Parent April May 2012 by AIM Media Indiana

Parent Columbus

April - May 2012

baby gear • Learning to grieve • spring clothes • crayon cookies

2 • April - May 2012 • Parent

Parent Columbus

Also inside Calendar of events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Essentials for baby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Colorful clothes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Healthier drinks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Recycled crayons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Emily Cook column. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Dealing with death, page 12

Youth Triathlon, page 22

Peace Camp, page 18

Bean lasagna, page 30

Jennifer Tchida column. . . . . . . . . 28

Comments should be sent to Doug Showalter, The Republic, 333 Second St., Columbus, IN 47201 or call 812-379-5625 or dshowalter@ therepublic.com. Advertising information: Call 812-379-5652. ©2012 by Home News Enterprises All rights reserved. Reproduction of stories, photographs and advertisements without permission is prohibited. Stock images provided by © Thinkstock.

Parent • April - May 2012 • 3

Calendar of events April

— First Fridays for Families: “The Jungle Book.” Free, 6 p.m., The

Commons. Dancers Studio presents “The Jungle Book,” which was adapted by Disney from Rudyard Kipling’s classic story. Information: 376-2539 or caac@ artsincolumbus.org.

— Easter Egg Hunt. Free. 10 a.m. Donner Park. Areas for ages 1-2, 3-4,

5-6 and 7-8. If raining, eggs and candy will be distributed in Donner Center. Please bring a bag or basket for your eggs. Information: 376-2680 or columbusparksandrec.com.

-21 — Harlequin Theater Mystery/Comedy. “The Night

The annual Easter egg hunt draws eager children to Donner Park. ads, and you provide the items to sell.

Studio Inc. Tickets $9 students and $14

I Died at the Palace Theater.” Harlequin

Fee includes booth space (up to three

general admission in advance or $10 and

Theater, Fair Oaks Mall. 7 p.m. April 13,

6-foot tables and chairs). You may buy

$15 at the door. Information: 376-8080.

14, 20 and 21; 2:30 p.m. April 15 and

more than one booth. Please indicate

22. Tickets $12 in advance, $15 at door,

when registering the type of items to be

available at Viewpoint Books and Fair Oaks information desk or Fair Oaks office.

sold and if you need electricity. No fleamarket/garage sale type items please. Admission to the show is free to the

— Columbus City Band spring concert. Free, 2 p.m., Asbury

United Methodist Church, 1751 27th St.

— Tour de Trails Run and Walk Challenge. The event features

— Family Service Inc.’s “Don’t Shake” Run Walk. Registration

public. Registration fee is $29/space, and

is open. This event includes 5K and 10K

is met. To register: 376-2680 or online at

kids fun run on the People Trails. Register

runs, a 5K walk and kids fun run, with

https://secure.columbus.in.gov/vsiwebt-

online at signmeup.com/site/online-

age group awards. Information: 372-3745

rac.html.

event-registration/80594. Cost ranges

or familyservicebc.org.

from $15 to $20 per person.

— 2012 Spring Craft Show & Sale. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Donner

Center. We provide the tables, chairs and

deadline is April 11, or until maximum

-15 — “Jungle Book and Other Stories.” 7 p.m. Saturday; 2:20

p.m. Sunday, Columbus North High School auditorium. Presented by Dancers

an 8K run, a 5K run and walk and a free

— Music at Asbury: pianist Kozo Kaneko. Free: 7:30 p.m.,

Asbury United Methodist Church, 1751

List your events l Fax 812-379-5711 l E-mail: dshowalter@therepublic.com l Mail: Columbus Parent, 333 Second St., Columbus, IN 47201 l Deadline for next issue: May 5.

4 • April - May 2012 • Parent

Rachmaninoff’s powerful Piano Concerto No. 2. 7:30 p.m., Columbus North High School, 1400 25th St. Single ticket prices begin at $10; tickets available at www. thecip.org. Information: 376-2638, ext. 110.

May

— A Garden Tea. Fundraiser for the Book Buddies program. Join us for tea in the Terrace Room of the BCSC Administration Building, 1200 Central Ave. Information: 376-4461.

12 “Jungle Book and Other Stories” will be presented by Dancers Studio April 14 and 15 at Columbus North High School auditorium.

27th St. Information: 372-4555. One of Japan’s top pianists comes to Asbury. Also, a Japanese professional ocarina player who lives in Columbus will perform with Kaneko.

-22 — The Republic’s Home and Garden Show. Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Two buildings of displays, demonstrations, ideas for inside and outside the home, plus kids activities. Free admission. Information: 379-5655 or kburnett@therepublic.com.

— Columbus Symphony Orchestra. “A Tour of Europe,” featuring the music of Rossini, Ravel and Beethoven, 3:30 p.m., Mill Race Park amphitheater.

— Walk MS. Columbus City Hall. Enjoy a one-mile or threemile course starting at Columbus City Hall and winding through scenic downtown Columbus. Check-in starts at 9:30 a.m., and the walk kicks off at 10:30 a.m., rain or shine.

p.m. Sunday. Information: 376-2686.

— Women’s Professional Development Conference. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Clarion Hotel and Conference Center. This popular event for women provides opportunities to learn, grow and network. Information/ registration: www.columbusareachamber. com/events/registrationfee.php.

-29 — 2012 Ice Show. Hamilton Center Ice Arena. 7

p.m. Friday; 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2

— Ivy Tech Community College Couch Tater 5K Run/

Walk. An event for everyone with proceeds used for Ivy Tech Community College scholarships and programs. Early check-in: noon to 5 p.m. April 27 at Ivy Tech. Race day check-in: 8 a.m. in Ivy Tech’s parking lot. 5K run and 5K walk begin at 9 a.m.; kids fun run at 10:30 a.m. Child care for ages 2 and older available during the 5K. Ivy Tech Community College Columbus, 4475 Central Ave., 374-5342, $20-$25, aables@ivytch.edu.

— Columbus Indiana Philharmonic. Pianist Di Wu

returns to the philharmonic to perform

-19 — Hope Art Fair on the Square. On the town square in Hope. Exhibition and sale presented by Art Guild of Hope. Information: hopeartguild.com.

— Tour de Trails Bicycle Challenge. 20K, 50K and 75K courses, with a rolling start beginning at 9:30 a.m. from Mill Race Park for all routes. Information: 376-2680.

— Columbus Indiana Philharmonic “Salute” concert. 7 p.m., Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans, Second and Washington streets. This free concert honors the men and women who served Parent • April - May 2012 • 5

and are serving in the wars of the 20th and 21st centuries, with special recognition to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Information: thecip.org.

June

— Columbus Symphony Orchestra. “Pops in the Park,” featuring Cathy Morris and her band, with music by Gershwin, Ellington, Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and more. 7:30 p.m., Mill Race Park amphitheater.

— Columbus Youth Triathlon. 6:30 p.m., Donner Park. Cost: $35. Information: foundationforyouth. com/YouthTriathlon.htm.

— Girlfriend Ride. A bicycle ride for women only: a chick trip. Bring your best girlfriend and ride for a good cause, Turning Point Domestic

Violence Services in Columbus. You can go 10K, 25K or 50K, you decide.

— Columbus Indiana Philharmonic. Steve Lippia returns to team up with the philharmonic in a cabaret event designed to bring you to the dance floor. The Commons, Washington Street, ticket prices and time to be announced later. Information: 376-2638, ext. 110.

— Garden Tour. Sponsored by Columbus In Bloom. More information to come.

July

-14 — Bartholomew County 4-H Fair. Fairgrounds on Indiana 11 south of Columbus. Information: bartholomewcountyfair.com.

Local skaters will take to the rink for the annual ice show April 27 to 29 at Hamilton Center Ice Arena.

Be Active

your way

Your children can inspire you with activities that won’t feel like exercise. Spending time flying a kite or an afternoon in the park with the kids can add exercise to your life without you even knowing it. Use this time to make memories with your kids–and burn some calories.

W W W . W H AT S YO U R R E A C H . O R G

Made possible by funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

6 • April - May 2012 • Parent

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Ongoing MOMSNext provides fellowship, support and friendship to mothers of elementaryage children. Meetings are twice a month throughout the school year from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church. Information: Grace Lutheran Church, 372-4859. Hamilton Center Ice Arena. 25th Street and Lincoln Park Drive. Admission: child (5-17) $3.50; adult (18 and older) $4; 4 and younger free. Skate rental $2. Call for schedule and programming. Information: 376-2686. Kidscommons. 309 Washington St., climbing wall and wonderland of discovery, education and imagination for children up to age 14. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday. Admission is $6. Information: 378-3046.

All ages take part in the Tour de Trails Bicycle Challenge.

Bartholomew County Public Library. Story time sessions and other children’s activities: barth.lib.in.us.

Columbus Gymnastics Center. 405 Hope Ave. Classes and open gym for children. Information: 376-2545.

Foundation for Youth. 405 Hope Ave. For a complete schedule of activities: foundationforyouth.com.

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Gearing up for baby Mothers recommend products that make life easier with a newborn By Crystal Henry

or being such tiny creatures, babies have a giant list of equipment to help them through their first few years. They really only have a few basic needs — eating, sleeping and clean diapers — but those needs happen ’round the clock. So many products on the market claim to make life easier, it’s sometimes hard to figure out what items are essential, which ones might be handy and which ones are best left on the shelf. Here are a few of the things local Columbus moms said they couldn’t live without.

Jump and bounce Babies are used to movement, so one of the ways many local moms keep them happy is in some sort of jumper or bouncy seat. Paula O’Brien said from about 5 months old until they walked, a jumping activity center was crucial for her family. Like a traditional activity center, there are toys to play with, but the bouncing action helps to strengthen their legs and wears them out a bit. She liked to put her boys in it when she needed to go to the bathroom or get something done. Kelly Ulreich said the joy on her son’s face when he used his Jumperoo was priceless. And many moms swear by the bouncy seat as the only way they could take a shower. They’d tote the seat into the bathroom, and the baby could be contained and content while mom got to shower in peace.

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Nursing cover Venturing out of the house is a big deal for a mother with a newborn, and it can be challenging for a nursing mom who feeds on demand. Rather than trying to plan outings around feedings, nursing moms can give their babies meals on the go with a nursing cover. If you aren’t comfortable nursing in public, these covers offer a little privacy. The trick is finding one that works for you and your baby. Some models have a stiff neck that holds the top of the cover out so that you can still see the baby to help latch on and let her know you’re there. Malorie Farrington said none of the covers on the market worked for her so she made her own.

Baby carrier It’s fun to pick out things for baby to wear, but Columbus moms agree that having something to wear your baby in is much more important. “I could not have lived without my Moby wrap,” said Columbus resident Katie Grafelman. She said the wrap was the only surefire way to get her daughter, Betty, to nap when she was a baby. She’d put on the wrap, turn on the vacuum and Betty would be out like a light. She also used it at the grocery story because Betty hated being carried in her car seat. Nicole Brown agreed that a wrap is the way to go. She said it makes getting things done so much easier, and it gives you a chance to bond with your baby because he’s so close. Wraps are only one option for baby wearing. Other moms opt for slings or pouch carriers. The carrier is effective because the baby is used to the swaying motion they experienced in utero. And the close proximity to mom is an added comfort. They can also be convenient ways for nursing moms to feed their babies while on the go.

Photo by Doug Showalter

Jessie Thomas and daughter, Evelyn, demonstrate the Beco Gemini baby carrier.

Nursing pillow Grafelman said the other irreplaceable item was her Boppy pillow. This crescent-shaped pillow was made to aid with nursing, and Grafelman said it was a life saver when she would fall asleep nursing Betty. Nicole Wiltrout said without the Boppy she would fumble around trying to find a good position to nurse her sons. She said they could never get comfortable to nurse very well without it. But nursing pillows aren’t just for nursing moms. “It’s also my go-to comfy spot to place a newborn when you have to leave him to help your toddler, grab a quick bite to eat or use the bathroom,” Wiltrout said. Farrington said she kept several Boppy pillows throughout the house. She had one in the nursery and one in the family room, and she said they were great for her son to relax in and for tummy time. Parent • April - May 2012 • 9

Night light

Annie Tennis recommends a Mobi TykeLight. This rechargeable night light lets off just enough light to easily change a diaper in the middle of the night, but it’s not so bright that it’s difficult for the baby to sleep. She said her toddler still uses it today.

Swaddlers Wiltrout said both of her boys have slept long stretches at night in their own cribs from the first week they brought them home, and she owes all her sleeping success to swaddle blankets. She said they had the Kiddopotamus brand, which fit easily in a diaper bag, so they can take them when they travel. Jessie Thomas said she, too, swears by swaddling blankets, and she prefers the aden+ anais muslin ones. Swaddling blankets mimic the snugness babies experienced in the womb, and they help keep their startle reflex from waking them up. Some brands have Velcro that helps to keep the blanket tightly wrapped.

10 • April - May 2012 • Parent

White noise Another sleep solution is a noise machine. Yasmin Norris said her son, Rohan, would never have slept soundly without his swaddle blanket and his bear that made womb noises. As a toddler he still sleeps with white noise. “It’s loud inside the uterus,” said Columbus mom Meghan Kiyar. “The quiet creeps babies out.” She, too, said she used a white noise machine to help her little one sleep. There are plenty of different types of noise machines, and many are designed specifically with babies in mind. The Sleep Sheep has four sounds: mother’s heartbeat, whale songs, spring showers and ocean waves. Other sound machines allow the mother to record her own heartbeat or womb sounds before the baby is born.

Parent • April - May 2012 • 11

Saying goodbye Children learn how to grieve with the help and example of their parents By Crystal Henry

he loss of a loved one is a hard thing for anyone to face, but it can be especially confusing and difficult for a child. When children lose a loved one, be it a family member, friend or even a pet, it is up to the adults in their lives to help them through the experience so that they form healthy coping behaviors that will carry them through life. “It’s all around us in nature,” said Dan Boyer, a licensed clinical social worker at Sandcrest Family Medicine. But although it is a part of life, children are often isolated from death, he said. Parents naturally want to shield and protect them from feeling loss, but there are ways to ease them into the concept of death without overwhelming them.

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One way Boyer suggests is through literature. One of the books he recommends is “The Fall of Freddy the Leaf.” The book follows the life and death of a personified leaf named Freddy. It gives children a chance to think about death on a level they can understand. The way any of us deals with death is based on our world views and values. It is unique to each adult as it would be to each child. Boyer suggests giving children a chance to ask questions and tell how they are feeling. When talking to children about the death of a loved one, let them talk enough so that you can understand how much they know and how they feel about the news. If the adult does all the talking, they may provide more questions for the child than answers. Letting the child take the lead will give the adults a better idea of how

much and what kind of information the child needs to know.

reality of the situation, but it’s up to the parents to decide what is appropriate for that child.

Children are very trusting, and they believe what the adults in their lives say. So Boyer said it’s important to think about what you say and the explanations you give carefully. Telling them that “God needed another angel” may cause the child to worry about when God will decide he’s going to take them to be an angel.

What’s real?

Too much information It’s also important to be sensitive to the child’s age. Before launching into a big explanation, give them a chance to respond. Young children don’t typically have a good grasp on the finality of death. And it can be hard as an adult to keep explaining that the person or pet is not coming back. Just keep in mind that they can’t quite comprehend the finality of it all and try to be patient. Adults should also realize that grieving is a process. It’s prolonged and unpredictable, and children tend to grieve differently from adults. Many children tend to act out or get clingy. If the loved one had health issues, they may question the health of other adults in their lives. And some children will be angry about the loss. Boyer said adults should remember that grieving is the experience of the loss on the inside. Mourning is the outer expression of grief. “If I only grieve, I don’t heal,” he said. Children naturally want to mourn, but they also mimic what they see. It’s fine to let children see you cry or be sad about the loss because it teaches them that they are not alone and that it’s normal to be sad. It shows them that the loved one they lost was not only important to them but to those around them. However there is a balance that should be struck. If the adults are completely distraught all the time, then it might be time to get professional help for both the adult and the child. It may be very difficult to hold it together enough to help a child cope when the loss so greatly affects the adults as well. Some parents choose not to allow their children to attend the funeral, and that is a personal decision based on the parents’ beliefs as well as the individual child, Boyer said. Children need some opportunity to be aware of the

Boyer said one interesting thing is that children are often shielded from the reality of death. When a person is terminally ill, he is often removed from the home and dies in a hospital or hospice facility. And while parents often try to protect children from that, they are often immersed in unrealistic examples of death through mediums like television and video games. These expressions of death give children an unrealistic idea of what it’s about. When they play a video game in which their character dies, often that character can come back with the push of a button. It can sometimes create confusion when a real death occurs. Children are much more observant than we often give them credit for, Boyer said. The best way to tell them about the death of a loved one is simply, honestly and compassionately. Let them go through their own grieving process. When the death is health-related, they may be confused and not be able to differentiate between a terminal illness and a common cold, so just talk to them and find out what they think about the situation. One way to help them through is to talk to them about what they would like to do to honor or remember the one who has died. This can be especially helpful when a child loses a pet. Letting them acknowledge the death in their own way is important. There are some warning signs that the child may not be adjusting well, and parents should just be aware and watch for certain behaviors. If children become isolated or if their anger is directed toward themselves or others, parents should seek help for them. Children might feel guilty about the death if they hadn’t been at peace with the loved one before he died, and they might need to talk to someone to get through that. Adults should also feel free to get help for themselves so that they can help the child. Having a “get on with it” attitude doesn’t help the child grieve, Boyer said. Letting her grieve in her own way is the best remedy. “Let it be very unique to that child,” he said. Parent • April - May 2012 • 13

Color commentary Children’s clothes are bold and bright this spring

hat will the well-dressed child be wearing this spring and summer? According to Nancy Bradley, owner of O’Child Children’s Boutique on Washington Street, the hipster look for boys will continue to be a popular trend through fall. Classic street wear styles are blended with global details and quirky T-shirts. For girls, Bradley says classic nautical stripes are essential to every summer wardrobe. According to Donna Christian, general manager of Edinburgh Premium Outlets, the same trends that we see for adults also can be seen in children’s clothing. “The most important trends that we are seeing this spring/ summer is bright colors and patterns,” Christian said. “Colors like coral, mint green and yellow are especially popular. Stripes, floral and polka dots are being seen on tops, pants and tights, and don’t be afraid to mix and match prints and colors. “Kids have the opportunity to be especially colorful and fearless with their wardrobe.” Here are some examples to kick your creativity into gear.

14 • April - May 2012 • Parent

She’ll be pretty in pink in this cotton sundress and Sugar XX sweater carrying a pink beaded purse. — Vanity Fair

Turquoise tank top under a white cardigan, with flowered skirt and leggings, accented by silver/ bronze sandals and a silver headband. — Carter’s

Navy captain T-shirt under a long sleeve oxford shirt, with plaid woven pull-up shorts, brown sandals and navy/yellow beach sunglasses. — Carter’s

She’ll be ready for the beach in this swimsuit, pink coverup, white/pink flip flops and a beach hat. — Carter’s

Parent • April - May 2012 • 15

Silver sandals add a touch of class to this summery pairing of a green T-shirt and flower print shorts. — OshKosh B’gosh

The nautical look is well represented with this combination of blue checked shirt, navy graphic T-shirt and khaki shorts. — OshKosh B’gosh

16 • April - May 2012 • Parent

Navy boat print dress with a white denim jacket, fedora hat and canvas thong sandals. — The Gap

A yellow polo with plaid, flatfront shorts and navy deck shoes, topped off by black aviator sunglasses. — The Gap

Above: La Miniatura cable knit soft sweat shirt with plaid shorts from Tea Clothing and a hip houndstooth fedora from Knuckleheads. At left: Petite Lem’s cotton, striped blazer accented with the season’s most popular color, orange. The blazer is a summer staple that can be worn with a summer dress or leggings and T-shirt for a more casual look. — O’Child Children’s Boutique

Parent • April - May 2012 • 17

Peace Camp 2011 coincided with a visit from Tibetan monks. Here the children watch and listen as the monks perform a chanting meditation.

Keeping the peace Camp helps children find their place in the world By Marcia Walker

f Peace Camp brings to mind images of peace signs, sit-ins and hippies, that would be understandable. However you won’t find those at the Peace Camp offered by Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus. This year’s Peace Camp, for children ages 4 through 12, is the week of June 18 and is very much in tune with today’s issues. The focus is peace, but on four different levels: inner peace, peace with each other, carrying peace out into the world and peace toward the earth. Through art, music, discussions, special programs and nature-oriented activities, campers learn about themselves, how they relate to each other and how they relate

18 • April - May 2012 • Parent

to the bigger picture on a worldwide level. “We are trying to give the kids a space where their creativity and love of life and innocence can all play out,” said Liz Nolan-Greven, who launched the program five years ago. “Between the media and the harsh realities of the world, we feel it’s really important to save a space for their natural instincts when it comes to art, music, play and nature.” Greven is a member of UUCC, and the camp is part of the church’s religious education program. Last year, 30 children participated, about half from the congregation. The camp is open to any young person. “We get kids from other churches and a lot of kids

who don’t have a home church,” said Susie Johnson, a volunteer involved with the camp. “Peace Camp is a great option for parents who may not have a church but are looking for some external source to learn values, who may not feel comfortable in Bible school.” Johnson, a member of UUCC and the mother of two boys, Graham and Isaac, likes that the camp helps youngsters connect with the natural world and that children have the chance to be creative. “We spend a lot of time outdoors,” she said. “We did a nature scavenger hunt, and the recycled art projects are really cool.” Melissa Rose is not a member of UUCC but has sent her son, Noah, 8, to the camp for the past four years. Daughter Sierra, 4, became old enough to attend for the first time last year. “They really look forward to it,” Rose said. She likes the values the program promotes. “I like the atmosphere of the church, and the outdoor space is wonderful,” she said. “I want them (her children) to learn different ideas of how to be peaceful, to the earth and to other people.”

Submitted photos

Art is a major component of Peace Camp. selors, mentioned that the camp is ethics-oriented. “It introduces campers to different spiritualities and it’s multicultural,” she said. Greven added, “We talk about how we are different, yet how we are the same, discuss getting along, treating everyone with respect.”

Carla Barrett, a UUCC member and one of the coun-

see peace on page 21

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Steering your kids to better drinks By Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz n Chicago Tribune

n an ideal world, children would drink only water and milk in the quantities recommended by dietary guidelines: 16 ounces of nonfat or low-fat dairy for children ages 2 or 3; 20 ounces for children ages 4 to 8; and 24 ounces for anyone 9 and older. But the lure of sodas, fruit drinks, sports drinks, flavored milks and flavored waters that have made sugarsweetened beverages the leading source of added sugar in children’s diets — and, consequently, a prime culprit in tooth cavities and childhood obesity — is as unavoidable as Justin Bieber’s singing toothbrush. How can you steer your kids toward more healthful choices? Here are some tips.

 Practice what you preach. Pour yourself a glass of milk when you give one to your child and don’t keep sugary drinks in the house, said Dr. Mary Lou Gavin, a pediatrician specializing in weight management at Nemours/ Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del., and a medical editor at kidshealth.org. The younger your child is when you instill healthy habits, the easier it will be.  Limit fruit juice. Though it provides some nutrients, 100 percent fruit juice has loads of sugar and, being liquid, doesn’t offer the same fiber and fullness you get when you eat an actual piece of fruit, Gavin said. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 4 to 6 ounces of 100 percent fruit juice per day for children age 1 to 6, and no more than 8 to 12 ounces for kids older than 6.  Treat sugary drinks as dessert. Rather than ban them outright, which might make them all the more appealing, allow them as occasional treats, said Marlene Schwartz, deputy director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University.  Visualize the sugar content. A can of full-calorie soda has 39 to 44 grams of sugar — the equivalent of 10 20 • April - May 2012 • Parent

to 11 teaspoons of sugar, an image that just might give a child pause, Schwartz said. Convert grams of sugar to teaspoons by dividing by 4.  Avoid diet drinks. Although they can be useful tools when weaning overweight or soda-addicted children off sugary beverages, it’s generally best not to feed kids artificial sweeteners when we don’t know their potential long-term effects, Schwartz said.  Interpret ingredient lists. Added sugars and artificial sweeteners can be hard to spot because they come under many names. Some common aliases for added sugar, according to the Rudd Center: high fructose corn syrup, fruit juice concentrates, corn syrup, fructose, sucrose, glucose, crystalline fructose, cane sugar. Artificial sweeteners might go by acesulfame potassium, aspartame, sucralose, stevia/rebiana.

fun alternatives Instead of:

Store-bought flavored milk

Instead of:

Vitamin water or flavored water

Instead of: Soft drinks

Instead of:

Fruit drinks, sports drinks and sweetened teas

Instead of:

100 percent fruit juice

Try:

Nonfat or low-fat milk with a dollop of chocolate or strawberry syrup

Try:

Regular water with a twist of lemon or lime, or a slice of cucumber or watermelon

Try:

Seltzer water with a splash of 100 percent fruit juice

Try:

Homemade, unsweetened tea with a splash of juice

Try:

A fruit smoothie with real fruit, low-fat yogurt and no added sugar — Chicago Tribune

peace continued from page 19 She mentioned that children are given the opportunity to learn about themselves, to find inner peace through music, art and such disciplines as yoga and meditation. “We have a real yoga teacher come in, we walk the labyrinth, talk about the importance of quiet time, laughter, art and music,” Greven said. The fourth level, peace toward the earth, incorporates the spirituality of Native Americans, the interconnectedness of all living things. “We talk about taking care of the earth, living in peace with the earth,” Greven said. “And we talk about taking peace out into the world, conflict resolution, getting along with family and friends, listening well, being respectful and paying attention.” Greven said that the curriculum varies slightly from year to year, depending on the campers’ ages. Last year, by chance, the camp took place at the same time as a visit by four Buddhist monks, who were on a world peace tour from India’s Sera Mahayna Monastery. The monks spent days creating a mandala out of colored sand in the fellowship hall of the church, while the campers created their own artwork made of sand.

Peace Camp teen counselor Maria Fischer and camper Zoe Dougherty lead others in a joyful expression of dance and music of Native American origins. “It was creative and something I hadn’t done before,” said Maria Fischer, 13, who has been both a camper and helper at Peace Camp. “That was incredible; it was so detailed, and it was all just washed away. It was fascinating.” Information: 342-6230. The cost is $35, but scholarships are available. Parent • April - May 2012 • 21

riathlo riathlo riathlo

Photo by Kirsten Bouthier

Will Noll participates in last year’s event.

Columbus Youth Triathlon welcomes kids just for the fun of it By Kirsten Bouthier

Last year, Jennifer Utterback, 10, participated in the first Columbus Youth Triathlon. She plans to race again this year. For her, it’s about seeing her Donner Swim Club friends. It’s about swimming freestyle and backstroke. And having fun. But it’s also about competing. The second annual Columbus Youth Triathlon will be 6:30 p.m. June 16 at Donner Park. The 6- to 10-year-olds swim 100 meters, bike two miles and run half a mile. The older competitors, age 11 to 14, swim 200 meters, bike four miles and run a mile. The swim is held in Donner Pool, the bike course is on streets around Donner and the run is on trails at Donner. Jennifer Shaver, public services director at Foundation for Youth, is coordinating the event along with Jim Lemke, aquatics director for Columbus Parks and Recreation, and Ben Weaver, a certified USA Triathlon coach.

22 • April - May 2012 • Parent

The event is USAT sanctioned, and those who sign up will receive a one-year membership to USAT with their registration.

mandatory for the cycling portion.

It pays to prepare

Palmer said that parents can invest in triathlon-specific gear later if their children decide they like the sport.

Both FFY and Donner Aquatic Center will host scheduled swimming training sessions to help youths prepare for the event. Participants will learn better swimming technique and gain stamina in the water.

Julia agrees. “The whole point is just to participate,” she said.

When Gael got more serious about competing in triathlons locally and regionally, the family invested in multisport gear.

FFY’s sessions will be held in the spring, while Donner’s will be during the summer.

Not only is the sport of triathlon good for children, but it’s good for the community.

Shaver is also scheduling training sessions for the biking and running portions in advance of the race. The sessions will include how to successfully transition from one sport to the next, according to Shaver.

Lemke said that the Donner neighborhood welcomed the event.

“I want these kids to go into the race with confidence and know what to expect,” she said.

Emma noted that volunteers directed competitors at every corner, which helped participants stay on course.

Parent Carrie Utterback said that the training sessions last year helped her children know what to do in the heat of the moment of racing. “They needed practice with transitions,” she said. Emma Wilson, 13, participated in the sessions last year and will do so again this year. “It kind of gave you the run-through of what it’d be like,” she said.

“There were even a few houses where they were cheering people on,” he said.

Lemke praises Shaver’s efforts in running a wellorganized event. Shaver was pleased at the turnout last year and hopes that even more participants will attend this year. Information: Jennifer Shaver, 348-4555 or jennifer@ foundationforyouth.com.

Laurie Palmer’s son, Gael Hernandez Palmer, 8, plans to race again this year. She said the sport of triathlon has boosted his self-esteem. Utterback believes that her children had a sense of accomplishment when they finished the triathlon; both Daniel, 7, and Jennifer were thrilled to receive a medal at the finish. “I was very happy I was done,” Jennifer said. Emma found it exhilarating when the crowd cheered at the finish line.

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“They cheered you in even though they didn’t know you,” she said.

Parents as role models Parents Scott and Julia Wilson are physically active role models for their children: Emma, Drew, 12, and Max, 9. Scott competed in nine triathlons last year, while Julia competed in seven. He stresses that our community is health-conscious, which makes it easier for families to get involved in sports such as triathlons. Utterback said that parents don’t need to buy expensive equipment and gear for the youth event. Her children wore swimsuits and shorts. They rode mountain bikes. And most families already have helmets, which are

309

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Where kids play to learn and adults learn to play! Parent • April - May 2012 • 23

W By Marilyn Brackney

recycle old crayons to make new ones

hat do you do with stray crayons or ones that are too short to use for coloring? You melt them to make crayon cookies, of course!

This is a fun and easy way for kids to recycle old crayons, and it will help save money. Recycling also conserves energy and natural resources that would be needed to make new art materials, and giving crayons a second life keeps them out of the landfill.

You will need:  Crayons (regular, not washable or soy-based)  Newspapers  Old towels  Silicone candy or muffin pan  Utility knife

Color information: The primary colors are red, yellow and blue. Mixing varying amounts of two or more of these together makes all other colors. However, if all three are combined, the result is an ugly brown. That’s why it’s important to pay special attention to the colors you choose to melt together. If you mix two of the primary colors, you’ll get the following: Red + yellow = orange Red + blue = purple or violet Yellow + blue = green

24 • April - May 2012 • Parent

Orange, violet and green are called secondary colors. If you add a primary color to a secondary color, you get a third type that’s known as a tertiary (TER-she-air-y) color. For example, adding more red to orange yields red-orange, while adding more yellow will result in yellow-orange. Colors that are related blend nicely, but mixing those that are opposite each other on the color wheel will turn brown. For that reason, it’s best to use all blues and greens, blues and violets, reds and oranges, reds and violets, yellows and oranges, or yellows and greens. For added interest, you may want to add white, silver or gold crayons to the mix.

How to: Now that you know a little more about color, you’re ready to make a crayon cookie. Cover your work area with newspapers. Peel the paper covering from the crayon and use the knife to score it in four or five places so it will break easily. Have the child snap the crayon into small pieces and place them into one of the openings in the silicone pan. Continue filling the section with similar colors until it’s nearly full. Move on to the next section of the candy or muffin pan and fill it with broken crayons that are related or similar in color. When all the spaces are filled, you’re ready to make the crayons into large see hearts on page 27

Now Enrolling Grades K–8 2006 nationally recognized by U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Classified as an exemplary school Small class sizes All students take Spanish Athletic programs for Grades 4–8

All Faiths Welcome!

St. Bartholomew School

1306 27TH Street, Columbus • 372-6830 x221 sites.google.com/a/stbirish.net/homepage Parent • April - May 2012 • 25

Emily Cook

Wrestling is effective move in child raising My four young boys have greatly impressed upon me the value of daily wrestling matches. I am convinced that these children actually have some sort of inner quota that I must meet for them to function at optimum health. For the sake of their overall well-being, I simply must find time for a hearty tickle-fight. If you also have small children, you may want to consider incorporating this into your daily home school and/or fitness plan. Preliminary studies (in my home) have shown several surprising benefits of the daily wrestle for both mother and child. They are as follows, in no particular order:  Burn off those cinnamon rolls: You can burn about 300 calories in a half hour — if you are playing with enthusiasm.  Practice the dance of apology: Someone screams in pain. Someone screams, “It was an accident!” Mother reminds, “Even if it is an accident, the kind thing to do is stop to see if they are OK and say you are sorry that they got hurt. Do that now and then we will get back to wrestling.”  Teach them to be tough: Someone screams in pain, again. Mother gets very serious, examines the injury and says, “Oh no ... I guess I will have to cut it off!” Child stops screaming, giggles and runs away. Wrestling resumes.  Make your kids smarter: Teach them things they will not learn in preschool. Even young children can learn the fine distinctions between a tickle and a pinch, and the nuances of a zerbit and a bite.  Collect data: Observe which children understand the art of “talking smack.” Some children may get serious and worried. Others will light up and reveal their inner smart aleck.  Earn some quiet time: Wrestling done well will yield tired children who will sit quietly for books or cartoons for a half hour without fighting.  Teach them to debate under pressure: Mother voices grave 26 • April - May 2012 • Parent

concern over the condition of the child’s toes. “Oh no! Your toes are loose! I’m going to have to pull them for you!” Child then must attempt to reason with mother while laughing and panicking.  Teach them not to crumble: When the wrestling leads to one screaming, then two, then all of them, do not be fooled. It is a strategy they use to get mom to fix everything like she always does. Mother’s counterattack: throw self on the floor in imitation of the most dramatic child and wail along with them. Within 15 seconds one will start laughing, and the fun will resume.  Impress their friends: Wrestle your kids when their friends are over. Experience the enjoyment of pinning your child on the mat while his wide-eyed friend stares at you with a mix of fear and awe.  Rein them in: There is a time and a place for cannon-balling into each other and sitting on large piles of little boys; there is also a time to stop such things. A good lesson for all involved.  Give affection on the sly: Some children pretend to be too big or mature for hugs, but playful wrestling can be a wellreceived form of affection.  Impress other mothers: Nothing says “I’m an awesome mom” like scratches on your face.  Let ’em at you. They’ll love it. And in truth, you don’t have to “feel like it” for it to be fun ... for them. Your kids can experience the full enjoyment of kneeing you in the back whether you are healthy or sick. Your headache does not make the tackling any less hilarious. Little kids are very flexible that way. Emily Cook is the mother of six and lives in Columbus. She is the author of the book “Weak and Loved: A Mother-Daughter Love Story.”

hearts continued from page 25 “cookies.” The safest way to melt them is to use natural heat, so just place the silicone pan in the sun. You can speed up the process by putting the crayons in your car’s trunk or the rear window area. Protect the area with a newspaper and an old towel. When the tops of the crayon cookies are smooth and flat, they’re done. Allow the cookies to cool and become solid. Working on newspaper, carefully pop out the shapes, and the kids are all set to color with new crayons.

Tips and tricks: Using a silicone pan will allow you to easily remove the crayon cookies. The containers are available in many fun shapes, and they often go on sale after holidays, such as Valentine’s Day, Easter and Christmas. You can use the oven to melt crayons, too. Place the silicone pan on a cookie sheet in a preheated 275-degree oven and heat for 15 minutes. If not completely melted, add three more minutes. Allow to cool for one hour before removing. Marilyn Brackney is a Columbus artist and art teacher who has a special interest in reusing and recycling materials to create art and crafts. Her The Imagination Factory website is at www.kid-at-art.com.

Linda Guse, MD Todd Baxter, MD Scott Taylor, MD John Montgomery, MD Tamara Stone Iorio, MD

St. Peter’s

Lutheran School 719 Fifth Street, Columbus, IN 47201 812-372-5266 x2155 www.stpeters-online.org

“St. Peter’s Lutheran… a faith based exemplary school” Board Certified Pediatricians Providing Sick and Well Care To Children From Birth Through Teenage Years (Including Sports Physicals). 2400 North Park, Ste 10, Columbus, IN www.northside-pediatrics.com 812-379-9524

For Students Kindergarten-8 148 years of providing Christian education to our community Enter from Fourth Street for School Entrance/Parking Parent • April - May 2012 • 27

Jennifer Tchida

Poems bring words and illustrations to life April is National Poetry Month. Here are some good choices for introducing your young readers to the pleasures of poetry. “The Neighborhood Sing-Along” by Nina Crews — Classic songs such as “Miss Mary Mack” and “I’m a Little Teapot” are set against full-page photographs of children. A great introduction to traditional children’s tunes. Ages 2 and up. “Pocketful of Posies: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes” by Salley Mavor — Revisit favorites and learn new rhymes with this delightful take on nursery rhymes. Each page is a work of art that will have everyone poring over the pages. Ages 3 and up. “Vulture View” by April Pulley Sayre — Vultures! Who knew? This book celebrates this truly underappreciated creature. The poem and illustrations work well together to highlight the role vultures assume in nature. Gross and informative … just plain awesome! Ages 5 and up. “Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars” by Douglas Florian — Travel through the universe with lyrical poems that perfectly balance facts and fun. Ages 5 and up. “Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems” by Kristine O’Connell George — Poems and illustrations lovingly portray the frustrations and joys of siblings with honesty, humor and even some tense moments. Ages 6 and up. “Book Speak: Poems About Books” by Laura Purdie Salas — Fantastic poems and colorful illustrations bring new life to reading. Humorous and thoughtful, these poems highlight different aspects of books such as characters, paper and cliffhangers. Even the conclusion is celebrated with its own poem, inviting the reader to begin the adventure again. Ages 6 and up. “Mirror, Mirror” by Marilyn Singer — Fairy tales are given the poetic treatment in this creative book. The author takes a poem, reverses the order of the words, changes the punctuation and creates a new perspective. Truly fascinating! Ages 8 and up. 28 • April - May 2012 • Parent

“Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night” by Joyce Sidman — Facts about nocturnal creatures inform the reader as poems breathe life into the nighttime activities of owls, crickets, porcupines and more. Ages 8 and up. “Borrowed Names: Poems About Laura Ingalls Wilder, Madam C.J. Walker, Marie Curie, and Their Daughters” by Jeannine Atkins — Beautiful poems celebrate the lives of these renowned women and the relationships they had with their daughters. Ages 10 and up. “Tour America: A Journey Through Poems and Art” by Diane Siebert — Stops throughout the United States, ranging from famous to obscure, are the focus. Facts about each place blend with the beauty of the poetry and striking illustrations. Ages 10 and up. “The Year of Goodbyes” by Debbie Levy — A powerful book of memories surrounding the Holocaust. The author uses poetry and her mother’s journal entries to share the profound experiences of a girl and her family as they try to escape Nazi Germany. Ages 11 and up. Jennifer Tchida is children’s services librarian at Bartholomew County Public Library.

PEACE CAMP June 18 - 21 9am - Noon Ages 4 -12

$40/Child $60/Family Scholarships Available Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus 7850 W. Goeller Blvd. Columbus, IN 47201 To learn more go to

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3203 Middle Road

Columbus

812-373-2700 800-334-0077 www.sandcrest.org

Parent • April - May 2012 • 29

Beans keep kids fed, full for less By Jim Romanoff n For The Associated Press

s food budgets tighten, the cliché about teenagers eating you out of house and home loses some of its charm.

One way to slow the flow from both refrigerator and wallet is to prepare foods that are inexpensive, appeal to children and teens and, most importantly, are healthy and filling. This cheesy corn tortilla and mixed bean lasagna will appeal to all ages and can be prepared for less than $1.30 per serving. The dish is loaded with protein-rich beans, which are filling. It’s also easy to make and reheats well, which means you can have go-to grub next time a horde of ravenous teens descends on your home.

CORN TORTILLA AND MIXED BEAN LASAGNA Servings: 8 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil 2 medium yellow onions, chopped (2 cups) 2 medium bell peppers, cored and chopped 2 tablespoons minced garlic 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained 15-ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained 14-ounce can diced tomatoes (with juice) 4-ounce can mild or hot chopped green chilies 1 tablespoon chili powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon salt 12 white corn tortillas 2 cups grated reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese Heat the oven to 350 F. In a large saucepan over medium, heat the oil. Add the onions, bell peppers and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in both beans, the tomatoes, chilies, chili powder, cumin and salt. Remove from the heat and set aside. In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish (or other 3-quart shallow bak30 • April - May 2012 • Parent

ing dish) spread ½ cup of bean mixture. Arrange 6 of the tortillas over the bean mixture, overlapping them slightly and having them come about 1 inch up the sides of the dish. Spread half of the remaining bean mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the cheese, then arrange the remaining 6 tortillas on top. Cover with the remaining bean mixture. Coat one side of a piece of foil with cooking spray, then tightly cover the dish. Bake until the lasagna is bubbling and heated through, about 30 minutes. Uncover and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 5 minutes more, or until the cheese is melted.

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