Vancouver Family Magazine December 2019

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All in the Family:

Parents and Children "Play" Together

Money$mart Kids

Christmas in Kenya

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contents

16

FEATURE ARTICLES

12

Elsa's Juggle How a visit to Africa changed one family forever

16

All in the Family Parents participating with their kids in activities

22

Raising Money Smart Kids Ways to help kids develop financial literacy

December ‘19

IN EVERY ISSUE

22

10

12

6

Editor’s Notes

8

The New Domesticity Gifts that last for generations

10

Renaissance Dad For the love of tradition

26

Calendar of Events & Activities

ON THE WEB • Theater Review: Journey Theater Arts Group presents "A Wonderful Life" • Theater Review: Metropolitan Performing Arts presents "A Charlie Brown Christmas" • December Kindness Advent • Chef Perry's Secrets to a Less Stress Holiday Feast

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

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EDITOR'S NOTES

Photo: Scarlette Richards – scarlette.squarespace.com

Money, Money, Money In today’s world, it seems that money makes

the world go ‘round. All of the technology and assets a modern family needs to function in competitive workplaces and schools are for sale. And managing a household—whether

an apartment or an estate—requires constant

financial resources. Heck, simply flushing the toilet adds another uptick to the water bill balance.

With so much financial demand, it’s no wonder that many families

are drowning in debt. According to www.debt.org and the New York

www.VancouverFamilyMagazine.com

Volume 18, Issue 12 Publisher

Julie Buchan Julie@vancouverfamilymagazine.com (360) 882-7762

Editor

Nikki Klock Nikki@vancouverfamilymagazine.com (360) 882-7762

Associate Editor

Sarah Mortensen Sarah@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Graphic Designer

I-Shüan Warr Ishuan@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Federal Reserve, the U.S. consumer debt (including home mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and student loans) is currently at $13.86 trillion. The pressures are real, but so are the solutions.

In a culture where our very attention and loyalty are up for grabs to the highest bidders, we can say “no” to things we simply can’t

afford. It takes guts, it takes commitment, and it takes a willingness

to reject the prevailing notion that our worth is found in our outward

appearance, the square footage of our home, or the brand tags on our clothing. But experiencing that epiphany has the power to change lives.

As we teach our kids to manage money, let’s lead by example in

showing them the self-respect that comes from living within our means, and that the best things in life really are free.

Learn more about teaching kids to manage money from contributing writer Brooke Strickland, who interviewed financial experts and me

Ad Designer

Philip Nerat addesign@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Contributing Writers

Julianna Lawson, Muyoka Mwarabu, Perry P. Perkins, Brooke Strickland

Ad Sales

sales@vancouverfamilymagazine.com Vancouver Family Magazine is published monthly by Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC Address: PO Box 820264 Vancouver, WA 98682 Tel: 360-882-7762 Copyright 2002-2019. All rights reserved.

No portion of Vancouver Family Magazine may be reproduced without the written permission from the publisher.

Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC and staff do not recommend or endorse any service, product, or content represented in this magazine or on our website.

The sole purpose of this publication is to provide information on available services and/or products. It is the consumer’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of information given. Vancouver Kidz Magazine, LLC, and/or Julie Buchan and Nikki Klock and staff do not assume and disclaim any liability to any party for any loss or damage caused by error or omission in this magazine or on our website. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

(certainly not an expert, just an experienced parent) about helping kids develop a healthy relationship with money, on page 22.

On the Cover: Almost 3-year old Lanie of Vancouver, loved spending time with her family in the snow last March.

Nikki Klock, Editor nikki@vancouverfamilymagazine.com

Photo by Ashley M Vargas @ashleymvargas7 www.ashleymvargas.com

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

Seamstress. Mom of eight. Midwife.

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

7

THE NEW DOMESTICITY

the

NEW DOMESTICITY

1

al t n e m S enti ng Givi

By Julianna Lawson

The soft glow of candlelight bounces

through etched crystal. We pass around sparkling cranberry cider, adding a vibrant crimson hue to the festive setting. The crystal goblets touch our lips as we laugh, sing, and visit. I look fondly from face to face, warmed by family gathered around my holiday table, and my mind wanders back in time. How many conversations have these vintage goblets been privy to? How many cups of sweet cordial have sparkled and fizzed in them throughout the years?

We are drinking, of course, from Grandma Fern’s crystal goblets, for nothing else would do on a holiday.

December naturally turns our thoughts toward gift giving, and I wonder if we might grow somewhat thoughtful this year, considering gifts that hold sentimental value. Perhaps gift selection heightens feelings of anxiety and helplessness in your frazzled holiday heart.

Let’s consider three categories of sentimental gift-giving that might ease that burden somewhat: naming, collecting, and sharing.

Naming

When we named our “Grandma Fern Goblets,” they took on a life of their own. Simple drinking glasses transformed from housewares to heirlooms. The same thing happened with the Tula Underwood Bowl. As a young child, when I watched my mother deftly tossing green salads in that lovely bowl, I had assumed Tula Underwood referenced a serve ware designer. You can imagine my delight when I learned that Tula Underwood was actually the lilting name of the woman who gifted the bowl to my parents when they were married. The “Tula Underwood Bowl” it has been ever since.

When we name special items in our home, we give them importance, we assign to them greater value. As these items gain prominence (simply because we name them and give them their own little history) we slowly build a collection of items that we may one day pass on to our children, grandchildren, nieces,

8

and nephews. Pay attention to those items and to the way they resonate with different family members. You will one day have a priceless gift to share.

Collecting

We can very easily accumulate too many gifts, especially toys. It was quite a relief, therefore, when years ago I realized that gifts could form a collection. My kids loved Thomas the Tank Engine, Playmobil, American Girl, and Calico Critters. I passed the word on to relatives, and for a long time, these were the gifts my children received. An engine here, a critter there. Over time, my children were able to build wonderful collections of high-quality toys.

Although they have outgrown the toy phase, these collections are not passé. They are boxed up and patiently waiting in the attic, and I look forward to sharing them someday with grandchildren.

Sharing

Gift giving speaks of both the giver and the recipient. One of the most treasured gifts I have ever received was a hardcover edition of “Anne of Green Gables.” It was my window into all things Anne, given to me by dear family friends. These friends shared their Canadian heritage through this Prince Edward Island heroine, and saw my age (I was 11, just like Anne) and interests (I loved to read) as a perfect fit for this particular gift. They knew me, and this gift gave me further insight into their lives, as well.

This gift paved the way for me to continue the tradition of sentimental giving: It was quite natural for me to give my niece a copy of “Jane Eyre” for her sixteenth birthday, just as I had received that life-changing story from my own aunt when I was 16.

Sentiment holds great value for many people. Recently, I reached out to my Facebook community and invited them to share about meaningful items (especially heirlooms) they have received from

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

continued on next page

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loved ones. Their responses warmed my heart. From jewelry and ornaments to books, furniture and handwritten recipe cards, the gifts touched the hearts of the recipients and were never forgotten, unlike many other ubiquitous gifts. Many of the gifts remembered proved that it doesn’t have to be lovely to be priceless. My friend Abigail cherishes a “hideous pig face” trinket dish. As a child, she won the dish at a carnival and eagerly gifted it to her grandfather.

He proudly displayed the dish for years. It was with much fondness and gratitude that Abigail gathered it back into her home upon her grandfather’s passing.

And finally, remember that gifting doesn’t have to pertain to items. Consider experiences you might share this season. The Liberty Theater in Camas offered a Saturday afternoon showing of “Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House” earlier this fall. My sister and I enjoyed sharing this vintage flick with our kids. We talked about changes in film, in star appeal (they preferred the Chris Evans-type, nameless contractor character over the leading man, Cary Grant!), and delighted in storing up the golden coins of camaraderie and laughter in our rich memory banks.

Julianna Lawson and her husband Jamie make their home in Vancouver with their four children, ages 14 to 21. The Lawsons enjoy traditions built around naming household objects, and only occasionally does Julianna lament over the more prosaic appellations, such as “The Cat Head.”

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

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RENAISSANCE DAD

Photos courtesy of the author

By Perry P. Perkins I’ll wake up this Christmas Eve morning, as I do every year, thinking about my Mom. It’s been 28 years since our last Christmas together.

Mom loved Christmas. Even though there was never much money, there was always a tree covered with gaudy old bulbs, big red and green lights that we’d had forever.

The old box record-player would be cranking out scratchy renditions of Elvis, Bing, Dean, Sinatra, and Mitch Miller, and the apartment would be filled with what would eventually be a monumentally dry turkey (sorry, Mom), but also the best sage and onion stuffing the world has ever known.

Mingled with the smell of fir tree, and the ever-present aroma of Folgers coffee, it smelled like. . . Christmas.

Dad would arrive around noon on Christmas Eve, and the battle for the kitchen would begin. Mom would eventually run him out into the living room, reminding him that she couldn’t care less how many restaurants he’d cooked in, this was her kitchen, and she would, by gosh, cook her way.

While the turkey slowly died a second death in the oven, we’d gather at our wobbly, Formica-topped kitchen table and play board games including Sorry and Aggravation. Dad and I would cheat, ever more blatantly, until Mom caught us.

Dinner would eventually be served: turkey, stuffing, lumpy mashed potatoes, and Dad’s amazing turkey gravy, typically alongside some very sad, overcooked veggies.

I, of course, would finish my plate in approximately .02 seconds, and then harangue my parents to finish, while Dad made scathing

Photos: Page 10, clockwise from top: Chef Perry, Christmas 1975; Grace, 2011; Christmas dreaming, 2010; page 11: Grace, 2012.

remarks about the turkey, and Mom made increasingly un-Momlike replies. (All in love, of course.)

Finally, we’d retire to the living room where it was my job to distribute the few brightly colored boxes under the tree (stockings were saved for Christmas morning), and the next few hours would be lost in the childhood bliss of playing with toys and listening to Dad grumble over anything that had to be assembled, while Mom sipped eggnog, rocked in her chair next to the record player, just to watch the show . . . and smile.

My mother grew up in a one-room shack, and there were typically only one or two gifts each for her mom, brother, and herself. More often than not, they were handmade and practical. Christmas eventually became the one day each year that Mom felt rich, and she made the most of it—saving, planning, and looking forward to it all year long.

She was, always, the unspoken, unquestionable commander of Christmas. Decorations began going up the day after Thanksgiving. The tree went here, records were brought out and ordered by preference. The miniature Christmas Town was set up on the coffee table, from the general store down to the little plastic continued on next page

10

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

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Activities & GoodiesH!oliday

continued from previous page

ice skaters on the “lake” which was really a round mirror edged in cotton snow.

Dishes of candies and small treats were set out on the end tables.

And finally, Mom would sink back into chair with a contented sigh, and that was Christmas Eve. This year, I will find myself in my own kitchen with a turkey that’s been brining for two days, and all of the ingredients for Mom’s stuffing and Dad’s gravy. All of which my daughter, Grace, in true Perkins-child form, will inhale in .02 seconds before beginning the litany of, “It is time to open presents yet?”

The decorations will be up, the house will be filled with the smell of good food, and fresh boughs, and laughter.

Gifts will await under the tree, which twinkles with tiny white lights and hand-painted bulbs. (My wife, being a professional decorator, long ago eschewed the gaudy 1960s style tree I grew up with.)

Grace never got to meet her grandmother, but I see so much of Mom in her.

The joy she takes in everyday life, her devotion to family, her boundless exuberance for tradition, and her ability to see and appreciate the beauty of everything around her.

Soon, dinner will come out of the oven, eggnog will be poured, and the meal will be enjoyed together. Afterward, as my Gracie hands out the presents, I’ll retire to the old rocking chair to watch the show.

It’s Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas, Momma . . . we’ll put the records on for you.

Perry P. Perkins is a third-generation chef, award-winning writer, and culinary instructor. He lives with his family in Southwest Washington, and operates the MY KITCHEN Outreach Program, for at-risk and underserved youth. His writing has appeared in hundreds of publications, including many “Chicken Soup for the Soul” anthologies. He is also a recurring guest on AM Northwest. More of Perry’s work can be found on Amazon at www.perkinsbooks.com, and his cooking blog at www. chefperryperkins.com.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

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Feature: Elsa’s Juggle: How a Visit to Kenya Changed Me, and My Daughter

Elsa’s Juggle:

How a Visit to Kenya Changed Me, and My Daughter

By Muyoka Mwarabu

“$20? I want $100!” It was my daughter Ajuna’s 7th birthday party. My sister had graciously given her cash, and here my daughter was, in front of our friends and family, requesting more. I was embarrassed, but more than that, I was concerned about who my daughter was becoming. In my desire to give her an amazing childhood, had I spoiled her?

My own childhood had been very different from the life my daughter knew. My parents had immigrated from Kenya over 35 years ago and had worked overtime to become comfortably middle class. I still have early memories of leaving our city apartment for the suburbs, and the joy of getting my own room. My daughter had always had her own room in a big house. Could a trip to our roots in Kenya make her realize how lucky she was? continued on page 14

Cousins in Kenya, December 2018. Left to right: Sifa, Elsa, Ajuna and the author.

Photo by Ashuma Lunani.

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

13

Feature: Elsa’s Juggle: How a Visit to Kenya Changed Me, and My Daughter continued from page 12

After vacuuming up the confetti from the party, I began my search for flights. Two weeks later, Ajuna and I were on a plane to Kenya.

As we boarded the plane, I turned my phone to silent for the first time in months. I had spent the past year running myself ragged recruiting corporate clients for my business sales job. I was booking meetings back to back during the day while Ajuna was at school, pausing work to meet her at the bus stop after school, then resuming work, preparing presentations and responding to clients’ emails after her bedtime. I was looking forward to getting away.

We arrived in Nairobi, Kenya in the middle of December, east Africa’s summer season, and arrived at the apartment of my cousin, Elsa. Before we’d left, Ajuna had left Santa a letter, notifying him that she would be away for Christmas, unable to leave Santa his customary snack of milk and cookies, and requesting that he please leave behind her gifts so she could receive them upon her return. I had prepared Ajuna to expect a different lifestyle than we were used to, but Ajuna was pleasantly surprised when we arrived. Elsa had worked hard to get her master’s degree and was now part of Kenya’s growing middle class, working for an American company in business sales (coincidentally my same career). They had a flat-panel TV with Netflix, a washer and dryer, and her 2-year-old daughter, Sifa, had a toy box. Elsa and I both clearly had an independent spirit and weakness for spending too much money on our daughters. Yet, there were distinct differences in our experiences, as I would learn over the next two weeks.

Elsa had experienced real troubles and overcome them. Her job now required 50 percent business travel, her parents were counting on her to do well, and our extended family reached out to her for financial support.

I would find her in the morning, preparing Sifa’s all natural food from scratch. She had grown accustomed to constantly moving. But despite her heavy responsibilities, Elsa found time to

14

help others. One day we walked together to visit one of Elsa’s neighbors. The woman had two kids, no job, and her husband drank too much. We gave her Sifa’s old baby clothes and $20. She was profusely appreciative.

Later, Elsa and I shared our mutual sorrow for the neighbor’s children and what their future might be.

For Christmas, we gathered with Elsa’s parent’s and brothers and sisters and celebrated for a whole week.

They cheered reading her brother’s academic report card, and clapped for Sifa when she finished her food.

Ajuna quickly caught on, finishing all her food. We played board games, ate delicious food and listened to each other’s stories. There was no holiday tree, no presents . . . but it was an amazing Christmas.

After two weeks of what I hoped were life-altering experiences, Ajuna and I found ourselves in the customs line with all the other international travelers, on our way back home to the U.S. Only after we were fingerprinted, inspected and photographed were we allowed to board a bus to the main terminal. I realized in that moment that I had never earned my way into this country. I just happened to be born here. In the U.S., ambulances come in emergencies, malaria has been eradicated, someone is always hiring, and there is a thick safety net of government programs and nonprofits ready to catch us if we fall. Before our trip to Africa, I had been complaining about all of the balls I had to juggle. Then one day in Nairobi, Kenya, I looked up and saw Elsa juggling even more balls . . . on a tightrope . . . with no net. I was lucky.

When we arrived home, Ajuna discovered that Santa had left her presents. She told me that next year, she was going to ask Santa to visit Kenya too.

Muyoka Mwarabu lives in Vancouver with her daughter, Ajuna. She works in B2B sales and writes after bedtime.

Elsa Khayanga lives in Nairobi, Kenya with her daughter, Sifa. She works in B2B sales and enjoys traveling to the countryside.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

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Feature: All in the Family: Parents and Children “Play” Together

e h t n i l l A

: y l i m Fa

By Nikki Klock, with additional reporting by Tara Graham

ether g o T ” y a l en “P r d l i h C d n Parents a

A

s kids grow toward adolescence, the wide open days of early childhood seem to grow fewer as kids’ schedules fill up with sports, music, clubs and a whole new kind of social life. The apron strings fray a bit as many parents find themselves doing more driving to and from activities but less sharing of those activity experiences. This evolution toward independence is normal, but families can benefit when parents are able to remain involved in their kids’ activities long into their teenage years.

Parenting on and off the Court Tim May, a Vancouver father of three kids ages 13-18, has coached well over 30 of his kids’ sports teams over the years at Firstenburg Community Center through Vancouver Parks and Recreation.

He loves participating with his kids, but acknowledges that being dad and being coach must necessarily be distinguished. “There is something about a coaching persona that I have that is a little different than being dad or [at my job as] creative director,” May says. “[As coach] you only have an hour with them and there is a lot that you want to try to teach in an hour... You are walking a line between making practice challenging and fun.” He adds, “'Coach mode' doesn’t follow me home.”

The benefits of May’s involvement with his kids’ sports was especially apparent when, one season, a kid with special needs joined the basketball team. “That season was very challenging,” May says, “because he couldn’t operate on the same level as all the other kids. From a coaching perspective there is a real challenge in knowing that you are trying to get ten kids on the continued on page 18 Photos: Top: Tim offers encouragement at the game's end.

Bottom: Tim guards as Aidan drives. Photos courtesy of Tim May.

16

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

Want Vancouver Family Magazine Delivered Right to Your Front Door?

Did you know that you can have Vancouver Family Magazine delivered monthly to your doorstep for $18 a year?

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Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

17

Feature: All in the Family: Parents and Children “Play” Together (cont'd) continued from page 16

same page but one of them isn’t able to be on that page. One of them isn’t going to get the strategy of why we are going to do certain things. But . . . it was a good opportunity for the kids on the team to see, ‘Oh, it’s our job to help him.’ There was a really nice level of learning there where I think the best came out in a lot of those boys and there were some really nice things said from the mother. That season they were able to see there are more important things than winning . . . That’s building skills way beyond the value of sports. You’re learning interpersonal skills. You’re learning the kind of value of inclusion.”

These are the same values that May wants his own kids to learn off the court. “When I’m doing a good job parenting, I explain why I want my children to develop certain behaviors; that we’re trying to achieve some bigger goals. I think good coaching does the same thing. I try to get my players to understand concepts that should lead to success, but I also try to help them see that the goal isn’t to beat the other team, it’s to try to perform against the criteria we’ve set up for ourselves . . . I hope to do the same for my children, that if they tried to do things the right way, they can be proud of having put the work in, but they can’t always take too much credit or too much blame for the results, which are often dependent on others.”

There is certainly extra strain on family time when a portion of

dad’s time off work is spent on the basketball court. But the May family counteracts this the best they can. “We try to block off Sundays so that we can have a day with no friends. Our family [spends time] together.”

The upcoming basketball season is the last one that May will coach, as his youngest son will age out of Firstenburg’s sports team offerings next year. His son will continue to play through his middle school, and May will miss the same level of involvement he is used to. However, he doesn't regret a single minute he spent on the court with his kids. “It’s kind of sad . . . but this is a nice final opportunity to get out on the court and coach the kids.”

Playing the Role of Parent Cindy Barnes of Vancouver is also heavily involved in her daughter’s extracurricular activities. Their days are packed when 15-year-old Becca is in the cast of a Journey Theater Arts Group production, as she has often been over the last five years. On a typical afternoon during the busiest time of a theater production, Barnes will drive straight from work to pick Becca up from school, then hit a drive-thru for dinner before heading to rehearsal together. When Becca is rehearsing, Barnes is working on any number of Journey Theatre's parent committees such as costuming, set construction, hair/makeup design, props, or advertising. “We live about an hour from [the rehearsal location] so we arrive home around 10:15 p.m., go to bed and wake up Saturday morning at 6:30

Illustration by Tim May

continued on page 20

18

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

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19

Feature: All in the Family: Parents and Children “Play” Together (cont'd) continued from page 18

a.m. to do it all over again,” says Barnes. “We love it and wouldn’t change a thing!”

really encouraged her to make good and healthy choices as a teen.”

Despite the huge time commitment, Barnes says their whole family has benefited from participating side by side with Becca as she pursues performing. “We get to spend many hours supporting her passions and watching her grow on stage with each production.”

There have been some personal perks for Barnes too. “We have met some amazing people that we are happy to call friends.

Journey pushes us to branch out of our comfort zones, whether it’s through a role for Becca that pushes her abilities, or a parent committee that may be just a tad outside our normal skill set . . .

It’s a lot of work putting on a show, but we wouldn’t trade a minute of the time we have spent over the last five years.” The growth they experience together pays off long after the curtain closes.

“Theater teaches you that every role, small or large, is important to a successful production. The teamwork that is learned is an important skill for all involved, kids and parents alike.”

Journey’s organization also benefits from family involvement.

“Being surrounded by adults who expect you to do excellent work is an amazing motivator for good behavior,” says Larson. In addition to better focus from highly supervised kids, Journey’s organization is actually built upon the concept of parental involvement.

“Students cast in a Journey show are required to have a parent or other adult serve on a parent committee,” explains Larson. “Our philosophy is two-fold. We love giving the opportunity for parents and their children to be a part of the same community and work toward a common goal. That is a unique and special experience in today’s world where most activities are segregated by age. And, since parents do the behind-the-scenes work, our program stays affordable for families. If we had to hire people to make costumes, build sets, oversee the green room, etc., most families would not be able to afford to have their kids take part.”

Journey’s founder and program director, Bethany Larson, further describes the benefits of parental involvement. “Parents get to know their kid’s friends in an environment where everyone is wor king together to accomplish a common goal,” she says.

And it’s personal for her own family. “My daughter says that having so many adults who cared about her when she was growing up

Whether on the court, backstage, or in any aspect of children’s activities, parents can play a wonderful supporting role in their child’s lives.

“When parents work alongside their students to produce something,” says Larson, “it is a beautiful thing.”

Nikki Klock has been the editor of Vancouver Family Magazine since 2006. She loves exploring the Pacific Northwest and beyond with her husband and two teenage daughters.

Tara Graham worked for Clark College’s student newspaper, “The Indy,” as their social media/ad manager and part time reporter from 2018 until her graduation from Clark in 2019. Her three favorite things are being a mom to her daughters, nerds and tacos. She is a world traveler via her imagination only.

Photos: Top: Kaden and Shane Gardner (son and father) working the refreshments table at Journey Theater Arts Group’s production of “Wrinkle in Time” in spring 2019.

Left: Stephan Varvaroi (cast member) and Andrea Jacinto (mom) prepare for Journey Theater Arts Group’s production of “Disney's Lion King Jr.” in fall 2018.

Right: Luke Perozzo (cast member) and Emily Yuen (mom) prepare for Journey Theater Arts Group’s production of “Disney's Lion King Jr.” in fall 2018.

Photos courtesy Journey Theater Arts Group.

20

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

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Learn more at wastate529.wa.gov GET and DreamAhead are qualified tuition programs sponsored and distributed by the State of Washington. The Committee on Advanced Tuition Payment and College Savings administers and the Washington Student Achievement Council supports the plans. DreamAhead investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. If in-state tuition decreases in the future, GET tuition units may lose value.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019 21

Feature: Raising Money Smart Kids

RAISING

Money | Smart KIDS

By Brooke Strickland

As a kid,

I had a treasured piggy bank. I remember dumping it out, then separating the money I had saved into piles of dollars, quarters, and dimes so I could count exactly how much I had. I dreamed of what I could do with that money. Should I save it all for something big, or take it to the store and buy a small treasure? The same struggle happens today with kids: save or spend? We are constantly bombarded with the next big thing that’s available for purchase. It may be the new iPhone or a hot new trend in fashion. Because of these constant temptations, parents are turning to experts on how to teach their kids to effectively manage money and instill lifelong healthy spending and savings habits.

Educating Your Kids Teaching kids about money can be complex. Thankfully, there are many financial education resources out there to help. Locally, iQ Credit Union and Kazoodles Toys are working together to help teach kids the value of money. Leah Pickering, manager at Kazoodles, had the idea to offer a financial workshop for kids after she remembered a bank coming to her second-grade classroom many years ago. Now, iQ and Kazoodles offer a workshop three times a year using workbooks and social activities to teach financial literacy. Pickering says, “Our program strives to help kids form a familiar and positive relationship with money by focusing on age appropriate topics. The younger kids get to look at money,

count it, and ask questions. The older kids often veer off into many directions. My favorite financial event story involved a fifth grader asking questions about his IRA. That day took an unexpected turn, yet the iQ employees handled it beautifully.”

Andrew Gratzer, business development officer at iQ Credit Union explains that the workshop is one of the few opportunities for kids to learn about money outside of the classroom, and it’s been a great way for kids to ask questions. For parents who are just beginning to think about the best ways to help educate their kids about money management, Gratzer recommends a few tips: “First, help them understand the difference between earning money and being given money. Second, identify ways they could potentially earn money . . . like for chores or for good grades. Last, demonstrate the value money has [by showing] kids how far their money goes and help them understand you can’t get everything you want. Let your child play to their strengths and reward that behavior rather than finding their weaknesses and focusing on that.”

Finding What Works Audrey (name changed), a local mother, grandmother and employee at a national financial institution shares that during her career, she has volunteered numerous times at local schools helping teach and mentor kids of all ages on topics such as continued on page 24

*Name changed for privacy

22

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

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23

Feature: Raising Money Smart Kids (cont'd) continued from page 22

budgeting, balancing account records, saving, and understanding credit. She explains that parents should help their kids determine what they’re good at and translate that into ways that they can earn money and learn its value. She says, “If allowance for chores is permitted within the household, it can be used as an effective way for the child to understand the value and hard work of earning money. If not, help your child determine what they’re good at and what they like to do. See if they can find a preference of jobs. Help your child solicit the work—babysitting, dog walking, lawn and garden care, or light handyman chores. These are all good ways for a child to earn money while learning hard work is involved.”

Nikki Klock, Vancouver Family Magazine editor, explains that from the time her kids were young, she wanted to give them a strong sense of the value of money, along with opportunities for them to experience how to manage it. Her family found an allowance to be the best way to help teach money skills to their kids. “The [allowance] amount was tiny enough that I didn’t feel I was ‘spoiling’ them but every week they would get the opportunity to manage their little reserve, with some guidance from us as their parents. When we paid them, they were required to put 10% of the money toward contributions to our church (‘tithing’), and 20% toward college fund savings. After that, whatever was leftover they could spend on whatever they wanted. It was their choice if they wanted to blow it all on candy that day or save up for something big. Sometimes they’d choose the former, sometimes they’d choose the latter, but either way they were learning about currency and finances by their own experience.” Today, her daughters are teenagers and hold jobs, and both have a healthy relationship with

money. “They take pride in working for what they get, and they relish the independence,” she says.

Supporting Good Habits As with anything in life, developing good habits requires support from people who love and trust you. For your children, ensure that they know that you’re on their side as they become more independent with their finances. Be consistent in your rules and expectations and reiterate often that learning these skills will help them be more successful as adults. Klock says, “I firmly believe that a lot of our financial beliefs and habits form during childhood and adolescence. We set our kids up for success when we teach them these principles from a very young age, not just the day they move out (or the day we want them to move out).”

Once the basics about money have been covered, start talking to your kids more in-depth about other important topics like charitable giving and staying out of debt. Audrey teaches that when it comes to charitable giving, there are two options: monetary and nonmonetary. “The most critical piece is to find something you’re passionate about and go help, contribute, share your insight, and learn from others,” she says.

When talking about debt avoidance, Gratzer recommends telling kids that debt is avoided through very careful planning. “Begin by setting goals; saving for college, saving for a car, saving for a home. Identifying the major purchases and milestones you want to reach as early as possible can build a strong foundation for the future. Additionally, have conversations around debt in general and understand that sometimes it’s unavoidable. If you teach your kids early and often, they should understand the dos and don’ts of credit and know how to effectively use and manage it,” he shares.

Gratzer believes that one of the most important things about becoming financially literate is to ask questions. “Never stop being curious and learn to find trusted sources of information. Everyone should know that we all must start somewhere, whether that is in the middle of getting your first car, getting a student loan, purchasing your first home . . . or in the middle of a toy store on a Saturday. We are all trying to navigate the financial wilderness.

Make sure you find a guide to help you along the path!”

A lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, Brooke Strickland is a freelance writer who stays busy writing for publications around the U.S. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading a historical fiction novel on her front porch in Vancouver, trying a new recipe in the kitchen, or spending time with her husband and two kids. Contact her at brookestrickland.org.

24

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

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25

CALENDAR OF EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Calendar

December ‘19

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

2 MONDAY

The SPOT at Marshall Community Center, 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver.

Check in at the SPOT (Safe, Positive Outlet for Teens) for open gym, Xbox One, PS4, Wii, ping pong, pool, air hockey, and more, Monday-Friday. Ages 11-18 welcome. Must show a current Marshall pass, Apple pass or a teen program ID. 2:30-5 pm

5 THURSDAY

Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal.

Kick off your holiday season at the

of events

Have a community event that you want to share?

Go to www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com and click on “Calendar” to submit your event. Deadline for print calendar submissions is the 1st of the month prior to the issue.

community lighted parade complete with hot cocoa, music, and a very special visit from Santa. 6-8 pm

Magenta Theater presents “Miracle on 34th Street” at Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets $20-$22. 7:30 pm

Love Street Playhouse presents “Chaps!

A Jingle Jangle Christmas” at Love Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave., Woodland.

Tickets $27. 7:30 pm

7 SATURDAY

6 FRIDAY

Journey Theater Presents “A Wonderful Life” at Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St., Washougal. An uplifting chronicle of the extraordinary lives of ordinary folk. Admission: $12-$17. 7 pm

SA

AY

TURD

Vancouver Dance Theatre Presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium, 5700 E 18th St., Vancouver.

Tickets $13.25-16.25 at vancouverdancetheatre. com. 7 pm Love Street Playhouse presents “Chaps!

A Jingle Jangle Christmas” at Love Street Playhouse. (See Dec. 5) 7:30 pm

Photo credit: Chris Bidleman

Check out our website for even mo re local events .

Events are subject to change. Please contact organization directly to confirm. All library events are free and open to the public.

7

26

activities

Hometown Celebration at Overlook Park, Main Ave., Ridgefield. Ugly Sweater Run at 9 am, followed by Columbia Credit Union Food & Gift Festival live music performances featuring Ridgefield school bands and choirs on the stage and around town, cooking decorating and holiday crafts, pictures with Santa, meet the Grinch, holiday trailer rides with Santa, a living nativity scene and a family games and activity center. The tree lighting ceremony and caroling will begin at 4:30 pm. 8 am-7 pm Christmas Tea at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. Enjoy a festive tea luncheon featuring three types of sandwiches, four assorted desserts, scones, and of course, tea! After your relaxing meal, enjoy a tour through the historic log house, decked out for the holidays. Admission $26.

12-1 pm Healthy Holidays Event at Natural Grocers, 7604 NE 5th Ave. Ste 100, Vancouver. Health fair with tips and ideas for simple enjoyment of the holidays. 12-3 pm NW Children’s Theater presents “Matilda the Musical” at 1819 NW Everett St., Portland. Tickets $16-$27. 12 pm & 4:30 pm continued on page 28

Join your friends and neighbors for Ridgefield's 20th Anniversary of the Hometown Celebration!

All day fun for the whole family and kids of all ages.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

27

TURD

SA

7

continued from page 26

Photo courtesy: Christmas Ships

Christmas Ships at Port of CamasWashougal. See boats decked out in their holiday finest parading along the Columbia River. 6 pm

AY

Calendar of Events & Activities (cont’d)

Journey Theater Presents “A Wonderful Life” at Washburn Performing Arts Center.

(See Dec. 6) 7 pm Vancouver Dance Theatre Presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School. (See Dec. 6) 2 & 7 pm Love Street Playhouse presents “Chaps! A Jingle Jangle Christmas” at Love Street Playhouse. (See Dec. 5) 7:30 pm

The Christmas Ships have been nominated by USA Today's 10 Best Holiday Parades in North America! The fleet assembles in front of the Port of Camas-Washougal and parades in the area for about an hour.

Magenta Theater presents “Miracle on 34th Street” at Magenta Theater. 7:30 pm Summit Annual Holiday Show at Old Liberty Theater, 115 N. Main, Ridgefield.

Terry Robb, Mark Hanson and Doug Smith, three acclaimed guitarists will come together onstage to provide a memorable holidayinspired Acoustic Guitar Summit. Grammywinning guitarists come together to create stunning harmonics and mind-bending fingerstyle. Admission $25. 7:30-10 pm

8 SUNDAY

NW Children’s Theater presents “Matilda the Musical.” (See Dec. 7) 12 pm & 4:30 pm

RS-S

5 -14

AT

THU

Reindeer Block Party in Uptown Village, Vancouver. Main Street will be closed to cars during the event so that visitors can enjoy local craft vendors, free crafts, a free photo op with Santa, live music, and of course, two very famous reindeer, Comet and Vixen. 1-4 pm

Love Street Playhouse presents “Chaps!

A Jingle Jangle Christmas” at Love Street Playhouse. (See Dec. 5) 2 pm

Love Street Playhouse presents “Chaps!

A Jingle Jangle Christmas” at Love Street Playhouse. (See Dec. 5) 7:30 pm

Vancouver Dance Theatre Presents “The Nutcracker” at Fort Vancouver High School.

(See Dec. 6) 2 pm

Magenta Theater presents “Miracle on 34th Street” at Magenta Theater. 7:30 pm

Journey Theater Presents “A Wonderful Life” at Washburn Performing Arts Center.

(See Dec. 6) 2 pm

11 WEDNESDAY

Magenta Theater presents “Miracle on 34th Street” at Magenta Theater. 7:30 pm

12 THURSDAY

14 SATURDAY

Christmas at the Fort at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1501 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Experience the sights and sounds of the 1840s holiday season at Fort Vancouver. Visitors will be able to view and participate in activities undertaken by residents at the fort during the holiday season. Enjoy wreath making, holiday beverages, caroling, and more. 10 am-3 pm

Love Street Playhouse presents “Chaps!

A Jingle Jangle Christmas” at Love Street Playhouse. (See Dec. 5) 7:30 pm

Christmas Tea at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. (See Dec. 7) 12-1 pm

Magenta Theater presents “Miracle on 34th Street” at Magenta Theater. 7:30 pm

NW Children’s Theater presents “Matilda the Musical.” (See Dec. 7) 12 pm & 4:30 pm

13 FRIDAY

Journey Theater Presents “A Wonderful Life” at Washburn Performing Arts Center. (See Dec. 6) 7 pm

Journey Theater Presents “A Wonderful Life” at Washburn Performing Arts Center.

(See Dec. 6) 2 pm A Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Holiday Celebration at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver. This

Photo courtesy: Love Street Playhouse

continued on next page

28

It’s Christmas Eve, 1944. America’s favorite singing cowboy and his troupe are late for a broadcast at the BBC. The resulting performance, full of Christmas songs and quirky cowboy tunes, is one England will never forget.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

continued from previous page holiday season enjoy Christmas carol favorites with renowned soprano Charlotte Pistor. Tickets $10-$52. 3 pm Love Street Playhouse presents “Chaps!

A Jingle Jangle Christmas” at Love Street Playhouse. (See Dec. 5) 7:30 pm Magenta Theater presents “Miracle on 34th Street” at Magenta Theater.

2 pm & 7:30 pm

15 SUNDAY

NW Children’s Theater presents “Matilda the Musical.” (See Dec. 7) 12 pm Journey Theater Presents “A Wonderful Life” at Washburn Performing Arts Center.

(See Dec. 6) 2 pm A Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Holiday Celebration at Skyview Concert Hall. (See Dec. 14) 7 pm

18 WEDNESDAY

Christmas Tea at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. (See Dec. 7) 12-1 pm Re-Imagined Radio at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Start with a 1936 theatre. Re-enact historic radio dramas complete with voice actors and Foley sound artists. Garnish with digital SFX, music, and visual backdrops. Invite a live audience to watch, eat popcorn, and participate via social media. The result: Re-Imagined Radio— storytelling as never before heard or seen.

This month: “A Christmas Carol.” Admission: $10-$12. 7 pm Magenta Theater presents “Miracle on 34th Street” at Magenta Theater. 7:30 pm

19 THURSDAY

Magenta Theater presents “Miracle on 34th Street” at Magenta Theater. 7:30 pm

20 FRIDAY

Columbia Dance presents “The Nutcracker” at Royal Durst Theatre, VSAA, 3101 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets $15-$20.

7 pm continued on page 30

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

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Calendar of Events & Activities (cont’d) continued from page 29 Magenta Theater presents “Miracle on 34th Street” at Magenta Theater. 7:30 pm

21 SATURDAY

Christmas Tea at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. (See Dec. 7) 12-1 pm NW Children’s Theater presents “Matilda the Musical.” (See Dec. 7) 12 pm & 4:30 pm Community Christmas Party at Riverside Performing Arts, 1307 NE 78th St., Vancouver. Riverside Performing Arts and C’est La Vie, for a free Annual Community Christmas Party! Pictures with Santa, dance and pictures with Elsa, face painting, balloon artist, holiday crafts, cookie decorating, vendor booths, prizes, wine and cheese tasting and more. 1-5 pm Columbia Dance presents “The Nutcracker.” (See Dec. 20) 2 pm & 7 pm Magenta Theater presents “Miracle on 34th Street” at Magenta Theater. 2 pm Lantern Tour: An Evening at the Fort at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1501 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Experience the reconstructed Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Vancouver at night. As in past years, each adult attending the program will carry their own candle lantern and tour with a Park Ranger through the reconstructed fort’s Counting House, Fur

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Store, Chief Factor’s House, Kitchen, and Bake House. In each building, visitors will experience historical vignettes with costumed living history interpreters, including graduates of the park’s Youth Volunteer Programs.

Visitors will learn what activities would have occurred during the evening hours at Fort Vancouver, and enjoy a cup of hot cider at the end of the tour. These tours meet at the entrance gate to the reconstructed Fort Vancouver. Admission $10-$25. 7:30-9 pm

22 SUNDAY

NW Children’s Theater presents “Matilda the Musical.” (See Dec. 7) 12 pm & 4:30 pm Columbia Dance presents “The Nutcracker.” (See Dec. 20) 1 pm & 5 pm

23 MONDAY

NW Children’s Theater presents “Matilda the Musical.” (See Dec. 7) 12 pm & 4:30 pm Columbia Dance presents “The Nutcracker.” (See Dec. 20) 1 pm

26 THURSDAY

NW Children’s Theater presents “Matilda the Musical.” (See Dec. 7) 12 pm & 4:30 pm

27 FRIDAY

Pancake Breakfast at Washougal Community Center, 1681 C St., Washougal.

Enjoy pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham, orange juice, coffee, and hot chocolate and meet your neighbors.

Admission: $5.

7:30-10:30 am

Photo credit: Stephanie Roberts, Fetching Photos

NW Children’s Theater presents “Matilda the Musical.” (See Dec. 7) 12 pm & 4:30 pm

30

28 SATURDAY

Christmas Tea at Pomeroy Farm, 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt. (See Dec. 7) 12-1 pm NW Children’s Theater presents “Matilda the Musical.” (See Dec. 7) 12 pm & 4:30 pm Lantern Tour: An Evening at the Fort at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. (See Dec. 21) 7:30-9 pm

29 SUNDAY

NW Children’s Theater presents “Matilda the Musical.” (See Dec. 7) 12 pm & 4:30 pm

30 MONDAY

Noon Year’s Eve Party at Camas Public Library, 625 NE 4th Ave., Camas. Celebrate the New Year as we count down to noon with your toddlers. Enjoy a dance party as the balloons drop at 12 pm sharp. Crafts and snacks from 11:30 to 12. This event is for 1-, 2- and 3-year-olds. Same event offered on December 31 for 4- and 5-year-olds. Please only come to one event or the other.

11:30 am-12:30 pm NW Children’s Theater presents “Matilda the Musical.” (See Dec. 7) 12 pm & 4:30 pm

31 TUESDAY

Noon Year’s Eve Party at Vancouver Mall Library, 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., Vancouver. Party like it’s 2020! Join us for crafts, snacks and a countdown to Noon.

11 am-12 pm Noon Year’s Eve Party at Camas Public Library. (See Dec. 30) 11:30 am-12:30 pm

Magenta Theater presents "Miracle on 34th Street", a classic Christmas story of one little girl's belief in Santa.

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019

advertiser index Camps, Parties & Entertainment Mountain View Ice Arena..................................7 YMCA Camp Collins.........................................2

Events Vancouver Mall...............................................23

Financial Washington College Savings Plans................21

Fitness Mountain View Ice Arena..................................7 Naydenov Gymnastics...................................11 Vancouver Tennis Center...............................19

Health Adventure Dental............................................17 Barnick Chiropractic.......................................25 Child and Adolescent Clinic..............................2 Evergreen Pediatrics......................................13 PeaceHealth.....................................................3 Priority Life Chiropractic and Massage...........11 Storybook Dental............................................25 Vancouver Clinic...............................................7 Vancouver Vision Clinic..................................25

Legal Schauermann, Thayer, Jacobs, Staples & Edwards PS.....................................5

Retail ADT................................................................15 ArchCrafters...................................................27 Kazoodles.........................................................7 Vancouver Mall...............................................23

Schools & Education EOCF................................................................2 The Gan Jewish Preschool............................25 Naydenov Gymnastics...................................11

Services ADT................................................................15 Banfield Pet Hospital......................................32

Resources Applied Team Insurance...................................9 EOCF................................................................2 Washington College Savings Plans................21 Home Buyer’s and Seller’s Seminars.............13

Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • December 2019 2016

31

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