October 2020 - The Hood Magazine

‘hood OCTOBER 2020

TM

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

FREeE Tak ! one

Childcare Directory

Working From Home & Schooling From Home

inside

Keeping Our Homes Clean and Sanitized During Covid-19

een low Haland Fall Crafts and Snacks

Join the Fun!

Great Plains Zoo

Sioux Falls

October 23 – 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM October 24 – 10 AM – 5 PM October 25 – 10 AM – 5 PM For a DISCOUNT on tickets:

Admissions Adult - Walk-up ........ $14.75 Adult - Online ............ $12.75 Children - Walk-up ... $11.25 Children - Online ....... $9.25 Members - Walk-up .. $7.00 Members - Online ..... $5.00

purchase ahead online at: greatzoo.org/zooboo Connect with us!

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

THE CORN MAZE at Yogi Bear’s™ Jellystone Park SIOUX FALLS, SD

MORE THAN JUST A

CORN MAZE! Come explore over 7 acres of corn maze!

Also included with admission: • The areas only jumping pillow • FREE miniature golf on the new 9-hole course!

• Plenty of photo ops!

Expanded offering of pay activities including tye dye tshirts, ceramics,and laser tag.

For more information call: 605-332-2233

siouxfallscornmaze.com

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

contents October 2020 cover story 17 Childcare Directory/

Working Parent Issue

baby 8 Baby Safety Switches Easy ways to make your home safe for your littles.

12

10

parent

health/wellness

22 Child Support and

24 Back From School

10 Craft & Snack

23 Boomerang Feature

in every issue Mummy jars and snack boards.

Job Changes

When is it time to talk to the Courts?

A safe and smart app to get your kids where they need to go.

First Thing To Do – Wash Hands.

Advice to stay healthy from an Infectious Disease doctor.

25 When School-Aged Kids Struggle with Constipation

Helping your children with this tough subject.

child 9 Kid Jokes

Local kiddos crack us up.

Sponsored by Voyage Credit Union.

12 Kids in Halloween Costumes

teen

home

14 Working From Home

26 Tire Safety Tips for

and Schooling From Home

Photos and tips to make your new routine easier.

Check out local kids to get inspired for Halloween.

Eyesight is an important part of your child’s health.

4 | October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

28 Keeping Our Homes How sanitizing can safe your sanity.

Halloween

14 Visions Eye Care Feature

Take a few moments to ensure your family’s safety.

Clean and Sanitized During Covid-19

13 Alternative Ideas for New ways to celebrate Halloween during a pandemic.

Busy Parents

25

30 Can We Just Vent

About Kids, Lost Legos and Dust?

Keeping your HVAC safe for little hands.

welcome

Happy Fall

We know the past year has been hard for working parents! You have been trying to do it all...homeschooling, work, keeping up with the house, and parenting! It is exhausting... but you are doing an amazing job! If you are homeschooling or working from home and haven’t quite set up your office yet, we have some ideas for you!

If you are new to going to daycare or looking to go back to daycare, we have some childcare centers for you to look at and have done the research of the what they have to offer!

If you are thinking all about Halloween and Fall, this issue is full of fun things to do as a family! We have lots of fun Halloween Traditions we do each year, but if you are looking for some alternative ideas this year make sure to check out our website! For lots of other fun fall ideas and events going on in our community check out thehoodmagazine.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Steff

and the ‘Hood Team

‘hood

Art & Design Director

President & Publisher

Digital Media Director

TM

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

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

Copy Editor Shelly Gaddis

Ally Vogel

Jaclyn Small

Contributing Photographer Arcane Imagery 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.

We welcome article proposals, story suggestions and unsolicited articles and will consider all submissions for publication. Please send your thoughts, ideas and submissionsto Hoodlums@thehoodmagazine.com.

Magazine feedback and advertising and marketing inquiries to steff@thehoodmagazine.com. ©2020 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:

Identity Protection Importance:

Have you thought about the importance of protecting your identity as your online shopping has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic? Alexis Warner from Woods Fuller helps us with some easy tips to stay safe while shopping online.

Silly Spider Webs:

Our friends at the Museum of Visual Materials are back with a silly and simple fall craft for your little ones to enjoy! With only a few simple items, your child can create their own spider web craft to proudly display!

Addressing Accidents:

Holly Liston from Yellow Brick Road Therapy and Counseling helps us understand the importance of addressing the trauma from an accident to minimize the impact on our mental health.

Mortgage Masters: If you are considering a mortgage in the near future, head over to Hood Online to get your top mortgage questions answered by Dawn Van Nieuwenhuyzen with Plains Commerce Bank Mortgage.

thank you Community Sponsors

mortgage

BY PLAINS COMMERCE BANK

‘Hood Community Directories at Your Fingertips Did you know that our ‘Hood Childcare Directory and Birthday Party Directory are available to you by just scanning this QR Code and going directly to our website?

Resources for your busy life at your fingertips...courtesy of ‘Hood Magazine!

EATE AYCR RNPL

#LEA

Stay In The Know:

‘Hood Magazine is much more than a magazine!

We also have a community of parents who stay involved and connected through our regular emails and through our social media. If you’d like to join our email community, simply go to thehoodmagazine.com/pages/subscribe or scan the QR code above.

Yellow Brick Road

COUNSELING

& THERAPY

October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

7

baby

by ‘Hood Magazine

Baby Safety Switches One day you’re bringing home a sweet little bundle of joy, a little human that is so cute, snuggly, and stationary. Then all of a sudden you blink, and that sweet baby no longer likes to stay where you last set them!

As babies become more mobile, they also become more inquisitive. When they are able to explore new areas of the house, it’s now time to take a good look around and do some baby-proofing. Of course, most stores carry a variety of baby proofing items...everything from outlet covers and cabinet locks to padded corners for tables and counters.

I have never purchased many baby safety items...

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October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

our family prefers to make some simple changes within our home and to our routine to get us through this stage. Here is a look at some of the ways we have made our home safer for a baby on the move:

Outlet covers. As I stated before, I don’t typically buy a lot of products for baby proofing, but outlet

•G etting in the habit of closing the bathroom when you are finished. There’s nothing for babies in a bathroom! Rather than buy locks for toilets and cabinets we choose to just keep them out of there all together if we can.

•M ake a furniture swap! We like to make the most out of what we have. Sometimes just some simple rearranging is all that needs to be done. For example, I put away our coffee table that has hard edges and replaced it with a softer ottoman from another room.

• E nsure your shelving is secure. Hopefully any heavy book shelves or console tables are already safely secured to the wall to avoid any tipping. If they are not, now is the perfect time to do a walk-through of your home and double check!

•C lean those kitchen cabinets. I don’t lock any of our kitchen cabinets...instead I clean them out and do some rearranging. I like to keep items the kids use lower so they are within easy reach for them to grab on their own. If you don’t have the non-breakable stuff down low, now is the time to make the switch. Plus, that plastic container and lid cupboard can provide hours of entertainment for little ones if they choose to explore it!

Mobile babies can be challenging (and fast!) but with some easy changes at home you’ll be able to keep that little daredevil safe and sound. l

Submitted by Hank B.

1. What do you call a sleeping dinosaur?

Click on Hank’s and Maximus’ pics to watch a video of them telling their jokes!

Submitted by Maximus H.

2. How do you make a tissue dance?

Submitted by Lydia

3. Why can you not give Elsa a balloon?

Answer: Because she will Let It Go

Some other small changes we make to ensure our home is more baby friendly are:

Want to be published in ‘Hood?

Watch our Facebook page for the next callout for jokes!

Answer: Put a Boogie in it!

Stair gates. The other item that I like to make sure we have is a gate for our stairs. You can find several styles and sizes in stores or online.

For our family, I opted to make our own. With just a little bit of wood I was able to make a gate that was both practical and pretty. This new phase isn’t short lived, so it’s important to go with a style that you’re happy with.

kids jokes & giggles

Answer: A sleeping dinoSNOREus

covers are an item I think every family needs!

I’m not sure what is so fascinating about those little electrical sockets, but they are a magnet for little fingers and toys. Covers are relatively inexpensive so grab a box and get them covered!

Special kids section brought to you by:

Life’s Good Here voyagefcu.org • 605-338-2533 October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

9

craft & snack

Spooky

Snack Board

Cheese boards and charcuterie boards are more popular than ever right now. We decided to give our charcuterie board a spooky twist with special snacks for Halloween. Go ahead, give this a try on your next family movie night!

Share 10 |

October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

Let’s see your spooky snack board. Use #hoodathome to share a photo with us on Facebook or Instagram!

Mason Jar SUPPLIES: Mason Jars- various sizes Googly Eyes White First-Aid bandage wrap Battery operated candle INSTRUCTIONS: Wrap your jars with the bandage wrap and add on eyes. Use jars of various sizes to create an adorable Halloween inspired centerpiece!

October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

11

Halloween Costumes Dressing up in a fun and unique costume on Halloween is a tradition that families enjoy every year. There are unlimited possibilities for your family to express their creativity, so we asked our local followers to send us some photos for Halloween Costume Inspiration. Make sure to check out our website, thehoodmagazine.com for more even more unique ideas!

Trick-or Treat

Alternatives Everything about this year has been different, so there is no surprise that the way you celebrate Halloween may be different too. With a global pandemic happening, you may choose to try something new this year.

Schedules, weather and even Covid-19 may play factor in our plans for Halloween this year, so we put together some fun alternative Halloween ideas that your family may be interested in.!

1. H alloween Movie Night. Find a Halloween movie to watch as a family (it doesn’t have to be anything scary, unless your family enjoys that) and do it up right! There are so many fun Halloween inspired foods you can find online, give it a quick search and make a spread! Be sure to check out our Halloween Snack Board on page 10, that would be the perfect addition for movie night!

2. T runk-or-treating. Gather some neighborhood friends and set up a Trunk-or-treat. Park on your driveway and simply hand out treats from the trunk of your vehicle. This allows for your child to still get the trick-or-treating experience in a much more controlled atmosphere. You’re eliminating touch points like doors and doorbells and gatherings of several kids on a door step, but still able to come home with treats and candy!

3. C raft Night! From decorating Halloween cookies to carving pumpkins, use this time to get extra creative with the family!

4. F amily party! Most Halloweens are kind of hectic.

Between getting home from work, picking up kids, dinner, getting their costumes on, and trying to get out the door again it can be stressful! Take advantage of this year by actually enjoying the holiday and throw a little family party. Themed treats, games, even a piñata would be a blast! Don’t forget the traditional games like bobbing for apples! l

October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

13

>

EY ES I G H T I S A N I M P O RTA N T PA RT O F YO U R C H I L D ’S H EA LT H

Healthy eyes and vision play a big role in your child’s development. Their eyes should be examined regularly because many vision problems and eye diseases can be detected and treated early.

L E A R N I N G S TA RTS W I T H V I S I O N Did you know one in four children struggle with learning because of undiagnosed vision problems? Since most classroom learning is visual, it’s a good idea to have your child’s vision tested.

But like any trip to a doctor, kids might feel a little apprehensive before their appointment. Visions Eye Care has optometrists that are specially trained in working with children. There are even dedicated exam rooms just for kids with kid-friendly design to make appointments something they’ll look forward to.

B E YO N D R O U T I N E E Y E C A R E Sometimes vision cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts. For those situations, consider Vision Therapy – an individualized program designed to correct visual-motor and/or visual processing deficiencies. Vision Therapy can strengthen the connection between the eyes and the brain to improve eye alignment, tracking, focusing, and movements.

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October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

M O S T C O M M O N R E A S O N S TO C O N S I D E R VISION THERAPY •

Learning difficulties, especially reading, letter or word reversals, tracking issues, headaches, eye fatigue, or trouble focusing

• Binocular vision disorders such as lazy eye, eye turn or teaming issues • Traumatic brain injuries such as concussions or stroke • Sports vision training to help compete at a higher level

THE IMPORTANCE OF SENSORY SKILLS Sensory skills are important to child development. Visions has a pediatric occupational therapist who can help improve cognitive and motor skills as well as self-care, behavioral and social skills. Have your child’s skills evaluated for playing and daily activities and compare them for what is age appropriate.

GLASSES CAN BE FUN FOR KIDS The Optical Boutique at Visions has one of the largest selections of kids frames in the area. With frames ranging from stylish to durable, and everything in between, even the pickiest child is sure to find a look they love. The team at Visions is dedicated to making the selection and fitting process fun.

VISIONS EYE CARE THERAPY CENTER WEB EMAIL

(605) 274.6717 (605) 271.7100

sdvisions.com visions@sdvisions.com

EYE CARE + THERAPY CENTER

October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

15

teen by ‘Hood Magazine

Working From Home &

Schooling From Home Working from home can be a challenging adjustment for many parents.

Schooling from home can be a challenging adjustment for many parents.

However, doing both at the same time can prove to be an incredibly difficult task...even for the best multi-taskers!

Visit

‘honood the W EB

to see virtual spaces submittwork ed our readers by

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October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

TM

Thousands of families across our region have decided to take this route for the 2020-2021 school year and we asked families to show us some photos of the workspaces that they have created for their students and for themselves. Head over to thehoodmagazine.com and look for our Working From Home and Schooling From Home section to see other local families workspaces!

Everything from kitchen tables to under-stairway hideouts are becoming classrooms and office spaces for this school year! It is said that necessity is the mother of invention and this school year is offering many opportunities for families to invent new ways to participate in work, school and life together. Here are a few tips that have been working well for our family...we’d love to hear yours as well!

Chime in over on our social media channels to let us know what is working for you!

CRASH

Car Repair And Safety Help

USING ACTUAL CARS TEENS WILL LEARN: • Basic Car Maintenance • What’s Under the Hood • How To Change a Tire • What to Do in an Emergency • Safe Backing

• Dashboard Icons • Laws of the Road • Dangers of Impaired & Distracted Driving • Winter Driving Topics subject to change

Saturday, November 14 | 10am-2:30pm AGES 13-18 | COST $25 Lunch Included Registration is required. Learners permit not required. Limited spots available.

1. C ommunication Center: As we have multiple children in a wide range of grades, we have made it a point to over-communicate the needs of each person in the house. We have a physical calendar for activities, another one for meals and chores each day and yet another for the layout of our school day. This helps everyone easily see what they can do to help so Mom doesn’t lose her patience as often!

Visit Our Website to Learn More or to Register!

605.334.7233 safetyvillage.org

2. S chool Cart: We found an inexpensive metal cart on wheels with three bins and we have turned that into our school cart for our elementary age children. One bin has all of the crayons, markers, colored pencils, etc in jars and bins so they are easy to grab when needed. The other two bins hold the daily workbooks, dry erase sheets, iPad and cord and activity books. Having everything easily organized allows the children to take ownership of their items and know where to find them so I don’t have to stop what I’m doing to search for things.

3. B usy Bins: We turned a three drawer tote into a busy bin for the kids. This is filled with things such as word games, playing cards, coloring books and puzzles to keep the kids busy if I need them to be occupied while I help one of their siblings. Simple items such as a memory game or playing cards to play slapjack or solitaire can buy a parent 10-15 minutes of distraction-free time for any age child. l

ARTISAN BREADS MADE FRESH FROM SCRATCH. MAIN

33rd & Duluth SOUTH

57th & Cliff

WEST

26th & Marion

EAST

26th & Sycamore

October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

17

childcare directory

2020

Childcare Directory

If you are new to going to daycare or looking to go back to daycare, we have some amazing childcare options for you to consider! We have done all of the research for you so you know what each business offers. You can quickly and easily find our Childcare Directory all year long at www.thehoodmagazine.com too!

Apple Tree Learning Centers www.appletreechildren.org

Phone: 605-339-9571(Apple Tree East), 605361-9875 (Apple Tree West), 605-332-5581 (Apple Tree North), 605-361-7746 (Apple Tree Valhalla) Location: 3309 East 26th Street (Apple Tree East), 6400 West 43rd Street (Apple Tree West), 700 North Sycamore (Apple Tree North), 4101 Valhalla Blvd (Apple Tree Valhalla) Services Offered: Before/Afterschool Care, Faith Based, Preschool, Play Based, Drop In, Full-Time, Part-Time, School, Aged Summer Care, Center-Based, Transportation Description: Our mission is to provide exceptional care while offering ageappropriate learning opportunities in the context of a Christ-centered worldview.

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October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

Toys Wanted!

Make some extra Christmas cash while clearing out the old toys to make room for Santa’s new arrivals in December!

EARN

Cash ON THE SPOT!

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire www.bgcsiouxempire.org

Phone: 605-338-8061 Location: Multiple locations in Sioux Falls, Brandon and Harrisburg Services Offered: Before/Afterschool Care, Preschool, Play Based, Drop In, Full-Time, Part-Time, School Aged, Summer Care, CenterBased, Transportation Description: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire is committed to supporting children and youth at each stage of life. From infant to age 18, we’re providing enriching programs that are aimed to enhance social, intellectual, physical, academic and emotional well-being.

3804 S. Western Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57105

605-334-0922

2

SIOUX FALLS LOCATIONS

Climberz www.sdclimberz.com

Phone: 605-929-4492 Location: 1207 N Carla Ave, Tea Services Offered: Before/Afterschool Care, PartTime, Center-Based, Transportation Description: Experience the rush of indoor climbing for all ages and experience levels. Our afterschool program is full of activities, learning, and fitness! We provide pickup transportation from Tea Area Schools.

Your baby is perfect. Finding the perfect place for her to grow starts here.

Early Learning Academy

BGCSiouxEmpire.org ● 605.338.8061 October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

19

childcare directory

EmBe www.embe.org/hood

Phone: 605-336-3660 (EmBe Downtown), 605-362-9438 (EmBe South) Location: 300 W 11th Street (EmBe Downtown), 3510 E Ralph Rodgers Road (EmBe South) Services Offered: Before /Afterschool Care (South location only), Preschool, Drop-In, FullTime, Part-Time, School Aged Summer Care (South location only), Transportation, CenterBased Description: EmBe helps children learn and grow. We offer a safe and fun way for kids to develop new skills, friendships and personal and social values.

Gimme-A-Break, Inc. www.facebook.com/GimmeABreak05

Encore Learning Center www.encorelearningcenter.com

Phone: 605-275-2223 Location: 5111 E. Rosa Parks Place, Sioux Falls Services Offered: Before/After School Care, Preschool, Play Based, Drop-In, Full-Time, Part-Time, School-Aged Summer Care, Center Based, Transportation Description: BRAND-NEW FACILITY! Amazing preschool curriculum! Teachers who are valued and LOVE their jobs! We love our families! Lots of space to explore and learn!

Call for a tour today!

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October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

Phone: 605-275-5725 Location: 2425 S. Shirley Avenue, Ste. 113 & 114, Sioux Falls Services Offered: After-School Care, Play Based, Drop-In, Full-Time, Part-Time, School-Aged Summer Care, Center Based, Transportation, Nights, Weekends Description: We have been serving our community for 15 years! Use us for date nights, shopping, your back-up provider or when you just need a break! Open nights & weekends!

childcare directory Description: It’s an extra-curricular activity that focuses on art, sensory, and CREATING! Even better, we meet RIGHT after school.

Transportation available in Harrisburg.

Kids Crossing www.kidscrossingdaycare.com

Phone: 605-271-1471 Location: 6101 S. Mogen Ave, Sioux Falls Services Offered: Before/Afterschool Care, Faith Based, Preschool, Play Based, Full-Time, Part-Time, Special Needs, School Aged Summer Care, Center-Based, Transportation Description: We’re a Christian childcare center committed to providing a safe & loving learning environment for children four weeks to twelve years. We offer unique scheduling options.

The Makers Nook www.themakersnook.com

Phone: 605-496-2380 Location: Harrisburg, S.D. inside Lavas Java’s Services Offered: Afterschool Care, Play based

Truks-N-Trykes www.truks-n-trykes2.com

Phone: 605-274-0404 (Truks-N-Trykes 2), 605-274-1819 (Truks-N-Trykes 3), 605-3719770 (Truks-N-Trykes PlayCare), 605-900-6183 (Truks-N-Trykes NurseryCare), 605-900-6340 (Truks-N-Trykes Early LearningCare) Location: 5000 S McCarthur Ave (TNT2), 2908 S Phillips Ave (TNT3), 3400 S Centerfield Place (TNTPC), 4825 S Hosta Ave (TNTNC), 4800 N 4th Ave (TNTELC) Services Offered: Before/Afterschool Care, Preschool, Play Based, Full-Time, Part-Time, School Aged Summer Care, Center-Based Description: At Truks-N-Trykes, we create a nurturing environment for your child to develop and enjoy every day with us and we offer specially designed rooms for each age group.

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

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

Apple Tree Valhalla 4101 Valhalla Blvd.

605-361-7746

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

October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

21

parent

by Duncan Law

Child Support and Job Changes Each parent has a financial obligation to support their child or children. Child support is a form of support payment that can be agreed upon by the parents or ordered by the Court or a child support referee. The amount each parent is to contribute is set according to support guidelines established under South Dakota law.

The amount of child support a parent is obligated to pay is based on a formula, but there are deviations and abatements that may apply to your particular situation. A parent’s income largely determines the amount of child support he or she is required to pay the other parent. However, when a parent changes job, child support does not automatically change.

A parent must petition the Court to change the child support order. Changing the amount or terms of court-ordered child support is referred to as “child support modification.” If the child support order was established or last modified: (1) before July 1, 2017; or, (2) more than three years have passed since establishment or modification of the order, you do not have to state any change in circumstances within the petition. If the order was established after July 1, 2017, and is less than three years old, you must state a substantial change in circumstances before modification

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October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

is appropriate. In any petition for modification, state law provides that the referee and Court may consider health insurance coverage, child care expenses, and immediate wage withholding as part of any decision. In South Dakota, requests for child support modification are handled by state courts and/or child support referees.

If you have a new job that pays less than what you earned when child support was ordered and you are unable to make a payment, it’s important to act as quickly as possible. Child support modifications are not retroactive. This means that you are responsible for the amount originally ordered until a modification is approved by the Court.

Child support modifications can be complicated.

If you have questions or think your child support order needs to be modified, reach out to an attorney today. l

LAUNC

HING S

SPONSORED FEATURE

OON in

SIOUX

FALLS

to drive for the service. Some of the rigorous As your children get older, their schedules standards that must be met include a clean become more complicated and all of us have driving record for 3 years, no criminal record run into situations where we had to be in for the past 7 years (county, state or federal), multiple places at the same time. Until now, PANTONE COLORS: on-going drug screening, and a Zero your family’s options were limited to calling COATED Tolerance a taxi, or skipping an activity...especiallyGreen if PMS 802 Policy regarding smoking, alcohol you do not have family or friends who are or mobile Blue PMS 285 device usage while a rider is in the able to help. Boomerang is a new service to car. Drivers will be monitored in real-time for key risk factors such as braking force, quick our area that aims to give families peace of White acceleration and speed. mind by transporting their children safely to activities with a trusted driver of their Parents can rest assured their children choice. between the ages of 5-17 will arrive safely and on-time when using the single ride, Boomerang has developed a very stringent recurring ride (frequency) or carpool options 15 point driver certification checklist that available on the Boomerang app. every driver must pass before being allowed

How Boomerang Works:

r Watch pfop A r ou g launchin ! soon

1. O pen the Boomerang app and choose your date, time, frequency and driver.

Rides should be scheduled 24 hours in advance, but last minute needs can be accomodated.

2. W hen your driver is headed to pick up your child, you will begin receiving realtime notifications and be able to monitor their ride through our app.

3. W hen your child is safely at their destination, you will be notified!

To learn more please visit:

boomerangrides.com

health & wellness

by Jane Thaden Lawson, Sanford Health News

Back from school, first thing kids should do:

Wash Hands

As school starts this fall, parents may be wondering: What should we do when the kids come home each day? COVID-19 shut the school doors early this spring and sent children and teachers online. Now as schools open with new precautions to keep students and staff safe, there are a few simple things to keep in mind on the home front, too, said Avish Nagpal, M.D., an infectious disease specialist at Sanford Health.

Back-from-school routines “What works well is washing your hands as soon as you enter the house and washing your face,” Dr. Nagpal said. “Those are the things that I think have more impact in preventing disease transmission.”

Leaving shoes, coats, backpacks or school supplies in a separate area or outside the main part of the house is an option, but Dr. Nagpal doesn’t think it’s necessary.

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Dr. Nagpal also said that if a cloth mask isn’t soiled or wet or deteriorating in any way, it could be used a second day before washing. At the beginning of the pandemic, when some clinical masks were in short supply and had to be rationed, they were worn for multiple days. That extra use didn’t result in an increased risk of infection, he said.

“We are finding that the virus doesn’t thrive on surfaces very well,” he said. “… I’m sure some of the spread happens that way. But most of the spread happens with direct close contact inside a confined space.”

“A mask will not offer you 100% protection, but even if it offers 50% protection, you’ve cut your risk of transmission in half,” Dr. Nagpal said. “So wearing a mask is important, and you don’t have to turn your life upside down by washing it every minute or every hour of the day, or after every adventure outside.”

Dr. Nagpal considers hand and face washing to be more practical than a shower immediately when kids walk in the door. They should still shower and change clothes daily, however.

Also, as a parent sending his own children back to school, Dr. Nagpal has a tip for other parents frustrated by not being able to find disinfectant wipes to fulfill school supply lists.

Face mask tips One new thing likely coming home from school regularly with kids this year is their face mask. Ideally, these masks should be washed every day. But Dr. Nagpal understands this may not be practical either. He suggests keeping five or six for each child and saving them up to wash in one laundry load.

Try sending paper towels and cleaner with your child instead, he suggested. “Instead of using the wipes, which are not really available in the market right now, they can just use a paper towel to clean their desks once a day.” l

October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

health & wellness

by Nicole Koskovich, PT, DPT - LifeScape Physical Therapist

When School-Aged Kids Struggle with

Constipation

When a child is first potty training, parents or daycare providers are typically very aware of how often a child is having a bowel movement, if the child is struggling with constipation, and if there are any other concerns related to the child passing a bowel movement.

Once a child has successfully potty trained, it becomes less of a focus or topic of conversation, especially once they start school. It is important to continue to have these conversations with your child to ensure they are not struggling with constipation.

It is also important to find out if there are any barriers to your child having bowel movements at school. They may not feel comfortable wiping independently or passing a bowel movement while peers are in the bathroom. They may be fearful of automatic flushing toilets or hand dryers, or worry they are going to miss out on something while they are in the bathroom. Depending on the teacher’s policy for asking to use the bathroom, the child may not like to draw attention to themselves in front of the entire class. Addressing any roadblocks to your child having a bowel movement at school could positively impact their constipation. Some possible solutions may include:

•H ave the option for a child to use a private bathroom or a bathroom that does not have noisy hand dryers and toilets, such as the nurse’s office.

•W ork with the child’s teacher to discuss possible options for discretely asking to go to the bathroom. This could be a written pass that the child can hand to the teacher, using the sign for “potty” to signal the need to go, or permission from the teacher for the child to get up and go to the bathroom when needed without asking for permission.

•E ncourage the child to take time when they get home from school or get to after-school care, to sit and try to have a bowel movement, which can be very helpful if the child has been withholding a bowel urge all day.

If you are not sure if your child is struggling with constipation, talk with your child’s physician regarding how often your child is having a bowel movement and what those bowel movements look like. l October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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by Discount Tire

Tire Safety For Busy Parents Parents know the importance of flexibility in the face of obstacles that come their way. That’s why eliminating huge disruptions to your day, like tire problems, is important. Your tires are the most valuable safety feature on your vehicle. But with a hectic schedule, it is easy to forget your tires are constantly at work too.

Routine tire maintenance will not only help to extend the life of your tires, but also your whole vehicle. Here are some helpful maintenance tips for keeping your tires in shape when on the go:

1. I nspect Your Tires Regularly At the time that you’re checking the tread depth or washing your car, do a physical inspection of your tires. Look for cracks, bulges, and objects that may have caused a puncture, such as nails, screws or glass. If you do see a puncture in the sidewall of your tire, it will need to be replaced.

A penny can buy you peace of mind when it comes to your tires. Place a penny head first into the tire’s tread grooves. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you have less the 2/32 of an inch of tread depth remaining. If this is the case, your tires need to be replaced.

2. C heck Your Air Pressure Monthly Tires can lose up to 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) of pressure every month. Under-inflated tires tend to wear out faster, which makes regularly checking your air pressure a critical part of vehicle maintenance. It’s easy to let this slide

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October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

to the bottom of your priority list, so buy a tire gauge and keep it handy in your car at all times.

Your tires are properly inflated when they match the manufacturer recommended PSI listed on your vehicle’s tire placard or owner’s manual. By having the proper air pressure, you help ensure that the tires wear evenly, provide a smooth ride, and increase fuel efficiency to help you save money at the gas pump.

3. R otate Your Tires Routine tire rotations are an integral part of tire maintenance. Tires that are not rotated tend to develop uneven or irregular wear that can cause them to deteriorate prematurely. Rotating your tires will also make your ride smoother and handling safer.

There are a variety of factors that can cause uneven tread wear, such as improper air pressure, vehicle alignment, and wheel/tire imbalance. In order to maintain even tread wear and get the maximum life out of your tires, experts recommend rotating your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. l

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October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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by Todd Rensch, Karl’s TV & Appliance

Keeping Our Homes Clean

and Sanitized During COVID-19

Removable divider that converts one oven into two to cook multiple dishes at once with a door that can adjust for use of the top or full oven.

2921 W. 41st Street

(605)336-3244 • www.karlsonline.com

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October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

© Candy Cloud Factory

Flex Duo™ with Dual Door is here to make your meal prep even faster!

2020 will be talked about for decades to come…how we all reacted and what we did or didn’t do during this pandemic. There are numerous opinions associated with this pandemic, but one thing that we are certain of is that we can all be proactive to provide our families healthy methods to handle the effects of the pandemic.

In our homes we can use air purification systems that will assist our home heating and cooling systems to scrub the air and provide clean air exchanges which keep molds, dust, and airborne particle at bay...all in an effort to provide a cleaner and healthier environment. Depending on what brand and how much you spend on a free standing air purifier will depend on the ability it has to scrub down to the lowest levels of cleanliness. It is important to shop and know the difference between just exchanging air and or scrubbing and exchanging the air for healthier results.

When it comes to the items we use in the kitchen, these can be better cleansed during a steam and sanitize cycle in the dishwasher. If you have a member in your home that is exposed or positive to COVID, the CDC recommends using hand protection while handling items they have touched.

Dishwashers today offer both steam and sanitizing options, both are strong offenses to dealing with the everyday viruses we encounter let alone the current pandemic. Making sure that the elements of a dishwasher are all in line, the soap, the rinse aid the hot water and then the added cycles, will help you be 100% confident that the dishes and the pots and pans you are using everyday are free from the viruses that try and attack us year round.

The same is true with the laundry of someone who may have the virus. Wear disposable gloves when handling the laundry. Remember don’t shake the clothing...place it in the washer and set the cycle for sanitize and wash according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is acceptable to wash clothes from the affected individual with the rest of the household laundry. If you don’t have a sanitize cycle or steam cycle, it would be helpful to wash on the highest temp possible. Also, don’t forget to sanitize the laundry basket or hamper after emptying the clothes from it. l

Check out this Video to see how to use your Steam Cycle.

October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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by Foley’s Heating & AC, Inc.

Can We Just Vent About Kids, Lost Legos and Dust?

Believe it or not, your home’s HVAC system is entitled to some TLC as it is largely responsible for making your house livable. After months of pumping cool air throughout, it will soon turn the corner toward warming breezes. Before that happens, you might take a look to see how dirty the vents and register coverings have become.

While it is recommended to periodically have your ductwork cleaned by a professional, cleaning the vents, register covers and immediate duct area goes a long way to minimizing airborne irritants.

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might be merely a nuisance to retrieve food items and small toys from having been slipped into the slotted void, those items can be detrimental to the efficiency of HVAC operation. Vents and openings can also be dangerous for little ones.

If you go for the quick swipe of the vacuum wand and/or brush each time you vacuum you are only scratching the surface. Chances are you need to remove the coverings and give them a good brush and/or wash. Once removed, take the shop vac and vacuum the ductwork as far as you can reach. Oh, and be sure to turn off the blower prior to these steps, as you wouldn’t want to catch a face full of dusty business while going about your business.

While vacuuming did you happen to hear what sounded like a foreign object getting sucked up?

Read on...

If your vent and registers coverings are not secured, make it a priority to complete this task. If screws are not an option then consider using velcro or adhesive. If a child is able to remove the covering it certainly becomes more of an inviting drop zone for toys and it can also be a hazard for getting a tiny foot or arm stuck. Sharp edges of ductwork should be covered if any are exposed. Speaking of sharp edges, the vents and register covers themselves might be sharp, especially metal ones. Consider replacing these with wood or plastic versions.

Any household that includes little people crawling around realizes quickly that they have a way of getting into a myriad of things and places we’d rather they avoid. It’s easy to remember to childproof cupboards and drawers, stairways and outlets, but how about your HVAC vents and registers? While it

Once all coverings are secured, you might find that determined tots are still able to wedge items between the fins or slots. In order to collect those items, consider attaching a piece of screen or breathable dryer sheets to the underside of the vent. l

October 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

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GET THE FLU VACCINE Protect your family and community A flu vaccine at Sanford Health can prevent you from getting sick and protect the people around you. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone 6 months and older, especially those at higher risk of complications including pregnant women, older adults and young children.

Visit sanfordhealth.org to find a location.

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