May 2021 by Western New York Family Magazine

r me m u S 2021

ne! and Onli t n i r P In

Coming Up In Our June Issue

! o G Guide

This special pull-out section will showcase museums, attractions, festivals, getaways and much more to tens of thousands of parents searching for the perfect Summer activities and destinations for their families!

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May 2021 • Volume 38 • Issue 3

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Michele Miller GENERAL MANAGER Paul Kline SALES REPRESENTATIVES Jennifer Staebell Paul Kline GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Karen Wawszczyk Melanie Schroeder CONTRIBUTORS Barbara Blackburn • Donna Phillips Richard De Fino • Deborah Williams Kathy Lundquist • Myrna Beth Haskell Mike Daugherty

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Visit Our Web Site www.wnyfamilymagazine.com To Reach Us: Advertising Department advertising@wnyfamilymagazine.com Calendar Submissions calendar@wnyfamilymagazine.com Subscriptions subscriptions@wnyfamilymagazine.com Editorial Submissions michele@wnyfamilymagazine.com MAILING ADDRESS: 3147 Delaware Ave., Suite B Buffalo, NY 14217 Phone: (716) 836-3486 • Fax: (716) 836-3680 PRINTED BY: Commercial Printing Division The Post-Journal, Jamestown WE ARE AN AUDITED PUBLICATION CIRCULATION (copies printed): 20,000 © 2021 Western New York Family, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without permission is strictly prohibited. Inclusion of an advertisement does not constitute an endorsement by the publisher. PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS: MAILED FIRST CLASS, IN AN ENVELOPE SAME DAY ISSUE IS DELIVERED FROM THE PRINTER: $28 one year, $52 two years, $75 three years. Phone & online orders accepted with credit cards. Gift subscriptions available. Single copies & back issues by mail, $2.50. IF YOU MOVE: Missed issues will not be replaced if we do not receive an address change before issue mailing date.

Where It’s At!

Happy Mother’s Day! Features: 6 n Motherhood in America

Regulars:

8 n Message to Moms: Stop the Self-Sacrifice & Recover Your Pleasures by Christina Katz 10 n Apps That Can Make Mom’s Life a Bit Easier by Tanni Haas, Ph.D. 12 n Mom Can Order “Room Service” for Mother’s Day! 13 n Mom Facts

FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE A Special Pull-Out Section

21 n

56 n Are Your Kids Really Okay? A Checklist of Warning Signs to Watch For

Directories:

50 n Summer Camps 61 n Wellness Choices

5 n Web Finds / What’s New In The Kid Biz 14 n Family Travel Skaneateles by Deborah Williams 16 n Raising Digital Kids Parents’ Gaming Guide by Mike Daugherty 18 n Pick of the Literature by Dr. Donna Phillips 46 n Journey Into Fatherhood Thinking of Those Who Always Show Up by Richard De Fino 47 n Parent Previews Raya and the Last Dragon by Kirsten Hawkes 48 n Tweens and Teens Protecting Teen Drivers by Christa Melnyk Hines 58 n Special Needs Life After High School: Post-Secondary Opportunities by Julia Garstecki 60 n Single Parenting Maintaining Your Role As “Parent” by Diane Dierks, LMFT 62 n The Kid Friendly Kitchen Baked Oatmeal by Kathy Lundquist 63 n The Kiddie Gourmet Taylor’s Tap & Grill by Barbara Blackburn

You’ll find FREE courtesy copies of WNY Family at all Buffalo area Wegmans and 300 locations including Public Libraries, Doctors’ Offices, Child Care Centers and many of our advertisers. (Look for us INSIDE Wegmans on the racks where newspapers are sold, even though we are still FREE, or in some stores, on the FREE rack in the store foyer.)

Find this entire issue online at www.wnyfamilymagazine.com May 2021 WNY Family 3

WHAT TO EXPECT

WHEN YOU’ RE EXPECTING A TEENAGER

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T OP G AD OR . TO DS I OW K H US N PT AR DO A AT

AdoptUSKids Presents

web.finds Kids love to make Mother’s Day gifts for mom, grandma, or a favorite aunt. Show this page to the kids (or Dad!) and inspire them to get creative. These ideas are so easy and adorable, you might just want to make some for yourself or adapt them in the future, as a gift for another occasion!

MUG PAINTING

All you need to create this long-lasting gift is a solid color mug, enamel acrylic paint (it can be used on glass or ceramic surfaces), a small paint brush (to paint the antennae on the butterflies), and Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe Sealer. Be sure to read the directions on your paint, as some will require the paint to cure or the finished product to be baked to set the paint. Change the design to anything you like, but the complete directions for the butterfly mugs can be found along with a video tutorial at https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/mug-painting/

HANDPRINT FLOWER POT

Handprint gifts are especially popular with moms and grandmas of the youngest kiddos. Flowers always bring smiles, so why not create a personalized flower pot that will be used year after year? You’ll need a terracotta flower pot, acrylic paints, foam paint brushes, scrapbook paper to make the flower “frame” for the photo, a bamboo stick or flower stake, a hot glue gun, and enough soil to plant your Mother’s Day gift recipient’s favorite flowering plant. Check out all the fine points at: https://www. allthingsmamma.com/mothers-day-handprint-flower-pot/

HYACINTH CARDS

With the help of a downloadable template ($2) found on the site, IHeartCraftyThings will show you how to create these pretty, three-dimensional hyacinth cards from 65lb. cardstock and Tacky Glue. Of course, if you’re artistic, you can recreate the pieces on your own and personalize the idea with patterned paper, etc. Check out the instructions at: https://iheartcraftythings.com/ hyacinth-flower-mothers-day-card-idea.html

MINI FLOWER POTS

If you’re having Mom or Grandma over for dinner on Mother’s Day, these adorable, tiny flower pots would add a dash of color to your table. They could act as place cards and guests could take theirs home. The trick to making the “hyacinth” flowers is placing a green “stem” pipe cleaner against a pencil and then winding a purple or pink pipe cleaner tightly around it over and over, leaving a bit of green stem at the bottom to fit into the pot. The “daffodils” are a little trickier — several photos on the site show how easy it is to form them. Pom poms and buttons, secured with Tacky Glue, form the centers of the daffodils. When dry, “plant” your flowers in the shredded paper that fills the pots. You’ll find lots of “how-to” photos and more details at: https://plumcrazyaboutcoupons.com/mothers-day-flower-pot-flowers-craft/

What’s New... IN THE KIDBIZ Construction is under way at Letchworth State Park on a first-of-its-kind nature trail designed specifically for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

AUTISM NATURE TRAIL TO OPEN THIS SUMMER Expected to open later this summer, the mile-long Autism Nature Trail (ANT) will feature eight sensory stations offering a range of experiences in a onemile loop — from quiet engagement to active exploration and adventure. The stations are meant to address the sensory needs of people with ASD, a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. Planned stations include the Sunshine Slope – a gentle sloping maze in a natural clearing, the Music Circle – a circular grove of pine featuring natureinspired instruments, and the Meadow Run & Climb – a dedicated space for running, jumping, climbing, balancing, and testing strength, coordination and confidence. Specialized elements like cuddle swings, gliders, and “alone zones” are also planned for the trail, each created with the intent of providing a more inclusive environment for visitors of many different needs and abilities. Adjacent to the Humphrey Nature Center at Letchworth State Park, the trail and stations will be marked with signage telling visitors what to expect as they approach each curve of the trail and station — an important addition creating purposeful consistency and predictability for visitors. Statistics show that young people with autism spend disproportionate amounts of time indoors, often finding comfort in digital activities which results in social isolation. This disconnectedness not only affects individuals with ASD but also can affect caregivers and entire families. The ANT is designed as a series of accessible and safe outdoor spaces in nature, yet far from the distractions and often overwhelming stimuli of everyday outside life. For more details on the Autism Nature Trail visit https://autismnaturetrail. com/. Learn more about all the New York State Parks by downloading the NY State Parks Explorer mobile app at https://parks.ny.gov/explorer-app/ May 2021 WNY Family 5

Motherhood

in America

merican motherhood has changed in many ways since Mother’s Day was first celebrated more than 100 years ago. Today’s moms are more educated than ever before. A majority of women with a young child are in the labor force, and more mothers are serving as their family’s sole or primary “breadwinner.” At the same time, the share of mothers who are stay-at-home moms has held steady in recent decades after falling precipitously in the 1970s and 1980s. Here are some key findings about American mothers and motherhood from Pew Research Center reports:

1) Women are more likely now to become mothers than they were a decade ago, and this is particularly the case among highly educated women.

The share of women at the end of their childbearing years (ages 40 to 44) who had ever given birth was 86% in 2016, up from 80% in 2006. This was similar to the share who were mothers in the early 1990s. Over the past 20 years, highly educated women have experienced particularly dramatic increases in motherhood. Forty-four percent of working mothers 25 or older had a bachelor’s degree or higher compared with 38% of all workers 25 or older. This is in line with other trends showing that new mothers with higher educational attainment are more likely than all new mothers to have jobs. The most common industry group for working mothers was educational 6 WNY Family May 2021

ployed women with children under the age of 18 and nearly two-thirds worked full-time, year-round, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018 American Community Survey (ACS).

services, health care, and social assistance; 40% of all employed mothers work in this group. Nearly half of working mothers worked in management, business, science, and arts occupations (48%). Some of the most common jobs for women were as teachers in elementary and middle schools (1.3 million) and registered nurses (1.1 million).

2) Women are becoming mothers later in life.

The median age at which women become mothers in the U.S. is 26, up from 23 in 1994. While this change has been driven in part by declines in births to teens, delays in motherhood have continued among women in their 20s. In 1994, more than half (53%) of women in their early 40s had become mothers by age 24; by 2014, this share had fallen to 39%. In just the past few years, the peak childbearing age range for American women has advanced from 25-to-29 to 30-to-34, and childbearing among women 35 and older is rising. One positive consequence of this age shift is that a larger proportion of new mothers are economically prepared to raise children. Less positively, however, is that many women find that, as they age, they can’t have as many children as they would like. Plus, having children later in life can increase the risk of health complications.

3) Mothers are spending more time in the labor force than in the past. Working mothers account for nearly one-third (32%) of all employed women. There were around 23.5 million em-

Seven in ten moms with kids younger than 18 were in the labor force in 2015, up from 47% in 1975. In fact, mothers are the primary breadwinners in 4 in 10 U.S. families. In 46% of households with a mother and father, both parents are employed full time, up from 31% in 1970.

4) About one in four mothers are raising their children on their own. While most U.S. mothers are married (68%), nearly one quarter (24%) are solo moms. All told, about 9 million mothers are living with a child younger than 18 without a spouse or partner.

5) Most Americans say women face a lot of pressure to be involved mothers.

Even in an era where women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce and men are more involved in housework and child care than in the past, the public sees vastly different pressure points for women and men in today’s society. Roughly 8 in 10 adults (77%) say women face a lot of pressure to be an involved parent; a significantly smaller share (49%) says the same about men. In contrast, most adults (76%) say men face a lot of pressure to support their family financially, while only 40% say women face this kind of pressure. Additionally, mothers in the U.S. experience crushing guilt about not being good enough in their careers and not being available for their families around the clock, says sociologist Caitlyn Collins in her book “Making Motherhood Work.” Writes Collins, “The United

States is an outlier among Western industrialized countries for its lack of support for working mothers.” What can women do to relieve themselves of some of these pressures? Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and author of “13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don’t Do,” says that there are three areas of concern that are especially applicable to working moms:

1) Don’t insist on perfection from yourself.

This approach can only leave you feeling disappointed. None of us are perfect, whether as a person or as a parent.

2) Self-blame is toxic.

If your child is having problems with math and you are frustrated that you don’t know how to help or you feel like you can’t spend enough time with your family because you are often required to work overtime, don’t beat yourself up for something that isn’t your fault. “Practice a little self-compassion,” says Morin, “It’s important to accept appropriate blame for your behavior, but don’t take on extra blame.”

3) Don’t make comparisons.

“You probably don’t have to look very far to find moms who look like they are outpacing you for mother of the year,” says Morin. But just because other moms throw children’s birthday parties worthy of a feature story in Martha Stewart Living or bake their own bread every day, doesn’t mean you are less worthy. “Focus on doing what’s best for your family and refuse to draw comparisons between yourself and other moms who pretend they have it all together,” advises Morin.

Mother’s Day Around the World Today Mother’s Day is celebrated in almost 50 countries around the world. However, it is celebrated on different days in the month of May; and in some countries at entirely different times of the year. In today’s world, Mother’s Day has come to be internationally recognized as the day to honor all mothers. To thank them for not only the love they give but the sacrifices they make that benefit their own children and consequently to the betterment of society.

In France Mother’s Day is referred to as Fete des Meres. Mother’s Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in May and is treated more like a family birthday. Families gather for a special meal.

In Sweden Mother’s Day is on the last Sunday in May and is a family holiday. The Swedish Red Cross sells small plastic flowers on the days leading up to Mother’s Day and the money raised is used to help needy mothers and their children. Basics: The State of Mom Today

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emember when you were young and kid-free? You had a lot of time on your hands, right? You had so much time that you never even thought about how much time you had.

Message to Moms:

e Self-Sacr h t ific p o t e S

And now that time is gone. At least you can’t find any of it. But you can recover some of that precious youtime with just a little forethought and planning, if you give yourself permission to make time for self-care. Besides, your kids don’t need just any ol’ grown up around, they need you — the person only you can be. So, test-drive these ten steps and squeeze more time for you into every week.

& Recover Your Pleasures

1) Pleasure first.

Prioritize pleasurable activities and you’ll be more motivated to do everything else that has to get done. Make a list of all of the things you used to enjoy doing before you had kids. Maybe you loved running, journaling, or watching old movies. Print out a blank calendar page for the next month from your computer and pencil in some of your old favorite activities.

2) Sketch out the "musts."

Okay, now let’s get real. If your toddler doesn’t nap twice a day for 90 minutes each time, your day is going to be shot, right? So, the next thing to do is pencil in all the stuff on your calendar that has to happen to keep your world spinning. Whether you enjoy doing these things or not, these are the things you must do, or you’ll be sorry. Pencil in time for every have-to on your to-do list. 8 WNY Family May 2021

— by Christina Katz

5) Reset your rest. Are you a morning person or a night person? If you are a morning person, see if you can set your alarm an hour earlier each day to make the most of those dark, quiet morning hours when everything is hushed and still. I bet you could get a lot done if you simply rose earlier. Similarly, if you are a night person, plan to stay up an extra hour so you can milk some of your midnight oil. Draw boxes around any chunks of extra time you’ve created rising early or turning in late.

6) Be equitable.

Next, pencil in the extended family’s ongoing commitments. Your husband’s bi-monthly early morning staff meeting? Your teenage son’s driving test? Your in-laws are coming into town? Make sure that you account for everyone’s plans. Have a weekly check-in date for schedule reviews. And don’t say yes to any new plans without looking at your current ongoing commitments first.

Both parents need down time. So now that you see the possibilities, don’t get greedy. Show your calendar to your spouse and discuss who still needs more down time. Be prepared to say what you want, what you need, and what you are pretty sure you can’t live without. And let your partner do the same. Put names in the boxes to represent who gets which chunks of unavailable time. Don’t forget to encourage your spouse to get up earlier or go to bed later, if that is helpful.

You are now likely to start getting a sense of what your daily, weekly, and monthly time commitments look like. Take note of two types of rhythms: the hectic times and the quiet times. If you are like most parents, you have more of the former than the latter. Don’t worry. Just mark off whatever quiet time you can find. Make a little box around each chunk of quiet time that’s available. I bet it’s more than you realized.

Now that you have a plan, execute it. Start with your bedroom alarm clocks. Reset yours. Do you also need to reset your children’s alarms? Maybe you’d like them to go to bed earlier, so you can have more time undisturbed at night. Next set your cell phone to remind you fifteen minutes before each chunk of available free time. Once you are more aware of your available time, you will be less likely to let it slip by unnoticed.

3) Outside commitments.

4) "Chunk" your free time.

7) Set your alarms.

8) Defend your rights. When inevitable interruptions come along such as flu season, pet problems, and last-minute show-and-tell projects, you can cheerfully give up your metime. However, on days, when no crisis is looming on the horizon, you need to guard your time like a dog growls low and quiet over a bone. Don’t bite. Don’t even bark. Just calmly remind your family members to respect whatever you are doing. Parents get to have time to do their own things. With a little practice everyone will get the hang of this concept no matter how radical.

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9) Watch out for nervous habits. If you’ve scheduled your “me time” right in the middle of the old laundry or dishes time, you might initially have to fight off the nervous anxiety that comes with walking away from these duties. However, you will soon notice opportunities to multi-task your chores into your unreserved time. And, I bet you will become better at rallying the troops for additional help in picking up the slack. After all, why shouldn’t you share the wealth of household chores?

10) Find your rhythm. Once you start taking time for yourself, something magical will happen. Your little respites will become seamlessly incorporated into your family’s natural ebb and flow. Without schedules or alarms, your pleasures will become a natural part of the family rhythm. And no one will question whether or not you really need that time to yourself because they will notice the difference when you don’t get any. Reclaim your time and you will reclaim your smile, as well as setting a good example for your kids.

Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz has been encouraging busy parents to make downtime a priority for over a decade. May 2021 WNY Family 9

— by Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

APPS Mom’s Life A Bit Easier That Can Make

other’s Day is May 9th, the perfect opportunity to take care of yourself and other moms that you know. There are a lot of apps out there dedicated to making a mom’s life a little bit easier, whether you’re looking for ideas on what to serve for dinner or kidfriendly travel advice. Here’s a list of some of the very best mom apps. They’re all free, so download an app – or three!

Allrecipes Dinner Spinner Available at: Amazon Apps; Apple Appstore; Google Play

We’ve all been in this situation many times: It’s 5pm, dinner time, you’ve got to make a meal for the family but all that comes to mind is the same things you always make. How about trying Allrecipes Dinner Spinner, the world’s largest and most popular social app for food? You can find user-generated and reviewed recipes from 30 million other home cooks like yourself. You can search by keyword, key ingredients that you want to include or exclude, special dietary needs, and cooking time. You can also see which ingredients are on sale in local stores, and watch more than 1,000 step-by-step cooking videos with easy-to-follow instructions.

Artkive Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play

Like in most families, I imagine, my kid’s artwork is anywhere you look and don’t look: on the living room walls, in my bedroom, and stashed away in various cabinets and drawers. But there’s an alternative: Artkive is a great app for storing, sharing, and printing your kid’s artwork. You can search uploaded images by which of your kids created the piece, what grade they were in, and when it was made. You can also make high-quality, actual books to give as gifts to family and friends, and turn images into keepsake items like t-shirts, mugs, and cell phone covers. 10 WNY Family May 2021

Cozi Family Organizer Available at: Amazon Appstore; Apple Appstore; Google Play

As the name implies, Cozi Family Organizer is an organizer. It has a shared calendar where you can track everyone’s schedules, both individually and as a group, and a shared shopping list where you can see when items are added to the list or purchased by other family members in real-time. You can also use the app to send automated daily or weekly agenda emails to other family members, create specialized to-do lists, such as emergency supplies or vacation packing, and organize receipts in one place that’s accessible to everybody.

Find My Kids Available at: Amazon Appstore; Apple Appstore; Google Play

One of the most stressful experiences is not knowing where your kids are at any given moment. Nowadays, almost all kids have cell phones, which helps minimize the stress. Find My Kids, a GPS-based location app, lets you track your kids quickly and easily. Once registered, each family member appears as a unique icon on a navigational map so you know exactly where your kids are at all times. The app sends out automatic alerts when your kids arrive at school or go home, and monitors their cell phone battery levels letting you know when they’re low so you can send out reminders to charge the phones.

Scholly Available at: Amazon App; Apple Appstore; Google Play

The time may be around the corner or far off into the future but when it does arrive, we’re all going to need it — money for college. Wouldn’t it be nice if at least some of that money is scholarships that you won’t have to pay back? Developed by a former Drexel University student by the name of Christopher Gray who amassed $1.3 million in scholarship funds, Scholly is a database with more than 20,000 scholarship opportunities across the U.S that is continuously expanded and

updated. You can look at each scholarship to learn more about eligibility requirements, the application process, important deadlines, and the amount of money offered.

SitOrSquat Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play

When travelling with kids, especially toddlers, there are few things more frustrating than not being able to find a public restroom when you really need one. SitOrSquat is a location-based app that lets you to find bathrooms in your location. The app contains a user-generated list of more than 100,000 public restrooms throughout the U.S. You can get the travel time to the nearest bathroom, and search by specific features like changing tables or handicap accessible, and you are encouraged to post pictures and rate the restrooms as either “Sit” (good) or “Squat” (not good) to help other app users.

Trekaroo Family Travel Available at: Apple Appstore

I can’t count how many times on vacation with my 15-year-old son he shouted in frustration: “Another museum?!” It doesn’t have to be that way. Trekaroo Family Travel, known informally as the TripAdvisor for kid-friendly travel, is an app that includes user-generated reviews of activities, hotels, and restaurants that kids will enjoy throughout the U.S. and Canada. The app includes a price slider that makes it easy to find things to do that are either low-cost or free, and offers suggestions for kid-friendly day trips.

Smiling Mind Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play

As a new parent, one of the things you’ll crave the most is a few quiet moments to just relax, and Smiling Mind offers just that. This app has hundreds of guided meditations that help you tune everything out and focus on your breathing while visualizing calming images. The cool thing about this app is that it also has meditations for kids age 7 and up, as well as meditations that parents can do together with their kids. As your kid grows up, you can do the meditations together.

Baby Monitor Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play

Peace of mind depends not only on your baby getting a good night sleep, but also on whether everything is okay when you’re not there, in the bedroom, with the baby. Universal Baby Monitor is an app that lets you check on your baby while it’s sleeping, and it detects if your baby moves or wakes up and immediately alerts you.

7 Minute Workout Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play

Let’s be honest: no matter how enjoyable it is, parenting is also exhausting; physically exhausting. While it can be difficult to find time to work out, we all have seven minutes a day to spare. Wahoo 7 Minute Workout is one of the most popular short-interval fitness apps available. The routine is divided into 12 high-intensity exercises that last for 30 seconds, with 10 second rest intervals. The exercises train your chest, abs, arms and legs through body weight training, push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. You don’t need any equipment so you can do the exercises wherever and whenever.

Especially For New Moms New moms are more likely to need help and support. Here are some apps just for you!

Ink Cards Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play

If there’s one thing you can always use more of as a new parent it’s time. How about downloading an app that lets you transform what you’re doing anyway (like taking lots of pictures of your baby) into something you know you really should be doing (like sending greeting cards to family and friends)? Ink Cards lets you do that. The app makes it easy to turn the best pictures of your baby into high-quality print greeting cards, whether you need to send out thank-you notes, holiday greetings, or cards for any other occasion.

WebMD Baby Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play

No app in the world can substitute for a real-life visit to your baby’s pediatrician. But in between visits, you may want to consult WebMD Baby. The app has lots of physician-reviewed information for new parents. You can look up medical conditions and treatments, get information on vaccines, and find contact information for local hospitals, physicians, and pharmacies.

Winnie Available at: Apple Appstore; Google Play

Sometimes, what you crave more than anything else is just to connect with other new parents and get their advice on what to do in certain situations. When you get that urge, download Winnie. Known as the Yelp for parents, this app lets you interact with a large network of other parents to ask questions. The app also has a large directory of baby-friendly restaurants, parks, and shopping centers. Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences & Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College. May 2021 WNY Family 11

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addish Kids is a cooking club for kids which offers a monthly cooking kit, digital bonus recipes and activities, and an online community. With each kit, kids learn culinary skills, create new recipes, collect an apron patch and kitchen tool, and more, while enjoying seasonal, global and holiday themes like Summer Luau and Taste of Thailand. For Mother’s Day, they’re offering FREE of charge, a way for your kids to provide you with a “five-star hotel experience” by letting them prepare and deliver your favorite breakfast items to you in the comfort of your bed. Download their special ROOM SERVICE DOOR TAG and share their recipes with your kids for Blueberry Muffins, Cinnamon Donut Holes, and French Crepes so they know how to make them.

Mo th er 's Da y Room Service

Pick your favorite items to order a special breakfast in bed! Drink

coffee

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donut holes

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Side

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sausage

There are even recipes and complete instructions for a dinner plus some “Bonus Bites” activities that include making a “Love Latte” to show Mom their love and appreciation. Kids will find everything they need at https://www.raddishkids.com/blogs/bonus-bites/happy-mothers-day

12 WNY Family May 2021

F•A•C•T•S Breadwinning Moms ♥ 29% of partnered working moms earn more than their spouses.

♥ In the U.S. 68% of kids aged 0-17 live with 2 parents.

♥ Women now make up 53% of all recent college graduates, 47% of medical students, 47% of law school students, and 31% of students in the MBA program.

♥ 72% of moms became the primary source of income by chance while 59% of dads say their role was planned.

♥ Women comprise only 4% of CEO’s and 17% of members of boards of directors at Fortune 500 companies, and 18% of the U.S. Congress. ♥ Women are the sole or primary provider in 4 out of 10 households with kids – and 67% are single mothers. ♥ 29% of partnered moms struggle to balance work with their children’s needs.

♥ 29% of breadwinning moms who made the conscious decision to be the earner of the family say they are more ambitious than their husbands and more likely to hold a job. ♥ 70% of breadwinning moms say they are not just working for the money and 46% consider their work a career while 74% of breadwinning dads say their job is career-oriented.

♥ 68% of breadwinning moms say they have a career and not just a paycheck compared to 48% of moms who make less than their spouses. ♥ 71% of breadwinning moms are satisfied with how much their spouse takes care of the kids compared to 85% of breadwinning dads. ♥ 60% of breadwinning moms are satisfied with how much housework their spouse does compared to 76% of breadwinning dads being satisfied. ♥ 50% of moms are satisfied with how much time they have to take care of themselves and 47% are satisfied with how much time they have for family and their financial stability.

Mother’s Day Around the World continued In most countries, Mother’s Day is a recent observance derived from the holiday as it has evolved in North America and Europe. When it was adopted by other countries and cultures, it was given different meanings, associated to different events (religious, historical or legendary), and celebrated sometimes on different dates. Some countries already had existing celebrations honoring motherhood, and their celebrations have adopted several characteristics of the United States holiday, like giving flowers (often carnations) and other gifts to one’s mother. In Canada, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the same day as the United States, the second Sunday of every May. In Spain Mother’s Day is celebrated on the 8th of December. It is closely associated with Mother Mary - the mother of Jesus. In India Mother’s Day is celebrated nationally on August 19th. In Yugoslavia on “Materitse,” “Materice,” or Mother’s Day, the children tie up their mother, releasing her only when she has paid them to do so with sweets or other goodies.

Basics: The State of Mom Today May 2021 WNY Family 13

FAMILY TRAVEL — by Deborah Williams

Nearby

s e l e t a e Skan

Rated A Top Spot In O, The Oprah Magazine

he dogs, especially treat loving Labrador retrievers, eagerly await the arrival of the Skaneateles Mail Boat. Children too, wait on their docks for the boat. This is a boat with a difference. In addition to passengers and the U.S. mail, this boat carries dog biscuits and lollipops for the kids. Mail has been delivered on Skaneateles Lake by boat since steamboats were on the water in the 1800s, except during the two world wars. The Barbara S. Wiles, an elegant wooden vessel and the current mail boat, was launched in 1937. It cruised Lake George for 40 years before coming to Skaneateles Lake. The boat is operated by Mid-Lakes Navigation Co., founded in 1968 by Peter Wiles. The Wiles family sold the tour boat operation to the Eberhardt family last year. On our perfect late summer day Capt. Ben Eberhardt was at the wheel. “This is my favorite of all our cruises,” said Eberhardt. “We travel around the entire 16-mile-long lake and we know our mail customers. There are still about a dozen cottagers who have no road access to their property. They 14 WNY Family May 2021

have to get everything by boat.” Mid-Lakes is a subcontractor for the USPS and the first mate on the boat has to undergo training, drug testing, finger printing and be sworn in by the USPS. Over the years of delivering the mail by water, Capt. Ben’s favorite story is the time when the first mate fell off the bow with the mail in hand and managed

to hold his arm up so the mail stayed dry. No such happening on our voyage with Cecilia Marrinan, a Brown University student, who deftly delivered the mail during our three-hour cruise. The biggest customer. during its season which begins July 1 and continues until the day after Labor Day, is a summer camp at the southern end of the lake. This summer, during the Finger Lakes Antique Classic Boat Show weekend in late July, an historic mailboat will be returning to Skaneateles Lake for a special mail run. “The Pat II was built in 1924 and spent time as a St. Lawrence tour boat before becoming a mailboat in 1956 and continued until 1991,” said Eberhardt. “The electric and solar powered boat has now been completely restored by the Finger Lakes Boating Museum and will return here and make a mail run to a family who has been a mailboat customer for 90 years.” In addition to the mailboat, MidLakes also operates sightseeing, lunch, dinner, brunch and various special event cruises. The season expects to open this year on Mother’s Day weekend. The meal cruises are a perfect fit for the Eberhardt family since they also operate three restaurants in the village, as well as the historic Sherwood Inn just across the street from the boat dock. The Sherwood Inn traces its origins back to 1807 when Skaneateles became a popular stop on the stagecoach route between New York City and Niagara Falls. It is one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the state and has led the

way in the revival of this lakeside community. All had to learn to pronounce the name of the place, which means “long lake” in Iroquois. It is “Skinny-ata-less.” The boat dock is in a small park which also boasts a lifeguard supervised swimming area. Following a long tradition, students from Skaneateles High School will be jumping into the lake here after their graduation on June 27. The Skaneateles Community Band performs free concerts in the park on summer weekends. On Sunday summer afternoons polo games are played on the west shore of the lake, a short drive from the village center. The public is invited to come and watch the sport of kings. It has been called the fastest game in the world. The games are considered a time for family fun. There are no bleachers, so spectators may bring their own seats

or sit on the grass. Many families plan picnics either before or after the game. Even if you don’t know anything about the game, this is an opportunity to see handsome horses galloping by while watching the shimmering lake below. The Lockwood Lavender Farm is also along the shore of the lake. The 120-acre farm was established in 1854 and has been in the Lockwood family for five generations. During the June through July lavender season, stop and pick up a bouquet of lavender. There is a gift shop filled with lavender-inspired items. There is an air of elegance, prosperity and genteel refinement about Skaneateles. Many of the homes around the crystal-clear lake have been passed down through four or five generations, though in recent years celebrities and wealthy businesspeople have replaced some ramshackle cottages with vast estates. Back in 1999, the village burst on the world scene when President Bill and Hillary Clinton vacationed here. Genesee Street (U.S. Route 20), the

village’s Main Street, is lined with quaint shops, restaurants and well-preserved, elegant 19th century homes. The village is the only one in the region whose main street backs right up to the curved shore of the lake. For such a small village it is surprisingly well endowed with independent shops and boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and attractions. Skaneateles, the lake and the village, is an easy two and a half hour drive down the Thruway from Buffalo. Last year Skaneateles topped O, The Oprah Magazine’s list of most “charming American towns you haven’t heard of — but should visit as soon as possible.” The magazine rated the village the number one most underrated place to visit. These were places that may not be on your bucket list but deserved a spot. The reason Skaneateles came out with the top spot: “This picturesque village is located right on the edge continued on page 20

May 2021 WNY Family 15

RAISING DIGITAL KIDS — by Mike Daugherty

Parents’ Gaming Guide

e’ve all seen how technology has become smarter, faster, and more accessible over the last few decades. Video games have followed suit. The excitement of leveling up, the rush of defeating a boss, or just socializing with other players has led to increased gaming across the board. According to statista.com, there are over three billion active video gamers annually. Three billion! Let’s take a look at the most popular games with kids and what parents should know about them.

One of the most popular games for kids of all ages is Among Us. This spacethemed multiplayer game is like a modern version of clue. Each round has up to ten players called crewmates. Two of the crewmates are imposters who attempt to kill off the other players and sabotage the ship. The goal of the game is for crewmates to determine which players are the imposters while attempting to complete all the tasks. A player can call an emergency meeting and everyone can report what they’ve seen. Players are then asked to vote which color crewmate is the imposter. Those players who get too many votes are voted out. The game ends when all the tasks are completed or the imposters are all voted out. Among us is a free game that works on tablets, smartphones, and Nintendo Switch. Players can purchase outfits and pets for $2.99 each. The only concern16 WNY Family May 2021

ing thing for parents is the chat window. Most times what is typed is acceptable, however, a few bad apples can spoil that. Parents of younger players will want to turn on the profanity filter as an extra precaution to avoid their child reading anything unwanted.

information. Even with those in place, parents should have a conversation with their kids about talking with strangers online.

(Battlegrounds, Population One, Warzone) Parents need to understand that Roblox is a platform, like Xbox or Playstation, as opposed to an actual game. Kids will say “I’m playing Roblox.” It’s the equivalent to saying “I’m playing Nintendo.” There are over 40 million games inside of the Roblox universe, most of which have been made by the Roblox players themselves. Popular games include Adopt Me (you collect various rare pets), Work at a Pizza Place (you open and maintain a pizza shop), and Jailbreak (you escape from different forms of jail). The games and graphics have a block-based feel to them, similar to Legos. Roblox works on smartphones, tablets, and traditional computers. Players can purchase Robucks with real money to purchase a variety of in-game items. The block style graphics make for limited violence for young eyes. The concern for parents is the chatting. Players can chat in a common chat room and can also message players directly. There are some parental controls that should be turned on to prevent players from using or seeing profanity. It also prevents players from providing any personal

Fortnite tends to rise and fall in popularity. While it’s not as popular as it once was, the game continues to attract new players. Fortnite has spawned many similar games such as Battlegrounds, Population One, and Call of Duty Warzone. Figures from August 2020 show an average of 22.5 million daily Fortnite players. The others on this list draw similar crowds. There are several ways to play the game, but the most popular is Battle Royale. One hundred players compete to be the last person or team standing. Players can choose to battle solo (alone), in duos with a friend, or in squads with three other players. The game begins with players leaping out of a flying bus as it passes over the battleground. Competitors deploy their parachutes and navigate their way to the ground. Once they’ve landed, players need to arm themselves by searching buildings, homes, factories, trucks, etc. for weapons and other items that range in ability and availability. The arsenal available consists of simple handguns all the way to rocket launchers. The goal is to survive by eliminat-

ing all the other players or teams. The winning player or team earns a Victory Royale. A storm surrounds the outskirts of the battleground at the start. Every few minutes the storm closes in, forcing players toward the center and ensuring the fast-paced action. Fortnite has partnered with a variety of franchises (Star Wars, Marvel) as well as celebrities (Post Malone, Travis Scott) to keep the game fresh and relevant. Fortnite is available on Playstations, Xbox, Switch, and personal computers. Players can purchase Vbucks with real money to buy in-game items such as gliders, skins (costumes), and levels for their players. In my opinion, the violence in Fortnite is minimal. The game revolves around gathering weapons and shooting the opposing players, so there is some level of violence, but the vibrant, colorful, cartoon feel to the game sets it apart from games like Call of Duty. Fortnite does have a chat system, but most players communicate audibly via a microphone. The concern for parents here is the wide age range of players and what those players might say. Parents of younger players may want to turn off “voice chat” and enable the mature filter inside of the parental controls on the game.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS

First Trinity Preschool of Tonawanda admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its education policies, admissions policies and other school administered programs.

Minecraft, a long-standing staple in the gaming community, continues to grow and evolve. The game allows players to create, build, dig, and destroy in a 3D world. Minecraft is both fun and educational. Players can choose between three modes: Creative, Survival, and Adventure. Each mode includes a similar layout, but offers a different experience for kids to play through. The game’s design encourages real world skills like problem solving, creative thinking, and collaboration. Minecraft even has an education edition that schools can use to teach computer programming concepts. In recent years, players have been given the ability to build their own modified version of the game, host it on a minecraft server, and invite others to play their creations. Offshoots of the game have sprung up like wildflowers. One popular example is Bed Wars. The object of Bed Wars is to protect your bed from the enemy players. The game is played on minecraft-style islands in the sky. Players get unlimited lives until their team’s bed is destroyed. After that, once you die, you’re out. The last team standing wins. The violence in Minecraft is minimal. It works on tablets, smartphones, Playstations, Xbox, Switch, and personal computers, which means kids can play it just about anywhere. Overall, Minecraft gets two thumbs up from the parenting aspect. There are some aspects that parents need to be aware of though. The game does not have voice chatting built in, however, many of continued on page 45 May 2021 WNY Family 17

s we begin this spring with the eternal hope and optimism of the season, we need to trust that the cycle and wisdom of nature will prevail. While patience is a necessity, we need to keep in mind that what we sow, so shall we reap. Much like the thought above, we need to focus on nurturing the positive and not the negative. Spring of the season of planning, planting, and growth. Whether you are making plans for your garden, a summer, trip, new ways to improve your health and happiness, or just revisiting your New Year intentions, we know that time will make them blossom and thrive if we give them the right attention. What better way to do this than with books? Here are some of latest to bloom! The Sun is Shining (Blurb Books, San Francisco, 2020, $16.95), written and illustrated by a local author and yoga instructor, Laura L. Wootton, is a wonderful way to greet the season and each day! This thoughtful and reassuring book is perfect for young and old as we emerge from the darkness of the past year. The author reassures us that for every darkness there is a light, for every cloud we see we know the sun is still shining behind it, for every sad or angry feeling there will be happy and loving ones. This balance of yin and yang is the way of nature and the cycle of our life. What makes this journey the adventure of your lifetime is the support and care of family,

18 WNY Family May 2021

PICK OF THE LITERATURE — by Dr. Donna Phillips

friends, and even yourself. With simple text, Wootton makes us aware and makes us think. With adorable illustrations she encourages us to learn to look more closely. Throughout, she teaches us ways to breathe, relax, and appreciate. The book finishes with a scavenger hunt idea, encouraging us to look around for the hearts you see throughout the day and provides a simple gratitude practice to close the day. You and your child will settle in knowing that the day was a gift and more adventures await you in the morning. Nina Mata has created the perfect board book for little hands to help celebrate the life that surrounds us in the spring in her new book, Everything Grows (Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 2021, $7.99). Based on Raffi’s song (https://www.

youtube.com/watch?v=beQaJzGT_Vs ) this is the perfect companion to his video. Singing along, children learn to listen and not only learn the words to the song but can begin to match the words to the print (early reading skills). They can also learn about rhythm, pitch, and tone. As we sing, we celebrate children, parents, plants, fish, birds, bugs, and the animals of the farm, creatures of the field and forest, and all of the life that thrives under the sun and in the rain. This would be a wonderful book to take along, (or sing) on a walk outdoors or on a picnic. The music and the lyrics are even provided at the end, if you want you bring your guitar or ukulele along! The publication of The End is Just the Beginning: A Book of Endless Possibilities (Crown Books for Young Readers, New York 2021, $17.00), written by Mike Bender and illustrated by Diana Mayo, couldn’t be more perfect to celebrate the cycles of the season and life.

However, strangely enough, it begins at the end. Ends flow into beginnings all around us! As the day ends, the night begins. Melting snow means winter is ending and the spring is beginning. Where the sky ends, outer space begins. A mistake can be the beginning of learning something new… and so it goes. Endings become beginnings, become endings, become beginnings. Like traveling the earth… there really is no beginning and no end… just one endless circle. The end is just the beginning! Seasons come and go. Time passes. Things change. Sometimes the change is thought to be good. Sometimes it is thought to be bad. Sometimes the change is quick and other times it is so slow it is almost imperceptible. Nature does not judge. It just is… We Are a Garden: A Story of How Diversity Took Root in America (Schwartz & Wade Books, New York, 2021, $17.99), written by Lisa Westberg Peter and illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov, explores where we came from and how we got to where we are today — good and bad. It is full of beginnings and endings and coming to know. As the first people came to the frozen tundra of North America, they never could have imagined what lay before them and how they would shape a new world. Much like seeds that are blown into a garden, many more people were blown to this land from all directions and for many reasons. As with any newcomer, it was not easy but they took root and eventually flourished, making our country the garden that it is. For us now, we are much like them. We do not know what lies ahead but this beautifully illustrated and beautifully told story of the people of this country gives hope for our future. With these books in mind, let’s tend to the flowers and cull the weeds, knowing we need to acknowledge the negative to appreciate the positive. We need to know dark to appreciate light. We need to know clouds to appreciate the sun. It is the way we are. It is the way of nature. It is the way… Dr. Donna Phillips is an associate professor in the College of Education at Niagara University where her specialty is literacy and children’s literature. She lives on Grand Island, NY and is the mother of two adult children and the grandmother of one.

May 2021 WNY Family 19

FAMILY TRAVEL continued... of Skaneateles Lake in Upstate New York. With beautiful and serene surroundings, you can spend the days of summer relaxing in a kayak or hiking the trails. Plus, there are premium shopping outlets not far from town.” William H. Seward, secretary of state under Lincoln and later Johnson, who lived in nearby Auburn, called Skaneateles Lake “the most beautiful body of water in the world” after returning from a trip around the world. The lake is considered the bluest of the Finger Lakes and according to Indian legend the sky spirits used to lean out of their home to admire themselves in the lake’s reflection when the heavens were nearer to the earth than they are now. The lake spirits fell in love with the sky spirits and absorbed the color of the sky spirit’s robes into the water, thus giving the lake its beautiful deep blue color. The water is considered some of the state’s cleanest and quenches the thirst of Syracuse area residents, 20 miles to the northeast. Travel Tip of the Month: For more information visit Skaneateles.com or call 315-685-0552. For Mid-Lakes Navigation Co. visit https://www.midlakesnavigation.com/ or call 315-685-8500. Deborah Williams lives in Holland, NY. She is a veteran travel writer whose work has appeared in national and international publications. She is the recipient of the Society of American Travel Writers Lowell Thomas Gold Travel Writing Award.

20 WNY Family May 2021

In Print and Online at wnyfamilymagazine.com

MAY 2021 PULL-OUT & SAVE

A Time-Saving Tool for Busy Families Get “up close and personal” with WNY businesses & organizations that cater to t he needs of growing families!

BESTSELF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Locations throughout WNY 716-884-0888 www.bestselfwny.org Provider of mental health & substance use disorder services for children and their families. Telehealth & In-person appointments available.

ENDEAVOR HEALTH SERVICES 1526 Walden Ave., Suite 400 Cheektowaga, NY 14225 716-895-6700 www.ehsny.org Endeavor provides outpatient mental health and substance use treatment services.

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Art Supplies/Workshops:

HYATT’S ALL THINGS CREATIVE 1941 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14207 716-884-8900 www.hyatts.com/art Offering art supplies, fun gifts, and expert advice for creative projects. See Our Advertiser Spotlight.

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THE CARE CONNECTION

3991 Harlem Rd., Amherst, NY 14226 716-725-6370 www.careconnectiononline.com Spectra® & Medela® breastpumps, replacement parts, supplies, consultations, classes, nursing tanks & bras. Insurance Reimbursement. The next Family Resource Guide will appear in our October 2021 issue.

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Experienced staff members are happy to have their brains picked or brainstorm with you on your latest creative endeavor whether it is in-store, over the phone, or through email. Unable to stop by in person? Give their full service customer service team a call or email to discuss product information, availability, and shipping options or shop online at www. People have never had so hyatts.com/art. Hyatt’s has been supporting many options to explore their creative side with the locally the local creative community for owned Hyatt’s All Things Creative. With over 55,000 different products to choose from and an always expanding inventory, Hyatt’s has all the supplies you need to create anything from masterpieces to Pinterest projects. 1941 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14207 They also have an extensive collec716-884-8900 tion of children’s art supplies, fine www.hyatts.com pens, and creative gift solutions. @hyattsallthingscreative

over 60 years and continues to be a family owned and run business now in their third generation. Explore their new 40,000 square foot headquarters and home to the largest art store in the country located in North Buffalo. Be sure to follow Hyatt’s on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on new events, promotions, and local artist spotlights.

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The JCC’s NAEYC accredited Early Childhood Centers have bright, spacious classrooms filled with developmentally appropriate toys and play equipment that encourage curiosity and creativity. Your child will enjoy all of the added features that make the Jewish Community Center special including instructional swim and pool safety classes, dance/ creative movement, music, and both indoor and outdoor playgrounds. Infants, toddlers and preschool children learn through play and develop “life” skills in a safe, clean, nurturing

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Learning & Fun Go Hand in Hand!

At “JUST 4 ME” Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that eating healthy foods and keeping good oral hygiene are essential to maintaining a healthy smile. As parents, we know it is difficult to control what food is given to your child at daycare or school, BUT you can control what is given to them at home. Setting a good example of healthy habits NOW will help your child in many years to come.

Make grocery shopping or visiting a farmers market an adventure by giving your child a list of healthy food choices to buy. Let your child pick a new fruit or vegetable each week to taste-test at home. Keeping the kids involved in their food choices will help them eat healthier! It is important to keep in mind that although some foods appear healthy to eat they may NOT be healthy for your teeth. Foods like raisins and fruit snacks are NOT healthy choices for your teeth due to the sticky sugar that can cause cavities. The #1 cause of cavities in children today are the gummy vitamins. Each gummy vitamin contains 2-3gm of sugar that sticks in the grooves of your teeth, which is the equivalent to skittles

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See Listing Under “Performing Arts”

No Face Masks N e e de d Face to Fa ! Vir tu l ce Counsea ling

Specializing in ... • Marriage & Relationships • Infidelity • Infertility • Parenting & Coparenting • Grief & Loss • Anxiety & Depression

ELITE DANCE COMPANY

5360 Genesee St., Bowmansville, NY 14026 716-288-7868 www.EliteDanceWNY.com Where every dancer counts so that each dancer can reach their fullest potential.

716-725-7158 | 716-689-3110 Ext. 1 1660 Hopkins Road, Suite 103 Amherst, NY 14068

www.auduboncounseling.com

Spezio’S Dance DynamicS

Spotlight on

Instilling Passion & Building Character One Step At A Time!

Spezio’s Dance Dynamics, Amherst’s premier dance training center, has been educating young artists from beginner to pre-professional since 1993, while enhancing each dancer’s creativity, physical fitness and passion for the art of dance. Director and Owner Michelle Spezio holds extensive teaching background in all genres and aspects of training enhances opportunities for all students whether they intend to pursue a

career in the arts or are dancing for enjoyment. The professional staff of degreed teachers is dedicated to providing students a well-rounded dance education to all. SDD offers a professional studio with 4 class rooms, many amenities and versatile subjects of study as well as high level ballet training for dancers to discover their personal talents. “Dancer’s TurnOut Better,” that’s what we believe. Research shows that students who study dance are disciplined, goal oriented and selfmotivated. Dancers are expressive in their communication of emotions, likely to excel, creative, imaginative and able to critically analyze and problem solve. Educating dancers to use these life skills in pursuing goals, overcoming obstacles and staying physi-

cally fit throughout their lives is our goal. Dance Dynamics Students have won significant awards for proper training/choreography all through the USA. Dancers have attended many prestigious summer intensives and awarded scholarships. SDD is committed to helping every dancer experience the joy of dance! Spezio’s Dance Dynamics is a proud member of Dance Master’s of America, International Dance Entrepreneurs Association, NDEO, Award winning faculty and director, and has had the pleasure of training so many talented dancers. SDD dancers are going places!

1639 N. French Road, Amherst, NY 716-688-9590

www.speziosdancedynamics.com Paid Advertisement

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EUGENIA’S DANCE STUDIO

• Providing educational and therapeutic services to students with multiple disabilities, birth to 21 years of age

Educational Services:

4017 Legion Dr., Hamburg, NY 14075 716-648-4035 www.drmcaseypediatricdds.com Pediatric Dentistry. Dental Care for Infants, Children, and Young Adults.

150 Stahl Rd., Getzville, NY 14068 General Information: 716-629-3400 www.thesummitcenter.org Developmental evaluations, therapeutic and clinical services, family support services, feeding clinic, behavioral health services, respite, & school programs for children from birth to adult. FIND US ON FACEBOOK See Our Advertiser Spotlight.

MAUREEN J. CASEY, DDS

• No tuition or transportation costs to families 1085 Eggert Road Amherst, NY 14226

(716) 831-8422

Learn More: www.CHCLearningCenter.org

Look for the next Resource Guide in our October issue: To Advertise Call: 836-3486 ext. 104

THE SUMMIT CENTER

Family Medicine: JUST 4 ME

1660 Hopkins Rd., Getzville, NY 14068 716-688-7721 160 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14201 716-436-2130 www.just4mepediatricdentistry.com Gentle, Caring Dentistry for your child. Most insurances accepted including Medicaid/Healthplex. FIND US ON FACEBOOK See Our Advertiser Spotlight.

UBMD FAMILY MEDICINE

Conventus, 1001 Main St., 4th Floor Buffalo, NY 14203 • 716-550-8361 850 Hopkins Rd., Williamsville, NY 14221 716-688-9641 2465 Sheridan Dr., Tonawanda, NY 14150 716-835-9800 www.ubfammed.com Accepting new patients and offering telemedicine services through UBMD CareConnect.

This handy resource guide appears twice a year, in WNY Family’s May & October issues Call 716-836-3486 ext. 104 to learn how your business or organization can participate

The SummiT CenTer

Offering Programs & Services for Children with Autism

SpoTlighT on

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A Program of The Center For Handicapped Children, Inc.

Dentists (Pediatric):

The Summit Center provides educational, behavioral health, adult & community programs & services to children and adults with developmental, social and behavioral challenges. We accomplish this goal by using evidencebased practices and carefully monitoring progress. Summit employs more than 500 staff members including special education teachers, behavior specialists, speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, psychologists, and respite providers. Most professional staff have Master’s degrees and many members of Summit’s leadership team have Doctoral

degrees and advanced training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). These professionals work closely with parents to help your child achieve the highest level of independence. Following are the various programs we offer for your child and family:

To find out more about how Summit may be able to help your child, please call us at 629-3400 or visit our website at www. TheSummitCenter.org.

• Evaluations • Early Autism Program • Adult Programs • Summit Academy • Respite Programs • Parent Training Programs • Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic • Pediatric Feeding Clinic

150 Stahl Road Getzville, NY 14068 716-629-3400

www.TheSummitCenter.org Paid Advertisement

BECKER FARMS & VIZCARRA VINEYARDS

3724 Quaker Rd., Gasport, NY 14067 716-772-2211 www.beckerfarms.com U-Pick Fruits and Vegetables; Farm Market; CSA; Pies, Ice Cream; Animals; Educational Tours; A 127Year Family Tradition! Visit Vizcarra Vineyards & Becker Brewing Co.! When you call or visit an advertiser, please tell them “I SAW YOU IN WNY FAMILY!”

ROLLY POLLIES

9630 Transit Road, Suite 100 East Amherst, NY 14051 716-689-6151 4058 N. Buffalo Rd. Orchard Park, NY 14127 716-662-7424 1669 Hertel Ave., Buffalo, NY 14216 716-833-3318 www.RPWNY.com Children’s gym classes, school year camp, birthday parties, open play & more for ages 4 months - 10 years old! See Our Advertiser Spotlight.

Your Wellness, Our Mission. Endeavor is here for you.

Telehealth and in person appointments are available with no wait times.

Gymnastics:

BUFFALO TURNERS

3200 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore, NY 14217 716-877-2700 www.buffaloturnersgymnastics.com Gymnastics instruction for girls and boys, 3 - 18 years.

GYMNASTICS UNLIMITED

Adult Mental Health Alcohol & Substance Use

TUMBLE BEE GYM

70 Weiss Ave., Orchard Park/West Seneca, NY 14224 716-677-0338 www.gymnastics-unlimited.net Infant-18 yrs., Tramp/Tumble, Learning in Motion, Open Time.

136 Evans St., Hamburg, NY 14075 716-868-1525 www.tumblebeegym.com Recreational Gymnastics (9 months - 18 years), Competitive Teams, Cheer, Tumbling, & Birthday Parties.

Child Mental Health

Formerly known as Mid-Erie Counseling and Treatment Services. Give us a call to be linked with a therapist at (716) 895-6701 or visit ehsny.org for more information.

Rolly Pollies

sPotlight on

WNY’s Largest Locally and Family Owned Kid’s Gym!

Rolly Pollies is WNY’s only gym for kids with a bouncehouse, trampoline, foam pit and more! For 15 years, Rolly Pollies has offered play with a purpose, through classes, open play, birthday parties, summer camps and more! Why Classes? Rolly Pollies’s class schedule accommodates every family’s schedule with evening, daytime and weekend classes. Families are encouraged to have fun together with equipment built for everyone! A full session of classes gives children the opportunity to develop gross motor

skills and friendships, learn socialization skills, take directions from “Roll Models”, and see the same friends each week. Party With Us! Rolly Pollies offers WNYs best birthday parties, hosting only one party at a time: yours! Everyone is invited to play, no charge for adults, and the birthday child and their siblings are free too! This allows all families the ability to invite just as many friends. After all, it’s the people that make a party! Camp Programs Homeschool? Virtual? Hybrid? No matter your school choice this year, we have a great camp program that runs throughout the schoolyear: Schoolyear Camp! This program focuses in the physical, social and emotional well-being of your child. And when the school year ends, we continue our camps with our very flexible Summer Camp programs! Open Play and Playgroups Check our website for Open Play availability and schedules. Use Your Health Insurance Wellness Cards Raising heathly children is Rolly Pollies mission! Because of this, most area health insurances will help pay for your Rolly Pollies classes and events.

Simply give your insurance company a call to see if they will cover your child’s programs at Rolly Pollies. Three great locations: East Amherst, Orchard Park, and North Buffalo www. RPWNY.com Keep the learning going at home with our YouTube Channel; RollyPolliesWNY.

Funtastic Fitness For Kids

Three great locations: 9630 Transit Road East Amherst, NY 14051

716-689-6151

4058 North Buffalo Road Orchard Park, NY 14127

716-662-7424

1669 Hertel Ave. Buffalo, NY 14216

716-833-3318

www.RPWNY.com Paid Advertisement

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Farms & Farm Markets:

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Hair Salons (Children’s): SHEAR MADNESS

3316 Sheridan Dr., Amherst, NY 14226 716-248-1455 3455 Amelia Dr., Orchard Park, NY 14127 716-322-5332 100 Marketplace Dr., Henrietta, NY 14623 585-491-6555 www.shearmadnesskids.com Specializing in haircuts for kids, ear piercing, birthday parties and our unique toy store.

Health Care & Wellness: GREAT LAKES MEDICAL IMAGING

199 Park Club Lane, Suite 300 Williamsville, NY 14221 716-836-4646 www.greatlakesmedicalimaging.com Open MRI, Low Dose CT, 3D Mammography, Bone Density, Nuclear Medicine, PET/CT, Ultrasound, and now introducing Interventional Radiology.

Home:

PUSH GREEN

Horseback Riding

429 Plymouth Ave., Suite 1, Buffalo, NY 14213 716-886-1780 www.pushgreen.org Connecting Western New York residents to energy efficiency, low cost financing and solar. We’re here to help our neighbors go green and live better. Call today!

Ages 6 and up

Trail Rides • Lessons • Group Events

Horseback Riding:

T e co o

lest thing around !

LuGia’s on Wheels • Birthday Parties • Family Reunions • Block Parties • Weddings LuGia’s brings the Ice Cream and the FUN! For More Information...

Email: buffalo@lugiasonwheels.com www.buffalo.lugiasonwheels.com

Human Services: sasi

960 West Maple Ct., Elma, NY 14059 716-805-1555 www.sasinc.org Transforming lives through creative opportunities and excellent supports for people with disabilities and special needs.

Indoor Recreation: LEAPS N BOUNCE

Delivery from Tonawanda 716-573-9586 www.leapsnbounce.com Kids love to Leaps N’ Bounce.

NIAGARA CLIMBING CENTER

1333 Strad Ave., North Tonawanda, NY 14120 716-695-1248 www.niagaraclimbingcenter.com Enjoy family-friendly fun in our indoor climbing center. Any age, no experience necessary.

AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA

Memories for Life!

Call 716-479-2020

Tell them you saw their ad in WNY Family Magazine.

Museums & Attractions:

All Activities by Reservation

Holland/East Aurora Area

Support Our Advertisers…

BUFFALO EQUESTRIAN CENTER 950 Amherst St., Buffalo, NY 14216 716-877-9295 www.buffaloequestriancenter.org Private and group lessons; ages 5 and up; year round; beginner to advanced.

GREENDALE FARM

East Aurora/Holland Area 716-479-2020 Trail Rides (ages 14 & older), Birthday Parties & Lessons by appointment. Lighted Indoor Arena. Pull out and save this section for future reference. And, remember, you can also find it online at www.wnyfamilymagazine.com

701 Whirlpool St., Niagara Falls, NY 14301 716-285-3575 www.aquariumofniagara.org Visit WNY’s only aquarium. Sea Lions, Seals, Penguins and more!

THE BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY BOTANICAL GARDENS

2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo, NY 14218 716-827-1584 www.buffalogardens.com A tropical paradise featuring exotic horticulture treasures & so much more! Reservations required to visit.

GENESEE COUNTRY VILLAGE & MUSEUM

1410 Flint Hill Rd., Mumford, NY 14511 585-538-6822 www.gcv.org The largest living history museum in New York State, plus nature center and gallery.

Occupational Therapy:

NATIONAL COMEDY CENTER

11390 Transit Rd., East Amherst, NY 14051 716-580-3040 Email: info@abctherapeutics.com www.abctherapeutics.com Occupational & physical therapy. Clinical specialists, individualized programs & family-friendly care.

433 Locust St., Lockport, NY 14094 716-433-2617 www.kenancenter.org Visit our Kenan House gallery, Taylor Theater, Montessori pre-school and Kenan Arena.

203 W. 2nd St., Jamestown, NY 14701 716-484-2222 www.comedycenter.org Fun and laughter for the entire family with a safe, touch-free experience.

OLD FORT NIAGARA

PO Box 169, Youngstown, NY 14174 716-745-7611 www.oldfortniagara.org Your gateway to family adventure! Living history programs every day, special events, re-enactments. FIND US ON FACEBOOK

PENN DIXIE FOSSIL PARK

4050 North St., Blasdell, NY 14219 716-627-4560 penndixie.org Unearth unexpected treasures at Penn Dixie!

Music Instruction/ Instruments:

BETTY’S MUSIC TOGETHER

(716) 239-9144 www.BettysMusicTogether.com Join our community of families for fun, on line classes! Sing, dance, play and learn from the safety of your home. Tuition includes CD, beautiful 4-color songbook, coloring and activity pages, videos and more. Register today!

Obstetrics & Gynecology: UBMD OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

1020 Youngs Rd., Suite 110, Williamsville, NY 14221 716-636-8284 Conventus, 1001 Main St., 4th Floor Buffalo, NY 14203 • 716-636-8284 www.ubmdobgyn.com Care for every woman… for every phase of life.

ABC THERAPEUTICS

Orthodontists:

OWL ORTHODONTICS

Matthew Walla, DDS & ASSOCIATES 716-832-1550 www.owlortho.com 6 Convenient Locations: Amherst, Buffalo, Clarence, Depew/Lancaster, Grand Island & Williamsville.

Paint Your Own Pottery: DESIGNING DISH

138 Grey St., East Aurora, NY 14052 716-655-4456 www.designingdish.com Where everyone is creative. Pottery, glass, pottery to go and much more!! FIND US ON INSTAGRAM FIND US ON FACEBOOK Find this section ONLINE in our digital issue at www.wnyfamilymagazine.com

Parenting Resources:

PARENT NETWORK OF WNY

1021 Broadway St., Buffalo, NY 14212 716-332-4170 www.parentnetworkwny.org Supporting families of individuals with disabilities through educational resources, 1-on-1 support and events.

Party Resources:

BUILD A MACHINE FITNESS

3095 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14217 Email: info@bamfninja.com bamfninja.com/birthday-parties American Ninja Warrior Birthday Parties, no per guest charges! Fun for all ages.

LUGIA’S ON WHEELS OF BUFFALO

3600 Commerce Pkwy., Lancaster, NY 14086 716-352-0007 www.buffalo.lugiasonwheels.com The coolest thing around! Bring Ice Cream to you with LuGia’s on Wheels!

SHEAR MADNESS

See Listing Under “Hair Salons (Children’s)”

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KENAN CENTER & ARENA

700 Center St . Lewiston, NY 14092

Dr. Susan Wiepert

716-205-3282

www.PurelyPediatrics.com A Unique Membership Model of Pediatric Care

Litt le

arners Aca Le

Summer Enrichm ent Begins July 1st

St. Leo the Great

Full or Part-time Program

Toddler ~ Preschool 3 & 4 ~ Kinder-Readiness

Free before school & low cost after school care

Music Class ~ Karate Class Open 6:30am-6:00pm

Call: (716) 832-6340 to schedule a tour www.LittleLearnersAmherst.com

PURELY PEDIATRICS

700 Center St., Lewiston, NY 14092 716-205-3282 www.purelypediatrics.com A membership-based direct pediatric primary care clinic located in Lewiston, NY.

Performing Arts:

ACADEMY OF THEATRE ARTS

4231 Transit Rd., Williamsville, NY 14221 716-810-0551 www.academyoftheatrearts.com Nationally award winning ATA; offering theatre, dance and voice classes to ages 4-18. See Our Advertiser Spotlight.

ZPAC PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, LLC

Southgate Plaza - 954A Union Rd., Ste 3 West Seneca, NY 14224 716-608-1010 www.zpac.biz A unique performing arts center with every style of dancing, singing, acting and creating the arts with playwriting, choregraphy and directing. Ages 1 to adult. FIND US ON FACEBOOK

This handy resource guide appears twice a year, in WNY Family’s May & October issues Call 716-836-3486 ext. 104 to learn how your business or organization can participate

Physical Therapy: ABC THERAPEUTICS

See Listing Under “Occupational Therapy”

Preschools/Montessori:

A SWEET START PRESCHOOL

10255 Main St., Clarence, NY 14031 716-320-5848 www.sweetcharlottes.org An integrated, play based program. We are learning through laughter, love & fun.

FOUNDATIONS

6445 West Quaker, Orchard Park, NY 14127 716-667-9377 www.foundationspreschool.net A private preschool offering an enhanced curriculum with progressive programs for 2-5 year olds.

LEARNING ‘N’ MOTION/ GYMNASTICS UNLIMITED

See Listing Under “Gymnastics”

AcAdemy of TheATre ArTs Giving Students the Opportunity to Shine

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Purely Pediatrics

my de

Pediatricians:

Winner of New York Theatre Guide’s “Best Theatre Program for Young Artists”; Academy of Theatre Arts is the only full-time, year-round theatre venue in Western New York created for the development and training of children and young adults in acting, vocal performance, and musical theatre dance. ATA provides an extensive year-long program for anyone between the ages of 3 and 18 who has an interest and passion for theatre arts. But beyond its excellent theatrical training, ATA uses theatre as a platform to teach and promote excellence in public speaking, self-esteem, confidence, and personal skills.

Each year, the students of ATA perform a major school showcase, which gives them the opportunity to shine on our ATA Theatre stage. ATA creates entertaining, professional shows consisting of smaller student casts and providing each child with more stage time in a much shorter show. In addition to regular classes, ATA offers special audition-only student companies where students get the opportunity to perform in their own musical, attend workshops, work with Broadway performers, and compete in festivals.

In addition to their year-round program, Academy of Theatre Arts offers summer programs to provide students with the opportunity to learn and perform in a full-blown musical in just 1-2 short weeks. While youngest students begin by learning about public speaking and how to feel comfortable on stage, older students learn about all aspects of a theatrical production: what it takes to put on a musical not only on stage but off stage as well.

4231 Transit Rd. Williamsville, NY 14221 (716) 810-0551 www.academyoftheatrearts.com Paid Advertisement

885 Sweet Home Rd., Amherst, NY 14226 716-832-6340 www.littlelearnersamherst.com Open Enrollment for Fall. KinderReadiness, Preschool 3/4, & Toddler Program 18 months - 36 months.

MAYFAIR GARDENS MONTESSORI

5221 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 www.mayfairgardensmontessori.org A premier early childhood Montessori experience for children ages 3-6.

ROOTS OF THE FUTURE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

8970 Main St., Clarence, NY 14031 716-545-8048 www.rootsofthefuture.com An education that understands and nurtures your child’s natural curiosity for knowledge.

Schools:

BUFFALO SEMINARY

205 Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14222 716-885-6780 buffaloseminary.org Buffalo Seminary - Independent day and boarding school for collegebound girls & day and sleepaway camp for girls entering grades 5-9. FIND US ON FACEBOOK See Our Advertiser Spotlight. When you call or visit an advertiser, please tell them “I SAW YOU IN WNY FAMILY!”

CHARTER SCHOOL FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES

2303 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo, NY 14207 716-710-3068 www.csat-k12.org Serving grades K-12, open to all residents, no entrance exams.

CHC LEARNING CENTER

1085 Eggert Rd., Amherst, NY 14226 716-831-8422 www.chclearningcenter.org Quality educational, therapeutic & health services for students with multiple disabilities, 0-21 years. FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Buffalo Seminary

Spotlight on

Independent Day and Boarding School for College-Bound Girls

Worried about your daughter’s academic success? Worried she’ll be lost when school starts in the fall? We’ve got you. SEM is among the oldest schools for girls in the U.S. We’re tried and tested in the classroom and now as a recognized leader in distance learning while 169 years of traditions anchor our community. We’ve had technology woven into the curriculum for over a decade. SEM girls are independent, resilient, and ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world with resourcefulness and resolution. We are a Committed Steinway Select School and Niche named us the Best All-Girls School and Best College Prep School in the Buffalo Area.

Centered by our Academic & Social Honor Code, we have designed an independent culture of achievement, scholarship, creativity, leadership, and service that challenges girls to engage and explore opportunities from theater to sports, to public speaking and computer science. Our small class size keeps learning personal and connected. We do not require uniforms and are not bound by NYS Regents. Our teaching goes beyond state mandates. Take a virtual tour of our campus here: buffaloseminary.org/VR, and call the Admission Office, 716-8856780, to schedule an in-person visit. Over 30 student scholarships are offered. Entrance & Scholarship Exam

dates are available by appointment. Forward thinking is our oldest tradition. Accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), we are also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS), the Online School for Girls (OSG), The Small Boarding School Association (SBSA), The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS).

Independent day and boarding school for college-bound girls 205 Bidwell Parkway Buffalo, NY 14222

716-885-6780 www.BuffaloSeminary.org Paid Advertisement

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LITTLE LEARNERS ACADEMY

Providing Quality Christian Education for over 170 years

Preschool - 8th Grade NOW ENRO L G for the 2021 - 2022 LIN Year School

HOLY GHOST LUTHERAN SCHOOL 6630 Luther St., Wheatfield, NY 14304

731-3030 • www.holyghostlcms.org Pottery Painting and Glass Fusing

Schools cont.:

CHRIST THE KING SCHOOL

2 Lamarck Drive, Snyder, NY 14226 716-839-0473 www.myctkschool.com Offering PreK3 - 8th grade. STREAM - In School 5 Days. FIND US ON FACEBOOK

NOW ENCENTRAL CHRISTIAN ROLLINACADEMY G for the 2018 -St., 39 Academy NY 20Williamsville, r 19 School Y ea14221 716-634-4821 www.christianca.com Independent, Pre-K-12, collegepreparatory school. Middle States accredited. Member: ACSI. NYS Regents. FIND US ON FACEBOOK

HOLY GHOST LUTHERAN SCHOOL

Now offering Pottery To Go Kits Individual Kits, as well as Parties to Go! Open for limited seating and private parties.

138 Grey Street, East Aurora, NY

716-655-4456 www.designingdish.com

6630 Luther St., Wheatfield, NY 14304 716-731-3030 hgl.school Nationally accredited preschool through eighth grade Christian education. Serving Wheatfield and surrounding communities. Pull out and save this section for future reference. Or you can find it online at www.wnyfamilymagazine.com

NATIVITY OF OUR LORD SCHOOL 4414 S. Buffalo St., Orchard Park, NY 14127 716-662-7572 www.nativityschool.net Nativity: Where Faith Leads to Success. See Our Advertiser Spotlight.

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL SCHOOL

5480 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 716-632-6146 www.ssppschool.com “Our Tradition: An Education for the Future; Values for Life.” Schedule a private tour today!

ST. BENEDICT SCHOOL

3980 Main St., Amherst, NY 14226 716-835-2518 www.stbenschool.org High academic achievement in a rich spiritual environment. PK3-8th grade.

ST. GREGORY THE GREAT SCHOOL

250 St. Gregory Ct., Willliamsville, NY 14221 716-688-5323 Email: information@stgregsschool.org www.stgregsschool.org Pre-school 3 and 4, early kindergarten to grade 8.

nativity of our lord School Nativity…Where Faith Leads to Success

Spotlight on

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Nationally Accredited

The philosophy of Nativity of Our Lord is based on a firm belief in the inherent dignity of each individual. Accordingly, ample opportunities for spiritual and intellectual growth are available to all students. Our philosophy of education also reflects an awareness on the part of the staff, of the diversity of economic, social, and cultural differences within the school community. Nativity of Our Lord School, an integral part of a total Roman Catholic Parish community, aims to provide quality education for students from pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. Religion, the core of the curric-

es the gym was opened in 1992. In recent years, a new computer lab, art room and pre-Kindergarten classroom have been added along with a new main entrance and security system. Parents are encouraged to be active participants in their child’s education and at Nativity, we ulum, emphasizes moral and spiritual expect it. values which permeate every aspect of For more information, check the total instructional program. out our website or call 716-662-7572. Achievement, consistent with a student’s academic potential, is second only to the development of those character traits that typify Christian ladies and gentlemen, as well as informed, law-abiding citizens. Nativity is a STREAM pilot school which places emphasis on the total education of our students. Nativity of Our Lord School 4414 S. Buffalo Street Participation in sports and co-curricOrchard Park, NY 14127 ular activities is encouraged and fos716-662-7572 tered at all levels. www.nativityschool.net The present school was built in Paid Advertisement 1958. The parish center which hous-

1085 Englewood Ave., Kenmore, NY 14223 716-877-6401 www.stjohnskenmore.com Teaching Minds • Touching Hearts • Transforming Lives. PreK-3 to Grade 8

ST. MARY SCHOOL, SWORMVILLE 6919 Transit Rd., East Amherst, NY 14051 716-689-8424 www.stmaryschoolswormville.org Dedicated to the whole child… serving the entire family. Montessori PK-8.

ST. MARY’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2 St. Mary’s Hill, Lancaster, NY 14086 716-683-2112 www.smeschool.com St. Mary’s has a history of academic excellence and strong family values.

TRINITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

146 Reserve Rd., West Seneca, NY 14224 716-674-5353 www.thinktrinitychristian.com Providing Christ-centered education for PK-3 through 8th grades since 1851. NLSA Accredited. See Our Advertiser Spotlight.

Senior Housing:

PEOPLE INC. SENIOR LIVING

716-817-9090 www.people-inc.org People Inc. operates 19 Senior Living affordable apartment complexes throughout Western New York.

Senior Transportation Services:

Christ the King School ~ Founded in 1929 ~

HEARTS & HANDS

1412 Sweet Home Rd., Suite 12 Amherst, NY 14228 716-406-8311 www.hnhcares.org Supporting seniors and caregivers with volunteer transportation, inhome services, and social connections.

Skating Lessons (Ice): SKATE GREAT

2982 Lakeview Rd., Hamburg, NY 14075 3465 Broadway, Cheektowaga, NY 14227 75 Weiss Rd., West Seneca, NY 14224 41 Riley St., East Aurora, NY 14052 716-580-3458 Email: sk8gr8info@gmail.com www.sk8gr8.com #1 Learn-To-Skate Program in WNY. Over 20 classes per week.

Christ the King School offers faith based education in a safe, nurturing and challenging environment. Rigorous Academic Excellence plus Art, Latin, Spanish, Music, Sports, and Technology. A STREAM School & Academy MSA CESS Accredited.

Enrollment is now OPEN Private Tours Available CALL TODAY! 2 Lamarck Drive | Amherst, NY 14226

(716) 839-0473

www.myCTKschool.com

TriniTy ChrisTian sChool

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Preparing Young Minds to Soar

The Mission of Trinity Christian School is to guide our children in faith, learning, character and leadership by nurturing their relationship with Jesus Christ and educating them for a lifetime of service to God and man. We are a Preschool 3 through Grade 8 nationally accredited (NLSA) school located at 146 Reserve Rd. in West Seneca. Our rigorous academic curriculum, STEM implementation, music, art, physical education and foreign language programs provide stu-

dents and staff with the adopt an attitude of giving. opportunity to grow Extracurricular sports and and learn together in a athletics, school musicals, safe and loving, Christgame clubs, and academic centered environment. enhancement opportuniOur graduates are wellties inspire students to use prepared for all high their gifts and interests for school settings. further growth. The students at Trinity are For more information, or to in smaller classes that provide visit the school, please visit our individual attention and are tech- website thinktrinitychristian. nologically current. They partici- com, or call 674-5353. pate in many community service projects throughout the school year that encourage them to

146 Reserve Road West Seneca, NY 14224

716-674-5353 www.thinktrinitychristian.com Paid Advertisement

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ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL

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WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HISTORY

Sleep Consultant:

GOOD NIGHT SLEEP SITE LYNN

716-572-4276 Email: lynn@goodnightsleepsite.com www.goodnightsleepsite.com/lynn Infant and toddler sleep consultant. Custom sleep plan with individual support. FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Special Needs Services:

OLD FORT NIAGARA Youngstown, NY (716) 745-7611

www.oldfortniagara.org

NEW Foam Party

SLIDES WET/DRY BOUNCE HOUSES

MONSTE R TRUCK

WATER CAGE 716-573-9586

www.leapsnbounce.com

THE CHILDREN’S LEAGUE

393 North St., Springville, NY 14141 716-592-9331 www.tclny.org Center & community-based educational & therapeutic programming. EI & CPSE Evaluations. Serving children birth-8 years of age.

COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR EVERY1

180 Oak St., Buffalo, NY 14203 716-883-8888 Email: info@csevery1.com www.csevery1.com Helping people of all abilities reach their fullest potential.

THE DOWN SYNDROME PARENTS GROUP OF WNY

547 Englewood Ave., Kenmore NY 14223 716-832-9334 dspgwny.org Raising awareness of and enhancing the lives of people with Down syndrome.

HIGH HURDLES

sasi - 13339 Route 39 - PO Box 526 Sardinia, NY 14141 • 716-496-5551 www.sasinc.org/high-hurdles Therapeutic horsemanship program serving individuals with disabilities.

MOVING MIRACLES DANCE STUDIO WNY’s Original Rock Climbing Center!

Fun ~ Safe Distanced Activity

DAY PASSES AVAILABLE COME CLIMB OUR WALLS!

1333 Strad Ave., N. Tonawanda 695-1248 www.niagaraclimbingcenter.com

sasi - 954 Union Road, Suite 1 West Seneca, NY 14224 • 716-656-1321 www.movingmiracles.org Therapeutic dance/movement program for individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs.

PEOPLE INC.

1219 North Forest Rd., Williamsville, NY 14221 716-817-7400 www.people-inc.org People Inc. is Western New York’s leading non-profit human services agency, providing services to people with special needs, families and older adults to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. Services include: Residential, vocational and supported employment, respite, senior services, health care and affordable apartments.

PERSONAL TRAINING BY sasi

sasi - 954 Union Road, Suite 1 West Seneca, NY 14224 • 716-656-1321 www.sasinc.org/adaptive-fitness An adaptive, small group personal training program for individuals with developmental disabilities. The next Family Resource Guide will appear in our October 2021 issue.

Toy Store:

FISHER-PRICE® TOY STORE

636 Girard Ave., East Aurora, NY 14052 716-687-3300 www.fisherpricetoystore.com We carry Fisher-Price® and Mattel ® products. Ask about our weekly specials.

RAFF AND FRIENDS

4545 Transit Rd., Eastern Hills Mall Williamsville, NY 14221 716-632-4202 www.raffandfriends.com Toy Store and Playland. Games, puzzles, books, science, crafts, plush, educational toys.

Urgent Care:

WNY IMMEDIATE CARE

2099 Niagara Falls Blvd., Amherst, NY 14228 716-564-2273 2497 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14216 716-874-2273 5014 Transit Rd., Cheektowaga, NY 14043 716-684-2273 3050 Orchard Park Rd., Orchard Park, NY 14224 716-675-3700 7616 Transit Rd., Williamsville, NY 14221 716-204-2273 www.wnyimmediatecare.com For quick, quality treatment in an hour or less, 365 days a year visit WNY Immediate Care. On-site physicians and advanced practice clinicians provide cost effective treatment of coughs, colds, flu, allergies, and other non-life threatening injuries. With five convenient locations, we help you Get In. Get Out. Feel Better!™

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 Parenting Resources  Parenting Resources  ABUSE/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE n New York State Office of Children & Family Services https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/ prevention State Hotline: 1-800-342-3720 Report abuse/neglect of children. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department. n New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence https://opdv.ny.gov/aboutopdv

Look for it in our May & October Issues!

Family Resource

Guide

A Resource Guide for Busy Families

Reserve your Directory Listing for as little as $85.00 and you’ll also be included in our Online Business Directory at

NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE! To advertise or for more Information: Contact Your Ad Rep Directly or Call 836-3486 x104

New York State Domestic & Sexual Violence 24 hour Hotline: 1-800-942-6906 According to Safe Horizon, a New York victims’ services agency, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence; more than 3 million children each year witness domestic violence at home; without help, girls who witness domestic violence are more vulnerable to abuse, and boys are more likely to become abusers of their partners and children as adults, continuing a cycle of violence seen in families all too often. n Haven House Child & Family Services 24-Hour Hotline: 716-884-6000 (for HELP & Shelter) For over 35 years, Haven House has been working to prevent domestic violence/intimate partner violence and promote peace in the home. Services are based on a continuum of care ranging from a fullyinclusive emergency shelter in a confidential location to long-term transitional housing. The continuum of care includes an extensive counseling and advocacy program for all individuals regardless of gender

that includes many satellite locations throughout Erie County. Who Should Call? Anyone involved in an intimate partner violence or family violence situation, including: domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, those in same-sex relationships, those with disabilities, male survivors, senior citizens, and immigrant and refugee victims of domestic violence. Friends, family members, co-workers, neighbors, or professionals with questions about domestic violence operates safe and secure emergency housing in a confidential location for women and their children, single women, and transgendered individuals identifying as female. Shelter supportive services include: Safety Planning, Individual Counseling, Support groups (including Art Empowerment), Advocacy. Referrals can call the hotline for information. Haven House housing assistance, Referrals to transitional housing, Food, Clothing, Crisis Intervention, and Children’s Programs. n Family Justice Center of Erie County 716-558-SAFE (7233) www.fjcsafe.org Offers free services for domestic violence victims and their children through an extensive collaboration with 13 partner agencies, all located at one secured, comfortable location, where victims can get all the services they need to safely escape abuse. They have the following locations but as of this issue’s print date, due to COVID, they are not currently accepting walk-ins or in-person meetings. They are still available by phone or through their website. Buffalo 438 Main St., Suite 201, Buffalo 716-558-7233 (Monday-Friday; 8:30am-5pm)

Southtowns Satellite 4383 South Buffalo St., Orchard Park 716-662-0259 (Wed. & Fri; 8:30am-5pm)

Dedicated to the whole child… serving the entire family.

Northtowns Satellite 330 North Forest Rd., Amherst 716-634-4309 (Mon. & Tues.; 8:30am-5pm) Grand Island Satellite 1801 Grand Island Blvd. Suite 3 Grand Island 716-507-0764 (Mon. & Wed.; 8:30am-5pm)

ADOPTION n Adoption Star 131 John Muir Drive Amherst, NY 14228 716-639-3900 www.adoptionstar.com Provides thorough and compassionate counseling to pregnant individuals, regardless of location, who are considering their options, including abortion, parenting, and adoption. Allows prospective adoptive parents and expectant parents to explore all the adoption options and to receive the appropriate information and education necessary to access those options. Provides counseling and support to birth parents and prospective adoptive parents. n Adoption Program Child & Family Services 824 ½ Delaware Ave. Buffalo, NY 14209 716-882-0555 www.cfsbny.org Specializes in promoting permanency through adoption for children of all ages in the foster care system. Staff work with children freed for adoption as well as families interested in adopting children. Provides support, training, and case planning services for the child and adoptive family. n Center for Family Development 5820 Main St., Suite 406 Williamsville, NY 14221 716-636-6243 www.center4familydevelop.com

MY FAMILY Provides counseling for adoptive and foster families, adopted children, children in foster care (ages birth through adult), and adult adopters. Offers educational workshops for families and support groups; professional training and consultation; court ordered custody evaluations; pre-placement home studies and post-placement supervision. Offers WNY’s only Attachment and Bonding Center. Provides attachment therapy, evaluations, and treatment for children and adolescents using an evidencebased treatment approach.

AFTER SCHOOL CARE n For a very comprehensive list of more than 100 after school care programs in Erie County visit www.211wny.org and enter “after school” in the search box. Information on programs in Niagara and other counties is also available through this site. If you do not have access to the Internet, call 1-888-696-9211.

BABY NEEDS There are a number of local “Baby Needs” programs that meet the emergency needs of infants and very young children by providing them with a supply of diapers, infant formula, baby food, and baby care products. Limited quantities available; supplies may differ at each location. Get in touch with Baby Needs programs at the following locations which serve specific zip codes: – continued next page

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716-689-8424 www.stmaryschoolswormville.org 6919 Transit Road, East Amherst

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 Parenting Resources  Parenting Resources  Parenting Resources  n Buffalo River Food Pantry 62 Republic Street Buffalo, NY 14204 www.old1stward.com 716-856-8613 Mon-Thurs, 9am-11am. Serving zip code 14204. n North Tonawanda Inter Church Food Pantry 100 Ridge Street North Tonawanda, NY 14120 716-692-8552 Mon-Fri, 10am-12:30pm. Serving zip codes 14120 and 14150. n The Genesis Center 2161 Seneca Street Buffalo, NY 14210 716-822-1900 ext. 40 www.thegenesiscenter.us Hours by appointment only. Call to schedule. Serving zip code 14210 for parents with an emergency need; no residency requirements for children’s clothing. n Tri-Community Food Pantry 722 Terrace Boulevard Depew, NY 14043 www.tri-community.org 716-949-0498 Tues, 12-4pm; Wed, 10am-1pm; Thurs, 6pm-8pm; Sat. 9am-12pm Serving Erie County. n Urban Christian Ministries 967 Jefferson Avenue Buffalo, NY 14204 716-882-9472 www.ucmbuffalo.org Tues & Fri, 11am-2pm; Thurs, 11am4pm. Serving zip codes 14204, 14208, and 14211.

BREASTFEEDING n La Leche League International www.lllusa.org La Leche League has several groups meeting in WNY as well as leaders who are available to answer your questions about breastfeeding. If you are unable to find a leader in your area, call 1-877-4-LALECHE (1-877-452-5324).

Amherst • Cynthia, 716-989-7070; Cindy, 716-835-7504. East Aurora • Karen, 716-652-0225. Hamburg/West Seneca • Kimberly, 716-997-4662; Amanda, 716-220-1597 Niagara Falls • Christine, 716-523-1143.

CHILD SUPPORT ASSISTANCE n Child Support Enforcement (CSE) Erie Co. Dept. of Social Services Rath Building, Room 230 Buffalo, NY 14202 Helpline: 888-208-4485 (8am-7pm) CSE can help locate the noncustodial parent, help parents establish paternity if either has any doubt about the identity of a child’s biological father, help the custodial parent file a petition in Family Court for an order of support, and enforces a child support order when the noncustodial parent does not pay. The child support enforcement program has legislative authority to collect overdue child support (arrears) and to obtain medical coverage through a variety of administrative procedures. Some administrative procedures can be put into action without going to court. Noncustodial parents who fail to pay child support can be subject to having the funds automatically deducted from their wages; unemployment payments, federal and/or state tax refunds, and lottery winnings can be intercepted; financial assets, including bank accounts, can be seized. Delinquent noncustodial parents can also have their NY State drivers license suspended and can be prevented from obtaining or renewing their passports.

For further information about Child Support Services in New York State visit www.newyorkchildsupport.com.

DIVORCE SUPPORT

n NY State Parent Education & Awareness Program http://ww2.nycourts.gov/ip/ parent-ed/index.shtml Launched in 2005, and offered under the auspices of Catholic Charities of Buffalo here in WNY, this program is designed to educate divorcing or separating parents about the impact of their breakup on their children. The primary goal is to teach parents ways they can reduce the stress of family changes and protect their children from the negative effects of ongoing parental conflict in order to foster and promote their children’s healthy adjustment and development. Four topics are addressed in the Parenting & Child WellBeing portion of the curriculum: 1) Creating and Maintaining Supportive Parent-Child Relationships 2) Providing a Stable, Supportive Home Environment 3) Maintaining Healthy Parental Functioning & Psychological Well-Being 4) Protecting Children from Ongoing Conflict Between Parents. An overview of the Legal Process is also included. In Erie County, there are “Our Kids: A Parent Education & Awareness Program” class locations in Amherst, Buffalo, and Hamburg; contact Michele Wittman, 716-896-6390 or email michele. wittman@ccwny.org. In Niagara County, there are class locations in Niagara Falls and Lockport; contact Michele Wittman, 716-896-6390 or email michele.wittman@ccwny.org. At the present time, Zoom meetings are also being held. If

you live in any other county, visit the website for a list of providers. n New York State Council on Divorce Mediation http://nysmediate.org/ Divorce mediation is a voluntary, cooperative settlement process in which a neutral professional helps you make practical, informed decisions to resolve your differences. It is used frequently and successfully by separating and divorcing couples who want to plan their futures rationally, in an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect. With the guidance of a trained mediator, you work together through a series of orderly steps to create a fair and reasonable agreement. Visit their web site to find accredited mediators in your area, or call 516-227-2595.

DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE n Partnership for Drug-Free Kids Get Help via text, email or by scheduling a call with their trained specialists by visiting www.drugfree.org. Drug use remains a significant problem in the United States, however adolescent drug use is particularly damaging as such use can affect the physical and mental development of younger people and can impact their opportunities later in life. In 2018, approximately 30.4 percent of those in school grades 8, 10, and 12 had used illicit drugs at some point in their lives. More than 67,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2018, making it a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States. For the first time in history, a person is more likely to die from an accidental opioid overdose than from a motor vehicle crash. This national organization helps parents take effective action before their child’s drug use or drinking reaches a point where treatment is required. Research has shown that substance abuse problems can be reduced by intervening early. Encouraging

parents to take immediate action is therefore a main goal of the helpline’s team of parent support specialists who offer expert advice to help parents plan a course of action and can supply a list of local resources or treatment facilities. Their website is an excellent one-stop resource where you can educate yourself about specific drugs, teen behavior, and ways to talk to your kids to prevent abuse from ever happening in the first place. n UNDERAGE DRINKING TIPLINE 1-800-851-1932 Erie County Sheriff’s Office anonymous, confidential, and free hotline. Concerned adults, teachers, students and friends now have a number to call 24 hours a day, to report planned underage drinking parties; underage drinking parties taking place or other activities that may be harmful to the health, safety and welfare of young people.

FOOD ALLERGIC FAMILIES n Greater Buffalo Food Allergy Alliance www.gbfoodallergy.org The mission of this local support group is to share information, tips, and experiences to ease the challenges of living with food allergies, as well as raise the awareness in the community; meets at the Orchard Park Library, 4570 South Buffalo St., Orchard Park. You can find more details on their website or Facebook page.

KINSHIP CAREGIVERS

Among the many changes in society today is the growing incidence of grandparents raising their grandchildren, or other relatives or family friends taking on the primary role or raising a child in the absence of biological parents. Check with your church,

n Child and Family Services 330 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202 716-842-2750 Child and Family Services Kinship Preventive Services Program works with kinship caregivers and parents to prevent placement of relative children out of their homes (foster care, residential), and works to expedite the return of children to their parents and/ or Article 6 custody to the kinship caregiver. The Kinship Preventive Services Program assigns a counselor who – utilizing a family systems, solution focused approach – assists parents and/ or kinship caregivers in solving problems, learning new ways of coping, and identifying other needed services. A majority of the service occurs in the kinship caregiver and/or parent’s home, however, some counseling sessions and group sessions will occur in one of several Child and Family

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your town’s senior services center, or your county’s mental health association for currently active support groups or counseling services. Here are several area resources: n Catholic Charities of Buffalo Kinship Preventive Services 20 Herkimer St, Buffalo, NY 14213 716-854-3622 The Preventive Services Kinship program serves Erie County families involved with the child welfare system by placing children under the care of relatives. Staff conduct home visits to observe family interactions and provide referrals, as well as offer counseling and support for caregivers and biological parents in attaining child permanency, including filing for benefits and petitions in family court. In addition, staff are specially trained to work with families where children have been removed out of the natural home and placed in kinship care. All families must be referred through the Erie County Department of Social Services.

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 Parenting Resources  Parenting Resources  Parenting Resources  Services offices. The kinship program offers the family case management, various workshops including support groups and parenting education. n OLV Human Services-Kinship Caregiver Program 790 Ridge Rd Lackawanna, NY 14218 716-828-9411 www.olvhumanservices.org Provides services to caregivers in Erie and Chautauqua counties who have Article 6 or 1017 custody arrangements, as well as those caregivers providing informal care arrangements for children not biologically their own. Services include family-driven case management provided by an MSW Case Manager. Additional services include monthly peer lead support groups and educational sessions for kinship caregivers, as well as interactive groups designed specifically for children in the caregiver’s household, and family engagement activities for all family members. n New Directions Youth and Family Services Kinship Support Group 4124 Saunders Settlement Rd Sanborn, NY 14132 716-433-4487 ext. 493 https://fosteringgood.org/ This support group meets the 1st Thursday of every month (except July/August) from 10:00 – 11:30am at the Orleans/Niagara BOCES. The group is focused on caregivers who are raising youth who have been diagnosed with an emotional, behavioral, or mental health diagnosis. No documentation is needed to indicate so, but that is their target audience. n Non-Parent Caregivers: NY State & Erie County Department of Social Services Programs Non-parent caregivers — grandparents, other relatives, friends — who are caring for children without a parent living in their home, may be eligible for Temporary Assistance.

Temporary Assistance for children not living with a parent is often referred to as “nonparent caregiver” or “child-only” grants, and includes Medical Assistance (MA). If the non-parent caregiver wants assistance only for the children, the non-parent caregiver’s income is not used to determine eligibility and there are no Temporary Assistance work requirements for the non-parent caregiver. Non-parent caregivers may apply for temporary assistance at their local social services office. In addition to financial assistance, non-parent caregivers (also called kinship caregivers) often have a need for information and assistance related to food stamps, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), custody, guardianship, foster care, adoption, schooling, school enrollment, and other forms of assistance such as child care, social security, respite, case management and service programs. For information about services and assistance programs visit: www. nysnavigator.org - The NYS Kinship Navigator’s website offers legal fact sheets, state and local kinship resources, and other information. In addition, the Navigator operates a 24 hour toll free phone line at 1-877-454- 6463.

LEAD POISONING SERVICES n Erie County Department of Health LEADSAFE Erie County 503 Kensington Avenue Buffalo, NY 14124 716-961-6800

Families with young children who want information about lead poisoning prevention can request an assessment of their pre-1978 home. A visual exterior and interior inspection by staff will identify any potential lead hazards and a lead education visit with the family will provide cleaning supplies and strategies for avoiding lead hazards. “Communities of Concern” have been designated in zip codes 14201, 14207, 14208, 14209, 14210, 14211, 14212, 14213, and 14215.

MISSING PERSONS n New York State Division of Criminal Justice Missing Persons Clearinghouse 1-800-346-3543 Call local law enforcement first to report a missing child or adult. Call the hotline for case intake or to provide lead information. Electronically distributes missing child or missing college student alerts statewide and assists in investigation.

NUTRITION ASSISTANCE n WIC - Women, Infants & Children https://www.ccwny.org/wic Women, Infants & Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that supports pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to the age of five to live a healthier life. WIC provides nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, prenatal and postpartum support, referrals and supplemental food vouchers. All of our services are free of charge. WIC is for all kinds of families married or single parents, working or not working. Fathers, mothers, grandparents, foster parents or other legal guardians of a child under five can apply for the child to receive WIC. WIC does not require US citizenship, social security number, green card or legal residency to receive benefits. Catholic Charities operates the program locally through a variety of locations. To reach any of the sites serving Chautauqua, Erie and

Niagara counties, call (716) 2181484. Not all of their locations are open every day, please call for site schedules. You may be eligible for WIC if you: • Are pregnant, breastfeeding or post-partum, OR • Have an infant or child under 5 years old, AND • Receive SNAP (Food Stamps), Temporary Assistance (TANF) or Medicaid or meet the income guidelines below, AND • Live in New York State You can also call NY State’s Growing Up Healthy Hotline toll-free at 1-800-522-5006 for further information about eligibility, etc.

PARENT ORGANIZATIONS

Moms, we know how it is. We manage the house, the schedules, the lunch packing and dinner making. We’re there for homework, the big game, the school play, and we make it happen with a smile. Where’s that little dose of “me” time? Thankfully, there are some helpful organizations in our community just for moms. Whether you’re a new mom or a veteran mom, there’s a special place for you to connect, refresh and relax. n MOMS Club www.momsclub.org The MOMS Club is an international non-profit organization, started by a California mom. Several local chapters have formed which offer monthly meetings with speakers and discussions, park play dates, holiday family parties, outings for mothers and their children, and activity groups like playgroups, arts ‘n crafts, and a monthly MOMS Night Out. They also do community service projects. Find a local chapter through their web site. n WNY Mothers Of Multiples formerly Mothers of Twins Club of Buffalo www.wnymultiples.org This support group for expectant

and current mothers of twins (and more!) meets on the 2nd Wednesday of most months at 7pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2669 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda. In addition to their meetings which feature “meet and mingle” sessions, they organize activities such as moms’ nights out, toy/clothing sales, and a great vareity of other mom-oriented and family events. Download membership forms on their website. n Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) www.mops.org MOPS is an international organization for pregnant women and moms of infants through pre-schoolers. MOPS meetings give moms and moms-to-be the opportunity to meet other moms and share the journey of motherhood. Here is a sampling of Western New York groups. A complete listing is available on the MOPS web site. Amherst Alliance Church 3915 Millersport Hwy., Amherst 2nd Thursday; 7pm-8:30pm Fellowship Wesleyan Church 1645 Southwestern Blvd., West Seneca 1st & 3rd Mondays (Sept-May); 6:15pm-8:15pm Winchester Community Church 909 Harlem Rd., West Seneca 1st & 3rd Thurs., 6:30pm-8pm Zion Lutheran Church 9535 Clarence Center Rd., Clarence Ctr. 1st & 3rd Wed.; 9:30am-11:15am or 7:30pm-9:15pm

The Tabernacle 3210 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park 2nd & 4th Wed.; 9:30-11:30am Watermark Wesleyan Church 4999 McKinley Pkwy, Hamburg 2 Fridays a month; 9:15am11:30am n MOMSNEXT is a relatively new type of group, created by MOPS International for mothers of school-age children. You can check for a program in your area at www.mops.org. Here are some examples: Fellowship Wesleyan Church MOMSnext meets every 1st & 3rd Monday of the month at 6:15pm, beginning in September, at 1645 Southwestern Blvd., West Seneca. Zion Lutheran Church MOMSnext meets every 1st & 3rd Tuesday from 6:30-8:15pm, at 9535 Clarence Center Rd., Clarence Center. The Tabernacle MOMSnext meets the 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 9:30am-11:30am, at 3210 Southwestern Blvd., Orchard Park. Watermark Wesleyan MOMSnext meets at 4999 McKinley Pkwy., Hamburg. Get in touch for schedule.

POISON EMERGENCY n Upstate New York Poison Center 24 Hours A Day, 365 Days A Year 1-800-222-1222 http://www.upstate.edu/poison/ Calls are answered by Specialists in Poison Information (SPIs), registered nurses, and pharmacists trained in toxicology. Specialists provide the most efficient and up-todate poison information available. Physicians and toxicologists are on-call 24 hours a day for consultation purposes. – continued next page

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 Parenting Resources  Parenting Resources  Parenting Resources  SPECIAL NEEDS For a complete listing of special needs organizations, visit the DD Info Link at http://www.211wny. org/search/ddinfolink/ which provides a multitude of resources related to developmental disabilities. The resources can be broken down by age group, and then by service types, such as daily living, education, in-home services, recreation, respite and more. If you do not have access to the Internet, call 1-888-696-9211. n Parent Network of WNY 1021 Broadway Buffalo, New York 14212 Information & Referral: 716-332-4170 www.parentnetworkwny.org This community resource provides all the tools necessary for parents and professionals to take an active role in the education of children and young adults with special needs. They offer a wealth of seminars, workshops, information and referral services, a newsletter, family training services, all FREE of charge. If you’ve struggled to find the right services for your child, or are lost in the maze of rules and regulations in the Special Education System, these are the folks who can help. n Down Syndrome Parents Group of Western New York 716-832-9334 www.dspgwny.org Provides support to persons with Down Syndrome and their families through information on educational programs and community services. A Parent Support Program connects new parents with volunteers who can share their experiences and provide support. A phone call, hospital or home visit is available upon request by calling Barbara at 716-983-2140. They host activities throughout the year.

n Autism Society of Western New York 716-633-2275 https://autismwny.org/ living-with-autism/ Parent support coffees are held once a month but are currently on hold due to COVID. n Grand Island Autism Support Group Meets at Realty USA 2139 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island, NY 14072 Contact: Vienna, 716-430-5118 Email: GrandIslandNYAutismGroup @gmail.com n Group for Parents of Children with ASD Meets monthly, 6:30pm-8:30pm Aspire Building, 7 Community Drive Cheektowaga, NY 14225 Contact: Jana Mertz, 716-323-6435 Email: jmertz@kaleidahealth.org Ask about their groups for parents of teenagers with ASD or Aspergers. n Niagara County Group for Parents of Children with ASD Meets monthly, 6:30pm-8:30pm Empower Children’s Academy 9812 Lockport Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14304 Contact: Parent Network of WNY, 716-332-4170

AT THE END OF YOUR ROPE?

n Family Help Center (formerly Joan A. Male Family Support Center) 24-Hour Parent Help Line 716-892-2172 www.familyhelpcenter.net Did you ever get the feeling that being a parent is a bigger job than you expected? The stress continues every day! Raising a family is a big job and sometimes it’s an overwhelming one! Since 1973, the Family Help Center has been providing services to

families raising children and gives the support you can’t always get from family, neighbors, or even parents. They operate the only 24-hour, 365 day a year family crisis intervention and support service in Erie County, and offer immediate assistance with no application procedures, no eligibility requirements, and no waiting period. They provide in-home support services to all of Erie County, as well as a NY State licensed daycare facility. Their Family Help Center Daycare, at 60 Dingens St., Buffalo, offers full day, before, and after school care, and schoolage summer programs. n Crisis Services Serving Buffalo & Erie County www.crisisservices.org 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 716-834-3131 24-hour Addiction Hotline: 716-831-7007 24-Hour Erie County Domestic Violence Hotline: 716-862-HELP For Shelter: 716-884-6000 Provides crisis intervention and supportive counseling to all callers in Erie County. Provides immediate assistance for people who are in acute emotional distress; who are or perceive themselves to be in life-threatening situations; who are a danger to themselves or to others; or who are hysterical, frightened or otherwise unable to cope with a problem that requires immediate attention. n Crisis Services Kids Helpline: 716-834-1144 The Kids helpline is a part of the Crisis Services Counseling Program and is dedicated to serving school aged children, adolescents and parents by providing immediate and confidential support 24 hours a day, on a variety of issues related to youth and their families.

For Julia’s family, early screening for autism made a lifetime of difference. Find out more at ScreenForAutism.org

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THE MORE YOU UNDERSTAND HER WORLD, THE MORE POSSIBILITIES YOU SEE.

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What Does 5G Tech Mean for Your Family?

(StatePoint)

RAISING DIGITAL KIDS continued... the multiplayer servers offer this option. On screen chatting is available. Like all games with a chat feature, you’re never quite sure what you’re going to see. There are some family-friendly features, like chat filtering, that need to be enabled. Take a moment to review the parental controls on Minecraft to ensure the environment is controlled for your child.

Opportunities Gaming offers parents a fantastic opportunity to get children talking about what’s going on in their world. Here are some questions parents can use as conversation starters: ● What’s your coolest skin? Is there one you really want but don’t have yet? (Fortnite) ● What’s your favorite mode? Why do you like that one? (Fortnite) ● Do you like being a crewmate or an imposter? Why? (Among Us) ● Have you ever tricked anyone into thinking you weren’t sus? Sus is short for suspect. It’s used as slang in the game for when someone thinks you might be an imposter. (Among Us) ● What’s your favorite game on Roblox? (Roblox) ● Have you ever made a game on Roblox? (Roblox) ● Who is your favorite friend to play with online? ● Would you show me how to play?

In Conclusion As a parent, it’s important to know how and where your children are spending their time online. Take a few minutes to Google games they mention to better understand what is involved. A simple search of the game’s name coupled with “parents guide” should provide you with plenty of information. The best advice would be to keep an open dialog with your child about their online presence, have a conversation with your child about what is okay and not okay to share online, and consider setting parental controls when available as well. Mike Daugherty is a husband, father of three young children, author, speaker, Google Innovator, and possible Starbucks addict. He is a certified educational technology leader who has served in a variety of roles through his twenty-year career in public education. Currently, Mike is the Director of Technology for the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School district in Northeast Ohio. As an IT director he has developed creative, well thought out solutions that positively impact teaching and learning.

y now, you’ve heard about 5G or might have access to it on your smartphone, but do you know what it is, how it works or what it can do for you? 5G is the next generation of wireless technology, building on its predecessors 2G, 3G and 4G, and is available on today’s smartphones to make and receive calls, run applications and send and receive data. This fifth-generation technology is a massive leap into what is possible in wireless. 5G is expected to deliver faster speeds and enhanced connectivity, giving businesses and consumers alike the potential to develop and experience new, innovative technologies. Here are five things you may not know about 5G: 1) 5G improves overall wireless coverage: 5G can deliver better, more efficient coverage in both breadth and depth. Depending on where it’s deployed by wireless operators, it can reach cities and towns that were previously lacking wireless access. Providers like T-Mobile are committed to providing 5G access to rural America, and already cover more than 287 million people across more than 1.6 million square miles. 2) Different types of 5G can support where you live: Providers deploy different levels of wireless spectrum – low, mid and high – with the ability to provide coverage and capacity whether you live in the city, the suburbs or a rural community. For 5G, low-band spectrum provides far-reaching coverage outside, and reaches indoors with speeds that are slightly better than LTE; mid-band provides blanket coverage across large areas with fast speeds, making it the “goldilocks” of spectrum; and, high-band – typically available in select urban areas – provides super-fast speeds over short distances, but needs line of sight to the device and doesn’t pass through physical obstructions. 3) 5G will create “smarter cities”: From monitoring pollution or traffic levels to optimizing energy use or self-driving transportation, 5G can enable applications that urban cities and small towns alike can use to live smarter. 4) 5G unlocks technology developments for industry: With 5G connectivity, and new applications to support certain industries, businesses and industries can evolve to meet the needs of a connected world. Imagine farmers utilizing sensors and drones to enhance the agriculture community, or businesses using real-time language translation, or even enhanced location services to improve first responder times to save lives. 5) Virtual and augmented reality or holographic scenarios: 5G gives us the ability to transform where and how we experience our lives. Imagine having virtual reality access to live concerts and sports games, using holographic telepresence to be a part of your family’s birthday party in another state, or having real-time driving data like traffic or road conditions displayed on your car’s windshield as you drive. The possibilities with 5G are endless and will offer individuals and businesses the ability to do and experience the world around them in ways they couldn’t before. From 5G-enabled smartphones to the latest connected devices, check with your wireless provider to see how you can get the most out of 5G technology where you live. May 2021 WNY Family 45

up, rolling over, the beginning stages of babbling — this way we don’t miss a beat at home. And we make it a point to do the same for them. When we drop Violet off, we’ll let her teachers know of changes or progress she’s made, or just simply if she’s having a good or bad morning.

Thinking of Those Who Always Show Up

t’s no surprise in America that we enjoy a good celebration. In fact, we love it so much, we’ve found something to celebrate every day, for all 365 days of our yearly calendar. If you love it, you can indulge in it. If you’re a food lover, there’s National French Fry day on July 13th and National Pizza Day on February 9th. For all you Star Wars enthusiasts, May 4th is your day to geek out, and if you’re a dog lover, then you can give your pup a big squeeze on April 10th. I know I’ve always used National Coffee Day on October 1st as an excuse to have an extra cup or two. But my new favorite day to celebrate is a recognition day I sadly had never heard of before, and this year it will fall on May 7th. It’s National Provider Appreciation day. Provider Appreciation is a special day where we can give thanks to childcare workers; including teachers, nannies, caregivers, and daycare staff, all those who play an equally essential part in our lives by helping working parents and guardians continue to provide for their families. Thanks to 2020 and the COVID pandemic, the term “essential worker” has taken on a whole new meaning, and for those who never heard of the term, or knew what it meant, they do now. When we think of essential workers, it’s usually police officers, firefighters, doctors, and nurses that first come to mind. Well, since the moment our lives were put on hold and we started spending our days in quarantine, we now know that 46 WNY Family May 2021

childcare providers also make up a large part of that essential group as well, including grocery store workers, mechanics, transportation workers, and many more. The way I see it, childcare providers are the backbone of our society because they keep our communities in motion. Teachers are the reason why cops are able to keep our neighborhoods safe and why doctors and nurses are able to save lives. A nanny might be the reason why your grocery store shelves are stocked during a pandemic and daycare teachers are the reason why I am able to make it to work on time. They show up so you and I can show up. It’s been a few months since we started Violet in daycare and when I think of the staff who work there, I could spend all day naming all the reasons we appreciate them. At first, I didn’t realize how much interaction we would actually have with the staff. I thought it would be far less personal than what it truly is; drop off, pick up, hello, and goodbye, but it has become so much more than that. Personally, I like to think of the crew there as the liaison between us and our daughter. They keep us updated on how she’s doing while we’re at work and keep a close eye on her progress and milestones; sitting

We work closely with each other to make sure she’s well taken care of and we feel very fortunate to have such a privilege. With so many COVID restrictions and limited family visits, it’s nice to have what feels like extended family at daycare. It’s almost like they’re helping raise Violet right alongside us. Raising children is a joy and every day is filled with something new, but it’s not easy. Sometimes a little extra help goes a long way and we could all use the help. And for those out there helping us raise our kids, whether it’s their day job or their grandchild, if they’re a daycare teacher or a semi-retired grandmother, it’s a lot of work for them, too; with many of them having to work two jobs, including watching your screaming newborn. I know it’s fun to indulge in the things we enjoy, like our love for tacos and chocolate and our admiration for science-fiction movies and whatever oddities you may choose to celebrate, but on May 7th, if you know someone who takes care of children, especially if it’s your own, please make sure you thank them for all that they do. After all, they are helping you raise your little one. Richard De Fino, a freelance writer by night, first became a father at age 34. After losing his first-born son Louis, at birth, he was determined to keep his memory alive the best way he knew how; through words. Now, with the birth of his daughter Violet, he plans on continuing to share his fatherhood journey each month with WNY Family readers.

— by Kirsten Hawkes

PARENT PREVIEWS –

Making Media Entertainment An Easier Choice For Families OVERALL RATING: A-

Raya and the Last Dragon Rating: PG DISNEY+ DVD Release: May 18, 2021

VIOLENCE: (B-) There are frequent scenes of sword fighting and physical combat, some of which are very intense. There are moments of extreme peril. A toddler commits a crime and is chased through a city. A girl has a sword fight with a man wearing an alarming mask. Frightening beings turn people and dragons into stone. A woman knocks a man over for disagreeing with her. A man threatens two female characters with a gruesome death. Several main characters have death scenes. A city collapses on top of people. SEXUAL CONTENT: (A) None Noted. LANGUAGE: (A) None Noted. ALCOHOL / DRUG USE: (A) None Noted.

ive hundred years ago, the land of Kumandra was attacked by the Druun, swirling dark forces that turned people and dragons into stone. All seemed lost until the last surviving dragon used the power of the Dragon Gem to stop the Druun and restore the all the people (but not the dragons) who had transformed. Sadly, the end of the war also saw the end of Kumandra. The nation splintered into five different realms and Sisi, the last dragon, disappeared, leaving the Dragon Gem in the keeping of the people of the Heart region. Passing centuries deepened the breach between the different kingdoms but now Heart’s chieftain is determined to reconcile the divided lands and build Kumandra anew. He invites delegations from each realm, but his guests don’t share his sincerity. A simple mistake by his trusting young daughter, Raya, results in the shattering of the Dragon Gem and a new wave of Druun attacks. Blaming herself for the chaos, Raya sets off on a six-year quest to find Sisi the dragon, retrieve the five fragments of the Dragon Gem, and vanquish the Druun forever. But the Kumandran lands are dangerous and Raya is not the only person seeking the gem. No one can touch Disney when the studio is at its peak, which it very much is with Raya and the Last Dragon. This is a remarkable film with a compelling, original plot set in a believable, magical, Asianflavored world. Yes, adults will figure out how the story is going to play out, but the writing is honest and crisp and avoids sliding into sloppy clichés. The storytelling moves along at a brisk clip, tight and tense, with lots of action and some humor to keep young viewers interested. Not only will audiences be fixed to the screen by Raya’s adventures, they’re going to be mesmerized by the film’s visual de-

sign. The tech wizards at the Mouse House have upped their game, rendering the characters with exquisite detail. The work on the characters’ skin tones, hair, and fur is incredibly lifelike as are the textures of their clothing and of the natural world around them. And each of the five realms is brought to life with its own distinctive esthetic, from community layout to building design to clothing styles. If you’re considering this film for a family movie night, you will want to keep in mind your children’s scare threshold. There are plenty of moments of peril and quite a lot of violence, particularly scenes one-on-one combat which feel both more intense and more viciously personal than most other Disney productions. This is not the best choice for sensitive youngsters. For everyone else, Raya and the Last Dragon is an exciting, entertaining film replete with valuable messages. Talk about the movie with your family… Why does Raya hate Namaari? Does Namaari deserve it? Why does Raya finally decide to trust her? Has someone ever betrayed you and lost your friendship? Were you able to rebuild the relationship and rebuild a sense of trust? Virana insists that the other lands hate her people because of the breaking of the Dragon Gem. She refuses to publicly acknowledge her role in destroying it. Why

For additional information on this film’s content, visit www.parentpreviews.com

does she refuse? How might things have gone differently if she had frankly admitted her errors and tried to cooperate with the other realms? Have you ever had a hard time acknowledging something you have done wrong? What stopped you? How would things be better if you admitted it? Watch at home… In Mulan, a young woman has the help of a very small dragon named Mushu as she stands in for her father in China’s battles against the Hun. A young man forms a mystical bond with a dragon and sets off to save the kingdom from dark forces in Eragon. When a young boy rescues an injured dragon, they are able to change life for everyone in the village in How to Train Your Dragon. Disney has produced both live action and animated versions of Pete’s Dragon, the story of a boy who befriends a dragon he finds in the woods. Onward sees two brothers embark on a magical quest to complete a spell so they can spend 24 hours with their late father. May 2021 WNY Family 47

number of passengers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the GDL program has reduced teen crashes by 20 to 40 percent.

TWEENS & TEENS — by Christa Melnyk Hines

Download Life 360.

John Lacy, a police officer, recommends the Life 360 app to help you keep track of your teen’s whereabouts. The app also provides crash detection and emergency response and weekly driver reports, highlighting phone usage, acceleration, braking and top speeds.

Protecting Teen Drivers

rom the time they are infants, we take the necessary precautions to protect our kids, but how can we keep them safe once they start driving?

is happening around you. Pay attention to road signs, traffic lights and construction zones. 

on the road ahead of you and not elsewhere in the vehicle, like texting on the phone, posting to social media, or fiddling with the radio.

Be a role model.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), traffic accidents remain the leading cause of injury and death among teens, but setting a positive example can help nurture an aware, focused driver. “We as parents have a great deal of influence in how our children are going to drive by how they see us driving,” says pediatric safety specialist Brad Winfrey, BSN, RN, CPEN, CPST. “That’s why it’s so important that parents role model driving at safe speeds, wearing seatbelts and not driving distracted.”

Teach the MVPs of driving. After working “in the emergency department (at a children’s hospital) for 30 years, I certainly saw the impact of what teen driving, lack of experience and distraction can do to the driver and the passengers,” Winfrey says. Winfrey teaches young drivers the acronym “MVP” which stands for: 

Mind - Keep your mind on

driving and stay aware of what

48 WNY Family May 2021

Vision - Your eyes should be



Practice - Practice in a variety

of weather conditions, roadways, construction areas, and especially at night, when visibility is limited and oncoming headlights can be blinding. With evening school activities and part-time jobs, teens frequently drive at night.

Limit passengers. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that a 16 or 17-year-old’s risk of death per mile rises 44 percent when carrying one passenger younger than 21 and quadruples when transporting three or more passengers under the age of 21. The potential for risk-taking behavior also increases, including not wearing seatbelts, speeding and drinking alcohol. Many graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) programs, which have been enacted to some degree in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, restrict the

“Don’t tell your children that they’re being added to Life 360. Just do it,” Lacy says. “Kids are very crafty. If they know that something like that is on their phone, they’ll disable it. Remember, it’s your phone, not your kid’s cell phone.” If you prefer to be open with your teen about the app, tell them that as a minor on the road, it provides a non-negotiable, additional layer of safety and security.

Educate them about the vehicle.

Acquaint your teen with the car’s features like how to turn on the headlights, where the defroster is located, how to turn on windshield wipers, how to open the gas tank and how to fill it. Also, teach them how to change a tire. (Check the spare tire every three months to ensure it is aired up.) Under the hood, point out the battery and how to check the oil. Store a roadside emergency kit in the trunk with plastic flare reflectors (available at auto shops and online).

Know the dos and don’ts of roadside assistance.

Your teen should contact you and/ or the police if they are in a car accident, become stranded, or get lost. If they get lost, which isn’t uncommon for new drivers, tell them to call you first. “It’s okay to call the police if they’re lost, too,” Lacy says. If your teen gets a flat tire, instruct them to call the police first and then you. “The reason I like an officer there is because the lights provide protection

especially at night, and reminds people to slow down,” Lacy says. Unfortunately, we don’t always know if a stranger offering help is acting as a good Samaritan or has more nefarious intentions. If your teen is stranded, they should wave on those offering help and tell them that the police will arrive shortly.

Manage a traffic stop.

Explain to your teen that if they get stopped by the police, they should pull over to the righthand side of the road, into a well-lit parking lot or onto private property to keep them and the officer safe from oncoming traffic. Traffic stops can be stressful even for adults. Encourage your teen to calmly follow the officer’s instructions. Remind them to keep their hands in plain sight on the steering wheel. Your teen should know where their driver’s license, registration, and current insurance card is located inside the vehicle. But, they shouldn’t reach for anything in the car until instructed by the officer. “The officer will tell you the reason why he stopped you, what he’s looking for, and what he wants,” Lacy says. After that, the officer will return to his vehicle. “Don’t get out of your vehicle!” Lacy says. “That is the last thing

we want you to do. Stay inside the vehicle the entire time and let the officer contact you.” If your teen suspects that the person pulling them over isn’t a bonafide police officer, they can call 9-1-1 with their location and confirm the traffic stop. Many police departments record traffic stops. “Kids have a right to record the conversation, too,” Lacy says. If an officer is rude or unprofessional, parents can file a complaint with the department.

Remain patient.

Your involvement and patient guidance will help your teen become a safe driver. “A lot of people immediately want to jump on the bandwagon and say that teens are bad drivers. It’s not necessarily true,” Winfrey says. “They just don’t have experience. With experience, comes better driving skills and better driving habits.”

Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines is the mom of two sons. She and her husband are on the first leg of the teen driver journey with their eldest and wish all fellow parent passengers and their driving teens happy and safe travels!

Purchasing a Car for Your Teen?

Are young families in our community your target audience? WNY Family Magazine reaches over 55,000 families in the Buffalo/Niagara region each month, in print and online! Let our readers know that your doors are open and that you’re ready to welcome them back! Inform families of any special safety measures and policies they may need to know about before they visit you.

 Google the safety record of the vehicle you’re interested in  Make sure it has airbags  Check if there were any recalls  Bonus points for a car that features driver’s assistance technology like back-up cameras, automatic braking systems or lane departure alerts  Avoid speedy sports cars or oversized SUVs (which groups of teens love to pile into)

Are You Open for Business?

— Sources: Ofc. John Lacy; Brad Winfrey, BSN, RN, CPEN, CPST

WNY Family Magazine is ready to help you re-introduce your business to our readers. Contact your Advertising Account Representative directly or call

716-836-3486 x 104 for more information. May 2021 WNY Family 49

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Are Your Kids Really Okay? A Checklist of Warning Signs to Watch For

We all know it’s been a hard year for kids… but are yours in serious trouble? Here are the ABCs of red flags you should look for.

ots of kids are struggling these days. Given the greatly disrupted past year (and counting) that’s hardly a secret. But what parents need to know is this: Where’s the line between “It’s been tough on my child” and “My child is in serious trouble?” “Your kids are unlikely to tell you when they’re not okay,” says Michele Borba, Ed.D., author of Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, March 2021, ISBN: 978-0-593-08527-1, $27.00). “It’s up to parents to know the warning signs so they can intervene if they suspect kids have crossed that line.” Here’s a quick checklist that shares some red flags to look out for.

Is My Child Struggling?

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If you see these signs in your child, they may need intervention from a mental health professional. Over the next few days, watch them a bit closer (without them knowing). What you’re looking for is a negative/concerning change in your child’s typical behavior that lasts.

A = ATTITUDE  Feels worthless, empty, or misunderstood: No one understands.  Hyper-critical of self and criticism, assumes guilt: I’m not good at anything.  Negative, pessimistic, feels life is bleak and the future is grim: Why bother?  Expects rejection or assumes failure: What’s the point?

56 WNY Family May 2021

B = BEHAVIOR

 Stomachaches, headaches, change in appetite  Increased irritability, anger, impulsivity, temper tantrums, even over small matters  Disruptive, more aggressive, risky behavior, doesn’t comply  More sullen, less communicative, or more secretive  Self-harm, cutting, burning, excessive tattoos, drinking, self-medicating

C = CONNECTIONS

 Decreased interest or wants to stop participating in social activities  Clingier, more anxious, pulls back, problems fitting in  Withdraws from family and friends once enjoyed  Chooses to socialize less, pulls away from friends or parents

D = DEMEANOR

 Dark circles under eyes, appears sadder or distraught, drained overall look  Body posture is slumped or looks discouraged  Less attention to personal hygiene or appearance

E = EMOTIONS

 Moody or sulking  Unhappy, sad, feeling down most of the time, crying spells for no apparent reason  Afraid, more fearful, excessive worrying

F = FOCUSING

 Trouble thinking, concentrating, or difficulties making decisions  Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities and things once enjoyed  Restlessness, lack of energy, or fatigue during waking hours  Poor academic performance, lower motivation, not doing homework, drop in grades  Sleeping too little or too much, feels drained most of the time

Use the “TOO Index” No one knows your child better than you. Use your instincts to apply what Dr. Borba calls the “TOO Index” to further recognize a marked change in what is normal for your child’s behavior. Watch closely and notice if the behavior you’re observing is too different from the child’s nature, is too concerning, occurs too frequently, spills over into too many others, and lasts longer than two weeks.

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All kids will display signs of stress, fear, or sadness every now and then. Be concerned when you see a marked change in what is “normal” for your child’s behavior. “Remember that if you’ve been feeling hopeless lately, there’s a good chance that your kids have been feeling that way too,” concludes Dr. Borba. “It’s far better to monitor their behavior for warning signs of a serious problem than to assume everything is fine.” About the Author: Michele Borba, Ed.D., is the author of Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine and UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World, and is an internationally renowned educational psychologist and an expert in parenting, bullying, and character development. A sought-after motivational speaker, she has spoken in nineteen countries on five continents, and served as a consultant to hundreds of schools and corporations including Sesame Street, Harvard, U.S. Air Force Academy, eighteen U.S. Army bases in Europe and the Asian-Pacific, H.H. the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and a TEDx Talk: “Empathy Is a Verb.” She offers realistic, research-based advice culled from a career working with over one million parents and educators worldwide. She is a regular NBC contributor who appears regularly on Today and has been featured as an expert on Dateline, The View, Dr. Phil, NBC Nightly News, Fox & Friends, Dr. Oz, and The Early Show, among many others. She lives in Palm Springs, California, with her husband and is the mother of three grown sons.

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May 2021 WNY Family 57

Empower

Ability Inspire Advocate

— by Julia Garstecki

Special Needs Potential Thri

Growth Strategies

Life after High School: Post-Secondary Opportunities

aregivers of children with disabilities know part of the deal is opening social media cautiously. It is fun to see pictures of that first day of school, homecoming and prom photos, and those warnings to “Watch the road! Junior has his driver’s license!” However, many of these typical milestones can cause a little pang of sadness, depending on the needs of our kids. They can be reminders of milestones and events our children may never know. Some of these things are changing. Higher education is one of them. Now, higher education programs are creating a multitude of options for all students, including those with IEPs. According to https://data.nysed.gov/ profile.php?county=14, the high school graduation rate in Erie County was 84% last year. Thousands of students and parents posted pictures of college visits, acceptance letters, and items purchased to create the perfect dorm room. But of course, the raging pandemic forced a harsh reality. Dorms were packed up, students deferred, and parents and college students were forced to consider the purpose of a higher education. It shined a light on what caregivers of special education students already knew — how do we provide a similar experience specific to the needs to my 58 WNY Family May 2021

child’s goals, talents, and dreams when living with unique circumstances? Many colleges were actually prepared for something like COVID simply because they were becoming more inclusive already, even before the college admissions cheating scandal. This is excellent news for everyone, not just parents of children with developmental disabilities. Students with IEPs have always been able to use their accommodations for the SAT and ACTs. These include extended time, extra breaks, and reading accommodations. But more and more colleges are decreasing the weight of these scores altogether and shifting towards portfolios, essays, and alternate demonstrations of academic talents. Even more exciting is the type of programs many colleges are now offering. To date, the Think College NY! Database lists 28 college programs for students with special needs. Schools such as Daemen, Canisius, and Buffalo State colleges all have programs specifically designed for students that may need additional assistance in higher education. These programs provide young adults with developmental disabilities the “opportunity to experience life on a college campus while developing functional skills.” Programs focus on independence, employment preparation, and

establishing and maintaining relationships. Most of these programs are geared for adults ages 18-23. Some campuses, like the University at Buffalo, even offer residential options so these students can live on campus. The course loads vary, but include standard college classes (though they may or may not receive college credit), continuing education courses, classes specifically designed for students with intellectual disabilities, social skills classes, and independent living instruction as well. While it might seem too good to be true, the news gets even better. For students who qualify, there may be no cost to the student or the family. Each college has its own specific guidelines, but some require the student to be enrolled in the Community Based Waiver program and have a Service Coordinator. You can learn more at http://invalis.com/iit/build/ what-we-do/tcny/database/. So now that you know they exist, how do you know if you should send your child? Pacer.org (https://www.pacer.org/ transition/learning-center/postsecondary/college-options.asp) has comprehensive information on the topic. Colleges will have different requirements, but many list the following criteria:  The desire and motivation to participate in the college experience.  The ability to self-administer medications.  Display behaviors appropriate for college.  The ability to communicate and express needs.

And, like all colleges, space is limited. Families need to attend an open house to learn if the fit is a good one, applications need to be completed, interviews are conducted, and commitment letters are expected. College is not for everyone, regardless of ability. Higher education opens the doors to opportunities. Many jobs require a college degree, and a college degree can provide job security. However, it is a high-risk investment. There is no guarantee that after graduating college a job will be available. However, college is more than just that piece of paper. It’s learning to “adult” in a supportive environment. For students with disabilities, it can be another chance to explore goals and interests, and build social connections in a world of adults. Chances are good that a student with an IEP had fewer opportunities for electives due to schedules of resource room and/or life skills classes. Attending college can expose them to electives missed in high school. A college classroom can be a platform for students with disabilities to learn and grow in a supportive environment just like it is for “typical” students. So don’t count higher education out just yet. Do some research, tour some campuses, and post those photos! The world is becoming a more inclusive place! Julia Garstecki lives in Western New York and is the parent of a child on the spectrum and looks forward to seeing all the amazing things her son will do! To contact Julia, email her at julia@ juliagarstecki.com. She’s happy to talk all things special needs!

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May 2021 WNY Family 59

t is common for single parents to begin thinking they should take on another role with their children other than a parent. They often begin to overindulge children, befriend them, or expect adult behavior from them, mainly because parents become afraid their relationship with a child will change due to the other parent’s negative influence. However, nothing should change after divorce or separation except for the location of the parents and some added complications in how parental decisions get made. Other than that, single parents do best to maintain their former parenting role as much as possible.

Preserving Parent/Child Hierarchy Children need to see their parents as “parents,” even when children become adults. It is never healthy to expect a child of any age to take on another role with you, such as friend, counselor, parent, or confidante. Yet, in divorce, parents often place their kids in an awkward adult role in relation to themselves. In the parent role, the best gifts you can give to your children are stability, consistency, dependability and predictability. When they get these things from at least one parent in their lives, they are less likely to go out and try to find a parent in their future romantic relationships (which do not make successful partnerships). Therefore, be careful to always be your child’s “go to” person, but do not allow them to be yours. Your confidantes should be other adults you trust, not your children. Also, single parents often feel they must work hard to get their children to like them or approve of them because they fear losing the love of their children. This can create an upset in the hierarchy as well. It is backwards for parents to seek their children’s approval. When they do that, kids can easily manipulate the situation. Instead, understand that if you maintain your parental role in a loving, respectful way, kids will always want to be in relationship with you and will be 60 WNY Family May 2021

SINGLE PARENTING — by Diane C. Dierks, LMFT

Maintaining Your Role as

“PARENT” seeking your approval. Do not fear. Be your child’s parent, and your child will always want you in his or her life.

Managing the Parenting Box of Freedom & Responsibility Parenting is not rocket science, nor is it an exact science. There is no way to be a perfect parent. If that were possible, I would write the book and be a billionaire! Every child, parent and family are unique and has unique needs. However, there are some basic principles about parenting that, if followed, can ensure kids get what they need. No matter what style you naturally choose as a parent, a box of discipline, safety and freedom around your child must be maintained for kids to become responsible adults. When a child is small, she needs a small box of safety, security and discipline. As she grows older and shows she can handle more responsibility, her parent(s) expand her box of freedom. When she makes a mistake and there are consequences, the parent shrinks the box of freedom again. In this way, all

throughout childhood, the box looks like an accordion, expanding and contracting as the child makes her choices. The goal is that by the time she is 18 years of age (an adult), the box will be so large that when she opens the door to the real world, it will not be a shock, and she will be confident she can handle adult responsibilities. Throughout her childhood, the message should be that she controls the freedom in her box through her choices, and her parent (the authority over her) is simply in charge of the box. This mirrors real adult life in which we are in control of the freedom in our lives through our choices — and laws and government authorities are the authority over the box. Keep in mind that a small child in a giant box will act out and go to extreme measures to get an adult to construct the box around her because she cannot handle that much freedom. It sends the message that life has no constraints (definitely not a realistic message for the adult world). By the same token, a teenager in a very small box will rebel in order to prove she can handle more freedom. Older children in tiny boxes are an indicator of an overly controlling parent who is not teaching the child to be responsible for choices. They are merely teaching the child to wait for someone else to tell you what to do or make the next move for you. This has a negative effect on them as adults as they must find their own way through college and their own careers. A healthy balance of freedom and consequences is the key to helping your child develop into a productive and peaceful adult.

Diane C. Dierks is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also author of The CoParent Toolbox (2014 Aha! Publishing) and Solo Parenting: Raising Strong & Happy Families (1997 Fairview Press). For more information visit her website is www.dianedierks.com.

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Mix Up Your Exercise Routine and See Big Results

rom your morning spinning class before work to “bench press Mondays,” falling into a comfortable, recurring workout routine can be often thought of as the ultimate fitness end goal. However, continuously repeating the same workouts may be actually more hurtful to your goals than you think. First, for any of us who are just trying to maintain a routine workout schedule, it can be much easier to stay mentally engaged with a varied routine. The feeling of boredom or drastic decrease in motivation to exercise is often referred to as exercise staleness. This feeling can be pretty common when physical activity is built around the same few dumbbell exercises or morning runs every week.

cises first, then make your way to your muscles below — and notice the difference. For example, doing three sets of the following series: • 60-second plank • 20 bodyweight squats • 10 pushups Can actually feel much different from doing three sets of the series below. • 10 pushups • 60-second plank • 20 bodyweight squats The second and perhaps more important reason for avoiding the same exercise routine is the lack of physical difficulty or decline in benefits. As the frequency of exercise increases, there comes a point where your body adapts and is not challenged as much during the same activities. Simply put, a self-paced jog originally used to burn about 350 calories can quickly go down to just 200 without any changes. Likewise, there is also a loss in muscle-building potential without trying new variations during your presses, pulls and squats. Luckily, we can fight against this in a few quick ways that do not require a drastic change from your current routines. For one, just try working out in reverse order. Doing a quick circuit moving from core to legs to arms could work well for you to start. After a few weeks, try starting with the upper body exer-

Another easy method for adding variance to exercise is the alternating method. This technique is a great way for someone who has very specific goals to avoid excessive fatigue or monotony during training. When building abdominal strength, instead of performing crunches for every session you can add in a stability ball or raised legs on certain days for an additional challenge. The alternating method can also be used within a single period of exercise. As waking up for a cardio session every morning can often become daunting, adopting a ‘run-jog-run’ or ‘jog-walkjog’ approach not only provides a change of pace but an active rest period for you to catch your breath and push for additional time. Whether doing a cardio-based, strength training, or combined exercise regimen, remember that small changes can produce significant results. — Source: Florida International University May 2021 WNY Family 61

n celebration of mom, we’re featuring a healthy breakfast idea — baked oatmeal. It’s an easy one bowl recipe that even the littlest mother’s helper can make. This can be served as is, topped with fruit, seed spread, or a generous dollop of vegan yogurt. It’s also a healthy snack that can be eaten on the go. One question we get a lot has to do with differences in the variety of oats including: steel cut, old-fashioned “rolled,” quick cook and instant oats. For the recipe below, and most baking including oatmeal cookies, we use old-fashioned oats. If you use steel cut, you’d have to add a lot more liquid. If you use quick or instant, the recipe will come out dryer. More about oats from Quaker can be found here: https://www.quakeroats. com/oats-do-more/why-oats/the-difference-between-our-oats A few tips:  Bananas should be very ripe so they lend more sweetness.  Not a fan of bananas? Use pumpkin instead.  Oats can be replaced with gluten free quinoa or rice flakes.  You can prepare the night before and cook the next day.  Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 5 days, or frozen.  Add-in suggestions:  Raisins, currants or other dried fruit  Sunflower or pumpkin seeds  Diced fruit: apples, pears, nectarines, blueberries  Shredded coconut

62 WNY Family May 2021

Baked Oatmeal Free of: DAIRY, EGGS, SOY, PEANUTS, TREE NUTS, WHEAT, FISH, SHELLFISH, GLUTEN*, VEGAN Yield: 6 servings (recipe can easily be doubled) Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 35-45 minutes 2 ripe bananas 1 1/2 cups milk replacement (e.g. rice, oat, flax) 2-3 tablespoons real maple syrup, agave nectar, or applesauce 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed** 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups old-fashioned oats (certified gluten* free) 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly grease a baking dish (8 x 11, 9 x 9, or 10 x10.) In a large bowl, mash the bananas. Stir together all ingredients. Let sit for 5 minutes (or overnight if baking the next day.) Bake for about 35-45 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set (springs back when gently touched.) Re-

move from oven, let cool for about 1015 minutes. Slice and serve. Refrigerate leftovers. To reheat, microwave for 30 seconds. ** If not egg allergic, you can replace the ground flaxseed with 1 egg. It will no longer be vegan. If you have any questions about our column, e-mail Kathy at allergy@ roadrunner.com. For further information about food allergies, contact FARE www.foodallergy.org, or call 1-800-9294040. Kathy Lundquist is a Western New York parent whose son, now an adult, was born with severe food allergies. Over the last two decades, she has worked tirelessly, in a variety of capacities to increase community awareness about food allergies.

THE KIDDIE GOURMET

— by Barbara Blackburn

aylor’s is worth for a delicious combination, Taylor’s the drive for Erie served in a garlic herb wrap. Tap & Grill County diners 2279 Niagara Falls Blvd. He substituted green beans Wheatfield, NY 14304 and, of course, for Niagara ($2.00 extra) for the fries. 716-216-6078 County diners. Quality perThese were perfectly prewww.taylorstap.net formance of ingredients is pared, with a fresh texture. a tasty team, rated as above Before our main course ~ SPOONS ~ average. we started with the Let’s Get FOOD 5/5 The Lil’ Taylor’s menu Started, savoring Caribbean welcomes kids 10 and unCoconut Shrimp ($12.00). These were quite brown, der with quite a few choicSERVICE 5/5 crisp, with pineapple. That es, all $5.50, except for the category boasts some origiLil’ Cheeseburger, at $6.00. FAMILY Those other choices are Taynally named food, like FRIENDLY 4.5/5 “Trunks,” which means pizlor’s Tenders, Lil’ Hamburger, Hot Dog, Grilled Cheese, za logs. Pasta with marinara or butter, Besides lunch, dinner and Mac & Cheese — is served, with such only on Friday. The treats as the Caribavailable side is French bean Coconut Shrimp fries or applesauce. ($17.00), Homemade The kids’ drink list is Meatloaf ($16.00), vast and offers drinks Slow Roasted Pot priced around the Roast ($18.00), $2.00 range. There’s a and Citrus Salmon kid’s Shirley Temple, ($18.00). Friday feaa kid’s juice, and kid’s tures a Fish Fry for milk for $2.00. Kid’s lunch ($11.00) or dinsoft drinks with a free ner ($14.00), with alrefill cost $1.50 and ternatives to deep fat come in four flavors. frying. Entertainment sheets Not for lack of are missing, but there possibilities did we will be coloring sticks in better times, skip dessert. Choices were Pecan Pie and there are three each of high chairs and Apple Pie. The star of the show was and booster chairs. a chocolate chip cookie, served in a skilAs I have said before, I’m a veggie let with ice cream ($6.00). Actually, I burger fan. This one was house made sipped a fruity and spirited cocktail as ($l4.00). Accompanying it to make a full my dessert. plate were excellent French fries and a suLet us say that the meals we enper-sized pickle. This was a well-dressed joyed were “tailored” to our taste buds. veggie burger, wearing a mini salad atop, We concurred on this over the leftovers with some purple onion rings, served on at another time. The eclectic decor was thick toasted bread — grainy with seeds. as fascinating as the food, especially The server said it was house made; it’s with all of those cheerful signs. Fun defound in the Between the Bread section. cor and fun food make for happy dining. Dad was drawn to the That’s A Check out Barbara Blackburn’s food Wrap section, selecting the Stinger Wrap blogs at frontierfare.wordpress.com and ($14.00). Tender steak and chicken tenculinarrations.wordpress.com. ders graced with Buffalo sauce made

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64 WNY Family May 2021