.MADSCIENCE.ORG

FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

CAMP GUIDE Southwest School of Art Summer Art Studios 300 Augusta, San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 200-8213 https://www.swschool.org/ summer-art-studios Southwest School of Art’s Summer Art Studios is the largest summer arts experience for students in San Antonio, offering six weeks of classes for students 5–18. Our artist-teachers focus on fundamentals such as drawing and painting, as well as experimental design and classes that explore world cultures. Summer Art Studios allows young artists to work with like-minded peers and culminates in a public celebration of their work each week. Classes run June - July.

YMCA of Greater San Antonio (210) 246-9600 ymcasatx.org YMCA day camp programs offer youth ages 5 - 13 an opportunity to meet new friends and discover new interests. Activities vary by location but include STEM, crafts, swimming, sports, and more. Day Camp is an excellent

way to ensure kids stay engaged socially, physically, and academically throughout the summer. Financial assistance is available.

for individuals with special needs at

SPECIAL NEEDS

Camp CAMP serves individuals (aged

The Clowvazar Academy (210) 690-4800 12746 Cimarron Path, #120 www.clowvazar.com

from diagnosis with Autism Spectrum

its 55-acre summer camp along the Guadalupe River, in Center Point, TX. 5 – 50) with mild to severe disabilities Disorder, Down

Intellectual

Syndrome,

Disability,

Cerebral

Palsy,

Each summer The Clowvazar Academy opens three summer sessions in June, July and August for students with Anxiety, High Functioning Autism or other related learning differences. We accept students from Kindergarten to High School. Limited seats are available. Visit us online for tuition information and requirements.

Traumatic Brain Injury, Spina Bifida,

Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP) 515 Skyline Drive • Center Point, Texas 78010 (210) 671-5411 campmail@campcamp.org https://campcamp.org/

Since 1979, Camp CAMP has provided safe, fun-filled recreational experiences

visual

impairment

and/or

hearing

impairment. It is a certified Texas Youth Camp and accredited by the American Camp Association. Campers’ siblings are welcome to attend camp with them.

In 2020, the six-day camps

begin May 24 and run through August Summer 2020 applications are

now available at www.campcamp. org.

Camp CAMP strives to be

affordable to all families through our Scholarship Tier program or through Respite funding for campers who have Medicaid Waiver and General Revenue service programs in Texas.

• Infant Care • Pre-School Programs • Music & Gymnastics • Private Kindergarten • Karate • Spanish • Ballet • Swimming Located near USAA and the Medical Center. 9433 Fredericksburg Monday - Friday 210-694-4622 6:15 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. www.brightideasdaycare.com

2-DAY AND 5-DAY SESSIONS AVAILABLE

GRADES 1-12

BE HUM

ANE. BE THEIR VOICE.

Camp Humane gives campers the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of the SAHS to learn more about its mission and role in the community.

9 A.M. - 3 P.M.

WITH OPTIONAL EXTENDED CARE

4804 Fredericksburg Rd. San Antonio, TX 78229

SAhumane.org/summercamp

SESSIONS STARTING AT

$99

Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

Baby Easter Products

Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

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Things to Fill Easter Eggs (That Aren’t Candy)

By Sarah Lyons

Our family loves an Easter egg hunt. It is always fun to see the kids running through the yard rushing to find the most eggs. As a mom of a child with food allergies, it is always a challenge to find items to fill all those plastic eggs with that are not candy. Having a variety of egg sizes helps you be able to stuff all your new ideas into the eggs without frustration. Whether, like me, your child has a food allergy, or you would just like to cut down on sugar overload, here are some noncandy ideas to fill all your eggs for the annual hunt.

Small toys

There are numerous ideas for small toys that you could fill eggs with: bouncy balls, small craft items, play-doh, tiny cars like Micro Machines, Shopkins, whistles, mini kazoos, hand stamps, Polly Pockets, Barbie accessories, mini rubber ducks or other bath toys, finger skateboards, marbles, jacks and a ball, fake bugs and worms, pirate patches, play money, stickers, tops, Legos, sticky hands, or just for fun - confetti! When choosing small toys to fill your eggs, please consider the age of the children participating in the egg hunt. Small toys may pose a choking hazard for young children.

Something practical Practical items can be fun too. Try filling eggs with erasers, pencil sharpeners, key chains, magic towels, cute band aids, travel size lotion, or hand sanitizer. My kids favorite practical Easter egg filler is money!

Something to wear Your kids can have fun and accessorize with these ideas - barrettes, hair ties, socks, nail polish, chapstick, lip gloss, silly shoe laces, bracelets, earrings, rings, temporary tattoos, zipper pulls, or bead necklaces.

Snacks If you are avoiding candy due to the sugar rush try these little snacks that are the perfect size for Easter eggs: Goldfish crackers, pretzels, grapes, soup crackers, cuties (oranges), veggie straws, berries, animal crackers, bite size graham crackers, nuts, raisins or other dried fruit. Sarah Lyons is a mom of six kids including seven year old triplets. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family.

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Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

Dig This!

10 Big Benefits of Gardening with Kids By Janeen Lewis

Most parents want their children to get outside away from phones, TV and video games, and gardening is a great way to achieve this goal. However, recent research shows that there are several other reasons to start a garden with kids. The benefits range from making kids smarter to making them healthier. Here are 10 great reasons to get kids gardening:

. Students who garden score higher on science tests. Gardening is full of science. Children learn about plant classification, weather, soil, and plant pests and disease. They are introduced to botany in a natural, hands-on way, and recent research shows that students who had gardening experiences as part of their school curriculum did better on standardized science tests than students who were not exposed to gardening in school.

. If they grow it, they will eat it. As a teacher, I’ve taught STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and have served as a Junior Master Garden club leader. In these roles I witnessed the “if they grow it, they will eat it” phenomenon. Students love to dig up what they have grown, and then curiosity gets the better of them – they want to taste it. Master Gardener Beth Tovi volunteered to mentor students in the garden for eight years at the elementary school where she served as a media specialist. She sees the nutritional and health benefits children gain from gardening. “With the growing concerns about obesity, diabetes, and even high blood pressure in children, gardening gets them 12 Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

physically active and outdoors. And children will eat anything they grow – even if it’s green.”

. Digging in the dirt can make kids healthier. Several studies show that children who were raised on farms don’t have as many respiratory allergies, asthma, or autoimmune disorders as children who were raised in urban areas because children who live on farms are exposed to more microbes and fungi in the dirt. Letting children get outside and get in the dirt may actually make them healthier than keeping them tidy, clean and inside.

. Gardening strengthens emotional & interpersonal skills. Children who garden learn responsibility, patience, perseverance and how to deal with disappointment if the garden doesn’t grow the way they expected. How do they collaborate with other siblings, friends, or school mates to get the garden work done? These are character-building skills that research shows children reap in the garden. I witnessed this one year at a school garden when we had a drought. Watering the plants and trying to keep them healthy was an arduous task, and the students and I learned about perseverance and team work.

. Gardening connects children with nature. When children garden, they gain ownership in what they are cultivating. I have seen my own children grow “attached” to the plants in the containers on our patio garden. As children become more knowledgeable about all the living things in the FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

garden, they are less likely to be afraid of touching the plants, getting soil on their hands or being near bugs. They are no longer afraid of the unknown when they become familiar with what is in the garden.

. Gardening helps relieve stress for the whole family. A garden can be therapeutic. Not that your fourth grader is battling traffic, raising children and feeling the demands of a pressure-ridden job, but even kids can feel stress, and the garden is good for eliminating it. In fact, a study in the Netherlands showed that after 30 minutes of gardening, subjects who had shown stress before they gardened had a “fully restored” positive mood. And if the adults in the family are feeling stressed, and they garden with their children, it can help the whole family feel more harmonious.

. Gardening teaches kids to problem-solve. “When they garden, children learn problem-solving skills,” Tovi says. “They say ‘This trellis doesn’t work very well. How can we make one that will better support this kind of plant?’” In a garden, children ask questions like “What is eating this plant?” or “Is this tree dying?”Once children become absorbed in solving the problems in a garden, they want to research to find the best answers. “They become sleuths, starting in the garden and heading into the computers,” Tovi says.

. Gardening is a good work out. Gardening is good physical labor involving muscles that don’t always get a workout. Even the most seasoned gym-goer may admit to being sore the day after working in a garden. Gardening involves stretching, bending, digging, lifting, pulling and raking. Gross and fine motor skills are used, and even the youngest gardener with simple tasks gets physical activity.

. Gardening helps become environmental stewards. When children start reaping the food and flowers that come from a garden, they realize a garden’s impact on them and their impact on the garden. Once they have this tangible experience, it is much easier to teach them to care for the environment.

. Gardening can lead to a longer life. Studies show that adults who garden in their later years live longer. Instead of living a sedentary life, gardeners get off the couch and are active in nature. Teaching children good habits when they are young will make them more likely to follow them through life. Sow the seeds of a garden with your child today, and see them reap the benefits for a lifetime. Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist and mother of two. She loves to teach gardening to children.

Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

Creative Theme Gardens to Grow with Kids These interesting themes are a great way inspire children to garden.

Pizza Garden Grow all the herbs to add to a pizza. For an extra touch, make the garden round like a pizza.

Fairy Garden This garden includes both plants and miniature structures and is a great place for your child’s imagination to grow.

Pollinator Garden

Maze Garden Create a maze with hedges, grasses or corn. In the middle of the maze, put something interesting like a sculpture, fountain, or another special garden bed.

Peter Rabbit Garden Grow the vegetables found in Mr. McGregor’s garden. The great thing about this garden is that you can grow some of the vegetables – carrots, lettuce, radishes and cabbage – in cool weather, so you could continue to garden into fall.

Build a garden that attracts butterflies, bees, birds, bats and other insects and animals that will help pollinate plants. Try planting milkweed, zinnias and snapdragons.

Salsa Garden

Herb Garden

Wildflower Garden

Herb gardens are a great way to foray into the world of gardening. They can be grown inside or outside and include plants such as basil, oregano, sage, thyme, parsley and many more.

Art Garden Students can grow flowers and plants that can be used to make art, or grow a garden of plants for kids to sketch. 14

Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

Grow tomatoes, peppers, and onions to make a delicious salsa.

Visit a nature preserve to discover the native wildflower plants in your area. Then build a garden with those flowers.

Three Sister’s Garden Teach children about plants that grow well together, like corn, beans, and squash by cultivating the three in one mound. FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

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Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

Baby

7 Ways to Extend Kindness When Your Friend is Dealing with Infertility By Pam Moore

The other moms and I chatted while watching our kids’ gymnastics practice through the glass. The small talk grew deep, and then awkward when one shared with some sadness that she wanted another child, but so far, it hadn’t worked out. “At least you don’t have to worry about birth control!” another mom offered. I cringed. I wasn’t sure what the right response was but I was pretty certain the birth control comment was wasn’t it. Given the fact that one in eight couples experience infertility, if you haven’t been on the receiving end of insensitive comments, you’ve struggled to find the right words to say a friend who has been trying to conceive for months or even years. There are, in fact, at least seven important ways you can support a friend with infertility. The following tips came from conversations with experts—a dozen women who experienced infertility and a clinical social worker.

Acknowledge the loss

Abby MacDonald, LICSW, an infertility specialist in private practice in Cambridge, MA, says a vital part of helping a friend with infertility, is understanding that they’re grieving a loss. While not be as concrete as a miscarriage or a death, the intangible losses are many; including privacy, autonomy, and the loss of the narrative where pregnancy just naturally happens. She may also be struggling to reconcile her relationship with her own body, which she perceives as having failed 16

Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

her. Even if you’re not sure what to say, your friend will appreciate your sensitivity to the fact that she’s grieving.

Remember it’s not about you

Particularly if infertility is something you haven’t personally experienced, it is not perceived as helpful when you project your own feelings on the situation. For example, one friend cringed when friends would ponder the possibility of multiples as a result of fertility treatments, “and be either excited by or terrified of it. As a new parent, I have no idea how what having multiples would be like and I might feel excited or terrified. Either way, I don’t give a shit how you feel about it. Nor do I care that you think I’m misguided for being excited or terrified. I’m allowed to feel how I feel about it.” Sharing the fact that you would never be willing to go through IVF is also not helpful. As my friend said, “It’s personal. People feeling so free to comment on what they would do in my situation was unsettling.”

Unless you’ve been there, avoid giving advice If you take nothing else from this post, take this: Friends don’t tell friends who are dealing with infertility to just have a bottle of wine and relax. Nor do they say any variation on this. That includes telling the story of that couple who adopted, only to find themselves pregnant immediately. “Tips” from people who’ve never

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been through infertility personally are not tips at all. At best, they are annoying. At worst, they are cruel and insensitive, no matter the intention. No one who has given hours of their life to scheduling doctors appointments and carefully timed shots wants to hear about the position you heard was effective, or your sister’s friend’s cousin’s brother’s wife, who got pregnant when she ate pineapple. One woman recalled feeling insulted by a friend’s suggestion that she supplement IVF with herbs. “The implication is ‘You could do more.’ And my response is, ‘No, I couldn’t. I’m at my limit. I took three injections a day for the past week and a half, my stomach is purple, I woke up early and went to the clinic four of the past six days, and I am done.” On the other hand, advice from someone who has been through it is comforting. One woman said she was grateful to hear her best friend, who had also struggled to conceive, break things down in a very matter-of-fact way. She recalled her best friend’s warning. “There are only 24-48 hours a month that you are most likely to get pregnant. Time your ovulation and time sex. Don’t leave it to chance.”

Leave the wise sayings to Hallmark Perhaps even less helpful than advice from the uninitiated are their theories on why this is happening. As MacDonald explains, “Comments like ‘God has a plan,’ while often offered with good intentions, and seemingly supportive of allowing faith to take a front seat during this difficult time, can reinforce questions someone has about why this bad thing is happening to an otherwise good person.” Another cliché many women told me they did not appreciate: If it’s meant to be, it will be. Let Hallmark handle the “encouraging” remarks. All you need to do is be there if your friend wants to talk.

Just Listen This can be easier said than done. In a culture obsessed with doing, staying quiet can feel like inaction. The opposite is true, however. Giving someone space to talk (or not talk) is among the most powerful gifts you have to offer. MacDonald says it is key to simply listen and offer reflections based on what your friend says. For example, if she says she feels hopeless, an appropriate response might be, “Given all you’ve been through, it’s hard to expect anything will go to plan.” MacDonald emphasizes the importance of stopping at that point to give your friend a chance to talk about her feelings, rather than filling any silence with a stock line about hope or positive thinking.

Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

Be curious (but not nosey) If you have to ask when or if someone is planning to have a baby, that’s a pretty clear sign that it’s none of your business. Nothing is more awkward or painful than having an acquaintance put their hand on your belly and ask why you’re not pregnant yet, when you’re privately tortured over that very same question. But if your friend has been open with you about her struggles, make sure she knows you want to support her, even if you’re not sure how. Said one woman, “Even if awkward things were said, I appreciated getting to have the conversation rather than nothing being said at all.” Says MacDonald, one way to show that you’re curious and that you care is by taking the time to educate yourself. She and several other women I spoke with recommended connecting with Resolve, a non-profit dedicated to providing support, advocacy, education, and community for people facing challenges in their journey to create a family.

Offer genuine support Avoid offering vague support, (e.g. “Let me know if you need anything.”) If you’re compelled to offer more than a listening ear (which is plenty), give something specific (exceptions: advice, platitudes). Women who battled infertility recalled being grateful when friends:

■ called or texted just to say they were thinking of them ■ reached out to their partner to get a drink

■ sent a copy of the book “Things Fall Apart” by Perna

Chodron

■ educated themselves on infertility

■ left flowers on the porch when they knew her period

came Another gift you can give is a pass when it comes to attending baby showers or kids’ birthday parties. MacDonald encourages people to be sensitive to the fact that holidays other than Mothers Day and Fathers Day can be triggering. One woman expressed gratitude for a friend who only called when she was away from her kids, so she wouldn’t hear the sound of babies in the background. Supporting a friend through infertility is showing up, listening, and being sensitive. It’s letting your friend feel her feelings. It’s sharing a long pause instead of anecdotes or adages. It’s asking, “How are you doing” and giving space for your friend to answer or a shoulder to cry on. It’s saying, “I don’t know what to say, but I want you to know I care.” It’s simply being a friend Pam Moore is an award-winning freelance writer, weight-neutral health coach, and host of the Real Fit podcast. Get her free guide to improving your body image at pam-moore.com.

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Super St. Patrick’s Day Crafts, Snacks & Activities for the Whole Family

By Rebecca Hastings

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time for family fun! It’s a low-pressure holiday because we don’t need to worry about shopping and hosting large gatherings with all the fixing. Inherently simple, St. Patrick’s Day brings a smile to everyone’s face with these fun (and tasty) crafts and activities.

Have Some Fun

This Green Scavenger Hunt is perfect for little kids and big kids alike. With simple clues, young kids can work with you to find things while older kids can head out to hunt on their own and share the results. With a few simple supplies like shaving cream and plastic gold coins (or any treasure) kids will have a blast with this Gold Coin Dig! It’s a little messy but super easy to clean up, and little ones love it! The St. Patrick’s Day Joke Teller is a simple printable that kids will have a blast making and taking to school to make their friends laugh all day! Plus, all you have to do is print and fold! Minute to Win It St. Patrick’s Day games are perfect for all ages, even adults! These 7 games are simple, challenging, and offer great competition for older kids and adults. Truly fun for the whole family!

Tasty Treats

Start the day off right with this idea that’s sure to become a family tradition: St. Patrick’s Day Lucky Pancakes! Delicious and fun to eat, kids and adults will gobble up this great breakfast (or breakfast for dinner!) Healthy treats are fun too! This Rainbow Fruit Salad

Parfait is perfect for an afternoon snack that won’t spoil dinner. Just make sure you eat it before the leprechauns get it! For a simple and delicious sweet treat, kids and adults will smile when they make and eat these St. Patrick’s Day Oreos. Plus, everyone gets to decorate so it’s a craft too! You can create your very own Shamrock Shake at home! Another great tradition to enjoy for the whole month of March!

Simply Creative

Fingerprints make the perfect rainbow with this Fingerprint Rainbow Pot of God Craft, plus it’s always fun to paint with our fingers! You can even make it a family rainbow by giving each person their own color of the rainbow to do! Ooey, gooey and slimy, this Shamrock Slime is perfect for kids with great sparkles and endless play. Plus, we hear it makes a pretty good Leprechaun trap! Cereal is the perfect way to create beautiful rainbows in this Rainbow Craft for Kids. They won’t even know they are practicing important skills like sorting and color recognition as they taste their way through the rainbow. Older kids and teens will have fun creating edible leprechaun bait with these Tiny Donuts! Full of fun decorating ideas and even ideas for building a trap, you’re sure to catch a little leprechaun with this activity! Whatever you decide to do, have some fun with your family as you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Pediatric Speech Therapy

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Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

calendar

OF EVENTS

MARCH

Disclaimer: Event dates, times and details are subject to change. Always double check by phone, website or Facebook for event updates. March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Witte Free Tuesday: Save Time and Reserve Online. The Witte Museum encourages our visitors to reserve tickets in advance to minimize physical contact and practice social distancing by skipping the line straight to Will Call. Once you reserve your Free Tuesday admission, please arrive anytime between 3pm - 6pm. The Witte 3801 Broadway St, San Antonio, TX 78209. https:// www.wittemuseum.org/

March 4, 11, 18, 25

Miss Anastasia’s Wild and Wacky Pre-Weekend Twiglet Storytime: Miss Anastasia combines story time and a delightful craft each Friday. Free. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Twig Book Shop in the Can Plant Building, 306 Pearl Parkway Ste. 106. 210-8266411. http://www.thetwig.com/miss-anastasia

March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

SAMA Free Days: Free admission every Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon and every Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org

March 2

Texas Independence Day at the Alamo: Throughout the day, the Alamo will host special events and demonstrations to celebrate Texas Independence to include: Blacksmithing, Period Music, Cooking Demonstrations, a Weapons Display, and more! Free. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza. http://www. thealamo.org/

March 5

KLRN Kids Spring Festivals 2022: Join KLRN for family-friendly fun at our SPRING FESTIVAL. Enjoy games, activities, and community resources along with a chance to meet The Cat in the Hat! This outdoor event is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lincoln Park, 2915 E Commerce St, San Antonio. Sing Along Movie Night featuring The Wizard of Oz: BYO blankets or lawn chairs and grab dinner from one of our delicious food truck including Roseys Fish and Chips truck for a perfect sing along night in Travis Park hosted by Centro San Antonio & Slab Cinema. Event starts at 7 p.m.; Movie begins at 7:30 p.m. Travis Park, 301 E Travis St, San Antonio. http://travisparksa.com/

March 12

15th Annual Fest Of Tails - Kite Festival & Dog Fair: A free kite festival and dog fair set for Saturday, March 12th from 10 AM – 4 PM at McAllister Park. Activities inlcudes Kite demonstrations and family kite flying, All-ages bicycle safety course, Pet adoption, Sweet treats, festival fare, live music, and more. Stationary roller races Pooch Parade and Costume Contest. https://saparksfoundation.org/event/fest-of-tails/ Movie in the Park - Soul: Grab a blanket and enjoy a familyfriendly motion picture under the stars! Join us at the Base of the Tower for a FREE movie EVERY MONTH, with food and drinks available for purchase. Movies start at sunset. Tower of the Americas, 739 E César E. Chávez Blvd, San Antonio.

Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

Photo courtesy of Fest Of Tails - Kite Festival & Dog Fair

March 18 & 19

St. Patrick’s Day Festival and : Join Visit San Antonio – River Walk Operations and The Hard & Shamrock Society of Texas for a fun filled weekend festival. Activities include, Artisan Show, Live Entertainment, and so much more! Kicking off the festival is the dyeing of the River Walk green on St. Patrick’s Day. Fesival is on March 18 and 19 from 1 -8 pm St. Patrick’s Day River Parade: A procession of 12 Irish-themed decorated floats filled with Irish entertainment can be viewed from anywhere on the parade route. The parade is free to attend March 19 from 4 to 5 pm.

March 19

Centro Sing Along Movie Night feat Encanto: BYO blankets or lawn chairs and grab dinner from one of our delicious food truck vendors including sister owned enchilada themed Lada Ladies food truck for a perfect sing along night in Travis Park hosted by Centro San Antonio & Slab Cinema. Event starts at 7 pm; Movie begins at 7:30 pm. Travis Park, 301 E Travis St, San Antonio. http://travisparksa.com/

March 27

Síclovía: A free, bi-annual event, organized by the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, that turns city streets into a safe place for exercise and play. The family-friendly event encourages residents and visitors to get out, get active and explore their city through car-free streets, parks, bringing exposure to local businesses and inviting community organizations. Participants can enjoy walking, biking, exercise classes, activities for youth, treats for their pets, food trucks and more. Visit https://ymcasatx.org for updates. FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210

calendar

OF EVENTS

APRIL

April 1-10

April 5, 12, 19, 26 SAMA Free Days: Free admission every Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon and every Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave. 210-978-8100. www.samuseum.org

April 5

2022 Fiesta Especial Celebration Day: Fiesta Especial Celebration Day program takes place on Tuesday, April 5th in the Alamo Dome Parking Lot C from 10am - 3pm. This is an inclusive and educational experience that attracts special education classes, group homes, and day programs from San Antonio and surrounding communities. Attendees have access to unlimited rides, games, live entertainment, and a Shoebox Float display. http://www.fiestaespecial.com

April 2

April 8

April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Ollu 5K Confetti Walk and Run: The family-friendly event will include a free Kids Fun-Run in addition to other activities following the race. Participants will receive a T-shirt, customized bib, and a custom finisher medal. All proceeds from the event will benefit The Lake Fund, which funds scholarships for OLLU students as well as other campus needs. Admission: $45 – Race Day and Virtual Free Kids Registration (12 years and younger). Event is from 7:30 am - 10:30 am at Our Lady of the Lake, Main Building, 411 SW 24th Street 78207. https://fiestasanantonio.org Any Baby Can Walk for Autism: The Walk for Autism brings together participants and community partners from San Antonio, Bexar County, and South Texas to provide services and support for families raising individuals on the spectrum. All proceeds stay local to fund critical, one-of-a kind programs at Any Baby Can of San Antonio.Free admission but there is a fee for participation. Event is from 8:00 am - 12:30 pm Texas A&M University-San Antonio, One University Way. Purchase tickets here: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/SanAntonio/ ABCWalkforAutism Fiesta De Los Ninos: The San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology (SAMSAT) will be open and showcasing amazing technological exhibits with robots and STEM-related interactivities for kids and adults alike. Including traditional Fiesta food vendors, games and rides. Event is from 1 am to 6pm. Admission is free. Pet friendly. San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology, 102 Mabry Dr. San Antonio. https://fiestasanantonio.org

April 5, 12, 19, 26

Witte Free Tuesday: Save Time and Reserve Online. The Witte Museum encourages our visitors to reserve tickets in advance to minimize physical contact and practice social distancing by skipping the line straight to Will Call. Once you reserve your Free Tuesday admission, 3pm - 6pm. The Witte 3801 Broadway St, San Antonio, TX 78209. https://www.wittemuseum.org/

Battle of the Flowers Parade: Honoring the heroic spirit of the patriots of the Alamo, commemorating the victories of San Jacinto and Goliad and celebrating the diversity and heritage of Texas and our nation. As the second largest day parade in the United States, the Battle of Flowers® Parade supports the educational, artistic, social and philanthropic achievements of our community’s youth.The 2022 Parade will honor the cultural history to which this event has contributed since its inception 131 years ago with fresh floral tributes and the theme “Viva Las Flores!” Event is from 9:30 am to 2:30pm, Parade Route Downtown San Antonio. Admission is $16.50-$35. Tickets available at Www.BattleOfFlowers.org

April 9 King William Fair: Spend the day and stroll through the Historic King William District while enjoying a variety of food and beverage booths, listen to live music, and shop from hundreds of art and craft vendors. Children can play in the Kid’s Kingdom, and the event kicks off with a two-mile long parade! Evebt us from 9am to 6pm at the 122 Madison,San Antonio. Tickects can be purchased at www.kwfair.org/

April 22-24 Poteet Strawberry Festival: Annual Parade kicks-off the Saturday during the Festival at 10:00 am. with entries from around the state. With entries from around the country come witness all the pageantry, music and entertainment! The parade route will begin at the corner of FM 1470 and School Drive. Go South on 9th Street. Turn right onto Avenue H and continue to 4th Street. Turn north on 4th Street and go to School Drive. Turn right onto School Drive and end at Horton Lane. 9199 N State Hwy 16 Poteet, Tx 78065. http://strawberryfestival.com/ Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

When It Feels Like Everyone Is Having More Fun And Three Ways You Can Have Fun Today By Rebecca Hastings

My Facebook feed is full of amazing pictures of people traveling this week. Beautiful, warm places that make me want to sink my feet in the sand and watch a sunset. But the sand here is cold and I feel like I’m missing out. Sometimes we look around us and it seems like everyone else is doing more. They’re traveling or going out. They’re dressed up or with friends. They’re having fun. And we’re not. Navigating a worldwide pandemic has only made these feelings more intense. It’s not that we never have fun. But there’s real-life here on this side of the screen. Laundry spinning and a floor that needs to be cleaned. Work to get done and kids that need to get places. The ordinary next to the extraordinary always seems a bit plain. You may have heard the quotes to make you feel better. Things about highlight reels and watering your own grass. But the truth is we will only feel better if we want to feel better. We need to think about what we can do. I may not be able to go on that tropical vacation right now, but maybe I can go walk by the water and let the salty wind blow through my hair. Maybe I can’t go out with friends every weekend, but I can find time to invite some friends over. Taking my kids to see a Broadway show may not be feasible, but I can find a local production and enjoy that with them.

3 Ways to Have Fun Today:

Smile: Find something to smile about. It can be anything. Maybe you finished your coffee while it was still hot. Maybe a song you love is on the radio. It doesn’t matter what it is but smile and enjoy it. 22

Our Kids Magazine | March / April 2022

Go: You may not be able to go to some far-off destination, but you sure can go somewhere. Do you have a favorite spot in town? Head there. Maybe you can’t get out right now, but you can look at your old pictures from a great trip or favorite place. Give yourself the gift of going somewhere that makes you happy, in person or with your memories. Kids especially love seeing old pictures of places you’ve been. Pictures from when they were younger, or even before they were born, offer them a glimpse into happy excursions and memories. Celebrate: Find something to celebrate. There is a holiday every single day. Maybe it’s National Dessert Day and you love sweets. That sounds like a perfect time to enjoy your favorite treat. It might be Funny Hair Day or Talk Like a Pirate Day. Whatever it is, have fun with it. If you can’t find a holiday to celebrate, try celebrating someone you care about. That great soccer game your daughter fought hard in is worth celebrating (even if they didn’t win.) Make your ¾ Birthday Cake. Whatever you need to do works. The more you celebrate what is right around you, the more you find joy. Sometimes the very thing stopping us from having fun is the idea we hold in our head of what it should look like. When we can stop comparing and start living grateful, we open up a world of opportunities. They may not look the same as everyone else’s, but maybe they aren’t supposed to. Find a way today to choose fun, within the realistic parameters of your life. You don’t need permission to have fun. You only need to stop comparing your life with those around you and create a way to enjoy what you have. FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210