February 2022

‘hood FEBRUARY 2022

TM

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

FREE Take one!

Season of Love:

Ideas for Relationship Refreshers and Date Night In

TIPS FROM MOMS: Navigating Teen Dating

53

WINTER BOREDOM BUSTERS

5901 E. Rice St. | Sioux Falls | 605.367.4309

WHERE YOU CREATE PRAY

LEARN

! g n o l e B

PERFORM EXCEL

In our schools, Catholic faith is not only talked about, but lived.

Call our admissions coordinator at 605-575-3358 to schedule a visit!

Enrollment opens February 22. #WhereYouBelong

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ALL FAITHS WELCOME

Build Skills This Summer!

Summer is a great time for kids to gain motor skills, improve coordination and strength, conquer speech challenges and address sensory and social skills.

Schedule your child’s evaluation today for physical, occupational or speech therapy to get the most out of summer.

Call 605.444.9700 or Visit LifeScapeSD.org

contents February 2022 cover story 19 Winter Boredom Busters

53 Family Fun Ideas.

baby 8 Heart to Heart:

A Father and Daughter’s Journey

A father and daughter’s journey living with heart defects.

19

child 10 Help Kids Get Creative When They Say, ‘I’m Bored!’

parent

Discover why boredom is good for kids and ways to help when boredom hits.

12 Create Healthy Smiles for Kids that Last!

For National Children’s Dental Health Month, the team at Neighborhood Dental shares tips on how to best prepare your little ones for strong, healthy teeth.

27 Adjusting to a New

29

teen

16 Teens and Dating

13

Local parents share their advice on navigating teen dating.

17 Tech Tip: Tech Winter Boredom Busters

Apps that are great to keep kids active when it’s too cold to be outside.

hood @ home 13 Craft

Valen-Slime

14 Snow Fun

Check out these local families enjoying outdoor fun.

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February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com

10

Normal for the Car Industry

Get exactly what you want by pre-ordering your next vehicle.

29 Relationship Refreshers

In just a few simply ways, you can show love and kindness to all those important in your life.

home 30 Date Night…In

Bring the spark back on Valentine’s Day right from your very own home.

welcome

Happy February As the winter months drag on, you start to run out of ideas to keep everyone active! We have compiled a list of 53 activities to easily help combat that winter boredom in our Annual “Winter Boredom Busters!”

You will find activities available in our community as well as some easy and fun activities you can do at home!

Make sure to share your family fun on social media and tag the ‘Hood Magazine in pictures when you are doing things on the list! We can’t wait to see you having fun as a family!

February is the month to celebrate heart health awareness. We talked to one dad as he shared the heart health journey of him and his daughter. Speaking of hearts, we didn’t forget Valentine’s Day. We have some fun crafts

‘hood

and snacks in the issue and on our website at www.thehoodmagazine.com.

Let’s talk about dating! If you don’t have time for a date night out, check out our ideas for date night in. Whether you do something big or small, make sure you take time for just the two of you this month. Do you have a teen that is going to start dating? We have some ideas and tips from local parents of things to keep in mind as you navigate this new season. I am thankful Jaxson and Khloe aren’t to the dating age, but it will be here before I know it. I will make sure to keep these in mind – even for hanging with friends.

Steff

and the ‘Hood Team

TM

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

President & Publisher

Steffanie Liston-Holtrop 605-366-1479 steff@thehoodmagazine.com

Editor Miranda Ochocki editor@thehoodmagazine.com

Art & Design Director Ally Vogel

Digital Media Director Jaclyn Small

Circulation Ben Graff and Laura Kattenberg

Cover Photo Miranda Ochocki, Beyond Social

Cover Family Keda Link at Great Bear Ski Valley

Reproduction or use of the contents of this magazine is prohibited.

‘Hood Magazine is published 9 times a year by Hoodlum Productions, LLC and strives to publish only accurate information; however, Hoodlum Productions, LLC cannot be held responsible for consequences resulting from errors or omissions. All material in this magazine is the property of Hoodlum Productions, LLC and cannot be reproduced without permission of the publisher. ©2021 Hoodlum Productions, LLC All Rights Reserved.

online

‘Hood Online

We are so much more than a magazine. We are here to meet you where you’re at in life.

You’ll find us in the community, online and in our printed issues, which are always FREE! If you haven’t visited our website yet, you’ll want to check it out. There, you’ll find exclusive content not available in print! Here is what you’ll find this month:

Did you know?

In the 1940’s, many couples were separated because of the war. Loved ones celebrated Valentine’s Day by mailing letters and greeting cards. The cost of a stamp? Just $.03. Trail Ridge Senior Living is helping us step back to the past with some interesting facts.

Take a Spring Break-Safely!

If your upcoming calendar includes a spring break vacation, don’t forget these important tips. From road trips to airline travel, Sanford Children’s CHILD Services has ways to make your vacation safer.

Pets: Good for the Soul, AND HEART

Besides the obvious value of a good snuggle, what’s the connection between pets and our health? The American Heart Association is sharing how your furry friend can help boost overall happiness and wellbeing.

thank you

And Tonight’s Special Is…

Community Sponsors

The only reservation you need this Valentine’s Day is for your own kitchen. This recipe from Beef It’s What’s For Dinner is sure to make this holiday a special one from the comfort of your own home!

mortgage

BY PLAINS COMMERCE BANK

Educator of the Year

Are you grateful for your child’s teacher? Show them your support and admiration by nominating them for Hood’s annual Educator of the Year Award.

Submit your nominations on www.thehoodmagazine.com until February 20th.

Fight the Winter Blues

Don’t let these cold months get you down!

Use these suggestions from Behavior Care Specialists to fight the seasonal blues.

But Wait, There’s More!

Hood online has even more resources for busy families, including local directories, a family friendly event calendar, touching parenting stories, additional crafts and recipes, and fresh reads from local experts. Unlock everything ‘Hood has to offer by going directly to www.thehoodmagazine.com or simply scan this QR code!

February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com |

7

by Jeremy Aylward

Heart to Heart: A Father and Daughter’s Journey

Everyone wants a healthy baby. When I was born, my parents learned I had a heart murmur that I would likely grow out of. Of course, they were concerned but felt reassured all would be well.

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February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com

Before & Infant • Toddler • Preschool • After School

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baby That changed when I went in for my 7th-grade physical and learned that not only had I not outgrown the murmur, but it was also identified as a congenital heart defect. My official diagnosis was bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with stenosis and insufficiency with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and ascending aorta dilatation.

After six months, Nora’s VSD corrected itself. She still has a BAV, but she’s healthy and has not required surgery so far. My wife and I have had three more children, all without any heart concerns.

Nora is now seven years old and is still as healthy and active as any other child. On the other hand, I recently learned that my valve is reaching its end, even though it was supposed to outlast me. While I had open-heart surgery to replace my aortic valve I am thankful for the technology keeping a few years later. me alive and progressing over the This was my personal story for years. years, it is still scary to face another surgery now that I am a husband But my story turned into our story ... I never, ever and father of four. once my daughter, Nora, was born. thought my daughter That new parent joy flipped into The twists and turns of this jourwould have to worry when the cardiologist found ney have made me realize how endure a similar that our precious first daughter much I have to live for and how experience. also had a bicuspid aortic valve and important it is to communicate a ventricular septal defect. this with my children. If they encounter a journey that mirrors mine, When the diagnosis hit me, my entire especially Nora, I want them to know I will being was flooded with emotions that I haven’t be with them and advocating for them through enough room to share here. My personal journey the journey. Teaching them that there is a plan for raced through my mind repeatedly. I had not even everyone; that our personal journeys truly help been a dad for a full day. Still, I was crumbling on shape us into the strong and amazing people we the inside as I never, ever thought my daughter become. Even though we may think our journeys would have to endure a similar experience. I went are our own, they are also tools to help others. l through a lot of guilt when we discovered Nora also had a heart defect, as I felt like I had given this problem to her.

“

February is American Heart Month. Learn more about heart health at www.heart.org.

February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com |

9

by Sanford Children’s Parenting Services

Help kids get creative when they say,

“I’m Bored!”

Do you cringe when you hear your child say the words “I’m bored!”? Many parents do.

Being bored is actually good for children, and it is best if a parent isn’t always the one finding the solution to quiet the “I’m bored!” plea.

BENEFITS OF BOREDOM

>

FR AM ES, F RAM ES, A N D MO RE F RAM ES…

j u s t fo r k i d s .

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February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com

Love what you see.

Being bored is beneficial to your child’s mental and emotional development. Being bored can help your child develop: •C reativity: One of the main benefits of your child experiencing boredom is that being bored allows your child’s brain to be creative and use their imagination to be entertained. Being constantly busy can actually stifle your child’s development of their imagination. Having a healthy imagination is known to be positively connected to a child’s healthy intellectual development.

child

•P roblem-solving skills: When your child is bored, your child needs to use their thinking skills to come up with a solution to their boredom.

•A sense of identity: Being bored allows your child time to hear their own thoughts. Just letting the mind wander from time to time is important for mental well-being and functioning.

KEEPING YOUR FAMILY COMFORTABLE

BOREDOM BUSTER IDEAS Here are a few suggestions you can use to help your child be prepared when boredom hits: •M ake a list: Brainstorm with your child all the things they enjoy doing and make a list of these things. When boredom hits, have your child refer to their list for something to do. Over time, keep adding to the list with new ideas.

•B oredom buster box: Put together a box of boredom buster items that only come out when your child is bored. Have items in the box that encourage open-ended play. Open-ended simply means being able to use an object in a variety of ways. For example, clean food containers could be used to build a farm or to be groceries in a cart.

•G et outside: Research shows that a child’s environment is a key factor in encouraging self-directed and inventive play, and the outdoors provides such an environment. Encourage your child to play outside in order to engage their creative mind.

Building forts, having picnics, making obstacle courses, or playing games outside can help your child beat the boredom blues.

Next time your child says they are bored, remember you do not have to fix their problem. Encourage your child to use their problem-solving skills and come up with creative ways to occupy their time. Teaching these valuable skills will last a lifetime. l

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Creating

Healthy Smiles ForKids that Last February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Our team at Neighborhood Dental are here to help you grow knowledge of how to best prepare your little ones for strong, healthy teeth!

Did you know that you Sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars?

• S ealants are a thin plastic material that applies to the chewing surfaces, which helps protect teeth from plaque & acid attacks.

Did you know your child’s first oral checkup should be within 6 months of their first tooth and no later than their first birthday?

• A lthough it may seem early, this first visit is essential to ensure your child doesn’t have any signs of gum or tooth decay and that their teeth are erupting and developing properly.

Did you know that dental cavities are the most common oral disease in children worldwide?

• F luoride can help prevent them and is essential for children as it protects teeth by making your teeth stronger and more resistant to acid.

• C hildren ages 2-6 should use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Always supervise kids younger than six years old while brushing, as they are more likely to swallow toothpaste.

Did you know that you should replace your child’s toothbrush every 3 months or less?

• O ver time, bacteria and germs will build up and the bristles will be worn down.

If you’d like to discuss your child’s oral health or are ready to make an appointment, call, text, or book online today. We’d love to care for your child’s smile!

Neighborhood Dental has 7 convenient locations in South Dakota and welcome new patients of all ages! To learn more, or to schedule your child’s next appointment, visit NBDSMILES.COM

hood@home

Valen-Slime Valen-Slime is the perfect (sugar free) Valentine’s Day treat! Use your go-to slime recipe or use our favorite 3-ingredient simple recipe.

Consider making an extra batch for friends, use a small disposable condiment container and don’t forget our free gift tag printable!

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup of Elmer’s School Glue 1 tsp of baking soda 2 tsp of contact solution

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix glue and baking soda together. Add in food coloring and/or glitter if you would like!

Add in contact solution and mix well. Once slime begins to form, use hands to knead.

Mix in additional contact solution if slime seems sticky. Continue to knead until it no longer sticks to your hands.

Would you be my Valen-Slime?

Want a unique Valentine to hand out this year? Download this cute tag at www.thehoodmagazine.com

QUALITY

EDUCATION

for your preschooler

Our preschool room is one of the first steps in helping your child be prepared for kindergarten. We follow the South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines and we strive to offer the children creative and fun ways of learning.

Stop in and check out our programs and teachers anytime! No appointment necessary.

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Apple Tree West 6400 W. 43rd Street 605-361-9875

February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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hood@home

Snow

While it has been a fairly snow-less winter, these local families were able to get in some snow fun when the white stuff showed up.

FUN

Want to be included in our pho tos pages?

Follow the ‘Hood Magazine on social to share your ph you just mig otos – ht be next!

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February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com

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February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com |

15

teen

by Hood Staff and Local Moms

Parent Tips

Teens & Dating Since we’re busy talking about love and hearts this February at Hood, we wanted to explore the world of teen dating. We fondly, or maybe not so fondly, remember those days of being in love, holding hands, and going to a movie in our high school days. With the addition of technology and other changes over the past 15 years, teen dating looks a lot different today.

We asked a few local moms of teens, Kathy Horstman, Dawn Van Nieuwenhuyzen, and Amy O’Connor Hoback, for their best advice when it comes to dating. While they all agreed that it is an ever-changing situation, keeping an open line of communication with your teen is the best way to help it go smoothly. Below are a few of their best suggestions.

TOP TIPS FOR TEEN DATING: • Encourage them to explore the relationship as a friendship first.

• When asking out a friend, discuss how that relationship may change the group dynamics.

• Rules and boundaries are good, but they may not always be black and white, as every teen and relationship are different.

• Involve your teen’s date in your family’s life by inviting them to dinners and family outings.

• Keep an eye on their messages and social channels.

• Remind them that they never know who they are actually messaging on the other end of the phone – in texts to their friends but especially to people they met online.

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February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com

• S et their location settings to private on social channels.

• Meet their parents. Having an open dialog between both sets of parents can ensure both your teen and theirs is safe.

• Advise them to continue spending time in their current friendships to keep a healthy balance.

• Keep communication open. Talk to your kids about your dating experience, the good and the bad.

Now that you are prepared with a few tips, here are some questions to get the discussion started with your teen.

•W hat does “going out” or “dating” mean to you?

• What interests you about this person that makes you want to date them? What do your friends think?

• What rules can we agree upon regarding dating (where to go, curfew, transportation, how often they spend time with the family, etc.)?

•H ow can you or I ensure you are safe in the relationship. (Parent note: if you need help in this area, The Compass Center or Call to Freedom are local resources that can provide guidance.) l

THE RIgHT ATTORnEY FOR YOU.

Tech Winter

Boredom Busters During the winter, sometimes the weather is too cold for your kids to be active outside.

Here are some apps to download on their tablet to keep them active indoors.

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Super Stretch Yoga HD Ages 4+ A fun, interactive yoga app that is fun for kids but great for the whole family!

7-minute Morning Workout Ages 4+ High intensity interval training for kids.

Yoga for Kids Daily Fitness Ages 4+ Help your child build mental and physical strength.

Habitz: Kids Learn Good Habits Ages 4+ A fun to use app that empowers kids to develop healthy habits and stick with them for life.

Just Dance Now Ages 4+ Unleash your inner dancer with Just Dance Now. No video game console needed!

Tech tip brought to you by:

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February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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directory

53 for Familes

WINTER BOREDOM BUSTERS

It is halfway through the winter season, and you may be out of ideas to keep your family entertained. Here are some fun ideas to help your family enjoy these next few months and create new memories. To see the full list, head over to www.thehoodmagazine.com.

Upgrade the Hot Chocolate Nothing is better than snuggling up with a warm mug of hot chocolate. Upgrade your experience by grabbing fun toppings, like using marshmallow fluff around the rim!

See more ideas by searching for Hot Chocolate Bar on our website.

4.

1.

SDGFP The Outdoor Campus Sioux Falls https://gfp.sd.gov/toc-east/ Provides education about outdoor skills, wildlife, conservation, and management practices of South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks to all ages in order to preserve our outdoor heritage.

Curl up with a Book Swing by Siouxland Libraries or Reach Literacy and pick up a few books to snuggle up and read with the kids.

Check out the Winter Reading Program from Siouxland Libraries, in addition to their other events throughout the week.

2.

3.

Ice Skating Rinks Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation has multiple skating rinks throughout town to provide hours of family fun.

5.

Great Bear www.greatbearpark.com Great way to spend the day together as a family!

We have options from tubing, snowboarding and skiing and all the gear you will need. Visit our website for updated hours, to purchase tickets and more!

Dig in the Sand…Inside If you are missing the warm beach days, head down to Harrisburg and check out The Sandlot. You can drop in during an open dig or you can book your private dig time as well!

6.

February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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directory Baking Day

12. Some of the best memories are made in

the kitchen! Let each of your kids look up a recipe and then make it together as a family. You can do one each week or do them all in one day...either way it is a great, and tasty, way to make memories!

13.

Paper Airplane Challenge There are dozens of ways to fold a paper airplane. Make a fun family challenge to see what type of fold can fly the farthest.

7.

Sioux Falls Skyforce https://siouxfalls.gleague.nba.com Join the Skyforce at the Sanford Pentagon for high-flying action all season long with family- friendly entertainment and professional basketball! Tickets start as low as $8/seat or pick one of our group ticket packages like birthday parties or gameday suites.

Paint a Memory Get crafty! Find DIY projects at a variety of businesses, from the Museum of Visual Materials to big box stores, to try a new project and create something fun!

8.

9.

Mission Possible Change out the laser beams for yarn and tape up a spy course in the hallway. Black clothing optional.

Zone Sioux Falls 14. Sky www.skyzone.com/siouxfalls

Exciting new ways to play ARE HERE! Stop in and see our new Air Court attraction!

Also don’t forget to check out our Little Leapers program every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am-11:30am.

Sugar and Conversation

10. Pick up a yummy treat from the many

cookie or cotton candy businesses, and drive around town while asking your kids conversation starter questions that can be found on Hood’s website.

Pay It Forward

11. Give your children each a roll of quar-

ters and a package of tape. Help them decorate little cards of encouragement with quarters attached and then head downtown to tape them to the meters.

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February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com

Sledding

15. In addition to your neighborhood

snow hills, Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation also has multiple sledding areas to check out.

Camp at Home Bring the summer into winter by setting up a campsite indoors. Create a campfire by putting a Sterno can in a metal bucket with rocks (safety first!) and roast some marshmallows.

16.

directory Give your Time One thing that Sioux Falls is amazing at is giving back! There are numerous opportunities for your whole family to give back to our community this winter. Visit the Helpline Center for opportunities around town.

17.

Ice Cream Bar Don’t let hot chocolate steal the show.

Ice cream is just as good in the winter as it is on a hot summer day. Set up an ice cream bar with a variety of toppings – syrups, sprinkles, candy.

18.

Create a Scavenger Hunt Whether indoors or outdoors, scavenger hunts can be loads of fun any time of the year. Make up clues and then work together as a family to solve the clues!

22.

Let them Cook Let them be the chef! Maybe they follow a recipe or maybe they make a soup of grapes, veggie straws, orange juice, and pepper (that you pretend to eat!!). Either way, let them be creative and help as needed.

23.

Bring the Snow Inside Use a Rubbermaid tote and scoop up some snow for your children to enjoy. Dye some water with simple food coloring and put it into a squirt bottle to color the snow!

Use cups and spoons to make your very own snow cone fun.

19.

Learn How to Ice Fish Once the ice on area lakes is frozen solid, it can be fun to learn how to do this summertime favorite in the winter! Find ice safety tips from The Outdoor Campus on our website.

20.

Ninja Academy 24. 605 www.605ninja.com

605 Ninja is a fabulous place to come and burn off some energy! We offer Ninja, Parkour, & Aerial Silk Classes. Open Gyms, Camps, Kids Night Out Events and more!

Shovel the Sidewalks for the Block After being cooped up inside from a snowstorm, burn off some energy by doing a good deed for the neighbors.

Instead of just shoveling your sidewalk, do the whole street and show your neighbors how much they mean to you!

25.

Snow, Snow, and more Snow

21.

Skate City www.skatecitysd.com Skating, Arcade Games, Redemption Prizes, and Concession Snacks. It’s Family Fun for everyone. Great for a fun day out or for Celebrations. Public skating times available as well as private rentals!

26. After you watch the snow fall from

indoors, head outside and relive your childhood with your kids! Spend the afternoon creating snow angels, building snowmen, and tunneling into worlds of your imagination in a snow tunnel.

February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com |

21

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SKYZONE.COM/SIOUXFALLS

Join for

Lim

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Experience All-Access Museums Membership Enroll or renew your monthly membership and experience our engaging, interactive and hands-on art and science museums for only $1/month for the next 3 months.

• Early ticket access to select shows ahead of the public • 10% off at Leonardo’s Café and camps and classes • Exclusive members-only events • And much more

Visit www.washingtonpavilion.org/membership or call 605-367-6000

22 |

February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com

directory Bowling Bonanza

31. Have fun at a local bowling alley! We have

multiple bowling alleys in our area, and they are a great way to enjoy a day full of family fun for an affordable price! You can also set up empty water bottles and use a tennis ball to bowl at home.

Meal Plan While it may not be the most fun idea on this list, sit down together and plan out the meals for the week. Getting your kids involved with help any fights that come up at mealtime. If you need meal ideas, search for recipes on Hood’s website.

32.

27.

Washington Pavilion www.washingtonpavilion.org Visit the Washington Pavilion this winter to break the winter blues. Children can experience Sioux Falls’ biggest indoor climbing area, explore tunnels, enroll in a winter class, perform on a small stage and much more. Call 605-367-6000 to learn more!

Spend the Day in a Fort Create a large fort in your living room with all the blankets you can find! Once you’ve created your giant fort, the whole family can spend the day reading, snacking and snuggling!

28.

Paint the Snow Grab some condiment squirt bottles from and fill them with water and your favorite food coloring. The kids will have loads of fun creating artwork in the snow with their new “paints!”

29.

33.

Galaxy Gaming www.thegalaxygaming.com Galaxy Gaming offers an out of this world Laser Tag arena, Virtual Reality and Gaming experience.

Your ultimate entertainment destination.

Dance the Day Away Let everyone add their own song choices and create a family play list. With a mixture of new and old songs, as well as some party favorites, a family dance day is sure to burn off the winter blues.

34.

30.

Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History www.greatzoo.org Your Great Plains Zoo is the premier spot for learning, discovery, and fun 361 days a year!

Come see our Asian Cats and Fortress of the Bears this winter!

Hang Paper Snowflakes

35. Paper snowflakes are easy to create with

nearly any kind of paper. From computer paper to tissue paper, everyone can make unique creations that you can decorate your house with.

February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com |

23

directory Start a Family Journal Choose one day per week and give each person a prompt or question to answer.

Parents can write for the kids if they aren’t old enough to write and everyone can learn more about each other. It will be a keepsake for years to come!

36.

Make a Snow Smoothie

37. Using fresh, clean snow, some fruit, and

a little milk you can make a fresh snow smoothie! There are lots of recipes online and it’s so easy your kids can help too! You can check out the ones Hood made online.

38.

41.

Glow in the Dark Play hide-and-seek indoors, but with a twist of using glow sticks in a dark house.

Try out Parent & Child Classes Our friends at Sanford fit have great options to keep 3 to 5-year-olds active! These classes are both entertaining and enriching. Find these events on our calendar. And check out their Try It ideas found in our recent issues and this month’s idea on page 28.

42.

Use Tech to Stay Active Find great app ideas from CellOnly on page 17 to burn off some energy inside on those cold winter days.

Create Marshmallow Snowmen Grab a skewer, large marshmallows, edible paint pen (if you want to eat them!), and another other decorations you’d want to use. Stack 3 marshmallows on the skewers and get creative! You can then use these to dip in hot chocolate.

39.

Color Me Mine

43. www.siouxfalls.colormemine.com

Looking for a fun activity? We have hundreds of items to choose from.

We would love to help you create not only a fun piece but a special memory! Want to paint at home? Get your items to-go!

Organize a Room If you are still buried from new holiday gifts or simply have a room that has gotten out of hand, plan to tidy up as a family. Get the kids involved by picking out containers, paint colors, or having them decide what stays or goes.

44.

‘hood

TM

40.

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

Nominate an Educator www.thehoodmagazine.com Take time this month to recognize the people in the school system that impact your child’s life. Nominations are open to teachers, bus drivers, secretaries, nurses, and anyone who interacts with your child at school.

Nominations accepted until February 20th.

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February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com

Clean the Windows, but first Color!

45. Did you know you can use dry erase

markers on windows and glass? Let your kids draw on the windows, and then have them help erase by cleaning the windows – win win!

‘HOOD EXTRA Don’t miss additional ideas on our website!

How can you resist a face so CUTE CUTE? ?

Good News... you don’t have to!

Your Great Plains Zoo is open 361 Days a year!

Connect with us!

805 S. Kiwanis Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 605-367-7003 greatzoo.org

Visit by March 1st 2022 and SAVE UP TO $3.50 per ticket

February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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Love

YOUR SMILE

TOOTH TALK with Dr. Katie

GET OUTSIDE THIS SPRING

Nervous toddler? Let them bring their favorite toy or comfort item to their next visit.

REGISTRATION FOR SPRING CLASSES STARTS FEBRUARY 16.

DENTAL CARE FOR FAMILIES

legacydds.com

E T A R B E CEL

!

E C R O THE SKYF

WITH

The best way to celebrate is with a Skyforce Party Pack!

With multiple options to choose from, there is a package that works for every occasion. Your Skyforce representative will work with you to make sure everyone has an enjoyable experience.

11 Tickets In-Game Shoutout Goodie Bag

All-Star $ 99

• • •

Pizza Party Mini Basketball Personal Player Cameo

SCAN THE CODE for more information about Party Packs

February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com

• • • • • •

Fan Experience Package Autographed Skyforce Jersey Discount on Extra Tickets

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Champion $ 199

•

•

MVP $ 299

• • • • • • • • •

SPONSORED FEATURE

Adjusting to a

for the Car Industry As the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus once said, “The only constant is change.” This phrase has never been more true than in the past couple of years in the car industry.

Due to the global pandemic, the car industry had to weather microchip shortages and supply-chain issues, causing fewer and fewer new vehicles to be delivered to the lots of dealers nationwide. So what did local dealerships like Vern Eide Motorcars do?

They adapted, they adjusted, they forged ahead.

benefit is the new vehicle you are getting will have as few miles as possible - meaning no other potential customers will be taking your vehicle out on a test drive before you drive it home. Finally, you are more likely to get a specific color you desire, rather than being limited to what’s on the lot.

The “new normal” for car dealerships, including Vern Eide, is fewer new vehicles on their lots while having more customers pre-order vehicles. Instead of rows and rows of vehicles with many trims and colors to choose from, customers will be able to experience a make and model, work with the dealership to find what they want from yet to be delivered inventory, put down a deposit, and then be notified when the vehicle arrives.

Even though there might be fewer vehicles on Vern Eide lots, there are still a wide variety of new models and trim levels to test drive to figure out what you like. Plus, Vern Eide’s knowledgeable and friendly staff can answer any question you may have so you know you are going to put your deposit down on a vehicle you are going to love.

There are a few benefits to pre-ordering your vehicle. The first benefit is that you are able to select some of the features and the trim level you’d like so that you are paying for what you want and not just settling for what’s in stock. The second

Whether you’re looking for a new Honda, Acura, or Mitsubishi, visit any of the Vern Eide Sioux Falls locations and find your new car, truck, or SUV today! They deliver excellent customer service.

try it: fit KIND BINGO

Discover some of our favorite books to learn more about empathy, friendship, and more!

Random acts of kindness are a great way to put a smile on someone’s face. Even the smallest gesture can make a big difference, so try one today! Can your family score a kindness BINGO? And don’t forget.. kindness is free, sprinkle it everywhere!

K

THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU!

I

N

D

Take care of a pet or plant

Hold the door for someone

Mail someone a letter

Give a high five or hug

Pick up litter around you

Give a kindness tag from below to a friend

Eat lunch with a new friend at school

Tell someone why you love them

Tell 3 people something nice

Share toys, snacks, or stories

Make Valentines for your classmates

Smile at 5 people today

Write a nice letter to yourself

Make a thank you card for someone

Give a kindness tag from below to a teacher

Volunteer to help at home or at school

YOU ARE ONE COOL CAT!

HOW DID I GET SO LUCKY TO KNOW YOU?!

YOU ARE THE BEE’S KNEES!

YOU ARE SO SOOO SPECIAL!

I’D SHARE MY TOYS WITH YOU ANY DAY!

parent

by Hood Staff

Relationship Refreshers

Valentine’s Day is the day for love, but it is important to keep relationships top of mind yearround. With all the demands of life – family, work, cooking, bills –relationships with a partner, kids, and even ourselves, can often get pushed aside.

However, a grand gesture is not needed to make an impact. In just a few ways, you can show love and kindness to all important people in your life.

Schedule a time to spend quality time together, even if it’s just getting groceries while talking about them.

YOUR SPOUSE Conversation Starters: After years of being together, you may think you know everything about your partner. However, the internet is full of great date night conversation starters, like “what event in history would you have liked to be at” or “what book or movie do you wish you could experience for the first time again.” Having deep conversations about random facts can help your spouse feel closer and known.

Teach Them: Find a common interest and teach them a skill you know. Engage in music, art, engineering, or cooking together to create a special bond.

Love Language: Knowing your spouse’s love language (books by Gary Chapman) can help you ensure you express your appreciation in a meaningful way to them. You may love gifts, but they may prefer quality time.

YOURSELF Self-Care: Possibly the most challenging thing for a parent, especially a mom, is to invest in yourself.

But, you must feel fulfilled first before making everyone else happy. Spend time doing something you enjoy, even if it is just for a few minutes, to refresh and recharge your batteries.

Quality Time: With kids, getting out for a date night can be difficult. Instead, meet up for a date lunch while the kids are at school or daycare or create a date night in. See ideas for this on page 30.

YOUR KIDS One-on-One Time: Kids crave your attention, especially if it’s more than just the two of you at home.

Notes of Encouragement: Write a message for them to show you care and are thinking of them.

You can do this in their lunchbox, with a dry erase marker on their mirror, or use a sticky note in their bedroom.

Converse with Yourself: Remember those conversation starters? While you’re at lunch alone, ask those to yourself. Or ponder more significant questions, like goal setting, dreams, and other aspirations. l February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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home

by Hood Staff

Date Night…IN! They say Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year, but most parents would probably disagree. What once was a special day with flowers, chocolate, and dinner out is generally replaced by diaper changes, feedings, and bedtime routines as we navigate the parenthood life.

But does it have to be? Absolutely not! Here are some ways to bring the spark back on Valentine’s Day right from your very own home!

1. M ake it a family affair and involve them in the festivities. It could be a chance to start a new tradition. While it may not exactly scream “romance,” it can still be a lot of fun. Make a special meal and dress up! Have the kids help with decorations by cutting out paper hearts and lining the table with battery-operated lights or candles.

Just because the day doesn’t look exactly like it did before you had children doesn’t mean the day has to be a bust!

2. S end the kids away…to another room. Set up a special movie night in the living room for the kids and have a fun dinner they can enjoy during the movie. You can even set up blankets or forts!

For one night, break the “no food in the living

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February 2022 | thehoodmagazine.com

room” rule for the kids. Why go through the work to make it a special night for the kids? Because while they are occupied (even if just for 20 minutes), it gives Mom and Dad time to have their own little date night. Make a special parents-only meal, use the good dishes, and pour a special drink. It’s a win-win for the whole family!

Here are some child-friendly favorite items to make the day feel special at home: • Battery operated candles • Fairy lights • Heart-shaped cookie cutters • Balloons • Flowers Need adult meal ideas? Check out the recipes from South Dakota Beef on our website at www.thehoodmagazine.com. l

CARE THAT FITS YOUR PREGNANCY Whether it’s your first or fourth, every pregnancy is different and exciting. Prepare for your new adventure by finding the provider ready to help make your experience everything you’ve imagined.

Visit womens.sanfordhealth.org to find a provider in your area.

997-635-402 8/21