A new zoo experience, pg. 24
School open houses, pg. 16
FREE
COVID birthday ideas, pg. 18
for the long days and short years
SPECIAL SECTION:
Back to Learning
The Teen + Tween Issue
Talk It Out Helping teens ease their COVID worries
PDXPARENT.COM
PORTLAND | VANCOUVER | SEPTEMBER 2020
contents DENISE CASTAÑON
24 FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
Talk It Out............................................................................... 10
Editor’s Note.........................................................................4
Surveys and studies have shown that the mental health fallout of COVID-19 has greatly impacted teens and tweens. We asked local pediatric experts for some tips on how to talk to teens about their feelings and when parents should seek professional help. By Denise Castañon.
Birthdays a New Way............................................. 18 In the days of social distancing, it takes some creativity to celebrate your kid’s birthday. We’ve got lots of ideas to help you (safely) make a big deal of your kid’s big day. By Denise Castañon.
Play Room............................................................................... 6 Take a break at the coast, celebrate birthdays sustainably and catch up with South Salem High’s intrepid teen reporter.
Neighborhood We Heart.................................. 22 Public art, beautiful parks, affordability and lots of community-building
Field Trip.................................................................................24 The Oregon Zoo has reopened! Find out what you need to know before you take a trip with your kiddos. By Denise Castañon.
Family Supper................................................................26 Enchanting treats await your family at Unicorn Bake Shop in Southeast Portland. By Denise Castañon.
organizations make diverse Lents a nice spot for families. By Joanna Close.
RESOURCES Back to Learning......................................................14-16 School Open Houses...........................................16-17 Birthday Parties.................................................................21
* cover stories pdxparent.com
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3
e d i t o r ’ s n ot e
The years are short
I
for the long days and short years
don’t have a tween or teen. Yet. But with each birthday that passes, I feel it coming. I get the occasional eye roll from my 8-year-old daughter, Adela. And seeing as she is already pretty dramatic now, I’m not looking forward to what the teen years may bring. Of course, researching the ways COVID-19 has impacted the mental health of teens and tweens for the story Talk It Out, on page 10, didn’t do much to help with that particular worry. But the advice delivered by pediatric experts on how parents can keep the lines of communication open with their teenagers ultimately made me feel better. For now, I am trying to remember just how little my daughter and her 5-year-old brother still are. And as much as all this forced pandemic closeness has me struggling to maintain some semblance of personal space, I do know the days of her wanting to cuddle with me are numbered. So I snuggle her closer and deeply breathe in the scent of her hair. And I remember that irresistible, milky newborn smell that I swear was just there yesterday. But no, it’s been eight years since she made me a mom. I had clung to a falsely optimistic hope that by her birthday at the end of July, the pandemic would be under control and we’d actually be able to have a small party somewhat similar to the old days. But that didn’t happen. So I asked her what she wanted instead. She chose a birthday parade. I asked what theme she would have chosen if we’d had a normal party, and she said “Harry Potter.” So I went to work (and felt fortunate to be able to afford a celebration). I ordered a big sign for our front yard as a surprise (see page 20). I cleaned up some glass bottles BETSY PARKER for a “potions lab” display in our driveway and we made some uber-cool magic wands for friends to take home. “This might just be a good birthday after all,” she said as we were hot gluing plastic craft gems onto wooden dowels. Small-enough groups of friends dropped by over the course of an hour and a half that the kids could help make the potions bubble up by dropping bits of dry ice into the bottles filled with hot water, food coloring and a bit of dish soap. (Pro tip: You can buy dry ice at WinCo!) Everyone wore a mask. I tied helium balloons to wands and spread them around our lawn so kids could have plenty of room to pick a wand to take home. At the end of the day, she did confirm that it was indeed a good birthday despite the pandemic. And that was all I had hoped for.
PDX Parent
What’s the most tween thing your tween does?
P.O. Box 13660 Portland, OR 97213-0660 Phone: 503-460-2774 Publisher Rose Caudillo, 503-460-2774 publisher@pdxparent.com
“
My oldest daughter keeps trying to get away with things that I think are too grown-up. Like trying to leave the house with my heels on. And there is a lot of ‘Well, so-and-so’s mom lets them do …’
Editor Denise Castañon, 503-922-0893 denise.castanon@pdxparent.com Art Director Susan Bard Web Director Michelle Carew, 503-914-6151 michelle.carew@pdxparent.com Eastside Account Executive
Maggie is saying ‘IDK’ in response to questions as opposed to saying ‘I don’t know.’ I also think sometimes she does know.
Lauren Wylie, 503-331-8184 lauren.wylie@pdxparent.com Westside Account Executive Jill Weisensee, 503-309-8272 jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com Newsletter and Calendar Editor Melissa Light
Luke tells me ‘Mom — that is so cringe’ whenever I do something that embarrasses him, which is happening more often now.
melissa.light@pdxparent.com Business Manager Christie Kline, 503-810-9817 christie.kline@pdxparent.com President Jill Weisensee jill.weisensee@pdxparent.com
What I’ve noticed more with my 10-year-old tweens is how much sneakier they’re getting about screen time. And a general uptick with sassiness.
”
For distribution issues, e-mail us at distribution@pdxparent.com For calendar submissions, e-mail us at calendar@pdxparent.com
PDX Parent is published monthly (except July) by Northwest Parent, LLC., and is copyright 2020 Northwest Parent, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. PDX Parent is distributed free of charge throughout the Portland, OR / Vancouver, WA metropolitan area. PDX Parent reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Distribution of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised herein. PDX Parent does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender expression, sex or sexual orientation.
On our cover: Local photographer and mom of three Nancy Minoui captured this gorgeous shot of 17-year-old Isabell at George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego. “I’ve been a photographer for five years now,” says Minoui. “Becoming a mother was what inspired me to become a photographer. Documenting love and life fills my heart with joy.” Find more of her work at nancyminouiphotography.com or on Instagram @nancyminoui. 4
September 2020
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Although every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of published material, Northwest Parent, LLC., and its agents and employees cannot be held responsible for the use or misuse of any information contained herein. The contents of PDX Parent and its website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or treatment.
You don’t float. Life jackets do. Wearing a life jacket is the best thing you can do to stay safe in water. The jacket has to fit to do its job. Here’s how to find the right jacket for the right fit.
Questions?
Contact Metro staff at 503-797-1545.
For updates on Metro parks visit oregonmetro.gov/parks
Job 21029
had a few hundred
Eddy Binford-Ross,
followers before Eddy
the South Salem
started live-tweeting
High School senior
from nightly Portland
at the helm of the
protests; the account
school newspaper,
now clocks 12,000-
The Clypian, was
plus followers. “It
tear-gassed by
was sometimes hard
federal officers as she
to witness such a
reported on Portland’s
dangerous and dynamic
George Floyd
situation, especially
demonstrations for the
because there were
paper’s website and Twitter account. “I had several stun grenades thrown toward me when I was clearly marked as press and was standing off to
Kid to Know:
moments where I
On-the-spot Reporter
thought something really bad could happen EDDY BINFORD-ROSS
p l ay r o o m
For 14 nights in July,
the side away from
and that someone could end up dying,” says Eddy. “For example, I saw agents with assault rifles; once I
protesters,” says the
saw them point at a vehicle with people in it. The hours were also difficult — there
out of the way, with my hands up. There was also an incident
were some nights where I wouldn’t get home until 4:30 am.
in which a federal agent pointed a crowd-control munitions gun
However, none of that deterred me from wanting to document
toward me and the press corps as we stood off to the side,
what was going on. It was surprising how much I learned about
away from protesters. The agent was then told what sounded
the crowd-control munitions that law enforcement uses. That
like, ‘That’s press, don’t shoot,’ at which point he turned his gun
was knowledge I never expected to gain, ever. I also learned
away momentarily and then turned it back and pointed it right
how much tear gas hurts. … I also think I learned a lot about
at me.”
resiliency.”
Prior to the murder of George Floyd and the demonstrations
As the fall semester starts up, Eddy will focus on providing
that had sprung up around the country to protest his death
readers with helpful information on schooling in the age of
and police brutality, Eddy covered a number of different topics,
COVID-19 and encouraging Clypian staff to give the paper’s
from student profiles and sports stories to national and local
website a visual refresh. She’d also like to keep The Clypian’s
politics. But her consistent presence at Black Lives Matter
newfound social-media followers engaged. Eddy is not sure if
demonstrations in both Salem and Portland have put her
she will pursue a career in journalism, but whatever her career
and The Clypian in the spotlight. The paper’s Twitter account
path, she plans to stay on the front lines. — Denise Castañon
DENISE CASTAÑON
17-year-old. “I was also shoved into a wall as I was trying to move
We Recommend: Upcycled
birthday garlands
Sustainably celebrate your kiddo’s birthday and support the local mom-and-pop team of Michelle Sanders and Miguel Salinas by ordering a custom Attic Journals birthday banner. The letters are punched out of colorful board books that would have otherwise gone to the landfill, and will last for years to come. Prices start at $14. At Atticjournals.com. — D.C.
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Reader Poll Winners: Kindie Musician/ Performer We live in a city that is chock full of talented performers for kids, but our readers managed to narrow down the field to their absolute favorites. Most of these entertainers are offering online shows and can even customize a virtual birthday show for your kid’s big day. To view the full results from our readers’ poll, visit pdxparent.com/ picks-winners. — D.C.
Winner: Red Yarn Red Yarn, aka Andy Furgeson, and his puppet critters have been charming young Portland audiences for years. And we love that his Americana folk-rock tunes don’t just get kids hopping like squirrels — they also get kids thinking about and standing
S CK
Backyard Bop.
JASON QUIGLEY
WINNER
check out his latest album,
Top 5
Q
: My son is almost 3 and completely refuses or melts down when we try
A
to work on potty training. My niece turned 2 a few months ago and is completely potty trained. What gives? I really want to be done with diapers.
: 2-year-olds get a bad rap in general — I love watching kids this age as their
independence, language, competence and mastery grows. But we all know 2- and 3-year-olds can be pretty resistant and dig in their heels when it seems like their parents have a “not so great” idea about what they should be doing. This certainly applies to putting pee and poop in the toilet. Potty training is like sleep training — you need to find a pediatrician who will partner with you and help you clarify your goals. And then support you when your toddler laughs at those goals. (Just kidding — sort of.) Most toddlers are physically ready for potty training around 18 months. Occasionally you’ll be surprised by your 20-month-old wanting to sit on the potty, and he may even go at the same time. “Ah,” you Got a question for think, “this is going to be a piece of cake.” And Dr. Doug? Send it to AsktheDr@pdxparent.com. then, when you suggest going again, either laughter, distraction or “no!” ensues. Before successfully potty training, toddlers need to have the understanding to recognize the feeling of needing to go, the words to convey that, the ability to hold it and delay for something more fun, and a desire to be dry. Usually this happens between 2 and 3 years old. Some kids who are ready and motivated with fairly even-keeled temperaments will have an easy time with some of the popular “boot camp” methods out there. These methods tend to work if you are regimented and you have the time. In general, I tend to be fairly hands off about potty training. It’s OK to encourage the trying, and praise the process, but never shame for going in the diaper or having an accident. That’s a setup for withholding stool, constipation, and issues in the future. Make sitting on the potty and reading a book a part of bedtime routine. Some kids like small potties and others want a seat on the big potty. Many will learn to pee in the toilet well before they are comfortable stooling in one. Some are very motivated to be in underwear, and some couldn’t care less. Prizes and rewards usually don’t work too well — this is about mastery and control. It’s an act they have control over, and if they aren’t motivated to do it, bribing or shaming will backfire in the long run. If there are tears on both sides, drop it, and consider trying again in a few weeks or months. If we get into late 3 and 4 years old and there are struggles, sometimes we need to delve a bit further into what else may be going on — bring this up with your pediatrician. And remember, nighttime dryness often comes months to years after being dry during the day. This is normal too. Don’t fret, this will happen.
?
Kelli Welli Micah and Me Children’s Music Show Mr. Ben Music Olive & Dingo Productions Tallulah’s Daddy
Dr. Doug Lincoln practices general pediatrics at Metropolitan Pediatrics in Happy Valley. He is board certified in both pediatrics and preventive medicine, with special interests in helping parents meet their breastfeeding goals, caring for neurodiverse children with behavioral health needs, and advocating for children via teaching and policy. As a dad of two boys, he understands the joy and hard work that comes with parenting. Find out more about Dr. Doug and Metropolitan Pediatrics at metropediatrics.com.
pdxparent.com
DR. DOUG
PD X
up for equal rights. Be sure to RENT P PA I
Ask Dr. Doug
|
September 2020
7
p l ay r o o m
In my family, day trips
for an entire
and short jaunts have
afternoon. (And
proven to be highly
stop by Seal Rock’s
beneficial for everyone’s
Indulge Sweets
mental health. It’s easy
for to-die-for fudge
to keep a safe distance
or Tillamook ice
from others while visiting
cream. Don’t miss
the beautiful natural
the decadent
scenery in the coastal
salted caramel
towns of Waldport
fudge — trust us!)
and Yachats. You can
For camping-lite
catch a glimpse of
accommodations
lounging and playful
that help you easily
harbor seals during a
distance, check out
morning walk across
the deluxe cabins
the Alsea Bay Bridge
at the Waldport/ Newport KOA.
in Waldport. Venture to Smelts Sands Park in Yachats and walk along the paved 804
DENISE CASTAÑON
Trail to watch blowholes put on a show. Walking north along the 804
Getaway:
Waldport/Yachats
bathroom and kitchenette, but you’ll need to bring your own linens or sleeping bags and
Trail leads you to a vast sandy beach. (Thor’s Well is another
a camping cookstove. They’ve also got firepits and outdoor
nearby blowhole. Please don’t walk on those rocks. But the trail
grills. Or get takeout fish ’n chips from Luna Sea Fish House in
north from Thor’s Well will lead you to peaceful tide pools full
Yachats. (If your kids don’t do seafood, there’s a cheeseburger
of green anemones!) For beachgoing without the walk, drive
on the menu, too.) Swing by the newly reopened Oregon Coast
north of Waldport to Seal Rock State Recreation Site. Bring
Aquarium in Newport on your way in or out (outdoor exhibits
chairs and park yourselves next to the little creek if engineering
only are open at this time). You can read about their COVID-19
a dam or building a sandcastle would keep your kiddos busy
safety procedures at aquarium.org. — D.C.
Black Lives Matter:
Home Is Where the Heart Is Starting this month, we’ll highlight an organization to support or action your family can take to help Black families in our community. This month we’re focusing on the good work done by Taking
Ownership PDX, a new organization that works to overcome the hurdles that redlining, gentrification and systemic racism have thrown up for Black families. From full renovations to minor plumbing fixes, Taking Ownership organizes teams of volunteers to rehab Black-owned homes at the request of the homeowners. Taking Ownership is looking for skilled volunteers as well financial and materials donations. Find out more at takingownershippdx.com. — D.C.
8
Each has a private
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» ADVERTORIAL «
Comcast Addresses Distance-Learning Challenges by Enhancing Internet Essentials Program for Low-Income Families With distance learning the current reality in Portland, Comcast recently announced enhancements to its Internet Essentials program, designed to help accelerate Internet adoption at this critical time. Internet Essentials offers low-income households low-cost, broadband Internet service for $9.95/month, along with the option to buy a heavily-subsidized computer, and multiple options for free digital literacy training. And all new Internet Essentials customers can receive two months of free Internet service if they apply before the end of 2020. In addition, the company announced it will forgive back debt due so more families can apply. Another feature of the recent announcement: Comcast is providing all Internet Essentials customers free access to xFi, a simple, digital dashboard that enables customers to set up and manage their home WiFi and their children’s devices. With it, they can see what devices are connected, set safe-browsing modes so children can only access age-appropriate content, get notifications about activity on their home WiFi, and have the ability to pause devices for dinner or bedtime. Over the past decade, Internet Essentials has become the nation’s largest low-income Internet adoption program and has connected millions of people to the Internet. Marion Haynes, Vice-President of External Affairs at Comcast Oregon/SW Washington, says school districts across the region are partnering with Comcast to ensure kids can successfully participate in distance learning. “Internet Essentials is truly living up to its name, providing school districts and their student populations with an established program to bridge the digital divide.”
“Internet Essentials has been crucial for our families and students who rely on us for not only academics but also essential needs and social and emotional supports,” said Karen Werstein of Portland Public Schools, the state’s largest school district. “Our partnership with Comcast has enabled students to progress through their school curricula,and stay connected to their teachers and classmates during these uncertain times.” Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the “Internet Essentials Partnership Program” has already collaborated with more than 10 school districts in Oregon/SW Washington The program relies on public-private partnerships and enables entire communities to work together to coordinate funding to help connect K-12 students at no cost to the customer. The program also includes two months of free Internet service for new Internet Essentials customers. The broadband speeds offered through Internet Essentials ensure households have all they need to remain connected to essential online activities. A home with Internet Essentials can have up to three high-quality Zoom calls at the same time or four simultaneous high-quality video calls on Skype.
To apply, go to www.internetessentials.com
Talk It A O survey conducted by Common Sense Media confirmed some things
we already knew: Teens are worried about COVID-19’s impact on their
families, and being isolated from peers has made them more lonely. So
what can parents do to help their tweens and teens weather the mental health
impacts of COVID-19? We reached out to three local pediatric mental health experts
for advice. Here we mention some of the results of the Common Sense Media survey as
well as some preliminary research published in medical journals, and our experts offer up
to COVID-19. How can parents talk to their teens about this to ease their worries?
“Honesty is the best policy when it comes to talking with teens about serious issues like coronavirus. Most of our kids, and especially our teens, are technologically savvy and connected. What we don’t tell them, they will often find out from other often not-so-reliable sources. As a preparatory step, parents should first inform themselves of the facts and latest developments by using a reliable resource. They should then set aside time to sit down and have a frank and open discussion with their teenager. While honesty is important, it is also important to consider how much information your individual teenager can process and emotionally manage, and to adjust your approach accordingly. We all feel more empowered and hopeful if we focus efforts on what we have control over versus getting caught up in all that we’ve lost. While covering concerns about risk of infection should be one part of this discussion, it is important to then take it to the next level by talking to teens about how best to protect themselves and those with whom they come into contact. If everyone plays their part in prevention efforts, the rate of exposure will drop and we will all be at lower risk.” — Jane Uchison, Psy.D., behavioral health program director and pediatric psychologist at Metropolitan Pediatrics 10
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and listen with empathy. Worries can carry less weight when they are in the open, and
someone in their family will be exposed
is actually not to talk at all, but to give opportunity for the youth to voice their concerns
survey of teens, 61 percent worried that
“This is a very understandable worry! I think one approach to talk to a youth about this
According to an April Common Sense Media
In that same survey, 63 percent worried about the effect COVID-19 may have on their family’s ability to make a living or earn money. How can parents talk to their teens about this to ease their worries?
actions parents can take.
Parents know that social distancing has had a big mental health impact on teens and tweens. We asked local pediatric experts for some advice on how to talk to teens about how they are feeling and when to seek professional help. BY DENISE CASTAÑON
t u O FOR MORE STORIES
on parenting pre-teens and teenagers, visit pdxparent.com/teen-and-tween.
And 42 percent of teens surveyed feel more lonely than usual. What are some things parents can do to help their teens feel less lonely and still keep physically distant from others outside their household? in the past several months. In some ways, social media is playing an important role in helping some kids to stay connected and feel less lonely. In other ways, it has been a curse to those parents who are desperately trying to enforce responsible social distancing as their teen sees posts with
adolescent psychiatry at Kaiser Permanente’s Sunnyside Medical Center
— Jacquelyn Collura, M.D., a pediatrician board certified in child and
a large group of their closest friends spending time at the
family discussion over how to be more judicious in spending.”
contribute to the family while the parents work from home or having a
of what this could look like a teen taking over a chore around the house to
to supporting the family can mobilize that worry into positive action. Some examples
the youth in your family to offer their thoughts and advice and play a role in contributing
adults are doing to ensure safety for the family can be reassuring. If appropriate, inviting
of-fact conversation around the unique situation your family is in financially and what the
a lecture will not be welcomed by most teens and tweens, having an honest and matter-
mitigate them and cope with difficult emotions, and what our own action plans are. While
caregivers to check in on our own thoughts and worries: How we are actively working to
addressing this concern with the youth in the family, I do think it is important for us as
can be shared with someone who validates those emotions and understands. Before
“This is a question that has come up a lot with our families
lake together. Balancing screen time, and specifically social media engagement, with other types of activities is key. With careful planning and a little creativity, parents can help facilitate some limited in-person interaction with their teenager’s friends. One teen I know arranged a socially distanced Starbucks date with several friends by setting up appropriately distanced lawn chairs in an empty parking lot nearby. Another family hosted a backyard graduation party to celebrate their high schooler’s recent graduation, but required all guests to wear masks, and staggered attendance over the course of the day to allow people to maintain a safe distance from one another. I know that some of the local athletic organizations are being very creative with their practices by doing things like having kids complete ‘drills’ from chalked-in squares that are spaced at least 6 feet apart. Parents, schools and communities will continue to need to think outside the box to find safe ways to keep our kids both physically active and social.” — Jane Uchison, Psy.D. pdxparent.com
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12
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21-year-old sons
in Portland and the mother of 19- and
— Lisa Reynolds, M.D., a pediatrician
bring them to the ER.”
teen is suicidal, call a crisis line or
your pediatrician or a therapist. If your
self-harm thoughts, you should seek the help of
experiencing depression that is persistent, or any
of self-harm or of suicide. If you feel your teen is
Also you should ask if your teen has any thoughts
disinterested. How can I help? How are you feeling?’
way: ‘I’m worried about you. You seem sad and
will share their feelings if asked in a nonthreatening
interactions, feeling and looking sad. Most teens
usual, disengaging from activities and social
“Signs of depression are sleeping more than
do if they see them?
— Jane Uchison, Psy.D.
these concerns until the next designated time.”
later that day, they should practice ‘postponing’
negative emotions about this topic cross their mind
ends until the following day. If additional concerns or
the 15 to 20 minutes expires, the time devoted to those concerns
watch or timer should be used to keep track of the time. When
sad, angry, or worried about the ramifications of coronavirus. A
designated time (no more than 15 to 20 minutes) each day to be
negative emotions. One way of doing this includes setting aside
same time, it is important for them to learn now to manage their
take some time to think and talk about their sadness. At the
grieve the loss of what life was like pre-coronavirus, and to
has been an unbelievably difficult time. It is OK for kids to
“It is important to normalize feelings of sadness during what
According to a research letter in JAMA Pediatrics, Chinese scientists found that 22.6 percent of students under shelter-in-place orders reported having depressive symptoms, which is higher than other investigations in Chinese primary schools (17.2 percent). What are depressive symptoms that parents should look for? What should they APPS such as Insight Timer, Breathe, Calm, and myStrength (some of which may be available through
maintaining healthy routines, mindfulness activities and some basic health your health care provider) can offer support around developing/
RESOURCES FOR TEENS AND PARENTS
coaching. — Jacquelyn Collura, M.D. YouthLine offers phone call,
text and online chat-based
support for youth and young
adults ages 11 to 21.
877-968-8491,
oregonyouthline.org.
The Trevor Project is a
national organization offering
support to LGBTQ youth.
24/7 crisis and support:
1-866-488-7386,
thetrevorproject.org.
County Crisis Lines can help
with in-the-moment crisis
support, as well as helping
teens and parents assess
service needs and access
appropriate care:
Washington County: 503-291-9111
Clackamas County:
888-414-1553
Multnomah County:
503-988-4888
As a last, but sometimes
necessary resort, if a parent
does not feel that they can
keep their teenager safe due
to self-harming behaviors
or suicidal thoughts or
plans, they should call 911 or
transport their teen to the
nearest emergency room for a
safety assessment. If possible,
it can be helpful to first
contact the county crisis line
for guidance, as they may be
able to provide other options
for immediate assessment and/
or help coordinate assessment
at the appropriate hospital
emergency room.
— Jane Uchison, Psy.D.
A reflection in The Lancet cited a British survey of youth up to 25 years old with a history of mental illness in which 83 percent of respondents said the pandemic had made their conditions worse; 26 percent said they were unable to access mental health support. What should parents of tweens and teens who have already been diagnosed with mental health issues especially be aware of? “This question brings up two important points — the limited access to mental health support, as well as the increased risk of recurrence after initial diagnosis with a mental health condition. I do think realistically, many individuals are experiencing feelings of being overwhelmed and hopeless with this combination. In this setting, it is helpful again to go back to the basics that we know from
In this setting, it is helpful
research as well as clinical experience that can make a big difference in one’s mood and ability to tolerate stress. For teens and tweens more concretely this means aiming for nine hours
again to go back to the basics
of sleep a night, having three meals a day with a good variety
that we know from research as
of fruits, veggies and protein and limited sugar intake. Most of
well as clinical experience that
us work best following a regular schedule, which has become more challenging with less external structures such as school
can make a big difference in
and in-office jobs. While a regimented structure may not be
one’s mood and ability to tolerate
necessary, having clear expectations of when to awaken, when
stress. For teens and tweens more
meals are and when to wind down for sleep at the end of the day can be helpful and reassuring. Regular exercise, getting
concretely this means aiming for
outside in a safe way following social distancing precautions,
nine hours of sleep a night, having
and social interaction are all important for us to maintain a healthy mind. Similarly, there is good evidence behind meditation
three meals a day with a good
and mindfulness-based practices to help with depression and
variety of fruits, veggies and
anxiety. If you know someone who has been diagnosed with a
protein and limited
mental health condition previously and have concerns they are likely to experience distress again, checking in around these
sugar intake.
areas and taking a ‘preventative’ approach can be very helpful. If you are concerned that you are observing mood or anxiety symptoms or other changes or have any concerns for your child’s safety, calling your child’s primary care provider and/or mental health provider if they are already in care to re-establish a connection as soon as possible will be important.” — Jacquelyn Collura, M.D.
SOURCES: » surveymonkey.com/curiosity/common-sense-media-coronavirus/ » jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2765196 » thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(20)30109-7/fulltext
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BACK TO LEARNING
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BACK TO LEARNING
OPEN HOUSES
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OPEN HOUSES
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BIRTHDAYS A NEW WAY Think outside the box to celebrate your child’s birthday during the pandemic. BY DENISE CASTAÑON
Until there’s a vaccine, the days of invite-the-whole-class, indoor kid’s birthday parties are paused. (And can you even envision the birthday kid blowing out candles on a cake, and then serving it to people? The thought is horrifying!) But you can still find ways to make a big deal about your kid’s b-day if you are social distancing. And from sourcing supplies to ordering a stellar cake, we’ve done the legwork for you — and we’ve got ideas for every budget. DENISE CASTAÑON
Free Virtual Photo Booth Did your kiddo have their heart set on a theme for a party that had to be canceled? Ask friends and family whom you would have invited to dress up according to the theme and text a pic to the birthday kid. Harry Potter, unicorns, superheroes — you’re sure to see some amazing creativity. We Love a Parade
Birthday parades are a new trend we adore! Ask friends, neighbors and family to drive by your abode to wish your birthday kid a happy day — from a safe distance.
Hey, Mr. Postman Go old-school and ask friends and family to send your kid a card through the mail. Getting a flood of cards and letters is sure to bring a smile to your kid’s face. Birthday Wishes We’ve seen parents on Facebook neighborhood groups asking other families to come and chalk in some birthday greetings on the sidewalk outside the birthday kid’s home. What a great way for kids to spread some kindness!
I Heart You Got construction paper? Cut out hearts and glue photos of your kid in each one. Plaster all over the house on the night before the big day so your child wakes up to a fun surprise. DENISE CASTAÑON
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Low-Cost Crafting En Plein Air Outside craft parties are a new way to get a few kids together from a safe distance. If you have a big outdoor area, space out tables and set up individual craft stations. Include fun materials like pom-poms, glitter glue, feathers, googly eyes, etc., and let the kiddos create as they chat it up.
Balloon Drop Go for a bouquet of balloons from Portland Balloon Delivery for your birthday kid. They’ve got contactless delivery and a range of options from Spider-Man to kitty mermaids. Prices vary with many bouquets around $35. Pro tip: If you order a birthday gift from local toy store Hammer and Jacks, you can also add helium balloons to your order! Portlandballoondelivery.com. Hammerandjacks.com. Icing on the Cupcake!
If you are over stress-baking, check out page 26 for where to find celebratory cupcakes! ROSE CAUDILLO
Splurge Famous Greetings
You can pay for a customized video birthday greeting from (mostly B-list) celebrities, like actress Miriam Margolyes who played Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter movies. But even the coolest teen would probably flip over a message from Gabi Butler or Jerry Harris of the Netflix original Cheer. Cameo.com.
Splashing Good Time While the weather is still warm, we love the idea of a distanced mini-pool party. One clever Portland parent with a big yard spaced out and filled several inflatable pools for tween partygoers to lounge in.
continued on page 20 Âť
KATEE FOXX
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Dream Cakes
Want to go big on the cake? Got a very specific theme? Hit up Jam Cakes. From Studio Ghibli to baby Yoda to Peppa Pig Meets Frozen — if you can dream it up, Jam Cakes can do it! Mini-cakes start at $40, and large cakes range from $85 to $250. Curbside pickup and delivery available. Facebook.com/jamcakes82.
Big Birthday Greetings Hooray Yard Cards will spell out a birthday announcement in huge letters on your lawn. Prices start at $99, and include delivery, set up and pick up. Available in Happy Valley, Beaverton, Canby and beyond. Lawn Party offers a similar service in Portland and donates a percentage of proceeds to Portland Homeless Family Solutions, COVID-19 Response Fund or Don’t Shoot PDX. Starts at $40. Hoorayyardcards.com. Lawnpartynw.com.
DENISE CASTAÑON
In on the Act Many of Portland’s wonderful children’s performers are doing some sort of online birthday performance package. A virtual birthday party from Penny’s Puppets ($150) includes a full 35- to 45-minute
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puppet show. And she’ll even do it over FaceTime or Zoom so friends can join the fun! (And she’s got a very fun low-cost alternative: a video chat with one puppet is only $10!) Olive & Dingo will put together a 30-minute video of personalized stories and songs for your birthday kid for $50. Portland favorites Micah and Me, Red Yarn and Mr. Ben will do personalized greetings as well. And KCPuppetree will even create a sweet animated birthday card! Pennypuppets.com. Oliveanddingo.com. Micahandmerocks.com. Facebook.com/ mrbenmusic. Redyarnproductions.com. Kcpuppetree.com.
Flock the Yard
Think Pink Flamingo Flocking will set up a brightly colored array of pink plastic birds in your yard for any occasion. Birds remain on your lawn for two nights and one full day. Prices start at $45, plus mileage fee for certain ZIP codes. Thinkpinkflamingoflocking.com.
Crafty Party The Craft Factory is offering virtual craft party kits. You order the kits, do your own no-contact delivery to guests, and then create collectively via FaceTime or Zoom. $10 per kit for five or more. Call 503-577-4310. Keep Birthdays Weird
For the ultimate Portland birthday, you can ask The Unipiper to deliver a “birthdaygram.” He’ll roll over to your home and give a unicycle/bagpipe performance while you and the birthday kid watch from a safe distance. Starts at $250. Unipiper.com.
Editor Denise Castañon loves going over the top for kids’ birthdays and she did not let the pandemic stop her from (safely) going big for her daughter’s eighth birthday this summer.
B I R T H D AY P A R T I E S
FIND YOUR FUN @ pdxparent.com X PARENT PD
KIDS
CALENDAR
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♥ With many organizations that focus on building community, Lents in Southeast is on the rise. BY JOANNA CLOSE
I
n Southeast Portland, Lents is known as one of the largest neighborhoods, geographically, with the most culturally diverse population. Residents describe it as up-and-coming, and appreciate the affordable, international vibe. Play at Lents Park or catch the MAX Green Line and you are likely to hear English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Russian spoken. The neighborhood is home to several unique community resources such as the East Portland Collective, Lents Youth Initiative and Zenger Farm, and is decorated in vibrant and colorful public art. In fact, a new mural by local artist Molly Mendoza depicting community members engaging in various park activities was slated for completion at the end of August 2020 as part of the Walker Stadium expansion.
SE F
OST
ER R
D.
SE 111 AVE.
SE POWELL BLVD.
SE 82 AVE.
neiGhborhood we
Lovin on Lents
GREEN SPACE The 38-acre
Lents Park could be considered
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the nucleus of the neighborhood, with
SE CLATSOP ST.
baseball and soccer fields, a dog park, and an accessible playground that was fully renovated in 2017. It also holds Walker Stadium,
LIVE HERE
home of collegiate baseball team the
$333,684: Home value in Lents
Portland Pickles. (Fingers crossed
we get a 2021 season!) Running along
$1,757: Median rent in Lents
much of Johnson Creek, the nearby
21-mile Springwater Corridor is a
SOURCES: ZILLOW
bike and pedestrian trail that stretches from the Willamette River to Gresham.
The Lents International Farmers
Market runs Sundays June through November and has new safety
ALI WILKINSON
precautions.
EAT HERE Residents can name multiple favorite local cafes, watering holes and
eateries, including Bella’s Italian Bakery and Market, a must-try for espresso and a fresh pastry in the morning, a prosciutto sandwich for lunch, and housemade lasagna
or weekly pizza night for dinner. Zoiglhaus Brewing Company serves both authentic BELLA’S ITALIAN BAKERY
German drinking food and American brewery classics.
GETTING AROUND About 50 minutes to downtown on the MAX Green Line or about 60 minutes on the 14 or 10 bus lines.
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53
Transit score
57
Walk score
79
Bike score
Although Joanna Close has turned into a near-middle-aged homebody, she has relished the assigned opportunity to explore PDX neighborhoods with fresh eyes.
CORRINE YOUNG
“
Corrine Young with
her wife and toddler have
owned their home in Lents for nearly three years. “It
is such a lovely community
of both well-established and newer folks who care about the neighborhood,” says Young. Prior to the pandemic, they enjoyed the myriad community events: chili cook-offs and ice cream chill-offs, kids’ yoga, therapeutic horticulture classes, queer/trans open mikes hosted by the East
Portland Collective, and opportunities to grow food and connections at the Malden Court
Community Orchard, which has reopened. They regularly peruse Little Free
Libraries, and pre-COVID-19 visited favorite cafes and eateries such as Refuge
Coffee House and Chinese Delicacy. They look forward to their son attending a
”
Russian immersion program at Kelly Elementary.
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field trip
A New Path for the Zoo The Oregon Zoo has reopened with COVID-19 precautions in place. Will your kids still like it? Our editor finds out. STORY AND PHOTOS BY DENISE CASTAÑON
For more ideas for fun outings, visit: pdxparent.com/ field-trip.
I
n previous times, planning a trip to the Oregon Zoo would just be about taking sunscreen, water bottles and maybe some snacks. It would not involve a two-parent debate about the safety risks. But in this new age we are living in, that’s what had to happen before I took my two kids back to the zoo they had gone to all of their lives. My husband and I talked about whether this would be a safe activity. We decided since masks were universally required for children older than 5 and it would be limited entry along a one-way route that was primarily outdoors, it was low-risk enough for us to feel comfortable.
Reserve tickets ahead So I looked into how you visit the zoo now. Visitors, both members and non-members, must book tickets ahead of time for a specific time slot. When we chose to visit, the zoo had been open for a few weeks, so even though I waited until a Friday night to get tickets for the next day, plenty of spots were available. I couldn’t get my first choice, a morning slot, but I was able to get a 1:30 pm entry time. Pro tip: If you prefer to go at a specific time, don’t wait until the last minute to secure your tickets.
So much parking! Plan to arrive a little before your entry time, because the zoo will not let you in until the next available time slot if you arrive 10 minutes after your ticketed time. The good news is that you will not be late because you’ve had to circle the lot desperately searching for a parking spot. When we arrived at the parking lot, I’d never seen it so empty before. I was practically giddy at the prospect of so many spots to choose from.
Follow the path Things to know as you plan your trip: Masks are required for everyone older than 5 (except for those medically exempt), blue paw prints mark safe distances between parties; there’s a new route that visitors are asked to follow (so no darting back and forth between exhibits); and some favorites, like the penguin house, are temporarily closed. There are also hand-sanitizer and hand-washing stations set up. While waiting to be admitted to the zoo, my kids and I made a game of jumping to the next blue paw print. I really think the visual reminder was especially helpful for younger kids. Also, most kids and adults were very good about maintaining a safe distance from people outside their own households. And with only one exception of an older man who wore his mask under his chin, everyone we encountered followed the facecovering rules. In certain more enclosed areas, like the beaver and harbor seals habitats, a zoo employee at the entrance politely reminded everyone to keep masks on in the
IF YOU GO: Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd. Admission prices: Adult (12 and up): $17.95; child (ages 3-11): $12.95; ages Parking is $2 per hour/$8 maximum. Visit oregonzoo.org for hours and to reserve tickets. 24
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area. And I really appreciated it. Pro tip: You can take off masks when eating or drinking, or if you are in an outdoor space and a safe distance from others.
Hidden perks When we stopped at Pacific Shores to snack on an elephant ear and sip some lemonade, I asked my kids what they thought of this new zoo experience so far. “I think this is better,” said my 5-year-old son, Cruz. He said he liked being outside and how there were way fewer people than normal. My kids usually visit the zoo with their grandparents, who are members, and said it seemed like there were even fewer visitors than during the times they had visited on weekdays. I agreed it felt like the zoo was wide open. After we finished our elephant ear and were walking by Dozer the tortoise, a zookeeper came out to give him a snack. “Apples are like candy to a tortoise; he only gets them a couple times a week as a treat,” she told my kids, who were able to secure a primo viewing spot. That kind of interaction would have been harder to come by on a typical Saturday afternoon in the summer.
New art exhibits Another new part of the Oregon Zoo experience that was a surprise hit with my kids was the Washed Ashore art installations. These giant statues of various animals dotted the paths and are made entirely of trash picked up from beaches worldwide. When I explained this to my kids it really hit home for them. They marveled at both how fluffy the penguin-chick sculpture looked despite being fabricated from hard plastic and at how much debris ends up in the ocean. “I’m surprised how many golf balls there are in the ocean,” said my 8-year-old daughter, Adela. It led to a great conversation about how we can reduce our consumption of plastic to keep it out of the ocean. Even though we couldn’t see all the exhibits and we had to wear masks and keep our distance, we all had a really great afternoon at the zoo. And I think being so isolated the previous months gave all of us a new appreciation for simply being outside in the zoo’s open spaces and shady trails — and for an old favorite activity that we had started to take for granted. Nothing makes PDX Parent’s editor, Denise Castañon, feel older than getting really excited about good parking spots.
2 and under: free. Free for members.
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fa m i ly s u p p e R
A Sweet Bit of Ma ic Make your kiddo’s birthday (or any day!) a little more enchanting with a kaleidoscope-colored treat from Unicorn Bake Shop. STORY AND PHOTOS BY DENISE CASTAÑON
W
hen you name your bakery after a magical creature beloved by little kids everywhere, you’d better have the baking skills to back it up. And the crew at Southeast Portland’s Unicorn Bake Shop does indeed have those skills. My family recently tried out the relatively new baked-goods shop as my daughter was celebrating her eighth birthday. We had planned a Zoom call with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins around the country the weekend prior to her actual b-day, and I wanted a fun cupcake for her to make a wish on after everyone sang to her. I ordered some extra goodies for the rest of us to try, too. As of press time, Unicorn Bake Shop is open for pickup or delivery only. I ordered through the bakery’s website and arranged a time to grab the goodies. It was a quick and easy process. When I arrived at the storefront, a baker answered the door and then handed me a turquoise box of goodness. For the chocolate-loving birthday girl, I went with a vegan Oreo cupcake ($3.50). Pro tip: Unicorn Bake Shop offers an abundance of gluten-free and vegan choices. And I knew my 5-year-old son would get a kick out of a macaron decorated to look like a cheeseburger ($3.50). I also had to try the signature unicorn bar ($3.50), a rainbowflecked sugar-cookie bar piled with frosting and super-adorable sprinkles. Pro tip: The cupcake and macaron offerings change monthly. My daughter loved her cupcake, declaring, “This is like going to Honeydukes!” referencing the magical sweetshop in the Harry Potter
books. Upon seeing his macaron, my son said, “Macaron! That’s just what I’ve been wanting.” Clearly, he’s a Portland foodie kid. (I know I had no idea what a French macaron was when I was his age.) And he marveled that the “burger” component of the macaron was indeed chocolate frosting. Later on we sampled the rest of the treats: A sherbet macaron ($3) that was a swirl of psychedelic colors, a Defund the Police cookie studded with bits of Andes mints ($4, with $2 of each purchase going to Transition Projects, a nonprofit helping homeless people), and a blueberry-waffle cupcake ($3.50). I had wanted to try the vegan Universal Preschool cookie ($4, with $2 going to the UP Now campaign, which worked to get free preschool in Multnomah County on the ballot this November), but it was sold out. Both kids actually agreed the sherbet macaron was their favorite out of all the sweets we tried. The juicy flavors of berry and orange really popped. And it was just so darn pretty. My favorite was the unicorn bar with its chewy, blondielike texture and uber-fun sprinkles. The only thing that didn’t wow us was the blueberry-waffle cupcake, even though we all agreed the maple frosting was very good. So whether you need a magical pick-me-up or want to celebrate a birthday, Unicorn Bake Shop is a sure bet to find a tasty — and truly cute — treat. Unicorn Bake Shop, 2824 SE Gladstone St., 503-477-9906. 10 am-6 pm, closed Tuesdays. View menu and order delivery or pickup through unicornbakeshop.com.
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More delightfully decorated treats >> From the rainbow roll to the bear-faced chocolate cheesecake, Soro Soro Coffee &
Dessert on East Burnside keeps treats cute. Hawthorne’s Toadstool Cupcakes boasts a wide array of flavor combos all made to look like fairy-tale mushrooms! Pickup an order of darling mini layer cakes from the Penny Cakes food truck.
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Editor Denise Castañon loves exploring Portland’s family-friendly dining scene with her husband, 8-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son. 26
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