ParentMap April 2021 Magazine

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Destination: Olympic National Park The perfect off-season Pacific Northwest escape for families on a budget

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Recycling Programs You Should Know About Options for toys, clothes, tech items, kid gear, packaging waste and more

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SEATTLE CHILDREN’S Good Growing Newsletter P. 15

You Deserve a (Spring) Break!

On the Play List itinerary: Fab festivals, farm fun, flowers galore and so much more 20/

ONE OF THE 10 BEST BOTANICAL GARDENS IN THE U.S. —USA Today, 2020

Positive parenting.

Happy kids.

Easier parenting.

Pierce County is a great place to raise a family. And extra support makes parenting easier and more enjoyable!

Happier kids.

Help them grow up to be happy, resilient, confident and have the selfdiscipline they need to succeed!

The Positive Parenting Program—or Triple P— gives you tips and ideas to bring out the best in your children. Triple P’s practical strategies help you: •

Strengthen family relationships.

• A short ferry ride from downtown Seattle, there is a place where kids (and adults) of all ages can discover the wonders of Nature.

Step into the ever-changing landscapes of Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island—150 acres of sculpted gardens, blooming meadows, verdant forests, water, wildlife, and comfortable trails designed especially for exploring the beauty that is the Pacific Northwest.

Come discover what a walk in the woods can do.

Book your visit at bloedelreserve.org/tickets.

Stay positive, Pierce County!

Encourage positive behaviors.

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Teach your child new skills and behaviors.

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Gain confidence handling disruptive or challenging

Join the more than 4 million behaviors.

Learn at more familiesmore who feel tpchd.org/triplep confident and happier as• Take care of yourself as a parent. parents. or call

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Learn more at tpchd.org/triplep OPEN TUES–SUN. | 206–842–7631 | bloedelreserve.org 2 / PA R E N T M A P. C O M

C ONTENTS

April

2021

PARENTMAP.COM In Every Issue Dear Reader Play List

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Local Resources Schools + Preschools 10 Pediatric Dentistry 12 Camps: Arts + Activities 22

Parenting IT STARTS WITH YOU(TH)

Meet Avi Schiffmann This local teen created a website to track the global spread of COVID-19

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WELLNESS

A Parent’s Guide to Dialectical Behavior Therapy 8 This proven approach pairs the empathetic validation of therapy with practical problem-solving The Breakdown on Braces 12 A local orthodontist shares top tips of the trade for navigating orthodontic care EDUCATION

9 Ways to Motivate Your Unmotivated Kid 10 Skip the “motivational talk” and try these effective strategies instead

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CRIB NOTES

New Parenting Trends for 2021 Dr. Harvey Karp shares insights on pandemic adaptations that are here to stay

Family Fun Your April Play List 20 Fab festivals, farm fun, Easter entertainment, flowers galore and so much more Destination: Olympic National Park The perfect off-season Pacific Northwest escape for families on a budget SEATTLE CHILDREN’S

Good Growing newsletter

Photo by JiaYing Grygiel

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25

27

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23 Up your recycling game with these mostly free programs that help the Earth and people in need.

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COMMUNITY

Giving Back to Our Local Heroes 6 simple ways for families to show appreciation for essential workers

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AGES + STAGES

Seattle-Area Volunteer Opportunities for Tweens, Teens and Families 27 Dozens of ways to give back by helping neighbors, animals and the environment GREEN HOME

Awesome Recycling Programs You Should Know About 29 Options for toys, clothes, tech items, kid gear, packaging waste and more

37 Here are six simple ways for families to thank the people who risk their own health to keep society up and running.

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DE AR R E ADER

Reflections on the ‘coronaversary’ The word “anniversary” typically connotes ultra-convivial events: the birthday of a dear one; golden celebrations of longstanding unions; defining historical moments that stir our national pride; silly, random holidays for things we love (because, darn it, this is America, and we deserve special days dedicated to doughnuts, tap dancing, “Star Wars” and turtles — you better get out of my way in the buffet line when it’s National Eat What You Want Day!). These are the annual observances that boost our happiness, hope and civic self-esteem.

But here we are, passed through the gate of a very different type of anniversary. It’s been more than a year since the coronavirus pandemic made its conspicuous landing in our backyard, utterly upending life as we knew it and plunging our global population into a state of constant existential arrest. In response to the threats, losses, suffering and discord that have characterized this past pandemic year, we’ve also been witness to the remarkable ability of humans to rise creatively and bravely to the challenges facing them. You can call this adaptation or resilience, sure. But in the years to come, when we reflect back on this crazy time, the word that many of us might think of first will be heroism.

“But in the years to come, when we reflect back on this crazy time, the word that many of us might think of first will be heroism.”

We of course will remember and regale the truly heroic and tireless efforts of our essential and frontline workers (please show your appreciation for them, p. 13) and exemplary individuals whose expertise, endeavors and innovations helped turn the tide (you’ll want to read about one such person on p. 6), but I think we should also remember how the perilous circumstances of the pandemic engendered a type of ordinary, everyday heroism that is creditable to, well, the multitude of us.

This banality of pandemic heroism — demonstrated daily in our faithful hewing to public health and safety measures and in the sacrifice and suspension of activities that put us and others at risk — has saved lives, keeping the morbidity rate in our greater metro area the lowest in the United States. That sounds like textbook heroism to me.

So, this year on April 28 — the official National Superhero Day — reflect not only on the many standout heroes in our community fighting this pandemic and keeping society from toppling over, but honor yourself and your kids for your part in sticking to a safe course. The end is in sight!

— Patty Lindley, managing editor

APRIL 2021, VOL. 18, NO. 4

PUBLISHER

If the pandemic wasn’t an issue, what would be your family’s spring break dream destination?

Alayne Sulkin EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR Patty Lindley OUT + ABOUT EDITOR Nancy Chaney DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Vicky McDonald

I just finished a bike ride series about Chile, and I really want to go there.

DIGITAL CONTENT PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Nicole Persun OUT + ABOUT EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Devon Hammer COPY EDITOR Sunny Parsons CONTRIBUTORS Gemma Alexander, Heidi Borst, JiaYing Grygiel, Tiffany Doerr Guerzon, Devon Hammer, Angie McCullagh, Sanya Pelini, Ph.D., Nicole Persun

Mexico!

We had two Mexico trips canceled last year. We’re aching to go!

DIGITAL MARKETING DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Lindsey Carter EMAIL + SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Angelica Lai DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR Taryn Weiner

ADVERTISING SALES + PARTNERSHIPS

Repeat our Joshua Tree California trip

SENIOR ADVERTISING AND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Ida Wicklund ADVERTISING PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Jen Dine ADVERTISING CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER Jessica Collet ADVERTISING CLIENT SERVICES ASSISTANT Angela Goodwin

Maui!

CLIENT SERVICES PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Mallory Dehbod

EVENTS EVENT OPERATIONS Brenna McCown

ART + PRODUCTION SENIOR DESIGNER Amy Chinn

ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS MANAGER Carolyn Brendel

Palm Springs: We’d rent a house with a pool, ride bikes, eat In-N-Out burgers, hike and revel in being warm and dry.

PARENTMAP EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

CONTACT INFORMATION

Benjamin Danielson, M.D. CLINICAL PROFESSOR, UW SCHOOL OF MEDICINE PRACTICING PHYSICIAN, UW MEDICINE

Advertising information 206-709-9026 or advertising@parentmap.com Fax 206-709-9031

Joan Duffell RETIRED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COMMITTEE FOR CHILDREN

Calendar submissions calendar@parentmap.com

John Gottman, Ph.D. THE GOTTMAN INSTITUTE PROFESSOR EMERITUS, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON Laura Kastner, Ph.D. PSYCHIATRY + BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON Bea Kelleigh VICE PRESIDENT, DOVETAILING, LLC Yaffa Maritz, M.A. FOUNDER, LISTENING MOTHERS + COMMUNITY OF MINDFUL PARENTING

Editorial submissions editor@parentmap.com Distribution distribution@parentmap.com Subscriptions subscriptions@parentmap.com Administration 206-709-9026, parentmap.com Subscription rates 1 year: $12

Ron Rabin EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, KIRLIN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MINDSIGHT INSTITUTE

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ParentMap is published monthly. PMB #190, 7683 S.E. 27th St., Mercer Island, WA 98040 | All rights reserved; reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. © ParentMap 2021 • printed in Oregon

Change Starts at Home

ParentMap wishes to thank the following organizations for supporting our recent event, Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America, featuring activist Jeffery Robinson.

Their support makes our commitment to providing antiracism education and resources to Washington families possible.

Family Dinners Delivered! www.pickmeupseattle.com

Presenting sponsors Seattle Children’s Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle | Pacific Medical Centers Community partners Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center Cascade Public Media | Citizen University Holocaust Center for Humanity Rainier Scholars | TADA Partners Learn more about The Who We Are Project at

thewhoweareproject.org.

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Dr. Saepoff has been treating holistic families for over 30 years. We are 3/19/21 11:00 AM OPEN for all dental care. This includes check-ups, cleanings, fillings, safe metal replacement and other restorative work, orthodontics, TMJ therapy and any other questions and concerns.

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It Starts With You(th)

Meet Avi Schiffmann This local teen created a website to track the global spread of COVID-19

By Patty Lindley

globe, Schiffman’s website grew apace to become one of the most essential resources for trustworthy data on the pandemic. By the time the esteemed Dr. Anthony Fauci presented Schiffmann with the Person of the Year award the following May, the site had already provided information to more than 600 million people from every country on Earth. Fauci called the tracking tool “an invaluable resource that sounded the alarm on the virus and its spread, notably calling attention to its severity long before it was broadly recognized.”

When Avi Schiffmann was honored as the 2020 Webby Awards Person of the Year for creating his nCoV2019.live website, an interactive dashboard that updates in real-time to provide accurate global data on coronavirus cases, deaths, testing and vaccinations, he shared a five-word acceptance speech that is the matterof-fact motto of his life: You can learn anything online.

Schiffman was 17 and a junior at Mercer Island High School when he launched the site, in late December 2019; at the time, the coronavirus had not yet been detected outside of China. Within a few months, as the virus spread insidiously around the

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While the creation of the coronavirus dashboard site is a standout accomplishment, it is by no means the only project to Schiffmann’s credit for 2020 and beyond.

ParentMap caught up with him recently to learn more about his impressive achievements over the past pandemic year and to hear more about what’s next for him.

How did the coronavirus dashboard site come about?

I had a friend in Asia who was talking about it — he was going into lockdown in China. I just thought it would be interesting to build a dashboard website to track information about the virus. The site first became popular in Asia, just because the virus had not really spread [from there yet].

I think there were something like 51 cases at that time. Then the first case came to the United States — to Washington, which was kind of crazy. So, I’m tracking this virus in China, and all of a sudden it is a

couple miles from where I am.

In mid-February, I posted [about the site] on Nextdoor. Someone gave a tip to a reporter at GeekWire, and then they wrote an article about me and my site. Within 24 hours [of the article being published], I was doing interviews for The Seattle Times, The Today Show and so on. That’s how the site initially became recognized in the media.

How much traffic has the site received over the past year?

I’d say in the range of hundreds of millions to 1, maybe 2, billion visitors. I remember I had a peak of 36 million visitors in a single day in late March or early April of last year.

It was pretty crazy to think about how to just deal with that — computer-wise, servers and stuff.

Have you ever been hassled for scraping data from domains?

For countries like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, it was hard to get the data in the first place. And the data that I do get, it’s hard to know if you can even trust it. That’s been a big thing I’ve had to deal with. I’ve received long emails in Chinese calling me the devil and things like that. It has made for quite an eventful year.

How have your friends and family reacted to all of this?

I have always worked on my own little things — developing websites, video games, 3D modeling, stuff like that. So, it was kind of like, “Oh, Avi’s working on his own little websites.” I didn’t really talk that much about it with them. Back then, when I was

still in school, people in my Running Start class at Bellevue College were using my website, but they had no idea that it was my site, that the site was being run by a teenager.

VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Talk about some of your other recent projects.

I made two other bigger websites in 2020. I basically developed a site for every major issue in 2020. I did a coronavirus website [nCoV2019.live], I did a protest tracker website [2020protests.com] and I did a whole election site [whoto.vote]. For the election, I found it kind of hard to know exactly what I was voting for.

So, I thought it’d be cool to make a really nice user interface to easily navigate the issues and candidate stances on them.

Providing data to people who can’t easily access it is something I’m very passionate about, and something I think you can see at all three of these websites.

They’re all variants of just making it easier to find information.

How have the experiences of the past year influenced your own sense of what being a good citizen or a change-maker is?

I definitely would say the biggest thing is that I’ve learned there’s so much an individual can do. You doomscroll through social media and just see all these things that are so terrible, and it feels like there’s really nothing you can do about it. But working on these websites really has given me the naive confidence that I actually can do a lot of things as an individual to solve the problems we face.

Other than obsessively refreshing college application portals, what are you working on right now?

I come up with a thousand ideas for websites every single day. I’ve also been trying to learn a lot more about the startup world: raising money and how pitching to investors works. Just kind of stumbling around it, and also learning more fancy development things and getting better at that.

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Wellness Dialectical Behavior Therapy: A Proven Approach

By Gemma Alexander

where there is an immediate risk of harm.

The stigma against seeking mental health help is fading (though attitudes are nevertheless very slow to change), but finding a therapist is harder than finding a doctor or a dentist. We don’t always know what to look for, there are a lot of different approaches, and it can seem like there’s more theory than data about what works — especially when it comes to accessing care for teens.

“While therapists typically try to move kids toward a more open dialogue with their parents, for the therapist to continue to receive information to help manage risk and promote treatment goals, the child needs to feel confident that reports to the therapist will not generate reports to parents,” says Korslund.

But science is catching up with practice, and one approach is pulling ahead of the pack for helping teens at highest risk.

Dialectical behavior therapy “[Dialectical behavior therapy] was developed for folks who have a biological or acquired vulnerability toward being the more emotional people of the world. They have a lower threshold for an emotion to fire; once active, the emotion spikes high, and there is a slow return to baseline. This alone is not a problem — in fact [without these people], we’d not have the poets, artists and great dreamers of the world!” says Kathryn Korslund, Ph.D., chief clinical officer for THIRA Health (thirahealth.com), a Bellevue, Washington, treatment center created exclusively for women and girls.

But individuals who are more vulnerable to emotion need stronger coping skills to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, is a therapeutic approach that pairs the empathetic validation of traditional therapy with practical problem-solving. Through this balance, DBT aims to change the unfavorable patterns associated with coping with problems in life, while promoting inner wisdom, or “wise mind.”

Developing a ‘wise mind’ “At its center, ‘wise mind’ is knowing some-

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thing based on the synthesis of both reason/fact and emotion/intuition,” explains Korslund. Korslund says that in times of stress, parents may listen to the latest parenting fad or well-meant advice of friends and family over their own deep knowledge of themselves and their children.

“Mindfulness practice is a great way to quiet the mind from the incessant tyranny of our thoughts, self-demands and desires. In the quiet, wise mind speaks,” says Korslund.

Parental involvement is key “Change does not occur in a vacuum but rather as part of a series of transactions in the environment, and for kids, a key part of that environment is the parents. In DBT, parents are taught the same skills that teens learn,” says Korslund. When both parents and teens apply the skills, they each change the environment, contributing to positive change.

However, this does not mean that parents are privy to everything that happens in therapy. As with other forms of therapy, DBT requires strict confidentiality, except

Validation “Validation helps a parent convey to their child that they see and hear them; their experience, emotion and perspective.

Conveying that understanding, even when offering a different view or standing by a decision, at least ensures that the other party knows that they are understood,” says Korslund. “Ultimately, validation is about paying attention — put down the cell phone, stop checking email or social media, and convey that you really, really understand.”

This kind of attention requires parents to resist the impulse to jump right in with explanations and solutions. But it does not involve letting go of one’s own perspective and experience.

“Giving the kiddo chocolate as their dinner entrée because we don’t want to invalidate their private experience that chocolate tastes good is not the goal. We can validate that they want that because it indeed does taste good and still stick to a nutritious dinner,” says Korslund.

Coaching Validation (communicating that the child’s inner world makes sense) is complemented by coaching (helping the child deal with the disappointment of chicken instead of chocolate). And while chocolate is a fun example, DBT is literally applicable to

matters of life and death. A clinical trial published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry in 2019 found that DBT was more effective in reducing selfharm (including suicide attempts) in high-risk teens than traditional therapy.

Learning modules The coping skills taught in DBT are presented through four educational modules that include lessons and assignments: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance and emotion regulation.

Mindfulness teaches what to do (observe, describe, participate) and how to do it (nonjudgmentally, focusing on one thing and being effective). The interpersonal effectiveness module teaches teens how to make requests in the best way to get the answer they want, as well as how to say no without backing down.

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The distress tolerance module teaches crisis survival skills: how to avoid making a crisis worse and how to accept the reality of painful events or circumstances.

The emotion regulation module teaches the evolutionary or biological purpose of emotions, how to identify emotions, and how to decrease and recover from dysregulated emotions.

Getting help when you need it Like other types of social-emotional learning, DBT modules teach basic life skills that people are seldom explicitly taught. Most of us simply muddle through on our own, but the extra support and training provided

by DBT can be critical, especially for people who are suffering from emotional dysregulation.

Because no one is immune to becoming overwhelmed, the most important coping strategy may be recognizing when you need help, regardless of which therapeutic approach you pursue.

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Seattle-based freelance writer Gemma Alexander focuses on the intersection of parenting and the arts.

She blogs at gemmadeealexander.com and tweets @gemmadeetweet.

Sponsored by

The mission of THIRA Health is to support women and girls living with mood disorders by using comprehensive approaches that address the whole self, along with an emphasis on community support. This is made possible by a team of trained, certified experts skilled in using dialectical behavioral therapy, art and movement therapies, nutrition and more.

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LO CAL R ES O UR CES / S CH O O L S + PR ES CH O O L S

The Right Way to Motivate Your Unmotivated Kid Skip the ‘motivational talk’ and try these effective strategies instead

By Sanya Pelini, Ph.D. Have you ever spent more hours than you should putting off something you hate doing?

We all have. The truth is, lack of motivation is an issue that affects everyone, but it can be particularly difficult to deal with in kids.

However, years of research on motivation have resulted in some useful strategies every parent with an unmotivated child needs to know about: 1. Take an interest in your child’s interests.

We all like doing things we find interesting, and children are no different. They will be more motivated when pursuing activities they enjoy. Observe your kids to discover where their interests lie and show interest in those interests, even if their enthusiasms differ from what you would like them to be interested in. Find ways to link their interests with the other skills you would like them to develop.

2. Remember that success is everyone’s innate desire.

Children who encounter too much failure can develop learned helplessness, which means that they may learn to perceive themselves as failures. In other words, children may lose their motivation because of a lack of confidence in their ability to achieve specific goals. It is this lack of confidence that can drive behavior such as avoidance, stress, “laziness” and an apathetic attitude.

Ensure that your kids have opportunities for success. Set reasonable expectations with challenging but achievable tasks.

3. Provide opportunities to motivate your child.

Exposing your children to others’ achievements in their fields of interest is a good way to motivate them. However, this does not mean comparing your kids to others or

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expecting them to achieve the same goals as others.

ocre in all fields. Recognizing your children’s strengths helps build their self-esteem.

4. Don’t give them the “motivational talk.”

One thing science (and, no doubt, many parents!) has found over the years is that the “motivational talk” rarely works. Despite your best intentions, talking to your kids about the importance of effort is not likely to make them change their ways.

Instead of the motivational talk, let your children know that you know they have what it takes. You could say something like “You just haven’t figured it out yet, but I know you will.”

7. Be willing to give up the driver’s seat.

Science says that one of the main reasons we struggle with our children’s motivation is because we want to “dictate” everything that our children should do. But here’s the thing: The more kids feel that they have no say in decisions that concern them directly, the less likely they are to stick to those decisions. Letting your children participate in the decision-making process will work wonders for their motivation.

5. Offer encouragement and support.

There may be a number of reasons for kids’ lack of motivation: lack of confidence, lack of participation in decisions concerning them, frustration, disappointment, among others. Talk to your children about your own failures. Help them understand that failure is a part of life. Let them know that our failures do not define us — they make us stronger.

Comment on the positive changes you observe in your kids even if those changes do not immediately lead to an improvement. If you see them trying harder, acknowledge it. Remember, though, to praise the effort and not the child.

6. Focus on your child’s strengths.

There is evidence that strength-based parenting can help increase your child’s happiness and satisfaction in ways you never thought possible. Place your child’s strengths at the center of your parenting approach. Remember that children need to encounter success (even in a few fields) rather than to perceive themselves as medi-

8. Be clear about what is nonnegotiable.

Did you know that science has found that your expectations have a great impact on your child’s behavior and performance?

The problem is, our kids do not always know what is expected of them because we don’t always clearly voice our expectations. Be clear about what is nonnegotiable and let your children know what is expected of them.

9. Seek professional help.

One thing we rarely hear about concerning kids’ lack of motivation is that it may point to undiagnosed learning disorders or attention-related problems.

Do not hesitate to contact a professional if you feel overwhelmed by your child’s lack of motivation. A professional will help you determine whether or not your child has a learning disorder or other issues and, more importantly, how you can help that child.

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Sanya Pelini, Ph.D., transforms educational research into practical tools and resources on her blog Raising Independent Kids (raising-independent-kids.com).

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The Breakdown on Braces

suggest is to first brush without toothpaste — the foaminess of toothpaste may make it difficult for kids to see where plaque or food is still present, and toothpaste makes the mouth taste clean without necessarily being clean. After this is done, brush again with toothpaste to get the benefits of fluoride on clean tooth surfaces.

A seattle orthodontist sets things straight

By Heidi Borst Dr. Wuiteng Koh, who has been a practicing orthodontist in Northgate for almost 30 years (kohortho.com), shares some top tips of his trade with parents to help them navigate their child’s (or their own) orthodontic care.

When is the best time to start orthodontic treatment?

Both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that children get an initial orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7. This allows the orthodontist to help parents understand what conditions may exist or may be developing, and whether early intervention may reduce

significant issues in the future.

What issues do braces typically correct?

Some issues that benefit from treatment at an early age are dental, skeletal and developmental. These include significant crowding or spacing problems, severe overbites or underbites, crossbites, flared teeth, narrow palates, etc. Other issues are functionally driven; these include habits such as thumb-sucking, which can cause malformation of jaws and misalignment of teeth.

What are your tips for taking care of teeth with braces?

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GOT KIDS? GOT TEETH?

GOT KIDS? GOT TEETH?

Dr. Kristi Linsenmayer Dr. Purva Merchant Dr. Shamim Sabeti

What foods are absolute no-no’s for people with braces?

With braces and other appliances, anything that is very sticky and hard should be avoided, such as Laffy Taffy, Jolly Ranchers and lollipops and other candies.

In addition, we ask that foods be cut [into pieces], so give your child apple slices instead of having them bite into an apple.

Chewy foods, such as pizza crust, can be problematic, because many of these foods involve twisting actions and may break brackets off.

KIDS DENTISTRY

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Pediatric Dental DENTISTRY Specialists

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Community

We Our Local Heroes 6 simple ways for families to thank frontline workers

By Angie McCullagh

More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all deeply indebted to essential workers who’ve stocked and sold us groceries, tended to our health and well-being, removed trash, put out fires and educated our children. So, how do we repay the people who risk their own health to keep society up and running?

1. Make donations and tips.

First, before sending muffins to hospital nursing staff or handing gift cards to phlebotomists, do a little research to find out what can be accepted. Most hospitals and medical centers do not allow personnel to accept cash or gifts. At the

University of Washington, you can recognize an employee and give a monetary gift to UW Medicine in honor of staff members (acceleratemed.org). Swedish Medical Center offers a similar program through its foundation (give.swedishfoundation.org/ covid-19).

Mail carriers can accept offerings worth as much as $20, but no cash or cards used as cash, such as Visa and Mastercard.

Seattle public school teachers are permitted to receive gifts from families and community members as long as those gifts don’t exceed $100 in value from a single family in one school year.

PA R E N T M A P / A P R I L 2 0 2 1 / 1 3

C O M MUN I T Y

continued from page 13

NOW OPEN!

We’re excited to welcome you back!

For everyone’s protection, we will be enforcing (4:.) Ȧȟ WEJIX] QIEWYVIW including social distancing and wearing face masks or coverings.

2. Feed frontline workers.

Consider a contribution to We Got This Seattle (wegotthisseattle.co), an organization started by Ellen Kuwana in March 2020. Kuwana began by delivering Pagliacci-donated pizzas to UW virology lab personnel who were processing COVID-19 tests. Her organization and mission have expanded to feed everyone involved in caring for COVID-19 patients, from health-care workers to cleaners.

Frontline Foods (frontlinefoods.org), a national organization with a Seattle chapter, also welcomes donations to nourish medical staff at more than 25 local sites.

3. Donate blood.

Help doctors and nurses to help others by giving blood through Bloodworks Northwest (bloodworksnw.org).

There is an ongoing, sometimes dire, need for whole blood and platelets. In addition, COVID-19 convalescent plasma donations to the organization boost COVID-19 patients’ recoveries and assist researchers in understanding how humans respond to the novel coronavirus.

4. Fund child care.

Through Seattle YMCA (seattleymca.org), you can help fund child care for first responders, medical personnel and other essential workers, who are often working longer and harder than ever before.

5. Make cards and signs.

Old-fashioned thank-you cards and signs are simple, sweet gestures and easy to purchase or make yourself. Involving the kids will model appreciation and get them off those screens for a little while: a win-win endeavor.

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6. Create care packages.

Assemble a care package for a teacher or another essential worker you know. Items that might be appreciated are activities and distractions for kids, comfy slippers or Crocs to soothe tired feet, a water bottle for staying hydrated and spa products for rare moments of relaxation.

Whatever method you employ to show appreciation for the people keeping our community fed and functioning, know that following the CDC guidelines to prevent COVID-19 infection is the best way we can lighten the burden on our health-care system and give back to the frontline workers helping us every day.

■

Angie McCullagh is a Seattle writer, a parent of teens, and a fan of mutts and adverbs (both in moderation).

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A Seattle Children’s Publication | Spring 2021

Start Talking Early About Drugs and Alcohol As parents who love our kids and want to protect them, it’s our duty to equip them to stay away from drugs and alcohol. Honest, open conversations help our kids develop the attitudes, skills and confidence needed to make smart choices — even when their peers are not.

When should we start these conversations?

For most kids, around fourth or fifth grade is appropriate — or even earlier, if the situation feels right. Then, as kids move into middle school, these talks can become more detailed, and more frequent.

Talking about marijuana is a good place to start. Because it’s legal for adults in Washington, marijuana is easy to get. And unfortunately, some forms of marijuana —

Take 5 It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. Recognize when you have reached your limit.

Then Take 5:

vaping and edibles in particular — are quick and simple to ingest. They’re also easy to conceal, both at home and at school. Start your discussion by learning what your child knows.

Do they know marijuana is illegal for anyone

1. Stop. Step away. Give yourself space.

2. Take a short break to breathe. Allow your heart rate to return to normal.

3. Remind yourself, “I can do this” or “It’s important to stay calm.”

4. Ask yourself, “How can I handle this situation in a way that I will feel good about?”

5. If possible, ask for support from a partner or family member. Call or text a friend or neighbor. It’s OK

to ask for help.

to learn more:

Visit seattlechildrens.org/copingandcovid.

under age 21? Do they understand that it’s addictive? While no one ever expects to become addicted, kids who start using marijuana before age 14 are four times more likely than others to become addicted by adulthood. The only sure way to prevent addiction is to never try it in the first place.

Keep in mind that you’re not lecturing.

You’re sharing knowledge and ideas. Help your child practice saying no. Role-play social situations where they’re offered drugs or alcohol, and what they can say to strongly refuse. Be sure they know it’s OK to walk away from any situation — and call you for a ride, or help getting one, if needed.

It’s also important to be clear about your expectations. The message can be as simple as “We want you to do well in school, stay healthy, and have lots of opportunities now and in the future. Dependence and addiction have the power to ruin your entire life. That’s why we have a family rule against you even trying drugs and alcohol.”

Of course, it’s vital that parents themselves model healthy coping skills. And everyone on the parenting team must be consistent with rules and messages, even if they live in separate households.

By using our influence in a positive way — and keeping the conversations going — we can help our kids chart their course and pursue their dreams. to learn more:

Visit starttalkingnow.org/parents.

Prevent TV and Furniture Tip-Overs Protecting children from dangerous TV and furniture tip-overs is a crucial part of keeping them safe. Every day in the U.S., falling TVs send 10 kids to the emergency room; every three weeks a child dies from these injuries. Prevent a tragedy from happening by mounting flat-panel TVs to the wall. (Older, box-style TVs should be placed on low, stable surfaces.) Anchor furniture like bookshelves, cabinets and dressers to the wall

with anti-tip brackets, braces or wall straps. Don’t allow a child of any age to climb up on furniture.

Avoid placing TV remotes, toys or other items where kids might be tempted to climb up or reach for them. Also, install stops on dresser drawers to prevent them from being pulled all the way out. to learn more:

Visit safekids.org/tv.

End Nighttime Wetting with a Consistent Plan Many adults can still remember the embarrassment they felt as kids after wetting the bed. Nighttime wetting is common, and is generally considered a problem when it happens more than twice a month after age 6 or so. In some cases, a child has never been consistently dry at night; this usually happens when the body makes too much urine and the child doesn’t wake up when the bladder is full. In other cases, a child who was consistently dry at night starts wetting again; the cause here may be physical, emotional, or due to a change in their sleep patterns. Usually,

children stop wetting at night as they grow older without any treatment. Never shame or blame your child, but do check with their doctor if you’re concerned. Your child’s doctor may help you develop a night-training program, which will likely include holding back liquids before bedtime, ensuring the bladder is empty before sleep, and waking the child during the night to go pee in the bathroom. to learn more:

Visit seattlechildrens.org/pdf/pe176.pdf.

Spotting Signs of a Mental-Health Problem Childhood and adolescence are full of big changes, and it’s normal for kids to experience some emotional ups and downs. This is even more true during COVID-19. But at least one in five kids will have a diagnosable mentalhealth problem that requires treatment. It’s very important that parents stay tuned-in to their child, and keep communications open, so they can better detect early signs of emotional problems.

What are some indicators that a child is dealing with mental-health issues? Common signs include feeling very sad or withdrawn for two or more weeks; severe mood swings; changes in eating or sleeping habits; disinterest in personal hygiene; or sudden, overwhelming fear or anxiety for no apparent reason. If a child shows one or more of these signs, talk with them and with their doctor right away. Don’t ignore the signs.

Parents might worry that bringing up the subject of mental health with their child may somehow make the problem worse — or make an imagined problem somehow come true. This isn’t the case. Kids who are struggling typically feel relieved to have the

topic out in the open. It’s important that parents are calm and compassionate, and that they reassure their child that there’s no reason to feel embarrassment or shame. Emphasize that this is a solvable problem, and that you will do everything you can to help them feel better. Keep in mind that even tweens and teens who won’t open up fully to a parent will usually do so with a doctor or another mental-health expert.

Early action and effective treatment can help your child get back on track, continue their healthy development, and feel hopeful about their future. to learn more:

Visit seattlechildrens.org/mental-healthresources.

Kid Bits

Life Jackets

Treating Ankle Sprains

Prevent Lead Poisoning

Fishing and boating season is here, and swim season is on the way. Now’s the time to double-check that your family’s life jackets are U.S. Coast Guard-approved, that they are in good condition and that they fit properly.

For kids, the fit depends on their current size and weight: never buy a life jacket to ‘grow into.’ When fastened, a life jacket should be snug yet comfortable. To test the fit, lift your child by the shoulders of the jacket: their chin and ears should not slip down into the jacket. For younger children, choose a life jacket with a collar for head support, and a strap between the legs. And of course, remember that kids must always be supervised by an adult when in or near the water.

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries for active kids. A sprain happens when ligaments in the ankle stretch or tear — usually due to twisting or turning. To treat an ankle sprain at home, follow the PRICE steps: Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Protect the sprain with a brace, splint or boot. Rest from activities that cause pain or limping. Ice the ankle for the first one to three days, three to five times a day for 15 to 20 minutes each time. Compress the ankle with an elastic bandage. Elevate the ankle above the heart level by lying down with pillows under the foot. Call your child’s doctor for help deciding if they should be seen or if you can continue treating their injury at home.

Exposure to lead can harm brain growth in young children, especially those 6 and younger.

Normally, a child’s body absorbs essential nutrients that help it make healthy bones, muscles and brain connections. But when lead is available, the body can absorb it instead, causing permanent and often serious health problems.

The most common source of this heavy metal is lead-based paint in older homes. If your toddler or preschooler regularly spends time in a house built before 1950 — or one built before 1978 that has had recent repairs or improvements — ask your doctor for a blood-lead screening test. Learn more about sources of lead, and how to prevent lead poisoning, at the link below.

to learn more:

to learn more:

environmental-health/toxins-air-quality/

Visit seattlechildrens.org/dp.

Visit seattlechildrens.org/pdf/pe2002.pdf.

arsenic-lead/about-lead.aspx.

to learn more:

Visit kingcounty.gov/depts/health/

Quick Tip Keep aiming for five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

Eat what’s in season or buy frozen, dried and canned items to cut down on cost.

facebook.com/seattlechildrens instagram.com/seattlechildrens

twitter.com/seattlechildren youtube.com/seattlechildrens

Regional Clinic Locations

Online Resources

• Bellevue • Everett • Federal Way

Visit seattlechildrens.org for the following: • Child Health Advice • my Good Growing email newsletter • Doctor Finder • On The Pulse and Autism blogs • Medical condition information • Health & safety information • Ways to help Seattle Children’s • Research Institute information

• Olympia • Tri-Cities • Wenatchee

Primary Care Clinic • Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic

Main Hospital Numbers 206-987-2000 866-987-2000 (Toll-free)

Heather Cooper is the Editor of Good Growing, which is produced four times a year by the Marketing Communications Department of Seattle Children’s. You can find Good Growing in the January, April, July and October issues of ParentMap and on our website seattlechildrens.org. For permission to reprint articles for noncommercial purposes or to receive Good Growing in an alternate format, call 206-987-5323. The inclusion of any resource or website does not imply endorsement. Your child’s needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. © 2021 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington.

Classes and Events As the COVID-19 situation changes, we continue to adjust or postpone our classes and events to follow publichealth recommendations. We now offer some classes online while some are on pause. Please check our website for the latest information. Scholarships are available. If you would like to ask about a scholarship, use the contact information for the class you’re interested in to connect with the registrar.

PARENTING CLASSES Autism 101

CHILD, PRETEEN AND TEEN CLASSES Better Babysitters

This free 90-minute lecture is designed to provide information and support to parents and families of children recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. A portion of each session is dedicated to answering questions from the attendees.

For youth, ages 11 to 14. Students learn about responsible babysitting, basic child development, infant and child care, safety, handling emergencies, age-appropriate toys, business tips and parent expectations.

View dates, sign up for live streaming or view a past lecture at seattlechildrens.org/autism101.

Email Autism101@seattlechildrens.org if you have questions.

Autism 200 Series Autism 200 is a series of free 90-minute classes for parents and caregivers of children with autism who wish to better understand autism spectrum disorder. Each class features a different topic.

Classes are usually offered on the third Thursday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m., via live streaming. View dates and topics, sign up for live streaming or view past Autism 200 lectures at seattlechildrens.org/autism200. Email Autism200@seattlechildrens.org if you have questions.

Babysafe

Now being offered virtually via Zoom. This is a two-part class, on two consecutive weekend dates. The cost is $50. View dates and register at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.

Body Talk — Building Body Wisdom for Moving & Eating This new online two-part series is for preteens ages 9 to 12 and a grown-up. Each session is one hour long and is an opportunity to have conversations about the important ideas of eating and moving to build body wisdom. In Building Body Wisdom for Moving, preteens will learn about tuning into internal motivation and what to pay attention to as a mover. In Building Body Wisdom for Eating, preteens will learn how to tune into their senses, how to understand hunger and fullness cues, and about nutrition information.

Babysafe is a four-hour class for new and expectant parents and others who care for babies. Topics include infant development, baby safety, injury prevention and care of common injuries for infants from birth through 12 months of age. Infant CPR is demonstrated and practiced, but this is not a certification class.

The cost for this series is $45. Sessions are facilitated by experts from Opal Food + Body Wisdom. View dates at seattlechildrens.org/ classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions.

This class is currently available virtually via Zoom.

The cost is $85 and each registration is good for two people from the same family. View dates at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions.

For youth, ages 11 to 15. Topics include pediatric CPR, treatment for choking, and first-aid skills.

Students receive an American Heart Association Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED completion card, which is valid for two years.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

This class is being offered as a two-part series.

The series includes a virtual session as well as a short in-person skills check. The cost is $75.

For the most current class information, visit seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-2304 if you have questions.

This class is for adults who regularly interact with adolescents ages 12 to 18. Youth Mental Health First Aid will improve your knowledge of mental health and substance-use problems and will teach you how to connect youth with care when needed.

A virtual version of Youth Mental Health First Aid is now available for free as a two-part series.

The series includes a self-guided course and a live instructor-led course. The date you register for is the date of the live instructor-led course.

View dates at seattlechildrens.org/classes or call 206-987-9878 if you have questions.

The Chat The Chat is a new online workshop series on puberty and sex that reflects the content from the in-person classes, For Boys and For Girls.

Offered via Zoom, each 45-minute workshop is for preteens 10 to 12 years old, plus a parent or trusted adult.

You may take any individual workshop or all five. If you register for all five events, we recommend starting with BO, Pimples and Hair — Oh My! and ending with Being Connected: Sex, Love and Everything In Between. While families can choose to attend any combination of workshops, the information in earlier sessions provides a foundation for understanding later sessions.

The cost is $25 per workshop or the series of five for $100. View dates at seattlechildrens. org/classes or call 206-789-2306 if you have questions. See a trailer for The Chat at greatconversations.com.

CPR and First Aid for Babysitters

EVENTS Free Virtual Car-Seat Checks King County Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are offering free virtual car-seat check appointments via video-chat platforms.

For more information, email Laura Miccile at laura. miccile@kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-8664.

South County Fire and Safe Kids Snohomish County are offering free virtual car-seat classes.

Registration is required. Visit southsnofire.org/ education/child-passenger-safety.

ADVANCE IN MATH

this Summer

WITH COURSES ONLINE OR IN-PERSON The Russian School of Mathematics is an award-winning, MUST PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE AT THEFAIR.COM

afterschool math enrichment program. Students can choose from a variety of K-12 courses that will be taught in a live, interactive, virtual classroom setting during

Enjoy a fun, safe experience with your family with drive-thru and step-out activities!

our 6 week summer session. In-person courses may also be available; please inquire with our office for more information.

Farm Animals • Strolling Entertainment • Shopping • Brad’s World of Reptiles • Daffodil Festival Displays and more!

Summer Classes Begin June 28th Bellevue (425) 518-6114

Factoria (425) 230-6452

Redmond (425) 616-3511

— American Camp Association

Plus, add on rides & games, monster truck rides, drive-in movies and more!

Buy tickets early to get your preferred selection at THEFAIR.COM

RussianSchool.com

“Delightful: A must-have!”

Included with Your Carload Admission:

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— Dr. Bob Selverstone, Emmy®-nominated special, Children’s Television Workshop/PBS

From the writer/ presenter of the Emmy® award-winning Parenting Puzzle series on PBS-TV An easy-to-use book by an internationally acclaimed educator that is packed with warm, practical tools—exactly what to say and do to build great skills for life, including kindness, respect, confidence, responsibility, persistence, and creativity in all ages.

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The Holocaust Writing, Art, & Film Contest inspires and challenges students to explore the history and stories of the Holocaust and to consider how individual actions, big and small, make a difference.

Open to students grades 5-12 with more than 30 prizes awarded. Deadline: April 30.

Details at HolocaustCenterSeattle.org/WAC

Art by Cherilynne Gacasan

The Museum has Re-Opened! Sundays, 10am-4pm HolocaustCenterSeattle.org/Visit/Plan-Your-Visit PA R E N T M A P / A P R I L 2 0 2 1 / 1 9

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FAM I LY F UN

April Play List 15 Super Ways to Keep Kids Busy This Month

By Devon Hammer

Check out many more happenings online at parentmap.com/calendar.

Open Farm at Fox Hollow Farm. Photo courtesy foxhollowfamilyfarm.com

Not only has April brought warmer weather and longer days, but it has also delivered a revival of some of our favorite annual events and festivals! Whether they have shifted to virtual format or are being held in person with precautions in place, more events and activities are coming out of COVID hibernation. April is brimming with springtime fun, and we have gathered our favorite ideas to set your little bunnies hopping!

1. Tulips are blooming! Head north to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival to see acres of

stunning fields of color. Plus, partake of indoor and outdoor displays, trolley rides, shopping, food and more. April 1–30; advance ticket purchase required. parentmap.com/tulips

2.

All aboard the Easter Eggspress! Head to the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad to ride the rails to an Easter egg hunt destination. Saturday, April 3. $16; ages 3 and younger free; advance tickets required. parentmap.com/easter-train

3. Hop on down to Fox Hollow Farm to celebrate all things spring: Easter, baby animals and blooming flowers. Join in the hunt for the great golden egg, find it and win a prize.

Friday–Sunday, April 2–4. $50 per family; advance tickets required. parentmap.com/farm-fun

4.

Parenthood really does change everything — even our brains! Join ParentMap and Ruth Feldman, Ph.D., online as

Editor’s note: Please remember to wear a mask when coming within 6 feet of anyone outside of your immediate household and follow all advisories related to safe recreating outdoors (parentmap.com/stay-safe).

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Highlighted Events for April

| Tuesday

April 6

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

ParentEd Talk: The Amazing Connections Between Parent-Child Brains

Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival

Virtual parentmap.com/live

Virtual event parentmap.com/festal

Mount Vernon parentmap.com/tulips

9.

Visit Tacoma’s waterfront to wave at the daffodil-bedecked boat parade as it sails by. This cheery sight is part of the Daffodil Marine Festival. Sunday, April 18, 11:30 a.m. Free. parentmap.com/daffodils

10.

The climbing wall at Kaleidoscope Family Gym. Photo by Devon Hammer

we dive into the fascinating neurobiology that connects parents’ and children’s brains.

Tuesday, April 6, 10–11 a.m. Sliding scale $0–$15; preregister. parentmap.com/feldman

5.

| Friday–Sunday

April 1-30

Take your crew for splash-happy fun at one of the recently reopened indoor swimming pools. Check out our list to find one near you. parentmap.com/spring-swim

6.

Escape the drizzle at Puyallup’s newest play gym.

Take your tots to scale the climbing wall, hop on one of the riding toys or get lost in imaginative play in one of the many themed play areas. Open daily. $13–$15 per child; advancepurchase tickets required. parentmap.com/play-gym

7. Celebrate Japanese culture and the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms at the longest-running event in Seattle Center’s popular Festál series, Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, streaming online this year.

Friday–Sunday, April 9–11. Free. parentmap.com/festal

8.

Is family fun beckoning but you’re not sure what’s actually open these days? Check out our handy-dandy list of kid-friendly attractions around the region that are reopening this spring. parentmap.com/open

Tune in with your teens for a talk by Jo Langford, M.A., on the topic of cancel culture.

Discover what it is, how it is affecting our teens and the best ways to navigate it. Tuesday, April 20, 6:30 p.m. Sliding scale $0–$15; preregister. parentmap.com/live

April 9–11

13. You otter join the Seattle

Aquarium for its next virtual Lightning Talk. Sea otters are the topic of conversation, and you will fall further in love with these adorable creatures as you learn fun facts about them.

Thursday, April 22, 6 p.m. Free; preregister. parentmap.com/otters

11. The Washington State

Spring Fair is back! Celebrate the season with all your fair favorites: yummy fair food, farm animals, entertainment and rides — all in a drivethrough format. Wednesday– Sunday, April 7–18. $30–$35 per carload; advance tickets required. Food and additional activities available for purchase. parentmap.com/spring-fair

12. Calling all adventurers!

Join ParentMap and Girl Scouts of Western Washington for a special scavenger hunt party that will reveal everything that the Girl Scouts organization has to offer. Wednesday, April 21, 3:30 p.m. Sliding scale $0–$5; preregister. Recommended for ages 4–8. parentmap.com/scout-fun

14. Earth Day is April 22! Hon-

or our home planet by joining a habitat restoration work party at Lake Sammamish State Park (April 24 or 25; preregister) or by visiting the park for a self-guided walk with the theme “Celebrate the Earth.”

April 20–May 2. Free. parentmap.com/work-party

15.

Join the City Nature Challenge and compete to record the most sightings of native plants and wild animals in your area. Download the iNaturalist app to identify your findings. April 30–May 9.

Free. parentmap.com/ nature-challenge

■

Devon Hammer is ParentMap’s Out + About editorial assistant and a mother of two.

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LO CAL R ES O UR CES / CAM P S : ARTS + ACT I V I T ES

Try Our Try Our Free Demo Free Demo Class!

Class!

Sunshine Music Together

NATURE: FUN ADVENTURES START HERE

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Weekly online music for children birth Weekly music classclass for children birth to age 85 & the grown-ups who LOVE them! www.sunshinemusictogether.com 206.281.1111 Queen Anne Queen Anne Anne Montlake Montlake Capitol Hill West Seattle West Seattle West Seattle Greenlake Greenlake Green Lake Lynnwood Redmond Redmond

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SEATTLE & EASTSIDE LOCATIONS FOR AGES 4 - 18

Out + About

Olympic National Park: A Seattle Family’s Off-Season Getaway The perfect Pacific Northwest escape for families on a budget Story and photos by JiaYing Grygiel We are a family of reluctant hikers and weather wimps. But as a Pacific Northwest parent, I felt it was my duty to expose my kids to some local wilderness. In the days leading up to our recent getaway to Olympic National Park, I checked the forecast obsessively. Cold and rainy.

A trip to the peninsula in the off-season means iffy weather, but also far fewer visitors and more peace and tranquility.

The main selling point for me? Lower rates. I booked a lakeside room at the Lake Quinault Lodge for $95 a night (parentmap.com/lodges). In the peak season, a viewless room in the main lodge goes for $380 plus tax. For a killer deal, sure, I’ll pack extra coats, rubber boots and lots of spare pairs of dry socks.

Wild and huge Olympic National Park Olympic National Park is big — bigger than

the entire state of Rhode Island. Some families tackle the park as one enormous loop from Seattle, driving about 350 miles around the whole peninsula. But I didn’t want to bite off more than we could chew.

We stuck with just the southern part of the park, using Lake Quinault Lodge as our home base.

From Lake Quinault, we drove 40 minutes along U.S. Highway 101 to reach the Pacific coast. A quarter-mile past Kalaloch Lodge, we stopped at the large day-use parking lot and walked a short path down to the sandy beach.

Another benefit of visiting in the off-season? We practically had the beach to ourselves. Just waves and sand, and we even caught a sun break. I completely forgot about COVID. A bald eagle soared overhead. We posed for pictures in front of the

Tree of Life, famous for its exposed roots hanging onto nothing but air. My kids found long sticks and happily drew in the sand.

The Hoh Rain Forest Another must-see spot for families visiting Olympic National Park is the Hoh Rain Forest. The Hoh is about a 1.5-hour drive from Lake Quinault, or about a 45-minute drive from Forks, located to the north.

The ranger at the gate waved us right in with my resident fourth-grader’s Every Kid Outdoors pass, saving us the $30 park entrance fee.

We strolled the 0.8-mile Hall of Mosses trail, an easy loop through thick forest literally dripping with moss and rain (duh).

I may have committed a wilderness faux pas by busting out the umbrellas, but hey, at that point we were running out of dry

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layers to wear.

More beach time On the way back to Lake Quinault, we stopped at famous Ruby Beach. The kids worked out some wiggles by climbing on driftwood piles and making stacks of pancake-shaped rocks.

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Our Lake Quinault Lodge stay My idea of “roughing it” is a hotel room without a mini fridge. I like to appreciate nature, and then I like to appreciate a hot shower and a soft bed. We saw some lodge guests hanging out by the giant fireplace in the lobby, playing games and reading. We stayed in our room instead, and I set up a glow-in-the-dark bath for the kids. (Vitamin B in the water and a black light — it’s pretty magical.) If it’s going to be dark and wet, you might as well embrace it.

The restaurant in the lodge is named the Roosevelt Dining Room, for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who lunched there in 1937 and designated the area as a national park. Takeout looked yummy, but I opted to choke down another granola bar I brought from home instead of paying $14 for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is limited to 30 minutes a day, with an additional 2 GB of data for $8. I set my timer and turned off my phone promptly at 30 minutes. The upside to being a tightwad: I discovered I can get

a lot more sleep when doomscrolling isn’t a temptation.

Around the lodge Just outside the lodge we found 7 miles of easy trails, many less than a mile long.

The trails are well-maintained but soggy at this time of year. I didn’t see any of the famous Roosevelt elk (named for Theodore Roosevelt), only a chipmunk and one other hiker, who was as surprised to see me as I was to see him. My kindergartner whined the entire 0.3-mile trail to the world’s largest Sitka spruce. Once he saw the 1,000-year-old tree, however, he forgot to be annoyed.

For the hiking-averse, you can still see all the sights of the Quinault Valley — by car.

We drove the 31-mile loop around Lake Quinault and along the Quinault River: a beautiful drive by waterfalls right alongside the road (didn’t even have to get out of the car to look), past misty mountains and snowy peaks, through forests of trees coated in moss. For half the loop, you’ll need to dodge potholes in the gravel road.

At least there will be no wet and tired children and minimal griping for this kind of scenic “hike.”

Change of scenery In Seattle, we’d been staying so close to home that even venturing out for groceries seemed like a major to-do. In Olympic National Park, everything is so big and spread out that you’re driving for hours to

If you go ...

Find it: Lake Quinault Lodge is located at 345 South Shore Rd., Quinault, Washington. It’s about a three-hour drive from Seattle.

This is the land of the Quinault Indian Nation, which includes the Quinault and Queets tribes, along with descendants of five other coastal tribes: the Quileute, Hoh, Chehalis, Chinook and Cowlitz.

Lodge special: Through May 13, book one night and get your second night free.

This includes weekends, and there are no blackout dates during the promotion.

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get from one point to another. The views are beautiful, and you never have to worry about coming within 6 feet of anyone. (One downside is that facilities are few and far between. FYI, there are flush toilets at Kalaloch Lodge and the Hoh Rain Forest visitor center.)

We traded the construction cranes and apartment towers of Seattle for giant conifers looming on both sides of the narrow road. After so many months at home, the change of scenery was refreshing. But what my kids really loved was the change of routine. Eating unlimited individually packaged snacks and watching unlimited Cartoon Network? Heck, yeah. Best treat of all was the lodge’s swimming pool, which is open and limited to five people at a time. Pro tip: Check in early and sign up on the pool log right away, as the 45-minute time slots go fast.

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JiaYing Grygiel is a mama of two boys, and a freelance photographer and writer. She blogs at photoj.net.

LO CAL R ES O UR CES / CAM P S : ARTS + ACT I V I T ES

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Ages + Stages Seattle-Area Volunteer Opportunities for Teens, Tweens and Families Give back to your community by volunteering to help neighbors, animals and the environment

By Nicole Persun

There are an unlimited number of lessons to be learned by lending a hand. Through volunteering programs, tweens and teens can create community connections, learn the importance of giving back and develop essential life skills that will carry over into future careers.

Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, check each organization’s website for the most current information about its programs and operating status.

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP OTHERS Seattle Public Library, various locations • spl.org Your high schooler can earn servicelearning hours through the Seattle Public Library’s Learning Buddies program. Teens ages 14 and older can help tutor children in grades K–5 in math or reading, while developing communication, patience and time management skills.

Treehouse, Seattle • treehouseforkids.org Support youths in foster care by volunteering for Treehouse! Tasks include sorting donations, preparing merchandise for the Treehouse Store and more.

City of Bellevue, various locations • bellevuewa.gov Budding thespians might enjoy volunteering at Bellevue Youth Theatre. Or perhaps your

teen wants to get involved in community issues through the Youth Link program?

Whatever the teen’s style, the City of Bellevue has plenty of options.

Jewish Family Service, various locations • jfsseattle.org Volunteer opportunities at Jewish Family Service range from helping with food drives; collecting gloves, socks and coats; and more. Volunteers ages 18 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Swedish Medical Center, Issaquah • swedish.org Swedish Medical Center offers volunteer opportunities for teens ages 14–18. Space is limited, but kids are encouraged to apply to be added to the queue.

Kids Coming Together, Sammamish • kidscomingtogether.org Kids Coming Together provides free volunteering opportunities for kids in third grade through high school. Younger ages benefit from guided service activities spearheaded by high school “leaders.”

HELP FEED NEIGHBORS Food Lifeline, Seattle • foodlifeline.org Volunteering duties at Food Lifeline are fun, easy and make a huge difference in the lives of people experiencing hunger. Volunteers must be age 14 or older.

West Seattle Food Bank, West Seattle • westseattlefoodbank.org West Seattle Food Bank’s mission is to make sure neighbors don’t go hungry by providing access to safe and nutritious food. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Teens can also get involved by participating in a PCC food repackaging party.

University District Food Bank, Seattle • udistrictfoodbank.org The University District Food Bank has been helping prevent hunger in Northeast Seattle for nearly 40 years. Volunteer slots for teens are limited, but kids are welcome to volunteer with an adult family member.

FamilyWorks, Seattle • familyworksseattle.org High school students can volunteer at the FamilyWorks food bank during school breaks. Teens can also organize a food or clothing drive at their school or in their neighborhood.

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Northwest Harvest, Kent • northwestharvest.org Help sort and pack food for Northwest Harvest, which promotes healthy eating while reducing hunger. Volunteers ages

Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, West Seattle • dnda.org The DNDA’s Urban Forest Restoration program offers volunteer opportunities that focus on local forest and wetland restoration in West Seattle parks.

OPPORTUNITIES THAT INVOLVE ANIMALS Seattle Aquarium • seattleaquarium.org Through the Seattle Aquarium’s Youth Ocean Advocates program, high school volunteers have the opportunity to participate in ocean conservation projects, including beach cleanups. Teens need to be currently enrolled in grades 9–12. Spaces are limited, and orientation is required.

Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle • zoo.org The primary role of volunteers at Woodland Park Zoo is to engage with guests, but dedicated teens 16 and older should know that existing volunteers have the opportunity to apply for other zoo positions, including roles involved in animal care. Check the website for further updates on 2021 sessions and programs.

Outdoor opportunities galore for teens to build and maintain hiking trails

9–15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; teens ages 16 and older can volunteer independently.

Nourish Pierce County • nourishpc.org Serving food to more than half a million people in Pierce County every year, Nourish Pierce County always needs volunteers to help out! Teens must be age 17 or older to volunteer on their own.

OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES Seattle Parks and Recreation Teen Service Learning, various locations • seattle.gov Seattle Parks and Recreation provides a wide range of service opportunities.

Teens can help restore trails, repair urban forestland, gain water-safety experience as a lifeguard and more. Call 206-684-8028 to be added to its list in anticipation of volunteer services resuming.

Camp Fire, various locations • campfireseattle.org Teens in eighth grade through high school can volunteer as camp counselors at day camps and overnight camps for younger kids. Counselors help with programming that includes cooking, games, arts and crafts, nature adventures and more.

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Washington Trails Association, various locations • wta.org Teens can learn leadership and outdoor skills, earn service hours and make new friends by joining a Washington Trails Association work party or participating in a weeklong Youth Volunteer Vacation, building and maintaining hiking trails.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma • pdza.org If your teen loves animals and the environment, encourage them to become a camp assistant or zoo guide at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Youth volunteers must be between the ages of 11 and 18.

EarthCorps, various locations • earthcorps.org Volunteers ages 14–18 can help beautify locations all around Puget Sound — from Everett to Tacoma — during EarthCorps work events.

Metro Parks Tacoma, various locations • metroparkstacoma.org Sign up for an outdoor work party through the CHIP-in! program with Metro Parks Tacoma. Find a specific park or garden online to view available volunteer options.

Wilderness Awareness School, Duvall • wildernessawareness.org Wildness Awareness School is currently looking to recruit volunteers (ages 13–18) to assist instructors in leading nature day camps for one week or more during the summer.

The Humane Society, Tacoma and Pierce County • thehumanesociety.org Tacoma and Pierce County teens ages 16 and older can work with animals by volunteering at The Humane Society. This is a six-month commitment, so make sure your teen has the time to give before they fill out an application.

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Nicole Persun is ParentMap’s digital content production coordinator.

Green Home

Awesome Recycling Programs Every Family Should Know About Options for toys, clothes, tech items, kid gear and more

By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

You want to do your part in keeping as much waste as possible out of the landfill. But what about an old hair dryer, burnt-out string lights or other things that don’t go into your curbside recycling bin? We’ve rounded up a list of places where you can drop off or mail in items that otherwise might end up in the trash can. Almost all of these services are free, and you will not only help the Earth but may even help people in need.

Legos • givebackbox.com When your kids have outgrown their Lego sets, pass them on to children in need through Lego Replay. Simply print out a free-shipping label, box up the bricks and ship. You don’t even need to take them apart or have a complete set!

Ergobaby carriers • ergobaby.com Answer a few questions on the Ergobaby Everlove webpage, then print out a label, box up the carrier and schedule a USPS pickup. Once received, the carrier will be inspected, cleaned and then resold to its next family.

Shoes • soles4souls.org Soles4Souls is an organization that accepts donations of any kind of new or gently worn shoes. It then partners with organizations that help people in poverty start businesses.

Clothing and footwear • patagonia.com and thenorthface.com Patagonia accepts any of its products for repurposing or recycling. Take washed and dried items to any retail store location or

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GREEN HOME

Batteries • recology.com and homedepot.com Household (alkaline) and rechargeable batteries can be picked up with your recycling through Recology.

continued from page 29

organize shipping using information on the Patagonia website.

Drop off any unwanted clothing and footwear (any condition and any brand) at The North Face retail stores and outlets and get $10 off your next $100 purchase.

Larger rechargeable batteries, including lithium batteries and cell phone batteries, can be recycled for free at Home Depot.

Used gear • rei.com REI co-op members can trade in their used gear and receive an REI gift card. Check out the website to see if your items qualify.

Mattresses • nwfurniturebank.org Seattle-area families can drop off a used mattress at NW Furniture Bank in Tacoma.

The organization will recycle your mattress for $20, or if you live within 25 miles of its location, you can schedule a pickup for an additional charge.

Holiday lights • kingcounty.gov What do you do with old string lights that are burned out or just out of style? You can recycle them at one of the locations listed on the King County government website (search “green holidays”).

mattresses), single shoes or socks, hats, accessories, linens and even stuffed animals. About 20 percent of donations get a second life at a thrift store, while the rest are repurposed into cleaning rags, insulation and stuffing.

Electronics • ecology.wa.gov, bestbuy.com and staples.com E-Cycle Washington is a free program that recycles TVs, computers, monitors, tablets, e-readers, laptops and portable DVD players.

Bulbs, plastic, batteries and more • ridwell.com Ridwell offers a regular recycling service for plastic bags, packaging, textiles, batteries, bulbs and more. It has different paid service plans depending on your needs.

Pet food and treat packaging • petpros.net Bring any brand of pet food or treat packaging and drop it in the Flex Forward bin at a Pet Pros store near you. The packaging is taken to a recycler that grinds it into plastic pellets, which are then used to make pet products for animal shelters and rescues.

Child car seats • corporate.target.com Target takes back any type of car seat, from infant carriers to boosters and bases.

Check the website for an upcoming car seat trade-in event near you. In return, you get a coupon for your next car seat purchase.

At Best Buy you can first see what your electronic devices are worth, then trade them in for a gift card; or you can recycle smaller tech items, such as keyboards, computer mice, printers, toner cartridges, cell phones and more. Consumers can also recycle as many as three small household appliances per day at Best Buy.

TerraCycle • terracycle.com TerraCycle partners with companies to recycle items that local services don’t typically accept, including oral care product packaging, razors and blades, baby food packaging, contact lenses and blister packs, and more. The program is free to join, and you earn points for items you send in that can be converted into charitable donations.

Textiles • kingcounty.gov (search “Threadcycle”) Threadcycle, a program of King County Solid Waste Division, takes bedding (no

Staples also offers free recycling for electronics, plus lots of other random items, such as coffee brewers, iPods, MP3 players and much more.

Tiffany Doerr Guerzon is a freelance writer, the mother of three children and author of “Save Money on Groceries by Going Back to Basics.”

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Crib Notes New Parenting Trends That Are Here to Stay Dr. Harvey Karp on what’s changed for parents since the pandemic began and what trends will stick

have had to become a lot more flexible just to get through the day. “Whether all this ‘rule relaxing’ means being okay with a bit more screen time or a cheese-andcracker dinner, parents are trying to relax the rules and embrace flexibility. In 2021, I expect we’ll continue to see parents give themselves some well-deserved grace … and I hope this is a trend that will outlast COVID-19,” Karp says.

Being a parent in 2020 was incredibly hard, and many of us had to adapt and change the way we parent because of lockdown orders, school closures, etc. According to renowned pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, some of these adaptations may stick and some could even benefit parents. Karp takes a look at what’s changed since the pandemic began and how things will continue to evolve for parents in 2021.

1. A more flexible approach to parenting Even before the pandemic hit, parents were doing more work than ever before, with less help. With school closures and many people working from home, parents have been experiencing burnout and

2. An appreciation for telehealth “Out of necessity, many doctor’s appointments have gone virtual this year — and this is a trend we will likely see stick around in 2021 and beyond. While some doctor’s visits require face-to-face, in-person interaction, many doctors are finding that there are others that can be done effectively from behind a screen,” Karp explains. He believes that telehealth has many benefits, especially for newborn care, for which new parents can get answers to their questions without having to leave the house or potentially expose their infant to illness. Karp predicts that when doctors’ offices do return to normal operations, many parents and providers will be more open to incorporating remote visits into their ongoing care.

3. A virtual village for new parents “The first weeks of a baby’s life can already be intense and isolating … and a new parent’s job has become even tougher as COVID-19 has stripped away precious practical support from family and friends,”

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says Karp. While a lack of practical support alone can nudge a new parent toward depression or anxiety, it also may trigger an even bigger issue: exhaustion. “While that’s a trend that I hope we’ll leave in 2020, the good news is that more and more parents have been turning to virtual support to guide them through the struggles of new parenthood,” Karp says.

4. The use of technology for support “Parents are increasingly turning to technology to get that essential help in those stressful early days, such as a white noise machine or a smart bassinet like SNOO [happiestbaby.com/snoo]. I created SNOO to give tired new parents an extra pair of hands to hold and soothe the baby. And it also is the only baby bed proven to add hours of sleep to the baby’s sleep and keep the baby safely on the back … all naps and nights,” says Karp. “This is a massive piece of the puzzle in curbing the scary upswing in postpartum depression and anxiety, and for forging a new trend of reliable and meaningful virtual support that may help keep those perinatal mood disorders at bay.”

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