August 2018 by Peekaboo

SENIOR

KINDERGARTEN

Class of 2031

Class of 2019

Goodbye Summer, H E L LO S C H O O L

August 2018 FREE Magazine

*Northwest Health Physiciansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Specialty Hospital is owned, in part, by physicians.

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At Pediatric Dental Associates and Orthodontics youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll discover that we go the extra mile for our patients! From the moment you see our office, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll know what we mean. We have a fully themed environment that is comforting and fun for your children. We offer preventive, restorative, and orthodontic services for kids ages 0-18. We also specialize in dental care for children with special needs.

1607 E. Rainforest Rd. Fayetteville, AR 72703

801 SW Regional Airport Blvd. Bentonville, AR 72712

Fayetteville: 479-582-0600

Bentonville: 479-268-5000

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We accept all insurances and we are in-network with Delta Dental, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, ARKids, Delta Dental Smiles, and MCNA. August 2018

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The

Family KIMBERLY ENDERLE Editor-in-Chief editor@peekaboonwa.com | 479-957-0532

JONATHON ENDERLE Creative Director jon@peekaboonwa.com | 479-586-3890

Kim and Jonathon with Gwen, Holden, Grant and Ava Enderle. PHOTO BY ASHLEY MURPHY IMAGES

FRANCES WILSON Assistant Editor

DISTRIBUTION/ CIRCULATION Joyce Whitaker Judy Evans Marcedalia Salinas

Jeremy Whitaker Michelle Dodson

BEN LACY Dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s View

Columnist

Peekaboo Publications PO Box 1036 Bentonville, Arkansas 72712 Please send inquiries to: editor@peekaboonwa.com or call 479-957-0532 www.peekaboonwa.com Peekaboo may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the magazine.

PEEKABOO Northwest Arkansas accepts writing contributions

6 August 2018

MEAGAN RUFFING Columnist

DAVID HOVEY Story Design

When children need medical attention, they deserve special treatment. Northwest Pediatric Convenient Care is making it easier for children to get well, with our Urgent Care online check-in. The next time your child experiences an illness or injury, visit our website, answer a few questions, and pick a time that’s convenient for you. We’ll save your spot in line, before you arrive. It’s that easy. A team of skilled providers will then deliver the care your child needs in a comforting environment designed just for kids. To check in, visit NW-Physicians.com. Monday-Saturday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

479-751-2522 3057 Springdale Ave. Springdale, AR 72762

HERE TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR KIDS

DAY AND NIGHT. Because our Urgent Care staff must treat patients based on the severity of illness or injury, your time is not guaranteed. We will see you as close to your designated time as possible. If your child’s symptoms worsen or you believe they are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department as soon as possible. peekaboonwa.com

Whether you need prenatal care, an annual preventive exam, or gynecological screenings, Willow Creek Women’s Clinic is here for you. We also provide family planning and postpartum care as well as gynecological services for adolescents. For more information, visit WillowCreekWomensCare.com, or call 479-777-3632 to ask about same-day appointments.

4301 Greathouse Springs Rd., Suite 100 Johnson, AR 72762 Jan Furniss, M.D. Board-Certified OB/GYN

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DEDICATED TO WOMEN’S UNIQUE NEEDS AT

EVERY STAGE OF LIFE.

Members of the Medical Staff at Willow Creek Women’s Hospital.

From the moment your baby is born through childhood and adolescence, your relationship with a skilled and caring pediatrician is crucial to the health and wellbeing of your child. That’s why it’s so important to find a pediatrician who makes you feel comfortable and confident every step of the way. At our Northwest Physicians practices, we focus on providing preventive care, such as routine checkups, sports and school physicals, immunizations, allergy care, and diagnosis and treatment of childhood illnesses. Ask about our same-day or next-day appointments. To learn more or find a location near you, visit NW-Physicians.com.

WE’RE WITH YOU

EVERY INCH OF THE WAY. Mark Lovell, M.D.

The Children’s Clinic at Har-Ber Meadows 6636 W. Sunset Ave., Suite A Springdale, AR 72762 Mon.-Thur.: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.: 8 a.m.-Noon

479-306-4242

Laurie Anderson, M.D.

April Durham, M.D.

The Children’s Clinic at Springdale 3057 Springdale Ave. Springdale, AR 72762 Mon.-Fri.: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

479-751-2522

Members of the Medical Staff of Northwest Health.

AUGUST 2018

Be Kind. Be Respectful. Be Helpful.

Getting the Kids Back into School Mode

22 26

On the cover: William Shemin, 5, son of Ken and Cait Shemin of Rogers and Tyler Goldstein, son of Gordon and Christina Goldstein of Cave Springs.

by: Steve and Melissa Bosch

by: Curtis Lanning

The Ugly “L” Word... Lice by: Lindsay McNamara

Dad’s View with Ben Lacy

Northwest Health’s Commitment to Northwest Arkansas Continues

30 32 36

Sibling Rivalry: A Natural Part of Family Life

38 40 44 52 60

by: Dwain Hebda

Just Say Yes! by: Julie Grau

Imagination Station: Creativity on the Go by: Melanie Hewins

#IndiaStrong21 by: Carmen Lewis

RootED Northwest Arkansas Make Boredom Great Again by: Brooke Shannon

Homeschooling in NWA by: Cassie Smith

Back to School

Photos by: Lazer Lee Photography lazerleephotography.com

Cover Sponsored by: Northwest Health www.northwesthealth.com 10 August 2018

No matter how small, every EMERGENCY is a

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If you have a story to share, or an idea for a story, email editor@peekaboonwa.com and be a part of the Peekaboo family!

From the Editor

HERE IS A LOOK AHEAD! _____________________________ SEPTEMBER is our annual hometown heroes issue! We want to feature as many local heroes as possible - teachers, doctors, military, police, fire... the list goes on. If you know someone who is a hometown hero, we would love to feature them. Or, if you know of a program that encourages local children to become community heroes, email editor@ peekaboonwa.com

t is BACK -- back to school, that is! Just as we were getting in to the swing of summer, the pendulum shifted back to a time of early wake-ups, packing lunches, routine, homework, and tests. In the same vein, this issue is dedicated to all things back-to-school - from how to get your kids back into the routine of school and how to prevent lice, to the most important thing your child needs before heading back to school, as well as a guide to all of the school choice options across Northwest Arkansas. We are here to make you as “in the know” as the experts. Each month, while searching for the right collection of pieces to share in each issue, it becomes clear that the areas that our kids need protection is vastly growing - noteably the cyber universe. When we had our first daughter, 12 years ago, the idea of digital dangers wasn’t even a thought, and therefore never discussed at our “mommy and me” play dates, or in any of the parenting books I spent my pregnancy reading, studying, and trying to absorb-- all the while hoping it would make me the world’s most prepared expert of a parent. Insert major laugh track here. Oh, if I had only known how parenting is a giant game of one step forward, three steps back, all in the pursuit to “knowing it all.” I recently learned of a pledge to wait until 8th grade to give out smart phones to your kids, and the articles and scientific data behind it made me stop in my tracks.

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So, this summer, instead of adding to our arsenal of electronic distractions, we took them ALL away. Cold turkey. To say that the resistance was intense would be an understatement. To say that the addiction was real would also be a vast understatement. We will always look back on this summer as The Summer Family Boot Camp, and equate it to a mix of military-like schooling and a celebrity’s stint in a paradise rehab. While the accommodations were posh, and there was never any corporal punishment (or even a single pushup) the lessons and life changes we worked to instill were exhausting and exhilarating. I knew that my kids having the phone wasn’t the best option for them, but I also knew how much free time it gave me to work or to get things done around the house. Taking the phones away meant that they had to interact with each other fully in places like the car, or in a waiting room. It wasn’t until they lost their “boredom crutch” did I realize just how difficult it was for them to sit still without poking or irritating one another or compete for each other’s attention without a mindless screen to stare into. The fights between siblings intensified, so we got to work on the root of relationships and the importance of compassion and respect for others. The “I’m bored” phrase was said more times than I can count, so we got to re-introduce classics like ‘tic-tac-toe,’ ‘hang man,’ and ‘I spy.’ Would the summer have been easier if I had kept letting the screen time indulgence slide? A resounding “Yes!” But, like anything in life (especially parenting), the harder it is, the better. The good news is, we survived, and an article on the cell phone pledge is found in this issue. The kids also learned some coping skills, patience, and the ability to be bored that they had forgotten. Are the screens gone for good? Of course not. But, we have re-introduced them back as a privilege, instead of a right, or a necessity to life, as they had seemed to become. From our family to yours... Welcome back to school! Kim Enderle

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Be Kind. Be Respectful. Be Helpful. By: Steve and Melissa Bosch Photos by: Lazer Lee Photography

There is power in adoption. Our experience with adoption has taken a lifetime to unfold, and didn’t come without pain and a few difficult life experiences to get there. We were both previously married, and have 5 children from our first marriages: four boys and one girl. We are a blended family in every sense of the word. We wanted a child of our own, but had been unable to conceive due to previous surgeries. Our hearts were never open to an international adoption, as the expense was always too great for our budget. We also felt strongly that there was a mission field here in our own backyard--here in the United States. In fact, 370 kids are available for adoption in the state of Arkansas. We were shocked by that number, and remember many times thinking that someone should do something about that. Through prayer and our personal studies, we both distinctly remember God saying to us, “YOU should do something about that, not ‘someone else.’” James 1:27 states, “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” We simply followed God’s call in our lives, as individuals, spouses, and as parents. Powerful things happen when believers follow God’s call in their lives. We were introduced to an organization named The CALL, which is an advocacy group that works with the state to open homes for fostering and 14 August 2018

adoption within the state of Arkansas. Through many introductory meetings, training sessions and home visits, our home was opened as a foster/ adoptive home in March of 2017. We didn’t care about color, we didn’t care about race, we didn’t care about background… we just wanted a child, and we wanted that child to be a little girl between the ages of 4 and 8. One of the painful things that Melissa experienced was the dissolution of her first marriage and the silence that remained for several years after the divorce. Through God’s grace, and many prayerful nights, she was able to rekindle a friendship-and even a sisterhood!--with her ex-husband’s new wife (Ila) and, subsequently, her ex-husband (Aaron). Aaron himself adopted Ila’s two young girls, ages 4 and 8. Through Melissa and Ila’s friendship, we were able to bring these little ones into our lives and better understand the challenges that parenting young girls entails. That caused us to re-focus our selfish adoption desires and focus on what God truly wanted for us--specifically, for our family. Then, we saw a 15-year-old boy named Raymond. He was introduced to us through a video that had been filmed by an organization called Project Zero. This non-profit organization exists to bring visibility to children available for adoption in the State of Arkansas. Raymond’s video was posted in June of 2017, and we both separately fell in love with Raymond. We fell in love with his spirit, his smile, his desire to do good, and his willingness to be busy and involved with a lot of things. In his video, he said he wanted his adoptive family to

had been in foster care for 9 years, and had lived in 24 different places. He never once had a family inquire about him. But, through the Project Zero video, 12 families inquired about him. That’s an incredibly powerful statement. After disclosure, we understood his struggles, the reasons he was removed from his home, and what challenges he faced. We decided to continue our pursuit of Raymond with the belief that every child has their problems, whether in foster care or not. We were simply willing to accept him for who he was, and for where he’d been. We met Raymond for the first time in October of 2017. He was quiet, he was humble, and he was excited. Most of all, he was v wanted. He just didn’t know it at the time.

know that he is kind, respectful and that he loves helping people. He had our hearts from the first time we saw the video. We inquired about Raymond, and were selected as his pre-adoptive family in August of 2017. Through the disclosure process, we found that Raymond

Through a series of meetings and weekend visits, Raymond was introduced to our family and all of our children. He was welcomed with open arms. He was loved. He was a part of a family... our family. Raymond moved into our home on December 16, 2017, which officially began his mandatory 6-month waiting period before his adoption could be finalized. During our initial meetings with Raymond, we asked Raymond what he wanted in a family, and out of his life. His biggest immediate desire was to Read On...

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go to a normal high school, where he could play sports, have friends, and drive a car. You see, Raymond had never been on a team. Not once. Everything that normal kids take for granted, Raymond wanted. He started at Bentonville High School as a sophomore in January of 2018. Within the first 15 minutes of being dropped off at school, Melissa got a call from the football coach asking about Raymond and his schedule of classes. Apparently, Raymond found someone that introduced him to the coach, who then reorganized his schedule so he could start football practice. The shy young man we met in October was only beginning to blossom into the outgoing young man he truly was! Raymond then went on to organize his own intramural basketball team with his friend Solomon. He always asked us (and other family members) if we were going to be at his games. We were always there, cheering him on. I remember asking him directly if it was weird for us to be there, or if he was bothered by it. His response was “I WANT you there. I WANT to hear you cheering me on.” That was an easy request to fulfill. So, there we were, in a virtually empty gym, cheering on a kid that had never been cheered on before. It was our honor. Raymond LOVED the life he was living. Raymond also tried out for the Bentonville High School basketball team. He made the sophomore team. He was an athlete at heart. Yet another team he was on… just like he’d wanted. May 13, 2018, was a Mother’s Day just like any other, except that we got to be there with our new son, Raymond. We took family pictures, just like we usually did. We planned to go to the lake, just like we usually did. We settled at our picnic table at Beaver Lake, just like we usually did. We ate sandwiches, just like we usually did. We went swimming, just like we usually did.

Before Raymond went into the water with his brothers, he looked back and his mom and said “I love you,” just like he usually did. She replied back with a quick “I love you too, buddy,” just like she usually did. He stopped, turned around, and said “No…Luv U. That’s L-U-V you… ‘cuz I love you takes too long.” He smiled at her, then went into the water for a swim, just like he usually did. We never saw our son again. He died accidentally while trying to discover how deep the water is in the approved swimming area at Beaver Lake. The grief that fell on our family was deep. It was heavy, and it was hard. Raymond was loved so tremendously. He lost his life so young. We spent the next 4 days working through arrangements and being surrounded by friends, family and sharing memories of Raymond with those that love us and loved Raymond. His funeral was attended by over 600 people. His was the second largest funeral in our large church’s history. His life touched so many people. Our comfort is knowing that Raymond died knowing that he was loved. That he was wanted. That he was chosen. God’s timing is always perfect. We will wait to understand that fully. We may not fully understand that until we see him again in heaven. One night, while playing basketball (a frequent occurrence between Raymond and I), Raymond looked at me and said, “Hey, Dad, you know what? We really don’t have anything to complain about.” I smiled back, and simply agreed. That night, I remember thinking that this came from a child who has had SO much to complain about, but chose not to. He also CHOSE to be kind, to be respectful, and to be helpful. That’s who he was. In tragedies, where we as humans don’t have all of the answers for why it occurred, we search for a legacy. Raymond’s legacy is just that: Be kind, be respectful, be helpful--no complaints. That’s who he was, and who we will all now strive to be. To further preserve Raymond’s legacy, the Raymond Bosch Scholarship Fund has been established through Project Zero. Through his scholarship fund, a child in foster care in Arkansas will be awarded a scholarship, based on whoever best displays the three characteristics that Raymond found important: Be kind. Be helpful. Be respectful. His legacy will live on through us and through our community... just like he’d have wanted. To preserve and finalize his place in our family, we chose to pursue a private adoption that occurred on July 31,

2018. Raymond will forever be a part of our family. He changed our lives, and will always be a part of it.

Raymond’s Eulogy:

Raymond was born on December 20, 2001, in Fairfield, California. He entered foster care on December 12, 2008, just days shy of his 7th birthday. During his time in foster care, he was transitioned 24 times to different homes and facilities. Through his years in foster care, he experienced many helpful mentorship programs that shaped the young man that he was going to become. He learned the values of respect, community service and giving of yourself to others. On December 16, 2017 (just days shy of his 16th birthday) he found his forever home after spending 3,292 days in foster care. For 9 years, he didn’t have a complete family, and he had never been on a team, but his dreams were quickly becoming a reality. Upon moving to Northwest Arkansas, he took full advantage of the opportunities that many take for granted. He made the high school football and basketball teams, attaining something he’d always wanted… to be on a team. He loved his

family. He loved his team. He loved his church. He loved his life. Raymond never took any of it for granted, stating many times that “We really have nothing to complain about.” His smile filled every room he entered and became his signature. “Be kind, be respectful, and be helpful” were the qualities that Raymond lived by. Although for a short time, his dreams did come true. He was loved by many, and will be missed by all.

COMING SOON TO NWA! Let us get under your skin! Things are about to get bigger and better for our patients in Northwest Arkansas! We are bringing new doctors, new treatments, and a brand new facility to the Bella Vista area! Dr. Natalie Steinhoff

Dr. Michael Garone

W E LC O M E S

Robin Hudson, MD and her families

2900 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 370 | Bentonville AR, 72712 479-282-2966

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Getting the kids back into school mode By: Curtis Lanning

ith August officially here, school is right around the corner, and that might mean anxiety for children who have spent the last two months goofing off and going on family vacations.

challenge for children is moving from unstructured time to structured time. Kids in the summer have more flexibility in choosing what they want to do, but school is a routine. She recommends parents establish routines at home where specific tasks have to be completed by a certain time. Another helpful tip, Collet said, is to make purchasing back-to-school supplies an exciting trip. Parents should let their kids pick out a special notebook or pen so they can’t wait to use it in school, according to Collet. When students return in the fall, one thing teachers may have to reverse is ‘summer brain drain.’ Owen said there can be a delay from not being engaged in regular reading and writing activities. “And this isn’t limited to young students--it also applies all the way up through high school,” she said.

Getting children back into school mode may seem to some parents like a heavy task, filled with tears and tantrums, but it doesn’t have to be that way, according to educators. Donna Owen is a curriculum instructor at the Curriculum and Instruction Department at the University of Arkansas. She also oversees the department’s interns at Bayyari Elementary School in Springdale. Owen said children should be gently pushed back into school mode, instead of just trying to do everything the night before class resumes. “That can be a very difficult day,” she said. Children aren’t used to going to bed early and getting up early during the summer, according to Owen. She encourages parents to start establishing firm bedtimes a week or two before school starts. This will help ease children into the school schedule. Vicki S. Collet, an associate professor of childhood education, said another 20 August 2018

Owen said parents can help with this, using small activities through the summer. When running errands, parents can point out signs for their children to read, or sing songs. A particular favorite of Owen’s is writing games. A parent might start a sentence with, “There was a frog,” and ask their kid to make another sentence that rhymes. The child could respond, “Who sat on a log” or “who had a blog.” Little games like that through the summer can keep the minds of children engaged, and combat brain drain. Sometimes teachers (both outgoing and incoming) will send home packets filled with summer work to maintain the mind from June to August, according to Collet. Of course, the packet would do little good if it stays stuck in a backpack or pile of papers somewhere. The childhood education professor said some schools offer summer reading programs with common books to read, and then return to discuss. If a school doesn’t offer one, a local library might.

For teachers, Collet said the biggest challenge in the fall is getting to know their students. They’ll typically spend the first few weeks establishing relationships and learning individual education needs for students. “A lot of assessment, both formal and informal, happens. Teachers are just trying to evaluate and figure out what kids need,” Collet said. Teachers work to establish routines and help students understand the expectations for those routines. Both teachers and parents spend time trying to find the strengths in students so they can reward them, according to Owen. This helps students with whatever readiness level they’re on. Owen said it’s helpful for parents to really applaud their children’s efforts at reading and writing, and to be very complimentary of storytelling. “I think that is really vital to a child’s literacy,” Owen said. So, what should a parent do if they’re just now

reading this article and realizing they haven’t been working their child’s brain over the summer? Don’t panic. Little steps can still help a kid get ready for returning to school. Owen said pointing out signs, new things and reading restaurant menus when going out to eat can all be helpful. “Just noticing print is very, very valuable,” she said. Next, work on rhymes and get the child involved in language. Collet suggests taking kids on one last outing, maybe to the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville, or to Lake Fayetteville or Wedington. Students will take these background experiences back to the classroom. For example, if a child goes to the lake and spends time out in nature, they’re likely to bring that forward in science lessons, according to Collet. Preparing a student to return to the classroom doesn’t have to be hard. Parents can make it fun. And remember, a little activity can go a long, long way.

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THE UGLY “L” WORD... LICE By: Lindsay McNamara

Lice. You’re probably already itching at the mere mention of them. There may be a sudden anxiousness to run and check your children’s hair, while simultaneously wanting to never touch their heads again, afraid of what you might find. Most of our clients have never faced this situation, as either children or parents, and thus have no real idea where to start. Should you begin at Google? If so, who can you trust? There are a million pages out there with various degrees of trustworthiness... and downright horrific advice for how to treat head lice. Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? When it comes to lice, we have seen it all, the mild, the moderate, and the downright heartbreaking. No matter the severity of your situation, here are some things you should know:

#1 HEAD-TO-HEAD CONTACT: This is nearly the only mode of contracting these

22 August 2018

bugs. Due to their anatomy, they cannot jump, fly, or even navigate textiles and fabrics well. They are very quick in human hair; however, because it is their natural environment. They need a human host for survival, and cannot live in any other settings.

#2 OFF THE HEAD - IT’S DEAD: Since survival is always dependent on a food source, these bugs must stay on a host at all times or risk a swift death. They are smart and built for survival. If a bug falls out of the hair, it will likely starve within 24 hours. Using this same principle, focus on removing the bugs and nits from the head and disposing of them, rather than spending time and energy trying to kill them first.

#3 COMBING IS ESSENTIAL: No matter what approach you take--be it smothering techniques (which must saturate for 10+ hours), over-the-counter box kits, or even prescription methods--you always have to comb. The epidemic of improper combing has played a

crucial role in contributing to the era of chemicalresistant bugs that we find ourselves living in. No matter how much they promise, no product is gentle enough to be safe for the hair/scalp and strong enough to kill the eggs (nits), so you have to comb them out before they hatch.

#4 THEY ARE BUGS -- NOT GERMS: You do not need to bleach your house, boil brushes, clean out your dressers, or get your carpets professionally cleaned to get rid of lice. An adult bug is roughly the size of a grain of rice and easily visible to the naked eye once it is outside of the hair. If a bug ends up on your pillow, couch, or hairbrush (which is highly unlikely to begin with), then you will be able to see it, as they are not microscopic. Lint rollers and light vacuuming are sufficient treatment of the home.

#5 IT’S A 2-WEEK CYCLE: It takes a nit roughly one week to hatch into a nymph. It takes a nymph approximately one week to reach full maturity. Many families believe they are in the clear after a week of vigilance, and then land back at square one a couple of weeks later. Often the misconception is that they have

been newly exposed when, in reality, they missed something the first go around, and it took two weeks before symptoms appeared again. The sad reality is that many families spend several hundred dollars attempting to rid themselves of head lice, and still are not successful. We see families in the depths of desperation and give them the education, reassurance, and service they need to move forward from an exasperating and inconvenient situation. If you ever find yourself with head lice and don’t know where to turn, we hope you give us a call and let us alleviate your worries. With over five years experience in our local community, we are always happy to bring families a light at the end of the tunnel, and the tools to know they can conquer lice if they ever face it again in the future. Nits End, LLC is a local Northwest Arkansas mom-owned business where we specialize in just one thing -- lice. Specifically, getting rid of it. In a few simple hours, your whole family can leave our comfortable salon free from these little devil bugs. You can save yourself from weeks of cleaning, combing, checking, stressing, missed work/school, and frustrating arguments with your children. We are committed to seeing your family get free of lice and return to life as previously scheduled!

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HELPING YOUR CHILD WITH AUTISM THRIVE Learning all you can about autism and getting involved in treatment will go a long way toward helping your child. Additionally, the following tips will make daily home life easier for both you and your child with ASD:

Be consistent.

Creating consistency in your child’s environment is the best way to reinforce learning. Find out what your child’s therapists are doing, and continue their techniques at home. Explore the possibility of having therapy take place in more than one place in order to encourage your child to transfer what he or she has learned from one environment to another. It’s also important to be consistent in the way you interact with your child and deal with challenging behaviors.

Stick to a schedule.

Children with ASD tend to do best when they have a highly-structured schedule or routine. Set up a schedule

Create a home safety zone.

Carve out a private space in your home where your child can relax, feel secure, and be safe. This will involve organizing and setting boundaries in ways your child can understand. Visual cues can be helpful (colored tape marking areas that are off-limits, and labeling items in the house with pictures). You may also need to safety-proof the house, particularly if your child is prone to tantrums or other self-injurious behaviors.

Figure out the motivation behind the tantrum.

It’s only natural to feel upset when you are misunderstood or ignored, and it’s no different for children with ASD. When children with ASD act out, it’s often because you’re not picking up on their nonverbal cues. Throwing a tantrum is their way of communicating their frustration and getting your attention.

for your child, with regular times for meals, therapy, school, and bedtime. Try to keep disruptions to this routine to a minimum. If there is an unavoidable schedule change, prepare your child for it in advance.

Reward good behavior.

Positive reinforcement can go a long way with children, so make an effort to “catch them doing something good.” Praise them when they act appropriately or learn a new skill, being very specific about what behavior they’re being praised for. Also, look for other ways to reward them for good behavior, such as giving them a sticker or letting them play with a favorite toy.

Find nonverbal ways to connect.

Connecting with a child with ASD can be challenging, but you don’t need to talk—or even touch—in order to communicate and bond. You communicate by the way you look at your child, by the tone of your voice, your body language – and possibly the way you touch your child. Your child is also communicating with you, even if he or she never speaks. You just need to learn the language. Look for nonverbal cues. If you are observant and aware, you can learn to pick up on the nonverbal cues that children with ASD use to communicate. Pay attention to the kinds of sounds they make, their facial expressions, and the gestures they use when they’re tired, hungry, or want something.

Figure out ways to have fun together by thinking about the things that make your child smile, laugh, and come out of her/his shell. Your child is likely to enjoy these activities most if they don’t seem therapeutic or educational. There are tremendous benefits that result from your enjoyment of your child’s company, and from your child’s enjoyment of spending unpressured time with you. Play is an essential part of learning for all children, and shouldn’t feel like work.

For more information on helping your child with autism thrive, or to inquire about the services provided by Absolute Pediatric Therapy, contact LaDonna Humphrey at 479-250-4355 or ladonna@absolutepediatrics.com

24 August 2018

Absolute Pediatric Therapy recently celebrated our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY.

One year ago, Absolute Pediatric Therapy set out on a mission to prove that quality, ethical and accessible therapeutic treatment was possible. Over the past year, APT has established Speech, Occupational, Physical Therapy, Early Interventions, Mental Health Counseling, Play Therapy, and full Psychological Testing, and Evaluation services. In one year, we have offered services to over 600 families and over 1,000 hours of therapeutic services to children... our APT superheroes each week. By definition, superheroes are larger than life, courageous, powerful, and seemingly able to overcome any obstacle with great physical prowess while doing great deeds at the same time! And that is exactly how we see each child at APT. In the past year, we have watched children, such as Leighton Harper make amazing progress while receiving services from APT. As an infant, Leighton underwent a heart transplant. He was deemed as "failure to thrive." Leighton was said to be incapable of "intelligible or meaningful speech." Unwilling to compromise quality care, Leighton's mom, Laine Virtue Harper, and family have been seeking quality services for Leighton for several years. Leighton's family went through at least FOUR other providers before finding Absolute. In his short 9 years of life, he has proven to be a fighter. Against all odds, and the nay-sayers who doubted his ability to succeed, Leighton continues to make amazing progress. Recently, Leighton began to say the words "more spin" -- absolutely amazing! Leighton is a true Superhero!

If you would like more information about Absolute Pediatric Therapy Contact LaDonna Humphrey at 479-250-4355 or at ladonna@absolutepediatrics.com

Absolute Pediatric Therapy | 2713 SE I Street #5 | Bentonville, Arkansas | (479) 250-4355

www.absolutepediatrics.com

If you have a child, or children, or lots of children, there is a strong possibility that, at some point in time, you will end up being the non-favorite parent. If you’re not the fave, it hurts--bad. Super really awful bad. Like, worse than stubbing your big toe on a door, while getting a wicked migraine, while slamming your funny bone into a metal pole, while dipping a fresh paper cut into a jar of pickles, while getting a double root canal, while watching the latest Star Wars movie (sorry, gotta geek out for a minute – fellow geeks feel me; the new movies are rubbish). Now, I’m not talking about the lack of interest from offspring when taking on the parental role of “punisher” or “rule-enforcer;” that job comes with a certain balancing of respect, fear, love and hate. Nope, the non-favorite feeling is one of almost... repulsion. You and your kid are like two opposite

26 August 2018

magnets that can’t ever quite get together. Or, to give a better visual, a condition not too dissimilar to the son-in-law/mother-in-law dynamic. Meaning, no matter what you do, even if you cure cancer, while ending world poverty, while winning the lottery, you’re clearly not moving up the charts to #1. Also, we’re not talking about deep-seated hatred due to malicious acts, like continuously unplugging the Xbox to “coax” a child into going to bed, or changing the Netflix password during finals, or “accidentally” adjusting the passcode on your daughter’s iPhone. Nope, nothing dastardly like that. What we’re talking about is just an “unconscious uncoupling” (thank you, Gwyneth and Chris, for the verbiage, but, good God, why would you name your kid Apple?) Sometimes, one of your offspring just isn’t into you. Sometimes, it can last

a week, sometimes a month, sometimes a year, or sometimes over a decade. But, all the time, it hurts. I used to think that this was a mother/son situation, until my niece’s 2-year-old came to visit and avoided her like the plague in favor of me – someone who was basically a stranger. There’s no rhyme or reason to it; it’s one of those things that just happens. It’s not a lack of love; it’s a lack of ‘like.’ Something similar to what my favorite coach Herm Edwards used to say to his football players: “I love you all the same; I just like you differently.” Obviously, since I’m writing about this, then you know I’ve held the title of “non-favorite parent.” When you hold this designation it is no fun--zero fun, like watching endless Aflac commercials with an overly chatty Walmart greeter that is hard of hearing. But, good news! If you can hold out, weather the storm, make it through, insert another cliché here, then the reward is completely worth the wait. Case in point: despite all my efforts to cuddle, to coach, to coerce, to compliment, and to pretty much bribe one of my kids, the tot has always had very little to do with me. It started out young... like, really young. No interest in the obligatory ‘baby napping on Dad’s chest’ picture. Lots of clinging to Mom’s leg when I was around,

with a terrified look on their face that made you think this kid envisioned me as a T-Rex wearing a clown’s mask with a great white shark on its back. Scary stuff, man. However, after hanging in there for over a decade, I finally broke the ice, and moved up the charts. Okay, maybe I’m still not #1, but at least #1A (and that’s the way it should be; not looking to dethrone the queen, a fella could get beheaded for something like that). I’ll take it! And I ain’t gonna lie; it is freaking awesome. Like, better than beating that super cocky team you truly despise, while finally catching a brown trout while eating Braum’s Cookies and Cream Ice Cream, while watching the sunset over the ocean. Yeah, I know you can’t do all those things at the same time, but, man, it would be cool. So, don’t lose your cool, give up on yourself, or give up on the kid that thinks you aren’t so cool; and definitely don’t feel they don’t love you--they really do. There will be a time when you become Avatar boldly moving past Titanic as the new #1 in town. Actually, that is a really terrible reference, please forgive me. Seriously though, as Paul advised us all, remember, love is patient.

Enroll Now!

Come visit our new home! 902 SW 2ND ST. BENTONVILLE, AR, 72712 • 479.464.5084 Enroll now and learn more: www.triketheatre.org

Northwest Health’s Committment to Northwest Arkansas Continues

orthwest Health touched more than 531,000 lives over the past year, positively impacting the well-being of Northwest Arkansas and fulfilling its commitment to serve the healthcare needs of the area. In 2017, the hospital network had more than 395,000 outpatient and clinic visits, more than 90,000 ER visits, admitted more than 16,000 patients, performed more than 28,000 surgeries and delivered more than 2,900 babies. “Northwest Arkansas can count on Northwest Health for the healthcare services they need,” said Denten Park, market chief executive officer of Northwest Health. “Our top priority is to provide every patient with quality, personalized care.” These high standards have been recognized by national accrediting bodies and respected agencies, including The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval, American College of Cardiology, Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, and Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. Additionally, patients can access more specialty services close to home than ever before through Northwest Health’s membership in the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Northwest Health doctors can consult directly with Mayo specialists on their patients’ behalf whenever they feel it will benefit their care, at no additional cost to the patient. Northwest Health doctors can combine their understanding of their patients’ unique medical needs with Mayo Clinic expertise so that patients get exactly the care they need. Patients experience the confidence of being able to access world-leading medical expertise through their trusted local doctor.

28 August 2018

To support and enhance services, Northwest Health has continued adding equipment to support the delivery of new service lines and surgical services. Northwest Health invested $3.7 million to expand the behavioral health unit, adding 18 adult behavioral health beds for acute care to the existing 29 beds. Sixty-one new physicians and mid-level providers have come to the community over the past year, including interventional and non-invasive cardiology, obstetrics/gynecology, family practice and plastic surgery. Currently there are 540 providers on the system’s medical staff. As Northwest Health continuously evaluates how to best respond to patient needs, it also gives back to Northwest Arkansas. In the last year, Northwest Health provided more than $51.4 million in charity and uncompensated care to the area’s most in-need residents. The hospital also leaves a sizable footprint of $6.3 million in property and sales taxes, which in turn fund civic resources and services. Northwest Health also enjoyed working with a number of local non-profit and community organizations over the last year, including American Heart Association, March of Dimes, University of Arkansas Razorbacks, Jackson L. Graves Foundation, and the local chambers of commerce. Additionally, Northwest Health has provided community health screenings, and has active volunteer, Senior Circle and Healthy Community programs. “All of this is possible through the skills and dedication of our employees, medical staff and volunteers,” said Park. “We thank them for their unwavering commitment, which gives us a strong foundation for continued success.”

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

• School Assemblies & Workshops • Special Events & Camps • Corporate/Non-Profit Presentations • Awesome Party Concept

EDUCATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL AGES! www.super-sci.com • 479-444-0303

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Sibling rivalry a natural part of family life

By: Dwain Hebda

very parent would love to see their children become best buddies, but even the most loving families can experience sibling rivalry. Experts say such tendencies aren’t just common--they’re practically inevitable. “I think it’s just part of life to fight within any relationship we have,” said Massiel Bradberry, licensed professional counselor with Chenal Family Therapy in Bentonville. “When you have two people with different personalities, different needs and different interests, especially two people who have to live together and have to share a lot of resources and things at home together, it’s just natural that it happens.” Sibling rivalry is commonly defined as competition or animosity among siblings, blood-related or not. Most children swing back and forth between liking and disliking a sibling (or several siblings) during their formative years, and this generally evens out over time. But, in more serious cases, the rivalry can escalate to disrupt normal everyday functions, requiring professional help to mediate. According to KidsHealth.com, there is no single prevailing cause for squabbling among siblings; something as innocuous as a younger sibling grabbing the toy of another can set off a fight, as can perceived injustices and unequal treatment during adolescence. In blended families, it is common to feel additional pressures as children learn to “share” their birth parent with their new “inherited” family members. “When you see a lot of [rivalry] issues at home, you should pay attention to what’s happening in general in the family,” Bradberry said. “There is always something that is triggering those behaviors at home, and they are often not as obvious. We have to remember, children cannot express themselves like adults can, and they cannot identify what’s going on within themselves.” 30 August 2018

“When we see one of the kids starting to be angry more often, or wanting to isolate, we really have to pay attention to what’s going on at home, and how it may be manifesting.” According to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan, feelings turn to fighting when a child lacks the emotional maturity to communicate in more appropriate ways. Or, they may not understand how to gain a parent or sibling’s attention through positive means, and therefore pick fights to gain the spotlight, albeit a negative one. And, in a surprising number of cases, kids fight because they are hungry, tired or just plain bored, with no deeper motivation whatsoever. As hazy as the impetus for sibling rivalry may be, certain elements are consistently effective in minimizing the effects of these feelings, and, by extension, the behaviors that follow. “What you do want to do at home is make sure, first of all, that you’re spending quality time with your family together as a group, doing activities that foster both bonding time and just getting to know each other,” Bradberry said. “You also want to make sure that you are giving attention to each child’s needs, and paying attention to their individual interests. When parents spend time as a family, and also with individual children, that helps the overall dynamic at home.” Being invested in your child’s life doesn’t mean smothering, however. The art of parenting is knowing when to step in, and when to let go, and that definitely applies to sibling rivalry. “Sometimes, we just have to respect the child’s space,” Bradberry said. “Sometimes they don’t want to play with the little brother or the little sister; they just want to be by themselves. So, really pay attention to who they are as an individual, and then attend to those needs.”

Here are a few suggestions for coping with sibling rivalries in your own family.

YOU CAN’T HURRY LOVE As much as you may want your little angels to love one another, it’s not a relationship you can make happen by sheer will. “We definitely don’t want to force this relationship, which is something that I’ve seen parents try to do, “ Bradberry said. “Like any relationship in life, if you try to force something, it usually doesn’t work out.” KNOW WHAT’S NORMAL Individual bickering or isolated tiffs between siblings don’t represent a major problem in and of themselves. Instead, look for a pattern of behavior over time, particularly one that is escalating. Counseling provides a safe space for everyone to be heard, and can help decipher the root problems from the surface behavior. SET GROUND RULES EARLY, CLEARLY One of the more common flashpoints for sibling issues is perceived inequality of treatment under house rules. Defining those rules clearly and succinctly can go a long way toward countering these feelings. “It is always beneficial--and really

important--that parents have consistency, and communication is clear,” Bradberry said. “We have rules at home. We want to make sure the children know who they are in a very clear way.” ENFORCE CONSISTENTLY When rules are violated, make a concerted effort to hand out corrective action consistently. “If we have consequences, then we want to make sure that those consequences are delivered every time the behavior is presented, and that we are being consistent with whatever that consequence may be,” Bradberry said. SHARE THE SPOTLIGHT One strategy comes at the issue from the entirely opposite direction; that is, lavishing attention on one child over the others, but in a prescribed, controlled manner. “Sometimes, I recommend parents come up with a schedule where each child has a night of the week,” Bradberry said. “Like, Friday is Collin’s night, and he’ll pick out a movie we’re going to watch, and we’re going to do things that he wants to do. And then, next Friday, it’s Sarah’s turn.”

By: Julie Grau When my daughter entered kindergarten, I swore I was not going to be one of “those moms.” You know, the one that joins PTO and spends all her time and energy volunteering for school events. I imagined the parents involved in PTO to be somewhere between those self-righteous “Harper Valley PTA” song parents, or the Martha Stewart wannabes and judgmental control freaks made recently famous by “Bad Moms” or “American Housewife.” However, just like all the other “I will never” statements that came to pass once I became a parent, I soon found myself knee-deep in school activities. And I couldn’t have been more wrong about PTO. That first fall, I started small by helping the teacher with “Tuesday Folders” (this is the folder sent home weekly, full of papers and flyers). Being at the school every Tuesday introduced me to how much parents did for the school. Soon, I was helping with simple craft projects at school parties and attending field trips. I knew all my child’s classmates by name, and was greeted with hugs and stories every time I entered the room. By spring, I was helping PTO set up for the Spring Art Auction, and was in charge of decorating for Teacher Appreciation Week. By then, I knew many of the teachers and staff by name, and they knew my child. Additionally, I found the parents I worked alongside to be kind, generous, funny, and truly committed to making the school a great place for our children to learn. I looked forward to the years to come, turning these parents into

friends. It couldn’t have been a better introduction to volunteering at the school, and being a part of PTO. However, due to school rezoning, we had to switch schools for first grade. I was sure that the new school and new parents could not possibly be as wonderful as the last. I once again began making a list of “I will never” statements, and made plans to fill my days as a stay-at-home parent with a parttime job. Then, my child asked me to do Tuesday Folders, adding, “I like seeing you at school, and you can meet all my new friends!” And that, my friends, is when I was reeled in... hook, line, and sinker. When I attended the first PTO meeting at Thomas Jefferson Elementary (TJE), I learned they needed a treasurer, and I felt my hand going up to volunteer. And yes, my husband freaked out a little... but he is used to me by now. It turns out that that was one of the best volunteer decisions I have ever made. The school and teachers turned out to be a perfect fit for my child, and being involved in PTO made the transition much easier. Sure, as with any other group, everyone has their own ideas, their own values, and their own motives for being there. Finding a balance between keeping things simple and going Pinterestcrazy can be tricky, but do-able. It takes time to navigate the personalities of both volunteers and school administration--because, after all, we are all human. But, at the end of the day, everyone wants what is best for the students and the school and that is why I have found it to be well worth the effort. The payoff is seeing a project coming

to fruition, children bursting with excitement, and staff appreciating your efforts. The bonus is the new friendships forged in the process of doing the hard work. I am now entering my second year as the PTO President at TJE. I believe that helping at the school is a great way to give back to my community. School may not seem as important as volunteering to help other causes, but there aren’t many nonprofits that allow me to meet the needs of both children and adults, including my own child. I am part of the team creating a positive and nurturing school environment by funding library books, classroom supplies, STEAM activities, playground equipment, etc. I am able to connect with my child’s teachers and school staff on a more personal level through teacher appreciation activities and other school programs. I have gotten to know many families I would not have met otherwise, which has generated lasting friendships for myself and my daughter. And, perhaps most importantly, it has strengthened my relationship with my child when she is at an age where she is starting to value friends over family. She knows I value education and her school enough to give of my time. Plus, I get to see her school days first-hand: what she is studying; who her friends are; and even how her teachers practice Conscious Discipline.

Such knowledge helps me know how to respond appropriately to friendship or academic issues, and where to go for support. I recognize that many parents don’t have the time during the day to help at school, but most schools have evening, weekend, or at-home opportunities as well. As you begin the new school year, please consider supporting the PTO/PTA or other parent volunteer group. Don’t wait to be asked! Just show up with a great attitude and ask to be put to work. Whether you drop off bottles of soda for a teacher appreciation event, read books in the classroom, attend Spirit Night at a local restaurant, cut out Box Tops from home, work at a fundraising event, or write a check to support activities, it takes all types of volunteers to make a school great. Plus, your child will know that you value school and believe it is worth going the extra mile to support it.

P.S. If you are a parent organization

leader, take a moment to evaluate how you welcome new members and create various volunteer opportunities. By making parents feel connected to the group and valued by leadership, they will say “yes” more often!

Over 10 years of experience serving families in NWA Nationally Registered Play Therapist EMDR and Theraplay Trained

3102 SE J St., Bentonville, AR Evening Hours Available CONTACT US

www.Necessary-Play.com | phone: 479-530-3514 | email: alexis@necessary-play.com

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august Marco’s Pizza Making Tours August 6 | 11am-1pm Marco’s Pizza (Bentonville) Learn about the Gianmarco family pizza dough process. Kiddos get to make their own small personal pizza’s while learning dough stretching, saucing, and topping techniques. Tons of Fun for the whole family!! Limited space - call ahead.

Teddy Bear Clinic and Open House August 7 | 3-4:30 and 4:30-6 Best Start Pediatric Clinic 5203 Willow Creek Dr #2, Johnson Meet the doctors and staff of Best Start Pediatric Clinic in their new location! Bring your favorite teddy bear for their own checkup, where your child gets to be involved in the process!

Police National Night Out August 7 |6-10pm Murphy Park, Springdale Springdale Police will once again participate in the national movement of connecting police departments with their communities, National Night Out. There will be all kind of things for the kids to do, and the pool will be open from 6pm-8pm to swim free!

114th Annual Benton Co Fair August 7th thru 11th Benton Co Fairgrounds 7640 SW Regional Airport Blvd Bentonville Cost: Free Admission, $25 armbands, $3-4 rides.

Library Story Times: Bentonville Public Library: bentonvillelibrary.org

Tontitown Grape Festival August 8th E Henri De Tonti Blvd Springdale FREE Parking • FREE Admission • FREE Live Entertainment • Grape Ice Cream • Spaghetti Dinners • Carnival Rides • Grape Stomp • Arts & Crafts

Preschool Playdate August 9 | 11:30am Crystal Bridges Enjoy art projects, storytime, and creative play inspired by the temporary exhibition The Beyond: Georgia O’Keeffe & Contemporary Art. Playdate begins with an 11:30am performance in the Great Hall.

Conservation Day August 10 | 9-12 and 4-7pm Compton Gardens, Bentonville Join us for Conservation Day at Compton Gardens to celebrate national conservation efforts made by Dr. Neil Compton, the hero of the Buffalo River! This is a FREE, family event. There will be food trucks, live music, garden tours & family-friendly activities.

Mother Nature Reading Time August 11 | 10:30am Hobbs State Park Mother Nature herself has become a permanent fixture at Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area. Every 2nd Saturday at 10:30am she visits the park to excite the imaginations of all the children around her. Theme: Caterpillar to Butterfly Story time will be followed by “hands-on” nature-craft activities. Children of all ages are welcome; however, most stories will target children 3-6 years of age. Free. Meet Mother Nature in the lobby of the Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area.

Fayetteville Public Library: faylib.org Springdale Public Library: springdalelibrary.org Rogers Public Library: rogerspubliclibrary.org Siloam Springs Library: siloamsprings.com 34 August 2018

History Craft Day August 12 | 2-4pm Historic Cane Hill at the old Drug Store 14389 S. Hwy 45 Canehill, AR

History Craft Day: Pottery Cane Hill is a very historic little community, and the site of a Civil War battle between Prairie Grove & Lincoln off Hwy 59.

In the Park Summer Series August 16 | 6-7:30pm Lawrench Plaza Join Bentonville Parks & Recreation for fun in the park this summer! Each week, we bring you a fun, free, family activity!

A Gatsby Party August 17 |6pm Brick Ballroom, Siloam Springs Save the date for the 13th Annual Community Clinic Siloam Springs Gala - A Gatsby Party! Join us to celebrate in classic 20’s style! Dinner, dancing, drinks, music, live and silent auctions, and much more! Free Kids Zone In Store Event at JCPenney

Color Your Own Pencil Pouch August 18 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Pinnacle Hills Promenade 2202 Fun project just for kids. Just for parents, an extra 10% off coupon!

Washington County Fair August 21 -25 | Washington County Fairgrounds The largest county fair in Arkansas returns to Fayetteville, AR. A new and exciting midway, great food, petting zoo, American Lumberjack Show, 4-wheeler rodeo, LJ Jenkins Bull Riding tour, exhibits, and animals. Admission is $5, parking is free.

In the Park Summer Series August 23 | 6-7:30pm Lawrench Plaza Super Science - Science in the Park. Join Bentonville Parks & Recreation for fun in the park this summer! Each week, we bring you a fun, free, family activity!

Hydrafacial Signature event

August 24 | 11-3pm Northwest Arkansas Center for Plastic Surgery Enjoy the experience and delight in the results of a hyrdrafacial at NWA Center for Plastic Surgery. Event-only pricing, door prizes, refreshments and live demos. RSVP at Eventbrite.com under “HydraFacial Experience.”

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love a good dream, don’t you? For years, I have dreamed about how my husband, Kenny, and I could combine our gifts and talents into a ministry that is as unique as we are. Kenny and I have often talked about adding an art bus to Imagine Studios. At the end of 2017, Kenny made a decision to leave full-time ministry. We have served together in four churches for over 20 years. Even though he’s no longer on a church staff, we feel that God is still calling us into a different kind of service, specific to NWA. Over the past few months, God has been tugging on my heart to find a new way to use my gifts of teaching and creativity, and Kenny’s heart for missions along with his ministry experience, to do more. He has provided a vision for us to start a non-profit art bus so we can use our love for people to bring art into the community in a big way. So... in May, we bought a bus! We’ve pulled out all of the seats (much harder than we thought), had an air conditioner installed, and now we’re converting the interior and exterior into an “art studio on the go.” We’re putting in new flooring, adding tables and stools and everything needed for creating all kinds of art. The exterior will be a work in progress of murals by Imagine Studios artists (including some of our kiddos, too). How will our non-profit work? The bus will be available for school field trips, community events, festivals, neighborhood parties, and more. For these services, we’ll charge a fee. A portion of these fees will go towards our monthly mission projects: these include providing art programs to other non-

profits locally, like the NWA Children’s Shelter, and a once a year we’re going to go big and travel with the bus to an urban or rural school that can’t provide art instruction, to a church VBS program, or to wherever God leads us and our team. But what are we all about? Check out our underlying philosophies and values: We care about people, and we know art helps with building relationships and connecting with other humans.

We believe in the value of creative expression: among other things, art boosts self-esteem, increases empathy, tolerance, and feelings of love. We are passionate about education, and art has been proven to increase academic performance. We believe art is good for the soul--the very act of creating brings a sense of peace and well-being. Want to help make this happen? We’re ready to book the bus for your school, daycare, girl’s night out, or birthday party. When you use our services, you’ll be helping us provide art to our mission of the month. You can volunteer on the bus as an art helper. You can help donate to our monthly mission work. You can serve on our board in a role, such as school liason. You can also join us for upcoming fundraisers or donate to our GoFundMe as we finish up the renovation of our bus. We’d be so grateful if you would join us on this new journey! Follow us on Facebook to see our progress. You can also check out our website at www.imaginationstatioinnwa.com and even sign up for our newsletter. Imagination Station will be ready to roll by Labor Day.

#IndiaStrong21 by: Carmen Lewis

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It all comes back to India being the person she is -you just have to love her.

}

transported her to St. Johns in Tulsa, where we have been ever since. The whole time, we were .all thinking, “This should not happen to a 36-yearold.” She is now receiving radiation at Oklahoma Cancer Resource Institute, and everyone there has been amazing with her. It all comes back to India being the person she is--you just have to love her. She has smiles for everyone, and makes every situation positive. She even calls the center her “club!”

n June 12, 2018, our world was turned upside down. That was the day when the doctor told us that our daughter, India Amber Lewis, had stage 4 breast cancer that had spread through her body, along with a blood clot in her lung. India had been coughing a lot, and experienced a lot of back pain, so she went to a clinic in Jay, OK. The doctor never came into see her, and instead asked a nurse to relay a message. He told her to go to Walmart and get over-the-counter medication for what he thought sounded like bronchitis. Four days later, her symptoms were coming on even more severely. Her dad took her to Urgent Care in Siloam, and they recommended we get a CT Scan. That night, she was coughing so badly that she couldn’t even talk. She had shortness of breath, and the pain was so bad that we took her to the ER in Tahlequah, OK. They did an MRI and CT scan and told us she had cancer--not only in her breast but throughout her body. They also said she had fluid on the lungs and a blood clot. They then

38 August 2018

She has been given radiation in her spine. Several of her vertebrates have collapsed, so the goal now is to build them up with injections, then do radiation on her brain and start chemo. Luckily, India has a tremendous amount of family, friends, and strangers praying for her and supporting her, and that means the world to us. This is a journey where everyone is needed. India can do this--she is the strongest person I know. If you could see the pain, the situations she has been through... the strongest of men would have a hard time dealing with it. It’s not surprising to anyone that knows her, however. I could tell you all kinds of stats from junior high, high school, and even college. Everyone knows what kind of athlete she was... in all sports. In high school, she earned such accolades as Arkansas Player of the Year, Miss Basketball, Gatorade Player of the Year, and the list goes on. Playing basketball for the Arkansas Ladybacks was one of the best times she had in her basketball career. She even got an opportunity to play pro ball overseas for Amsterdam, and Sweden. During these experiences, she trained to be mentally and physically tough. The doctor said that being such a strong athlete was probably why she ignored the symptoms that something was wrong.

Young athletes need to realize that, if something does not feel normal, don’t wait to get it checked out. Women athletes get hit in the breast all the time. No matter what age you are, if you feel any sort of lump, you need to get it checked out. It is always better to be safe than to have to fight for your life. I beat myself up every day for not seeing the signs that something just wasn’t right. After all, when I had my stroke three years ago, she wouldn’t let me quit, and Lord knows I wanted to. Today, my well-being is mainly due to her and the rest of the family. In that vein, no one knows more than our family that nothing is impossible. With the help of everyone, she will not let this illness called cancer get the best of her, or us. We will fight this battle like no other, and she will win. We will pray, and put our faith in God for a miracle. This will happen! Our support from the community has been overwhelming, with so many fundraisers that are helping us give her our total attention. I cannot express our gratitude to everyone that is supporting India and the family. We could never thank everyone, or let them know how we appreciate it all. As our baseball family says, “We are Siloam, and we love everyone in it.” Keep the prayers coming... she can feel them. Pig Trail Clothing has designed a tee that, when sold, will send 100% of proceeds to the India Lewis Go Fund Me page. To purchase and support this cause, find the shirts at pigtrailclothing.com

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Working to minimize symptoms of: Infancy: Trouble sleeping through the night Milestone developmental delays Difficulty latching Colic Ear infections Digestive and bowel issues Pregnancy: Sleeping discomfort Baby positioned poorly in utero Malnutrition Back pain Digestive complaints Carpal tunnel Plantar fasciitis Headaches

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RootED NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Education Partners: Helping families make the best possible school choice If you find yourself anxious for your child to start the upcoming school year, hoping that it’s better than the last, you are not alone. While parents or guardians might hope the next school can be a solution, there is an important matter they might not consider when it comes to their children’s upcoming school year: “Should we look into finding a learning environment that fits our child’s needs?” Northwest Arkansas is rich with K-12 educational opportunities but, many parents or guardians are not aware of the educational options available to their family. Where one child might do well in their assigned school zone, another might struggle, despite receiving the same instruction and opportunities as others. Any parent who has received countless emails from their child’s teacher, or been called in for multiple conferences can tell you – sometimes, no amount of effort on either the teacher’s or the child’s part will produce good results. Ultimately, a child’s educational success is realized by finding the school that is best for him or her.

Choosing the School That Is Best for Your Child “Don’t I have to enroll my child in our designated school zone?” parents may ask. Many may be surprised to discover that parents actually have a choice when it comes to their child’s education. Yet, with over 15 public school districts in Northwest Arkansas and 25 private, charter, and independent schools, how does a parent even know where to begin? Judith Yáñez, a former public school educator who observed that many parents feel helpless with their child’s education, recognized the need in our community for educational advocacy. In response, she founded RootED NWA, an organization dedicated to bringing awareness of educational options that are available to families of Northwest Arkansas. Working closely with under-resourced families of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, RootED NWA helps parents identify their child’s unique educational requirements. Staff

and volunteers work with parents to help them become more confident advocates for their child’s education, identify educational goals, and choose a learning environment that best meets a child’s needs.

While it is ultimately a parent’s decision as to where their child should attend school, RootED NWA is able to provide valuable information to help families navigate the rich educational opportunities available in Northwest Arkansas.

RootED NWA believes that parents are the primary teachers of their children, and understands the frustration parents face when their child’s educational needs are not being met. These frustrations increase when cultural or language barriers inhibit parents from communicating their concerns with educators. RootED NWA offers assistance in English, Spanish, and Marshallese, thereby expanding educational assistance and opportunities to a diverse community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION visit their website at http://www.rootednwa.org or call (479) 236-6947. Find out how RootED NWA can help you choose the best possible educational opportunity for your child!

“In my family, parents and immediate family members are the first

teachers of a child installing a forever love of learning as done by centuries of ancestors. As the child enters the formal educational system it is vital that school teachers and administrators are part of the parents’ efforts to educate the child in a mutually respectful manner and process. School choice allows parents to identify the best educational options for their child in a safe and respectful process where the cultural and ethical tapestry is embraced.”

- Mariam Wade

WE BELIEVE WE BELIEVE EVERY CHILD EVERY CHILD IS IS

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† Zachary is a 2016 K12 student in Washington, D.C. and his statement reflects his experience at his s Zachary is a 2016 K12 student in Washington, D.C. and his statement reflects his experience at his school. Families do not pay tuition for a student to attend an online public school. Common household Families do not pay tuition a student attend online public school. Common items and officefor supplies like to printer inkan and paper are not provided. Ourhousehold enrollment consultant can h and office supplies like printer ink and paper are not provided. Our enrollment consultant can help address your technological and computer questions and needs. address your technological and computer questions and needs. †

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* Do you have a K-12 school not on the list? E-mail judith@rootednwa.org

NWA Classical Academy TUITION-FREE, OPEN ENROLLMENT PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy provides the most time-tested methods of educating students. We are committed to providing our future leaders with a college-preparatory education focused on the Classical Liberal Arts. NWA Classical Academy will promote a rigorous academic program, including Honors and AP Courses, that fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, virtuous character building, and a lifelong passion for learning.

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By: Brooke Shannon The whistle blows to kick off my daughter’s soccer game, and a family sits down next to me with two young children. The dad places two iPads into his kids’ small hands, and they suddenly are hypnotized, oblivious to the sun shining, wind blowing, and their sister and her teammates storming down the field. Their young faces show no sign of boredom. In the era of the smart phone and tablet, boredom is facing an extinction-level moment. And that’s not a good thing, especially for our children. Academic studies show that boredom stimulates young, developing minds. It forces kids to create. It pushes them to explore... and it can even help promote a child’s sense of purpose. As University of Louisville researcher Andreas Elpidorou noted in his 2014 study, The Bright Side of Boredom, “boredom motivates the pursuit of a new goal when the current goal ceases to be satisfactory, attractive, or meaningful. Boredom helps to restore the perception that one’s activities are meaningful or significant.” Unfortunately, the increasing ubiquity of screens is diminishing opportunities for children’s brains to wander, create, and imagine. From carpools to the classroom, to big sister’s sporting events to the dinner table, screens are destroying boredom. Why would a six-year-old stare out the car window, 44 August 2018

or talk to a friend on the way to school, when the latest episode of Paw Patrol is on? If a three-yearold can play a game on a tablet, why would he watch his big brother’s soccer game? Many waiting rooms have become quieter, and some dinner tables have gone silent. But at what cost? Too much screen time – and not enough boredom – can lead to poor social skills, shorter attention spans, and a need for instant gratification. How many future inventors will be lost without experiencing boredom? Where will the great orators and writers of this generation come from, if imagination is not nurtured today?

Friends, it is time to make boredom great again. I have three real-world suggestions to do just that. These are practices we have begun in our own family to protect the endangered emotion of boredom.

Eliminate tablets from the ordinary. Daily 1.activities like grocery shopping, carpool, and doctor appointments are a good place to put the kibosh on screens. Nix TV shows in the car, and save them for long road trips. Ask your tyke to help at the store, instead of handing her your smart phone. Encourage your children to watch their sister’s soccer game, or just daydream, instead of

bringing the iPad to the field. Permit quietness and restlessness as you wait for the doctor, instead of game playing or social media surfing.

your home a low-screen zone. Set some 2.techMake boundaries within the home. Limit devices

to shared spaces like kitchens and family rooms, and avoid screens in bedrooms. Establish a station to check in phones and tablets. Keep devices away from all family meal times. Open up time for minds to wander by designating hours that will be screen-free. Most important, inspire imagination instead of entertainment by strategically placing creative outlets throughout your home with arts, crafts, musical instruments, puzzles, board games, and small toys for imaginative play.

the smart phone for your children. Putting 3.anDelay iPhone in a kid’s pocket is the ultimate boredom

killer. Smart phones are distracting and addictive, yet are becoming widespread in many elementary and middle schools. They zap any moment for a child’s mind to daydream, and can cause him to miss amazing boredom moments that can lead to a new friendship, skill, or adventure. Peer pressure is the main reason many parents are giving kids smart phones at a young age – they, understandably, don’t want their son or daughter to feel socially isolated or left behind. To reduce

this pressure and empower parents to make the right choice for their own family, several friends and I started the Wait Until 8th pledge in Austin, and it has spread quickly across the country. We like to say, “Childhood is too short to waste on a smart phone,” and are pledging together to delay giving our kids smart phones until at least their last year of middle school. Of course, the toughest part of making boredom great again involves us parents. Our kids watch what we do, not what we say. Count me a guilty party when it comes to managing my own screen time and boredom. But, I am ready to do better, and hope you are too. Let’s re-embrace boredom and pass it on to the next generation. Their futures depend on it. Brooke Shannon lives in Austin with her husband and three daughters. She is the founder of the Wait Until 8th pledge. The pledge empowers parents to delay the smart phone for their children until at least 8th grade. Join more than 11,000 parents in saying ‘yes’ to waiting on the smart phone by pledging today. Never miss a ‘Wait Until 8th’ blog post!

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The Most Important Thing Your Child Needs for School, But Is Not on Their Supply List

By Alexis Necessary

owner and therapist at Necessary Play Nationally Registered Play Therapist, Theraplay Trained, and EMDR Trained

This month, we will send our kids back to school. For many kids, this will be exciting, as they look forward to seeing their friends and teachers. However, lots of kids feel an increase in worries, stress, and even dread as the start of school approaches. As a mental health counselor and play therapist, I work with families on preparing their child for the start of school, and helping them work through the emotions that come up. I believe one of the most helpful things a parent can learn is how to support and grow their child’s “Window of Tolerance.” You won’t see it on their ‘back to school supply list’, but, trust me, they can’t learn without it. The “Window of Tolerance” was coined by Dr. Dan Siegel, and is part of the polyvagal theory. It is now commonly used when working with children, as a learning tool, parenting tool, and way of increasing our self-awareness. Simply put, the Window of Tolerance is the optimal zone in which we function the most effectively. We are able to engage with others, feel connected, access our reasoning and emotional systems, and learn new

information. That’s the kicker for children while at school. Their little brains are taking in so much input: the cold chair on their legs, the clicking of their neighbor’s pencil, the talking in the hall, the teacher’s voice up front, what their friend said this morning, etc. Unfortunately, it is common for all this input to become overwhelming, pushing them out of their ‘window.’ Therefore, that means their brain can spend the entire day at school, and not be able to learn, engage, or connect with others. Think of the Window of Tolerance as a road of regulation. If a child is going through their day and staying on their road, they are emotionally regulated, comfortable, connected, able to engage in a classroom setting, and positively participate. Now, let’s say that this same child has a change in their routine, like a substitute teacher or a group exercise, and this triggers them and pushes them off their road of regulation into what’s known as hyper-arousal or hypo-arousal, both states of dysregulation. They go into fight/flight/freeze mode without making a conscious decision to do so. Each child is going to have unique triggers that Read On...

ROAD OF REGULATION

HYPER-AROUSAL Fight/Flight Response, Anxious, Overwhelmed, Angry, Aggressive, Outbursts, Impulsive, Chaotic, Rigid

COMFORT ZONE Cool, Calm, Collected,

HYPO-AROUSAL

Connected, Emotionally Regulated

Freeze Response, Unavailable, Shut-down, Dissociation, Memory loss, Disconnected, Auto-pilot, Flat Affect, Separation from Self and Feelings. 48 August 2018

But Is Not on Their Supply List will move them out of their Window of Tolerance, and off their road. The hyper-aroused child may look rigid, anxious, impulsive, have obsessive-compulsive behaviors or thoughts, feel overwhelmed, chaotic responses, outbursts (emotional or aggressive), show anger, aggression or rage. You might have experienced how hard it can be for a child to calm down once in this state. Thy hypo-aroused child may appear zoned out, feel numb, unavailable or shut down, disconnected, go on auto-pilot, no display of emotions, show a flat affect, or experience memory loss. This is often undetected in the classroom setting until there is a drop in grades, because, behaviorally, a child that is hypo-aroused can look like they are participating--but, because they are not in their Window of Tolerance, they are not learning the material, or engaged in class. An important note on this road of regulation is that it’s going to be different for each child, and even for different scenarios. A child could have a five-lane highway road, with far off edges when they are at home, and be able to stay connected and regulated despite having triggers that could dysregulate them other places. This same child could have a super narrow road when at school, and spend most of his day feeling anxious and dysregulated, leading to outbursts over small triggers. Trauma, adverse childhood effects, loss, and other stressors can also impact our Window of Tolerance, causing it to narrow. Our goal is to widen our child’s “road” and increase their ability to stay emotionally and physically regulated. This provides them with the ability to stay connected, to feel and give love, and to engage with the world around them.

they are experiencing, they notice and share where in their body they feel it, and you and your child navigate the feeling as it visits and passes, working to remain connected with each other, accepting the child and their feelings. 3. Help your child identify their triggers and stressors. You can use a journal or make a list, and scale how large or small of a stress each item feels to your child. This will also help you to create an environment that feels safe and has less identified stressors. 4. Become a co-regulator. When your child is out of their optimal zone, you provide a state of regulation for them and with them, showing that their emotions are not dangerous and can be tolerated. Teaching them ways to re-focus and regain control. 5. Teach your child grounding exercises. They are short and simple, but can re-focus them when they are dysregulated. Examples include: taking deep breaths and watching how they can raise their tummy up and down, listening to a favorite song, finding three objects in a room of a certain color, and noticing their feet on the floor, and wiggling each toe. There are many things we can do to help our children widen their Window of Tolerance and give them a greater chance of success with learning, as well as their relationships with others and their ability to stay calm, cool, and connected. I encourage you to look more into this topic if you are interested in helping your child. And, let’s be honest, we as parents could probably use greater windows, too, especially if you have a child who spends a lot of time off of their “road.”

GROUND

RULE

So, here’s what you can do: 1. Get familiar with your own road of regulation. What are some of your triggers that put you into a fight/flight/freeze response? When do you feel dysregulated and disconnected? You must be able to stay on your own road if you are able to help your child navigate theirs. 2. Practice mindfulness with your child. One game you can play together is “Name, Notice, and Navigate.” You and/or your child names the feeling

Do not place any judgement on their feelings, Ground Rule: allowing them to share openly freely, explore themselves. Doand not place anyand judgement on within their feelings, allowing them to share openly and freely, and explore within themselves. Accept theiremotions emotions as as worthy Accept their worthyand important. and important.

For More Information

Dan Siegel YouTube Channel | Pinterest Mindfulness Activities | Cosmic Kids Yoga YouTube Channel 50 August 2018

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Homeschooling in N WA

omeschooling in Arkansas has gained massive popularity over the past few years, with the majority of Arkansas homeschoolers being located in Northwest Arkansas. For new homeschool parents, homeschooling can sound intimidating, even frightening. Most families interested in homeschooling find themselves asking the same question: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where do I start?â&#x20AC;? For a lot of homeschooled families, finding a local homeschool organization or co-op can offer the support, guidance, and fellowship that a new homeschooling family needs to be successful on their new way of life. There are so many educational decisions to be made, and decisions regarding socialization are a major concern for most homeschool families, as well. In April of 2014, I found myself in that very situation. I decided to homeschool my son, and begin our own homeschool journey. I knew that homeschooling my son was the right decision for our family, but I needed a support system for myself and for him. I knew all the reasons why I wanted to homeschool: to have more control over what my son was learning, to spend more quality time with my son, and I wanted to be more involved in his education and his life--but, I had no idea where to start. I began by purchasing basic curriculum and educational books from local stores, but I knew that we would someday need a lot more than that, and the choices were, honestly, overwhelming. I knew that if we could surround ourselves with others who were on a similar road, we would feel more at ease. We would also be able to get some much-needed guidance and support that we needed at the beginning of all this. I wanted a place for my son to still be able to participate 52 August 2018

in extracurricular activities, get some hands-on experience, and to be able to socialize in a way that was similar to a traditional school setting. I also wanted a support system for myself where I could receive support with curriculum, teaching advice, and friendship of others who shared my passion for homeschooling; as well as be able to interact with other homeschool moms in a community where we could give and receive advice. After spending some time trying to find something that would offer what our family needed, I came out empty-handed. To get us through the beginning stages, I started hosting park playdates for local homeschoolers. After a few very successful park playdates, my son and I were both making a lot of new friends and getting the socialization and support that we needed. However, we were still missing the extracurricular activities and hands-on experiences that he got when he was in a traditional school. I knew that we wanted something more, and I was having a hard time finding something that would meet all of our requirements. What I was looking for in a group wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet organized or developed, so I decided to reinvent the wheel and begin a new chapter of my life as a homeschool organization director. After years of dedication and support from local homeschool families, the Social Homeschoolers Network of Northwest Arkansas was developed, with its revolutionary program for homeschoolers. Social Homeschoolers Network has seen tremendous growth, and currently has over 400 students, from pre-K through high school, coming from all over Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri. Our goal is to provide local homeschoolers with the same opportunities as their peers receive in a traditional school setting.

by: Cassie Smith, Social Homeschoolers Network Founder and Director

We are not a traditional homeschool co-op with classes taught by parents. We do not have any time commitments or volunteer requirements for parents, and our homeschool families can participate as much or as little as they like. Every activity is optional. Our goal is to provide opportunities for families to flourish and learn together in ways that suit their individual needs. We want parents to be able to come to our events and be fully committed to their children, while experiencing educational and social opportunities that will help their child excel. The Social Homeschoolers Network offers our members tons of options and opportunities to stay busy, in hopes that we will have something for everyone. We typically hold two or more events every week during the school year. On a typical week, you can find our homeschool families doing a variety of activities, including but not limited to: watching firsthand how a newspaper is put together and printed, watching an educational play while learning about the Butterfield Stagecoach, learning self-defense with Pro Martial Arts during gym class, learning how to make 3D art with the traveling art teacher, or meeting up with friends at a park play date. The following week, you can join us while taking a canoe trip down the White River, or seeing how chocolate is made, from bean to bar, with a local chocolatier. The educational and hands-on opportunities that our members get to experience are amazing, but our incredible field trips arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only thing that makes the Social Homeschool Network unique. What truly makes us unique is a combination of having amazing homeschool families and a variety of extraordinary social opportunities that suit them all. We have a combination of truly awesome children who try to include everyone, and even more awesome and non-judgmental moms, which has created a sense of community within our group that is difficult to find anywhere else! We take fun educational and hands-on field trips every week! We work hard to provide exceptional and rare field trips to offer our members quality and incomparable experiences. We also offer fun play dates at local parks and amusement centers. Play dates are perfect opportunities for building true friendships. To help their friendships flourish, we also plan small group meet-ups where our members can enjoy fun grade-specific activities, so their child can get to know other children their age. We host fun Mommy Meet-Ups so moms can get to know one another and build lifelong friendships. We also have a Mentor Moms group as

a homeschool support group for our moms. These are wonderful opportunities to get advice and encouragement from experienced homeschool parents. Helping members build longstanding friendship is our specialty. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing to see how much my son has excelled since we began our homeschool journey. Through the Social Homeschoolers Network, he has experienced opportunities that most children will never be able to experience. He has been able to learn by doing, and he has made lifelong friends that love and support him. If you have ever thought about homeschooling or have entertained the idea, reach out to us! We would love to help you start on your new homeschool path, and to be your support system every step of the way. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the idea of homeschooling your child intimidate you or scare you away from something that could potentially be one of the best decisions you make for your family. I invite you to visit our website www.SocialHomeschoolersNetwork.com and learn more about the Social Homeschoolers Network. We would love to have your family join our amazing community of supportive homeschoolers!

54 August 2018

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cancer. So, there is time to detect the polyps and remove them before they become cancer. In essence, you can prevent colon cancer if people get the colonoscopy on time and follow through with continued screening.

Earlier this year, the American Cancer Society (ACS) issued new screening guidelines, making a qualified recommendation that routine colon cancer screening begin at age 45 years. The ACS estimates that more than 16,000 new cases of colon or rectal cancers will be diagnosed this year in Americans under 50. Some people are at higher risk and should be screened earlier, including personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer or polyps, or ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer.

ACS recommends those tests that actually examine the interior of the colon because they can not only detect cancer, but also prevent it by finding – and removing – polyps or growths that can potentially cause cancer. These tests include a flexible sigmoidoscopy (every five years); a colonoscopy (every 10 years); or a CT colonography or virtual colonoscopy (every five years). Polyps found during these tests can be removed on the spot, simply and painlessly.

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Life Way

Impact Your Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Future, Today!

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by: Dr. Luke Bowers Life is full of important decisions. Where will we live? What will we do for a living? One major decision that can have a long lasting impact on our children is: where will we send them to school to spend 40+ hours a week? Sad to say, sometimes we give that decision very little thought. We live in a certain district, and we assume that that is the best school for them. However, when we think of sending our precious children to a school for 178 days out of the year, we must give that decision more time and research than any other decision we will make for them. Parents want their children to be safe, and to be around others that care for and teach them how they ought to act and live. Parents want their children to mature and grow up to be young men and women who not only make it in this world, but are successful and excel in everything they do. Christian parents desire for their children to learn in an environment where they grow and experience life with the truth of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word as the foundation for every lesson and event, as well as at the heart of all those that teach and impact their children. Life Way Christian School is honored to be a trusted, experienced, and Christ-honoring institution for parents in Northwest Arkansas who understand the importance of the education of their child. Life Way is located in Centerton and is entering its 19th year of educating students in preschool through 12th grade.

Life Way exists to:

Partner with the Christian home We understand that parents are ultimately responsible for the education of their children, and that is why we trust that when parents enter the doors of Life Way, they understand the important role that a school plays in the life of their child. Life Way not only desires to partner with parents for the education of their children, but also strives to encourage them to lead their homes in a way that honors the Lord and blesses each child.

Equip future generations Life Way understands that parents are trusting them to maintain an excellent, qualified staff and educational experience that will not only prepare their children for the next stage of life, but will also build upon Biblical principles that will encourage each child to live for Christ no matter what they do and where they go in life. It is with this in mind that we continue to enhance every program in order to see students prepared and equipped with the biblical wisdom and knowledge necessary to be set apart in this world.

If you are looking for an excellent, Christ-centered, familyoriented learning environment for your family and child, please look us up at www.lwcsar.com or call us at 479-795-9322 for more information. In a world where everyone is looking for the best return on investments, Life Way believes the most important investment should be focused on our children and our desire for them for future years.

Back to school Back to School

Plan Ahead “Who is my teacher and where is my class?” Take advantage of a pre-enrollment visit. If you were unable to attend an orientation program, call the school and make a special appointment for a visit. Tour the classroom, bathroom, lunchroom and playground with child. “What will I do at school?” Most teachers will have the daily schedule posted for parents and students. Make it clear that school is children’s work. It’s important. “How long will I be there?” Draw a picture of a clock, and the time your children will be starting and ending school. Document the day, with pictures of whatever seems suitable. Use these pictures, plus your child’s artwork, to create a “First Day of School.” “Where will you be when I am in school?” Children often worry about their parents when they are apart. Tell them where you will be and what you will be doing. Parents play a role in interpreting school for the child. What a child expects of himself at school has a great deal to do with the values and expectations that we convey to our children at home.

separation before they can help their children with them.

Stay calm Emotions are contagious, so be aware of emotions you display. Stay cheerful, and say good-bye with a smile.

Don’t drag out goodbyes Stay with your child briefly to make sure they are well settled. When you decide to leave, say good-bye, smile and leave. Do not drag out your departure, and do not go back to reassure your child. You child’s teacher is skilled in this area, and will help your child adjust.

Don’t discourage tears Crying lets children express how they feel--it’s an opportunity for you to offer understanding.

Never sneak out Children will notice, and they might fear abandonment. Always be direct and honest. “I’m going now; I will see you after school. Goodbye.” Then leave.

Reducing your child’s fears

Return with a smile

Be prepared to cope with regression. Younger children may show their fears with thumb sucking, baby talk, bed-wetting, clinging, even crawling, or they may withdraw and become very quiet and sad. If any of these happen, be patient and understanding. Try to ignore the behavior and be positive about school.

Teach the lesson of separation by remaining cheerful and calm. Parents who cry can cause a child to be afraid of being alone.

Fear may also show itself in anger or temper tantrums. Remember, this may be a way your child is trying to deal with fear. Reassure your child about the changes they are going through and that you are there for them. When they get home from school, allow them some downtime. This removes the pressure to act perfectly.

Dealing with separation Feelings of loss are normal for parents and children. Parents must face their own issues about 60 August 2018

Routines create security for children Children who know what to expect every day feel in control and secure. Have your children select the clothes the night before, so they will be ready in the morning. Communication is key to all relationships. Reassure your children daily of your love for them. Contact Us: Child Care Aware of NWA (479)899-6374 or www.nwachildcare.org

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Amazeum (Pg. 62) (479) 696-9280 Arts Live Theatre (Pg. 57) (479) 521-4932 Crystal Bridges (Pg. 47) (479) 418-5700 crystalbridges.org Imagine Studios & Station (Pg. 37) (479) 619-6085 Trike Theatre (Pg. 27) (479) 464-5084 triketheatre.org

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ABC Happy Kids Learning Academy (Pg. 49) (479) 202-5691 abchappykids.com Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Lambs Preschool (Pg. 65) (479) 273-1011 NWA Childcare (Pg. 53) NWAchildcare.org

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Advanced Dermatology (Pg. 45) (479) 268-3555 Hull Dermatology & Aesthetics (Pg. 17) (479) 254-9662 NWA Center for Plastic Surgery (Pg. 2) (479) 571-3100 nwacenterforplasticsurgery.com

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Preschool Place (Pg. 35) (479) 685-1891 Providence Christian Academy (Pg. 18) providence-academy.com RootED (Pg. 42) arkansashomeschool.org Rubalcava Jiu-Jitsu (Pg. 23) (479) 366-1897 School of Rock (Pg. 61) (479) 936-8838 Super Science (Pg. 29) (479) 444-0303 www.super-sci.com Thaden School (Pg. 13) (479) 268-5321

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FOOD / DRINK

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Main Street Studios (Pg. 54) (479) 524-2004 Lazer Lee Photography (Cover) lazerleephotography.com

THERAPY

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ULTRASOUND

Baby Face & More (Pg. 13) (479) 270-7391

WOMEN'S HEALTH

Parkhill (Pg. 29) Parkhillclinic.com Siloam Springs Women's Center (Pg. 51) (479) 524-9312 Willow Creek (Pg. 8) (479) 757-1730\ Women's Health Associates (Pg. 67) whanwa.com

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