San Joaquin Parents Magazine January 2019 by San Joaquin Magazine

A Magazine for In-The-Know Parents

Parents INSIDE:

FAMILY RESOLUTIONS RAISING POSITIVE KIDS KINDERGARTEN READINESS

JAN./FEB. 2019 SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

JAN/FEB | 2019

SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

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CRAFTS

Valentine's Day POP-UP CARDS

Almond BLOSSOM

Festival  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

It’s that time of year again! Mark your calendars for Feb. 22-24 for the 57th Annual Ripon Almond Festival! The event celebrates the beautiful pink blooms that take over Ripon every February in anticipation of a bountiful harvest. Attendees can take advantage of three days filled with arts and crafts, music, and food at Mistlin Sports Park, 1202 W. River Rd. Celebrate with the whole family, with some of highlights including a baking contest, a paper doll contest, dinner, dancing, a diaper derby, and a parade. Families will also enjoy the small carnival with rides and games as well as a onemile fun run and 8k. Keep an eye on the Ripon Chamber’s website (RiponChamber.org) for updates on what vendors will be there. Expect more than 200 in all! Does your daughter want to be the Almond Blossom Queen? A new queen will be crowned for the 2019-2020 year. Candidate speeches are given over festival weekend. Contact the chamber for more information.

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JAN/FEB | 2019

SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

FAMILY

Resolutions

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

New Year’s resolutions are a popular tradition, but breaking those traditions seems to be just as common as making them. Instead of going it solo, get the whole family involved and keep each other accountable!

WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT? Making New Year’s Resolutions is a good way to better yourself, and for kids there are added benefits. Resolutions teach children about goal setting and self-discipline. Set a good example by making positive resolutions and sticking to them—then ask kids to selfreflect on ways to better themselves and create their own goals!

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SETTING THE GOAL It’s okay to still make individual resolutions, but try to embrace the idea of a family resolution or two. These resolutions should affect everyone in the house even if they can be worked on individually, too. To pick your goals, spend some time chatting about what each of you would like to do to be better. Perhaps everyone wants to be more active. Make a goal of getting 60 minutes of exercise every day. This goal is broad enough that the whole family can participate vs. a personal goal of, say, losing 10 pounds. If eating better is on the list, agree to make dinner together as a family three days each week.

MAKING IT HAPPEN Don’t fall into the trap of dropping your resolution half-way through February. The best bonus of setting goals as a family is that you have multiple people available to keep you accountable. Take steps to make success easier. For example, get a family gym membership or join a hiking club that meets weekly. When it comes to cooking dinners, give each family member a task such as picking the recipe, making the grocery list, and going shopping. It’s important to share the responsibility. If you’re worried about falling off the wagon in a couple of months, plan ahead. It only takes 21 days to make something a habit, so stay consistent to make the new routine easier to stick to. Build in family rewards for staying on track if that will help—think a dinner out at a favorite restaurant for every month of successful meal prep. It’s important to remember that you are each other’s support system in this. Don’t let each other fall off, and don’t let yourself take over the whole task. Give everyone a role and cheer each other on. Success or failure will come as a family.

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SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

Q&A

Health Q&A:

IS MY TODDLER'S BEHAVIOR NORMAL?  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Anita Heart, MD, a family medicine physician with Dignity Health Medical Group – Stockton answers questions about toddler behavior: what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek help.

Some days my toddler eats a lot, and other days he barely eats anything. Should I be worried that he isn't getting enough calories some days? “It’s very normal for toddlers to eat a lot one day and less the other day. As long as they are gaining weight appropriately and they are otherwise healthy, there is nothing to worry about.”

My toddler throws a lot of temper tantrums. How many is too many?

“Every parent will face temper tantrums at one point or another. It’s common to wonder what is normal and whether your child is throwing too many fits. My rule of thumb is if your child is throwing a tantrum more than five times a day, or has tantrums that result in the destruction of property or physical harm to another child or others, please contact your doctor for a closer look.”

My daughter isn't very outgoing. She is always attached to me and is too shy to talk to other kids when we are out. I worry she'll have trouble making friends in school. Is this normal? “Being shy is perfectly normal. Facing a new situation can be daunting even for adults. Once your child is more familiar and comfortable in an environment they will be able to make friends. The key is to set them up for success. Some children take longer to ‘warm up’ to a situation. Don’t rush it and allow the time he or she needs to reach that level of comfort.”

ANITA HEART, MD, Family Medicine Physician Dignity Health Medical

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JAN/FEB | 2019

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PASSIONS

“An Instant OUT OF Time”  BY ALEXANDRA KRUEGER

We live in the age of the photograph: the snap, the ‘gram, the selﬁe. Many families are content to document their family’s growth through the lens of a cellphone, but what are the chances you’re ever going to print those photos and hang them for all to see? If we’re being honest, slim to none. Alas, the steady march of time dictates that, one day, your little one won’t be so little. That means there’s no better time to schedule an appointment for a photo shoot—a professional photo shoot. “We believe that pictures are the most valuable gift one can leave behind for generations to come,” states Tais Richardson, owner of Tracy Portrait Studio. “Whether in print or digital, pictures can tell the story of where you came from, what you became, and what you built during a lifetime.” Having relocated and reopened under new management in July 2017, Tracy Portrait

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Studio has since been growing their services, providing clients with elegant, high quality portraits of them and their families. “When the studio reopened in August of 2017, we vowed to be focused on what we do best,” remembers Tais. “Our greatest joy has been transforming our studio into a place where everyone can get a beautiful picture of themselves and their families, by capturing the beauty within.” Sarah Wagenaar, lead photographer on staff at Tracy Portrait Studio, has developed close relationships with her clients as she’s documented their family’s growth. “It’s a big part of why I do what I do,” says Sarah. “Some of my dearest friends started as clients, and I have since had the pleasure to see their family and love for one another grow.” Tracy Portrait Studio has expanded their services to offer everything from portrait sessions, to restoration, to enlargements, to prints, and even event photography. And

with spring lingering beyond the horizon, Tais, Sarah, and the rest of the staff at Tracy Portrait studio have your spring photography needs covered, complete with studio Easter bunnies. Renowned American documentary photographer Dorothea Lange once said, “Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still.” It’s a paradox, in that most people take photos to take a moment out of life and preserve it, not alter it. But the truth is, life is always changing. Let Tracy Portrait Studio take the photos that will at once keep those kids forever young, and also change your family’s lives forever, in the best possible way. TRACY PORTRAIT STUDIO 2251 W. Grant Line Rd., Suite 127, Tracy (209) 834-2052 TracyPortraitStudio.com

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JAN/FEB | 2019

SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

KIDS HEALTH

Yogi Kids  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

The word yoga tends to conjure images of barefoot adults on colorful mats listening to soothing music while in downward dog. But have you ever stopped to consider the beneﬁts yoga oﬀers to kids? Asking children to slow down and clear their minds may sound like an impossible task, but there are a lot of reasons children enjoy yoga, and even more reasons why it’s good for them. Mentally, yoga can help kids fight stress and find peace in a busy world. The physical aspects of yoga are important for kids, too. Through yoga, kids find strength, build muscle, increase flexibility, and improve balance.

Finding calm

Kids today are under pressure more than adults often realize. Whether stress comes from school, home life, extracurricular activities, or something else, we can’t deny our kids are affected by the fast paced world we’re raising them in. Yoga offers a way to slow down and de-stress while countering the “hurry up” world most kids live in these days. It’s not just the moves either; the breathing techniques taught in yoga are helpful for kids who suffer from anxiety or who are easily overwhelmed.

TRY THESE MOVES TO FIND CALM: Child’s Pose Bridge Pose Bound Angle Pose Extended Puppy Pose Cat/Cow Pose Vinyasa flow

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Waking up

How many times do you have to head into your preteen’s room to rouse them from sleep? There’s a reason that adults often work out in the mornings. Getting your body moving and blood pumping at an early hour sets you up for success for the rest of the day and actually provides energy. Choose a short five-minute routine to do as a family and start your day. Flow yoga is a good choice for a quick wakeup the whole family can do.

TRY THESE MOVES TO WAKE UP: Sun salutations Tree pose Chair pose

Increase Flexibility Yoga as a practice is focused on flexibility. Each breath is designed to help yogis find a deeper stretch. As an added benefit, kids who play sports may see improvement in their athletic performance after practicing moves that target flexibility.

TRY THESE MOVES TO FOCUS ON FLEXIBILITY: Downward facing dog Forward bends Pigeon pose Goddess pose Cobra Pose

Hesitant yogi?

How to do a Sun Salutation

Not all kids will jump for joy at the thought of doing yoga, but there are ways to reel them in. Try these three tips if your kid is knocking yoga before they try it. 1) Make it sound fun. Those funny names that make you giggle might catch the attention of your toddler, too. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even have to call it yoga. Ask your child if they want to mimic a favorite animal or see how a cat turns into a cow. Pick animal names or cool-sounding moves like the goddess pose to entice new yogis. 2) Start small. Launching your kid into a one-hour crash course on vinyasa may not be the best way to ease them in. Instead, choose 5-10 minute yoga sessions to start with, or even just a few moves to teach each day. A quick YouTube search for kid-friendly sessions turns up storybook yoga and more. 3) Get competitive. Make yoga a competition. Challenge your son or daughter to see who can hold their chair pose the longest. If you win, your child just may be inclined to start practicing to best you next time. Get creative with it and make the challenges about flexibility, repetitions, or skill.

Start in a standing position, circle your arms over your head and clasp your palms together before lowering them to hearts center. Then, swan dive your hands to the ground so they are sitting on either side of your feet. Do a halflift with your hands on your lower legs, collapse back to a forward fold, and then reverse your swan dive to go back to a standing position and bring your hands back to heart center. That is one sun salutation. Now, repeat three to five times. Tip: Pair your moves with your breath, with each move coming as you change from breathing in to breathing out.

Read All About It:

Learn about yoga through colorful stories created for young kids. Good Morning Yoga & Good Night Yoga By Mariam Gates Encourage kids to practice wake up and calm down yoga. You are a Lion! By Taeeun Yoo Take advantage of those kidfriendly moves by mixing animal sounds with poses.

JAN/FEB | 2019

Twist By Janet S. Wong Explore the deeper feelings associated with yoga. I Am Yoga By Susan Verde Learn new poses while also bringing imagination to your practice.

SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

FAMILY VALUES

RAISING

Positive Kids  BYCAITLIN HAMER

a minimum. It had kind of a cool effect; not only was my son feeling more positive, but I was, too.

CHANGE THE MINDSET

When my son gets in a kick about telling me everything he didn’t like about his day, I encourage him to play the same game a different way. If he’s complaining about things he doesn’t like, I ask him to instead name 5 things he does like. If he insists he can’t come up with anything, I help out, but I make him participate, too.

MAKE IT HABIT

At the end of every day or every outing I ask my son what his favorite part was. Even if the day had hard parts, this reminds us that we should always walk away from the day with a positive perspective. I implement this practice as often as possible even asking what his favorite part

For me, one of the most draining parts of parenting is the negativity. It’s the whining and complaining, the constant tattling and “he’s touching meeeeee” coming from the backseat. It’s not so much that I need peace and quiet—the volume is fine if it comes in the form of singing songs and yelling niceties. I noticed after my son started preschool that the negativity was seeping into all parts of our day. I’d pick him up from school and immediately be hit by a barrage of complaints about who did what to him that day and how much he didn’t like it. I couldn’t take it anymore and I was starting to worry this negative Nancy attitude would stick. So, I decided to do something about it and launched mission impossible: raise a positive kid.

MODEL THE BEHAVIOR

We all know that our kids are sponges. They pick up on what we do every day. While we may not feel like we are being negative, even the smallest sounds of frustration are often echoed in tiny voices. I started watching myself. I complained less, held in any road rage I may be feeling, and kept my annoyed sighs to

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of a movie was as we leave the movie theatre.

ENCOURAGE KINDNESS

When the negativity is about other people, find ways to remind kids about the good of others. We can write note cards to friends we appreciate or reminisce on the nice things a friend has done in the past even if we’re currently feeling frustrated in that friendship.

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JAN/FEB | 2019

SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

HEALTH

Say Good-bye to Colds & Flu THE ALL-NATURAL WAY  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Cough syrup, allergy pills, and over-the-counter pain medicine—oh my! What is a parent to do when they’d rather skip the NSAID aisle and deal with a child’s cold the allnatural way? Finding your way through organic medicines can be a chore. Skip it all and treat your kid’s next cold with these items from your pantry instead!

SALT

Sore throat? Throw it back to the old saltwater-gargle trick. Dissolve ½-teaspoon into a glass of warm water and toss it back. Not only does the warm water soothe your aching throat, the mixture is meant to pull viral fluids out of the area.

GARLIC

If it’s too hard to stomach the idea of noshing on a clove of garlic, try overseasoning your food while you’re sick.

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Or, grab some minced garlic (not the dry seasoning but the wet stuff in a jar) and suck down a teaspoon. This common kitchen ingredient is an antioxidant with antimicrobial, antibiotic, and antiviral properties. Plus it’s packed with other health-boosting minerals like vitamin C.

BONE BROTH This magic elixir is easy to take plain or mixed into meals. Much like a bowl of chicken noodle soup, a bowl of bone broth helps fight cold and flu. Not only is bone broth full of vitamins and minerals to help your body fight off whatever sickness ails it, it’s also an anti-inflammatory. Say bye-bye to swollen lymph nodes!

PEPPERMINT Chewing on peppermint leaves or peppermint flavored candies is a good

way to soothe a sour stomach, but this magic little plant has other super powers, too. Use peppermint oil (either in a diffuser or rubbed onto your wrists and temples) for a soothing effect that has been linked to reducing fevers and fighting congestion. Consider mixing it with a carrier oil if you’re going to put it directly on skin.

GINGER

Ginger is another one of those powerful foods that can ease both cold and flu. Ginger has long been hailed as a gentle stomach relaxer (think ginger ale) but it also helps with other ailments. Ginger works as a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial adept at helping humans fight the common cold. Use it to stave off congestion, nausea, and fevers. Take it as a shot, drink it in a tea, or chew on some fresh ginger from the store.

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Kindergarten Readiness ï&#x20AC;¯ BY NORA HESTON TARTE

THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

So, your child is entering kindergarten in the fall? That can feel like an overwhelming first step for any parent, especially if this is your first child. It’s hard enough to worry about your little one being gone for many hours of the day—perhaps for the first time—and how they will fare socially, but add in concerns of academic performance and it’s all some parents can do not to have a nervous break down. Take a deep breath. If you’re thinking about these potential issues then you’re already on your way to having a successful kindergartener. The best thing to do is to inform yourself. Find out what San Joaquin County educators

say your child should know before entering kindergarten, and start taking steps now to ensure your child is prepared.

GET STARTED.

We’re still nine months out from the start of the next school year, so your child has some time to get ready for kindergarten if they are not there yet. Take steps to ease the transition. Check out our sidebar on the “need to knows” and start practicing these skills with your child now. One of the biggest parts of being prepared for kindergarten isn’t a single bit of knowledge but rather a mental state. Children who attend preschool before kindergarten tend to have higher success rates academically,

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READ TO KIDS.

Reading is good for more than verbal skills. Studies show that not only are kids who read at home better readers, they perform better in math, as well. This suggests a strong correlation between reading and overall academic performance. In kindergarten most kids don’t know how to read, or are just learning to. However, parents can strengthen these same skills by reading to kids every night. Reading and conversation create bonds, strengthen verbal skills, and promote healthy parent-child relationships—all of which help kids excel in school.

socially, and emotionally. “If a child does not go to preschool before coming in to Kindergarten, I do see them having a disadvantage within the classroom,” says Carrie Fabela. Carrie teaches Kindergarten in the SJCOE school district while pursuing a master’s degree in education at the Teachers College of San Joaquin. “Those that come in having previous exposure and support usually are the students that excel.” And the problem isn’t only that children without preschool experience take longer to catch up, sometimes the struggle continues indefinitely. Preschool enrollment is often offered year round, which means if your child isn’t currently enrolled there is still time to get some preschool exposure before entering kindergarten. Look for schools with mid-year openings and start small. Children who are not used to being outside of the home and away from a known caregiver may do best with two half days a week, while other preschoolers with a little more practice in independence could handle more days. In addition to preschool, there are

22 22

other ways to grow a child’s social and emotional independence. Schedule play dates with neighbors or other children in the same age group, or take your child to a class to provide ample opportunity for them to engage with peers. If you feel like your child is falling behind in any of these categories, get them caught up now. Perhaps your child is currently a kindergartener but is struggling in the classroom. Carrie suggests putting in extra hours to help children who are falling behind. In Carrie’s class, alphabet flash cards are a big help, and she’s even

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sent some home with students before so they can get extra practice. Keep the lines of communication open with your child’s teacher. This gives the teacher the ability to provide support with skills and materials, or even emotional support if the child needs it. “I believe the biggest key in helping an unprepared student is continuous dialogue between the parent and teacher. There can be many different reasons why a student may come in unprepared so I make sure that I keep the dialogue open with the parent and provide as much support for the family as I can,” Carrie says.

PREPARING THE WHOLE CHILD.

Let’s go back to the idea that kindergarten readiness is about more than academics. Sure, more is expected of kids today than ever before. Kindergarten now looks more like first grade and less like a fun environment focused on play. But social and emotional development is still a big part of whether or not kids will excel in school. “It is important for parents to be aware of the social struggles their child may have,” Carrie says. This is something teachers can communicate to parents or that can be observed by volunteering in the classroom. “I see too much screen time with many students and that provides the total opposite support in helping students in social settings.” Trade television time for social experiences. Take your child to the park to meet other friends and use imaginative play to learn. If your child is interested in a sport, sign up for a team. The more positive social settings you can create for your child, the better equipped they will be to perform in a classroom amongst peers. Emotional support is also important. Some kids are shy and cling to mom and dad while others find independence with ease. Be a confidant for your child. Open dialogue with a child will always help. Parents can achieve this by asking about their child’s day and having

What kids should know entering kindergarten  Read/write first and last name  Use scissors  Letter recognition (some or most)  Number recognition 1-10  Basic social skills

LITERARY STATISTICS 26%

of kids who were read to three to four times in the last week recognized all letters of the alphabet

60%

of kids who are read to frequently can count to 20 or higher (vs. 44% of those who were not)

54% of kids who are read to frequently can write their own names (vs. 40% of those who were not)

77% of kids who are read to frequently can read or pretend to read (vs. 57% of those who were not)

53%

of kids ages three to five were read to by a family member daily

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

meaningful conversations about friendship with their children. Carrie says teachers should work these skills into lesson plans, as well. “There needs to be time to share, compromise, and communicate appropriately,” she says. “Giving students the opportunity to do this daily will help students that do struggle.”

A PARENT’S ROLE.

In addition to getting your kid ready for kindergarten, it is your job as a parent to see them through the experience. If you can, get involved in the classroom. All kids can benefit from parent support at school but those who are struggling may need it JAN/FEB | 2019

even more. This experience not only brings a second form of support into the classroom for the child, but it gives the parent perspective on how to help the student at home. Knowing what a day in the classroom looks like, seeing how a child behaves in school, and visualizing the techniques and lessons being taught in the classroom are all benefits to the parent. How do you do this without getting in the way? Ask the teacher if you can observe or volunteer in the classroom for a day or two. Carrie says she works with parents to make this happen. It all goes back to having those lines of communication open. SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

PLAY

SNOW FUN

in California  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Soda Springs

Get everything in one spot. Soda Springs Resort (near Truckee) has snow sports for older kids (including skiing and snowboarding lessons) and a snow playground for kids age eight and younger. Climb a snow mountain, rent a kid’s snow mobile, go tubing, and more. SodaSprings. com

Who says you have to cross state lines to enjoy the snow? Stay in California—and just a short drive from home—with these kid-friendly winter wonderlands.

Lyons Reservoir

Head south toward the Stanislaus National Forest, to find snow off of Highway 108. Here, Lyons Reservoir is the first place you’ll hit, with a town called Strawberry not much farther. It’s less about tubing and skiing in this area and more about snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Lathrop

Okay, so the snow isn’t exactly falling from the sky in Lathrop, but Dell’Osso Family Farms brings the next best thing to San Joaquin County. Stop by the farm before January 5th for snow tubing, ice skating, and drive-thru holiday lights. Some of the farm’s other attractions will be open, too. Check out the train ride, zip lines, and holiday store. HolidaysOnTheFarm.com

Truckee

Dubbed Tahoe Donner, this snow area offers real snow with a focus on family fun for young kids. The ski resorts around tend to focus on skiing and snowboarding, but at Tahoe Donner young families pay one low price for access to tubes, sleds, and plenty of snow toys. TahoeDonner.com

THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

Yosemite

Tahoe City

Head to Tahoe but avoid the crazy crowds in South Lake. Tahoe City is home to a hill dedicated to sledding and snow play at Granlibakken Resort. Bring your own saucers and sleds, or borrow some on-site. Kids under age four sled for free. Expert tip: Stay and play. The lodge offers play discounts to guests. Granlibakken.com

Yosemite is oft-visited in the summer months, known for its challenging hiking paths and good camping spots. In winter, Yosemite transforms. Throughout Yosemite County there are plenty of opportunities to have the winter vacation of your dreams. Ice skate, ski, snowboard, cross country ski, snowshoe, ride in a horse-drawn sleigh, snowmobile, and more. You can even camp during winter here with the right gear.

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EXTRACURRICULAR

GREAT ON THE FLOOR, Great Out the Door

 BY NORA HESTON

 BYCAITLIN HAMER

Like many extracurricular activities, martial arts can be both a fun and enriching hobby as well as a learning experience that oﬀers its students lifelong lessons. And at Tibon’s Goju-Ryu Fighting Arts Karate in Stockton, they’ll get the added benefit of learning a unique fighting style from one of the best in the business. “My history starts with four generations of ancestors who have been in the martial arts,” says Gene Tibon, Sensei at Tibon’s. Gene himself is the fifth generation, with his son and grandchildren making up the sixth and seventh generations, respectively. “The pride we have in our heritage goes back over several hundred years,” he adds. And, of course, Goju-Ryu, which is Japanese for “hard soft style”, has a long history as well. Combining the soft, angular redirection style of martial arts with the direct straight line of defense and offense, Goju-Ryu is a popular style that not only offers selfdefense techniques, but numerous other benefits. “One: the physical fitness and health benefits. Two: the discipline, respect,

THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

and self-dedication to achieve what they start. Three: learning a traditional martial art like Goju-Ryu Karate is the best of two martial arts.” Those aspects, plus the passion that Gene has for teaching and for Goju-Ryu, has led to numerous success stories. 100% of Tibon’s black belt students graduate from high school, and 95% of the black belts also go on to receive a college degree. Many of these students become leaders in their classes, and some of his current students are even Olympic hopefuls. “The students learn life skill development in applying their training, self-initiative, and desire to succeed at what they have started,” explains Gene. “I tell them, ‘Great on the dojo floor, great out the door!’” At Tibon’s, classes start with beginner level students, who train by age, starting with ages 3 to 5, and continuing with 6 to 12. Classes for teenagers are from 13 years and up. The same breakdown in ages is applied to the novice/

intermediate students, while advanced level students have separate classes. Athletes who are interested in competing at the international level also have development classes available. “From the very beginning we set goals,” Gene says. “Each student has to write a new set of 10 goals and 10 accomplishments each year.” But ultimately, he says, his own goal – which he is clearly accomplishing – is to teach his students to be the best they can be. SIGN UP NOW: TIBON’S KARATE 923 N. Yosemite St., Stockton (209) 465-0943 TibonKarate.com

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SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

JAN

CALENDAR

FEB 2019

HOLIDAYS ON THE FARM AT DELL’OSSO FAMILY FARM

JAN. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

There’s snow in the forecast, and it’s all falling at Dell’Osso Family Farm! Bundle up and get ready for plenty of winter weather adventures – all without the hassle of having to shovel any snow! Strap on some ice skates and show off your skills, go for a wild ride in a snow tube, and stock up on plenty of goodies at the bakery. And don’t forget to snag a picture with Santa! Dell’Osso Family Farm, 501 S. Manthey Rd., Lathrop, (209) 982-0833, HolidaysOnTheFarm.com

STOCKTON HEAT

JAN. 4, 5, 9, 12, 19, 21 FEB. 1, 16, 17, 24

Grab a beer and a seat glassside, it’s time to hit the ice with the Stockton Heat! This hockey season is bound to burn away those winter

THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

blues as you get fired up with the crowd at the Stockton Arena! Whether you’re there for the sport, the team, or a night out with friends, be sure to head out for the Stockton Heat’s theme nights, including the teddy bear toss on January 19th. Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton (209)373-1400, StocktonLive.com

STOCKTON KINGS

JAN. 11, 13, 22, 24, 25 FEB. 3, 13, 22, 23, 26, 28

Nothing adds excitement to the winter months like basketball season, and with the Stockton Kings debuting this year, it’s sure to be a season you won’t soon forget! Bring the whole family out to the Stockton Arena to get a front row seat to all the action, and to witness Stockton sports history in the making! Be sure to enjoy food and drinks from the Arena vendors and give three cheers for the Stockton Kings! Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 373-1400, StocktonLive.com

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. 5K/10K RUN

JAN. 12

Take in the sights of beautiful downtown Stockton on this 5K/10K Run/Walk for the Stockton branch of the NAACP. For ages 9 and under, there will also be a 1K, making this an outing the whole family can enjoy. After the race, participants can enjoy face painting (for both kids and adults!), balloon art, and other fun activities. Revenue raised from this event will fund community efforts, so sign up now to help fund Stockton’s branch of the NAACP. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, 2 E. Oak St., Stockton, (209) 466-7005, StocktonNAACP.org

SESAME STREET LIVE: “LET’S PARTY!”

JAN. 16

Elmo and all his fuzzy friends are bringing their Sesame Street beat to the Bob Hope Theatre! In a brand new, interactive show, kids will enjoy learning new songs, singing along to familiar ones, and will have a blast taking off on adventures with Cookie Monster, Oscar, Big Bird, and more! This is one family friendly, inspiring party that you and your kids will

Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Suite. Warren Atherton Auditorium at San Joaquin Delta College, 5151 Pacific Ave., Stockton, (209) 951-0196,

remember for a lifetime. Grab your tickets now to make sure you don’t miss out on the fun! Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main St., Lodi, (209) 373-1400, StocktonLive.com

StocktonSymphony.org

LODI BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB CRAB FEED

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS “DARE TO DREAM!” AT THE STOCKTON ARENA

JAN. 19

FEB. 7, 8, 9, 10

Enjoy a delicious, exciting evening out with the family in support of the youth of Lodi. Indulge in a delectable meal of North Coast cracked crab with friends and family at this annual event, where everyone will gather in support of an organization dedicated to enabling young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Come be a part of your community and get your fill of North Coast crab! Lodi Boys and Girls Club

Featuring beloved characters from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Tangled, Cinderella, and Moana, Disney on Ice’s “Dare to Dream” show is an action-packed extravaganza that will spark courage in hearts of all ages. Timeless and unforgettable songs are paired with stunning ice-skating choreography, as iconic Disney heroines tell their tales of courage and determination. Don’t forget to arrive early for a special sing-a-long with Miguel from Disney Pixar’s Coco! Tickets are available online or at the Stockton Arena box office. Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 373-

275 Poplar St., Lodi, (209) 334-2697

STOCKTON SYMPHONY PRESENTS “CLASSICS 3: SANDY CAMERON”

1400, StocktonLive.com

JAN. 26

RIPON ALMOND BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

Head to the Warren Atherton Auditorium for a splendid evening of classical music performed by musical prodigy Sandy Cameron. Having made her first professional debut at just 12 years old in the Netherlands, Sandy’s been declared “brilliant” by the Washington Post, the violinist has performed around the world. This month she will grace us all with classic performances including Bernstein’s Candide Overture,

FEB. 22, 23, 24

Delight in the sights of Ripon’s stunning almond blossoms, an annual tradition which showcases this local beauty. Celebrate the blossoms which herald the anticipation of a bountiful crop, and enjoy family fun activities and plenty of good food! There will also be contests, a parade, dancing, and arts and crafts vendors. Don’t miss out on this breathtaking event that’s a true show of Central Valley culture! Mistlin Sports Park, 1201 River Rd., Ripon

JAN/FEB | 2019

SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

LAST word

THE Proposal  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Lately my son has been asking if he can marry me. He’s five. I’ve tried to explain that it doesn’t really work that way, but he’s been pretty persistent so I thought I’d take a different approach instead. I

THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

asked him what he thinks marriage is. I expected a pretty basic answer, but I wasn’t prepared for what came next. He didn’t hesitate, didn’t even take a breath. Instead he just immediately launched into his

explanation, rattling off a list. “Marriage is when you give someone a ring. When you love them forever and promise to stay with them and live with them always. And then you help them with things. And, mom, when you’re married, you do EVERYTHING for that woman.” I swear my heart melted on the spot. It’s especially meaningful because my son’s dad and I got divorced. Yet he still believes this is exactly what marriage is, even though it didn’t work out for us. My son doesn’t only know exactly what marriage is, he’s modeling what it’s like to be a good man. Every morning on the way to school he opens my car door for me. When we go out to eat, he pulls out my chair. He compliments my cooking and tells me how much he likes my clothes. Perhaps the best part is that every time he sees a flower—which nine times out of ten is a lone dandelion growing out of the cement somewhere—he picks it for me. I swear my goal in life is to have a woman thank me for him one day. I’m pretty proud of the gentleman he’s learning how to be, and these little acts show me that despite everything he’s going to be okay. I think he has a better idea of marriage than half of the married people out there do. However, I am still really trying to explain to him why he can’t marry me. It’s a complicated topic for a little guy. And as of right now, he tells me he wants to live with me forever even when he goes to college. I have a feeling that will change eventually, more to my dismay than his. Although if it doesn’t change… that’s probably more of a problem for me.

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