JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
RaisingARIZONA Kids your partner on the parenting path
Journey to Parenthood
Editor, Monique Seleen and husband Chris, give an inside glimpse of their experience from trying to conceive to plans once baby arrives
5 big tips for BABY SLEEP PREGNANCY & ORAL CARE Expecting couples need a BABYMOON Parenting Your Newborn as a Team PLUS Tackling your New Year Resolutions with budgeting, meal planning, and parenting tips What to do when Your Child has ADHD Chris and Monique Seleen of Mesa.
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RaisingARIZONAKids
your partner on the parenting path
CONTENTS
January/February 2022
20 DEPARTMENTS 2 Dialogue New Year Resolutions
4 AZ Grown
• Looking forward to the future • Money Smart: Kick off a new year of saving • Games to teach financial responsibility • Budgeting Q&A for the new year • Financial tips for single parents • Buying groceries on a budget • Meal planning made easy
50 FEATURES 50 Journey to Parenthood
A personal look at Editor, Monique Seleen's pregnancy experience.
38 Pregnancy & Babies
• Courageous Co-Parenting: Co-parenting your baby: 3 guiding commitments • Healthy Love Habits: Parenting your newborn as a team • 5 tips that make a BIG difference for baby sleep • Common oral health issues during pregnancy • How to choose the right pediatrician for your new baby • Plan the perfect babymoon • Packing your hospital bag (from a mom of 3!)
• Discover winter tales • Local businesses spotlight • RAK Date Night: Luxury movie theatre experience in Scottsdale • Q&A with Nancy Parra-Quinlan: Arizona’s 2022 teacher of the year • Homeschooling on a whim • Using Common Sense: Getting closer to closing the digital divide — for good
28 Ages & Stages • When you think your child has ADHD…What next? • Managing frustration at home • A better, calmer parenting method
60 Family Time!
Winter Top Events, Snow Places, Onstage and Martin Luther King Day Celebrations
• What to put on a baby registry
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
1
dialogue
January/February 2022 | Vol 32 | No 11 PUBLISHER Kate Reed
NEW YEAR…NEW ME. Or, that’s what I tell
myself each January for as long as I can remember. This year is no different—except that for the first time I get to share some of these resolutions and resources from experts with other parents. In this winter issue of Raising Arizona Kids, we’re sharing resources to help you budget better, manage your frustrations as a parent, and practice self-care—all personal resolutions of mine! We worked with local parenting coaches to help us raise well-adjusted kids, founder of Healthy Meals Made Easy to tackle meal planning, and a personal finance expert to advise on
A Child's New Year Resolutions Turns out, grown-ups aren’t the only ones who have New Year’s resolutions! I asked my (almost) 9-year-old what his goals were and here are his thoughts! • Be more organized with school • Get better at helping around the house • Earn money • Make more friends • Cook and bake more • Keep my room cleaner • Try new foods • Be kinder • Find a new hobby • Be more grateful • Pick up garbage in my neighborhood more often
keeping costs down at the grocery store. THIS IS ALSO our pregnancy and baby issue
is here every step of the way. We’re excited
and editor, Monique Seleen is expecting
to continue bringing you the best resources,
her first baby (a boy!) this February.
expert advice, and parenting support.
She’s sharing a bit about her pregnancy journey, some tips for planning the perfect
ON THE HORIZON: RAISING ARIZONA KIDS
babymoon, and what she put on her baby
will be moving to quarterly printed issues
registry. Plus, I’m sharing what I’ve packed
in March and you’ll be able to find the
in my delivery bag for my three births.
magazine all over the valley or have it delivered right to your house! Make sure
more, we’ve rounded up some of the best
to sign up for our e-newsletter to get the
places to see snow this winter! Get some
details right to your inbox.
cold weather gear, check the forecast, and make some plans to spend the
Kate Reed, Publisher
day sledding, throwing snowballs, and
Do you have a topic you would love us to write about? Email publisher@rakmagazine.com
making snow angels. No matter what goals and resolutions
2 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
CONTRIBUTORS Karen Aurit, Michael Aurit, Cara Dumaplin, Rachel Galvez, Deacon Hayes, Ilana Lowery, Jen McIntyre, Angelica Prescod, Dr. Rajeev Agarwal, Andrew Sampson, Dr. Heather Schneider, Alex Swartz Kerby Seminar Group Maricopa County Library District The Childhood Collective ART DIRECTOR Michèlle-Renée Adams COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Kate Reed MARKETING CONSULTANTS Shannon Cornall R aising A rizona K ids magazine (ISSN 1051-4295) was created to connect Valley families to local resources and share real-life stories about the challenges and joys of raising children. Copyright © 2022 by R aising A rizona K ids , Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without
you’ve chosen for 2022, Raising Arizona Kids
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EDITOR Monique Seleen
written permission is prohibited. Content guidelines are available at raisingarizonakids.com.
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az grown nonprofit
LOOKING FORWARD to the
FUTURE
MacKenzie Scott charitable gift helps Arizona early childhood nonprofit celebrate 40th anniversary By RAK Staff
4 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
IN 1981, SOUTHWEST HUMAN
40 programs and services focus on child
DEVELOPMENT started with a single
development, mental health, Easterseals
program serving young children with
disabilities services, early literacy, Head
disabilities. This year, the organization
Start, family support and child welfare.
marked 40 years as a leader in early
“We have always prioritized identifying
childhood serving more than 140,000
critical gaps in services for young children
children and their families every year.
and families,” said Ginger Ward, CEO
Southwest Human Development,
of Southwest Human Development. “We
Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to
work hard to ensure children and families
early childhood development, works with
have equitable access to high-quality
young children and their families during
programs and services.”
their child’s earliest years to have the
During its first 40 years, Southwest
greatest impact on their future success
Human Development has successfully
and development. The organization’s
provided Arizona families with the
tools and resources they need to help
and frontlines of all types and sizes, day
elevates and expands our comprehensive
their children achieve their fullest
after day after day.” Scott said. “They
and transdisciplinary services for young
potential. Looking to the future, Ward
help by delivering vital services, and also
children and their families.”
says Southwest Human Development
through the profound encouragement felt
remains committed to strengthening the
each time a person is seen, valued, and
the expansion of the Southwest Human
foundation of Arizona’s children’s need for
trusted by another human being. This
Development’s Smooth Way Home
a great start in life.
kind of encouragement has a special power
program for premature, fragile infants and
when it comes from a stranger, and it
their families as they transition home from
works its magic on everyone.”
the NICU. The program offers families
“While the field of early childhood has evolved over the years, one thing remains true: the investments we make today in
developmental guidance, mental health
young children provide an important
the contribution, Southwest Human
foundation for their future development
Development launched its Birth to
and success in life,” says Ward.
Five Center of Excellence that provides
families across the state, including those
Author and philanthropist
comprehensive disabilities and mental
living in rural communities,” said Murch.
MacKenzie Scott recently made a
health services and support for young
“We’ve also partnered with Desert
significant investment in Southwest
children. The Birth to Five Center
Neonatal Associates to establish VINES,
Human Development which allowed the
of Excellence provides a continuum
a virtual, on-demand neonatal urgent care
organization to affect transformational
of support to an increased number of
support and consultation program that
changes.
children and families. It also serves as a
serves as a medical bridge for families as
resource for a wide range of community-
they return home from the NICU. The
of MacKenzie Scott for helping our
based programs that collaborate with the
VINES collaboration demonstrates the
organization realize a long-held dream,” said
Center’s team to supplement or enhance
power of community partnerships in
Ward. “With this gift, we’re focusing on
specialized consultation, assessment
delivering vital services to a vulnerable
scaling and enhancing current programs,
and intervention services tailored to
population at a critical time in their lives.”
leveraging new and existing resources,
each child’s, family’s and community
creating systems change, public policy
program’s needs.
To learn more about Southwest Human
“We’re grateful for the generosity
NENSURIA
With start-up resources provided by
Scott’s investment also facilitated
counseling and community resources. “Smooth Way Home is able to reach
Development, visit swhd.org
and advocacy, conducting research, and
“This has been our vision for so many
expanding the number of highly-trained
years,“ said Trudi Murch, Ph.D., director
early childhood professionals in the field.”
of Services for Children with Disabilities
Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest
When announcing her charitable
at Southwest Human Development. “Our
nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development.
gift, Scott noted the 384 nonprofits
disabilities and mental health staff have
Recognizing a child’s earliest experiences and
selected were chosen because of their high
routinely collaborated and coordinated
relationships establish the foundation for all future
potential for impact and demonstrated
with each other, but have remained
development, Southwest Human Development’s more
commitment to meeting the needs of
distinct entities. This reflected the long
than 40 comprehensive programs focus on young
their clients.
tradition of siloed developmental, medical
children—ages birth to 5—and their families in the
and mental health service systems. With
areas of child development, mental health, Easterseals
lives to helping others, working and
very young children, this separation is
disabilities services, Head Start, early literacy, family
volunteering and serving real people
artificial and often results in ineffective
support and child welfare, and professional development
face-to-face at bedsides and tables, in
and inefficient care. The gift from
and training. Founded in 1981, Southwest Human
prisons and courtrooms and classrooms,
Mackenzie Scott has allowed us to build a
Development serves 140,000 children and families each
on streets and hospital wards and hotlines
fully-integrated program that significantly
year. Learn more at swhd.org
“These teams have dedicated their
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
5
az grown finance MONEY SMART
Kick off a
NEW YEAR of SAVING
Map out your child’s financial journey with lessons for every age group By Rachel Galvez
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share it to help others. At age 5 or 6, start paying your child a weekly allowance for completing simple
how can you help your child build a solid
chores. Experts suggest starting at $1 per
Date:
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year of age, but that’s up to you. The most
of smart saving and spending?
important lesson is to help your child adopt
Experts recommend starting a financial
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USE OUR KID-FRIENDLY worksheet to
income from the very beginning. Open a
preschool and continuing the discussion
savings account in your child’s name and
all the way through young adulthood. No
help them make regular deposits.
help your child set a savings goal (or two!), establish a budget, and track their progress. Go to arizonafederal. org/azkids to download your copies.
money milestones to cover along the way.
Ages 7 - 12 Put the focus on helping your kids
As kids get older, help them set savings
learn how to budget and save. Include
goals that require them to postpone short-
children in family budget discussions
term spending in order to gain something
and celebrate your achievements, such as
more fun or rewarding later, like a game
“needs” and “wants” is a basic money
reaching a vacation savings goal or paying
or special toy.
concept that’s much easier to learn when
off a car. Talking about budgets gives kids
you’re young! As you shop for groceries or
an understanding of what things cost and
pay bills, talk about how you spend money
how you make decisions between wants,
on needs, save it for things you want, and
needs, and unexpected costs.
Ages 3 – 6 Recognizing the difference between
6 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
5
6
2
conversation with kids when they’re in
education journey, here are important
5
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a “spend, save, share” approach to their
matter where your child is on their financial
5
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foundation that sets them up for a lifetime
1 1
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number:
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Date: Date: Date:
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financial education is well underway. So,
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Ages 13 – 17 When kids become teenagers, they have options beyond their allowances to
7
work, earn, and save money. This makes it the perfect time for them to take on increased responsibility for their expenses, such as entertainment, phone bills, or gas money. As their income expands, it’s also important to ensure part of their earnings goes toward long-term savings goals, such as college or a car. When a teen begins to earn a regular paycheck, help them take their money management skills to the next level by opening a teen checking account that comes with tools such as a debit card,
PROSTOCK-STUDIO
digital payments, and ATM access.
Ages 18 – 20 With young adulthood comes credit
Games to teach financial responsibility Money Bags (ages 5-10)
card offers! Talk to your kids about how
In this board game, players collect, count, and exchange money as they learn all about
credit cards work and the importance of
how to use various coins and bills. Kids will be challenged to see if they can make 13 cents
establishing a good credit score by paying
without using dimes or perhaps how to make 32 cents without using quarters. Whoever
their bills on time, keeping balances
reaches the finish first receives a bonus. Those who earn more money than their fellow
low, and not taking on more credit than
‘’investors,’’ win the game!
needed. Opening a secured credit card tied to a savings account is a smart way to build
The Allowance Game (ages 5-11)
a strong credit rating because it ensures
In this fast-paced game, players race around the board doing various “chores’’ and collecting
new cardholders don’t spend more money
an allowance. They can then spend their earnings on the things they want: wash the car and
than they have.
earn $1.30, but forget your homework and lose a turn! This exciting game is a great way to teach kids about responsibility and real-life money-making scenarios.
For more insights to help you map out your child’s financial education journey,
CASHFLOW for Kids (ages 6+)
download Arizona Federal’s free Money
Turn your game nights into something fun and educational! In this newly refined CASHFLOW
Talks Guide and Money Milestones
for Kids game, young players will learn core principles of cash flow, capital gains, assets
Map for Parents or Grandparents.
and liabilities in a fun, easy-to-understand game.
ArizonaFederal.org/AzKids
The Game of Life (ages 8+) Rachel Galvez is the Marketing Partnerships Manager
This classic family board game takes players on a roller-coaster of adventure, family,
at Arizona Federal Credit Union. A mom of two,
unexpected surprises, and pets! Whether you choose the family path, start a career, or
Rachel is committed to empowering families with
venture down a risky road, players get to make their own exciting choices as they move
the information they need to make smart financial
through the twists and turns of life. Players can go to college, adopt pets, get married, have
decisions now and set their children on the path to
children, acure debt, and experience lots of more real-life situations. The player with the
financial success in the future.
most money at the end of the game wins!
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
7
az grown finance
Budgeting Q&A
FOR THE NEW YEAR By Andrew Sampson
MONEY IS ONE of the most common
question to start a conversation is, “If
arguments for married couples so it’s
money was not a limiting factor, what
no surprise that it’s also a common
would your dreams, goals, and priorities
New Year’s resolution. Whether you’re
be?” When appropriate, allow kids to be a
saving for a big purchase, wanting to
part of the conversation.
save more, or want budget your money smarter, Andrew Sampson, an Investment
What are some benefits of setting
Advisor Representative at Wilde Wealth
up a household budget? My opinion
Management Group, has all the tips and
is that budgeting is a freeing exercise.
advice for you.
It allows you to spend money guiltfree. Understanding the amount of
Starting a budget is overwhelming.
discretionary income you have enables you
Where do we start? Thinking about
to enjoy your toys and hobbies much more.
budgeting can be overwhelming, but it is
You can buy those golf clubs knowing that
not that bad. Like many things, getting
all bills are paid and goals are funded.
going on something can be a chore. Once you start, however, it is very rewarding.
What are some easy financial goals for
There are two sides to budgeting: the
families? A few universal financial goals are:
financial side and the personal side. In
• Have an emergency fund with a
current times, the financial side has never
minimum of 3 months of family
been easier. I have tools as a financial
expenses.
advisor to help my clients with budgeting
Keep this apart from your checking,
and financial planning and most banks
ideally in a high yield money market or
have tools to help their clients.
savings account. I recommend keeping this at a separate financial institution
your past spending and categorize your
than your day-to-day checking.
expenses. Take extra care to classify
Consider saving more if you have high
each expense as discretionary or non-
deductible insurances.
discretionary. This gives a good idea of
• Pay off all high-interest debt.
where you are, so you can better project
• Take the time and ensure that you
into the future. One thing you can do is
have the proper insurance for your
start by unplugging from social media
family
and have some conversations with family
People often save money by scrimping
around the dinner table. My favorite
on insurance. A study by the American
8 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
RIDOFRANZ
Many apps can help you look at
Journal of Public Health found, 66.5% of all bankruptcies were due to medical issues. • I know it is cliché, but spend less than you make. I encourage you to treat saving for future goals as a bill. Know what your goals are and what you need to save monthly, then go ahead and fund your goals. After these 4 points are met, any money left in the budget is available to spend, and you should do so guilt-free. Is it better to use credit cards or debit cards when making daily purchases? You would be surprised how controversial this question is but the math does not lie. Credit cards are not all bad.With cashback rewards and other perks, like fraud protection, they are a tool that many use to their benefit. Credit card debt, however, is terrible. Credit Cards.com says, “The average interest rate for a credit card as of December 22, 2021, is 16.13%.” So, if you are a person that carries a balance, it may do you well not to use credit cards at all. How can I track my spending and saving? What are some good budgeting tools? There are many great tools to help with budgeting. Many of them are free websites or apps. Use these with caution and make sure you understand the terms and conditions before linking your bank accounts. Often if it is free, you are the product. These apps may be selling your information or targeting you with ads. I would recommend you start with your bank, or even better, your financial advisor. Most have resources to help you
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
9
az grown finance
with budgeting and may help point out
spending problem and still cannot save,
and investment accounts serve two very
things you overlooked. A financial advisor
you have an income problem. Increase
different purposes. A high yield savings
will even help facilitate conversations
your income. That sounds easier said
account is best for an emergency fund.
around goals and help track your progress.
than done, but with the side jobs such as
Investments go up and down. You don’t
ride-sharing, food delivery, and freelance
want your emergency fund to be down
When we’re setting up our budget,
marketplaces, it is getting much easier
when you need it. Money you have saved
what types of categories should we
to find ways to fit extra work into your
for longer-term goals should be invested.
have? How much should we spend in
lifestyle. Some people find that getting
So neither is better, just two separate tools
each category? As mentioned, the most
additional income is easier than cutting
in your toolbox.
important categories are discretionary and
their discretionary spending. How can I set aside money for savings
non-discretionary. Make subcategories for things like dining out and recreation
I’ve heard of some families using
when we’re living paycheck to paycheck?
under discretionary. Things like mortgage
‘cash envelope’ systems to prevent
Sean Covey said, “Saying ‘yes’ to one
and utilities would be non-discretionary.
overspending. But some places are
thing means saying ‘no’ to another. That’s
Spending per category will vary greatly
no longer accepting cash, so is there
why decisions can be hard sometimes.”
depending on where you are in your
a better way? I don’t think so. I also
Say yes to saving, so by default, say no
wealth journey. The best advice I have here
believe that we will continue to see fewer
to dining out. Say yes to saving, and in
is to sit down with your financial advisor
places accepting cash in the future. The
doing so, say no to impulse buying online.
to build a financial plan.
great thing about the envelope system is
Stop trying to have the willpower to say
that you must stop spending when the
no when saying yes is so much easier. The
It’s easy to save money if you’re
envelope is empty. Consider opening
best part about this is that you are not
spending it on non-necessities (coffee,
separate checking accounts in place of
truly saying no. What you are saying is
dining out, entertainment), but how
the envelopes. This may not be better,
not yet. If you do a good job saving, you
can we save when we’ve already
but it is the way things are headed.
will eventually have the money for things
cut all those out?!). If you have cut
you said no to.
discretionary spending and still cannot
What are some options for retirement
save, there are two things to do next.
savings? The most popular retirement
What are some other financial tips you
The first is to see if you can reduce the
vehicle is the 401k. Many companies even
have for families? According to Ramsey
cost of your non-discretionary spending.
offer to contribute to your retirement
solutions, 80% of millionaires are the
For example, having internet may be a
savings if you are willing to. 401(k)s are
first generation. Only 16% of millionaires
must, but if you have the fastest speed
even available to business owners and sole
inherited more than $100,000. So, in a
available, explore changing your service
proprietors. If an employer does not offer
relatively short time, you can save more,
to the slowest manageable speed. Due
a 401(K), other tax-advantaged accounts
earn more, invest more, and you can
to the appreciation of home prices,
like IRAs are available. I suggest you speak
become wealthy. It starts with a plan and
homeowners may also be able to refinance
with a financial advisor to see what options
ends with financial freedom.
at a lower interest rate and possibly
are suitable for you.
remove mortgage insurance. Delaying
Andrew Sampson is anInvestment Advisor
car purchases can also be a benefit.
Is it better to put money in savings
Representative at Wilde Wealth Management Group
Something I don’t think gets enough
accounts or invest it? Where should
in the Valley. wildewealth.com
attention is income. If you don’t have a
we invest our money? Savings accounts
10 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
az grown finance
Financial tips for SINGLE By Angelica Prescod
PARENTS
1. What are the biggest financial challenges single mothers face?
of their income earnings. Single mothers
allows for them to have income during
traverse several obstacles that they uniquely
retirement that’s not only fueled by
Having enough to cover their children’s
encounter due to reduced income and
their own assets but is also helped by
needs and their own. Planning for
potentially limited child support.
their employer’s matching contribution.
retirement, college tuition and current financial stability can be a strain.
2. How can single moms budget successfully, especially if they have higher expenses for childcare, lower-income, etc.?
They also need to look at opportunities
3. What do single moms need to consider if they want to get ahead financially? Assessing their
to generate more income and/or receive
debts based on the amount of interest
earning incomes with a side hustle.
training to improve their income capacity with their current jobs or maximize
as being charged on those stats and
Every dollar needs to count. They not
debts need to be handled first. Taking
only need to save and budget but they also
advantage of 401(k) plans and their
4. What are some solutions for single moms who are struggling financially? Getting additional training
need to invest early so that their assets
employer and making sure they can
to improve salary earnings is critical for
can help their money grow independent
receive a match from the employer
moms who are struggling financially.
12 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
as important and prioritizing which
There may be scholarships available for single moms, foundations that are willing to donate to single moms to help them be able to improve their academics to be able to earn more income to suffice their family’s needs and their own.
5. Are there any financial tools that can help? There are online budgeting
Buying
GROCERIES on a BUDGET By Deacon Hayes
tools available to help assess what needs
ISTOCK
are necessary and what needs or not.
ACCORDING TO THE USDA, the average
that you can redeem digitally when you are
monthly food costs for a family of four is
checking out.
6. How should single moms approach credit-building and debt repayment? Making sure that
$1,120.90 as of the latest data in 2021.
whatever is used on credit does not exceed
Another way to save money at the grocery
If you are trying to get ahead financially in
store is to check the weekly store ads for the
2022, then getting this part of your budget
store that you go to regularly to see what they
under control can be a huge help.
have on sale. For instance, if you need to buy
what is possible to be paid back in a timely
If you’re looking to buy groceries on a
a lot of chicken for the week, and your store
manner is critical. The moment that credit
budget here are some key tips to help you
is offering a low price per pound for chicken,
exceeds what is eligible to be earned then
make this possible. The first tip is to make
then you might want to stock up on it. In fact,
we end up in a slippery slope of bad credit
sure that you plan out all your meals for the
you should buy a few pounds more to freeze for
and credit remediation. Addressing that
week. This will help you know what you need
future meals, as long as it’s within your budget.
based on their interest rates can help them
to buy from the grocery store.
prioritize which debt to pay off first. Also,
Make sure to only get the items that are
One thing to consider is to make meals
on your list to avoid overspending when you
finding opportunities to improve salary
in bulk that you could eat over 2-3 days. An
are at the grocery store.
either through résumé reviews, new skill
example of this would be Chili with a side of
attainments within the current employer,
cornbread. You make the chili in a big pot on
easily save hundreds of dollars each month;
or mentorship and ambassadorship or
Sunday, and whatever you don’t eat you can
money that could go towards other goals
coaching from those in higher roles, can
refrigerate for future meals that week. You
like paying off debt, saving for retirement or
help single mothers prepare and achieve
can make the cornbread at the same time,
even that family vacation that you have been
higher income opportunities within their
however, just know it won’t taste as good
wanting to do for years. Here’s to 2022 being
corporation or other institutions.
reheated but it is still delicious.
a year where you make great financial gains
If you stick to a plan like this, you could
Once you have figured out what you are
and have more peace about your money
Angelica Prescod, Wealth Advisor at Edward Jones in
going to cook that week, make a list of all the
Scottsdale. She enjoys singing with her church worship
items needed to make those meals possible.
team, hiking, running and spending time with her
You can use a free app on your phone or just
Deacon Hayes is the Founder of WellKeptWallet.com
11 year-old daughter. Angelica has a drive to not only
plain old paper.
which helps people make money, save money, and
continue building wealth for those who have already
Now take that list and search for coupons
situation than ever before.
pay off debt. He has been a contributor for the US
built a considerable amount, but also open doors for
for items that are on your list. There are
News & World Report, Clark Howard and more.
individuals who never had a chance to learn how
many websites where you can find printable
He is also the author of the book, You Can Retire
to accumulate wealth themselves. edwardjones.com/
coupons to take with you to the store. There
Early! Everything You Need to Achieve Financial
us-en/financial-advisor/angelica-prescod
are also apps that will provide coupons
Independence When You Want It.
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
13
az grown meals
Meal Planning Made Easy Story and photos by Jen McIntyre
LIFE CAN BE COMPLICATED, but meal
your best and helping your family live a
planning doesn’t have to be.
healthy lifestyle is important to you, then
would pick specific recipes for each day of
you’ll need to find an approach to meal
the week: Fettuccine Alfredo on Monday,
good food for our family, but many of us
planning that works for you. After all, the
Pulled Chicken Tacos on Tuesday, Beef &
are time-starved, scattered, and constantly
goal is to spend less time in the kitchen
Broccoli Stir Fry on Wednesday, and so on.
juggling multiple things—and so we
and more time making memories with
Now I’ve simplified this even more, and we
struggle to get healthy meals on the table
your family!
have daily themes that repeat every week:
As moms, we’re committed to making
When I first started meal planning, I
quickly. “What’s for dinner?” is a dreaded
In my food consulting business as
daily question. According to Food Genius,
well as in my home, I’ve come to rely on
breakfast-for-dinner (a kid favorite)
a foodservice data company, 80% of
SYSTEMS—simple ways to “Save Your
on Wednesdays, something Asian on
Americans don’t know what they’re going
Self Time, Energy, Money, and Sanity.”
Thursdays, personal pizzas and popcorn on
to make for dinner at 4 pm each day.
The meal planning system that I use and
Fridays (movie night!), burgers on Saturdays,
also teach to other busy mamas has four
and a sheet-pan dinner on Sundays.
The solution, of course, is meal planning. But many people think that meal planning
steps: Plan, Purchase, Prep, and Practice.
is something difficult and mysterious, like the Holy Grail of home economics. At its core, meal planning is simply
pasta on Mondays, tacos on Tuesdays,
Ask yourself, “what are our family favorites?” Start your weekly plan with the
Step 1: Plan
things your family loves, and then pick
The first step is selecting your meals
two meals a week to try out new recipes,
answering the “What’s for dinner?”
for the week. Dinner is the most important
like a science experiment. You’ll pick and
question once a week instead of every
meal from a “family time” perspective, so
choose the winners that might become
single day, and then buying and preparing
start by planning just your dinners. You
regular meals, but it takes a bit of time to
your ingredients in advance. There’s no
can expand to breakfast and lunch later,
figure that out.
one “right” way to do this. But if feeling
after you get the hang of things.
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RaisingARIZONAKids.com
Another important question to ask
when making your plan is, “what cooking
specific items you need. Keep your
creating new habits and new routines, it
method will I use for each meal?” There
planning and purchasing simple to start.
can be really hard to stay on track and
are only four different methods of cooking
Once you get into the rhythm of it, you
stick to your plan. Here are a few tips that
that I use on a regular basis. The first
can add more variety and mix things up.
will make this easier:
is quick cooking with microwavable silicone steamers, an Instant Pot, or an air
First, figure out when you’re going to Step 3: Prep
make your plan each week. I do mine on
fryer. The second is slow cooking with a
You’ve made a plan and purchased
either Sunday evening or Monday morning,
Crock-Pot or oven sheet pan. The third is
your ingredients, and now it’s time to prep
and it takes me about five minutes to write
stovetop cooking with pots, pans, wok, or
them in advance. There are many different
down my meals for the coming week. Next,
skillet. And the fourth is outdoor grilling,
ways to do this, and you need to figure out
figure out when you’re going to do your
which we can do year-round, thanks to our
what works for you. Some people really
shopping and prepping. Are you going to do
lovely Arizona weather.
like batch cooking or preparing a week’s
it once a week or twice a week? Block out
worth of meals on Sunday afternoon.
time in your calendar. Finally, schedule a
how you’re going to cook each one. Write
They’ll make big batches of their proteins,
time to start cooking dinner every day, and
down your plan (I use a small chalkboard),
carbohydrates, vegetables, etc, and pack
set an alarm to remind you. (This probably
and you’re set for the week.
them in smaller containers for the coming
sounds like the simplest thing, but it made a
week. That’s great if you want to do it—
world of difference for me personally. Try it
especially for lunches when you might have
and see if it helps you.)
So choose your meals and figure out
Step 2: Purchase Now that you have your meals written
limited time or fewer healthy options.
It’s important to think of meal planning
down, the next step is making a grocery
I personally don’t do a lot of batch
as a practice, like yoga is a practice. We’ve all
list. Simply go through your recipes and
cooking, because the majority of dinner
been told that “practice makes perfect,” but
write down a master list of ingredients
recipes I make are based on simple
I really want to emphasize that perfection
you’re going to need for the week. (I’m a
ingredients and whole-food seasonings
isn’t the goal here. When it comes to meal
little old school, and I like to write things
from Epicure that don’t require a lot of
planning, there’s really no right or wrong
down on paper, but you might use an app
prep time. I cook big batches of grains,
way to do it—just the way that Saves You
to keep track of your grocery list.)
like quinoa or rice, and also cut up
Time, Energy, Money, and Sanity!
Compare your list of ingredients to
some veggies, like carrots, celery, and
Yes, it’s important to put your plan into
what’s in your pantry and fridge, and
cucumbers, for healthy snacks throughout
practice, but give yourself the space and
cross out anything you already have on
the week. I also make a pot of marinara
grace to change it when you need to. It’s
hand. I also recommend organizing your
sauce once a week and keep it in a Mason
your plan, after all.
grocery list to match the layout of the
jar in the fridge.
store and the path you typically follow
“The more you prep ahead, the more
Jen McIntyre is a homeschooling
when you shop. Doing this beforehand
you get ahead” is the rule of thumb, but I
mama and food consultant who
will save time in the store, and it will save
keep it really simple. Just get started, and
teaches cooking classes for busy
money too because you’ll be focused on
you’ll soon discover what kind of meal
moms in Arizona and beyond.
the ingredients you actually need instead
prepping works best for you.
She is the founder of Healthy
of wandering aimlessly through the aisles, filling your cart with whatever catches your eye. (We’ve all been there!) If you shop online, it’s even simpler. You can just go through and click the
Meals Made Easy, a free
Step 4: Practice The final step is the most important,
online community of 1600+ members where she shares inspiration, recipes, and tips to save time in the kitchen
but perhaps the most challenging: putting
while making healthy meals the whole family will love.
your plan into action. Whenever you’re
Find her there at healthymealsmadeeasy.com
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
15
az grown books
Discover Winter Tales By Maricopa County Library District
THERE’S SNOW PLACE like the library! This month, cozy up with Maricopa County Library
District’s winter-themed tales. Looking for more? Check out the library’s Discover Winter Tales Featured Collection at mcldaz.org for even more frozen fables!
PICTURE BOOKS Words to Make a Friend by Donna Jo Napoli
When a young Japanese girl moves into her new house, she is happy to see a girl her age playing in the snow just outside her window. The only problem is the Japanese girl doesn't speak English and the American girl doesn't speak Japanese. But each girl's love of the snow teaches them that they don't need to speak the same language to have fun! A Thing Called Snow by Yuval Zommer
Fox and Hare were born in the spring, but the seasons are changing and they hear snow is on the way. With heartfelt themes of friendship, curiosity, and the wonder of nature, this is a story families will love cozying up with together.
JUVENILE The Sea in Winter by Christine Day
After an injury sidelines her dreams of becoming a ballet star, Maisie is not excited for her blended family's midwinter road trip along the coast, near the Makah community where her mother grew up. This evocative and heartwarming novel tells the story of a Native American girl struggling to find her joy again. Ice Dragon by Jordan Quinn
Ruskin and his friends travel to Flatfrost for the Winter Festival, which is extra special this year because the legendary, ancient ice dragon has appeared! In the sixth installment of the exciting Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly graphic novel series, Ruskin and his friends must uncover a secret and keep the ice dragon safe.
TEEN The Winter Duke by Claire Eliza Bartlett
When all of her family succumbs to a magical illness, Ekata Avenko reluctantly assumes the throne. While seeking a cure, Ekata must seize her family’s magic and power—and, if Ekata is to survive, she must quickly decide how she will wield them both.
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Maybe We’re Electric by Val Emmich
From the bestselling author of Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel, comes a deeply affecting story of two teens who find themselves thrown together overnight during a snowstorm and discover a surprising connection. Emotionally vivid and endlessly charming, Maybe We're Electric is an artfully woven meditation on how pain can connect us—we can carry it alone in darkness or share the burden and watch the world light up again.
ADULT The Secret of Snow by Viola Shipman
After losing her job, Sonny is forced to move back to her hometown in Michigan. Not quite an outsider, but no longer a local, Sonny finds her past blindsiding her everywhere. In this story about second chances, Sonny must make peace with who she used to be and allow her heart to thaw. The Winter Table by Lisa Lemke
Come in from the cold and celebrate with family and friends! Lisa Lemke's cookbook presents the comforting delights of hearty wintertime meals, with 75 recipes that showcase wintery ingredients.
Let Us Help You Enhance
[Your Well-Being.] We are Your Healthcare Team. Our clinic offers high-quality, affordable therapeutic services to promote well-being and alleviate concerns due to stress, anxiety, mood, life changes, or chronic pain. In-clinic or online telemedicine services are provided by Clinical Psychology graduate students under the supervision of our faculty psychologists.
Call for an appointment: 623-537-6000 Midwestern University Ther apy Institute Your Family’s Home for Healthcare
5815 West Utopia Road Glendale, Arizona 85308 www.mwuclinics.com
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
17
az grown businesses
The Art House THIS FUN AND CREATIVE space in Gilbert
Face ‘n’ Earth
THIS LOCALLY OWNED online skincare
line features organic, natural, and safe ingredients in their unique products. Found by a happy accident when publisher, Kate Reed, needed to seek out some new products to help with tired eyes (helloooo parenthood!) and complexion and she stumbled on this brand…and it was locally owned! Owner, Soyna McLeod, hand crafts her serums, creams, face washes, toners, masks, and so much more! She’s passionate about ingredients and making sure her products are safe AND effective. If you’re worried about questionable ingredients in your skincare products from mainstream brands but still want results, then make sure to give Face ‘n’ Earth a try. Some of our favorite products are the Max Bright Toner, Pineapple Papaya Enzyme Face Cleanser, Fruit Acid Peel, Skin Tight Wrinkle Serum, Triple Action Eye Serum, and Spotless Mud Acne Treatment. You can try samples of nearly every product and Sonya is incredibly helpful if you’re not sure which product is right for your skin type. Currently, Face ‘n’ Earth does not have a storefront but you can find her products on her website, Amazon, and Etsy. Use the code FACE10 to get 10% your first order on the website! facenearth.com
18 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
hosts a variety of trendy arts and crafts classes such as painting, cookie decorating, charcuterie board workshops, and more! Whether you’re looking for something to do as a girls night out, a date night activity, or even something fun to do with the kids, you’ll likely find something unique and fun at The Art House. The venue space can also be rented out for bridal or baby showers, adult or kid birthday parties, or any type of celebration! In addition, you can even plan your own private Adult Paint Night perfect for a work team-building activity, bachelorette party, or birthday bash. Events include beer, wine, and soft drinks served from the bar inside The Art House and guests will leave with their very own painted masterpiece that can be customized unique to your party. arthouseclasses.com
Cream of the Crop Ice Cream NOT YOUR AVERAGE ice cream parlor! Cream of the Crop, located inside Agritopia’s
Barnone in Gilbert, is a small batch ice cream shop featuring unique flavors such as Shake and Fries, Cheese and Caramel, Maple Buttermilk Pancake, Barcelona Hot Chocolate, Strawberry and Cornbread, and Cucumber Lime Sorbet, just to name a few. Flavors rotate every few weeks with a couple standards such as Agritopia Mint Chip, Vegan Dark Chocolate, Cream of the Crop Vanilla, and Mythical Coffee, that always remain on the menu. Whenever possible, fresh produce from the Agritopia farm, just steps away, are incorporated into the ice cream flavors including ingredients such as lavender mint, peaches, dates, apples, orange blossoms, and even smoked hay! It makes the perfect afternoon treat for kids but is also a great date night spot for parents who are looking to indulge in something sweet together. creamofthecrop-az.com
RAK DATE NIGHT
Luxury Movie Theatre Experience in Scottsdale IF DINNER AND A movie is your go-to date
happy to have a comfy recliner chair to
night, then you’ll want to add the newly
relax in. It allowed me to kick my feet up
see a kid’s movie (Sing 2), somehow the
opened Landmark Theatre in Scottsdale to
and adjust it to the level of incline that
ambiance of the twinkling lights in the
your rotation.
felt best.
Scottsdale Quarter area, combined with
This upscale movie theatre offers
It also was nice because the recliners
Even though we willingly chose to
the theatre’s upscale luxury atmosphere,
plush recliners and all the usual movie
offer more space so you aren’t cramped
concessions that you know and love,
up next to a stranger. We had a little cozy
including popcorn, candy, and soft drinks.
section of the theatre to ourselves and
getting its Scottsdale location up and
it really felt like our own private movie
running having only been open since
full-service bar and lounge with modern
screening (even though there were other
mid-December, the company plans to
seating and dim lighting—making it the
people in the theatre, they felt far enough
eventually offer a larger selection of
perfect spot to hang out before or after the
away that I forgot they were even there!).
gourmet items in addition to its traditional
Of course, to me, it’s not a true movie
concessions. An extended menu is expected
In addition, the theatre also features a
movie with your special someone. My husband and I had the chance to
still made it feel like a romantic date night. While Landmark Theatre is still
experience unless there’s popcorn and
when the theatre’s kitchen is complete,
check out the theatre for ourselves on our
candy involved, so we ordered up some of
sometime in late January.
own date night and it was everything we
our favorites—Reese’s Pieces for me and
For more information, visit:
wanted in a movie-going experience.
M&Ms for my husband, and we shared a
landmarktheatres.com/phoenix/
large popcorn.
scottsdale-quarter-theatre
Being 8 months pregnant, I was so
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
19
az grown education Nancy Parra-Quinlan and Jeff Meshey, CEO of Desert Financial.
Q&A with Nancy Parra-Quinlan: Arizona’s 2022 Teacher of the Year By Monique Seleen
NANCY PARRA-QUINLAN, Arizona’s 2022 Teacher of the Year,
is striving to make an impact on her students by teaching them important career-based skills through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) related courses. At Kino Junior High School in Mesa where Parra-Quinlan
level class where students learn the basics of technical drawing,
has taught for the last 15 years, many students have never been
3D software, and the design process. Projects that start out as
introduced to these types of jobs. But, through her unique classes,
a solution to a problem are sketched, built on CAD software
students are now given the opportunity to learn about robotics,
and 3D printed.
3D modeling software, flight and space, as well as forensic science through a medical detectives class. We caught up with Parra-Quinlan about all the ways she is working to not only leave her mark on her students, but how she plans to continue collaborating with other educators to expand the STEM field for all students.
• Flight and Space- Students must pass one of the entry level classes to take Flight & Space. We learn about the principles of flight, make hot air balloons, build and test airfoils. We also build model rockets and launch them on the football field. • Medical Detectives- Students must pass one of the entry level classes to take this class as well. We study diseases, both food borne and genetic. We extract our own DNA after learning
Explain a little bit about the STEM/CTE classes you teach. What type of unique projects do you get to do with your students? We started the STEM program at Kino
about cells. We study the parts of the brain and dissect sheep
under the direction of my former principal Susan O’Brien. We
scene observation and evidence collecting, ballistics, and
wanted to create something that would give our students new
blood spatter. I make mock crime scenes in the classroom and
opportunities to explore topics and careers they otherwise would
digitally for the students to solve. We dust for fingerprints on
not encounter. I took summer classes through Project Lead the
our campus to learn how CSI technicians do their jobs.
brains to do comparative anatomy. We also do a forensics unit where we study time of death, fingerprinting, crime
Way to learn the base curriculum that we have expanded on over
entry level class where students learn the basics of building
Why is STEM and CTE so important for this generation of students to learn and specifically for the population of students at Kino? STEM is the fastest growing area of
and programming robots. They learn how to use motors and
employment in the United States, according to the Bureau of
sensors to move the robot and complete tasks.
Labor Statistics. My goal is to prepare students for a future career
the years. I teach 4 different classes: • Intro to Engineering: Automation & Robotics- This is an
• Intro to Engineering: Design & Modeling- This is also an entry
20 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
without restrictions on what jobs they can attain. Women and
AZ on the Rocks Has it All! Sign Up for
KLIMBERZ AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES at kids@azontherocks.com
Climbing • Birthday Parties Camps • After School Adaptive Programs • Yoga Team Building & Much More All Ages! No Experience Required!
azontherocks.com 480.502.9777 • 16447 N 91st St, Scottsdale
az grown education
People of Color, like my students, are underrepresented in STEM
to a query, she would find out. I loved listening to her read aloud;
careers. They do not have an abundance of role models, so they do
she read with such inflection and used different voices for the
not realize what options they have for jobs. When they see women
characters. It instilled in me a love of reading.
and minorities in STEM roles, they realize they can achieve that same success. My students are given the opportunity to experience
What made you want to become a teacher? I always
hands-on STEM learning to help level the playing field. If they
loved helping others. Teaching makes me feel like I am making a
discover STEM subject areas that interest them while at the junior
difference for my students. If I can help prepare them for a good
high level, they can be better prepared for high school and choose
future then I know I chose the right profession. I always wanted
courses that help them achieve their goals, whether it is in college,
to be a teacher and even when I was discouraged by others from
the military, or a trade school.
being an educator, I still had the desire to teach. Nothing is more rewarding than watching a child have an “ah ha” moment after
What has been your proudest moment as an educator?
working through a challenge.
I am most proud of when my students come back to tell me that
on our competition robotics team who is now an engineering
What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a teacher but feels discouraged by the demands, pressures, and little pay that teachers face?
student at Embry-Riddle in Prescott. Other students are getting
Teaching can be an isolating profession. Surround yourself with
pilot’s licenses and taking dual credit classes in high school. These
people who know and understand this. Teachers often burn out
students are why I do what I do.
and leave because they feel alone and unheard. Find others with
they have chosen a STEM career path and are following their dreams. I have a student who took my classes and participated
whom you can collaborate, vent, laugh, and learn. When you are
What does this award mean to you? How do you plan to use this experience to enhance your teaching practice? I am honored to be named the 2022 Arizona Teacher
part of a team, it makes the job more worthwhile. You don’t have
of the Year! Being recognized for the work I am doing keeps
your own oxygen mask before helping others.
to sacrifice your own health and well-being. Ask for help when you need it. Remember what they tell you on the plane: secure
me going. Teaching is not the easiest thing to do and many are difference. I hope I can inspire others to create new opportunities
What message do you hope to pass on to all of the students you teach and have taught? I hope my students
for their students by offering STEM clubs and programs at their
know that I love them and have only ever wanted the best for them.
schools. This experience gives me the opportunity to collaborate
Even though they may have felt I was strict or tough on them, it was
with teachers across Arizona and across the United States as well.
so their lives would be better. My students should know that they
I am always looking for new ways to reach my students. The
can do anything they set their minds to. I believe in them and hope
Teacher of the Year award has already opened doors for me to
they feel prepared for the bright future that is theirs.
leaving the profession. This award validates my efforts to make a
expand my knowledge as I connect with other professionals both in education and STEM professions.
Anything else you’d like to add? I would like to ask your readers to take a moment nd reach out to a teacher that made a
What teacher or educator inspired you when you were younger? My seventh grade teacher, Mrs. Mary Spillane was
difference in their lives. Send a note, make a phone call, or write
my favorite teacher. She was smart, patient, and kind. She always
affected them. It means so much to us to hear from former
answered my many questions and if she didn’t know the answer
students about their experiences.
22 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
an email to tell that teacher (or teachers) how they positively
NEW HERITAGE ACADEMY ELEMENTARY AT GATEWAY Now accepting enrollment for next Fall!
H e r i t a g e A c a d e my ex i s t s to promote personal greatness in our scholars . By s tudying the powerful lessons of our Founding Fathers and Mothers, Heritage scholars have answers for today’s problems.
Why choose Heritage • 4-day school week. Fridays off! • Passionate, caring teachers • Friendly and supportive environment • Small class sizes • Wonderful administration • Tuition-FREE Meet Principal Shalisa Arnold
hagateway.com/elementary
Schedule a tour of one of our campuses! • Gateway: Grades K-5 (starts 2022-23) Ellsworth & Germann Rd., Mesa • 480-461-4440 elementary@HeritageAcademyAZ.com
• Maricopa: Grades 6-12 • Tours Wed. 10 a.m. 41000 W. Heroes Way, Maricopa • 520-367-3800 maricopa@heritageacademyaz.com
• Gateway: Grades 6-12, • Tours Wed. 10 a.m. 19705 E. Germann Rd., Queen Creek • 480-461-4400 gatewaycommunication@heritageacademyaz.com
• Mesa: Grades 6-12 • Tours Tue. 10 a.m. 32 S. Center, Mesa • 480-969-5641 info@heritageacademyaz.com
• Laveen: Grades 7-12 • Tours Mon. 9:30 a.m. 4275 W. Baseline Rd., Laveen • 602-290-8546 laveencommunication@heritageacademyaz.com
Visit us online to learn more about Heritage Academy’s dedication to our youth, their growth and development!
az grown education
program, but he was still stifled in school. He was bored, his creativity squashed, and we felt that there weren’t any advancement opportunities for him. After a few weeks of this, combined with COVID concerns, and weekly illnesses that would bring the entire house down, we decided enough was enough. Our family researched our options, spoke to other families who homeschooled, weighed the pros and cons, and ultimately withdrew our son from public school a few weeks after school started. Since we have two other younger boys and both my husband and I work fulltime (I work from home) it made more sense to use a program with an accredited curriculum. We chose Abeka and love the platforms and curriculum they offer. We’re also able to supplement his learning and make every day experiences a part of KATE REED
his education. He has discovered he loves to cook so he actively helps make all our
Homeschooling on a whim By Kate Reed
meals and grocery shop! We created a ‘learning center’ in his room but sometimes he works from the kitchen table with me, and we do our work together. He loves to tell me about
AS MY HUSBAND and I sat on the couch
be ‘that’ mom. But after a rough 18
some of the interesting material he’s
one evening I blurted out ‘I think we
months of pandemic public schooling,
covering in his lessons and we do a lot
should homeschool’ and I think it even
we decided to make a family change.
of research on topics he’s curious about!
shocked me a little bit. My husband sat
We felt our 8-year-old was getting lost
Other times I find him working outside
quietly for a moment, contemplating
in the school system and wasn’t being
or even under my bed (why do kids love
his words carefully. He was probably
challenged enough. He’d come home
that?). He loves the freedom to take
looking at my unwashed, disheveled
sad and was not motivated to go back to
breaks, have a snack, and mix up his
hair, dark circles under my eyes, spit up
school. His grades and comprehension
schedule to suit his mood that particular
on my shirt, and looking worse for wear
were excellent, but he wasn’t happy.
day. If you ask him, he mostly just likes
while bouncing a fussy 3-month-old.
We did our best to provide more work
that he can eat whatever he wants for
I would have never guessed I’d
at home and he tested into the gifted
lunch and eat more intuitively (i.e. eat
24 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
when he’s hungry). We also love that this allows us to have more spontaneous day trips without being absent from school. He’s even able to take his laptop and spend a week with his grandparents. We’ve completed our 2nd quarter and have plenty to figure out still, but our child is happier and thriving academically (and isn’t getting sick as often!). We were worried about his social needs but there are a lot of homeschool hubs in our area plus designated homeschool events at local venues. He’s also involved in city sports programs where he makes friends. In full transparency, we have rough days where I think about whether it would be easier to send him back to school. We deal with issues like lack of focus, organization, and my son and I often butt heads (teachers do not get enough credit!). There are days where I struggle to be a mom AND a teacher, juggle the household responsibilities, help with projects, work full-time, and be the support my kids need all while I’m lacking in sleep and self-care. With a 3-year-old at home it’s also difficult to explain why his big brother can’t be
Homeschooling Resources that we enjoy! • Abeka: Comprehensive, biblically-based curriculum, textbooks, teaching aids and more for Preschool–Grade 12, with a proven spiral learning approach. abeka.com • Highlights Magazine: A monthly magazine that inspire children to use their creativity and imagination; develops reading, thinking and reasoning skills; and teaches respect, kindness and sensitivity. highlightskids.com • The Week Junior: A magazine that inspires ages 8-14 to discuss the news of the week with their parents, teachers and friends. theweekjunior.com • stARTem: Integrating art into STEM through STEAM curriculum and subscription boxes. startem.org • Outschool: Over 140,000 interactive online classes and camps for kids ages 3-18. outschool.com • KiwiCo Boxes: Fun and enriching science and art projects, delivered to your home. kiwico.com • Khan Academy: A nonprofit that provides a free education for anyone, anywhere. khanacademy.org
• Raddish Kids: A monthly cooking club for kids, where culinary fun is delivered to your doorstep. raddishkids.com • Adventure Academy: A fully immersive virtual universe for kids with access to educational activities in math, language arts, science, social studies and much more. adventureacademy.com • Arizona Families for Home Education: A statewide non-profit 501(c)(3) educational, religious and charitable corporation that serves the needs and protects the rights of Arizona’s homeschooling families. afhe.org • Amazon Kids+: Unlimited access to kid-friendly books, movies, TV shows, educational apps and games on compatible Fire, FireTV, Android, iOS and Kindle devices. amazon.com/ftu/home • The Preschool Box: Monthly preschool activities that encourage learning, reading and creativity in children ages 3-5. Lil Readers: Monthly books, activities and themed crafts that encourage reading and comprehension in children ages 5-7. thepreschoolbox.com
bothered some parts of the day. It took us 3 solid months to get into a routine where I feel more comfortable with homeschooling, so I recommend you give yourself just as long—especially if you have toddlers and babies at home who also demand attention. If you have some great homeschool tips, I’d love to hear them! Email publisher@ rakmagazine.com
National Geographic Kids World Atlas 6th Edition
Zeus the Mighty Book 3: The Trials of Hairy-Clees
Ultimate Book of African Animals
by National Geographic (ages 10 and older)
By Crispin Boyer (ages 8-12)
By Beverly and Dereck Joubert (ages 8-12)
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
25
az grown technology USING COMMON SENSE
Getting closer to closing the DIGITAL DIVIDE — for good By Ilana Lowery
NO ONE KNOWS how the Covid-19
Latino or Native American.
pandemic — or the various iterations of
There is a persistent gap between
want to give her last name. Access to robust home broadband
it — will impact in-person school going
students who have high-speed internet
service, appropriate and reliable learning
forward, but one thing is certain, at-home
and adequate devices at home and those
devices and digital citizenship tools that
learning for students and teachers is here
who do not, a gap that perpetuates
keep families and teachers connected,
to stay.
educational and economic inequality at a
are essential to the future of education.
time when accessing the internet at home
The next step to closing the digital divide
and that means teaching through the
is as important as having electricity and
is the recent investment in broadband
digital divide will continue to impact
running water.
infrastructure that families and businesses
We are in the age of distance learning,
communities across our state. In Arizona, roughly 336,000 students
“Many of our students do not have
can afford and ensuring that digital
access to Wi-Fi or technology. Lack of
training and resources are available to
and 4,800 teachers lack adequate
technology only adds to the stress for us
those who need them.
internet access. Up to 220,600 students
and our families as we continue to try
and 1,500 teachers are without the
and support each other as we maintain a
switch to distance learning, it is imperative
technology and devices at home to
quality of education the best we can for
to provide essential tools and resources to
support distance learning. About 56% of
our students,” said Tina, an elementary
all our students, closing the digital divide
the students who lack access are Black,
school teacher in El Mirage, who didn’t
and increasing their chances for success,”
26 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
“Given the global pandemic, and the
said Lupita Hightower, superintendent of
themselves from exploitative and
program to fund the construction of
the Tolleson Elementary School District.
discriminatory business practices.
middle-mile infrastructure, which
According to Drew Garner, Common
will make it easier to build last-mile
Fortunately, President Biden recently signed into law the historic and long
Sense Media’s state broadband policy
connections and provide redundancy
overdue $1.2 trillion Infrastructure
fellow, the infrastructure law creates a first-
to our networks so that they have fewer
Investment and Jobs Act, the largest
of-its-kind digital inclusion program.
single points of failure. (In case you
investment in generations in America’s
don’t already know, “middle mile” is the
roads, bridges, ports, and water and energy
of the new law is the Digital Equity Act,
highway compared to the neighborhood
systems. Included in this new, bipartisan
which provides nearly $3 billion to create
streets of “last mile.” The more middle
law is $65 billion to help ensure that
and support digital inclusion programs,”
mile, the easier it is to connect dispersed
everyone in America is connected to high-
he said.
communities.)
speed internet, a monumental step toward
Digital inclusion refers to providing
The infrastructure law makes internet
one of Common Sense’s top priorities:
internet users with the skills, knowledge
access more affordable, too. The second-
closing the digital divide once and for all.
and technology they need to take full
largest broadband portion of the law
advantage of everything the internet has to
provides $14 billion to the Affordable
offer,” Garner added.
Connectivity Program (ACP) (formerly
It is also too soon to tell how much money will flow into Arizona from the infrastructure dollars, but more than $217
“Along with access and affordability,
the Emergency Broadband Benefit [EBB]).
million has been requested for equipment,
a lack of digital inclusion is one of the
The ACP helps lower-income consumers
such as computers, tablets and hotspots,
leading drivers of the digital divide. The
by providing up to $30/month for internet
and services, such as internet connection.
infrastructure law recognizes this fact and,
service and a one-time $100 to help
for the first time ever, provides funding
purchase a device.
This new law represents the singleISTOCK
“One of the most exciting components
largest investment ever made toward closing
for digital inclusion activities. This is an
the digital divide and ensures that every
enormous show of support for a previously
investment quadruples the size of the
home and business has access to broadband
underappreciated problem,” he said.
original EBB and demonstrates that
connectivity that is critical to thrive in today’s economy, in school, and in society. Here is a breakdown for you to see exactly what it does for kids and families’
In addition, the infrastructure law will
According to Garner, this $14 billion
Congress truly recognizes affordability
deploy high-speed internet to communities
as one of the leading causes of the digital
that lack it.
divide. Moreover, the law also requires the
The largest portion of the law is a $42
FCC and companies that provide internet
ability to go online and why it is so
billion program dedicated to the creation
service (ISPs) to advertise the ACP to help
important. The broadband section of the
and expansion of high-speed internet
ensure that as many eligible people as
new infrastructure law accomplishes four
networks. This money is prioritized
possible apply for the benefit, he said.
key goals to close the digital divide.
for rural areas and states that rank low
• Deploys high-speed internet to
in terms of internet access, ensuring
Ilana Lowery is the Arizona
that it will be spent connecting our
director for Common Sense
least connected communities. It also
Media, an independent
prioritizes existing state projects and
nonprofit dedicated to
thereby supercharges the work that
helping kids thrive in a world
programs to help internet users take
communities are already doing to build the
of media and technology by
full advantage of online services
networks of the future.
empowering parents, teachers and policymakers. She
communities that lack it • Helps lower-income Americans afford internet service and devices • Establishes “digital inclusion”
• Empowers consumers to protect
The law also includes a $1 billion
can be reached at ilowery@commonsense.org
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
27
ages & stages health
When You Think Your Child has ADHD…What Next? By Dr. Lori Long, Katie Severson, Dr. Mallory Yee
YOU’VE HAD QUESTIONS about your child’s behaviors for a while
(sometimes as early as 4 years), as the diagnosis requires that the
now. Maybe you have shared these concerns with others and were
child shows significant symptoms in more than one setting (e.g.,
met with dismissive comments like, “We’re all a little ADHD!”
school, home, or with friends).
Just remember, you know your child best and you are the best person to advocate for them.
If you start to notice that your child is not maturing out of these behaviors at the same rate as their peers, or these behaviors are having a negative impact on life at home or school, then an
How do I distinguish ADHD from “normal” kid behavior?
ADHD is one of the most common brain-based disorders in
ADHD evaluation can help you identify services to help your child thrive.
children. As a parent, you may notice concerns with your child’s ability to pay attention, focus on schoolwork, listen to directions,
I suspect it is ADHD… now what?
or control impulses. Your child might also hit others, have very big
Start with your pediatrician who can connect you with
tantrums, talk too much, have trouble staying seated, or blurt out/
other professionals who evaluate and treat ADHD. Your child’s
interrupt frequently.
pediatrician may have you fill out some behavior checklists, or
It is normal for children (especially young children!) to have difficulty paying attention or aggressive behaviors from time to
they may refer you to a specialist (such as a child psychologist, neuropsychologist, or developmental pediatrician).
time. It is really the frequency and degree to which you see these behaviors and whether your child starts to outgrow these patterns. ADHD is usually diagnosed in children 5 years of age or older
28 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
Where do I find support for my child with ADHD or suspected ADHD?
Once your evaluation is complete, you will be armed with
resources to help your child thrive. These might include referrals for behavioral therapy, medication, school accommodations/ interventions, and referrals to other specialists. One of the most important parts of this journey is connecting with parents who “get it”. Join your local CHADD group and find other parents who understand your experience. We would love to support you as you raise a happy and independent child with ADHD. Grab a copy of our free ADHD parenting guide and check out our online course, Creating Calm,
KATARZYNA BIALASIEWICZ
at our website at thechildhoodcollective.com
From left: Dr. Mallory, child psychologist, mother to two boys. Katie, speech language pathologist, mother to a girl and boy. Dr. Lori, child psychologist, mama to two girls.
The Childhood Collective The Childhood Collective is a team of two child psychologists (Lori Long, Ph.D. and Mallory Yee, Ph.D.) and a speech language pathologist (Katie Severson, M.S., CCC-SLP). Most importantly, they are three moms who are dedicated to supporting parents of children with ADHD. With over 40 years of combined professional experience, they empower parents by teaching science-backed strategies to raise happy and confident children! For more information, visit thechildhoodcollective.com, follow along on Instagram @thechildhoodcollective, or send them an email to hello@thechildhoodcollective.com
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
29
ages & stages health
30 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
Managing FRUSTRATION at home By Alex Swartz
PARENTING IS HARD. For many parents,
important for defining boundaries — have
the prolonged COVID-19 crisis has
time set aside for self-care, play, work,
made it even harder. Parents have been
school and other responsibilities.
stretched thin–worrying about finances,
“Children three and older are
Keeping others’ perspectives in mind can help us be more patient and create solutions to conflict. With the ongoing
their family’s health and their children’s
increasingly able to understand that the
pandemic, most everyone is stressed and
care and development. Children have
things they want may be at odds with
facing their own individual struggles.
been impacted too, as the pandemic’s far-
what others want,” says Dr. Alison Steier,
Parents can step out of parenting into
reaching effects have disrupted their daily
director of Mental Health Services and
their job or relationship, but children
life and development. With all the stress
the Harris Institute at Southwest Human
can’t step out of needing care. And
caused by the pandemic and families being
Development. “This is an important
remember: just as parents won’t always
cooped up together more often, tension in
cognitive and emotional development and
show up as our best selves, neither will
the household may be a bit higher.
gives parents the opportunity to support
our kids. We see a lot of our imperfections
such skills as waiting, finding a middle
and our kids’ imperfections during
with family members is understandable
ground (collaborating) and going with the
challenging times, so a little empathy will
during challenging times. When we
program (cooperating)—skills they will
go a long way.
start to feel overwhelmed, it can be
need in all relationships.”
Becoming more frustrated or annoyed
Managing anger during conflict
easy to lose our temper and argue with one another or behave rudely. These conflicts can make tensions even worse
Find time to focus on joy Enjoying positive experiences together
Conflict can’t always be avoided. But when our child pushes our buttons,
if not resolved or managed. So what
helps relieve some of the frustrations or
allowing our anger to dictate our actions
can we do to create a more supportive
resentment that can build up. Spend time
can have negative results. In moments
environment for the whole family? Here
with your child doing interactive activities
of conflict, you can better manage your
are some recommendations from our early
that you both enjoy. Try reading with
anger by practicing mindfulness, using
childhood development experts:
them, crafting, or making a fort! And be
techniques to calm yourself, temporarily
sure to give time and attention to each
removing yourself from the situation or
person in your family so that they feel
finding support from a partner, friend, or
valued and loved.
family member. And as parents, we have
Set boundaries A child running and screaming in
ISTOCK
Perspective-taking
the background of a Zoom work meeting
“Setting aside worries and work
would irritate many parents. Likewise, a
responsibilities to immerse ourselves in
supportive relationship with our children
parent cutting a child’s playtime short to
play with our children can be very joyful
but also to model effective coping skills.
get to an appointment probably aggravates
for parents—reminding us of our child
the child. It’s crucial that family members
selves and giving us insight into how
developing communication skills, their
discuss clear boundaries so that everyone
our children are making sense of their
frustrations, anger or need for attention
is aware of each other’s wants and needs.
experiences,” says Steier.
can sometimes be expressed through
Creating structure together is also
a responsibility not only to maintain a
For young children who are
tantrums or other challenging behaviors.
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
31
ages & stages health
Tips for reducing parenting stress Feeling stressed? Between working, cooking, cleaning, managing schedules, and
We may find ourselves wanting to yell or punish our children to put a stop to their behavior, but these harsh tactics can create unhealthy patterns in the
chauffeuring, parenting is a lot of work! Studies show that parents who report higher levels of
long term. Instead, try to stay calm
stress are more likely to be authoritarian, harsh, and negative in their interactions with their
and discuss and validate your child’s
child. Reducing stress can allow you to relish the time you have with your children and build a
feelings while still putting a limit on
happier, more positive relationship.
their behavior. Teaching your child how
If you’re a parent of a young child, check out our tips for managing stress:
Have more fun with your children
to express their feelings with words and practice self-regulation can help relieve heightened emotional states.
Find interactive activities that you and your child both enjoy. Try reading to them, crafting, or making a fort! By spending positive time together, you will create memories and build a relationship outside of your daily parental responsibilities.
Maintaining strong relationships after conflict When we hit “speed bumps’’ in
Live a balanced life
any relationship, the relationship
Don’t spread yourself too thin by signing yourself or your young children up for too many
can be damaged if the conflict is left
appointments and activities. Coordinating multiple packed schedules puts stress on both
unaddressed. Ignoring a conflict and
parents and children. Leave some time open on your calendar so you have time to unwind.
any hurt feelings it causes might work
Make time for yourself
temporarily, but it leaves the door open to the conflict returning and
When your life revolves around someone else, it can be hard to tend to your own needs.
builds resentment and distrust in the
Whether it’s exercising, watching TV, talking to a friend on the phone, or just taking a long nap,
relationship.
focusing on yourself can help you recharge! While some parents may feel guilty for having time
Conflict doesn’t have to be a negative
for themselves, it actually improves their relationships with their children. A less stressed parent
experience, though. Instead, we can view
is a more patient, energetic parent! And if you can’t seem to find time for yourself…
it as an opportunity to communicate our feelings and learn to better support
Ask for help
each other. By resolving conflict, we
Enlist the help of your partner, family, friends or a child care professional to care for your child. Even
build even stronger relationships. We
your older children can watch or play with your young child while you have some time for yourself.
can repair relationships after conflict by acknowledging the hurt we caused
Find support
and expressing remorse. And talking
Being able to talk about your struggles can be a major help with alleviating stress. Spend
with your child about strategies they
some time talking to your partner, friends, or therapist to take the weight off your shoulders.
can use in the future gives them a
Utilizing your support system is not only a form of self-care, but can also allow you to hear
more concrete understanding of how to
some new ideas for coping with parenting stress.
prevent or manage conflict.
If you’re feeling stressed, the Birth to Five Helpline is a free service open to all Arizona families with young children. Call or text the free helpline at 877-705-KIDS (5437), Monday
Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest
– Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for free child development support, or visit swhd.org/helpline for
nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development.
more information.
Learn more at www.swhd.org
32 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
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ages & stages parenting
A better, calmer PARENTING METHOD By Kate Reed
34 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
ever been at the end of your rope after a
What are the benefits of Love and Logic parenting?
long day, your patience worn thin and your
Love and Logic is a gentle parenting
kid looks you dead in the eye as he dumps
strategy. The tools and techniques from
second police officer, "cop B." This
out the box of animal crackers on your
"Love and Logic," dramatically up the
officer pulls you over and immediately
freshly vacuumed carpet…maybe you’ve
odds of raising responsible, confident,
shows you empathy. "Man, that is a
been there, too. And maybe after you yell
and happy children. Research shows that
bummer you were speeding. I totally
you also feel terrible, like me. Truthly, I’m
parents who maintain high expectations
get it, though. It is easy to speed in this
not proud of the parent I become when
while staying warm and responsive are
area. You were going 15 over, and I have
I snap at my kids. I often wonder what
more likely to raise children with better
to write you a ticket. Let me try and get
impact my reactions have on my kids as
mental health, develop good self-esteem,
you on your way as quickly as possible."
they grow. So this year I'm on a mission to
have higher academic success, be more
He comes back to the window and says,
yell less and empathize more. While I’ve
independent, and create relationships based
with empathy, "Here are a few options for
been making great strides at implementing
on healthy attachment.
you. You can attend traffic school if you
new strategies for being a more gentle parent
have not attended in the last 12 months.
I still have a lot of room for improvement.
You can pay the fine or contest the ticket.
How can I be a better parent, keep
What are the consequences of yelling at your children?
boundaries, and raise well-adjusted kids? I
While it's normal for parents to get
have a better day." As he hands you the
sought some insight from local parenting
frustrated with their children, studies
ticket, what do you probably say? "Thank
coaches, Larry and Kami Kerby, who
show that yelling makes misbehavior
you." That is right; you just thanked the
had a few tips for helping me keep my
worse in the long run. Those who practice
police officer for the ticket.
cool this year while still maintaining
gentle parenting techniques such as Love
boundaries with my kids. The Kerbys
and Logic understand that "the road to
arrive at the party? If you are like most,
spent years studying to be better and
wisdom is paved with mistakes." When
you may not even have an account
more effective parents and now they’re
a parent yells after a child misbehaves
because you are so focused on how you
sharing their knowledge with parents
or makes a mistake, a child usually goes
will fix the problem you just created for
through the Love and Logic seminars.
into fight or flight mode. When a child
yourself by getting a speeding ticket.
is in fight or flight, no learning occurs.
The consequence was the same
What is parenting the Love and Logic Way?
In this state, all of their focus is on the
between "Cop A" and "Cop B," both
parent's reaction, not their poor decision
issued a ticket; however, which one left
Love and Logic is about Loving your kids
or mistake.
you blaming the "authority figure" and
SOMETIMES I YELL at my kids. If you’ve
ISTOCK
so much that you are willing to set and
Let me better explain through the
ever." Your focus will probably be on the officer's poor behavior, not on your own. Contrast that situation with the
Whatever works best for you. I hope you
Now, what is your story once you
which one left you blaming your choice?
enforce healthy boundaries with sincere
parable of two police officers. Let's say you
When we show empathy and
empathy and compassion. The "Logic"
are on your way to a party, and you get
connection before correction, we up the
in Love and Logic is founded in a growth
pulled over by a police officer. The first
odds dramatically that our kids will learn
mindset mentality, letting children make
officer, "Cop A," yells at you, tells you
from their mistakes.
decisions and affordable mistakes and then
what a horrible person you are, and then
allowing them to experience the natural or
throws you the ticket. You then go on to
logical consequences, not as a punishment
the party, and what is the first thing you
Does this approach work for every family?
but as an opportunity to learn.
say? "I got pulled over by the biggest jerk
Yes. The application will look different
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
35
ages & stages parenting
from family to family as every situation
the problem back. When your child hits
What does that look like?
is different. Disclaimer, these tools, and
their sibling, Ask, "what are you going to
"That was a sad choice that you made. I
techniques are not to replace counseling
do to make this right?" When they make a
am going to have to do something about
and mental health treatment.
mess, "what are you going to do to fix this
that. I will let you know after your father,
situation?" When they create a problem at
and I have discussed this."
How do I set boundaries with my kids without threats?
school, "I heard you created a problem for Mrs. Johnson today, that was a sad choice;
you try new skills, that is not a parenting
When we set limits based on things we
how are you going to make this right?"
issue. That is a marriage or co-parenting
can control, we are much less likely to
At that point, the parent will probably
If the other parent is demeaning you as
issue. As co-parents or partners, we bless
feel the need to threaten our children.
have to coach the child through some
our children's lives when we root for each
When a parent tells a strong-willed child
ideas of what they could do to make
other's success. Kerby Seminar Group
what to do, the strong-willed child often
it right. There may be cases where the
offers marriage courses or co-parenting
does the opposite. Wise parents focus on
child chooses not to make it right. Not
one-on-one coaching sessions if you need
setting boundaries based on the things a
a problem; this is when the parent steps
support in this area.
parent can control, such as ourselves, our
in giving a consequence with empathy
environment, and our schedule.
and connection before correction. A consequence will help them better
What are some resources you recommend for parents?
that tone of voice with me!" I am much
understand "cause and effect." When I
Nobody knows and loves your child like
more likely to follow up with a threat
choose not to fix the situation, my parents
you! While there are many parenting
because all my focus is on the thing I can't
do something.
experts and resources available, none are as
control, the child's tone of voice.
powerful as the confidence to know that you are the expert on your child.
is as calm as mine." There is no need
How can I implement these changes in Parenting when my partner doesn't agree?
for threats. The parent can now follow-
We often have just one parent show
behaviors in their cognitive development or
through, and talk to the child when the
up to our Love and Logic workshops.
ideas for more effective strategies than the
conditions of a calm voice are met.
Sometimes their spouse cannot attend,
ones your parents used on you.
For example, if I tell a child, "Don't use
In contrast, when a parent says, " I'm happy to you talk as soon as your voice
The love and logic program helps
but they are sometimes not willing to
As the expert on your child, you may need help understanding appropriate
Come discover new tools at a
parents set enforceable boundaries without
participate. I encourage those parents to
"Parenting the Love and Logic Way"
lectures and threats. Effective boundary
experiment with their new tools and skills
workshops. You can find schedules at
setting is a skill set that most have never
and examine the results. After seeing their
www.Parenting.Rocks and additional
seen modeled. It takes time and practice.
spouse achieve better results, some parents
books and resources can be found at www.
are more open to trying something new.
LoveandLogic.com.
What are some techniques I can implement today?
What doesn't work is nagging your spouse and telling them what they need to be
Learn more: Larry and Kami Kerby
When a child creates a problem, one of
doing differently. If the spouse disagrees on
are Parenting Coaches & Independent
the greatest gifts we can give them is to
the consequence, delay the consequence.
Facilitators of the Love and Logic
practice fixing the problem. That is a real-
Get on the same page, then give the
Curriculum. You may reach them at 480-
life skill that will serve them for the rest of
consequence to your child.
316-8383 or at parenting.rocks/contact
their lives. What does that look like? Hand
36 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
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Pregnancy & Babies P
regnancy can be such a magical time but there's also a lot to prepare and figure out–what to put on a baby registry, deciding whether to take a babymoon, how to choose the right pediatrician, and what to pack in a hospital bag, just to name a few. Then come all the changes once the new baby arrives such as figuring out best parenting practices and getting your newborn to actually sleep. It can all feel a bit overwhelming at times so we've compiled some expert advice and our own personal tips on how to tackle some of these concerns. We hope this helps guide you as you enter into one of the biggest adventures out there: PARENTHOOD. 38 January/February 2022
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Pregnancy & Babies Careful the things you say. Children will listen.
COURAGEOUS CO-PARENTING
Co-Parenting Your Baby:
Careful the things you do. Children will see and learn. – Stephen Sondheim
ISTOCK
3 GUIDING COMMITMENTS By Michael Aurit, JD, MDR
RESEARCH CONFIRMS the accuracy of
Knowing you are both on “Team [your
who are equally invested in caregiving can
these poignant lyrics—even for newborns.
baby’s name]” can go a long way toward
share overnights. The key is to support
Here are three commitments separated
uniting as parents and reducing conflict.
one another as you work together to make
parents can make to best support the physical and emotional health of their
a plan that best meets your baby’s needs. 2. Commit to supporting each other.
new pride and joy.
Babies need both parents. Developing secure attachments to both parents is in an
3. Commit to creating a Parenting Plan. All new parents need guidance. A
1. Commit to reducing conflict and
infant’s best interest. Leading psychologist
detailed Parenting Plan is your vital
creating a low-stress environment.
Dr. Richard Warshak’s research concludes
playbook. A professional family mediator
that parents’ consistent, frequent,
can help you develop a Parenting Plan,
exposed to conflict between their parents—
affectionate, and sensitive behavior is
which addresses parenting time, legal-
even during sleep time—show physical
essential to forming meaningful, secure,
decision making, and child support to
signs similar to people with severe stress
and healthy parent-child relationships.
keep conflict low and ensure successful
and emotional problems, including sleep
Likewise, Arizona law calls for
Infants sense conflict. Newborns
co-parenting now and long into the future.
disturbances, fear, anxiety, and distress. It
“substantial, frequent, meaningful,
can even disrupt early brain development.
and continuing parenting time with
Courageous Co-Parenting is Raising
Continued exposure can lead to emotional,
both parents.” Parents can commit to
Arizona Kids’s monthly column for separating
behavioral, and physical health problems
maximizing parenting time for both
or divorced parents to learn conflict
later in childhood. Infants suffer internally
parents. For some, this means the baby
resolution skills, strategies, and attitudes for
and may not show signs of stress.
resides at one parent’s home full-time,
healthy co-parenting. These concepts apply
while the other parent cares for their baby
to all parents. Please feel free to share the
multiple times per week. Other parents
column with your co-parent.
For years, child experts have known that it is not the divorce that will cause harm—it is continued conflict during and after divorce that causes emotional
Michael Aurit, JD, MDR, is a Professional Mediator and Co-Founder of The Aurit
harm. This truth can help co-parents
Center for Divorce Mediation in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is President of The Academy of
separate their conflict from their
Professional Family Mediators. He is also an Adjunct Professor at The Straus Institute for
co-parenting responsibilities.
Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law and Arizona State University’s
Creative solution: Become a team
Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law. Michael is married to Karen Aurit, and they live in
focused solely on your baby. Use your
Phoenix, Arizona with their three and five-year-old daughters. Michael can be reached at
baby’s name as your ‘team name’.
michael@auritmediation.com. To learn more, visit auritmediation.com
40 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
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LEARN MORE AT MADISONAZ.ORG
Pregnancy & Babies
HEALTHY LOVE HABITS
Parenting
RAWPIXEL
Your Newborn as a Team By Karen Aurit, LAMFT
PARENTING A NEWBORN baby can unite
as a meaningful caregiver. Take a unified
Remaining best friends
parents in profound ways; however, it can
approach, ‘one feeds and the other burps,’
Connecting with your partner as best
also lead them further apart.
allowing you to become a stronger team.
friends is crucial. Hold a daily 15-minute
Sharing the roles of feeding, bathing, and
“team meeting” to focus solely on
that 67% of new parents felt dissatisfied
soothing may create the most unified
each other. Share a laugh, express
in their relationship during the first three
feeling for parents.
your love and gratitude, or daydream
Dr. John Gottman’s research shows
years of their baby’s life. The key to strengthening your bond
about 8-hours of sleep. Different parenting styles
Stay connected as you navigate
is to develop healthy habits that support
It is normal to have different parenting
disagreements and always support a
the development of a compassionate and
styles. You might disagree about sleep
compromise.
unified parenting team.
training, feeding schedules, or even the “right way” to hold the baby.
Initial Challenges
The key is to avoid communication
You’ve got this—together! Get into the groove of your new team and fall in love even more deeply as you become a family.
You will be challenged to work as a team as
breakdown. To do so, hold a brief “team
you both experience a lack of sleep, libido,
meeting” as needed to focus on problem-
Healthy Love Habits is Raising Arizona
and solitude. The key is to remain focused
solving together. Each of you should
Kids’s monthly relationship column for learning
on your partner first and address the baby’s
feel heard and understood as you find a
simple habits to create the healthy and loving
needs together. As a parenting team, it is
mutually-beneficial solution.
connection you desire and deserve.
much easier to laugh at things that might otherwise make you cry.
Karen Aurit, LAMFT, is Director and Co-Founder of The Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation in Scottsdale, Arizona. Karen is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family
Involvement in your baby’s care
Therapist who specializes in mindfulness theory. She is also an Adjunct Professor at The Straus
Sharing in all aspects of childcare is
Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law and at Arizona State
essential to remaining connected and
University’s Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law. Karen is married to Michael Aurit, and
appreciative.
they live in Phoenix, Arizona, with their three and five-year-old daughters. Karen can be
Create space for each of you to function
42 January/February 2022
reached at karen@auritmediation.com. To learn more, visit auritmediation.com
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
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Pregnancy & Babies
5 TIPS
that make a BIG difference for
BABY SLEEP By Cara Dumaplin
DO YOU HAVE a baby or toddler 0-24
months? Here are five ways you can help set your baby up for better sleep: Aim for age-appropriate wake windows.
“Wake window” is just a fancy term for how long your baby is awake between naps and before bedtime. How long your baby is awake directly impacts sleep.
a few degrees, make sure your baby is in
at bedtime, just offer full feedings all
Babies who are awake for too long OR
comfortable clothing, and ensure that the
throughout the day when your baby is
not long enough struggle to fall asleep
crib is completely safe.
hungry. Don’t exceed 4 hours between
and stay asleep. BUT the right amount of
daytime feedings.
active awake time for your baby helps set
Help your baby learn to fall asleep
your nights and naps up for success. Keep
independently at bedtime.
Know that help is available if you need it!
in mind that the “right amount” is always
This helps them know how to fall BACK
Taking Cara Babies has online classes
a range and can vary a bit day to day.
to sleep when they awaken in the night.
that meet your baby right where he or she
We all awaken multiple times a night.
is developmentally. Each class will aim for
baby’s age:
The “trick” for consolidated sleep is being
great sleep and allows you to customize
• 0-4 Weeks: 35-60 minutes
able to connect those sleep cycles. If we
a plan that fits your family’s values.
• 4-12 Weeks: 60-90 minutes
know how to fall asleep at bedtime, it’s
Everything is taught using the expertise
• 3-4 Months: 75-120 minutes
easier to do it during the night!
of a nurse and the heart of a mama.
Here are guidelines based on your
• 5-7 Months: 2-3 hours
• 7-10 Months: 2.5-3.5 hours
Offer feedings about every three hours
Cara Dumaplin is a baby
• 11-14 Months: 3-4 hours
throughout the day according to hunger cues.
sleep expert, neonatal nurse,
• 14-24 Months: 4-6 hours
No, that doesn’t mean we want a rigid
mom of four, and wife of a
feeding schedule. BUT offering good, full
pediatrician. Her passion
Set up an environment conducive to sleep.
feedings rather than snacking helps your
is teaching parents how to
Babies sleep best when everything around
baby get the calories she needs during
help their babies sleep so they can reclaim the joy of
them says “It’s time to sleep.” How do we
the day. Being responsive to hunger cues
parenthood. With over 2 million followers on social
get the environment to say this? Make it
throughout the day helps get longer
media, Cara has truly been able to see her passion come to
completely dark, lower the temperature
stretches at night. No need to overstuff
life. You can discover more at takingcarababies.com
44 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
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Pregnancy & Babies
Common Oral HEALTH ISSUES During Pregnancy By Dr. Heather Schneider
IF YOU’RE PREGNANT – or planning to become pregnant
– chances are you know some of the basics about being healthy for you and your baby. Eat a balanced diet. Don’t smoke. Get enough rest. And the list goes on. But did you know that your oral health becomes increasingly important when you’re planning to become pregnant and during pregnancy? Pregnancy can intensify dental disease. Minor dental problems you had before you became pregnant could worsen. Common Dental Issues during Pregnancy Most moms-to-be experience cravings. Additional snacking on sugary foods can lead to increased tooth decay. Try to limit foods containing sugar to mealtimes only. If you do give into one of those Oreo cravings, drink a glass of water while you’re eating, perhaps even swish with it a bit. Then, wait and brush your teeth once 30 to 60 minutes later, which allows time for the acid/sugar buildup to neutralize. If you brush too soon, it can actually cause more harm than good with all that acid and sugar. Beyond this, nausea and vomiting affects 80 percent of all pregnant women. Stomach acid from vomiting can erode
46 January/February 2022
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
your teeth. If you’re one of the unlucky
A Less Common Dental Issue:
Oral Health Resources for Low-
ones who suffer from “morning sickness,”
Pregnancy Tumors
income or At-risk Pregnant Women
make sure to rinse your mouth out with
If you’re pregnant you’re probably
Outside of the $1,000 emergency
water and baking soda solution afterward.
aware of how your hormones are causing
dental services all AHCCS adults have,
The combination will neutralize the acid.
many changes in your body. A rise in
Medicaid-eligible mothers do not have
Also, brush your teeth gently – again after
estrogen and progesterone can cause
coverage for dental services in Arizona, so
30 to 60 minutes – and chew gum that
symptoms like morning sickness, fatigue,
often these moms have to suffer without
has Xylitol in it.
brain fog, and dizzy spells. But you
dental care because of these barriers.
might not realize they’re also at play
However, locally there are many resources
increased bleeding and tenderness of
when it comes to your oral health. A mix
for low-income or at-risk pregnant women
the gums, may affect women during
of plaque buildup and hormones can
to receive dental care, several of which
pregnancy due to increased hormones.
cause a pregnant woman’s gum tissue to
are supported by grants from the Delta
Great oral hygiene helps prevent this
inflame, resulting in something called a
Dental of Arizona Foundation:
“Pregnancy gingivitis,” which is
from occurring. To help prevent a build-up of plaque, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least daily, paying special
“pregnancy tumor.” These tumors, also known as pyogenic granulomas, are not
Center ensures patients in their
cancerous.
obstetrics department /
Pregnancy tumors occur in about
• Maggie’s Place offers housing, medical,
attention to cleaning along and
5% of pregnant women but because of
dental, and nutrition services for
just below the gum line.
hormonal changes in the body, they often
pregnant homeless women.
Many pregnant women
disappear after the baby is born.
avoid the dentist altogether
• Marana Healthcare’s dental clinic provides free cleanings and X-rays to
to avoid X-rays. However,
Tips for Scheduling Dental
pregnant women in their second and
dental X-rays are extremely
Appointments While Pregnant
third trimesters that are using the health
safe through the second
First, try to schedule a dental checkup
center’s obstetrician services or Women,
semester, emitting one
within the first trimester to assess your
Infants and Children (WIC) Programs.
of the lowest amounts of
oral health and determine whether you
And a final bit of advice: If you have
radiation—comparable to that
need a cleaning. If you need cavities
dental insurance, make sure to check if it
of a short airplane flight. No
filled or other necessary procedures, the
offers a third cleaning benefit. This will
single X-ray produces enough
second trimester is the best time. Elective
allow you to visit the dentist for a cleaning
radiation exposure to harm a
procedures like tooth whitening or other
three times in a calendar year if you are
developing fetus, according
cosmetic work should be delayed until
pregnant. Ideally, your first check-up and
to the American College of
after the baby is delivered.
cleaning should be within the first trimester.
Radiology. An important note: while X-rays and fillings are safe, cosmetic dental work, like teeth whitening, should be avoided during pregnancy. ANTONIO DIAZ
• Mountain Park Community Health
If a dental emergency arises, be sure to let your dentist know that you are
Dr. Heather Schneider is the dental director at Delta
pregnant. He or she will know what
Dental of Arizona and has more than 19 years of
precautions need to be taken to resolve
experience in dental administration, dental education,
your dental problem.
and clinical dentistry. For information, visit deltadentalazblog.com
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
47
Pregnancy & Babies
How to choose the RIGHT
PEDIATRICIAN
for your new baby By Monique Seleen
AS EXPECTING PARENTS-TO-BE, choosing a pediatrician has been
on my to-do list for weeks now. With all the other tasks there have been to get ready for our baby, this one kept getting pushed aside but mainly because I didn’t quite know where to begin. If you’re anything like me, and feeling overwhelmed on where to start when it comes selecting the right pediatrician for your child, here are some insights from a local pediatrician, Dr. Rajeev Agarwal from Agave Pediatrics who can help you navigate the process. Everything from when to begin your research, what questions to ask, and things to keep in mind when making your selection.
48 January/February 2022
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When to Look for a Pediatrician:
Other Practical Things to Consider:
It is recommended to start your search for a pediatrician at least
• Do you prefer a small practice or a larger practice, or a
during the second trimester of pregnancy. Before delivery at a
somewhere in the middle kind of practice?
hospital or birthing center, it is essential to have a pediatrician’s
• The distance to a pediatrician’s office from our home
office in mind to request medical records be sent to your regular
• Do you prefer to be seen at a multi-racial or cultural office,
provider. This way, there are no interruptions in the child’s care.
where the providers will understand your culture and may
After delivery, finding a pediatrician may be difficult as the
even be able to speak your language?
responsibilities of a new parent can seem overbearing at first. So it’s best to prepare early on!
Evaluating all these questions is essential, but a gut feeling is needed just as much as a conscious decision when choosing a pediatrician.
Questions to Ask When Meeting a Pediatrician:
If an office allows visits and interaction with staff, this is
• What are the practice’s office hours? It is vital that an office is
a great way to determine if a specific pediatrician’s office is
flexible with your schedule or accommodates your time as a
an excellent fit for you. Please reach out to an office if they
new parent.
offer this opportunity, and if not, request a tele-visit for more
• Does the office accept my insurance? Care should not be a financial burden and it is important if an office accepts your insurance for coverage.
insight and feel for the staff. Please be mindful that in-person interactions may be limited with COVID restrictions in place. The feeling you get from visiting an office is important, but
• How much breastfeeding support is provided?
you can get equally good, if not better information from websites
• What is your childcare philosophy? Does your philosophy of
and reviews in the internet age. Always be wary of reviews, as they
care match with your pediatrician’s? Having someone who
tend to be written by unhappy patients and can skew perspectives.
understands and is open to your childcare philosophy is crucial to maintaining a positive patient-provider relationship.
GPOINTSTUDIO
• Does the office offer an after-hours service and/or is there a
What to Do if You End Up Unhappy with your Pediatrician: If you do not feel supported in your decision-making or
call-in policy? When your child needs care for a sick visit,
philosophy of care, it’s important to have an open discussion
there must be some flexibility scheduling in a timely manner
directly with the provider or practice manager regarding your
to be seen for said concerns.
negative experiences. Parents should consult with staff rather
• What is your vaccination policy? Some offices offer
than posting a negative review as it will improve the care of their
alternative schedules, and some do not. This is important
own child and other children that could be experiencing similar
to ask if a parent has strong beliefs regarding their child’s
situations. If you feel incorrect or outdated information is being
vaccination status.
provided, it is best to address this issue with the provider to
• Does the provider have extensive experience with newborns?
understand their reasoning.
Is the provider board certified? Providers should absolutely be board certified because it demonstrates that they know the
Dr. Rajeev Agarwal went to medical school at All India
latest advancements in their specialty and ensures the highest
Institute of Medical Sciences, AIIMS, in New Delhi.
quality of care. As medical care advances, so should providers.
After which, he came to the United States for his Pediatric
Board certification also shows a provider’s commitment
Residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch at
to patient care and that he or she is adherent to rigorous
Galveston. He then join the Pediatric Nephrology fellowship
assessment standards.
at University of Florida at Gainesville. Under the program,
• Are you able to communicate with your provider effectively and openly?
he also conducted bench research at Ohio State University. Dr. Agarwal worked on the Eastern Shore of Virginia for eight years in general pediatrics before moving to Arizona to establish Agave Pediatrics in 2005. Learn more at agavepediatrics.com
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
49
A look at RAK Editor, Monique Seleen’s
JOURNEY to PARENTHOOD By Monique Seleen
My husband and I are so excited to become first-time parents in 2022. Our little boy is due in February and we know we are in
transferred over to the midwife’s office. Two weeks later, I found myself back in her office, only this
for the adventure of a lifetime. Here’s a little inside glimpse at our
time it was because we had gotten a positive pregnancy test result.
journey—everything from our experience trying to conceive, what
Having known my prior pregnancy history, my midwife ordered
my pregnancy has been like, to our plans on how to manage it all
all sorts of tests to have things checked out right away to make sure
once baby arrives.
things were progressing like normal. Her concerning, yet calming approach, took away a bit of my anxiety and I allowed myself to just
Journey to Conceive
trust in her medical expertise and advice from there on out.
Our road to becoming pregnant was a bit bumpy. While we didn’t seem to have any trouble conceiving, having a viable, sustained
Pregnancy Journey
pregnancy was more difficult. We had a miscarriage in late 2020
Apart from the anxiety that comes with being pregnant after
followed by a chemical pregnancy (which is often considered an
two losses, I have had a very uneventful and smooth pregnancy.
early miscarriage) in spring of 2021.
I consider myself one of the “lucky ones” to have pretty much
This created a lot of confusion and I began questioning my ability to stay pregnant. But, as the saying goes, sometimes good
escaped morning sickness (although, sometimes my lack of symptoms created worry).
things happen out of bad situations. Because of our miscarriages, I
I did have some food aversions and found myself pretty
requested to have hormonal tests, blood work, and an ultrasound
much resorting to a diet consisting of carbs and cheese that first
done in order to ensure everything was functioning like it was
trimester. My biggest complaint early on was my overwhelming
supposed to. I was not pleased with how the OB’s office I was
fatigue and exhaustion. I wound up sleeping 11 to 12 hours a
going to at the time was treating me like just “another patient”. I
night and still needed one or two naps each day, just to function.
felt like my questions and concerns weren’t fully being addressed. A friend of mine had told me about the midwife she had been
Eventually, that all seemed to clear up around week 13 and I felt back to normal—so much so that I would often forget I
seeing and recommended I see if I could get an appointment with
was even pregnant. I began feeling little tiny flutter sensations
her to get a second opinion on everything.
at 14 weeks which was the most exciting thing for me! The
That ended up being one of the best things to come out of all of this. The moment the midwife stepped into the room and
more movement I started to feel, the more my anxiety started to loosen up.
introduced herself, I immediately felt comforted and at ease. She
Around that time, as things started to feel a bit “safer”, we
listened attentively, did not rush me, addressed all of my worries
started announcing our pregnancy to our friends and family.
and concerns, and created an action plan for some next steps that
While I was nervous to do so, it also helped me relax a little bit
we could take—making sure I was comfortable with it all too.
and I started getting excited about it all, which I realized I hadn’t
My husband and I walked out of that appointment and found ourselves instantly calling to have all my medical records
fully allowed myself to do yet. I spent a lot of the second trimester figuring out what exactly
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
51
we needed to do to start preparing. Which room would become the baby’s room? What did we want the baby room to look like? What should we include on our registry? (Check out the article on this). Where did we want to go on a babymoon? (See my tips for planning the perfect babymoon). Once I had that stuff figured out, my husband and I spent many days clearing out a space in one of our spare bedrooms that would become our nursery. We began painting, building our online registry, and took our babymoon trip at the start of the third trimester. As I write this, I am currently 32 weeks along and feeling like time is just flying by! We still have so much to do—finishing the room, taking some basic “preparing for baby” classes, an upcoming baby shower, picking out a pediatrician, building a crib, stocking up on diapers and wipes, and packing our hospital bags—and only 8 weeks left to do it all! The Journey Ahead While I know that we will never be “fully prepared”, I’m doing
full-time for his doctorate, I know I’m going to need lots of help
my best to prepare as much as I can because I know that things
when he’s busy.
will be hectic.
In between all the planning and preparation, we are also doing
My goal is to make and freeze some meals before baby’s due
our best to savor the present moment—sleeping in while we can,
date and I’ve also been researching some meal prep delivery
squeezing in a nap here or there, taking lots of little date nights,
services so we have some easy, yet healthy options when we’re
and just enjoying the calm before the storm—but mostly, we’re
too tired to cook. For Christmas, we also asked for and received
just excited to meet our son and officially become parents!
some gift cards to some of our favorite restaurants (with take-out options) and are keeping those tucked away until baby gets here.
Monique Seleen is the Editor for RAK. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from
My husband and I are lucky that both of our parents live
ASU and a Master's Degree in Secondary Education from GCU. She spent 6 years as a
nearby and are willing to help with childcare so we are planning to
middle school English teacher where she shared her love for writing with her students.
arrange some set days and hours that they will be able to watch the
Monique and her husband live in Mesa and are excited to become parents for the first
baby for us. With my husband working full-time and in school
time to their baby boy, due in February.
52 January/February 2022
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5 First-Time Mom New Year’s Resolutions I love New Year’s resolutions. Every year,
Weekly date night with my husband
I write down my goals and place them
My husband and I have been so committed
somewhere I’ll see every day (usually my
to our once a week date night and want
bathroom mirror). On New Year’s Day,
to ensure we stick to that once baby
my husband, mom, and I have made it a
arrives, even if that means our date is just
tradition to make vision boards—cutting
watching a movie together on the couch.
out words and pictures from old magazines
Dates might look a little different, but we
and arranging them on a poster board to
want to continue making our relationship
represent our goals for the year.
a priority.
With our baby due in February, I know that things will radically change and the
Exercise (when cleared)
goals I once set out to accomplish in years
at least 2 times a week
past may not be so applicable this year.
As I’ve gotten bigger with pregnancy,
I took to Google for some help on
it’s gotten a little tougher to actually do
setting realistic goals as a first-time mom,
any real kind of workout, so I’ve resorted
and here are some ones I’ll be doing my
mainly to outdoor walks as my cardio. But
best to implement this year:
once I’m cleared to start exercising after delivery, I plan to start slowly working out
Ask for/accept help when needed
again and committing to at least 2 times
I’m not the best at asking for or accepting
per week.
help, even if I’m in dire need of it. But with a new baby and my husband’s busy
Read one book a month
schedule, I know I’m going to need it and
(audiobooks count too!)
will need to ask for and accept it when
I love reading and usually always have
others offer.
some sort of a book goal that I set for myself and I try to increase it every year.
Once a month self-care outing without
This year, I’m scaling it back a little
baby (pedicure, massage, lunch with a
because I’m not sure how much time I’ll
friend, etc.)
actually have to read. So instead, I’m
Almost all the seasoned moms I’ve talked
committing to one book a month (or
to, have emphasized how important it is
12 for the year). I also love listening to
that I don’t just get lost in taking care of
audiobooks and figured with all the late
my baby’s needs, but that I make time for
night feedings or walks with baby, I can
myself, too. With the help of my husband,
get some reading done that way.
parents, or in-laws, I’m going to schedule a once a month self-care date with myself and leave baby behind.
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
53
Pregnancy & Babies
Chris and Monique Seleen of Gilbert in Sedona.
Plan the Perfect
BABYMOON By Monique Seleen
My husband and I are expecting our first child in February and
Book a massage
are quickly realizing how different our lives are about to be.
My husband and I have a tradition of getting a couple’s massage
Spontaneous getaways with just the two of us are going to be
on almost every little getaway we plan so I knew this would be no
a lot fewer and farther between, at least for a while. So, we knew
exception! One of the first things I looked for was a resort with
we wanted to plan one last trip where we could unwind, relax,
a spa where we could indulge in a relaxing day together. Even if
and spend some quality time together: cue the babymoon.
you decide to stay at an Airbnb or smaller bed and breakfast, it’s
Babymoons have become a popular thing for expecting
worth looking into a local spa and booking a prenatal massage or a
couples to partake in. It’s basically like a mini honeymoon—
couple’s massage if your spouse is into it too! Definitely one of the
only it’s taken before the big event, not after. It gives the couple
best ways to relax together!
some alone time to soak in together before their new addition arrives, whether it’s their first child or second, third, etc. Planning trips is one of my favorite things to do so I spent
Plan a romantic dinner Let’s face it: I know dinnertime is about to get a whole lot more
a lot of time researching and making reservations to create a
hectic so we planned a couple really nice dinners to enjoy together
memorable experience for us.
while on our trip. One night we dined at the resort and were
Here are some tips I learned along the way and hope they help you plan the perfect babymoon:
seated outside right next to a fire pit and heat lamp which created such a warm and romantic atmosphere. Another night we went to a place where they had live music playing while we dined. We
Take your babymoon in your second trimester
spent a couple hours there just enjoying the music together. I
or very early in the third trimester
highly recommend carving out at least one night where you can
We went when I was 28 weeks along—right at the start of the
make dinner reservations at a place that offers both good food and
third trimester. I wouldn’t recommend going much later than this
a romantic atmosphere—whatever that looks like to you!
as you might be too big or uncomfortable to walk around or really enjoy your time. Many women say they feel their best and have
Sleep!
the most energy in the second trimester so it’s a good idea to plan
All everyone keeps telling me is to get as much sleep as I can right
it for around then.
now and I am not going to pass that up! Whether this is your first child or your fourth, I’m sure we can all agree that sleep is going
Don’t go somewhere too far away
to greatly diminish once that new bundle of joy arrives. In Sedona,
I didn’t want to be too far away from home (or my midwife’s office)
everything closes pretty early so we were back in our hotel room
just in case. Plus, being in a car or on a plane for too long with my
by 9 p.m. at the latest. We also took advantage of sleeping in and
growing belly did not sound appealing. Fortunately, there are so
not having to rush in the morning. I would advise not staying out
many great destinations, right here in our own state! We chose to
super late or making plans too early in the morning so that you
go up to Sedona for a few days and I thought it was the perfect spot
can fully embrace an uninterrupted night of sleep.
with its beautiful scenery, tourist attractions, and plenty of shops and restaurants. Some other local options could include Prescott,
Whatever type of babymoon you have in mind, I hope these
Flagstaff, Tucson, or even Scottsdale. Southern California also isn’t
tips help you plan the perfect getaway for the two of you. Enjoy
too far of a drive if you’re seeking more of a beach vacation.
those precious moments together and soak it all in!
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Pregnancy & Babies
PACKING YOUR HOSPITAL BAG (from a mom of 3!) By Kate Reed
Whether you plan to deliver in a hospital
forgetting something in your bag. Unless
longer for c-sections or complications. With
or birthing center (I’ve done both) you’ll
you live far away, you can have your
a birthing center you’ll likely leave around 4
need to pack a bag for the birth. With
spouse run home (or to the store) for you!
hours later so you might not need as much.
each baby I was able to pack more of
Even if you are using a birthing center, I
the essentials and leave out the things I
Tip: Don’t install the car seat until closer to the
recommend packing like you might be
didn’t have a use for! Hopefully this helps
due date. In the unlikely case of even a minor
at the hospital in case you or baby have
you plan for your upcoming delivery. I
car accident, you might find yourself scrambling
complications and need to be transferred.
usually plan to pack my bag around 36
to replace it depending on the brand! Tip: Have dad pack a bag as well with a
weeks, but you can start whenever you feel comfortable! I begin tossing in a few
With my first I delivered in a hospital and
bathing suit (for laboring in the shower/
things little by little until I feel prepared.
the last two were at a birthing center so
tub), a change of clothes, a toothbrush,
I just use a weekender bag because I
what you pack will vary a little depending
deodorant, phone charger, and some snacks.
tend to pack light, but feel free to use
on how long you’ll stay after the birth. With
He can leave it in the car if you don’t want
a suitcase. Don’t fret too much about
a hospital, it’s typically 24-48 hours, and
to bring it to your room.
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For mom • Insurance paperwork and identification if you’re delivering in a hospital (pre-registration is helpful!) • Labor gown (if you’re delivering in a hospital, you can use that one!) • Swim top or soft bra to labor in if you’re using water • Socks with grips • Phone charger • Breast Pads (Cloth, or disposable works) • Sanitary pads (in a hospital you’ll likely be provided some) • Nursing bra if you wish to breastfeed. For overnight stays I recommend 2. • Nipple cream if breastfeeding (I find I don’t need it right away, but you might!) • Toiletries, if you wish. Personally—I didn’t care enough to use my own soaps but I did appreciate my toothbrush, deodorant, hand cream, hair ties, and brush! • Cosmetics if you want to do your hair/make up for photos. Not essential!
NATALIA DERIABINA
• Lip balm • Eyeglasses, or contact lens solution and case. • Candy (candies you can suck on really helped me when I was laboring!) • Lightweight bathrobe, lounge wear, pajamas, or nursing nightgown plus a sweater for after the birth. • Underwear (you might not care for the mesh undies) • Comfortable clothes for the drive home (you’ll be about the size you were at 6 months pregnant) • Essential oils & a diffuser if you use them. My birthing center had them already! • Light snacks (granola bars, dried fruit, etc) in case you deliver in the middle of the night.
For baby • Car seat • Pediatrician contact information • Coming home outfit + an extra (those babies are unpredictable!) Make sure to bring a cozy hat. • Photo props (swaddles, onesies, embroidered hats, name signs, etc) • Baby journal if you’re creating one • Baby blanket if you want to use a specific one, like we did. We chose a rainbow one. Plus one for the ride home. • Diapers (if you’re using cloth, like we did, you’ll need to bring them. Typically disposable
Things I skipped that you might find
diapers are provided in the hospital but it certainly doesn’t hurt to bring a couple along).
helpful: my own towels, pillow, slippers, food, music, reading material, nursing pillow, breast
Things I skipped that you might like: cord blood kit, clothes, pacifier, sound
pump, written birth plan
machine, baby mittens, baby clippers/nail file
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Pregnancy & Babies
What to Put on a BABY REGISTRY By Monique Seleen
I struggled A LOT with what to put on my baby registry. As a first time mom, I had absolutely no idea where to start. I quickly became overwhelmed by all the baby products out there and felt an immense pressure that I “needed it all”. Thankfully, with the help of several friends who had recently had babies, I was able to use their recommendations to compile my registry. While I don’t yet know which products and brands I’ll love the most, I hope by sharing my list of essentials, it can help some other first-time moms avoid the confusion and at least have a starting point. Here’s a glimpse at what’s on my list: • Diapers (all different sizes– not just newborn)
• Baby play gym
• Diaper bag
• Wipes (water wipes came highly recommended)
• Baby swing
• Baby monitor
• Bassinet
• Burp cloths
• Bassinet sheets (again, was told to get multiple sets)
• Stroller fan
• Baby carrier
• Bibs
• Swaddles (various types so we can figure out what works best for our baby) • A crib (we want one that can convert and be used later on, too) • Crib mattress • Crib sheets (was told to get multiple sets for backup)
• Sound machine • Black out curtains • Baby bathtub • Baby thermometer • Baby gate
• Pack N Play
• Outlet plug covers
• Stroller/Car seat combo
• Diaper rash cream
• Extra car seat base
• Changing pad
• Bottles with different size nipples
• Diaper pail
• Bottle cleaning brush
• Highchair
• Bottle drying rack
• Baby nail trimmers
• Baby car mirrors (one for each of our cars)
• Stroller caddy
• Shopping cart cover
• Baby wash and washcloths • Teething toys (Sophie the Giraffe was highly recommended) • Baby hangers • Baby hamper • Sippy cups • Infant spoons • Toddler bowls/plates • Spill proof snack containers • Rocking chair • Nursery decorations • Baby books • Clothes (sleepers, onesies, socks)
Of course, you might be able to find a lot of this secondhand and for a lot cheaper, or perhaps you’ll have some friends and family who give you hand-me-downs of things they no longer need. At the end of the day, I was reminded by several moms that as long as my baby has a place to sleep, some diapers, wipes, and a few clothes, I’m pretty much set–the rest is just extra!
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family time!
Pixel-by-Pixel: Interventions by Luke Murphy (through April 10, 2022) at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Pictured: CampFire.
60 January/February 2022 RaisingARIZONAKids.com
Winter
TOP EVENTS Kick off the New Year with some fun and exciting activities for the whole family! Jump start your New Year’s resolutions to be more active by participating in a fun run event. Have a goal to help others more? Check out Peoria’s day of service in honor of MLK day. There will be all kinds of fun festivals to keep your family entertained including a multicultural celebration, dog-friendly festival, and a donut and ice cream event. NOTE: Because last-minute schedule changes can occur, please confirm dates and times on event websites. Find more extensive day-by-day event listings at raisingarizonakids.com/ calendar. Send calendar information to familytime@RAKmagazine.com
Dino Preschool Party (Jan. 8). This free event courtesy of First Things First provides a fun opportunity to nurture your young child’s love for all dinosaurs big and small while also providing resources to support their healthy development. The event will feature crafts, hands-on activities and community partners all geared towards early childhood development. 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Please note that there must be at least one child present who is 0-5 years old. Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald St., Mesa. 480 644 5662 or email ali.smurawa@mesaaz. gov or arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org
27th Annual Chandler Multicultural Festival (Jan. 15). This festival promotes the cultural diversity of the community through music, dance, art, storytelling and more. Come enjoy cultural performances, kids’ activities, unique vendors, and delicious food. It will be fun for the whole family. Also back by popular demand is the Asian Village where a wide range of Asian cultures will be showcased. Free. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. 480-782-4329 or chandleraz.gov/explore/special-events/chandler-multicultural-festival
Family Fun Action And Adventure Festival (Jan. 22). Meet your favorite action heroes (Batman, Captain America, Supergirl and Wonder Woman), scale giant rock walls, enjoy bounce houses, slides, obstacle courses, face painting, live entertainment, family-friendly performances, prize giveaways/raffles and local vendors. Free Outdoor Event. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale. 480-951-2100 or azboardwalk.com
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
61
family time! WINTER TOP EVENTS 6th Annual Doggie Street Festival Phoenix (Jan. 29). Bring your friendly dog. This free not-to-be missed companion animal adopt-a-thon and fun celebration of our furry best friends presents fantastic pet products & services, yummy eats, vet tips, music, kids fun booth, auction prizes and much more! Become a SponsorVendor-Volunteer-Auction Prize Provider Today. 10a.m. to 4 p.m. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. doggiestreetfestival.org
Jurassic Quest’s Epic Indoor Event (Feb. 4-6). Come see the largest lifesize museum of dinosaurs. Guests walk through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic Periods and experience for themselves what it was like to be among dinosaurs of all kinds. Jurassic Quest is the only interactive dinosaur event that has over 100 true to life-size animatronic dinosaurs in each of its indoor touring shows from the very small to the gigantic. 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $19, advance sales required. Bell Bank Park, 1 Legacy Drive, Mesa. jurassicquest.com
Touch-a-Truck (Feb. 5). Camp Patrick hosts its fourth annual event to help send children with spina bifida to summer camp at no cost. A family friendly event with 50 large trucks, 2 helicopters (that land and take off during the event), food trucks, vendors and interactive activities. Kids and adults can touch and explore these trucks. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. $5 per person; $20 per family. North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. camppatrick.com
Arizona Donut and Ice Cream Festival and Bao and Dumpling Festival (Feb. 5-6). Enjoy local food from vendors, a curated anime marketplace with local artists. Boba, desserts, and other Asian and Vegan dishes will be available too. $4 - $14, free ages 6 and younger. Parking is free. 11 a.m. to 6: p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Chandler Park in front of Chandler Jurassic Quest’s Epic Indoor Event (Feb. 4-6) at Bell Bank Park in Mesa.
Public Library, 178 E Commonwealth Ave, Chandler. visitchandler.com
Arizona Ski and Snow Destinations
Tubing fun for the whole family this winter at Sunrise Park Resort.
We desert dwellers are lucky. We can visit
ARIZONA SNOWBOWL
SKI VALLEY
winter weather just a few hours north or
San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff
10300 Ski Run Rd., Mt. Lemmon
south of the Valley, get our fill of snow and
928-779-1951 • arizonasnowbowl.com
520-576-1321 • skithelemmon.com
then return home to sunshine and warmth.
Site: 40 trail runs (37 percent beginner, 42 percent
Site: 22 ski trails on more than 200 acres served by 3
Arizona Snowbowl and the Nordic
intermediate, 21 percent advanced; longest is 2 miles)
lifts located 25 miles north of Tucson.
Village Arizona (formerly the Flagstaff
served by 4 lifts and 2 surface conveyors on 777 skiable
Lodging: Summerhaven and Tucson.
Nordic Center) are about two and half hours
acres located 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff. Sunset
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Tuesdays and
away without traffic delays on Interstate
Terrain Park features obstacles, spines, rails, fun boxes
Wednesdays.
17. Consider leaving in the early morning
for snowboarders and skiers.
Activities: skiing, snowboarding, instruction for all ages
or Thursday evening — Flagstaff hotels
Lodging: Ski Lift Lodge & Cabins, hotels in Flagstaff
and levels, restaurant on site.
abound for every price range — to beat the
area.
weekend rush.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SUNRISE PARK RESORT
Activities: skiing, snowboarding, lessons, adaptive
White Mountains, 12 miles west of Greer
programs.
855-735-SNOW (7669) • sunriseskipark.com
Ski Valley on Mt. Lemmon (north of Tucson) is three-and-a-half hours south of
Site: 65 trails on 3 peaks served by 10 lifts; snowboard
the Valley.
NORDIC VILLAGE ARIZONA
terrain park and separate cross-country skiing area.
Mountains is approximately a four-hour
16848 US 180, Flagstaff
Lodging: Sunrise Park Resort, hotels in Pinetop and
drive, depending on whether you go through
928-220-0550 • arizonanordicvillage.com
Lakeside, bed-and-breakfast inns and cabins in White
Payson or take Interstate 40 from Flagstaff.
Site: 25 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails; more
Mountains.
than 9 miles of trails open to snow biking.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
from mid-December to mid-April, depending
Lodging: yurts and cabins, hotels in Flagstaff area.
Activities: skiing (and lessons), snowboarding, cross-
on snowfall. Here are details about Arizona
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
country skiing, tubing, sleigh rides.
ski and snow destinations. Visit websites for
Activities: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain
updates on snow conditions.
biking (snowbiking), ski lessons.
Sunrise Park Resort in the White
The Arizona snow season typically runs
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
63
family time! WINTER TOP EVENTS
Arizona Renaissance Festival (Feb. 5 - Aril 3). Travel back in time to the 16th century at the 34th annual Arizona Renaissance Festival. Families will experience a medieval amusement park, a 16-stage theater, a 50-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and more. Mingle with more than 2,000 costumed characters, eat a giant roasted turkey leg, take part in games of chance and skill, cheer on your favorite knight, and browse more than 200 artisan shops. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. Saturdays and Sundays through April 3. Located east of Apache Junction on U.S. 60. 520-463-2700 or arizona.renfestinfo.com
Monster Jam (Feb. 12). Featuring the ultimate mix of high-flying stunts and four-wheel excitement. With unbelievable action to unexpected thrills, this is full throttle family fun. 7 p.m. (Pit Party 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.). Tickets $23-$149. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale. 800-745-3000 or monsterjam.com
ZuZu African Acrobats (Feb. 18-20). Originating from Tanzania, the ZuZu Acrobats performances are a blend of circus style acrobatics and popular dance, set to high energy beats. Their performances incorporate fast pyramid building, limbo, contortion, bottle balancing, tumbling, chair stacks, comedy and more. Tickets $19-$49. 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 1 to 2:30 p.m. SaturdaySunday. Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 North 16th St., Phoenix. 602-664-7777 or themadison.org
I Love Science Day (Feb. 26). Mark the calendar for two hours of non-stop science fun at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. This will be the perfect family friendly event for science buffs of all ages to observe ongoing scientific experiments and participate in science-based activities and crafts. $13, $7 ages 3-12, free ages 2 years and younger. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Arizona ZuZu African Acrobats (Feb. 18-20) at Madison Center for the Arts.
Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald St., Mesa. 480 644 5662 or arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org
AROUND ARIZONA
ON EXHIBIT
Downtown Jazz Fiesta (Jan. 17). The Downtown Jazz Fiesta, featuring Kendrick Scott this year, is a free
Pixel-by-Pixel: Interventions by Luke Murphy
outdoor concert with multiple stages, indoors and out. The Tucson Jazz Festival (Jan. 14-23) features world-
(through April 10, 2022). Dynamic LED sculptures
class ticketed acts, including Jon Bastste, Dianne Reeves, Herb Albert & Lani Hall, Spanish harlem Orchestra
that undermine and liberate technology from its
and more. Check for prices and times. The Downtown Jazz Fiesta is free. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hotel Congress, 311
commercial form and function. $10, free ages 18
E. Congress. Tucson. 520-762-6260 or
and younger. Free every Thursday and every second
tucsonjazzfestival.org
Saturday of the month. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale. smoca.org
Imagine, Design, Build! (Jan. 21 – Aug 6). Featuring 40 artworks by 15 artists from four states and six countries. Artwork includes a variety of media including, paintings, sculpture, fiber works, digital videos, LED lighting, and digital photography. Plus, numerous interactive and artmaking activities will be in the gallery to allow visitors to act as an architect and design their own buildings using a variety of materials and techniques. $9, free ages 1 and younger. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday. i.d.e.a. Museum, 150 W. Pepper Pl., Mesa. 480-644-2468 or ideamuseum.org Get To Sesame Street: Become Your Best You In 2022 (Jan. 1-Dec. 31) virtual event.
Chihuly in the Desert (through- June 2022). Come see Dale Chihuly’s stunning, large-scale installations
FUN RUNS & WALKS
nestled among the Garden’s world-class collection of
Get To Sesame Street: Become Your Best You In 2022 (Jan. 1-Dec. 31). How far will you go in 2022? Run,
desert plants. Featuring installations on the Garden’s
walk, hike, swim, roll, cycle, paddle, or crawl and earn Sesame Street character pins as you reach milestones
trails complemented by a major indoor gallery in
along the way. Choose between the 100 and 500-mile options to customize your journey. All funds benefit the
Dorrance Hall, the dynamic exhibition includes never-
Sesame Workshop’s Yellow Feather Fund. This is a virtual event, where you log your mileage and earn prizes.
before-seen installations and is a must-see throughout
$85-$130. Registration required. 435-200-5456 or virtualrunningclub.com/events/get-to-sesame-street
the seasons. If you’re planning to see Chihuly in the Desert at the Garden, don’t miss out on the other half
5th Annual PANDA Prowl Fun Run & Block Party (Jan. 23). A kid’s fun run/walk by a block party with tons
of the experience. This exhibition spans two iconic
of family-friendly activities! The event supports PANDA and the Steele Children’s Research Center. The day is
Arizona locations, so plan your visit to Taliesin West
sponsored by The Karas Group and will include inflatables, face painting, a balloon artist, a game truck, crafts by
today! $29.95-$39.95, $14.95 - $18.95 ages 17-3.
the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, kids yoga by PLAY, Jumpbunch, Xavier cheerleaders, and a DJ. Food options
Reservations required. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Desert Botanical
will include Bahama Buck’s, Juice Core, JP’s Dog House, and What’s Poppin.$40 per person. 2 to 4 p.m. Prince
Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-
of Peace Lutheran Church, 3641 N 56th St., Phoenix. azpanda.org/panda-prowl
1225 or dbg.org
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
65
family time! onstage Small Island Big Song (Feb. 18) at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Jan.
with an interactive Fun Size Tour. Free, but registration
The Three Billy Goats Gruff puppet show (Jan.
7-9). Watch the Detour Company Theatre light up
is required. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Fun Size Tours 2 p.m.).
19 - Feb. 6). There’s a lot of audience participation and
the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA),
musical fun in this story of three very determined goats
Dahl’s Willy Wonka. Join Detour Company Theatre on
7374 E 2nd St., Scottsdale. 480-874-4663 or smoca.org
and one very mean, very hungry troll! Ages 4 and older. 10
this chocolaty adventure as they celebrate the 50th
a.m. Friday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.
anniversary of the classic film. This production is
National Geographic Live: Greenwood: A Century
$12, $8 ages 12 and younger; tickets must be purchased
double cast so you can enjoy a double dose of sweets
of Resilience (Jan. 19). A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma,
in advance. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham
and songs! Detour Company Theatre provides theatre
archaeologist Alicia Odewale is uncovering stories
St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org
training and performance experience for adults with
of resilience in the hundred years since the attack
cognitive and physical disabilities. Tickets are “Pay-
on Black Wall Street in the city’s vibrant Greenwood
Cinderella: A Classic Fairytale Opera (Jan.
What-You-Wish.” 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday;
district. Considered one of the worst episodes of racial
21-23). An opera designed for young audiences ages
3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Scottsdale Center
violence committed against Black people in American
5-11. With colorful characters and melodies, this
For The Performing Arts (Virginia G. Piper Theater),
history, the Tulsa Race Massacre left a devastating toll
classic fairytale story will teach the morals of kindness
7380 E. 2nd St, Scottsdale. detourcompanytheatre.org
on generations of survivors and their descendants and
toward all, forgiving others, and never letting a bad
or scottsdaleperformingarts.org
impacted the very footprint of the district itself. Join
thing ruin your heart. Performance run time is 35
her to discover how archaeology can be used as a tool
minutes with a Q & A afterwards. 11 a.m. Friday and
Second Saturdays @SMoCA (Jan. 8). Come for an
for recovering lost stories, reclaiming a narrative, and
Saturday; 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $20. $15 ages
afternoon of fun, and make contemporary art a family
pursuing restorative justice. 7:30 p.m. $31-$45. Mesa
12 and younger. Scottsdale Center for the Performing
tradition! Solve a mysterious puzzle, create your own
Arts Center (Ikea Theater), One East Main St., Mesa.
Arts (Stage 2), 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale. 480-499-
felt food cutie to take home, and explore the Museum
480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com
8587 or scottsdaleperformingarts.org
66 January/February 2022 RaisingARIZONAKids.com
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Activities Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Jan. 17th this year. Here are a few activities and celebrations across the Valley that your family can attend.
Day of Service for MLK Day (Jan. 15). The City of Peoria will be hosting Peoria’s first MLK Day of Service by bringing the community S KO
together in service of others. This is the chance
S.
TR
I KO
for Peoria residents to connect, access needed N
services, celebrate diversity and help their MA
community. A variety of health and wellness
RI
organizations and local community assistance groups will be in attendance to showcase their
Committee to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King
National Geographic Live: Greenwood: A Century of Resilience (Jan. 19) Mesa Arts Center. Photo: Food distribution after Tulsa, Oklahoma, race massacre. Photo by Alvin C. Krupnick.
services for residents. The Franchise Band will
Jr. This year’s celebration theme is Tomorrow Is
be the featured entertainment, along with other
Today. The festivities will begin with a parade of
multicultural entertainment and activities. Chaz
community groups, organizations, businesses,
Jackson, the president of the Arizona Chapter
churches, dance groups, bands, and regional
Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The tour
of the Buffalo Soldiers of America, will kick off
cities. The parade starts on Center Street in
(Jan.23). Nickelodeon star JoJo Siwa, the wildly
the event. There will be volunteer opportunities,
Downtown Mesa at Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
popular singer, dancer, entrepreneur, influencer and
food trucks, a storytime by First Things First,
The celebration will continue with a festival
creator of the Jojo bow, brings her positive message
free books for children, service providers and
featuring food, vendors, and fun activities located
and infectious fun to Gila River Arena. $1 will be
community resources. The onsite clinic will also
on Macdonald Street, just north of Main Street in
donated for every ticket sold to Dancers Against Cancer.
provide vaccines for COVID-19, flu, pneumonia,
Downtown Mesa. Free. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. mesaaz.
The foundation strives to create an alliance in the
and shingles vaccines for adults and children.
gov/things-to-do/martin-luther-king-jr-parade
dance community by providing financial support and
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Peoria Community Center,
inspiration to dance educators, choreographers, dancers
8335 W. Jefferson St., Peoria. 623-773-7436 or
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Art
and their family members who have been impacted by
peoriaaz.gov/events
Project (Jan. 15). Arizona-based artist, Tiesha
cancer. $44.50 - $64.50. VIP Packages are available. 7
Harrison, the Chandler Diversity, Equity, &
to 9:30 p.m. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March & Festival
Inclusion Division, and the Vision Gallery invite
Glendale. gilariverarena.com/events/detail/jojo-siwa
(Jan. 17). The MLK March culminates at Margaret
the public to learn more about the Civil Rights
T. Hance Park for a Festival where the life of Dr. King
leader by partaking in an interactive art game
Small Island Big Song (Feb. 18). A collaborative
and historical civil rights events are remembered
at the 27th Annual Chandler Multicultural
multi-platform project uniting indigenous musicians
and celebrated. Different cultures interact through
Festival (Jan. 15). After the event, Harrison
across the Pacific and Indian Oceans through song in the
numerous vendors, entertainment, cuisine and a
will collect all of the participatory parts to create
face of climate change and cultural loss. Spanning from
health fair. Free. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Margaret T. Hance
a collaged portrait of the esteemed icon that
Taiwan to Aotearoa/New Zealand, from Madagascar to
Park (east), 1202 N 3rd St., Phoenix. phoenix.gov/
will be on display at the Vision Gallery through
Rapa Nui/Easter Island. Eight profile musicians across
parks/parks/hancepark.html
the month of February. Free. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
the oceans unite on stage. Tickets $28 – $48. 8 to 10
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, 3 S. Arizona
p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts (Virginia
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrations
Ave., Chandler. 480-782-4329 or chandleraz.
G. Piper Theater), 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale. 480-499-
(Jan. 17). The community is invited to join the
gov/diversity-events/martin-luther-king-jr-
8587 or scottsdaleperformingarts.org
City of Mesa and the Mesa-East Valley MLK
community-art-project
RaisingARIZONAKids.com January/February 2022
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