WFM wichita family
M
a
g
a
z
i
n
e
april 2013
FORECAST CALLS FOR FUN GET KIDS OUTDOORS NO MATTER THE WEATHER
FAMILY BRINGING DENMARK TO WICHITA NATURAL GIFTS FOR BABY
WFM wichita family
M
a
g
a
z
i
n
e
april 2013
6
Forecast Calls for Fun Get Kids Outdoors No Matter the Weather
8
News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools
10
The Weishaar family is bringing Denmark to Wichita
12
Natural Gifts for Baby
14
WFM: Product Picks wfm 3
WFM wichita family
M
a
g
a
z
i
n
e
published by For the Families, LLC 316.295.8465 Publishers Eric and Christy Clark Advertising inquiries contact:
Vice President of Sales & Marketing Cari Fischer
a note from the publishers
W
cari@wichitafamily.com Wichita Family Magazine is published 12 times a year by For the Families, LLC. Wichita Family Magazine is available free, at schools, stores, restaurants, libraries, retailers and local attractions, as well as other places families frequent. For a complete list of where to find Wichita Family, or for subscription rates, visit www.wichitafamily.com.
ith the end of school in sight for our children, there are a myriad of options you’ll have to consider to entertain and educate them this summer. Our two children, Olivia and Colby (above), are already enrolled in their fourth season of swimming lessons, registered for their upcoming summer camps and ready to throw on a mit and swing a bat during the summer recreation softball and baseball season. As we look to fill our children’s summers with activities and events, I’d like to encourage you to also fill their time with some quality family time. In our efforts to “give” our children what we think they need to survive or be productive socially, we take for granted the power we possess as parents. We often forget that quality time with our children can have a dramatic and longer-lasting effect than the number of activities we try to jam into the few short months we have with them during the summer months. Eric and Christy Clark Publishers
Mailing address: P.O. Box 817 Wichita, Kansas 67201 How to reach us: Phone: 316.295.8465 Email: publisher@wichitafamily.com
Want to advertise with us? Contact Cari at
cari@wichitafamily.com
4 wfm
Copyright 2009 by For the Families, LLC. All rights reserved. Wichita Family Magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions or contest fulfillment from third parties. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission is strictly prohibited. Wichita Family is distributed free of charge. The magazine’s advertisers make this possible, so support them! We reserve the right to edit submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication, but we reserve the right to refuse material. Materials will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property of For the Families, LLC.
What’s Virtual School?
vir·tu·al school noun An online learning environment that gives students and families the ability to structure an educational experience that is both flexible and challenging
Maize Virtual Preparatory School offers a tuition free option for K–10 Kansas students. Using the world-renowned Calvert curriculum, your child has access to a comprehensive course of study that is:
Virtual – blends the online experience with traditional texts Classic – reading, writing, math, scientific exploration, historical research, and art Flexible – fits your family’s schedule and your child’s pace Easy-to-use – step-by-step daily lesson plans Visit maizevirtualprepschool.com/events to register for free, fun and informative family events.
To learn more or to enroll call (316) 462-8800 or go to: MaizeVirtualPrepSchool.com
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
regard to outdoor play. Experts say, in addition to any allergy medications recommended by your pediatrician, there are steps you can take to help allergic kids enjoy the outdoors. Encourage kids to go outside in the early morning and evening when pollen counts are lower. Cool shades or sunglasses can prevent allergens from entering their eyes. Have them shower and wash their hair once they come back in.
Forecast Calls for Fun
Get Kids Outdoors No Matter the Weather (Family Features) Parents often keep a running list of rainy day activities, crafts and games to keep kids indoors when the forecast is soggy. But if your kids have never dodged rain drops, built a snowman or enjoyed a lazy summer afternoon outside, they’re missing out on something wonderful. Weather was cited as the biggest barrier to getting kids outdoors by 61 percent of parents recently surveyed by the National Wildlife Federation. But the outdoor activities kids love, such as running, jumping, climbing, playing games with friends and taking nature walks, are a great strategy for keeping children healthy and happy.
66 wfm wfm
“Children are safe to play outside in most kinds of weather barring the extremes,” said Lindsay Legendre, manager of the National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There movement. “Regular outdoor play is so important to kids’ healthy development and a little rain shouldn’t stop them from being out there. Parents might enjoy puddle jumping again themselves.” Bring on the Rain. Rain can sometimes be blamed for causing children to catch colds or flu, particularly when their hair or feet get wet. However, rain cannot make you sick. Dress children in waterproof hats, boots and raincoats to keep kids from getting too soggy. If storm conditions
develop, get out of any body of water and seek shelter in a nearby building. Prepare for mud and splashes in advance by keeping a heavy mat and dry towels by the front door. How Hot is too Hot? When temperatures climb, make sure to have plenty of water available and take precautions, such as applying sunscreen and wearing loose clothing that is light in color. Try to schedule outdoor time during the early morning and evening, which are often the coolest part of the day. Allergies. In many areas, seasonal allergies are another challenge for parents to contend with in
Baby, It’s Cold Outside. Many moms and dads are reluctant to send kids outside when temperatures drop. The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to dress kids in several thin layers to keep them dry and warm, including warm coats, boots, gloves and hats. It’s also important to set reasonable time limits on outdoor play and have children come inside periodically to warm up. And don’t forget the sunscreen, as sunlight, especially reflecting off snow, can cause burns. “Kids should get at least 60 minutes of exercise every day, and it’s great if they can do so outside for the fresh air and more room to play,” said Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician and author of Heading Home with Your Newborn. For more tips and advice on getting kids outside, visit www. BeOutThere.org/Weather and www.BeOutThere.org. For more National Wildlife Federation news, visit: www.nwf.org/news.
Summer Camps Start Monday, June 3 For Kids Entering Grades 1 - 12
Weekly camps: • engage curiosity • promote creativity • enhance scientific knowledge • and most of all are fun! Topics include: dinosaurs, robotics, science magic, splashdowns and more!
PLUS: For kids who love aviation, take off with Flight Crew and Pilot Training Camps, June 24 - 28.
Register Today! www.exploration.org 316-660-0620
300 N. McLean Blvd., Wichita, Kansas 67203 /ExplorationPlace
/DiscoverAtEP
wfm 7
Doctor’s Orders
News and Information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools
Minneha students get surprise homecoming
Sgt. 1st Class Brian White, center, surprised his grandchildren, Sean and Hannah, during an assembly at Minneha Core Knowledge Magnet.
Enrollment for fall prekindergarten underway
Two Minneha Core Knowledge Magnet prek students got a special surprise during an assembly – their grandfather. Sgt. 1st Class Brian White, who has been stationed in Kuwait for the past nine months, surprised his grandchildren, Sean and Hannah, on March 8. He and his wife Kim planned the special homecoming and he was greeted with big hugs and cheers from the students. “I was so happy,” said Hannah. “I
8 wfm
turned around and looked and I saw Papa.” “This was a thrill everyone should have,” said Sgt. White. Sean and Hannah live with their grandparents and he said he’s looking forward to spending a lot of time with them. Sgt. White is now home for good. He is retiring from the National Guard after 31 years of service.
Enrollment for free prekindergarten classes is going on now. Parents begin the enrollment process by completing an Interest Form either on paper or electronically on the Wichita Public Schools’ Web site. Both forms are found at www. ec.usd259.org. Children must turn 4-yearsold by August 31, 2013 and be screened to meet the eligibility criteria for the program. Parents can call Early Childhood at 973-4708 or their neighborhood school for more information.
“According to the American Cancer Society, 35,000 people in the US received a diagnosis of oral cancer in 2008. Men face twice the risk as women, especially men over the age of 50. Risk factors vary from tobacco to sun exposure. If treated early enough, the survival rates are very good. So please don’t delay and schedule a screening exam with your local dentist if you have not had one in the past six months.“
10
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS
STILL SO MUCH TO SEE!
NE OKLAHOMA’S GREEN COUNTRY 800.922.2118
The Weishaar Family is Bringing Denmark to Wichita
J
so call – and begin the process of welcoming your new son or daughter into your family today! _________________________________
by Stephanie Weishaar
ames and Stephanie Weishaar have worked with High School Exchange Students for many years. They have grown to love and appreciate the enriching perspective that these students bring to their lives each year. Beginning in 2011 Stephanie decided to join the ASSE International team of Area Representatives and her family welcomed in their first host daughter, Lene, from Norway. Lene became a part of our family while she lived with us. She brought her culture into our home and we left her with an unforgettable experience of the American culture that we have grown to love from living in the great state of Kansas! The exchange that took place in our home is one that we will treasure for our entire lives! That’s why we are doing it again! This year James and Stephanie along with their young children, Kyle 5 years old and Claire 2 years old, are inviting a young lady from Denmark to live with them for the next school year. Louise will go to school at Wichita High School Heights and participate in the life of an American High School student. She will arrive in August with excellent insurance, her own spending money, and an eagerness to learn all about how we live!
10 wfm
BY THE SWEDISH MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, COOPERATES WITH THE CANADIAN PROVINCIAL MINISTRIES OF EDUCATION, and the NEW ZEALAND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
ASSE INTERNATIONAL (FORMERLY AMERICAN SCANDINAVIAN STUDENT EXCHANGE) IS A NON-PROFIT, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANIZATION. ASSE IS OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED AS AN EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM BY THE U. S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WAS FOUNDED
Kansas Historical Society
Louise is just one of many other students who are eager to find host families this year so their dream of studying and living in America can come true! Please consider helping another student from over 40 countries around the world make their dreams come true! I am confident that Wichita and the Surrounding Areas are a great place for a curious International Student to learn about life in the United States! Please call me at (316) 665-4095, email me at stephanie@asse.com, or go to host.asse.com for more information on becoming an ASSE Host Family and to learn more about what ASSE is doing in your area! There are many students to choose from,
REAL PEOPLE. REAL STORIES.
Explore Kansas history through our museums, historic sites, and archeology programs. Discover famous Kansans and events. Delve into your family or house history.
Historical  Society
KSHS ORG KANSAPEDIA ORG KANSASMEMORY ORG
37 TH !VENUE s 4OPEKA +3 s
Visit us online at wichitafamily.com
MORE THAN JUST A GAME Summer Sports Greater Wichita YMca RESPECTCARING RESPONSIBILITY HONESTYRESPECT CARING RELearn skills and build character while staying active, having fun and making SPONSIBILITYHONESTY RESPECT new friends! CARING RESPONSIBILITYHONESTY Baseball and Softball (Ages 4-12) RESPECTCARING RESPONSIBILITY Volleyball (grades 2-7) HONESTY RESPECTCARING RE$40 Y member / $60 non-member SPONSIBILITY HONESTYRESPECTDeadline: April 29 CARINGRESPONSIBILITY HONESTY For a more competitive experience, RESPECT CARING RESPONSIBILITY try advanced sports at the YMCA HONESTY RESPECT CARING REFarha Sport Center. SPONSIBILITY HONESTY RESPECT Summer Volleyball (Ages 10-18) $50 Y member / $70 non-member CARING RESPONSIBILITY HONESDeadline: May 6 TY RESPECT CARINGRESPONSIBILSIGN UP TODAY ITYHONESTYCARINGRESPONSIBILITYHONESTYRESPECT CARING Income-based pricing is available. RESPONSIBILITY HONESTY RESPECTCARINGRESPONSIBILITY
“Like” us on Facebook
Copyright © 2013 American Girl. All rights reserved. All American Girl marks are trademarks of American Girl.
EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE IN FUN WITH AN AMERICAN GIRL® WEEKEND! Experience a fun-filled girl’s weekend where you will be tickled pink! Our American Girl® Package features everything your girl and her doll need for an amazingly fun and girly weekend. Shop by day, then relax, swim, and enjoy the stylish comforts of the renowned Kansas City Marriott Downtown. Call 816-421-6800 or visit our Deals and Promotions tab at KansasCityMarriottDowntown.com for full package details.
www.facebook.com/ wichitafamilymagazine KANSAS CITY MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN 200 West 12th Street | Kansas City, MO 64105 (816) 421-6800 | KansasCityMarriottDowntown.com
wfm 11
(Family Features) Whether you need a baby shower gift, a present for a newborn, or something “just because” for a precious baby in your life, these natural gift ideas will help you give a present that you can feel good about.
Skin
care essentials. Look for gentle products with fewer ingredients. Purchase skin care products that are made without dyes, fragrances, phthalates and parabens. You can also find fragrance-free shampoos, washes and lotions, as well as irritantfree bubble baths. Use a gentle detergent to wash everything that touches your baby’s skin. Include some soft and stylish towels and washcloths made from natural fibers. Help protect baby’s skin when playing outside with zinc oxide sunscreens. Teething kit. Teething typically
Natural Gifts for Baby 12 wfm
starts between the ages of four and seven months. Help parents be ready with a teething kit. Include gauze pads and soft organic washcloths to wipe gums, and homeopathic teething tablets, such as Baby Orajel™ Naturals Quick Dissolve Homeopathic Teething Tablets. These teething tablets use soothing, natural Chamomilla as the main ingredient, and they do not contain benzocaine, belladonna, or dyes. Learn more
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
at www.babyorajelnaturals.com.
Feeding helpers. When it’s time
to introduce food to baby, parents can prepare by purchasing a baby food maker. You can find models that steam, puree and blend, as well as reheat or defrost precooked foods. Some models come with BPA-free storage containers, as well. Also consider baby plates, bowls and utensils made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, bibs and burp cloths made from natural, organic or recycled materials, and BPAfree sippy cups.
Eco-friendly diapers. These days
you can find all kinds of diapers that are good for both baby and the environment. There are chlorine-free and biodegradable disposable diaper options, diapers free from latex and dyes, and diapers made from renewable resources. As some helpful extras, add some gentle, chlorine-free wipes and a zinc oxide diaper cream. If the baby wears cloth diapers, consider chipping in with friends to pay for a diaper service to make life a little easier for the family. Finding natural products for babies is easier than you think. All it takes is a little bit of research and you will find everything you need.
Join Wichita Family Magazine at
PURE Entertainment on Wednesday, April 22, 2013 Mention you saw this ad in WFM and your entry is only
$5!
wfm 13
clek Foonf Car seat
WFM wichita family
M
a
g
a
z
i
n
e
product picks Spring is here and it’s time to come out of our caves and explore our beautiful outdoors. With new exploration comes safety concerns. Here are some of our favorite products that will help keep you, and your family safe this spring.
With the new recommendations for children to stay in a rear-facing position longer, why should we compromise on style? Clek introduces the Foonf convertible car seat. Built with a rigid steel sub-structure and energy-absorbing foam layers, this amazing car seat keeps your tyke safe, and your style intact. ($499.99 www. shop.clekinc.com)
Survival Straps Paracord jewelry is all the rage this spring. These high quality bracelets take fashion to a whole new level. Add a photo, logo, or medical alert to your bracelet to maximize YOUR chance of survival. ($24.99 and up www. survivalstraps.com)
RX Timer:Cap We can all admit that we have forgotten to take our medications from time to time. RX Timer:Cap is a brilliant new product that fits right onto your prescription, and non-prescription bottles to help you remember how long it’s been since you took your last dose. ($14.95 for 2, www.rxtimercap.com)
Real Kids Shades Summer safety doesn’t stop with sunscreen and bikehelmets. Little eyes deserve constant protection from 100% of harmful UV-A/UV-B rays and these glasses made for kids do just that. With several awards for child safety, why would your child deserve anything less? ($14.99 and up, www. realkidshades.com)
14 wfm
Safety Tat As parents, we are confident that we will always keep a close eye on our little ones. The risk is still there and Safety Tat has a new tool to help others, help you. From write-on temporary tattoos, to medical alerts, your important life saving information won’t get lost like a bracelet. ($15.99 and up www. safetytat.com)
M*A*M*A Maternity Alert Bracelet Now every mom-to-be can feel safe knowing that if she were in an accident, emergency workers will know immediately that she’s expecting. The MAMA Jewelry company has introduced the Maternity Alert Bracelet. Labeled with the blue “star of life” along with your “due date,” this stylish bracelet could protect mom and baby in the event of a medical emergency. ($29.95 www. mamajewelryco.com)
wfm 15
Add some color to your life... at the most interactive zoo in Kansas! giraffe feeding post ring-tail lemur feeding island rainbow lorikeets feeding post
camel and Haflinger horse rides Feeding station for the 2.5-ton indian rhinoceros childrens’ zoo
introducing jerome, the mystic mandrill 2011 WICHITA FAMILY MAGAZINE’S
S WARD OICE A
RS’ CH
READE
(316) 794.8954 Westside of Wichita in goddard
Voted 2 years in a roW!