Michigan Parent Fall 2021 by Marlanea McGraw

winter 2021

Bailey Early Childhood Center

Where the Littlest Hornets Get a Great Start! Holiday Vibes

Ideas for Celebrating Through the Months

Our Favorite Things Cozy Edition

New Twists on Hot Chocolate

GET READY FOR A TASTY TREAT!

Dressing Kids for Outdoor Winter Play, Amazing Kids, Preserving Holiday Magic, Teaching an Active Lifestyle, Spreading Christmas Cheer, What Gavin is Up To, Miss Brazley's Big Changes, Book Recommendations, and more!

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

from the publisher

Granted, we are moving into the season of coping with snowsuits, boots, lost mittens, and runny noses, but it’s also the time for hot chocolate by the fire (check our recipes!), snuggling up together under a blanket to read a book (we have some suggestions), and savoring the joy of the upcoming holidays. We also have our usual columnists, a look at the programs available at the Bailey Early Childhood Center and more to help you and your family get the most out of these months.

Marlanea McGraw

We hope you will take a look at the ads and be supportive of the area businesses and professionals who enable us to bring this magazine to our readers. It's especially important to shop locally as many businesses are still working to recover from the effects of the pandemic shutdown. All of us here at Michigan Parent thank you for reading and sharing the magazine, and we hope you all have a safe and happy time through the holiday season.

Marlanea

www.hillsdalebuickgmc.com I 99 W Carleton Rd, Hillsdale, MI 49242 I 517-437-7334

I'm guessing that this year has been MUCH easier for most parents! School's pretty much back to usual, sports are on, and life feels quite a bit more normal than last year. I hope all of you are feeling a little less stressed and harried than you were a year ago!

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

take a look at what's inside WINTER 21/22

the regulars

the cover

Muscle Up! Live Fit! Teaching an Active Lifestyle

Grow Where You're Planted Spreading Christmas Cheer

A Few of Our Favorite Things

Bailey Early Childhood Center

Cozy Edition

by Melissa McCance

The Up Side of Down Syndrome

After the Storm

Letters To Gavin Little Man

thank you to our advertisers Adventure Zone Arnold's Excavating Becker & Scrivens Belson Asphalt Bob Evans Food BEF Board of Public Utilities CAPA CASA Columbia School District Cottage Inn Pizza 04MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

23 45 21 47 45 45 13 36 41 25

County National Bank D&D Heating & Cooling El Cerrito Mexican Restaurant Finish Line Family Restaurant Gene's Auto Service, LLC Glory to God Griffiths Mechanical Green Energy LP Hillsdale Terminal Handmade Treasures

19 19 13 11 21 23 25 25 45 37

Hillsdale Academy Hillsdale Buick GMC Hillsdale Community Schools Hillsdale Craft Supply Hillsdale Family Chiropractic Hillsdale Hospital Hillsdale Towing Jilly Beans Jonesville Lumber Kimball Camp

9 3 37 19 21 48 11 19 9, 21 23

the features

the recommended

Bundle Up!

Let's Read!

Properly Dressing Kids for Ourdoor Winter Play

Book Recommendations

Holiday Magic and Ideas to Keep It Alive

Amazing Kids

Philanthrophy Through Entreprenuership

Holiday Vibes

Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's Day, & St. Patrick's Day Fun!

Recipes

Twists on Traditional Hot Chocolate

Walt Disney World

Visiting During the 50th Anniversary Celebration

Young Children & Pets Teaching Gentleness

Len-Air My Turn To Drive PRIME Fitness Studio Small Town Sweet Boutique Stillwell Ford Lincoln The Pediatric Place Willow Pediatric Dentistry

13 19 15, 45 13 2 11 11

the mp staff graphic design editor Melissa McCance

Angie Blake Sara Galloway

sales

contributors

Hannah Sayles Sherry Sheffer Cyndi Young

Angie Blake James Campbell Hannah Cote Sara Galloway Elyse Hawkins Melissa McCance Megan Schultz Cierra Snyder Kim Van Camp Rachel Yoder

for information

on how to submit story ideas, concerns, or information on how to advertise, please contact Marlanea McGraw at (517) 320-9235 or email sales@simplyhers.net Michigan Parent magazine makes every effort to provide accurate information in advertising and editorial content, however, does not make any claims as to accuracy of information provided by advertisers or editorial contributors and accepts no responsibility or liability for inaccurate information.

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

Bailey Early Childhood Center Where the Littlest Hornets Get a Great Start!

written by Melissa McCance The preschool years are a magical time in a child’s development when physical, emotional, and intellectual growth expand rapidly. Along with that growth comes a significant widening of their world. “When they were infants, they developed a trust of their caregivers. As toddlers, they began to establish some independence. Now, as preschoolers, they use this trust and independence to actively explore new form of play (e.g., pretend play) and new environments (e.g., school).1” Because of these characteristics, a good preschool program must be well-grounded in solid educational methods and flexible enough to accommodate the wide range of knowledge, emotional maturity, and physical ability that these young learners bring to the classroom.

be four by December 1 of the school year. One big benefit for parents is that preschool students are eligible to ride the school bus. The preschool week runs Monday through Thursday and is a full-day program. Lead preschool teacher Nichole Reynolds describes her work in this way: “Teaching my four-year-olds how to count, letter recognition, writing their name, and number recognition are only some of the things I teach. I also teach social skills; how to problem solve, be able to understand their own feelings, and how to interact with peers.”

Hillsdale Community Schools’ Bailey Early Childhood Center offers three options for preschool-age children: preschool, developmental kindergarten, and early childhood special education. Each program is tailored to the needs of the group it serves and provides a sound curriculum taught by well-trained educators with a love for young students. “Our staff is trained in early childhood education,” explains Shawn Vondra, superintendent of Hillsdale Community Schools. “They are well educated in the field. The teachers have degrees in early childhood education or early child development, and the aides are paraprofessionals who receive ongoing training.” Another important factor is the excellent staff to student ratio which is always 8:1 or better.

Developmental kindergarten can be a good option for children who are ready to be in school five days a week but may not be ready to start the full K-12 system. The curriculum emphasizes overall child development and kindergarten readiness and has no tuition as it falls under normal school enrollment. “Not all children grow and develop on the same schedule,” explains developmental kindergarten teacher Micha Moore. “Four years ago, Hillsdale Community Schools recognized this need and offered a Developmental Kindergarten. It has been a great gift to be able to help design and run the program ensuring that we meet each of these children’s needs. I watch children going off to kindergarten after a year in DK ready to flourish and meet the challenges that kindergarten offers.” DK follows the normal school day routine of full-day sessions Monday through Friday, bus transportation, and school lunches.

Current enrollment in the preschool program is around 50 students, and the program is funded primarily through the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP). There is an income eligibility requirement for the GSRP students, but the district also has some tuition-based slots. The program is focused primarily on four-year-olds, and children must

If a student is identified by parents or a physician as possibly needing specialized education and an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) team assessment confirms this, then the early childhood special education (ECSE) program is available to support that child’s educational needs. Some children may need minimal intervention such as speech

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

and language help which can be done on an as-needed basis while they remain in the regular preschool or developmental kindergarten classroom. If more specialized help is needed, then the ECSE team is there. Hillsdale Community Schools is the only district in the county that offers a classroom-based program for children of this age. Children as young as two years, seven months up to age five are eligible. These are half-day programs and transportation is provided. Lesley Smith is an ECSE teacher who says, “Students in my classroom receive individualized instruction, in accordance with their IEP, as well as related ancillary services such as speech and language, occupational therapy or physical therapy provided by our local ISD. Our ECSE program ensures the provision of a Free and Appropriate Public Education to all eligible children as well as encouraging interaction with same aged peers within the building. I have two amazing educational assistants that work in my classroom, Tami Wolodkin and Chrissy Jarrell . . . We are, ultimately, prepping these awesome children for their success in kindergarten and future school years!”

Teaching preschoolers requires energy, caring, commitment, knowledge, and adaptability. Below are some comments made by the staff members at Bailey which clearly show their dedication and the joy they find in their work! “My favorite part about BECC is seeing the progress, no matter how big or small, each and ever day. Seeing these kids get excited over learning and wanting to show off their new knowledge is extremely heartwarming and I’m so very proud to be a part of their ‘family’ here at BECC.”—Chrissy Jarrell, educational assistant “I love the people that make up our building! BECC is full of little people (3-5 year olds). They are so much fun to be around! They are so much fun to teach and help grow into Kindergarten students. They carry on the most interesting and entertaining conversations with each other and with their teachers. You never know what you will hear each day, but it is sure to bring a smile to your face!”—Shelley Ellis, preschool teacher & GSRP program manager for BECC

“Through the years I’ve had many special moments/events with children. I love the family fun nights, picnics, and end of year special days when we get to see them with their families. What I love most about BECC is that we are teaching the littlest Hornets! Everything in their education starts here!”—Tami Wolodkin, educational assistant Bailey Early Childhood Center is located at 59 S. Manning Street, Hillsdale. You can reach them by calling 517-4377369. 1 Halliburton, Amy, & Gable, Sara, n.d., Preschool Basics: How Children Develop During Preschool Years, 7/11/21,< extension.missouri.edu>

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sound advice

bundle up!

properly dressing kids for outdoor winter play Getting the kids outside in winter is a great idea. Cold weather outdoor play burns energy, promotes better sleep, and lets children enjoy the special activities that only come to areas in the snowbelt. But, just as during hot weather, there are necessary precautions to ensure that the time spent in the snow is handled safely. Children’s smaller bodies lose heat more rapidly than ours. Also—every parent has experienced this—children don’t self-monitor the way adults do and may be so involved in playing that they don’t realize they’re heading for frostbite. One of the most important points is dressing properly. There’s a Norwegian adage that says, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!” Stuffing your children into the heaviest things you can find isn’t going to provide the best protection against the cold and wet. Here are some guidelines we’ve gathered from Parents Magazine and KinderCare to help them stay warm and comfortable while building those snowmen!

think about the windchill

Air temperature is not the only fact to consider. When cold combines with wind, it feels even colder. A 30° day drops to 25° with just a five mile per hour wind. Bump the wind speed up to 15 miles per hour, and that 30° is now a bone-chilling 19°. Keep a good weather app on your phone or computer and check both temperature and windchill. It might be expressed as “real feel” or “feels like” on the app.

layers

Several lighter layers keep you warmer than one extraheavy layer and make it easier to move around. Air is trapped between the layers and warmed by the body, providing insulation against the cold. But, there’s a right way to layer. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends younger children wear one more layer than an adult would for the weather conditions. Start with a snug base layer that wicks moisture. Cotton isn’t a good choice because it absorbs sweat and becomes cold and clammy. Follow with an insulating layer (think wool, down, or fleece) and finish with an outer layer that’s tightly woven to block wind and water. If you have children who absolutely love being outside in the winter, something like a child’s snowmobile suit might be a great choice.

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

extra care for head, hands, and feet

These areas are especially susceptible to heat loss and frostbite. A warm hat the covers the ears, scarf or ski mask to protect the lower face, good mittens (warmer than gloves, but you might lose this battle) or gloves, and waterproof boots are essential.

know when it’s time to go in

Frostnip is the early stage of frostbite, and it’s characterized by red skin that is tingly at first and then goes numb. While it doesn’t damage the skin, it is a sign that it’s time to take a break from being outside. Also, keep watch for chattering teeth! Centers, KinderCare Learning. “‘Baby, It's Cold Outside!" 9 Winter Dressing Tips for Children.” KinderCare, Nov. 2016, https://www. kindercare.com/content-hub/articles/2016/november/winter-rulesthe-art-of-dressing-your-kids-for-the-cold. Marino, Maria-Nicole. “Stay Safe in the Extreme Cold.” Parents, Jan. 2007, https://www.parents.com/parents-magazine/parents-perspective/stay-safe-in-the-extreme-cold/.

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muscle up live fit

teaching an active lifestyle written by James Campbell

I've said this once before and I'll say it to you again today: it's a life lesson to teach our kids the importance of being active. It's winter in Michigan and being active is a little harder than during the warmer seasons; however, it's just as important. It's also the New Year, so it's also a great idea to do your resolutions as a family. Have fun with it! Obviously, I mention this because this is the time of year when gym memberships spike due to the new-found desire to be fit. Side note: why wait until January to start? Begin NOW! Okay, back on track. Doing resolutions as a family can be amazing, too. Think about it—who wants you to succeed more than that tight knit group of individuals you love and share so much time and influence with? So many lessons to take from this: dedication to a goal, consistency to succeed, hard work will pay off, the ups and downs of failure/success and how to manage it, adversity and the power to overcome. I mean, really! I haven't even mentioned the life lesson of becoming active and fit. Doing this as a unit also gives you a built-in support system. If they see the importance of this to you, then they'll want you to succeed as much as you do. Sometimes it'll seem like they even want it for you MORE than you do! Setting the

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

goal, or in this case, the resolution, is one thing. But, you need to include in your family goal setting to talk about how you're going to get there. A goal, simply put, is just a dream without a plan. So talk about what the goal means to you individually and then make your plan of action. Allowing them to be a part of your journey may inspire them to join in on your aspirations, but, let's be honest, this is your goal. Unless they have a similar desire, they're just a support system which is absolutely fine as long as they ARE the support. Team building at its best, right?! I mean, think about it, on a team each member has a different job. However, the end result is the same! Hope all of you had an amazing holiday season and look forward to the year ahead! Let's be the difference the world needs, let's make our little communities stronger! Another PRIME Fitness message, thank you for reading! MUSCLE UP...live fit!

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grow where you're planted

the best way to spread christmas cheer is by sharing cinnamon rolls far and near written by Rachel Yoder

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

One holiday tradition we hold dear is making up trays of treats to share with our neighbors, friends we've made at local businesses, and our mailman. We even chase down the driver of the big orange road commission truck that grades our dirt road all year. All are special people who bring joy to our lives in even the most seemingly simple ways. The boys absolutely love this gesture of kindness and have taken it up with gusto as a meaningful way to show all of their friends they care. Baking together as a family creates so many great memories and builds lifelong skills. Baking for the sole purpose of giving takes it to another level. It brightens our season and demonstrates to our boys that giving feels so much better than getting. Sharing our heart, time, and fruits of our labor with our neighbors is a very small way we can show love and appreciation to the people who are in our lives. We bake, frost, load the car, and deliver trays. While some of our stops are short and sweet, at others we spend time visiting around kitchen tables or store counters. The process may take a few days, but it’s so worth it!

I hope that it brings back a sliver of old-fashioned neighboring especially in this digital age where real human interaction has been replaced by a poor substitute called “social media.” I challenge you to reach out to a neighbor this season, even if you've never met or talked to them. Swing by with a pan of cinnamon rolls or a tin of cookies and say “Hi.” The first few years, I would spend about two weeks with the diligent help from my tiny chefs making at least 10 different types of cookies, candies, and sugar coma-inducing treats for half the county, it felt like. Our list of friends and neighbors to dote on seems to grow continually, so this year I am changing my strategy and focusing on baking only one type of treat: cinnamon rolls. This is partly because I need to simplify and streamline the goodie assembly line to something manageable for a sane person and mostly because I have come across the best cinnamon roll recipe I have ever baked! They are huge and soft and perfect with a cup of coffee or cocoa. The following recipe is adapted from King Arthur Baking’s “Perfectly Pillowy Cinnamon Rolls.” While the original recipe is fantastic on its own, I had to put my own twist on it and bulk it up.

cinnamon rolls Yield 16 Rolls Tangzhong

Directions

1 cup whole milk 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour

Preheat the oven to 375°.

Dough 1 1/3 cups whole milk 5 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp salt 4 Tbsp sugar 4 tsp instant yeast 8 Tbsp softened butter

Filling 2 Tbsp melted butter 1 tsp vanilla 1 cup packed brown sugar 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour 7 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp cardamom pinch of salt

Frosting 1 stick (4 oz.) butter 1 tsp vanilla pinch of salt 3 cups powdered sugar 1-2 Tbsp milk to thin to desired consistency

In a small sauce pan, combine 1 cup whole milk and 6 Tbs all-purpose flour until no lumps remain. Heat the mixture on medium heat, stirring constantly until thick like a paste. Remove from heat and transfer to a large mixing bowl or bowl of stand mixer. Add 1 1/3 cups cold milk to the bowl, then all the other ingredients for the dough. Mix by hand or on low speed in stand mixer with dough hook attachment until dough is brought together. Then knead by hand (takes about 15 minutes) or 10 min on medium-low speed of stand mixer. Shape the dough into a ball, spray the bowl with olive oil, place the dough ball in it, cover with plastic and allow to rise 1 – 1 ½ hours in a warm place. Dough will get puffy but not necessarily double in size. While the dough is rising, make the filling. Combine all the ingredients and stir until it looks like wet sand. You should have 2 cups of filling. Lightly grease 2 pie pans or line with parchment paper. Prepare your work surface with a light dusting of flour, and cut the dough in half. Place once half of dough on the work surface and roll with a rolling pin into a rectangle 10”x12”. Spread half (1 cup) of the filling on the dough and gently press it down. Beginning on the long side Roll the dough into a log. Using dental floss (produces a clean cut and keeps the rolls round) or a knife cut the dough log into 8 pieces. Place rolls evenly in pan. Repeat process with the second half of the dough. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise for ½ – 1 hour. They will be puffy and should not bounce back when poked. Bake for 20 minutes or until light golden brown. While the rolls are in the oven, make the frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, bring together butter, vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar. Add 1 -2 Tbs milk to reach the desired consistency. Allow the rolls to cool 20 minutes before frosting.

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

amazing kids

philanthropy through entrepreneurship written by Sara Galloway

Kids are inherently kind, thoughtful, and often wise beyond their years. They work hard and play harder. They see a problem or need and want to fix it or help, especially when those problems and needs affect the hearts and lives of others. Enter Amelia Ferry and Savannah Nye. Over the past couple of years, both girls have begun businesses in hopes of earning a little spending money. Encouraged by their parents, Scott & Ali Ferry and Tyler & Alison Nye, the girls have earned their spending money, but both have also practiced saving for their futures, tithing/giving, and putting money back into their own businesses. Read on to see where their hearts have been helping lately.

amelia ferry, age 10

Every summer for the past three years, Amelia has been working hard in the kitchen producing the delicious, sweet strawberry jam that customers of her business, AJ's Jam, have come to know and love. This year she used her earnings to help out a cause near and dear to her own heart. Amelia possesses a huge love for animals, big and small. She herself has several pets of all shapes and sizes and she hopes to work with animals when she grows up. When she heard Erin's Angels Rescue was in need of items to care for the animals they take in, it was an easy decision to share her earnings with them. With the help of her parents, Amelia gathered a donation and took it over to the the rescue. It was reported to be the best day of her life!

savannah nye, age 9

Two years ago, Savannah had an idea to start her own business. She and her parents spent countless hours in their kitchen developing Banna Bars, the tasty, circular granola bars that customers can't get enough of! Last year Savannah was able to make a contribution to the Litchfield Community Library to help with their renovation efforts. This year, Savannah knew she wanted to help someone but wasn't sure where to begin. After seeking ideas from family and friends, she did a few interviews and ultimately decided to help a family adopt a child. Savannah decided to go through Faithful Adoption Agency, who paired her with the Lapp family, a two-time FAC family who had experienced three failed matches. Savannah's goal is to raise $500 for the Lapps through her Banna Bar sales.

It makes me proud to write this piece on Amazing Kids by featuring two young ladies from Litchfield who I am also privileged to call family. We forget sometimes that while adults have the means to make a difference, kids have the pure hearts to do so without the entanglements of others' opinions or selfish desires. I know these two are not a rarity. I know there are many more kids among us doing altruistic things just because. We need to share their goodness with the world and recognize them for their efforts. Kindness is contangious!

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

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the up side of down syndrome

after the storm written by Angela Blake

Boy, what a difference a few months can make. We have been through a big upheaval at our house and Ms. Brazley and her brother are right in the middle of the chaos. On August 29, our area was hit by Hurricane Ida. She blew up from nowhere and grew into a nearly Category 5 storm in less than a week. When she hit land, the center of the warning cone was just to the west of us. Then she turned east.

We ended up not having power for two weeks after the storm. We didn’t get our cable and internet back for over two m o n t h s . And, we now live in a camper in the driveway as our home was deemed uninhabitable. And the kicker...FEMA has said they won’t help us rebuild. So, this will be a longterm situation for our family.

We thought we’d be fine staying since we are a hundred miles from the coast, but we were very wrong. We lost power around 6 pm and decided to bring Brazley, Layne, and their mother Sierra into our room at the back of the house because we have several large trees near the front of the house. We laid a mattress on the floor and tried to get some rest. The babies slept but I could not. The wind was howling so loud it sounded like a train, and every so often there would be an intense gust that would make me hold my breath in fear. Around 10, there was a large boom and all of the glass from the living room light fixtures shattered onto the floor. About 11, there was another one that shook the whole house. (We would later learn it was a 100’ oak that fell 10 yards from where we were.)

Of course, this is very stressful to all of the adults, but Brazley and Layne don’t mind at all. They love the camper and being so close to all of us. They love playing outside more often and co-sleeping is definitely a favorite.

After that boom, I was up patrolling the house. And then, the water came. First, I noticed the truck was under water, then the living room, then the entire house had water in it. We ended up getting four feet of water outside and a foot of water in the house. It was scary how quickly the water came inside. Within twenty minutes, we went from completely dry to a foot of water. The mattress that the babies were sleeping on was floating around the bedroom. It is a night we will never forget. And that was just the beginning.

Hopefully, before the next article we’ll be in a better place— preferably with a full-sized bed and a bathtub. Until then, we’ll enjoy the babies a little more, sleep a little less, and look forward to whatever the future has in store for our little family.

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

Between COVID and the storm, we have yet to get Brazley started into the mainstream school system. Schools have been closed for a long time down here but now that they are up and running, we’re navigating the logistics of putting her in a school setting. My daughter and I are apprehensive to say the least, but we will all get through this. Right?

letters to gavin

little man

written by Cierra Snyder Dear Gavin,

You are three and a half. Your hair is as blond as ever and your eyes are still the brightest blue and full of mischief. You're starting to look different lately. There's no baby or pudgy toddler left. Although your face still resembles mine, your expressions are your daddy's. There is no longer anything round about you. One would never know that you once had dimples at every joint and creases on your wrists and chin that were so deep you could hide food in them. I've recently noticed your new jaw line that accentuates your handsome little face. You already have the start of some little man muscles, and your frame once again resembles your big, broad-shouldered daddy. When you were born, the doctor exclaimed that you had the shoulders of a bull. You looked like a little body builder at 10 days old. But you quickly became round and dimpled, then tall and skinny, and now, even at only 3 years old, you look like a little man. You are so rough and loud at this stage. Today you headbutted me with all your might, in lieu of a greeting, and even though I knew you didn't mean to hurt me, I sharply said "Young man!!!" Because that is how I've gotten your attention since you were a mischievous baby. I don’t know why, but it somehow has always suited you. I said, "You better give me and hug or say something nice to me because that is not how you treat your mommy!" You mischievously smirked at me, just like your daddy does, and tackle-hugged me with all your might, like that was your plan all along. I was once again reminded that it is not going to be long before you can pick me up. I hope you always give such strong and genuine hugs, Gavin. You say my name countless times a day, and ask "Why?" as many times. You love to yell and sing and shout just to test

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

your voice . . . even after I've assured you that yours must be THE loudest. You are simply yourself wherever we go, and whoever we're with. You almost always have a smile on your face and have never been much of a tantrum-thrower. You're more of a stubborn smirk and a clenched jaw that says "Nope. I'm not eating that," or "I dare you to try and stop me," with silent but firm finality. You are strong in character, and you stick with your decisions, regardless of the outcome. You love people with a zeal that is absolutely pure and second to none. You're a natural leader. Your older and younger peers respect you, and I often see you directing a pack of older boys and wonder why a goofy obnoxious toddler is in charge. You embrace new faces and accept people as they are and make friends literally everywhere you go. Even while driving down the freeway in another state. You're going to be an amazing man, Gavin. You already are! For each gray hair you give us, there will be a thousand memories of our family being so proud that we could burst. You're going to do great things someday, Gavin. I can't wait to see where life takes you. I hope you know that it is a joy and an honor to get to be your mom. Love, "Mama! Mama! Mama! Mom! Mommy! Mommy! Mama! Mom! Mommy, why is the moon?" P.S. I hope you have a son just like you.

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holiday vibes

christmas

Millions of families celebrate Christmas across the globe, and there are many traditions surrounding Christmas that seem older than Santa himself. There’s decorating Christmas trees, building snowmen, hanging stockings, kissing under mistletoe, and blasting Christmas music during all of these traditions! Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” is both the best-selling Christmas song and the best-selling single of all time, but “Jingle Bells” was the first song played in space! Regardless of your taste in Christmas music, Christmas is a universal holiday that celebrates the birth of Christ, family gatherings, and Santa Claus. If you’re looking for new ways to come together and celebrate this Christmas, keep reading!

peppermint bark

This Christmas recipe is simple and quick – there are only three ingredients and it’s impossible to mess up. It’s also kid-friendly and a perfect treat to box up and give away to friends and family.

Ingredients 1 pack of candy canes 4 cups chocolate chips 3 cups white chocolate chips

Directions Place the candy canes into a Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small chunks. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips. Pour onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and spread evenly with a spatula. Freeze for 5 minutes. While it’s in the freezer, melt the white chocolate chips. Take the pan out of the freezer and pour the melted white chocolate over the chocolate, spreading evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate. Freeze for at least 1 hour. Remove the bark from the freezer and break into pieces to enjoy!

MICHIGAN PARENT SUMMER WINTER 2021 2021

written by Hannah Cote

cinnamon ornaments

These ornaments are simple, creative, and will smell amazing on your tree!

Ingredients 1 cup unsweetened applesauce 1½ cup ground cinnamon (look for the cheap, off brand stuff, you aren't gonna eat it) 2 tablespoons craft glue, optional (I think this makes the ornaments a bit sturdier, but you can do without it) Mixing bowl

Drinking straw Plastic wrap Rolling pin Baking racks and baking sheets Cookie cutters Glitter, puffy paints, rhinestones, etc. for decorating, and ribbon or hooks for hanging

Directions Mix the applesauce, cinnamon, and glue in a mixing bowl. You'll probably need to stir with your hands, as a spoon won’t get the job gone. Add more applesauce or cinnamon if needed - you want the dough to be a touch dry, but it still needs to hold together when you roll it out. When the dough can be formed into a ball, you are done mixing. Place 1/3 of the dough between two sheets of plastic wrap, and use the rolling pin to roll the dough to ¼" - 1/3" thick. Remove the top layer of plastic wrap and use cookie cutters to cut out ornaments. Repeat with the remaining dough. Use the straw to poke holes for hanging in each ornament. Dry the ornaments. You can either pop the ornaments on a baking rack on top of a baking sheet in a 200° oven for about 2½ hours until the ornaments are dry and hard, or you can air dry them. Once dry, you can decorate! https://wholefully.com.

movie night

Christmas is the perfect time to cozy up by the fire for a holiday hit. Sprinkle some mini candy canes into your popcorn, grab a mug of marshmallow-stuffed hot cocoa, and turn on “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas.” This movie is family-friendly and nostalgic, flipping through a Disney storybook of Christmas wonderlands and lovable songs. The collection of Mickey Mouse stories makes for an adventurous and heart-warming film. If you love the first one, there’s “Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas,” too!

activity/adventure

Christmas is the longest break during the school year, and though your kids may have plenty of time to rest, they may also grow restless indoors. Instead, spend an evening driving through neighborhoods to gaze at the abundance of Christmas lights. Even if your own neighborhood goes crazy with decorations, it’s fun to see what other families do! Turn up some Christmas classics in the car and enjoy the drive. You can have your kids vote on which house they think looks the best and maybe even get some inspiration for your house next year.

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

holiday vibes

new year's eve

written by Meghan Schultz

Noisemaker in hand, 2022 party hat on head, children and parents alike wait with bated breath for the ball to drop on New Year’s Eve. Families can spend the hours leading up to the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve engaged in fun activities, eating delicious snacks, and savoring family bonding time that will last long into the new year. With an abundance of time and plenty of ideas available, here are just a few that might make your family’s New Year’s Eve especially enjoyable.

sparkling gummy worm-garnished mocktails

countdown clock

Handing children a fun, different, and probably plastic flute that they don’t often get to use, filled with a sparkling drink they’ve never tried, will make them feel they can toast and celebrate to their heart and stomach’s content.

This craft, a clock created from a paper plate and cardstock, will help young children to track the hours until 12 o’clock. By moving the hand each hour, they can use their own colorful, homemade timepiece to count down.

Ingredients

Supplies

2¼ cups club soda, chilled Champagne flutes Eight sour gummy worms Pitcher 1½ cups apple juice, chilled ¼ cup frozen white grape juice concentrate

Directions

Paper plates Brads Scissors Cardstock or paper

Markers Extra supplies for decoration: glue, glitter, stickers, paint

Instructions

In a pitcher, mix grape juice concentrate and apple juice until dissolved. Fill flutes ¾ with juice and top with ¼ club soda, or adjust ratio to preference. Add two sour gummy worms to each flute. Serve, cheers, and enjoy!

Write hours 1-12 on the paper plate, with the 12 more colorful than the others, using markers. Cut out a clock hand from cardstock or paper and use the brad to pin it to the center of the plate. Decorate the plate with paint, stickers, or apply a layer of glue to stick glitter to the surface.

https://www.todaysparent.com/recipe/holiday-recipes/ sparkling-champagne-mocktail-recipe/ https://helloyummy.co/new-years-eve-mocktails-for-kids/

https://buggyandbuddy.com/new-years-eve-kidscountdown-clock-craft/

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

movie night

If you’d like to spend some time relaxing on the couch, waiting for midnight, check out “Holiday Inn,” on Amazon Prime Video. It stars Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire in a holiday musical comedy.

activity/adventure

Ultimate Spoons brings an adventurous mix of cards, attention, speed, and humor to a family game night. It’s fun for any age and number of people.

Goal To collect four of the same cards, and to be one of the players holding a spoon at the end of the round.

Supplies One less spoon than the number of players One deck of cards

Directions A designated person, someone not in play, hides the spoons in somewhat visible locations around the house. Players sit around the table. After the cards are shuffled, each player will be given four random cards. When play begins, one player will set the remaining stack of cards at his side and pick cards up one by one, looking to fill his hand with four of the same card. If the card picked up isn’t used, it’s passed on to the next player, who passes it to the next player. If a player keeps the card passed, he must discard another card so that there are only ever four in each player’s hand. This pattern continues quickly until a player has four cards of the same in hand, when they run to find a spoon. As soon as a player with four cards gets up to leave the table, all other players can also search for spoons. The player left without a spoon at the end of the round is out.

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

holiday vibes

valentine's day

written by Melissa McCance

Although many myths and legends blur the historical St. Valentine (or Saints Valentine, as some sources indicate there might have been more than one), there is no arguing that it has become one whopper of a holiday! According to The Candy Industry site, almost $27 billion (yep, BILLION dollars) was spent on celebrating in 2020. And, an incredible 250 million roses were produced last year to meet the need. But Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance— it’s also a great time to let family and friends know you care. Here are some ideas for families!

melon pops

If you’re looking for a more nutritious treat, try these!

Ingredients Lollipop sticks or bamboo skewers Heart-shaped cookie cutter Cantaloupe Other fruit options: honeydew, kiwi, pineapple, etc.

Directions Slice cantaloupe in half, remove seeds, and slice halves crosswise about ½” thick. Use the heart-shaped cutter to cut out pieces of cantaloupe or fruit of choice. Thread the fruit onto the sticks or skewers. www.actionforhealthykids.org

foil heart craft

Suitable for any age but supervise young ones with the permanent markers! (Covering clothing with an old shirt might be wise.)

Supplies Thin cardboard (like a cereal box) Scissors Aluminum foil Sharpie markers in bright colors Cut a heart shape out of the cardboard and wrap it in a piece of foil large enough to completely cover the front. Decorate the heart with the markers any way the child chooses. The bright colors against the foil will produce a pretty result even it’s simply scribbling! www.iheartcraftythings.com

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

movie night

Make popcorn or gather other favorite family snacks and snuggle together under some blankets to enjoy a movie night. “Gnomeo & Juliet” is a G-rated, family-friendly retelling of the Romeo and Juliet story that ties in with the holiday.

activity/adventure

Here’s an easy indoor Valentine’s Day activity that will let your kids have fun and burn off some excess energy!

Supplies Construction paper hearts about 6” across in Valentine’s colors. On each one, write a simple action the children can do, like “hop on one foot 10 times,” “clap while counting to 20,” “jump as high as you can 8 times,” “do 5 jumping jacks.” (For a list of over 30 action ideas, visit teachmama.com, and search for “Musical Hearts.” Scroll to the bottom and there’s a place to submit your email to have the list sent to you.)

How to Play Arrange the hearts in a big circle with the words face down. Get some high-energy music cued up that your kids love. This is played like musical chairs with the children walking inside the circle of hearts, but instead of grabbing a seat, when the music stops, the children pick up the heart nearest them, read the actions and do them! www.teachmama.com

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

holiday vibes

st. patrick's day

written by Elyse Hawkins

St. Patrick’s Day, also called the Feast of St. Patrick, is held annually on March 17. This day is traditionally held to be the date of St. Patrick’s death, but, over time, this day has also become a global celebration of Irish culture and traditions filled with parades, candy, leprechauns, and more. This year, don’t forget to wear some (or all!) green and celebrate the day with some fun activities that will get the whole family involved!

st. paddy’s treat

Check out this recipe for a simple but delicious treat for any St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Ingredients ¼ cup butter 4 cups marshmallows 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal ¼ tsp. vanilla extract ¾ cup Lucky Charms’ marshmallows (picking the marshmallows out of the Lucky Charms’ cereal box can be a fun activity for kids!) Green food coloring (optional)

Directions Melt butter over low heat until completely melted. Gradually add marshmallows and stir often to avoid burning them. When the marshmallow/butter mixture is completely melted, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla and your green food coloring and mix well. Remove from heat and stir in your Rice Krispies cereal. Once mixture is mostly combined, stir in the Lucky Charms’ marshmallows and put into a greased 9x12 baking pan. www.classyclutter.net

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

crepe paper st. patrick’s day craft

Want to include a fun but simple craft in your family’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations? This craft will not only get the whole family involved, but it also is a great way to introduce to children some of the history and traditions of St. Patrick’s Day.

Supplies Green crepe paper (can substitute green tissue paper) White card stock Glue stick Scissors Plain shamrock template (can be found online)

Directions Print template onto white card stock and cut it out. Cut (or tear) crepe paper into small pieces. Working in small sections, apply glue to the shamrock. Crumple the crepe paper and glue to the shamrock until the shamrock is covered. www.theresourcefulmama.com

movie night

“Leap” into a St. Patrick’s Day movie night with the comedic love story “Leap Year.” This PG-rated movie highlights Irish culture and is sure to get the whole family laughing as Anna Brady (played by Amy Adams) heads to Dublin, Ireland, and goes on a series of adventures across the country.

activity/adventure

On this St. Patrick’s Day, send your kids on an adventure to find their own pot ‘o’ gold. This treasure hunt is fun for kids and adults alike and is a memorable but inexpensive way to get the whole family involved . . . and, who knows, maybe it’ll even be the start of a new family tradition.

Supplies Any kind of box (cardboard works just fine) Paints, especially green and gold Paintbrushes Decorations for the ‘pot’ (stickers, glitter, etc.) Treasure (candies, little trinkets, coins) Notecards

Instructions Begin by painting the box with the paint and allowing it to dry. Your kids can then add all kinds of different decorations to the box making it more festive until you have a suitably bedazzled “pot.” Once the pot is complete, fill it with the treasures and hide it somewhere in your house. You can then put a series of clues throughout the house, with each clue leading the treasure hunters to the next — until they finally lead to the location of the pot itself.

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

let's read!

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

written by Melissa McCance

Cold weather brings to mind cozy evenings indoors—the perfect time to curl up with a book! We’ve selected some book suggestions to enjoy this winter. Although these are highly-rated by parents and educators, you know your children best, and we recommend reading (or at least skimming) them to ensure they’re appropriate for your kids. Reading some online reviews can help, and for grades six and up, detailed synopses can be found online as well.

Grades K-2

Grades 6-8

by Mo Willems This book is about music and human connectedness and dreams. The illustrations are especially beautiful, and many parents report that even their young children connected to the concepts and underlying meaning. It’s a change of pace for Willems, so don’t look for the usual silliness and humor, but it has over 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

by Remy Lai So, you’re a 12-year-old boy whose family hovers and smothers and treats you like you’re 3. What to do? Why, hop a plane to Shanghai, of course! This highly entertaining novel follows Henry Khoo on his journey and provides a lot of laughs and warm feelings along the way. Most reviewers feel it works for ages eight to 12 or 13.

Because

Snowflake Bentley

Fly on the Wall

Show Me a Sign

by Jacqueline Briggs Martin Wilson Bentley lived in Vermont from the mid-19th to early 20th century. Always fascinated by snowflakes, he was the first person to photograph them, thus preserving many of these unique crystals that disappear so quickly. This book tells his story and includes additional information in sidebars along with the main text that’s geared to young ones. Mary Azarian’s charming woodcut illustrations add to the period feel of the book.

by Ann Clare LeZotte Set in 1805 and centered in a deaf community on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, this book presents a well-researched picture of post-Revolutionary times lived by the main character, Mary Lambert. Be aware that the author addresses racism, prejudice against those with disabilities, and some other tough topics, but she has been praised for how the difficult issues are handled. Some reviewers felt it was slow getting started but definitely pulled you in after that.

Grades 3-5

Grades 9-12

by Avi What do you do when you’re 14 with dreams of becoming a teacher and it looks like your eighth-grade year will be cut short? How will you qualify for high school if you don’t finish the year? When Ida Bidson’s teacher has to leave and the oneroom school in a remote Colorado town shuts down, she makes up her mind to keep school going secretly . . . by being the teacher! This is an engaging tale of spunk and spirit keeping a dream alive.

by Oscar Wilde This classic is set in late 19th-century England so the dialogue may seem odd to contemporary teens. But, it’s also one of the best horror stories ever and teases the mind rather than pouring on the gore. Young, handsome Dorian Gray becomes obsessed with wanting to preserve his youth and beauty due to careless, irresponsible words from the wealthy, cynical Lord Henry Wotton. How he accomplishes this, how it changes him, and what the final consequences are make an engrossing tale.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Secret School

The Hundred Dresses

by Eleanor Estes Estes has written many wonderful books, and this one is no exception. Nope, it’s not about buying clothes— it addresses bullying, dealing with social pressure, choosing to stand for what’s right, and forgiveness. You might need to explain some of the details because it was written in the 1940s, but it’s well worth that bit of extra effort. Children can gain perspective from learning that these struggles are NOT new!

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak This book takes place in Germany during World War II which tells you this is not a lighthearted tale! But it is about strength, survival, and how books to nourish our spirits no matter how dark our circumstances. The central character, Liesel, is a foster child staying with a German family, and she is the “book thief” who brings the power of literature to people who very much need it. MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

Be the magic this holiday season! If you are looking to make a difference in a foster care child’s life, please consider becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA is a nonprofit organization of volunteers who are appointed by a judge to work with children in foster care and advocate for their best interests in court. They are the eyes and ears of the judge and offer consistency to the child. In order to become a CASA volunteer, you must be 21 or older, pass multiple background checks, have reliable transportation, be able to visit with your assigned child weekly, and complete new volunteer training. For more information or to fill out an application, contact Heather Upton at 517-425-4145 or email director@hillsdalecasa.org. #changeachildsstory 36

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

recipes

hot hot!

The cold weather brings more than just heavy coats and runny noses. It also brings wonderful seasonal treats like hot chocolate! While there’s certainly nothing wrong with basic, creamy hot chocolate, we’ve gathered some special recipes for you to try this winter. You might find a new family favorite!

Unicorn Hot Chocolate

Nutella Hot Chocolate

INGREDIENTS

1 cup white chocolate chips 2 cups half-and-half 2 cups milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pink food coloring to your liking whipped cream, for topping mini marshmallows, for topping sprinkles for garnish

1 spoonful of Nutella 3 pieces of a chocolate bar 1 cup milk Pinch of salt Dash of cinnamon (or more)

DIRECTIONS Place the white chocolate chips, half-and-half, milk, and vanilla in a medium sauce pan. Heat over medium heat, whisking continuously until hot (do NOT boil). Whisk in food coloring until you get your desired color. Add to individual mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and sprinkles. Makes 4 servings. www.favfamilyrecipes.com

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DIRECTIONS Put the Nutella and chocolate bar in a microwavable mug with enough milk to barely cover the Nutella. Microwave for about 30 seconds and stir. Keep microwaving until the chocolate is completely melted into the milk. Add the rest of the milk and microwave for another 30 seconds, or until hot. Keep an eye on it, as the milk may begin to bubble. Add a small pinch of salt and a dash of cinnamon and stir. Top with whipped cream, more chocolate, or any other toppings you desire. Literally go nuts—chopped hazelnuts perhaps? Makes 1 serving. www.spoonuniversity.com, Andrea Willimetz

Cinnamon Hot Cocoa INGREDIENTS 3 oz bittersweet chocolate ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 cups milk 1 tablespoon light brown sugar

DIRECTIONS Break chocolate into smaller pieces. If you’re using chocolate chips, leave them as is. Combine chocolate, cinnamon, ½ cup milk, and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Heat and stir over medium-low heat until the chocolate melts. Add remaining milk and heat until the mixture is as hot as you like it, stirring often. Pour into mugs. Makes 1-2 servings. www.spoonuniversity.com

Liquid Gold Tahini Hot Chocolate INGREDIENTS 1½ cups whole milk ½ cup tahini (sesame seed paste) 2-3 tablespoons honey, to taste ½ teaspoon vanilla ½ teaspoon espresso powder 1 /8 teaspoon cinnamon 1 /8 salt 8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped (or use bittersweet chocolate chips) Whipped cream for topping Sesame seeds for topping

DIRECTIONS In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together the milk, tahini, honey (start with 2 tablespoons), vanilla, espresso powder, cinnamon, and salt. Heat until the milk is just shy of scalding, then remove from heat and add the chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes before whisking together; the chocolate should be melted by then. If not, return to heat for another minute. Taste for sweetness and add another tablespoon of honey, if desired. Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Makes 4 servings. www.bromabakery.com MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

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T L A S H D L B R L A N E O I

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Mission Statement: Fostering a culture of excellence in an ever-changing world.

Columbia School District 517-592-6641 | www.myeagles.org

Administration Office — 11775 Hewitt Rd., Brooklyn, MI202149230 MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 41

plan your walt disney world vacation during the 50th anniversary celebration! written by Kim Van Camp

Walt Disney World in Florida opened October 1, 1971, and has been a destination on the top of many families’ wish lists ever since. I believe that ANYtime is a GREAT time to visit Walt Disney World. However, the extra magic during an anniversary celebration is definitely worth experiencing. There have been a lot of changes around Walt Disney World lately. Even an old pro will need to take some time to understand how things work now. Fortunately, all the information you need is out there on all social media outlets. I have been planning Disney vacations for my family for over 15 years. This past year has been stressful and hard because of all the new tools, new rides/dining, new deadlines, new countdowns, and COVID. Here are some key things I have learned about Disney Vacations and planning (past and present).

Stay On Disney Property What does this do for you?

• You will be as close as you can be to all the parks • Complementary and convenient transportation to/ from parks (note that off-property hotels usually have transportation also, but they don’t run as often and the pick-up locations are usually out of the way) • Extra time in the parks • Early park entry - enter any park ½ hour before opening (available to ALL Disney resort guests) • Extended Evenings - stay at select parks up to 2 hours later (available to Disney Deluxe Resort guests) • Magical resorts - all Disney resorts are full of magic, from the decorations to the customer service.

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Download the My Disney Experience App In the App, You Can:

• Use Mobile Magic. No more magic bands - you will use your phone to open your resort door and enter parks (or use a card) - you will link your hotel and tickets. • Make theme park reservations • Make dining reservations • Access Disney Genie Service • Check ride times • Join virtual queues • And much more!

Some Additional Tips

• Take masks! Be prepared to wear them. At this time, Disney is still requiring masks indoors. • Be ready (anywhere) at 6:59 a.m. to “join” the Virtual Queue for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (Disney’s newest attraction in Epcot) - if you don’t succeed, be ready to try again at 12:59 p.m. while inside Epcot. • Make your theme park reservation as soon as possible once you purchase your ticket, you must reserve a park for each day of your ticket. • Park Hopping is only allowed after 2:00 p.m. - keep that in mind when considering the park hopper option on your ticket.

• There is a new planning tool called Disney Genie. (This is a free service.) Guests select which experiences they like and Genie will tell you where to go and what to do first. (Similar to any map app on your phone, it will reroute you depending on wait times, crowd levels, etc.) This takes the guesswork out of what to do first. • Fast Passes have been discontinued. Now there is Lightning Lane. You must purchase Disney Genie+ to utilize Lightning Lane. The cost is $15 per day per person. Lightning Lane for the top attractions in each park are pay per ride with a limit of 2 purchases per day. (Prices vary and are in addition to Genie+.)

We can always count on Disney to come up with something new and inventive, so I am sure things will change again in the future. There are many new experiences already in the works. Tron coaster, Guardians, and Star Wars: Galactic StarCruiser to name a few. You can find many more tips, tricks, and planning tools online. Happy Anniversary, Disney World. Here’s to a Magical Year! Cheers! MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

young children & pets teaching gentleness

Did your household gain a new furry friend over the holidays? Pets add so much to our lives, but in order for young children and animals to coexist happily and safely, it’s essential to combine careful supervision of your child with consistent, endlessly-reinforced teaching of the proper way to handle and treat a companion animal. This is especially true with toddlers, whose trial-and-error method of learning combined with the way they explore the world through touch and direct interaction can cause serious problems. Here are some tips to keep your little ones and your pets safe. Rule number one: Never leave a toddler alone with cat or dog, even if you believe the animal to be the gentlest one ever. Never. And, if the child is younger than six and the pet is a baby (puppy or kitten), this is absolutely essential. Be aware of where the child and the baby animal are at all times. Taking the time to supervise may seem like a chore, but it’s a thousand times better than a prematurely dead pet. Young children simply do not understand how easily they can injure or kill an animal. Model appropriate behavior. Kids are watching us all the time, and they internalize and emulate our behavior. If you interact gently and patiently with animals, it will help your children learn how they should be treating them. Set some basic rules, explain why they’re important, and enforce them. * Never pull on a pet’s tail, ears, or legs. * Don’t get in an animal’s face. The pet is likely to interpret this as aggressive behavior and may strike out in selfdefense.

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written by Melissa McCance

* No climbing on top of or squeezing the pet. A very young animal could be badly injured or killed while an older one could be frightened. * Shouting and/or screaming and leaping around can frighten or overstimulate an animal which can result in biting or clawing. * If the animal wants to get away, LET IT GO. Demonstrate the correct way to pet the animal. Gentle, gentle, gentle—this is something you will have to repeat and demonstrate over and over and over. Teach your child to pet the animal in the direction the animal’s coat grows and the difference between stroking and thumping! Kittens and puppies are babies and need naps. To be healthy and grow properly, young animals need sleep just as young humans do. An exhausted kitten or puppy that is being relentlessly played with is in danger. Teach your little ones to leave the pet be when it’s sleeping, whether it’s a baby or an adult. Help your child to recognize body language. Hissing and growling are easy to identify, but you need to cover the nonverbal cues. Ears laid back, a dog’s hackles rising, or a cat’s tail angrily swishing should be things a child understands mean it’s time to leave the animal alone! Consult your vet. Your veterinarian is a wealth of information about animal behavior and care. Don’t hesitate to talk to him or her for help with this important process of teaching your youngster how to be a loving pet owner!

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HILLSDALE CASA IS LOSING ITS PRIMARY FUNDING

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Due to State budget cuts, we are losing our primary source of funding, but there are many ways that you can help keep our program in the community!

Providing New Winter Clothing for Local Children in Need

HILLSDALE COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION is offering a donor match program! The foundation will match donations made through them, up to $10,000! Donations can be dropped off at the Foundation or mailed to them at P.O. Box 276 Hillsdale, MI 49242. Online gifts can be made at their website https://abouthccf.org/

KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS Visit the Kroger website to link your plus card with Hillsdale CASA and a percentage of quarterly sales Action are donated directly back to Community Agency in Hillsdale us. County partners with Hillsdale County

Helping Hands Pregnancy Resource Center (HHPRC), formerly

Community Foundation, The Beth Ann AMAZON SMILE known as Alpha Omega Care Center is located at 46 South Howell We are a registered charity withis Amazon Blanchard Children’s Memorial Street, Hillsdale, MI. Our mission toFund, empower men and women Smile. Select us as your charity of andand sexuality and Walmart to sponsor the “Warm the to make life-affirming decisions aboutchoice pregnancy athrough percentage of sales will be donated back Christ-centered Children” campaign compassion, to buy new,resources, warm and education. to us. clothing Established in 1987for under the nameCounty of “Alpha Omega Women’s winter Hillsdale Care Center”, we are the only Crisis Pregnancy Care Center in

children in need. QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS Hillsdale County. We are a non-profit agency; all our services Talk with your financial or and accountant are provided at no cost to advisor our clients are received through about Qualified Charitable Distributions How it works: Applications are businesses, takenfrom and churches generous donations from individuals, your IRA, the gifting appreciated assets, and throughout Hillsdale County.enrollment (during application donation of real property. period) and families and children are

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SERVICES INCLUDE: served as donated become availDESIGNER PURSE funds BINGO able.While Volunteers then gobe shopping with“baby bucks” Earn You Bingo Learn (EWYL): Moms earn Designer Purse will held September while learning through parenting classes. A wide array of topfamilies. Children must bebusinesses, 16 and under 25th and we are looking for ics span prenatal care through the toddler years, parenting and organizations, individuals sponsor at time of signorup. Familiesto may particistep-parenting, life skills, as well as special circumstances such as purses. Please contact pate every other year.Heather Upton for adoption. “Baby Bucks” can be spent in our Blessing Store on new

Material Assistance: Help for parents who choose life. Once a month, parents can come in for diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, and clothing at no cost. Pregnancy Tests: No cost, lab-quality pregnancy tests are offered at Helping Hands. Ultrasounds: Coming soon! Fundraising is complete! We hope to offer this service at no cost in early Autumn, 2021 and provide an amazing opportunity to save babies and affirm life. Numbers: According to our 2019 records, we saw 419 clients. We provided 5,111 diapers and 4,267 items of clothing. Thirty-nine parents attended parenting classes, 303 clients came to our center for material assistance. Fifty-eight potential parents came in for no-cost pregnancy tests. Helping Hands volunteers logged in 1,846 hours.

chase clothingatfor the children! Find us warm on Facebook Vitally Important Parent (VIP): Dads are important, too! These Hillsdale CASA, Inc - Child Advocates

Name and Logo Change: “Alpha Omega” has special and significant meaning to many in the Hillsdale County community, so WHY did we change our name? We chose a name that clearly and simply represents our mission and services to those who need our help.

Hillsdale —in517-437-3346. earned and County: can be spent the Blessing Store, as well.

Visit Helping Hands at www.helpinghandsprc.org and follow them at facebook.com/hhprchillsdale

more info. 517-425-4145 or baby/toddler clothing as well as baby tubs, pack ‘n plays, new cribs casaofhillsdale@gmail.com 100% of all donations and mattresses, high chairs,are etc.used to purclasses are just like EWYL, but are focused on the important

For more information contact CAA in role fathers play in the lives of their children. “Dad Dollars” are #changeachildsstory

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teaching kids to call 911 Children should know how and why to call 911 beginning at about age four. While kids may be familiar with firefighters, police officers, and possibly even EMTs, they've probably never heard of or know how to speak to a 911 dispatcher. Teaching them to speak to the 911 operator can make all the difference in saving someone's life. We've gathered some practical tips below to help you teach the littles in your life how to make the critical call.

Define an Emergency

Knowing Their Address

Explain How to Use the Phone

Practice, Practice, Practice!

It's important for kids to understand when and when not to call 911. We've all heard stories about the kids who call 911 for non-emergent reasons. You need to define for them when it is and is not appropriate to call 911 but keep it simple. Some situations such as fires or car accidents are very easy to identify as an emergency. Others such as illnesses are less obvious and need more of an explanation. Something as simple as saying, "Call 911 if you can't wake someone up, or if someone is bleeding and it won't stop, or if an adult tells you to call 911" are easy markers for kids to understand and remember.

First, it is always best to call 911 from a landline. A landline will allow most 911 centers to automatically locate a caller. If you don't have a landline, make sure to keep a mobile phone in a standard place. Always having one on the kitchen table gives a child easy, reliable access. Step two is to teach them to operate the phone be it landline or mobile. While the landline is simple - push the buttons - a cell phone is more complicated, especially if you have security measures like fingerprint recognition, in place. Cell phones typically have a way to bypass security settings in an emergency, though. As an example, on newer iPhones. pressing and holding the power button and one volume button brings up the keypad and also the word 'emergency' in the lower left corner. Touching that word allows for use of the phone function to dial 911.

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

Since most homes do not have a landline, children need to learn their address. Children are capable of giving a 911 dispatcher their address even without having it memorized. An easy way for children to do so is simply by being able to read the combination of numbers and letters from a piece of paper located near the phone. If you can teach them to tell the 911 operator the numbers and letters in sequence, there's no need for them to be able to actually read the address. A child can simply say, "5-3-5-2-S-T-R-E-E-T-C-IT-Y" and as the operator types in the numbers and letters, he or she will get the address.

The easiest way to do this is to role play emergencies at home. Go over what to say on the call. Practicing and pretending will better prepare your child to handle a real emergency. Practice with a pretend phone, not an old cell phone. A previously activated cell phone can still make actual calls to 911 even without a cell phone plan! Looking for some help in practicing? The Center for Childhood Safety offers a free app, called Kids' Practice 911 Dialer. It allows kids to practice making emergency calls and explain what the emergency is without being able to access a live dispatcher.

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Ensuring families have access to high-quality care when and where they need it.

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I'll be the first to admit it is hard keeping the gift-giving from going overboard at Christmas. We don't typically give gifts to our kids at any other time of the year. In fact, birthdays have passed where we as parents don't specifically give our kids gifts, so for us Christmas is it. It's natural to feel the desire to make Christmas a grand event whether by sleigh or by Amazon. What is this doing to our kids though? I'll illustrate my point more specifically. Let's say your child receives an iPad for Christmas from Santa. Now let's imagine your child goes to school an proclaims to all their classmates that Santa brought them an iPad. While this is a joyous situation for them, what about the kid who got board games and new crayons from Santa? Or the child who only finds a stocking full of trinkets and sweets? Or the child who is of a different faith and doesn't even celebrate a version of Christmas?

holiday magic

I read an article recently confronting this very situation. A mom had written in feeling all kinds of guilt because her child asked why Santa didn't love them enough to bring them an iPad. Let me say that again. Her child asked why Santa didn't love them enough to bring them an iPad. Wow.Other parents and caregivers chimed in with similar sentiments saying their children were questioning what they did wrong or trying to figure out how they could be better behaved so Santa would bring them an iPad next Christmas. Y'all, this is NOT what Christmas is about, and we need to stop allowing the Joneses to steal holiday magic from our families. Below are a few suggestions to keep that magic intact. written by Sara Galloway

one We have a very straightforward rule in this house; Santa is required to get Mom and Dad's approval on all presents. For us this solves the situation. We will not approve Santa's suggestion of/their wish for an iPad ... or another puppy. Our kids still ask, but we reiterate - Mommy and Daddy will not allow Santa to bring you (insert coveted item here.) two We can stop making Santa the bad guy by simply not

allowing him to bring big ticket items. Those should be gifts that come from parents and caregivers or gifts that should be reserved for birthdays or other special occasions.

three

Our kids need holiday magic, but where does that magic go if everyone really is getting an iPad? What's next? Not having expensive items show up as gifts at any time of the year is 100% an option. You are not doing any disservice to your child by not supplying everything they want/wish for. We can offer our kids another gift and teach them the value of hard work and earning what they desire. We can also teach them the art of gift-giving by showing them what truly thoughtful gifts look like.

four For those with a Christian-based faith, how about placing the magic in the miraculous? This might seem a controversial suggestion to some, but we often need to be reminded that while we give and get gifts at Christmastime, we are really celebrating the greatest gift ever given. In the end, it won't matter who had an iPad and who had a box of Crayolas. In the end, we already have all we truly need, and that, my friends, is the real holiday magic. 12

MICHIGAN PARENT WINTER 2021

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Michigan Parent Fall 2021

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Michigan Parent Fall 2021