Our Kids Magazine October 2020 by Our Kids Magazine

The Go-To Resource for San Antonio Families Since 1985

FREE October 2020

BABYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOME, NOW WHAT?

Magazine

HALLOWEEN MAKING IT SAFE & FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

EDUCATION DIRECTORY HOW TO SURVIVE THE ELEMENTARY YEARS

Holiday GIFT IDEAS

Our Kids Magazine | October 2020

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CONTENTS

October 2020

volume 36 • number10

4 6 8 14 18 20

MAKING HALLOWEEN SAFE & FUN FOR FAMILIES PUMPKIN PATCHES

HOW TO SURVIVE THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL YEARS BABY’S HOME, NOW WHAT? FAQSMagazine ABOUT TIKTOK FROM PARENTS

Magazine HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

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PUBLISHER Rudy Riojas 210-526-0312 DISTRIBUTION Taspas Delivery

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

On the Cover

2020 Cover Kids Winner JAMES CARTER CIMA

ADVERTISING: Pat Ramotowski 210-209-8673 Magazine

Amy Sugarman 210-987-2202

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.

October 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Feature

MAKING HALLOWEEN SAFE & FUN With the convergence of a full moon, a blue moon, daylight saving time and Saturday celebrations, plus the unprecedented events of this year, Halloween 2020 will truly be one to remember. Much has changed … but our love for the fun, fright, and delight of Halloween is strong as ever. So let’s unleash our Halloween inspiration to celebrate the season in safe, fun, unexpected ways!

TRICK OR TREATERS

Trick or Treat in Reverse

HOMEOWNERS

Get the kids all decked out in their costume of choice and hang out with them in the front yard as neighbors walk or drive by and deliver candy!

Trick or Treat Drive By

Take a ride on over to visit friends and fam in costume! Honk, text or shout upon arrival and deliver some treats or tricks in costume to your fave folks!

Costume Week

Fully embrace your inner costume character and dress up throughout the entire week leading up to that big ol’ Blue Moon! Your friends and fam will have a blast running errands, walking the dog or joining a zoom meeting… in costume!

Neighborhood Candy Hunt

A trick or treat treasure map can point to all the goodies or just let ‘em run wild and discover strategically placed stashes of sweets! Make sure to lay the ground rules to keep social distancing guidelines in place!

Our Kids Magazine | October 2020

Stay home if sick Trick or treat with people you live with ■ Remain 6 feet apart from people not in your household ■ Wear a face mask covering BOTH your mouth and nose (even under/over your Halloween mask) ■ Hand sanitize frequently while out ■ ■

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Do not hand out candy if you are sick Wear a face mask covering BOTH your mouth and nose Use duct tape to mark 6-foot lines in front of home Position a table between yourself and trick or treaters Distribute candy on disinfected table to eliminate contact Wash hands often

PARENTS Stay home if sick Talk with your children about safety and social distancing guidelines and expectations ■ Guide children to stay on the right side of the road always to ensure distance ■ Carry a flashlight at night and ensure your children have reflective clothing ■ Wear a face mask covering BOTH your mouth and nose ■ Wash your hands as soon as you return home ■ Inspect candy ■ ■

Source: Halloween2020.org Connect With US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

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Parents, don’t forget to take a picture of your child in costume this Halloween for a chance to be on the cover of Our Kids Magazine next year. Send photos to rudy@ourkidsmagazine.com by 12p.m. November 10, 2020 October 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Pumpkin Patches

South Texas Maize at Graff 7A Ranch: Activities including a seven-acre maze, hayrides, the MatterCorn Slide Mountain, the Twin Cow Train, Cowboy Ken’s Kiddie Korral, the Hay Bale Jump, Colin’s Clucker races, unlimited jumping on the two Corn Pop-Poppers, and much more. Maize grounds admission is required to access the pumpkin patch. Pumpkin Patch is open 10/19-10/28, weekends only. 911 U.S. Hwy. 90 East, Hondo. 830-741-3968. Owl Creek Pumpkin Patch: Owl Creek Pumpkin Patch will open Saturday Sept. 26, 2020 if all goes as planned. We will have pumpkins! We will have a lot more the following weekend. We will be open Saturday 9-6 and Sunday 10-5. We may open a couple days during the week. Check back for more updates soon! 12355 Military Dr W. http://owlcreekfarmsa.com/ First United Methodist Church Seguin Pumpkin Patch: Lots of pumpkins & lots of photo opportunities. Puppies & Pumpkins & a Blessing of Animals on Saturday, October

Our Kids Magazine | October 2020

19. Hayrides and activities on Saturday, October 26. No admission fee. Begins Saturday September 28. Open Monday Saturday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm and Sunday noon - 7:00 pm. 710 N. Austin St. in Seguin. 830-3794112. www.fumcseguin.com Traders Village Corny Maze Pumpkin Patch: Come October 3rd thru November 29th for fall fun for the whole family at the Traders Village Corny Maze. Experience San Antonio’s First & Only “Corny Maze” with 10 acres of crazy mazes (Easy for little kids, Medium and Hard). Lots of Activities at the Traders Village Corny Maze: Petting Zoo (FREE with admission), , Lots of Photo Ops, Concessions. Traders Village (inside the Corny Maze) 9333 SW Loop 410 | San Antonio, TX 7824. (210) 6238383 https://tradersvillage.com/ san-antonio

organizations. No matter which day you choose to come, your purchase will benefit a wonderful cause. Hours:Fri-Sun 11am-7pm, Closed on Monday, Tues-Thurs 3pm-7pm. Holiday - Open Monday, October 12 for Columbus DayPlease wear a mask or face covering when social distancing is not possible.Hand Sanitizer is available throughout the patch. Sweet Berry Farm 1801 FM 1980 Marble Falls, Texas 78654 https://sweetberryfarm.com Love Creek Orchards 13558 TX-16, Medina, TX 78055 https://lovecreekorchards.com/ Bracken UMC Pumpkin 20377 FM 2252 San Antonio 78266 https://www.brackenumc.org/media/

Universal City Pumpkin Patch 2020 Enjoy the fall at the Universal City Pumpkin Patch. OPEN OCT 10th-31st Free Admission; Cash or Credit Card Accepted for Pumpkin Purchases Pumpkins and Gourds range in prices starting at $1.The Universal City Pumpkin Patch benefits various

Good News Pumpkin Patch 11020 Old Corpus Christi HWY San Antonio Texas 78223 Barton Hill Farms 1115 FM 969, Bastrop, TX 78602 https://bartonhillfarms.com/

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SEWING CLASSES Ages 4 to adult

PARTIES & FIELD TRIPS Hands-On Science Fun In Person or Virtual!

North Central at 281/Thousand Oaks

210-375-5241 Far West Side at Culebra

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SANANTONIO.MADSCIENCE.ORG

Open September 19 thru November 28, 2020 What’s included in Fall Admission:

Be the first to hear about special offers and fun events for kids of all ages!

FOR ALL THE FUN DETAILS, VISIT ROLLINGOAKSMALL.COM/KIDX

ADVENTURE

7-acre maze, hayride, MatterCorn Slide Mountain, Twin Cow Train, Cowboy Ken’s Kiddie Korral, Hay Bale Jump, Colin’s Cluckers, and unlimited jumping on two Corn Pop-Poppers!

AWAITS >

Cracklin’ Campfires

TY I C L A S R UNIVE H C T A P N I PUMPK OPENS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10TH

Spend a fall evening gathered around a campfire with your friends and family … and S’Mores!

Lots to Do!

From hayrides to hay bales, and jumping pillows — it’s aMAZEing fun in the Fall.

Sizzlin’ Good Eats!

Turkey legs and funnel cakes. Pizza! Barbeque at the SmokeHaus and lots more!

It’s aMAZEing Fun!

FREE ADMISSION

PUMPKINS FOR SALE! SEVERAL PHOTO AREAS! 2150 UNIVERSAL CITY BLVD. - BEHIND THE ﬁRE DEPARTMENT

WWW.uctx.GOV/pUMPKINpATCH

7 acres of corny fun planted in a new design every year. Getting lost means having fun!

We Make Learning FUN!

Field Trips are a great learning opportunity. We want to educate and ‘recreate’ visitors with a fun and unique setting. Reservations are required.

911 US Hwy 90 East • Hondo, TX 78861 830.741.3968 • www.graff7aranch.com October 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com

EDUCATION GUIDE

How to Survive the Elementary School Years 8 Parenting Tips for Ages 6 to 10 By Kimberly Blaker

You survived potty training and the terrible twos; you’ve reclaimed your bed, and your child is now somewhat self-sufficient. Life ought to be smooth sailing from here on, right? Perhaps. That is if you don’t take into account the elementary school-age battles that lie just ahead. But don’t sweat it. The following tips will help you ride out this adventuresome yet trying stage. 1. Tattletales. Does your child tattle every time a sibling or playmate breaks a rule? Kids tattle for many reasons. Sometimes they don’t understand the difference between tattling and telling about something important. Other times, kids are looking to get another into trouble. So explain the difference between tattling and telling. Tattling is when someone breaks a rule (or when there is no rule), and breaking the rule is relatively harmless. On the other hand, telling is when another child does something that could harm oneself or others. Make a rule that you don’t want to hear any tattling, but that telling is okay and even necessary. 2. Lying. Every child tells a lie at some point or another. Even most adults are guilty of occasional white lies. Still, teaching kids to be honest is vital to developing into trustworthy adults and forming intimate relationships. Talk to your child about how lying diminishes yours and others’ ability to trust your child. Explain how it can impact your child’s relationships. Then, if you catch your kid in a lie, explain how his or her future freedom and privileges are dependent on how well you can trust your child. Also, to build your kid’s trust in you, practice being open and nonjudgmental. This will go a long way toward your child’s openness with you. 8

Our Kids Magazine | October 2020

3. Media overload. With the overwhelming variety of media available to kids, it’s hard to know where to draw the line. But the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends kids be limited to no more than two hours of entertainment-based screen time per day. To gain cooperation, invite your child to help you establish media use rules. List the various forms of media used by your child, including tv, video games, computer, and cell phone. Establish a total number of hours per day your kid can use media. Then ask your child to help you break down how much of that time can be spent on specific forms. Also, discuss the measures you’ll take if rules are violated. 4. Chore wars. As your child grows, so should his or her responsibilities. During the elementary years, kids can pick up their rooms, set and clear off the table, sort their laundry, fold laundry, put away their clean clothes, bring in the mail, rake leaves, and dust, among other simple tasks. So have your child choose a small number of simple chores. As your kid grows, increase the amount or level of difficulty. To gain cooperation, set a regular schedule for each task, and offer daily or weekly rewards or an allowance. 5. Homework hassles. This is a routine challenge for many parents. So hold a meeting with your child to discuss homework. Explain you’re going to set some rules. Then give your kid a couple of choices to increase cooperation. One option might be 30 minutes of free time or media time after school before beginning homework. Another option could be to do chores and free time right after school. Then homework will start immediately Connect With US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

EDUCATION GUIDE following dinner. But avoid saving homework until late in the evening. Also, find a distraction-free location in your home that is always for homework. Then require your kids to put their phones on the charger, away from the area when doing homework.

To get started, during the early elementary years, read Where Did I Come From? or another age-appropriate book to your child. This takes the guesswork out of what to say and how to say it. In the later elementary years, discuss puberty and sex more completely. Many kids reach puberty by the age of

6. Name-calling and teasing. Sometimes when kids call each other names, they’re just playing. If they’re going back and forth at each other, and all are laughing and having a good time, it probably isn’t a big deal. As long as it’s play, balanced, and no one’s feelings are getting hurt, you can let it go.

10. So make sure your pre-teen is fully prepared for the changes that’ll take place. Some kids are already talking about it with their friends by late elementary, and are full of misinformation. So having this discussion is crucial to ensure your child is accurately informed about sex

But if it’s one-sided, mean-spirited, or the child on the receiving end seems angry, upset, scared, or hurt by it, it’s usually best to intervene. First, try to empower the teased child, and encourage him or her to tell the other to stop. If necessary, take a more direct approach, and make clear to the child doing the teasing how hurtful the behavior is and that it isn’t acceptable.

8. Defiance. As kids grow, they become more independent – and with independence comes defiance. To deal with defiance, lay out the rules ahead of time, so you and your kids know the consequences.

7. The birds and the bees. The question of where babies come from, and puberty discussions can leave even the most open-minded parents fumbling. So, prepare in advance for the inevitable discussions to answer questions in the best way possible without showing discomfort. Your comfort is essential to making your kid feel comfortable and will lead to more openness from your child as he or she matures.

When your child is defiant, remember the following. Consistency is crucial to being effective. Also, don’t argue. If your child tries to debate you after you’ve stated the issue and laid down the consequence, calmly say you’ve already made up your mind, and you’re done discussing it. Then leave the room, so you’re not tempted to argue or give in to badgering. Kimberly Blaker is a freelance parenting writer. She’s also founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an internet marketing agency, at kbcreativedigital.com

Is your child ready for more? Engage, achieve, and thrive at BASIS Texas Charter Schools.

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October 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com

EDUCATION GUIDE SCHOOLS

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SCHOOLS - ACADEMIC SECONDARY & ELEMENTARY Brooks Academies is a premiere tuition-free public charter school with four campuses located in San Antonio. We serve grades PreK through 12 with a variety of specialized programs: STEM, Dual Language, Fine Arts, Sports Leadership & Management. Please contact us today to find the right fit for your child - we have both in-person and virtual settings! Brooks Collegiate Academy - 210-850-3002 Brooks Oaks Academy - 210-627-6013 Brooks Lone Star Academy - 210-998-4452 Brooks Academy of Science and Engineering - 210-633-9006

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Our Kids Magazine | October 2020

Anne Frank Inspire Academy 11216 Bandera Road, San Antonio, TX 78250 Elementary School - (210) 638-5910 Middle & High School - (210) 638-5900 AnneFrankIA.com AFIA will offer multiple instructional formats for the 2020-2021 school year including full remote, Face2Face and combination options. Additional flexibility will allow families to alternate between models on a week-to-week basis as requested. Remote learning is recommended for every Friday and the entire month of December. New health and social distancing policies include temperature checks twice daily and mask policies by age group. Campus cleaning and sanitization measures will be implemented daily. BASIS Texas Charter Schools Four San Antonio locations. (480) 289 2088 enrollBASIS.com Type of School: Charter. Grades Served: K–12. Before/After School Programs: Yes. Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 15:1. BASIS Charter Schools educate K–12 students at the highest international levels. The acclaimed BASIS Charter School Curriculum offers a robust balance of liberal arts and sciences courses. Expert teachers inspire students to think critically and creatively, draw interdisciplinary connections, and promote organizational skills that encourage advanced content mastery and love of learning. Open Enrollment for 2021–22 is October 29–December 15, 2020. Learn more at an Open House, October 29, 6–8:00 p.m. Bexar County Academy Charter School 1485 Hillcrest Dr. San Antonio, TX 78228 210-432-8600 www.bexarcountyacademy.org Bexar County Academy is a TUITION FREE charter school, serving grades Pre-K3 to 8th grade. At Bexar County Academy Charter School our mission is to provide an Academia Environment that prepares students to function as Entrepreneurs, Workers, and Citizens in a Globalized World. Our blended-learning model provides our scholars with the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial and life skills not often offered in traditional public-school districts. Our life skillsbased curriculum provides the tools to develop character, creative, critical, and innovative thinking. Apply Today! www.enroll.bexarcountyacademy.com

Bright Ideas Enrichment Center 9433 Fredericksburg Rd. San Antonio, 78240 210-694-4622 brightideasdaycare.com We realize that each child is unique with a specific set of needs. It is our sincere desire to accept the challenge and work toward the goal of meeting each of those needs. We offer Infant and Toddler care, Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 and Private Kindergarten, with breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack provided. We also offer Swimming lessons, Ballet, Gymnastics, Karate and Spanish for Tots. Brooks Academies of Texas 4802 Vance Jackson Road 210-541-0051 brooksacademy.org “Across our four campuses, we will do everything possible to make the learning environments friendly and safe for our children. We will provide two different learning models for the 2020-2021 school year. We have a 100% in-person model with reduced class sizes, social distancing, and other precautions. We will also have a 100% virtual model available for all grades Pre K-12. Visit our website for more details and enroll today! Cardinal Montessori Academy 6506 W Hausman Rd San Antonio, TX 78249 (210) 558-3627 www.cardinalma.com We offer an authentic Montessori experience with an emphasis on S.T.E.A.M. in beautiful, clean, and prepared classrooms. Our curriculum follows the child, focusing on their individual needs and interests. Our school day is structured with a fair amount of fun, excitement, and free play mixed in! We are accepting enrollment for our summer program (July- August) and 2020-2021 academic year (August 25, 2020-May 30, 2021) Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church & Early Childhood Center 5323 Blanco Rd. San Antonio TX 78216 210-732-7223 – Church 210-733-9444 Daycare www.christoursavior-sa.org Sharing and teaching the love of Christ as we reach out to all people. “Viviendo,compartiendo –yensenando el amor de cristo mientras alcanzamos a toda persona. Our acre supplements the home by providing a place in which the child may develop in an arranged environment with trained staff. Opened all year round.

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EDUCATION GUIDE Colonial Hills United Methodist School 5247 Vance Jackson San Antonio, TX 78230 210-349-1982 www.chums-sa.com CHUMS is NOW REGISTERING for the 2020-2021 school year. Tours available by appointment only. 18 months through Kindergarten. Please call the school office to schedule 210-349-1092. Cornerstone Christian Schools 17702 NW Military Hwy San Antonio, TX 78257 210-979-9203 • sa-ccs.org At Cornerstone Christian Schools, we face adversity and make history every day. At the onset of this pandemic, we led the way in adopting digital learning instruction within a week and the first to hold a physical graduation on campus. And now once again, CCS is leading the way by welcoming students on our beautiful campus for in person teaching this Fall. Learn how by visiting sa-ccs.org or call 210-9799203 today. Jubilee Academies 4434 Roland Road San Antonio, Texas 78222 210-333-6227 Jubileeacademies.org A Better Approach to Public Education! Serving Pre-K(4) - Graduation; offering College Credit, Career Readiness and Character Development. There are six Jubilee locations in San Antonio – call for the one nearest you. Keystone School 210-735-4022 119 East Craig San Antonio, TX 78212 www.keystoneschool.org Keystone school has been a haven for bright, motivated children since 1948. Master teachers lead small classes with an accelerated, collegepreparatory curriculum. Academics, extracurriculars, arts, outdoor education and technology combine in a challenging, nurturing environment to develop academic excellence, ethical growth, community involvement, and responsible leadership. Grades PK312. KIPP Texas Public Schools San Antonio kipptexas.org 210-880-8080 KIPP Texas Public schools focuses on protecting the health and safety of our students, staff, and families to the fullest extent possible. Provides our students with an academically excellent, joyful, and equitable learning experience with a consistent focus on college readiness regardless of whether we are inside or outside of

our school buildings. Show care for our entire Team & Family so we can thrive in the new normal. Mount Sacred Heart School 619 Mt. Sacred Heart Rd San Antonio, TX 78216 210-342-6711 www.mountsacredheart.org Mount Sacred Heart’s school year begins on August 17th and with great joy we begin our inaugural year of the Mother Cabrini Formation Center. The MCFC will increase the involvement of religious Sisters at Mount. Please give us a call and schedule a tour to see why Mount’s rich tradition and innovative learning environment is the school for your family. Visit our website or call us at (210) 342 - 6711. Play Today Drop-In Daycare 17319 IH 35 N. Suite 302 Schertz, TX 78154 210-651-3610 Playtodaydropin.com Play Today is a unique child care facility that offers flexible drop-in care for children 12 months to 12 years. We believe that children are unique individuals who need to be respected and cared for in a safe, nurturing environment. Your child will enjoy a fun learning facility with songs, finger play, games, arts and crafts, and sensory play. After school pickup available. Mother’s Day Out available for 2-5 years with age appropriate curriculum. Positive Solutions High School 1325 N. Flores, Suite 100 San Antonio, TX 78212 210-299-1025 www.facebook.com/ positivesolutionshighschool Brief Description: Positive Solutions High School, chartered by the State of Texas in 1998, is an open enrollment charter school offering an accelerated high school diploma program for grades 9-12 as well as a GED program (4 hour sessions available in AM or PM). Positive Solutions High School students will succeed academically and in society. Pre-K Academy at West Avenue North East Independent School District 3915 West Avenue San Antonio, TX 78213 210-407-8600 www.neisd.net/prekacademy A recently renovated campus dedicated solely to prekindergarten students. Each classroom has a certified teacher and an instructional assistant. Students learn important skills through exploratory play and age-appropriate steps for resolving

conflicts. We have a full-time physical education teacher, music teacher, librarian, STEAM teacher, counselor, family specialist, registered nurse, and instructional coaches for our teachers. We offer a two-way dual language program, transportation service, and after-school care. School begins August 17. Pre-K 4 SA North 210-206-2800 East 210-206-2850 South 210-206-2700 West 210-206-2900 https://prek4sa.com/ Pre-K 4 SA is San Antonio’s premier pre-kindergarten program that is changing the educational and workforce trajectory of our city in one generation. Pre-K 4 SA offers full and extended-day prekindergarten for 4-year-olds in San Antonio. With four Education Centers with stringent safety protocols, as well as a distance learning model, Pre-K 4 SA supports a foundation in concepts like math, science, language, and art through a play-based learning environment. Contactless Application Process. Apply now! San Antonio ISD 141 Lavaca Street San Antonio, TX 78210 210-554-2660 www.saisd.net SAISD will start school on Aug. 17, and for the first three weeks, all instruction will be 100% remote. After Labor Day, parents can continue with the teacherled, online learning or transition their children to on-campus learning – both will provide your child a high-quality option. Students learning remotely will be provided devices if they don’t have one at home. We prioritize safety, strong academics and socialemotional learning for our students. Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran School & Child Care 6914 Wurzbach Rd. MEDICAL CENTER San Antonio TX 78240 210-614-3741 www.shlutheran.org Shepherd of the Hills is a Christcentered, family focused, community dedicated to serving children ages Infants through Grade 8. We provide a faith-based, fully accredited educational program in addition to a state-licensed Early Childhood Center. In accordance with state education and healthcare guidelines, we plan to begin the 2020-2021 school year in August, with children in classes on campus! We are currently enrolling for the fall! Call today!

Southwest Preparatory Schools 4 Campuses listed below 210-829-8017 www.swprep.org Southwest Preparatory School is an open enrollment - tuition free charter school serving grades PreK-12 with four campuses in San Antonio and Seguin. All four campuses have current plans to include both remote and in-person learning options for students for the 2020-21 school year. Enrollment is now open at www. swprep.org. St. Matthew Catholic School 10703 Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 478-5044 www.smcssa.org St. Matthew Catholic School is dedicated to the mission of educating a strong, faith-centered community through a commitment to the spiritual, moral, intellectual, social and physical development of each child. Register now for Pre-K – 8th grade. St. Peter Prince of Apostles School 112 Marcia Place San Antonio, TX 78209 210-824-3171 stpeterprince.org St. Peter Prince of Apostles School in Alamo Heights has on-campus and virtual class options for the 20202021 school year. Ideal class sizes for distancing and outstanding parent reviews during distance learning. Call today for more information! Suburban School 210-696-0213 5409 Encino Park Road general@suburbanschool.com www.suburbanschool.com Suburban School, a place where children can learn in a unique, natural setting and are encouraged to become independent, caring individuals. Suburban School exceeds State Minimum Standards and follows national accreditation (NECPA and NAEYC) guidelines. Suburban School embodies a relaxed, comfortable learning atmosphere with an emphasis on our outdoor environment to enhance gross motor development. We believe that a happy and successful childhood with clear expectations leads to a positive self-image. Our program is designed to be age level appropriate, blending traditional and progressive styles of learning. We use hands-on experiences and learning centers to encourage creativity and a better understanding of concepts. Time is spent learning in a group setting as well as one-to-one with a teacher.

October 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com

EDUCATION GUIDE

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Our Kids Magazine | October 2020

Sunshine Cottage 603 E. Hildebrand San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 824-0579 www.sunshinecottage.org Sunshine Cottage offers a listening and spoken language environment for all children with hearing impairment as well as for typically hearing children. Sunshine Cottage provides students the opportunity to excel and experience new learning adventures each day. Preschool through fifth grade. The Circle School 217 Pershing Ave.Â San Antonio, TX 78209 (210) 822-0461 www.thecircleschool.org This PK3-8th grade family cooperative is an internationally designated Ashoka Changemaker School that combines academic excellence with a distinctive curriculum bridging the arts and sciences. A nature-based education model includes gardening, sustainability, oral storytelling, and respectful conflict resolution encouraging empathy and compassion. On-campus instruction provided with small classes, maximized outdoor time, and evidence-based policies that prioritize safety. Distance learning options available and classes are prepared to pivot to different models as this unpredictable year unfolds. The International Baccalaureate Schools of the San Antonio ISD Nine, centrally located IB and IB Candidate schools IB@saisd.net, www.saisd. net/ib San Antonio ISDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools are tuition-free, in-district charter schools offering innovative, rigorous education with a global perspective. IB Programmes are known around the world for their focus on the personal development of all students. Limited seats are still available. Apply now at www. saisdchoice.com. Elementary Schools (PreK-5th): Briscoe, Huppertz* and Woodlawn Hills*; Academies (PK/K-8th): Woodlawn and Fenwick*; Middle Schools: Harris and Longfellow; High Schools: Burbank and Jefferson. (*IB Candidate school).

The Montessori School of San Antonio 210-492-3553 17722 Rogers Ranch Pkwy San Antonio Texas 78258 www.montessoriSA.org At the Montessori School of San Antonio, we guide children to be passionate learners, independent thinkers and engaged citizens. We partner with parents, guiding students to achieve their full potential in academic, social, physical, intellectual, aesthetic and moral development from early childhood through adolescence. The Winston School San Antonio 8565 Ewing Halsell Drive San Antonio, Texas 78229 (210) 615-6544 www.winston-sa.org Description: Winston is a college preparatory school for students with learning differences, including but not limited to ADHD, dyslexia, and dysgraphia. Teachers focus on providing a personalized education to every student. Winston is continuing with plans to open the school for in-person classes this fall, and will be adhering to all safety and health guidelines.

SPECIAL NEEDS AdBAnce Behavioral Health ABA Therapy 844-568-2001 www.AdBAnce.com ABA Therapy can help students with Special Needs to maintain and generalize skills already learned. ABA can also be used as a teaching tool and a preventative tool to address challenging behaviors Sunshine Cottage 603 E. Hildebrand San Antonio, TX 78212 (210) 824-0579 www.sunshinecottage.org Sunshine Cottage offers a listening and spoken language environment for all children with hearing impairment as well as for typically hearing children. Sunshine Cottage provides students the opportunity to excel and experience new learning adventures each day. Preschool through fifth grade. The Clowvazar Academy (210) 690-4800 12746 Cimarron Path #120 San Antonio TX 78249 www.clowvazar.com The Clowvazar Academy is a private year-round school for kids with learning differences. Students are placed in each subject according

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EDUCATION GUIDE to ability, not by age. We accept students with a wide range of struggles in three broad programs: General Ed., Special Ed. and Gifted-and-Talented students. We work with kids with anxiety, ADD, ADHD, mild Autism, Autism and other learning challenges. With a wide range of electives, including Culinary Arts, Fine Arts, and Job Readiness Internships, our students are given amazing opportunities to excel in different ways. Brainiacs Academic Enrichment and Support 210-570-5611 www.mybrainiacs.com Brainiacs provides one-on-one mentoring services. Our mentors tutor in targeted subjects, but also establish a supportive connection with a student. GRIT & GROWTHMINDSET are organically woven into conversations around life strategy and long-term academic success. Brainiac also offers small group programs in Reading & Literacy, Study & Organizational Skills & ACT/SAT Test Prep. Inspiring Excellence 210-722-4947 InspiringExcellenceTutoring. com With affordability in mind, I teach step-by-step methods, helping my students learn effective strategies to improve their confidence and become independent learners. Parent(s) are invited to be a part of every session which further enhances the learning process!

AFTER SCHOOL Abby’s Attic Sewing & Crafting Studio North Central at 281/ Thousand Oaks 210-375-5241 Far West Side at Culebra 210-541-5088 www. abbysatticsewingschool.com Abby’s Attic provides in-person and online sewing classes for ages 8-16. Learn beginner and intermediate sewing skills, with your machine or by hand. Introduce your child to a dying art while they work on fine and gross motor skills, pattern reading, problem solving, mathematics skills and more! Moms, we have a great variety of classes for YOU to learn to sew, too!”

Artworks Art Studio 1840 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio TX 78209 210-826-2787 www.artworksartstudio. com New Wording: NEW Arts Enrichment & Academic Assistance for Home Learners - we offer Small Class Sizes with Student-Centered Curriculum and Unique Learning Experiences! Boy Scouts of America, Alamo Area Council 2226 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, Texas 78213 210-341-8611 www.AlamoAreaBSA.org The BSA continues to prepare young people for life by providing the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, utilizing outdoor activity, citizenship, and fitness. The Alamo Area Council manages over 1,500 acres of outdoor adventure for boys and girls from 5-20 years of age at three premier camps – Bear Creek Scout Reservation, Mays Family Scout Ranch, and McGimsey Scout Park. Also Check out our Virtual Merit Badges and other Scouting at Home programming. Clowvazar After School Tutoring 210-690-4800 12746 Cimarron Path #120 San Antonio TX 78249 www.clowvazar.com We provide One-on-One tutoring for kids with high functioning autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia et cetera. Tutoring & Coaching sessions available for both Students and Parents. We provide comprehensive assessment and affordable packages. Code Ninjas Shavano Park 12651 Vance Jackson Road, Suite 101 210-570-2467 www.codeninjas.com/txshavano-park Your kids will have a blast Learning to Code! At Code Ninjas San Antonio (Shavano Park), kids learn to code by building their very own video games. Our flexible coding programs for kids make it easy on parents with convenient drop-in hours on weeknights and weekends. Country Home Learning Center 210-687-1002 www.countryhome learningcenter.com Quality childcare 6 weeks – 13 years. Students enjoy our water

park, indoor playground, putt-putt golf course, and gymnasium. After school care with pick-up from area schools available. Check out our website for location near you. Dorothy Keck Dancers 210-829-8454 1532 Austin Hwy www.dorothykeckdancers. com We are a dance instruction studio offering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, tumbling/acrobatics, and dance team. Enjoy our 55 years of teaching experience, flexible hours, and fair prices that are sure to keep us a San Antonio favorite. First Tee Greater San Antonio 915 East Mulberry, San Antonio, TX 210.736.9592 www.firstteesanantonio.org First Tee Greater San Antonio will be hosting fall programming both online and in-person. Onsite programming adheres to local, state and federal safety and health protocols to ensure a safe environment for participants and families. Jump Rope Express 269-0725 coachbobby7755@gmail. com www.coachbobbysports. com Let Jump Rope Express get your child in top form. We offer onehour jump rope classes that keep kids active with unique jump rope games, activities, challenges and drills developed by Coach Bobby. The kids will have a fun-filled time and get a lot of exercise! Contact Coach Bobby at 210-269-0725 / coachbobby7755@gmail.com for availability ad pricing. www. coachbobbysports.com

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Witte Museum 3801 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 210-210-357-1910 www.wittemuseum.org The Witte Museum is developing programs for schools and families for the fall. We are open and encourage families to visit us when they are ready for an outing! We have a wide variety of educational videos available on our website. “Witte Where You Are” brings a little bit on the museum to you! Watch our website for new program announcements. October 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Feature

Baby’s Home, Now What?

You’ve gone through pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and now you’re ready to go home and begin life with your baby. Once home, though, you might feel like you have no idea what you’re doing! These tips can help even the most nervous first-time parents feel confident about caring for a newborn in no time.

Getting Help After the Birth Consider getting help during this time, which can be very hectic and overwhelming. While in the hospital, talk to the experts around you. Many hospitals have feeding specialists or lactation consultants who can help you get started nursing or bottle-feeding. Nurses also are a great resource to show you how to hold, burp, change, and care for your baby. For in-home help, you might want to hire a baby nurse, postpartum doula, or a responsible neighborhood teen to help you for a short time after the birth. Your doctor or the hospital can help you find information about in-home help, and might make a referral to home health agencies. Relatives and friends often want to help too. Even if you disagree on certain things, don’t dismiss their experience. But if you don’t feel up to having guests or you have other concerns, don’t feel guilty about placing restrictions on visitors.

Handling a Newborn If you haven’t spent a lot of time around newborns, their fragility may be intimidating. Here are a few basics to remember: Wash your hands (or use a hand sanitizer) before handling your baby. Newborns don’t have a strong immune system yet, so they’re at risk for infection. Make sure that everyone who handles your baby has clean hands. Support your baby’s head and neck. Cradle the head when carrying your baby and support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay your baby down. 14 Our Kids Magazine | October 2020

Never shake your newborn, whether in play or in frustration. Shaking can cause bleeding in the brain and even death. If you need to wake your infant, don’t do it by shaking — instead, tickle your baby’s feet or blow gently on a cheek. Make sure your baby is securely fastened into the carrier, stroller, or car seat. Limit any activity that could be too rough or bouncy. Remember that your newborn is not ready for rough play, such as being jiggled on the knee or thrown in the air.

Bonding and Soothing Bonding, probably one of the most pleasurable parts of infant care, happens during the sensitive time in the first hours and days after birth when parents make a deep connection with their infant. Physical closeness can promote an emotional connection. For infants, the attachment contributes to their emotional growth, which also affects their development in other areas, such as physical growth. Another way to think of bonding is “falling in love” with your baby. Children thrive from having a parent or other adult in their life who loves them unconditionally. Begin bonding by cradling your baby and gently stroking him or her in different patterns. Both you and your partner can also take the opportunity to be “skin-to-skin,” holding your newborn against your own skin while feeding or cradling. Babies, especially premature babies and those with medical problems, may respond to infant massage. Certain types of massage may enhance bonding and help with infant growth and development. Many books and videos cover infant massage — ask your doctor for recommendations. Be careful, however — babies are not as strong as adults, so massage your baby gently. Babies usually love vocal sounds, such as talking, babbling, singing, and cooing. Your baby will probably also love Connect With US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

listening to music. Baby rattles and musical mobiles are other good ways to stimulate your infant’s hearing. If your little one is being fussy, try singing, reciting poetry and nursery rhymes, or reading aloud as you sway or rock your baby gently in a chair. Some babies can be unusually sensitive to touch, light, or sound, and might startle and cry easily, sleep less than expected, or turn their faces away when someone speaks or sings to them. If that’s the case with your baby, keep noise and light levels low to moderate. Swaddling, which works well for some babies during their first few weeks, is another soothing technique first-time parents should learn. Proper swaddling keeps a baby’s arms close to the body while allowing for some movement of the legs. Not only does swaddling keep a baby warm, but it seems to give most newborns a sense of security and comfort. Swaddling also may help limit the startle reflex, which can wake a baby.

All About Diapering

You’ll probably decide before you bring your baby home whether you’ll use cloth or disposable diapers. Whichever you use, your little one will dirty diapers about 10 times a day, or about 70 times a week. Before diapering your baby, make sure you have all supplies within reach so you won’t have to leave your infant unattended on the changing table. You’ll need:

■ ■ ■ ■

a clean diaper fasteners (if cloth prefold diapers are used) diaper ointment diaper wipes (or a container of warm water and a clean washcloth or cotton balls)

After each bowel movement or if the diaper is wet, lay your baby on his or her back and remove the dirty diaper. Use the water, cotton balls, and washcloth or the wipes to gently wipe your baby’s genital area clean. When removing a boy’s diaper, do so carefully because exposure to the air may make him urinate. When wiping a girl, wipe her bottom from front to back to avoid a urinary tract infection (UTI). To prevent or heal a rash, apply ointment. Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly after changing a diaper. Diaper rash is a common concern. Typically the rash is red and bumpy and will go away in a few days with warm baths, some diaper cream, and a little time out of the diaper. Most rashes happen because the baby’s skin is sensitive and becomes irritated by the wet or poopy diaper.

To prevent or heal diaper rash:

Change your baby’s diaper often, and as soon as possible after bowel movements. ■ Gently clean the area with mild soap and water (wipes sometimes can be irritating), then apply a very thick layer of diaper rash or “barrier” cream. Creams with zinc oxide are preferred because they form a barrier against moisture. ■

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If you use cloth diapers, wash them in dye- and fragrancefree detergents. ■ Let the baby go undiapered for part of the day. This gives the skin a chance to air out. ■ If the diaper rash continues for more than 3 days or seems to be getting worse, call your doctor — it may be caused by a fungal infection that requires a prescription. ■

Give your baby a sponge bath until: The umbilical cord falls off and the navel heals completely (1–4 weeks) ■ The circumcision heals (1–2 weeks) ■ A bath two or three times a week in the first year is fine. More frequent bathing may be drying to the skin. ■

Items to have before bathing your baby: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

a soft, clean washcloth mild, unscented baby soap and shampoo a soft brush to stimulate the baby’s scalp towels or blankets a clean diaper clean clothes

Sponge baths. For a sponge bath, select a safe, flat surface (such as a changing table, floor, or counter) in a warm room. Fill a sink, if nearby, or bowl with warm (not hot!) water. Undress your baby and wrap him or her in a towel. Wipe your infant’s eyes with a washcloth (or a clean cotton ball) dampened with water only, starting with one eye and wiping from the inner corner to the outer corner. Use a clean corner of the washcloth or another cotton ball to wash the other eye. Clean your baby’s nose and ears with the damp washcloth. Then wet the cloth again and, using a little soap, wash his or her face gently and pat it dry. Next, using baby hampoo, create a lather and gently wash your baby’s head and rinse. Using a wet cloth and soap, gently wash the rest of the baby, paying special attention to creases under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck, and in the genital area. Once you have washed those areas, make sure they are dry and then diaper and dress your baby. Tub baths. When your baby is ready for tub baths, the first baths should be gentle and brief. If he or she becomes upset, go back to sponge baths for a week or two, then try the bath again.

Circumcision and Umbilical Cord Care Immediately after circumcision, the tip of the penis is usually covered with gauze coated with petroleum jelly to keep the wound from sticking to the diaper. Gently wipe the tip clean with warm water after a diaper change, then apply petroleum jelly to the tip so it doesn’t stick to the diaper. Redness or irritation of the penis should heal within a few days, but if the redness or swelling increases or if pus-filled blisters form, infection may be present and you should call your baby’s doctor immediately. 16

Our Kids Magazine | October 2020

Umbilical cord care in newborns is also important. Some doctors suggest swabbing the area with rubbing alcohol until the cord stump dries up and falls off, usually in 10 days to 3 weeks, but others recommend leaving the area alone. Talk to your child’s doctor to see what he or she prefers. An infant’s navel area shouldn’t be submerged in water until the cord stump falls off and the area is healed. Until it falls off, the cord stump will change color from yellow to brown or black — this is normal. Call your doctor if the navel area looks red or if a foul odor or discharge develops.

Sleeping Basics As a new parent, you may be surprised to learn that your newborn, who seems to need you every minute of the day, actually sleeps about 16 hours or more! Newborns typically sleep for periods of 2–4 hours. Don’t expect yours to sleep through the night — the digestive system of babies is so small that they need nourishment every few hours and should be awakened if they haven’t been fed for 4 hours (or more often if your doctor is concerned about weight gain). When can you expect your baby to sleep through the night? Many babies sleep through the night (between 6–8 hours) at 3 months of age, but if yours doesn’t, it’s not a cause for concern. Like adults, babies must develop their own sleep patterns and cycles, so if your newborn is gaining weight and appears healthy, don’t despair if he or she hasn’t slept through the night at 3 months. It’s important to always place babies on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Other safe sleeping practices include: not using blankets, quilts, sheepskins, stuffed animals, and pillows in the crib or bassinet (these can suffocate a baby); and sharing a bedroom (but not a bed) with the parents for the first 6 months to 1 year. Also be sure to alternate the position of your baby’s head from night to night (first right, then left, and so on) to prevent the development of a flat spot on one side of the head. Many newborns have their days and nights “mixed up.” They tend to be more awake and alert at night, and more sleepy during the day. One way to help them is to keep stimulation at night to a minimum. Keep the lights low, such as by using a nightlight. Reserve talking and playing with your baby for the daytime. When your baby wakes up during the day, try to keep him or her awake a little longer by talking and playing. Even though you may feel anxious about handling a newborn, in a few short weeks you’ll develop a routine and be parenting like a pro! If you have questions or concerns, ask your doctor to recommend resources that can help you and your baby grow together. Source: www.kidshealth.org Connect With US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

1-on-1 In-Home ABA Therapy KLRN Public Television, the PBS station serving South Central Texas, announces the launch of free local livestreaming on its website klrn.org, PBS.org, and the PBS App on Roku. Viewers can now watch KLRN how, when, and where they want to, regardless of their provider, while they are within the 33-county viewing area. “KLRN is excited to officially announce the launch of our local livestreaming on www.klrn.org,” said Arthur Emerson, KLRN President and CEO. “This new platform expands KLRN’s accessibility to anyone with a laptop, phone or tablet.” Livestreaming is available via computer or on other devices that support the following web browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge. Viewers can also watch the live stream on the PBS Video App on Roku devices. Watch now at www.klrn.org/live

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October 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com

Feature

FAQs about TikTok from Parents What is TikTok?

TikTok is an app that allows users to create and share short videos. TikTok’s users enjoy using the app’s tools to combine video, music, and graphics into funny sketches and creative shorts.

Why do so many teens like TikTok?

TikTok allows teens to combine music and video to make funny, silly, and clever video shorts. The app and its user community are known to value creativity and authenticity over follower counts and likes. As a result, users find it a refreshing atmosphere where they can be themselves. Also, TikTok videos can be fun to watch and—because they are so short—be enjoyed during brief breaks. If a half hour TV show were a meal, TikTok would be a snack.

Should my teen’s account be private?

There are pluses and minuses to having a public account on TikTok. Our research shows that many TikTok users, no matter the age, derive significant joy from interacting with a large global audience. More communication and collaboration can spark greater creativity and lead to a more satisfying online experience. A public account, however, means that any user, even a complete stranger, can view your videos and send you Direct Messages. This will not be appropriate or desirable for every user; making an account private is a way to restrict interactions to other users whom you have approved. Ultimately, this is a personal decision, and one we encourage parents to make together with their child, based on open communication about their use of technology.

Does TikTok have a minimum age?

TikTok’s Terms of Service state that users must be at least 13 years old to sign up for an account and have full access

Our Kids Magazine | October 2020

to the platform, in compliance with the U.S.’s Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. Some countries, including Ireland, impose different age restrictions so, if you’re outside the United States, check with your local laws.

Is TikTok appropriate for children? Although TikTok is a youth-centric app, it is not uncommon to encounter videos on the platform that contain swearing and sexually-infused content. While the app may be appropriate for most teens, it is not aimed at children under 13. The app, however, provides several ways for users and parents to restrict mature content that may not be appropriate for younger users. Additionally, TikTok has created a separate “experience” that allows users under 13 access only to curated, clean videos. Users cannot comment, search, or post their own videos. However, bypassing that section only requires entering a false birthdate.

I’ve heard that TikTok is a Chinese company. Is that true and if so how does that impact kids who use the app? TikTok is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, which was founded in 2012. ByteDance owns and operates numerous products in China, including the popular news platform Toutiao, and Douyin, which is similar to TikTok but a completely separate app available only in China. ByteDance entered the U.S. market in 2017, when it purchased Musical.ly, a popular youth-oriented lip-syncing short-form video platform. In 2018, the company folded Musical.ly into TikTok. TikTok is not available in China, and, according to a company blog post, stores all TikTok U.S. user data in the United States, with backup redundancy in Singapore. TikTok data centers are located entirely outside of China. Connect With US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

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October 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

Holiday Gift Ideas SMATH by Goliath The game that makes math fun! Players take turns using the tiles in their racks to build their own crossword style equations. For beginners, start off with addition and subtraction. For the math whiz, step it up to multiplication and division! Each tile has a point value that is earned once it is played. One of the best-known math products in the game category. Crossword puzzle style of play. Adaptable to multiple skill levels. Sharpens STEM skills from beginner to brainiac!

Pickup Sports

Introduce your kids to multiple sports at home in a non-pressured, fun and affordable way. When kids learn from their parents/caregivers they are more likely to have fun, want to keep playing and more likely to stick with it and stay physically active. Starter boxes include age-appropriate equipment, access to weekly live virtual coaching with parent-child games, and expert-created curriculum based on years of research. Available sports include basketball, flag football, soccer, tennis, baseball & softball, and volleyball. Starter boxes are currently priced at $45. Best part -- for every box purchased, the company donates one to kids with limited access. https://pickupsports.co/

Our Kids Magazine | October 2020

Artnook Guide Dots

Are your kids constantly drawing and want to take their hobby to the next level? Guide Dots is a curriculum designed to teach kids to draw. The subscription combines strategically placed dots and online instruction to get kids making frame-worthy masterpieces. No matter which subscription you choose, you will receive the Guide Dots Starter Kit that delivers an array of full-size teacher-tested art supplies that sets your child up for success. Guide Dots starter kits covers the first three months of instruction at a cost of $30 per month. After the purchase of the initial bundle monthly rates vary between $15 and $20 depending on the subscription duration (3, 6 and 12 month). https://guide-dots.com/

My First Safari Animals by Smart Max. Build 6 safari animals - or mix and match for some crazy creations - with this magnetic discovery building set for ages 1-5. Features soft and friendly animal pieces and large, safe bars. Benefits + Features: STEM LEARNING FUN: Build a Rhino, Giraffe, Elephant, Hippo, Lion and Crocodile - or mix and match for crazy creations. Available on Amazon. Froggit by Smart Games

Be the first to guide your frog family across the pond, but watch out! Other players can use the fish to send you back to the start. A family game for 2-6 players, ages 6 - adult. Benefits + Features: Froggit is a fun family game for 2-6 players that rewards flexible thinking and clever planning! Thwart you opponents! When a frog clears the pond that player can select which opponentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; frog within range to send back to the start! Helps develop Flexible thinking, Problem Solving and Planning skills. Connect With US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS Little Global Citizens’ Teaching

children about countries from around the world and their cultures. A regular subscription service, each box is filled with items from that country including authentic guides, crafts, screen-free activities (games and puzzles), language skills, recipes, story book and more! Countries are picked to highlight various cultural events relevant in that country. Free shipping. $39.95; www.little-global-citizens.com

Word Search by Goliath In WordSearch the race is on with this version of the classic hidden word puzzle - it turns a solitary activity into a fun group word game as players go on a word search. Rotate the specially designed circular board to reveal the word that the players will race to find on this turn. Everyone plays at once, and the first player to locate the word marks it with transparent colored tiles. The game includes 464 words to search for in 16 different puzzles and is good for years of fun. Players race to find hidden words - an instantly recognizable play pattern. No waiting - every player plays on every turn! Includes twists in the gameplay that allow players to remove tiles played by competitors Fun the whole family can enjoy with more than 460 words to search for in 16 different puzzles. 2-4 players, ages 7 and up. OwlCrate Jr.

Spark a lifetime love of reading with OwlCrate Jr.’s monthly subscription box for kids ages 8-12. What’s really cool about OwlCrate is that subscribers get more than just a book—they get a whole themed experience including 4-6 goodies, a hardcover book, at least one usable item or activity to encourage creativity, imagination and exploration, plus an exclusive letter from the author and a collectible monthly sticker. Each monthly box is curated for kids of all genders and the books are published within 45 days of ship date. The books are either standalone stories or the first in a new series. Past themes included Code Breakers, Bump in the Night, Rebels & Rulebreakers and more! Available for one time box, three or six month subscriptions. More information: https:// shop.owlcrate.com/collections/owlcrate-jr. $27.99 a month.

SolarBots: 8-in-1 Solar Robot

by Thames and Kosmos Build unique robots that are powered by the sun — batteries not required! Using a compact solar panel, these cool little bots harness energy from the sun to power an electric motor to get moving. Build a drummer robot that marches along, beating a drum; an armadillo robot that does somersaults; a solar bug that crawls on six legs, and more! The 48-page, full-color manual guides solar power pioneers through model assembly and offers fun scientific facts about the real-life applications of solar technology. What solar-powered inventions will you dream up?

Dino Crunch by Goliath

This hungry Dino has an eggstraordinary appetite! Roll the die to choose which stolen egg to rescue. Carefully reach in and take out the egg, but watch out - you never know when this T-Rex will roar and leap out at you for a mighty CRUNCH! For 2-4 players, ages 4 & up.

Unstable Unicorns Card Game by TeeTurtle

Build a Unicorn Army. Betray Your Friends. Unicorns are Your Friends Now. Unstable Unicorns is a strategic card game that will destroy your friendships...but in a good way. The game was one of Kickstarter’s top 100 most backed projects of all time and has sold over a million copies worldwide. Unstable Unicorns won the 2019 People’s Choice Award for Toy of the Year. This highly giftable game takes 30–45 minutes to play and is for 2–8 players (recommended for ages 14+). The box contains 135 cards and a rule book and features a magnetic closure. This game is fully playable on its own, and any Unstable Unicorns expansion pack can be added to it.

October 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS Kids Against Maturity

The perfect parental tool to approach playtime and family time. With age-appropriate toilet humor and funny innuendos for the adults, it can be enjoyed by all ages. Combines the tried and tested fillin-the- blank game-play, a perfect enjoyable hilarious way to bring your family together. Each question asker chooses the funniest answer, and the player with the highest amount of most amusing responses, wins the game. Available on Amazon.

Johnny the Skull: Pirates cove

by Goliath Help Johnny the Skull blast the pirate ghosts floating all around to get the treasure! This electronic game projects ghost images all around that you must blast away to get to the treasure. Aim and blast for exciting arcade-like action! Includes 4 different levels of difficulty for added challenge. Requires 6 AAA batteries, not included. For 1 or more players, ages 4 and up.

3 Voice robot

by tok tok A smart robot toy that repeats what you say in low, medium and highpitched voice changer modes; unlock secret sound effects when you shake, jiggle and wiggle these light up toys. Turn your talking robot on and Tok Tok instantly repeats what you say in Echo Mode; use Record Mode to sing a song or record a longer message, then switch his face to change voices. Flip Tok Tokâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s light-up face panel to see Tok Tok replay your words in 3 funny ways; Tok Tokâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3 different facial expressions are illuminated by glowing LED lights. These interactive toy robots for boys and girls introduce early learners to simple technology with audio recordings; Tok Tok allows younger children to develop language skills in a fun new way. Available on Amazon.

Our Kids Magazine | October 2020

Once Upon a Pancake by Rick Benger a hands-on book full of unfinished stories for children of all ages. Each book (ages 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12) contains 20 stories with writing prompts that kids and parents can write and draw together. Young kids can write about superheroes, princesses and trucks, while older kids can write about saving the galaxy, sports and more! This is a great screen-free option for kids to get creative and enhance their reading and writing skills. Teachers, parents and grandparents are loving these books, and they make a great keepsake. https://onceuponapancake. com/collections/childrens-series and available on Amazon.

Touch and Swipe Baby Phone by V Tech Touch screen kids phone with 12 light-up pretend apps including pretend calendar, clock, and weather. 12 included apps respond to touch and light up; toggle between the app screen and the Music mode screen using the slide at the bottom of the pretend phone. Home button saves your phone number so toddlers can pretend to call home; 15 melodies, different phrases and sing along songs keep kids engaged. Educational kids toy introduces role-play and hand eye coordination for your children; songs help teach ABCs, 123s and first words. Baby phone is designed for 6 month to 3 year olds. Available on Amazon. Tileblox Rainbow

Discover the endless possibilities of Tileblox 20Pc set. With the stepby-step idea sheet, create one-ofa-kind masterpieces! A great set for beginner builders looking to explore and learn through play. Arrives with 8 Triangles and 12 Square in Rainbow colors. Each geometric shape contains magnets that let you build with endless possibilities! TileBlox is perfect for STEM education and when playtime is over, use the magnetic power to simply stack and store.

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HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS Rattlesnake Jake

by Goliath. Rattlesnake Jake has stolen your gold! Watch out for his rattle, and carefully sneak the gold back. One wrong move… and he strikes! His ominous rattle builds the suspense for the ultimate jump! If Rattlesnake Jake strikes on your turn, you must return half of your nuggets to him. The player with the most gold when the last nugget has been taken wins the game. For 2 or more players, ages 4 and up.

myFirst Camera 2

Cherish the moments that matter to your child, now with our myFirst Camera 2. See the world through their eyes with the amazing photos this camera can produce! Capture HD photos and videos with our 8MP camera! Kids photography taken to the next level. See the vivid and bright shots with our 2” IPS screen. Your child can now see the beauty and clarity in shots they take. Unleash the shutterbug in your kids! https://myfirst.tech

Square Tales

by Square Panda SwipePhonics™ - Patentpending technology turns tablets into a virtual phonics tutor that guides children through pronunciation of letters, words and sentences. Names of letters and sounds, how letters form to create words, blends, etc. Independent learning - includes guided gameplay and instruction; inspires and empowers children to conquer reading challenges themselves. Quantity - there’s over 80 books to help children master the finite details of learning how to read independently and building foundational literacy skills. https://squarepanda.com/

Start Plus by smart max. A 30 piece STEM-focused magnetic discovery building kit, featuring safe, super-strong, oversized pieces. For kids of all ages, safe for 1+. Benefits + Features: STEM learning fun: discover magnetism and early engineering skills. Available on Amazon.

Fabric Book Set

by baby bibi A complete set of six educational baby books to instill reading concepts and cover a variety of fun topics. Full of adorable illustrations, this cute collection that captures every child’s imagination. Help your child to learn the fundamentals of reading with these bright and colorful learning books. Constructed from soft plush materials, this set of toddler toy books are completely safe for newborns, infants, babies, and children of all ages. Engineered specifically to withstand all of the pulling, tearing and chewing that babies and toddlers can manage. Available on Amazon.

Burping Bobby by Goliath Bobby loves stinky food! Feed him, but watch out – you never know when he’s going to BUUUURRRRP! Real lights and steam will burst from his mouth when he burps! The player with the most points after Bobby burps wins. Innovative “gotcha!” moment with familiar gameplay that kids love. For 2-4 players, ages 4 and up.

Interactive Soft Stuffed Peekaboo Bunny Toy

by baby bibi GIve your child a head start by developing important skills at an early age. This soft bunny has interactive buttons for a light up tummy, peekaboo ears, and songs and phrases to help develop senses and thinking skills. Fun phrases and theme songs by day and bedtime phrases and soothing lullabies by night. Provide stimulation or a soothing environment depending on your child’s needs. Your child will love to cuddle with this plush bunny. The fabric is easy to clean so it will remain a favorite for years to come. Comes in a pastel turquoise color and makes the perfect gift for a boy or girl. https://babybibi.com

October 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com