Dallas Parent, February 2020

PARK CITIES \ PRESTON HOLLOW \ LAKEWOOD \ AND MORE

February 2020 \ FREE

suburbanparent.com

Summertime fun

CONSIDER SENDING YOUR CHILD TO CAMP

TIME TO TANGO WITH THE TOOTH FAIRY DO YOU KNOW THE GOING RATE?

It's totally worth it

BENEFITS OF CHILDBIRTH CLASSES

TALK TO YOUR BABY BUMP

MARY SHARES

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Mary Ellen Caldwell, RDN editor@suburbanparent.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Renée Higgins renee@suburbanparent.com

COPY EDITOR Francie Morin

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Ann Blair Christa Melnyk Hines

CALENDAR EDITOR Paula Leonard

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Misty Stagnone Photography mistystagnonephotography.com

AD DESIGNERS Alex Canales Linsey Sohee Lee

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Julie Lesser Williams

AD COORDINATOR/ DISTRIBUTION Francie Morin francie@suburbanparent.com

ACCOUNTING Carrie Vincent carrie@suburbanparent.com

CONTACT US

ALWAYS BE PREPARED

I

thoroughly enjoyed putting together this month’s publications! With an editorial focus on 3 of my favorite topics. Babies, Dental Health, and Camps. I know what you may be thinking, “Really, Mary Ellen?” But, yes, it’s true. Our February Baby & Maternity issue is an opportunity to remember my own “back in the day moments” of preparing for pregnancy. Searching and asking for recommendations for the best doctor, eating the right foods, and of course the nursery! Dental Health is very important too; as a health professional, I knew I needed to make sure my mouth was healthy. Sometimes pregnancy can contribute to gum disease, and gum disease can contribute to complications with pregnancy. So stay on top of your oral health! And of course, Camps! As a child, I did not have opportunities to attend summer camps, so when our 3rd grader asked if she could go to camp with a friend, there were many conversations. We let her attend the away camp, and we stayed nearby! She made so many friends and had a lot of fun. She sang songs all the way home!

And she went to camp every year for 10 years.

February is also important to me because it’s the beginning of Lent. The season of examination, abstinence, confession and penance. Most people know about the small sacrifices Christians make during the Lenten season like meatless Fridays and fasting. One of the oldest traditions is (wait for it) The Pretzel! Strange but true, the pretzel is the oldest, traditional, authentically Christian Lenten bread. Traced back to Roman Christians of the fifth century! Food historians found that possibly monks in southern France, or northern Italy, cooked up this egg and butter-free snack in A.D. 610.

Of course you may know that the dough configuration represents arms folded in prayer, and the three holes represent the Trinity. Yes, you can eat these during Lent! Oh, and I have the recipe.

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Our Cover Kid

Charlotte, 11 months Charlotte is a silly little clown! Her favorite pastime is eating. She loves her fruits and veggies, and Mexican food too! She’s a busy body who is already taking her first steps. She’s strong and climbs on anything she can with little to no help. Mom and Dad are confident they have an athlete in their future!

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YOU SHOULD KNOW Just cuddle

THE “LOVE HORMONE” Cuddling \ Oxytocin \ Depression Cuddling is an effective way to fight off feelings of depression, research shows, because when you cuddle, your brain releases oxytocin - the “love hormone” associated with physical contact.

Oxytocin plays a huge role during childbirth, breastfeeding and the bonding process between mom and baby. Now we know it can help tackle the blues too. And it doesn’t matter if you cuddle with your spouse, your kids, or even your pet.

TALK TO YOUR BABY BUMP Babies start to hear sounds around 16 weeks of pregnancy. By 24 weeks, research has shown babies turning their heads in response to voices and noises. The clearest voice they hear is mom’s voice, of course, because it reverberates through her body. Other voices are more muffled because they have to travel through the uterus to be heard, but they’re still heard. So go ahead and talk, sing and read to your baby bump, especially in the 3rd trimester.

It’s a great way to bond with your unborn baby and stimulate their hearing at the same time. Dad can do it too!

+

PLAYING YOU R FAVORITE MUSIC, CAN HELP YOU FEEL CLOSER TOO.

SUNSHINE MAKES YOU FRIENDLIER Here’s another reason to be glad you’re raising your family in Texas! Growing up in a warm climate makes people friendlier, one study says. So does spending time outside in the sun. In fact, the more time people spent outside at a young age, the happier and nicer they were throughout the rest of their lives.

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Getting the nursery ready for a newborn is tons of fun.

Just be wise if your prep includes painting. While there are no studies documenting the effects of painting while pregnant, it is recommended to avoid exposure to oil-based paints, lead, and mercury. Lead-based paints were commonly used prior to the 1970s so do not scrape or sand old paint due to the risk of lead exposure. Also, when you paint, wear protective clothing, open windows, take fresh air breaks, and keep food and drinks away from the area.

PAINTING WHILE PREGNANT

chapped lips Unlike the skin on the rest of our body, the thin, delicate skin on our lips does not have oil glands to produce moisture. That’s why so many of us suffer with chapped lips in the cold, dry air of winter. You can keep chapped lips in check by staying hydrated and using a good lip balm.

Look for moisturizing ingredients like petroleum, lanolin and beeswax. Avoid drying ingredients like menthol, camphor and phenol. Also, skip scented and flavored balms. Try not to lick your lips either.

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QUESTIONS

Q

Why is going to the dentist so traumatic for my child and how can I make it easier for him?

A dental visit presents challenges for a child that has sensory sensitivities. The first has to do with the inner ear canal. As a child is lowered in the dental chair, the head goes down and the inner ear is affected. This can cause a child to feel like he is falling. My daughter has found a solution to this by asking the hygienist to lower the chair without her in it and then Natalie sits and lowers herself into position.

The other challenge is the close proximity of the dentist or hygienist.

A stranger being several inches from his face can be unnerving for a child. Using a weighted animal or pad on the chest or having fidget, a tactile toy or stress ball can be a coping tool.

Stacy Wright \ President \ Stacy’s Sensory Solutions, LLC

Q

childbirth classes beneficial? When Q Are is the best time during pregnancy to take childbirth classes?

Childbirth classes help women and families prepare for the birth of a child. Education on the labor process can help to alleviate fears and concerns, leading to a more enjoyable birth experience. Comprehensive childbirth preparation can decrease the need for medical interventions, increase the likelihood of a vaginal delivery, and increase breastfeeding success. There is no exact answer of the best time to take childbirth classes.

Traditionally, women take classes in the last trimester of pregnancy, but this can vary. Some courses are taught over a period of weeks or months, while others take place over one long day.

Many classes include information for the mother’s support person as well. Women should find what works best for them, to feel the most comfortable and prepared for birth.

Melissa Dishman, MSN, CNM \ MacArthur Medical Center

How will early childhood education help my child in later years?

There are many benefits of early childhood education that go far beyond more than just your child’s preschool years. Most research indicates that positive early learning experiences have immediate, measurable gains on the cognitive and social development of preschool children. Well-designed preschool programs promote children’s academic school readiness. These programs can also lead to higher achievement on standardized tests, lower rates of grade repetition, and higher educational attainment. Since school readiness begins well before a child’s first day of Kindergarten, it is important to provide children with the building blocks they need to thrive. A positive early learning experience can lay the foundation for future feelings about school and can foster the love of learning to create a lifelong learner.

Hallye Fletcher \ Director \ Bear Valley Academy

Q

Why should children see a dentist by their first birthday?

Children usually have all their front teeth and are typically getting the first primary molars by this age. At this stage in their development, many parents are unsure about “how” to brush their baby’s teeth so the first appointment is usually an examination that is performed knee-to-knee, allowing both parent and dentist to get a good look into the child’s mouth. The dentist can then instruct the parents how to brush their child’s teeth in a comfortable environment. They can also review when to stop nursing or taking the bottle, when to begin fluoride toothpaste, or how to help stop habits (pacifier or thumb/finger). Unfortunately, even children at this age can already have cavities and that is why the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that a child be seen by a Pediatric Dentist for their first visit exam by age one and establish a dental home.

Debra C. Duffy, DDS, PA \ Pediatric Dentist \ Debra Duffy DDS

Our Experts Melissa Dishman macarthurmc.com

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Stacy Wright stacysss.com

Hallye Fletcher bearvalleyacademy.com

Debra Duffy debraduffydds.com

5470 W. Lovers Ln., Ste. 333A Dallas, TX 75209 214-242-9654 info@letstalkdallas.com www.letstalkdallas.com

Now Enrolling - Spring Break Camps - Summer Camps - Tiny Talkers Classes

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WE

THIS

Haiti Babi is a 501c3 organization

BABY BLANKET + HAT GIFT SET

HELPING PLATE

Handmade by mothers in Haiti with a gorgeous crocheted edge, these hats and blankets are sophisticated and meaningful. The work offers moms a steady living wage to provide for their families and break the cycle of poverty. Materials: 100% Pima cotton. Care: Machine washable. www.thegrommet.com, $93.00.

BABY FOOTWEAR

The STAYnEAT Plate by Stayware takes the stress out of mealtime! It’s a must-have for messy and picky eaters.

This helping plate prevents foods from touching and it’s slip, tip, and flip resistant suction works on any tabletop. The reversible two-in-one patented design goes from partitioned to non-partitioned with just a flip. One side is a divided plate with a spill guard, and the other side has a slightly sloped surface and side scoop wall that easily guides food onto utensils. www.stayneatplate.com, $14.99 and up.

Designed to stay on with slip-resistant bottoms Keeping socks and shoes on a baby or toddler can be quite a challenge, depending on the the child. We are introducing Komuello! The first fusion of baby footwear combining socks with a supportive rubber sole. Taking their novel product one step further, these shoes are made with eco-friendly TPE rubber, the type of material used in teething products. Learn more at www.komuellousa.com, $32 and up.

BOPPY COMFYCHIC BABY CARRIER ®

™

The Boppy® ComfyChic™ Baby Carrier has elegantly designed details such as vegan-leather trims, luxury accents and yoga-inspired fabric that fits your style while out and about or getting things done around the house.

The thoughtfully designed adjustable underarm straps provide comfort and makes sharing among caregivers easy, even great for breastfeeding. Adaptable seat width, allows for 4 ergonomic carrying positions. Breathable, performance mesh panels provide privacy while allowing for airflow. www.boppy.com, $90.00.

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GROW & GLOW Birthday Tradition Candle Create a new tradition for the whole family to enjoy and light the pillar candle on each birthday for your child’s first 18 years. The durable keepsake box will house your candle year after year. The storybook walks the reader through all the milestones of ages 1-18, such as learning to walk, starting school, and learning to drive.

Children will love watching the candle burn down to the next number year after year. www.thegrommet.com, $39.95

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BOOK SHELF

A Comprehensive and Inclusive Guide

HOW TO BUILD YOUR BABY’S BRAIN A go-to resource for all new parents who seek to nurture the best emotional and physical environment to set their child up for future success. In this book, Dr. Gail Gross reminds us of the vital importance of emotional bonding, physical connection and quality time in raising a child that is healthy and happy in body, mind and spirit.

Dr. Gail Gross \ For Moms and Dads

Our Greatest Enemy Is Within

HOW TO DEVELOP A WINNING SELF-IMAGE Do you ever look around at friends, family, or colleagues and wonder why their lives are better than yours? Studies show that social media has a negative impact on our happiness, causing us to constantly compare ourselves to the perfect images posted online.

Well, it’s time to take control of your life, stop negative thoughts that are holding you back, and create a winning self-image!

David A. Joyette, Ph.D \ For Adults and Young Adults

Living and Leading When Nobody can Focus

NOISE Say no to noise and yes to knowledge - This new book teaches us how. Too much information and constant connectivity are changing our brains for the worse. With the release of this new book, Joseph McCormack hopes to kick off a movement to control our attention and take back the focus we need to live intentional, productive lives.

Joseph McCormack \ For Parents

THE MULTICOOKER

BABY FOOD COOKBOOK

An easier way to make your own fresh unprocessed baby food. With these recipes, you can customize foods for your baby, save money compared to store-bought options, and make and store big batches for later! Recipes include purees and mashes; DIY staples like homemade yogurt, finger foods like Purple Sweet Potato Patties, Blueberry Banana Bread, Chicken Nuggets and more!

Jenna Helwig \ For Moms

BUMPIN’ THE MODERN GUIDE TO PREGNANCY Navigating the Wild, Weird, and Wonderful Journey from Conception through Birth and Beyond. Written in real time during her own pregnancy, with the humor, warmth, and wisdom of your best friend. First-time mom and entrepreneur, this writer shares the realities of fertility issues, pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum like no one before.

Leslie Schrock \ For Moms

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BY MARY ANN BLAIR

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REASONS PARENTS SHOULD CONSIDER SENDING THEIR CHILD TO

FEBRUARY 2020 Let our advertisers know you found them in Suburban Parent

With summer calendars quickly filling up, it can be hard to try and squeeze in one more thing. But if you have never sent your kids to a summer camp, here are seven reasons why you should consider it!

With so many options, it’s easy to find a great fit for your child.

From sports camps and art camps to STEMbased camps and more traditional overnight options, summer camps are designed to serve a variety of ages and interests. The length of camp can range from a few mornings for younger kiddos to weeklong sleep-away camps for older kids. Local churches, school districts, and other organizations like the YMCA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire, and 4-H offer a wide range of camps. With a little bit of research, you can easily find a camp well-suited for your child.

Camps provide kids with experiences they might not have access to in everyday life.

Horseback riding. Paddling a canoe across the lake. Wilderness survival. Conquering a ropes course. Sleeping under the stars. Adventures are endless at camp, and your child will have an opportunity to try something brand new.

For the youngest campers, trying a new craft activity or learning a new camp song can be so much fun!

Camps are a safe place to practice social skills.

It might be awkward or uncomfortable for your child during those first few hours of camp when they don’t know a single soul. After all, stepping into a new social environment can be challenging. But the ability to comfortably communicate with new people is a life skill that all kids need, and a camp is a great place to practice! Camps also provide kids an opportunity to form friendships with a whole new group of peers they might never have met otherwise.

Camps give kids a much-needed technology break.

No matter how old your child is, they could probably benefit from a screen hiatus, especially during the summer months. Spending time outdoors, learning a new skill, having fun, and forming new friendships is good for the body and soul!

Sending kids to camp is beneficial for you, too.

Driving away from your child(ren) on the first day might be a little gut-wrenching. But entrusting your kids to someone else for a while can be truly beneficial. Maybe it will free up time for some overdue self-care, or give you and your partner time to reconnect. Maybe it will provide an opportunity to hit the reset button with your tween or teen. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder! Parenting is tough work, so don’t feel guilty if you enjoy this time to yourself. Chances are, your kids are having a blast without you!

Your child’s experience as a camper could help land a summer job in the future.

Camps are staffed by amazing counselors who provide kids with all kinds of good, clean fun.

Most of these counselors were campers once, too. Now they get to help a new set of youngsters make unforgettable summer memories, all while sharpening their own teamwork and leadership skills. Your child might have that same opportunity one day. What great way to spend a summer!

Camp is just plain fun.

So many adults have fond memories from their days spent at camp, and kids who have been to camp often say it’s a favorite part of their summer.

Odds are, your kids are going to love it! And for that reason alone, it’s worth sending them to camp.

CAMP

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BY CHRISTA MELNYK HINES

T I M E TO TA N G O WITH THE

I

TOOTH FAI RY

t seems like just days ago when I waited a tooth is wiggly and we’re not seeing the new patiently for my son’s first little biters toBY erupt in tooth, letting your child work through it on his own CHRISTA MELNYK HINES his infant mouth. Those days somehow melted is usually the easiest way and the least stressful magically into years and before I knew it, I way to go about it.” could hear the Tooth Fairy fluttering about.

Be sure to consult your child’s dentist if you Like many parents, I wondered: what is develhave any concerns. opmentally normal when it comes to baby tooth Enter the Tooth Fairy. That first loose tooth can loss, how does the tooth-obsessed fairy collect cause anxiety for some children. Often, anxiety her pearly prizes, and what is the paying pixie’s turns to excitement as children listen to tooth-loss going rate for a baby tooth these days? stories exchanged among classmates and anticiLosing baby teeth. Pediatric dentist Dr. Jill Jenpate the reward the Tooth Fairy leaves behind. kins says, in general, children lose their first tooth While the exact origin of the enigmatic Tooth between the ages of four and seven with teeth Fairy is steeped in mystery, historically the loss of falling out in the order in which they first came in. baby teeth is an important rite of passage.

Should you yank a loose tooth? “Usually, the The earliest known written records regardbest policy is to let it come out on its own,” Jenkins ing baby teeth date from northern Europe and says. “If the other tooth is coming in, parents can describe a tann-fe, or tooth fee, in which money have their child suck on a popsicle to numb the was paid for a baby tooth. In the Middle Ages, gums and eat pizza crust, carrots or apples. If Europeans, fearing witches could curse their

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children if they acquired their baby teeth, buried the teeth in the ground. The Vikings wore baby teeth as jewelry considering them good luck talismans in battle. Other cultures fed the teeth to animals believing the adult tooth would resemble the animal’s powerful, strong teeth.

Today, countries all over the world continue to mark the loss of baby teeth with various customs.

In Spain, France, Italy and Mexico, for example, the Tooth Fairy appears as a small white mouse or rat, symbolic because rodents have strong teeth that never stop growing. In Sweden, the baby tooth is placed in a glass of water where it is mysteriously replaced overnight with coins. And, it is customary in much of the Middle East for baby teeth to be thrown towards the sun and in Asia, onto the roof.

The Tooth Fairy as many of us know her, appeared in the early 1900s.

CUPS, PILLOWS, POCKETS AND DOORS. THE TOOTH FAIRY ISN’ T PICKY ABOUT HOW SHE COLLECTS BABY TEETH.

Cups, pillows, pockets and doors. The Tooth Fairy isn’t picky about how she collects baby teeth. Lori Poland grew up placing her baby teeth in a clear glass of water on her nightstand. She says she loved fishing a wet $2 bill out of the cup the next morning, setting it out to dry and storing it in her memory box.

Although a tooth placed in a plastic ziplock bag or envelope tucked under the pillow should do the trick, many parents opt for a Tooth Fairy pillow or pouch for their youngster. Retailers offer an assortment of pillows or try making your own.

Monica Bradford designed a Tooth Fairy Pocket for her 6-year-old son when he lost his first tooth.

“He placed his tooth in the pocket, hung it on his bedpost and woke up to find $2 for his first tooth,” she says.

(Check out Pinterest for ideas on making your own Tooth Fairy Pocket.)

Cathy Green, mom of three, says the Tooth Fairy enters their home through a small ceramic door that Green’s step-mother designed.

The door is outside the kids’ bedrooms. After collecting the tooth from a small box under the child’s pillow, the Tooth Fairy replaces the tooth with her reward and leaves the box next to the tiny door.

The going rate. According to a 2019 survey conducted by Delta Dental, the Tooth Fairy’s cash payouts have dropped by 43 cents, with kids receiving an average of $3.70 per tooth.

(According to AsktheDentist.com, in Texas, the average payout is $3.56.)

Beth Foster says that the Tooth Fairy typically pays $1 per tooth although her daughter Logan, 6, discovered a $5 payout under her pillow for her fifth tooth.

“This is a Foster tradition and I’ve been

assured the good old fairy does not leave $10 for the tenth,” Foster says.

What does the Tooth Fairy do with those teeth? Legend says that the Tooth Fairy tosses the teeth up to the sky and they become stars.

Naturally, many theories exist. Foster’s daughter Logan says, “The fairy uses her wand to shrink the teeth to a very small size so she can carry them in a bag with her from house to house. She then takes the teeth to Santa so he can use them to make toys.”

Whatever she does with them, with each tooth lost, adulthood gains another foothold on our kids. No wonder through the ages we’ve found ways to mark this stage in our kids’ lives, which seems as fleeting as the Tooth Fairy herself.

Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines, and her husband are the parents of two boys.

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Calendar \ February 2020

SATURDAY 1

SPEECHLESS DIFFERENT

BY DESIGN Thru March 22

Explore the many ways in which we connect to the world around us through our senses in speechless: different by design, an exhibition of multisensory, interactive, and immersive experiences for visitors. www.dma.org/speechless

AMA SUPERCROSS February 22

Experience the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship in the world at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross. www.supercrosslive.com

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Help-Create Valentine Flowers at Vetro Glassblowing Studio 10am-1pm. Celebrate with your Valentine on this romantic date involving Fuel, Fire and Hot Molten Glass. $35/flower.

Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery, 701 S. Main St, Ste 103, Grapevine, 817251-1668, VetroArtGlass.com.

See ad in this issue.

The BIG Preschool Expo 10am-1pm Discover 35+ Midcities area schools, extracurriculars, and family-friendly businesses all under one roof!

There’ll be Attendee goodie bags for each family, a thrifty charity Gift Shop, costumed characters, free treats, prize giveaways, demos, and more!

Free admission and parking.

All proceeds benefit I Can Still Shine. Hurst Conference Center, 1601 Campus Drive, Hurst www.facebook.com/events/ hurst-conference-center/thebig-preschool-expo-2020/ 2108098686161199 Dallas Arboretum- $5 Admission 9am-5pm Come visit the Dallas Arboretum during the month of February and pay only $5 admission (Members are free). There may be a chill in the air, but there’s still plenty to do and see in our gardens.

Please note that the Children’s Adventure Garden remains closed for renovation work this month. 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas www.dallasarboretum.org

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Chinese New Year 11am-4pm Celebrating the Year of the Rat, the Crow Museum of Asian Art of The University of Texas at Dallas presents the 21st annual Chinese New Year Festival at NorthPark Center.

Fun for all ages, the event will feature stunning dragon and lion dances, musical and martial-arts demos, art making and calligraphy, specialty booths, wellness activities, and colorful entertainment and cultural performances.

Hands-on activities will include decorating red envelopes, a Year of the Rat-inspired craft plus paper-cutting demonstrations.

Free and open to the public.

Northpark, 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas www.northparkcenter.com Winter Boat Expo 10am-8pm See the latest models of boats and marine accessories, including runabouts, family cruisers, fishing boats, ski boats, pontoons and sailboats. $12 for Adults; $6 for Kids ages 5-13. Free for kids under 5. Free admission Feb. 6-7. See website for daily hours. Through Feb. 9. Dallas Market Hall, 2200 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas www. dallasboatexpo.com Penguin Days 9am-4pm The weather may be chilly, but we’ve got a cool deal for you! Bundle up and come see some zoo animals for just $8. Warm up inside the Dallas Zoo’s indoor learning areas including the Herpetarium, Bug U!, and more. Through Feb. 29. 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas www. dallaszoo.com

SUNDAY 2 Arboretum Annie, Groundhog Meteorologist 6:30am-9am The Dallas Arboretum hosts its second Groundhog Day celebration in its newest garden, A Tasteful Place. Guests are welcome to attend the event for free with paid garden admission. Guests are invited to wear any type of hat (Texas-style for Groundhog Day) for a hat contest.

Materials will be provided, and attendees are welcome to further embellish their hats.

Come as early as 6:30am, where there will be breakfast items for sale. After the sun rises, Annie will check to see if she can see her shadow. After that, guests are welcome to take pictures with the famous groundhog, make groundhog crafts and watch the iconic Groundhog Day movie with Bill Murray in Rosine Hall. $5 admission. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas www. dallasarboretum.org Schoolhouse Rock Live!

1:30-3pm If you were a kid from the early 70s to mid 80s when this series was first on TV, or in the mid 90s when it ran again; you owe it to yourself to go back in time to the good old days. Relive how fun learning English, history, science, and math was thanks to Saturday morning television and this pop culture phenomenon. Join nervous school teacher Tom, and all of those crazy cartoon characters, for a turn-up-the-

volume blast you won’t soon forget. Recommended for ages 5 and older. Tickets from $17.

Through Feb. 23. DCT, 5938 Skillman St., Dallas www.dct. org/plays

MONDAY 3 FW Stock Show Rodeo 7:30-9:30pm Settle in your seats for authentic action as top ranches compete for the “Best of the West” title in seven exciting events. A round of Justin Mutton Bustin, always a crowd favorite, is also set each evening. See website for ticket information. Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St, Fort Worth www.fwssr.com/events/rodeos

TUESDAY 4 Toddler Storytime 10:30-11am Practice the skills you need to be ready to read.

Hear stories, sing songs, jump around and learn. Suggested ages: 18 months - 3 years old Preston Royal Branch Library, 5626 Royal Lane, Dallas www. dallaslibrary.librarymarket. com/node/106608

WEDNESDAY 5 Plaza Comunitaria 5-6pm Plaza Comunitaria Norte Dallas provides adult basic education for Spanish speakers. Fretz Park Library, 6990 Belt Line Rd, Dallas www.dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/node/122382 Speechless: Different

by Design 11am-5pm Explore the many ways in which we connect to the world around us through our senses in speechless: different by design, an exhibition of multisensory, interactive, and immersive experiences for visitors of all backgrounds and abilities. Created in collaboration with designers, scholars, and scientists, speechless

presents unique opportunities for discovering new perspectives through communications beyond speech and words.

Requires a $16 ticket with discounts for seniors, students, and military. DMA Members and children 11 and under are free. Through Mar. 22. 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas www.dma. org/speechless

THURSDAY 6 Notre Dame School Open House 9:30-11am. Notre Dame School educates students ages 6-22 with developmental disabilities and facilitates their integration into society. 2018 Allen St, Dallas 214-720-3911 notredameschool.org. RSVP to info@notredameschool.org.

FRIDAY 7 Trolls Live 6:30-8pm Get ready for another hair-raising adventure when Poppy, Branch and their friends come to life on-stage in Trolls LIVE!, their first ever live tour! Poppy hosts a toe-tapping, Trolls-tastic show, jam-packed with all the epic music, glitter, humor and happiness that only the Trolls can create. Tickets from $19 and available online.

Through Feb. 9. The Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie www.axs.com/events/374021/ trolls-live-tickets Fun on the Farm: Farm Valentines 10-11:30am Kids can explore and learn through story-time and lots of hands-on fun!

This program is specifically designed for preschoolers and their grown-ups. Come for the program, then stay to enjoy a picnic lunch. February’s program: Wear your favorite shades of red or pink, and celebrate love and friendship on the farm. You’ll read a valentine book and make some very spe-

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TIME OUT Birthdays

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Jaxon \ 4 February 1

Kaleigh \ 7 February 5

Greenley \ 6 February 6

Benjamin \ 15 February 11

SUBMIT

Upload your Birthday Kids picture @ suburbanparent.com Submit by 10th of the month prior to their birthday.

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cial farm valentines. For children ages 18 months to 5 years. $12 for Combo Tickets (includes 1 child and 1 adult); additional child $9 each; additional adult $3 each.

Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W. 15th St., Plano www. heritagefarmstead.org/event-list/ fun-on-the-farm-preschool-program-winter-wonders Little Women 8-10pm Jo doesn’t want to be like other girls; in fact, she’s not even sure that she wants to be a girl.

Jo is ambitious, rough around the edges, headstrong, and yearns for a future she can’t yet articulate. As the nation is torn apart by civil war, Jo and her sisters struggle with what it means to grow up. Gender roles, political beliefs, poverty, and even love itself threaten to break family ties, as the sisters try to reconcile their identities with society’s demands. Tickets from $25 for adults, $12.50 for kids and available online. Opening day February 7 is pay-what-you-can.

Through Mar. 1. Kalita Humphreys Theater, 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas www.dallastheatercenter.org/show_details2. php?sid=168&d=desk

SATURDAY 8 Help-Create Valentine Hearts at Vetro Glassblowing Studio 10am-1pm. Celebrate with your Valentine on this romantic date involving Fuel, Fire and Hot Molten Glass. $50/heart. Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery, 701 S. Main St, Ste 103, Grapevine, 817-251-1668, VetroArtGlass.com. See ad in this issue.

Daddy Daughter Dance 4-9pm Come dance the night away during this evening of fun activities including music, door prizes and light refreshments. Two dance sessions are available: Session 1 (4 – 6pm) or Session 2 (79pm). Tickets must be purchased in advance. See website for more information. For girls ages 4-12. $15 per person per session.

Mesquite Convention Center.

1700 Rodeo Dr., Mesquite www. cityofmesquite.com/277/Daddy-Daughter-Dance

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Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K/5K 7am-12pm Featuring both a 15k (9.3miles) and 5k (3.1miles) race, all runners are encouraged to join the fun! Participants receive a goodie bag, which they collect at the expo along with their race packet. The chocolate really begins to flow at the post race party where runners enjoy music, merchandise, and a finisher’s mugs filled with hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, and tasty dippable treats! Fair Park, 1121 1st Ave, Dallas www.facebook.com/ events/2373763732901731 FW Stock Show 8am-10pm You won’t want miss out on the experience of what makes Fort Worth the most awesome city in Texas. General grounds admission: $12 adults; $5 children ages 6–16; free for age 5 and younger. Additional tickets required for rodeo competitions.

The state-of-the-art Dickies Arena, which is located adjacent to the Will Rogers Memorial Center campus, will host concerts, sporting events and family entertainment, and will be the new home to Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo (see website for rodeo information). Through Feb. 8. Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3400 Burnett Tandy Dr, Fort Worth www.fwssr.com

SUNDAY 9 7th Annual Healthy Living Expo 1-8pm. Join us for a day packed full with health and fitness activities for the whole family including local exhibitors, dance performances, massages, shopping and door prizes. Irving Convention Center, 500 West Las Colinas Blvd, Irving. www.distinctivead.com.

Schoolhouse Rock Live!

1:30-3pm If you were a kid from the early 70s to mid 80s when this series was first on TV, or in the mid 90s when it ran again; you owe it to yourself to go back in time to the good old days. Relive how fun learning English, history, science, and math was thanks to Saturday morning television and this pop culture phenomenon.

Join nervous school teacher Tom, and all of those crazy cartoon characters, for a turn-up-the-vol-

ume blast you won’t soon forget.

Recommended for ages 5 and older. Tickets from $17. Through Feb. 23. DCT, 5938 Skillman St., Dallas www.dct.org/plays

MONDAY 10 Penguin Days 9am-4pm The weather may be chilly, but we’ve got a cool deal for you! Bundle up and come see many of our animals for just $8 this winter. Warm up inside the Dallas Zoo’s indoor learning areas including the Herpetarium, Bug U!, the Jake L. Hamon Gorilla Conservation Research Station, the Highland Hippo Hut and the Simmons Safari Base Camp.

Through Feb. 29. 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas www. dallaszoo.com

TUESDAY 11 English Class 10am-12pm Classes are free. Start today. All are welcome! Bachman Lake Branch Library, 9480 Webb Chapel Road, Dallas www.dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/events/ english-class-2340

WEDNESDAY 12 Nature’s Art – the Mineral Beauty of China 10am-5pm Collecting rocks and stone carvings has been popular in China for thousands of years.

The country’s abundant mineral resources were historically used for industrial purposes only until the mid-1980’s. Marvel at breathtaking specimens including a metallic masterpiece of stibnite, feet-shaped azurite and malachite, a mountainous fluorite covered in snow-like calcite and much more.

This special exhibit is included with General Admission. Through Sept.

7. Perot Museum, 2201 N Field St., Dallas www.perotmuseum.org

THURSDAY 13 Hot Date Night at Vetro Glassblowing Studio 5-9pm. Celebrate the most romantic day of the year with this unique date night. Enjoy flaming

cocktails, sweet treats and hot molten glass. Additional dates available 2/14 and 2/15 1-9pm. $165/couple. Reservations required. Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery, 701 S. Main St, Ste 103, Grapevine, 817-251-1668, VetroArtGlass. com. See ad in this issue.

FRIDAY 14 Abyssinia 7:30-9pm Lyric Stage celebrates Black History Month in February with its third show of the season, Abyssinia, based on the novel Marked by Fire. Set in Stillwater, Oklahoma at the turn of the 20th century, Abyssinia ‘Abby’ Jackson was born during a tornado and blessed with the gift of song and a voice that thrills and delights the entire community. Through Feb. 16. Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm St., Dallas www.lyricstage. org/wp

SATURDAY 15 North Texas Comic Book Show 10am-5pm This family-friendly comic convention is hosting great vendors offering comic books, comic collectibles, indy comics, toys and more. $25 for adults and free for kids age 12 and younger. Tickets available online and with cash at the door. Through Feb. 16. Irving Convention Center, 500 West Las Colinas Boulevard, Irving www.comicbooksdallas.com PBR Global Cup 6:45-9pm Making its second stop at AT&T Stadium is the fourth edition of the PBR Global Cup, the only nation vs. nation bull riding competition. For a full press release listing the riders, visit pbr.com. Saturday tickets start at $20 and Sunday tickets from $10. Additional options for meet and greets, tours and dinner. See website for more information. Tickets can be purchased at the AT&T Stadium box office, online at ATTStadium.com or SeatGeek. com. AT&T Stadium, One AT&T Way, Arlington www.pbr.com

SUNDAY 16 Schoolhouse Rock Live!

1:30-3pm If you were a kid from the early 70s to mid 80s when this series was first on TV, or in the mid 90s when it ran again; you owe it to yourself to go back in time to the good old days.

Relive how fun learning English, history, science, and math was thanks to Saturday morning television and this pop culture phenomenon. Join nervous school teacher Tom, and all of those crazy cartoon characters, for a turn-up-the-volume blast you won’t soon forget. Recommended for ages 5 and older.

Tickets from $17. Through Feb. 23. DCT, 5938 Skillman St., Dallas www.dct.org/plays

MONDAY 17 Seussical 7:30-9pm Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Come see all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and more. Tickets from $15. Best for ages 7 and older. Through Mar. 21. Artisan Center Theater, 444 East Pipeline Road, Hurst www.artisanct.com

TUESDAY 18 Marine Military Academy Presentation 7pm. MMA is a college-prep boarding school for boys in grades 7-12. Come see how our school can unlock your boy’s potential. Another presentation scheduled for 3/10. The Westin Dallas Park Central, 12720 Merit Dr, Dallas 972-3853000 MMA-TX.org. See ad in this issue.

WEDNESDAY 19 Speechless: Different

by Design 11am-5pm Explore the many ways in which we connect to the world around us through our senses in speechless: different

by design, an exhibition of multisensory, interactive, and immersive experiences for visitors of all backgrounds and abilities.

Created in collaboration with designers, scholars, and scientists, speechless presents unique opportunities for discovering new perspectives through communications beyond speech and words. Requires a $16 ticket with discounts for seniors, students, and military. DMA Members and children 11 and under are free. Through Mar. 22.

1717 N Harwood St, Dallas www. dma.org/speechless Hot Chocolate and a Hike 5-6pm Explore Coppell Nature Park with an experienced master naturalist for a winter guided hike. Start out with a hot beverage before setting out on the trails. Explore thrilling sights, smells, and sounds the park.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Hikers are asked to dress appropriately, wear close-toed shoes, and bring a water bottle. No registration required, but space is limited.

Biodiversity Education Center, 367 Freeport Parkway, Coppell www.coppelltx.gov/BEC

THURSDAY 20 Seussical 7:30-9pm Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Come see all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and more. Tickets from $15. Best for ages 7 and older. Through Mar. 21. Artisan Center Theater, 444 East Pipeline Road, Hurst www.artisanct.com

FRIDAY 21 Alice in Wonderland Jr. 5-6pm Travel down the rabbit hole and join Alice, one of literature’s most beloved heroines, in her madcap adventures. Featuring updated songs from Disney’s thrilling animated motion picture, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr. is a fast-paced take on the

classic tale. Plus, following select performances, join the Alice and the Mad Hatter for a Mad Hatter Tea Party. See website for more information. Tickets to the performance and tea party sold separately. Tickets from $8.

Through March 14. Artisan Children’s Theater, 444 East Pipeline Road, Hurst www.artisanct.com/ shows---childrens-theater

SATURDAY 22 DFW Kid’s Summer Camp and Activities Expo 10am-2pm Eliminate spending hours searching for the right camp on the Internet. Find adventures, enrichment, and funboth close to home and across the country. Meet face-to-face with camp directors, and secure your child’s spot for the best summer camps and activities with reserved discounts for attending the expo, Do not stress out, plan your children’s summer and make it the best one yet. Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Ave., Dallas www. dfwkidscampexpo.com Monster Energy AMA Supercross 7-9pm Experience the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship in the world at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross. Tickets to Supercross start at $25. There’s also a Fanfest (ticket required) from 12pm6pm. See website for more information. 1 AT&T Way, Arlington www.supercrosslive.com Mardi Paws 12-9pm Let the good times roll on Texas Lottery Plaza, which is throwing a paw-raising Mardi Gras Party. The festivities kick off with music, food and drink plus the DFW Humane Society and Irving Animal Shelter will be hosting an adopt-a-thon. Bring your furry friend and register for the Mardi Paws Parade.

Registration is only $10 and all proceeds benefit DFW Humane Society. Texas Lottery Plaza at Toyota Music Factory, 316 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving www. toyotamusicfactory.com

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TIME OUT Birthdays

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Jordan \ 3 February 14

SUNDAY 23 Harlem Globetrotters 2-3:30pm Every show features a blend of hilarious hijinks and incredible basketball skills including ball handling, high flying dunks, and a new record-breaking attempt. The Harlem Globetrotters are a one-of-a kind experience putting a new spin on family time.

Tickets from $31. Dickies Arena , 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth www.dickiesarena.com/event/ the-harlem-globetrotters Judy Moody and Stink 2:30-4pm this dynamic sister and brother duo take audiences on a hilarious adventure. Judy Moody and Stink are the perfect pair for their imperfect capers that lead to fun, mystery, sibling rivalry, and, in the end, true friendship. For children of all ages and their families. Single tickets from $12. See website for more information. Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson www.eisemanncenter.com

MONDAY 24 Lauren \ 2 February 19

Christian \ 7 February 21

Penguin Days 9am-4pm The weather may be chilly, but we’ve got a cool deal for you! Bundle up and come see some zoo animals for just $8.

Warm up inside the Dallas Zoo’s indoor learning areas including the Herpetarium, Bug U!, and more. Through Feb. 29. 650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas www.dallaszoo.com

TUESDAY 25 SUBMIT

Upload your Birthday Kids picture @ suburbanparent.com Submit by 10th of the month prior to their birthday.

Dallas Arboretum- $5 Admission 9am-5pm Come visit the Dallas Arboretum during the month of February and pay only $5 admission (Members are free).

There may be a chill in the air, but there’s still plenty to do and see in

our gardens. Please note that the Children’s Adventure Garden remains closed for renovation work this month. 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas www.dallasarboretum.org

WEDNESDAY 26 Nature’s Art – the Mineral Beauty of China 10am-5pm Collecting rocks and stone carvings has been popular in China for thousands of years.

Marvel at breathtaking specimens including a metallic masterpiece of stibnite, feet-shaped azurite and malachite, a mountainous fluorite covered in snow-like calcite and much more. This special exhibit is included with General Admission.

Through Sept. 7. Perot Museum, 2201 N Field St., Dallas www. perotmuseum.org

THURSDAY 27 The Pirates of Penzance 7:30-9pm UT Arlington’s Department of Music in association with The Department of Theatre Arts present The Pirates of Penzance, a comic operetta for kids.. It’s a hilarious farce with sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, dim-witted young lovers and an eccentric Major-General. $12 for assigned seating; $10 for seniors, UTA students, faculty, and staff.

Through Mar. 1. UTA MainStage Theatre, 700 Greek Row Drive, Arlington www.theatre.uta.edu/ current-season

FRIDAY 28 2020 DART Student Art Contest Deadline Submit entries by today. Your winning creation could appear in art exhibits and on DART buses and trains, and you could win cool prizes! DART.org/ArtContest. See ad in this issue.

SATURDAY 29 Dallas Blooms—Sounds of Spring 9am-5pm With more than 100 varieties of spring bulbs and over 500,000 blooms bursting with color, the Dallas Arboretum announces “Sounds of Spring” as this year’s Dallas Blooms theme.

Go online to check out the full schedule of activities and family fun all season. Free with general admission. Through April 12.

8525 Garland Rd, Dallas www. dallasarboretum.org Dollar Chili Day 9am-6pm The Dollar Chili will be served in the Big Red Patio next to our family entertainment area of rides and games for all ages.

There will also be other family fun activities to entertain on this special day. Come out and enjoy the food, shopping, and rides. Admission to Traders Village is free and it’s just $5.00 to park. Traders Village, 2602 Mayfield Rd, Grand Prairie www.tradersvillage.com/ grand-prairie Cowtown Marathon 7-11am and Sunday 7-11am Register online for the 42nd Cowtown Marathon! All races start and finish at Will Rogers Memorial Center. See website for more information including how to register. Will Rogers Memorial, 3401 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth www.raceroster.com/ events/2020/22695/the-2020cowtown-race-weekend Monster Jam 5-9pm Feel the vibrations as monster trucks rev their engines and peel out across the dirt floor inside the AT&T stadium. See website for more information and event schedule. Tickets from $25 and can be purchased online. 1 AT&T Way, Arlington www.monsterjam.com/en-US/tickets

HAVE AN UPCOMING EVENT? List it in our Online Calendar @ suburbanparent.com Please note: Although we strive to bring you the most current information available regarding event dates & times, confirming with the event venue before going is always a good idea.

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FUN STUFF

In his words

“Life is always a rich and steady time when you are waiting for something to happen or to hatch.”

A NOTE TO HUBBY

– E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web

Hey, husband, don’t ask her where she wants to go for Valentine’s Day! Women already feel they do everything in the relationship, as well as around the house, for the children, and even your mother – don’t add fuel to the fire. Bring her to a place you know she would love. And let her know she is lovely.

GOTTA LOVE ‘EM The other day I asked my 5 year old granddaughter to describe her older brother to me. She said, “Grandma, I want to hug him so I can get close enough to punch him.”

— Our little Gracie

Hello february

For such a short month, there sure is a lot that happens in February! Did you know February was originally the last month of the calendar year? It was moved to the second month in 450 BC.

• February is American Heart Month, Black History Month, and Children’s Dental Health Month • February 2nd is Ground Hog Day and also Super Bowl Sunday

• February 12th is Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday • February 14th is Valentine’s Day • February 17th is President’s Day • February 22nd is George Washington’s Birthday

• February 23rd is Oscar Night • February 25 is Mardi Gras • February 26 is Ash Wednesday • February 29 is Leap Day!

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WHOLESOME ENDING Important business

IT’S COOKIE TIME EVERYONE LOVES GIRL SCOUT COOKIES . . .

But, know that the program is about so much more than cookies, said Jennifer Bartkowski, GSNETX CEO. “The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest female entrepreneurship program in the world, with each participating Girl Scout serving as the CEO for her own business.” The important business and financial literacy skills girls learn through the program positions them for success in the future.

Buy cookies and help a girl When you purchase your favorite cookie or try the new Lemon-Ups, you are helping girls fund their Girl Scout experience and supporting female entrepreneurs!

TALK TO YOUR DOC

Take Care of Your Gut! There are tens of trillions of microorganisms, being mostly good bacteria, in our digestive tract that help the body digest food and produce vitamins. Current Alcohol Research Reviews found that chronic alcohol consumption can cause bacterial overgrowth and imbalances in the intestine, which results in many digestive issues including stomach pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and rosacea.

Watch and reduce your intake of alcohol.

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While breastfeeding during pregnancy is generally considered safe, there are some cases where weaning may be advisable: • If you have a high-risk pregnancy or are at risk for preterm labor • If you are carrying twins • If you have been advised to avoid sex while pregnant • If you are having bleeding or uterine pain • If you experience these symptoms, talk with your doctor to determine whether weaning would be the best option for you, your nursing, and your unborn child.

Excerpt from americanpreganacy.org