The Hood Magazine November/December Holiday Issue

‘hood NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

TM

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

FREeE Tak ! one

Toys & Games that Build Skills & Development

liday HoDeals & Steals

Tips to Avoid Meltdowns at Holiday Gatherings

Ways to Volunteer this Season

Curbside Crafts

Holiday t curbside craf ! o g to ts ki

5

only$

Order online @ sfmvm.com

contents November/December 2021 cover story 20 Holiday Deals & Steals Shop local this holiday season with great gifts, memberships, and experiences from area businesses.

baby 8 Best Ways to Boost Your Child’s Brain Development

There are many games and activities you can play with your baby to further his or her development.

child 15 Top Rated Toys that Build Skills

Toy ideas from pediatric clinicians that promote growth and development that kids will love.

16 Giving Secondhand Gifts this Holiday Season

Gifts don’t always need to be new for your child to love them.

20

teen

parent

18 The Season of Giving

31 Tips for Co-Parenting

Volunteering is a wonderful way for teens to meet new friends, develop new skills, and make a difference in their community.

19 Tech Tip: Give the Gift that’s on Everyone’s List

12

An Apple Watch can help you stay in touch with your entire family, regardless of if they have a phone.

‘hood at home 10 Holiday Photos

See how these local families capture the magic of the season.

12 Winter Craft

Chilly Snowman Popsicle Craft

Success over the Holidays

Tips to create a holiday parenting schedule that allows your children to make memories, enjoy family traditions, and spend quality time with both parents.

32 Use Priming to Prepare

Children for the Holidays With the holidays approaching, priming can be an important tool in your parenting toolbox to prepare your child to handle the unexpected routines that come along with celebrating!

home

19

4 | November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com

34 Carbon Monoxide

Awareness: How to Protect Your Home

Learn how to protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning.

welcome

Happy Holidays!

It is hard to believe another holiday season is already here!

Buying local is so important and we have made it easy for you this year. Check out all our Holiday Deals and Steals from local stores and attractions.

Reports say we need to buy early this year, and we have your list ready just in time.

Do you have a favorite holiday tradition you do every year? Some of our family favorites are to go see Santa at the mall and cut down our Christmas tree! We usually spend forever looking for the biggest one we can find, only to realize it is too big to fit inside when we get home! We’ll be talking about this on an upcoming Mom Monday on Facebook Live. Be sure to tune in at 9pm each week and join in the conversation to share your traditions and advice/ideas on our other topics.

If you are looking for holiday crafts, snacks, and homemade gifts, check out thehoodmagazine.com!

We have so many fun ideas to keep your family busy and are adding new ones all season long!

We will be back in January for a new year with our Counseling and Therapy issue. If the holidays are rough, know that we have resources coming out soon for you.

Have a great Holiday Season!

Steff

and the ‘Hood Team

‘hood

TM

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

President & Publisher

Digital Media Director Jaclyn Small

Circulation

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

Ben Graff and Laura Kattenberg

Editor

Miranda Ochocki, Beyond Social

Miranda Ochocki

Art & Design Director Ally Vogel

Cover Photo Cover Family Sawyer and Rylee, children of Dirk and Megan Kool, a local blended family

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 thehoodmagazine.com 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:

3 Tips on How to Use Christmas Lights Safely in Your Home Over the Holidays

Enjoy yourself this holiday season by making these fire/ electrical safety tips from HouseMaster a priority in your merrymaking.

12 Great Conversation Starters for Kids

If you are tired of “I don’t know” answers, try out some of these questions from Truks-N-Trykes, like “what do you think your friends like most about you” or “if you could only see one color, what color would you choose.”

Bring something new to the Holiday Meal

Find a tasty new holiday recipe from South Dakota Beef that your family will love.

thank you

Community Sponsors

mortgage

BY PLAINS COMMERCE BANK

10 Days of Giving We are thankful for you. As a way to give back to you, we have teamed up with great local businesses for 10 Days of Giving, starting on November 14 and leading up until Thanksgiving. Watch our Facebook page so you don’t miss a giveaway!

Mom Mondays

Join the conversation. Mom Monday is a chance to network with other moms, learn how other moms are doing things, and feel a part of a supportive community. Join us at 9pm every Monday night on Facebook Live.

Be a Part of Our Community Is your business ready to become a Community Sponsor? This opportunity is all about content driven marketing and we think you’re going to love it! Your business will reach thousands of local parents every month in ways that are relevant to their lifestyle and it is our most affordable advertising option!

You will receive options to have your logo in print, submit content for our online audience, take advantage of our thousands of followers on social media for giveaways and feel the love through social media posts! Reach out to us at info@thehoodmagazine.com for more details!

November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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baby

by Sanford Health

Best Ways to Boost

Your Child’s Brain Development In the first 12 months, your baby’s brain is developing very rapidly. You may not even realize it, but every day you are helping your baby’s brain grow. By simply responding to your baby’s needs, talking, singing, holding, and looking at them, you are helping to form connections in his or her brain. There are many games and activities you can play with your baby to further his or her development.

Brain boosting items and games for babies: 1. M irror, Mirror. Babies loves to look at their reflection. Try making funny faces with various emotions and help them understand various feelings. Toys with reflective features makes it shiny too.

2. T ouch and feel. Find different fabrics and cut out small squares. You can also punch a hole in the corner and put them on a metal ring to keep them together. Let baby explore his or her senses by touching all of the different textures.

Remember babies learn by putting items in his or her mouth so make sure the item is safe.

3. R eading. Reading to your baby is important for his or rapidly developing brain. Simple picture books are just fine to read to your baby. Don’t feel like you have to read the words. Look at and talk about the pictures. This helps your baby build language skills as well as builds a bond between the two of you.

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4. P eek-a-boo! When you hide a toy under a blanket or put your hands in front of your face, at first an infant does not understand that the object is still there. Your baby will begin to understand that even though they cannot see the toy under the blanket, it is actually still there.

5. B uilding blocks. Blocks come in all different forms such as wooden and plastic, connecting and stacking. Stacking blocks helps build handeye coordination. The first thing your baby might do with blocks is hit them together. Your baby is also learning that hitting two objects together creates noise!

The games that you play with your baby do not have to be complex. Keep it simple. Think of simple materials or no materials at all and you can come up with some great ways to help your baby’s brain grow. The best games are the ones that come naturally between you and your baby. The best toy for your child is you! l

HAPPY, HEALTHY holiday SMILES

THE RIgHT ATTORnEY FOR YOU.

Providing client centered legal representation in the areas of family law and business services.

AmAndA EngEl, Attorney

TOOTH TALK with Dr. Katie The end of the year is approaching fast and your 2021 dental insurance benefits may be expiring soon.

Don’t miss out, call us today!

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DENTAL CARE FOR FAMILIES

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Exceptional childcare with more personalized care.

Better Nutrition. Broadened Education. Christian Principles.

• Providing Christ-centered infant, toddler and preschool care.

• Certified teachers with low student-to-teacher ratio to ensure individual interaction.

• Nutritious, low-sugar meals prepared fresh daily, on-site kitchen and chef.

Featuring the area’s only Noah’s Ark indoor play splash pad.

• Innovative building concept includes indoor splash pad, interactive play, art studio and gallery, tree house library, and large outdoor play area.

Accepting applications!

To apply, visit CreatorsKids.com or call 605-231-5520

Exceptional Childcare 77th & Lyncrest Avenue

November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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hood at home

Holiday

Family Photos

Whether it is matching jammies, cutting down a tree, or touring the Christmas lights around town, these local families share how their holiday traditions look.

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.

OW ME TO APPLE TRE FOLL E! 4 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Apple Tree East 3309 E. 26th Street 605-339-9571

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Apple Tree North 700 N. Sycamore 605-332-5581

November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com

Apple Tree Valhalla 4101 Valhalla Blvd.

605-361-7746

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

Empowering You on Your

Financial Journey

Insured by NCUA

November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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craft child

Chilly Snowman Popsicle Craft

What you need: Popsicle sticks Glue or tape Googly eyes Orange paper Black marker Pipe cleaner Pom poms

What you do: 1. Tape together 5-7 Popsicle sticks.

2. Use two pom poms and a pipe cleaner to create earmuffs.

3. Glue on eyes and a carrot shape nose.

4. Use a black marker to create mouth.

5. Wrap another pipe cleaner around the bottom to create a scarf.

ELONG! Where You B

E N R O L L TO D

AY!

Call our admissions coordinator at 605-575-3358 to ask questions or set up a tour. www.ogknights.org

ALL FAITHS WELCOME

O†GORMAN HIGH SCHOOL • O†GORMAN JUNIOR HIGH • CHRIST THE KING ELEMENTARY • HOLY SPIRIT ELEMENTARY ST. KATHARINE DREXEL ELEMENTARY • ST. LAMBERT ELEMENTARY • ST. MARY ELEMENTARY • ST. MICHAEL ELEMENTARY

November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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GET OUTSIDE THIS WINTER Registration for winter classes starts Nov 17

DISCOVER A LOVE OF SKATING

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November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com

child

by LifeScape

Top Rated Toys

There’s one thing that never changes this time of year, the sheer number of toys and games available for the holiday season. We asked pediatric clinicians for gift ideas that kids will love, while promoting growth and development too.

Stomp Rocket

that Build Skills OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS PICKS

Ready, Set, Sort is a colorful matching game that can help shape your child’s sorting skills. While this game is loads of fun, it’s a great way to help improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and shape and color recognition.

Your child might also enjoy the Squigz Starter Set. Kids find this toy super motivational thanks to a very addictive “pop” when the suction releases. It helps them work on their fine motor skills, hand strength, and grasp.

Ready, Set, Sort

Peekaboo Learning Farm

Get your kids moving with one of these two toys that come with a “thumbs up” from our Physical Therapists.

The Stomp Rocket is reasonably priced and super motivating. Kids can practice multiple skills with it, from jumping on it with both feet to standing on one foot doing a backwards launch count down for single leg balance.

The Wooden Wobble Board is a versatile, open-ended toy.

Use it as a slide, standing wobble board, racetrack, tunnel and more.

Squigz Starter Set

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS PICKS

There are so many ways to play with toy food! Build your child’s vocabulary skills with the Pretend Food Playset. Children can learn to name all the items and practice prepositions by putting the food on the plate and behind the bowl.

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS PICKS

Pretend Food Playset

There are many options for gifts this year that can provide your child with endless fun and learning opportunities.

Wooden Wobble Board

Check out the Peekaboo Learning Farm! This toy covers a wide range of skills and can grow with your child.

From naming the animals and making the sounds they make to simple math, this toy has so many ways to play.

November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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child by ‘Hood Staff

Giving Secondhand Gifts this Holiday Season

When it comes to gift-giving, we often think everything needs to be new and shiny. While purchasing toys and clothes at garage sales is common, taking those items and wrapping them as gifts has a stigma. Despite an item being secondhand, it is often just as great as if brand new.

There are great local shops, like Once Upon a Child, that sell gently used items – from kid’s clothes and activities to video games and DVDs to furniture and decor. And, with the variety of online sites, like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, you are never too far away from finding exactly what you want.

If you are still on the fence about buying secondhand this holiday season, here are a few things to consider.

1. T hey won’t know if you don’t tell them.

You don’t say, “I hope you enjoy this item I got you from Target” when you give a gift, so why would you need to let them know where it came from now? An even better discussion, though, could be that it doesn’t matter if it was new or not and helping normalize this idea for your child.

2. M issing a box?

While you may score a great find with an item that is still new in the box or has tags on it, that may not always be the case. Think of it like “frustration-free packaging;” your gift is set up and ready to go. If your gently used gift didn’t come with a box, think about how you might

find a fun way to present it. Find a clear tub or container, print a name label, and gift it that way. For most kids, ripping the wrapping paper off is half the fun.

3. I t helps save money – and the environment.

Perhaps the biggest argument that can be made for secondhand gifts is that they can help stretch that dollar. When the shopping list is long or money is tight, you have more buying power if you aren’t buying brand new. Even better is that it is one less toy that may have made its way to the landfill before its useful life was over.

Are you ready to search for used gifts this holiday season? New items come in daily. Here are a few items that make great secondhand gifts: • • • • •

Games Books Dress-up costumes and accessories Sporting goods (bikes, equipment) Toys, dolls, and playsets l

take

$5off $25

or more

May not be used with any other coupon or discount.

Not valid on previously purchased merchandise.

Expires 12-30-21

Find everything you need to keep your little ones layered up and looking good this holiday season at Once Upon A Child!

3804 S. Western Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57105

605-334-0922

>

A N EW A P P R OAC H TO N EAR S I G H T E D N ES S I N K I DS. More and more children are developing myopia, or nearsightedness, due to a combination of genetics and spending more time in front of screens. At Visions, our new Myopia Management Program can help slow the progression of myopia for a better quality of life.

Love what you see.

b e t t e r vi si on for a b e t t e r l i fe

Call today to see how Myopia Management can work for you.

EYE CARE

6201 S. Minnesota Ave. (605) 274.6717

VSNS228-November Hood 1/2 Page H_FNL.indd 1

visions@sdvisions.com sdvisions.com

9/30/20 3:34 PM

November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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teen

by Susie Ryks, Volunteer Services Director, Helpline Center

The Season of Giving

Holidays often mean time off from work for parents and no school days for kids. This provides families with the opportunity to share time together. It’s also a great time for parents to teach their children the importance of giving back.

Volunteering during the holiday season is a great way to spend time together and turn volunteering into a lifetime tradition. The Helpline Center in Sioux Falls provides the critical link between caring community volunteers and the non-profit agencies that need them.

Many families with children and teens want to volunteer together as a way to explore important lessons and values. Each year, the Helpline Center creates guides containing holiday assistance, volunteer opportunities, giving opportunities, and special events to help families find the best setting for them.

Do-It-Yourself Volunteer Projects are perfect for groups, families, and clubs to give back in a meaningful way. This is a great option to complete while you gather as a family, or on your own. Once completed, the projects can be dropped off or mailed to area nonprofits.

Volunteering is a wonderful way for teens to meet new friends, develop new skills, and make a difference in their community. Each year, SALSA (Serve and Learn Student Association) connects with approximately 600 high school students to engage them in volunteerism, giving them the opportunity

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November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com

to meet new friends, explore careers, gain leadership experience, earn hours for scholarship applications and make a difference in their community.

SALSA holds monthly meetings in the five public high schools located in Sioux Falls and Brandon.

Students hear from nonprofit agencies about the needs in our community, learn about individual volunteer opportunities and complete hands-on service projects. Twice a month, students also get together as a large group to volunteer in the community.

Anne Sprecher, a Senior at Lincoln High School and a SALSA member said, “I enjoy volunteering because I am able to give back to the Sioux Falls area and create many new relationships, which is incredibly rewarding. SALSA is a great resource that allows students to learn about volunteering opportunities and the wonderful organizations that make a difference in our community.”

Whether it’s donating toys for kids or volunteering to serve a holiday meal, the Helpline Center can help you find a way to give back during the holiday season. To learn more about SALSA, Holiday Guides, our DIY projects or any of our other services, visit www.helplinecenter.org, or call 211. l

BRINGTHETO

PARTY

Give the Gift that’s on Everyone’s List You’re not ready for your kid to have a smartphone but you need to know where they are. You can use your iPhone to pair your family

member’s watches so everyone can stay in touch, even those without a phone.

Stay healthy this holiday season. Measure your

blood oxygen level and use the ECG app to generate an ECG similar to a single lead electrocardiogram, providing critical data for your doctors and peace of mind for you.

Worried about your loved one falling?

With fall detection, if it detects you moving, it will wait for you to respond. If it doesn’t detect movement for a minute, it will make the call automatically.

Stay in shape this holiday season.

Track your daily activity and measure all your favorite workouts, even swimming!

Do you get enough sleep?

Let the sleep app help you establish a regular bedtime routine and keep track of your sleep trends night after night.

Whether it’s a small family night out or a holiday blowout for the whole company, you bring the people, we’ll supply the fun! Talk to us about gift cards and packages too!

All New Indoor!

Entertainment Open Year Round!

HyperBowling Mini Bowling 7D Theater 2-Story Laser Tag Ax Throwing Th Bumper Cars Large Arcade Event Rooms + Rev it Up Grille Restaurant

See us next spring for...

Exciting Go-Karts Outdoor Mini Golf Fun! Euro Bungy

Tilt-A-Whirl Water Wars Batting Cages Laser Maze

You can do all of this without your phone!

Built in cellular allows you to get calls and texts, stream Apple music, and talk to Siri, all without your phone.

Apple Pay is always close at hand, too.

An Apple Watch Series 7 is a great gift for everyone on your list.

Tech tip brought to you by:

201 N. Kiwanis Ave. 605-334-4181

ThunderRoadSiouxFalls.com Sioux Falls, SD 41st & Louise next to EyeMart (605) 362-2900 Dawley Farm in front of Target (605) 275-4146

Also in Aberdeen and Watertown.

November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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deals & steals

liday HoDeals & Steals

If making memories is on your to-do list for 2022, these gift ideas from local attractions and businesses will help with your holiday shopping, with toys, classes, memberships, and more! You’ll find something for everyone on your list.

1 Great Bear Ski Valley www.greatbearpark.com Give the gift of winter fun! From November 26th to November 29th, get an extra 10% on gift card purchases on our website.

3 Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History www.greatzoo.org

From November 15th to December 6th, receive 15% off your zoo membership purchase. Plans start at just $60 and are a great stocking stuffer for a full year of fun!

Use code GIFT2021 online to redeem.

2 4 Sioux Falls Skyforce https://siouxfalls.gleague.nba.com

From Dec 5 -15, Buy One Get One FREE – Flex Pack Tickets! Vouchers can be redeemed in any quantity, for any game (based on availability). Contact the Skyforce office to purchase, 605-332-0605.

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November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com

Museum of Visual Materials www.sfmvm.com

Holiday Curbside Crafts: Order craft kits to go for an easy and fun crafting experience at home! Great to entertain adults and kids for a fun holiday activity. ONLY $5.

deals & steals

5 Visions Eye Care www.sdvisions.com

25% OFF KIDS BLUE-LIGHT FILTERING GLASSES! GlamBaby non-prescription glasses keep your little one’s eyes safe on screens. Optical quality frame with blue filter to help your kids get better sleep and combat eye strain. Now only $30 through 12/31/21.

6 Once Upon a Child www.onceuponachild.com/locations/ sioux-falls-sd Your money can go even further when you mention or show this Hood exclusive deal to get 10% off one purchase.

November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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deals & steals

7

8

Color Me Mine https://siouxfalls.colormemine.com/

Looking for that perfect gift? Pick up one of our gift cards and “Gift an Experience!”

Ornaments to-go kits will also be back this year. Watch our social media for a Black Friday Special and other holiday ideas.

Sky Zone Sioux Falls www.skyzone.com/siouxfalls

Attention: FREE MONEY! Are you looking for an awesome and great stocking stuffer?

Get in on the action while supplies last!

For every $40 you spend on gift cards you get a $10 bonus card. This offer ends 12/31/21.

2022 Season

pass sale $90 WET-N-WILD SEASON PASS ..............................................................(Including Tax)

Reg Price: $160.00 ($70 Off) Pays for itself by the third visit! Unlimited visits seven days a week.

$220 TRANSFERABLE SEASON PASS ........................................................(Including Tax) Reg Price: $310.00 ($90 Off) Transferable to anyone seven days a week using a barcode card.

One person per day.

DAY TICKET .................................................................................................... $20

Reg price: $30.00 ($10 Off) Valid for anyone 2 years of age or older.

(Including Tax)

SALE ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2021 Guaranteed lowest prices of the season. So don't wait! Purchase your passes and tickets now!

Purchase online at WildWaterWest.com or call 605-361-9313 Sale prices include sales tax and expire 12/31/21.

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November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com

Dear SantaPlease bring me ANYTHI N G from Kidtopia Toy Store!

ge | 605-275-4825

th & Weste

lla • Dawley Farm Vi rn | 605-334-4825

The Bridges at 57

605.553.9910

www.kidtopiakids.com

SKYZONE.COM/SIOUXFALLS November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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E T A R B CELE

!

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

Champion $ 199

• • • • • •

Fan Experience Package

SCAN THE CODE for more information about Party Packs

Autographed Skyforce Jersey Discount on Extra Tickets

•

•

MVP $ 299

• • • • • • • • •

Your Ultimate Laser Tag and Virtual Reality adventure. Only at Galaxy Gaming.

Bring your friends and we’ll bring THE FUN!

Gift cards are now n available.

Open daily, no reservation required!

www.thegalaxygaming.com 24 |

November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com

deals & steals

9 Skate City SD www.skatecitysd.com

Rent out the rink this winter for a fun family gathering, celebration, or just for a fun outing day. Have the entire place to yourself giving you plenty of space and a personalized experience focused on you and your group.

10 SafeSplash Sioux Falls www.safesplash.com/locations/ sioux-falls-south-sd Grandma asking for a great gift idea for the kiddos? Tell her to give the gift of a lifetime of water safety, adventure, and joy. Pass along this phone number (605) 202-3880 and we’ll take care of the rest.

12 Wild Water West Waterpark www.wildwaterwest.com It’s time to start thinking about some funin-the-sun waterpark season passes for the 2022 summer season. Discount passes on sale for only $90 until December 31st!

Don’t miss out on South Dakota’s largest waterpark and only wave pool.

13 Washington Pavilion www.washingtonpavilion.org

Give the gift of a Washington Pavilion experience! Redeem Pavilion Bucks for Kirby Science Discovery Center and Visual Arts Center admission, Pavilion memberships and performances and more.

11 Disney on Ice dennysanfordpremiercenter.com

Ready to Celebrate the holidays? Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate comes to Denny Sanford PREMIER Center on December 2-5. Sing along with your favorite friends, Anna, Elsa, and all of the Disney Princesses. Tickets on sale now.

November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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deals & steals

14 Children’s Museum of South Dakota www.prairieplay.org Give the gift of play with a gift certificate or play along with us all year with a membership! Members save 10% in our gift shop Play Central Toys & Books every day and 20% the first Thursday of each month.

15 605 Ninja www.605ninja.com Give the gift of Ninja! Kids love our open gym passes where they can come play like a ninja warrior. See our website for all of our Christmas specials, including discounted gym passes at 3 for $33!

GIVE THE GIFT OF SWIMMING !

Gift cards available a t SafeSplash Sioux Falls!

(605) 202-3 690

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November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com

deals & steals

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Thunder Road Entertainment www.ThunderRoadSiouxFalls.com Buy the best present, the present of Fun. $50 in Thunder Road cash for $40 (Code: Hood 50) or $100 for $75 (Code: Hood 100). These cards can be used for inside games and attractions or to purchase any Entertainment.

CellOnly www.Cell-Only.com

20% off all Aeropex AfterShokz. Give the gift that everyone wants! 8th generation bone conduction technology, IP67 Waterproof, Lightweight and comfortable and 8-hour battery life.

20

HOLIDAY SPECIAL

% OFF

MEMBERSHIPS

Starting at $4.79/month

Enjoy the flexible benefits of a membership at the Washington Pavilion!

Membership includes exclusive opportunities to experience the sights, sounds and hands-on nature of our facility.

Use promo code MEMBER20 to enjoy 20% off today!

Experience Your Washington Pavilion Valid November 1 through December 31, 2021.

Good for new or renewing memberships.

301 S. Main Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org

November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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deals & steals

Hood’s Top Toys from Kidtopia! www.facebook.com/KidtopiaToys

Shashibo

Fat Brain’s Rock N’ Roller Piano

Discover the geometric secrets of Shashibo!

Each Shashibo cube has 36 magnets, has 4 art designs, and can transform into over 70 shapes! Kids and adults alike will want to get their hands on this twisting and turning fun.

You can even combine two boxes to make bigger shapes! Multiple designs available.

Ages 8+. $22.99

Roll into a ruckus of melody-making fun with Fat Brain’s Rock N’ Roller Piano! The included mallet lets little ones bang out tunes both wild and wonderful. Meanwhile, flip to the other side and spin the wheels or pick up the keyboard side and roll all the wheels at once.

It’s a delightful clatter no kid can resist! Ages 12 months & up. $29.99

Go to thehoodmagazine.com to see our other favorite toys from Kidtopia.

This holiday season, give the gift of

361 Days of ADVENTURE & DISCOVERY! Connect with us!

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

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November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com

Nov. 15 thru Dec. 6,

SAVE 15%

OFF

a Great Plains Zoo membership!

Not valid with other offers.

Use redeem code GIFT2021 online.

4 Things Our

Calendar Can Do for You! There is an abundance of seasonal and holiday activities in the area, but it’s hard to find them all in one spot. That is where the “Things to Do” section on the ‘Hood website comes in!

Here are four things to know about the ‘Hood Events Calendar: 1. Search function! If you want to know if something specific is happening, type in our search bar and hit enter – or use our advanced search function – to find just what you are looking for. You can even tailor your search by age and location to find the perfect outing for your family.

2. Friends or family in town? Find things to do with your guests to allow them to experience our great community.

3. Add in your own events! It may be the ‘Hood Calendar, but it’s for the community, by the community.

If you have something going on that you want our readers to know about, add it to our calendar.

4. Don’t have time to visit our website? Sign up for our newsletter and get our top picks delivered right to your inbox each week. l

KIDS NEVER GET TIRED OF PLAYING, WHICH MAKES A MEMBERSHIP or play pass TO THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM A GREAT GIFT FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES.

Scan to order online!

Brookings, SD

prairieplay.org

November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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Season: January 8th - April 4th, 2022 Visit our website for more information at www.dakotaspirit.com! *Weekly practices Saturdays from 10:00am 11:30am. Ages 5-12

3910 W 59th Street, Sioux Falls SD, 57108 info@dakotaspirit.com | (605) 373-0414

Registration begins soon!

ONLINE REGISTRATION START DATES:

January 4th, 2022 | 7:30AM

Current CPK Families, Alumni, and Central Church Attendees

January 5th, 2022 | 7:30AM New Families

Registration for the 2022-2023 school year is online only.

Visit centralsf.org/cpk or scan the QR code for the full details.

We can’t wait to see your child in school next year at CPK! Scan the QR code for more info

3100 W Ralph Rogers Rd | Sioux Falls | 605-336-2303 | centralsf.org/cpk

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November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com

parent

by Amanda Engel, Duncan Law Firm, LLP

Tips for Co-Parenting Success

Over the Holidays

Making holiday plans can be joyous and fun, but when you are co-parenting, it also can be complicated. Coordinating holiday parenting can cause parents extra stress and create tension in any co-parenting relationship. Following some of these tips can help reduce or eliminate holiday co-parenting stress.

1. P lan Ahead. Each parent knows the exact dates of the holidays so don’t let the holidays sneak up on you. Take the time, before the holiday is right around the corner, to talk with your co-parent to determine holiday plans. If you don’t have a set holiday schedule, considering working with your co-parent to create one so there is no confusion as to who has what holiday. Many families use a rotating holiday parenting schedule, so it ensures the children see both parents over holidays on a regular basis. If families live close enough, a holiday can be split in half. Finding a schedule that works best for the children is the most important thing and can relieve some of the stress of holiday parenting.

3. I nform the Other Parent of Travel Plans.

Many families travel over the holidays whether it is to see family that lives far away or go on a holiday trip. If you are traveling for the holiday, be sure the inform the other parent of your travel plans. It is important to keep everyone informed, particularly when one parent is traveling a significant distance or out of state for a holiday.

Be sure to share departure and arrival times as well as the location for the travel plans.

2. U se a Shared Parenting Calendar. Once you and your co-parent have agreed on a holiday schedule for the year, be sure to make note of those decisions in a shared parenting calendar.

The most important thing is to create a holiday parenting schedule that allows your children to make memories, enjoy family traditions, and spend quality time with both parents. l

Make sure all dates and times are accurate and agreed upon. Using a shared parenting calendar eliminates confusion and keeps everyone on the same page.

November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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parent

by Alyssa Parros, M.S., BCBA, LBA Behavior Care Specialists

Use Priming to

TE A D E H T E SAV

Prepare Children for the Holidays What is priming? And no, it is not what you do before you paint, but the concept is similar!

FU N CRUISE

In applied behavior analysis (ABA), priming prepares children for a situation or task by providing the relevant information beforehand. Like priming before painting, you prepare the surface (your child) for the bigger change. Priming is not a rigid strategy, and parents can do it in various ways, such as verbally, through social stories, videos, visual schedules, or a combination of these. With the holidays approaching, priming can be an essential tool in your parenting toolbox to prepare your child to handle the unexpected routines that come along with celebrating.

July 23rd, 2022

Children, especially those with autism, can often struggle with changes in routine and unfamiliar situations, thus making holidays a challenge since they only

2022

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November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com

occur once per year. Think about how many changes are involved when it comes to holiday events: • • • • • • • •

Travel may happen Unfamiliar people and places New foods to try Occur once per year Different activities to participate in Break from school People in their home Different rules and expectations

That is a lot! Therefore, it is crucial to take the time to prepare for these significant changes in routine. In doing so, it will allow for a less stressful time for everyone.

Let’s take Thanksgiving, for example. There can be many new expectations and experiences, like unfamiliar holiday dishes, many family members around, and maybe even the expectation to sit at the table for a particular duration of time. To help your child prepare, look at how you plan on celebrating, identify the parts that your child may struggle with the most, and find ways to practice.

If sitting at the table and participating in the Thanksgiving meal, try setting up your dinner table a few times before Thanksgiving comes. This could also be an opportunity to introduce your child to some of the unfamiliar Thanksgiving foods and practice the table skills during a regular meal. You can make a family-style dinner and practice passing dishes and staying at the table for the meal. To help encourage your child, you will want to provide praise and positive feedback for engaging in those expected behaviors!

When Thanksgiving comes, you can continue to use priming to discuss expectations with your child, prepare them for the people they will see, and reference them back to your practice dinner.

Holidays are a wonderful time of the year, but they can also be stressful for kids when they are not prepared. This year, take the extra time to find ways beforehand to prepare your child for these events so that they can be successful and enjoy! l

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home

by Foley’s Heating & AC, Inc.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness:

How to Protect Your Home November was declared Carbon Monoxide Awareness month in the late 2000s since carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning kills more people in winter than any other time of the year. Because carbon monoxide is known as “the silent killer,” the worst-case scenario is often a result of people using a heating source that they believe is safe and never realize the threat.

The American Medical Association declares there are on average 450 deaths per year resulting from accidental CO poisoning.

Carbon monoxide sources can include heaters, appliances, furnaces, generators, automobiles, and using fuel sources as heating and cooking facilitators, i.e., coal, wood, petroleum, or any fuels that emit CO by combustion.

Another issue is the diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning. The symptoms are similar to a host of other illnesses including headaches, dizziness, weakness, chest pain, nausea, and vomiting. More severe cases can include disorientation, unconsciousness, and potentially long-term neurological disabilities, cardiorespiratory failure, and death.

Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning • I nstall/test CO alarms. They are the only way to detect this poisonous gas. Install alarms on every level of the home and near each sleeping area for maximum protection. Test alarms monthly and check batteries every six months.

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November/December 2021 | thehoodmagazine.com

•H ave fuel-burning appliances inspected regularly.

Arrange for a professional inspection of all fuelburning appliances annually to detect any CO leaks.

•R un kitchen vents or exhaust fans anytime the gas stove is in use. A gas stove is among the most frequent sources of CO poisoning in the home.

To help eliminate the danger of overexposure, always run exhaust fans when cooking. You can also open a nearby window periodically when cooking to allow fresh air to circulate.

•N ever use generators indoors. In the case of a power outage, portable electric generators must be used outside only. Never use them inside the home, in a garage, or in any confined area.

•B e mindful of the garage. Never leave a car running in an attached garage. Even if the garage door is open, CO emissions can leak into the home.

•K now whom to call. If a CO alarm sounds, leave the home immediately and call 9-1-1. l

TWO VACCINES IN ONE VISIT ANNUAL FLU VACCINE: • Recommended for everyone 6 months and older

440-268-941 9/21

COVID-19 VACCINE: • Recommended for everyone 12 years and older who has not received it yet

Visit sanfordhealth.org to learn more or find a location near you.