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. WE ARE AN AUDITED PUBLICATION
30 n Raising Digital Kids
Parent's Guide to AI: Enhancing Learning for the Next Generation by Mike Daugherty
32 n Tweens and Teens
How To Communicate With Your Middle Schooler by Cheryl Maguire
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
Find this entire issue online at www.wnyfamilymagazine.com
web.finds
Personalized Back to School Items
Summer is almost over and the First Day of School will be here before we know it. Looking for some fun, personalized ways to start the school year? Here are some items that made the grade with us!
Custom First/Last Day of School Sign
First and last day of school pictures are a tradition for many parents. This personalized sign makes a great photo prop for pictures to share with friends and family and captures unforgettable memories. Kids can express their interests, what they want to be, and where they want to go when they grow up. Have fun comparing their answers from the start of the school year to their answers on the last day of class. Several design options are available for both girls and boys. (The Handmade Shop on Amazon, $19.99)
Custom Backpack
Everyone wants a backpack that stands out and this bag has your child’s name written all over it…literally! By personalizing the bag, kids can easily spot it at school or during activities…and also avoid any awkward mix-ups or losses. This bookbag comes in two different sizes and thirteen different colors. You can also complete the set with a matching lunch bag and pencil case, at an additional cost. (The Husguciy Store on Amazon, $28.99 for Small Bag or $35.98 for Large Bag)
What’s New... IN THE KIDBIZ
GREAT LAKES 360 OPENS AT AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA
Great Lakes 360 is now open at the Aquarium of Niagara! This $5.2 million expansion to the Aquarium represents a 40% increase in living exhibits and is the first ever expansion in the cultural institution’s 59-year history. Opening a second facility has transformed the Aquarium into a two-building campus experience.
DIY Water Bottle Craft Kit
Kids will love customizing the water bottle they take to school with this DIY craft kit. Customize the water bottle with the child’s name upon ordering. The kit then arrives with vibrant stickers and sparkling sequins, allowing kids to create eye-catching designs that express their creativity. (The Handmade Shop on Amazon, $18.99)
Teacher Appreciation Gift
Don’t forget about a special gift for the teacher! We think this “A+ Teacher” gift basket, which scores a 4.8 rating from over 850 reviews on Amazon, is a wonderful token of appreciation to teachers for their dedication and hard work. The set includes a beautiful turquoise bracelet, a dried flower card, an aromatherapy candle, handmade soap, a bath bomb and a tumbler. (The hieight Store on Amazon, $29.99
Great Lakes 360, located in the former Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, features 16 new exhibits and is an immersive experience that delights visitors of all ages, while providing an excellent opportunity to get to know the colorful cast of characters that call the Great Lakes home. Featured exhibits include turtles, amphibians, insects, and many species of fish, representing the Great Lakes. One of the highlights is a sturgeon touch pool where visitors can interact with this significant local species. There are also additional handson experiences and activities that make learning fun for all ages.
Great Lakes 360 also features a multipurpose theater space, a rooftop area with stunning views of the Niagara Gorge, and a gift shop. Visitors are encouraged to explore the area trails that surround the new building.
General Admission or membership gives you access to both the Aquarium of Niagara’s main building and to Great Lakes 360. The Aquarium suggests parking in the Aquarium lot and starting your visit in its main building before heading down to Great Lakes 360. The Aquarium of Niagara is open Sunday through Thursday from 9am to 6pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 7pm. Please note that entry to Great Lakes 360 begins one hour after the Aquarium opens and ends 90 minutes before closing.
For more information on the Aquarium of Niagara and Great Lakes 360 or to purchase tickets online, visit www.aquariumofniagara.org.
Backyard Olympics:
Hosting a Family-Friendly Sports Tournament
With the Summer 2024 Olympics taking center stage across the world, now is the perfect time to inspire your family to get active and have fun together. Hosting a backyard sports tournament is a fun and engaging way for your family and friends to enjoy time together, continuing the spirit of the Olympic games.
Putting together a backyard sports competition can be an enriching experience for the whole family. A familyfriendly sports tournament can promote friendship, respect, and excellence while encouraging everyone to work together. It also promotes physical fitness in an appealing way that connects to the games they see on television for the Olympics.
Make Lasting Memories
Hosting a tournament can create lasting family memories and a break from the routine. As you plan, consider inviting neighbors, friends, and family members to build a sense of community. For the event, be sure to create a festive atmosphere. Include music, decorations, and awards to make it an unforgettable day.
Be Inspired and Learn
The Olympics bring together athletes from all over the world, celebrating cultural diversity. A backyard tournament can include elements of different cultures, such as music, food, or games
from various countries, promoting cultural awareness and appreciation. You can also make the event an educational experience, providing opportunities to learn about different sports, the history of the Olympics, and the countries participating. This can be enhanced by incorporating facts and stories about the Olympic Games into the event.
Encourage New Skills
The Olympics are a perfect example of striving for excellence, and a family tournament can echo this sentiment in a friendly and supportive environment. Trying out different sports can help family members discover new interests and talents. Whether it's improving a soccer kick, mastering a volleyball serve, or navigating an obstacle course, these activities offer a chance to develop and refine skills.
Activities to Try
Backyard Soccer
Supplies:
• Soccer ball
• Small portable goals or cones to mark goal areas
• Whistle
• Jerseys or colored shirts for teams
Instructions:
1. Set up goals at opposite ends of the yard using portable goals or cones.
2. Divide players into two teams.
3. Play two halves of 5-15 minutes each, depending on the participants' stamina.
4. Use a whistle to start and stop the game and to signal fouls.
Awards:
• Gold, silver, and bronze medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams.
• “Best Goalkeeper” and “Top Scorer” awards.
Olympics Connection:
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the Summer Olympics, showcasing teamwork and skill. For more fun, you can try a parents versus kids game, have a goal shootout, or play with multiple soccer balls at once.
Relay Races
Supplies:
• Batons or any object that can be easily passed (e.g., a stick or a rolled-up newspaper)
• Cones to mark start and finish lines
Instructions:
1. Mark the start and finish lines using cones.
2. Divide participants into teams of 4-5 members.
3. Each team member runs a set distance, passes the baton to the next runner, and the race continues until all members have run.
4. The team that finishes first wins.
Awards:
• Medals for the winning team.
• “Fastest Runner” award.
Olympics Connection & Modifications:
Relay races are a classic Olympic event that emphasizes speed and teamwork. Try watching some relays during the Olympic games and then create your own. Younger kids can take shorter distances while older kids and adults have longer distances. You can also do funny relays like an egg and spoon relay or crab walk relay.
• Boundary markers (cones or chalk)
Instructions:
1. Set up the net in the middle of the yard and mark the boundaries.
2. Divide participants into two teams.
3. Play to 15 or 21 points, depending on the time available.
4. Follow basic volleyball rules: three hits per side, no catching or throwing the ball.
Awards:
• Medals for the winning team.
• “Most Valuable Player” award.
Olympics Connection & Modifications:
Volleyball is an Olympic sport, both indoor and beach, highlighting athleticism and strategy. For younger kids, you can modify the height of the net or use a beach ball instead of a standard volleyball.
Backyard
Obstacle Course
Supplies:
• Cones
• Hula hoops
• Jump ropes
• Pool noodles
• Any household items that can create obstacles (chairs, buckets, etc.)
Instructions:
Backyard Volleyball
Supplies:
• Volleyball
• Volleyball net or a rope/string to act as a net
1. Set up an obstacle course using the supplies, ensuring it's safe and challenging.
2. Participants take turns running the course, and the fastest time wins.
3. Include various challenges such as crawling under pool noodles, jumping through hoops, and weaving through cones.
Awards:
• Medals for the fastest times.
• “Most Creative” and “Best Effort” awards.
Olympics Connection & Modifications:
Obstacle courses mimic the physical challenges found in many Olympic events, encouraging agility and endurance. Include a variety of activities to accommodate the varying abilities of people participating. A hot summer day is the perfect time to include water obstacles like sprinklers, kiddie pools, and mud.
Backyard
Tug-of-War
Supplies:
• Sturdy rope
• Marker to designate the center point (e.g., a flag or tape)
Instructions:
1. Divide participants into two teams.
2. Mark the center point on the rope and place it over a line drawn on the ground.
3. On the whistle, teams pull the rope, trying to drag the other team past the center line.
Tug-of-war was once an Olympic sport and symbolizes strength and teamcontinued on page 9
Fun Delivered:
SKITS FOR KIDS 5-10
Kiwi Crate from KiwiCo: Handson projects that encourage STEAM learning and creativity.
World Edition from Little Passports: Engages kids with global adventures and activities.
Discovery Box from Green Kid Crafts: Eco-friendly art and science projects that teach sustainability.
Baketivity: Fun baking projects that teach cooking skills and include educational activities.
20 Subscription Kits Kids Will
ubscription kits are a fun way to foster learning and fun for kids of all ages. The perfect gift or activity, a subscription kit is delivered to the child so you don’t have to go out and find supplies. Everything the child needs is curated and shipped to the recipient to encourage creativity, imagination, and skill development — plus a lot of fun!
There is something for everyone when it comes to subscription kits. My three kids all found kits they loved. Many focus on educational or interest themes. These themes can include science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), cooking, crafts, reading, travel, and more.
One of the best parts is how easy it is for me. Kits come with all (or most) of the necessary materials and detailed instructions. This reduces the need to shop, gather supplies, and plan activities. Some kits are great for kids to do independently while others encourage family bonding and sibling teamwork.
One of my kids' favorite parts is receiving their kits in the mail. The excitement of receiving a new box each
Love
month can motivate kids to explore and try new things. One of my favorite parts is that they are typically screenfree.
KITS FOR KIDS UNDER 5
Koala Crate from KiwiCo: Fun, educational activities tailored for toddlers, promoting creativity and curiosity.
Play Kits from Lovevery: Developmental toys and activities designed by experts to support brain development.
Early Explorers from Little Passports: Activities and items focusing on world geography and culture.
Reading Bug Box: Newborn and toddler books for read-aloud and play to help little ones fall in love with reading.
Bitsbox: Teaches kids how to create apps and basic coding skills.
CrunchLabs: Engineering and science projects designed by Mark Rober that encourage creativity and problemsolving.
Reading Bug Box: Early Reader and Reader options to encourage a mix of read-aloud and read-alone books to help beginning readers become confident readers.
Superpower Academy: Projects that build STEM skills and emotional intelligence.
Doodle Crate from KiwiCo: Creative art and craft projects that enhance artistic skills.
Play Kits from Lovevery
CrunchLabs
Cubie Maths: Daily bite-sized math challenges that align with the National Curriculum.
KITS FOR KIDS 11 AND UP
Tinker Crate and Eureka Crate from KiwiCo: Engineering and science projects that challenge older kids and teens.
Science Expeditions from Little Passports: Hands-on science experiments and activities.
Doodle Crate from KiwiCo: Advanced Art Projects that teach new techniques and artistic styles.
Once Upon a Book Club Tween & Teen Editions: Bi-Monthly book club box with a book and wrapped gifts to open at designated times in the story.
Ipsy: Beauty box with five skincare and cosmetic samples from highly soughtafter brands in a fun keepsake bag.
CampusCube: A care package full of snacks (both treats and healthy), a reusable item, personal care items, and essentials.
SIMPLE, PERSONAL, AND FUN
Subscription boxes are a simple way to give kids personalized, fun things that they will love. Whether you are giving this as a gift or just looking for professionally curated activities or collections, subscription boxes make it easy.
It can be good to try one kit before committing to a longer subscription. Some companies even offer a la carte kits you can buy so you know exactly what you are getting rather than being surprised when the kit comes each month. Another fun idea for the whole family (that makes your life easier!) is meal delivery kits. With recipes already picked and the ingredients premeasured and included you can get both dinner and a fun family activity done at once.
With so many options, your kids are bound to find a subscription kit perfect for them!
work. To modify this event, you can have different age group rounds.
General Tips for a Family Sports Tournament:
• Ensure there is plenty of water, shade, and seating available.
• Have a backup plan in case of bad weather.
• Consider making a large scoreboard to track team points and progress.
• Play some upbeat music to create a festive atmosphere.
• Designate a Master of Ceremonies to lead everyone through the day.
• Assign someone to take photos and videos throughout the event.
• Prepare your awards ahead of time. These can be homemade or purchased. Ideas include ribbons, medals, trophies, candy, or small prizes.
• Provide small participation prizes for all kids to encourage a sense of inclusion and achievement.
By organizing these activities, families can experience the joy of friendly competition and teamwork, just like the athletes in the Olympics.
Rebecca Hastings is a former elementary teacher who traded the classroom for writing when she stayed home with her three children. Passionate about authenticity, faith, and family, you can find her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Amazon. In real life, she can often be found typing words, driving her kids places, or wherever there is chocolate.
Once Upon a Book Club
Summer Fun: Awesome Scavenger Hunts
— by Cherie Gough
Ready for something new and exciting to shake up your routine? Scavenger hunts are great family entertainment! Plus, they get kids off the couch to explore familiar surroundings with fresh eyes. Whether you have tykes or teens, we have tons of ideas that bring adventure to your home, backyard or neighborhood walk. Who doesn’t love hunting for surprises?
DIY SCAVENGER HUNTS
In an alphabet scavenger hunt, kids hunt for objects beginning with a designated letter of the alphabet. Help kids get familiar with how to find books at the library by searching your own bookshelf. Look for books by authors whose names begin with the same letter; for older kids, have them put your books in alphabetical order by last name.
Teach kids the five senses (touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste) before launching a sensory adventure. Take a walk and look for natural objects that are soft, rough, smooth, sticky, wet or fuzzy. Listen for birds rustling leaves, laughter, chimes, a lawnmower, etc. Lie on a blanket outside and observe cloud formations. Finish up with a fun blind taste test at home with things such as cheese, whipped cream, olives, fruit, spinach, Nutella, frozen berries and marshmallows.
Go on a flag hunt. Look for the different types of flags your neighbors display or count the number of American flags as you stroll neighborhood streets.
Hunt for animals. Visit Mission Trails Regional Park or your neighborhood park to look for living creatures such as birds, insects, ducks, lizards, dogs and butterflies.
Search for the colors of the rainbow while walking through your neighborhood. Paint the compartments of an egg carton different colors and collect objects of each color. Or have kids take photos of each color when they find it. Print the photos and make a rainbow scrapbook, categorizing ever thing by color.
SCAVENGER HUNT APPS
Monkey Spot (free on App Store) offers storytelling and adventure with scavenger hunts that can be done anywhere. Designed for kids ages 6 & up.
Hunt for stars with Night Sky, an award-winning app that’s free on App Store. Simply open the app to easily find stars and identify constellations. Fun when camping in the backyard or in the mountains.
Imaginative littles love hunting for pirate booty with the Treasure HuntScavenger Hunt app, free on iOS. Designed for ages 4+, each adventure follows a treasure map to find items in the yard, on a walk, even in the fridge. A clever camera recognizes when kids locate each item allowing them to proceed and earn loot.
Seedling Scavenger Bingo app offers free ready-to-play games, with the option to pay to create your own bingo style scavenger hunt and take photos along the way. Explore categories such as the alphabet, road trip, and holidays. Available on iOS.
MORE SCAVENGER HUNT ACTIVITIES
The Idea Box Kids (on Etsy) offers a Scavenger Hunt box that contains 180 items kids can hunt for indoors or outdoors. Clues such as find something the “same size as a sandwich” and “something with an O on it” get kids thinking creatively. (www.TheIdeaBoxKids.com)
Travel Scavenger Hunt for Kids by University Games is a deck of cards that challenges kids to find roadside items while on a road trip. Learn more at www.universitygames.com/scavengerhunttravel.
Geocaching is a fun scavenger hunt for real treasure. Using GPS, track down boxes hidden in local spots — maybe in a park or along a trail. Log your findings, collect “treasure”, and leave behind a surprise for the next participants. Use the highly rated Cachly app to find hundreds of geocaches near you.
Cherie Gough is a writer and mom of two teens who savors life’s simple pleasures. Find her on IG @cgoughwrites.
— by Rebecca Hastings
Have a Game Night Your Tweens & Teens Will Love
“Let’s play a game!”
My decree was met with silence. Not the enthusiasm I was looking for. My ten-yearold smiled and said, “Okay,” but even my husband gave me a raised eyebrow, wondering if he really had to put his phone down and participate. I practically had to drag my teen to sit around the coffee table with us. She was busy and didn’t want to hang out with the family.
But I was desperately missing time with my people. Sure, we were together often, but it was always going somewhere or eating food or watching something. I wanted to look in their eyes, see them smile, and perhaps beat them in a good game for once. After all, the days of letting them win at Chutes and Ladders were over.
I forged ahead.
I told my kids to pick the game, and we circled the coffee table. The enthusiasm was less than I hoped, but everyone came, and they all picked up their cards. We started and in just a few turns they were hooked. They loved the game, the fun, the challenge. I loved the time we were spending together.
Here are my top three tips that are sure to make game night fun for all.
1. LIGHTEN UP
The best way to make family game time a success is to take away the pressure. Sure, you can go all out and have a weekly game night on the calendar with
epic Monopoly battles. But sometimes it works to just wing it. Even promising them it will be less than 15 minutes helps everyone feel less like they’re giving something up. Some of the best games we’ve had lasted only a few minutes.
Got ten minutes before bed? Maybe everyone is about to scatter to their
rooms after dinner? Do people need a homework break? You can always find a few minutes to connect. Give a quick game a try.
2. THE ULTIMATE LURE
Make popcorn. Or cookies. Or even some warm apple cider. The point is to make something your people can smell. Bring it to the table and wait for them to come. Have a game ready to go.
If they want the food, tell them they have to play the game. Sure, they may moan or roll their eyes, but their desire for hot, buttery popcorn will likely win.
3. GIVE A CHALLENGE
Is anyone in your family competitive? Sometimes a simple challenge works wonders. Something like, “Hey, remember when you always used to win at checkers? I let you. I bet you can’t beat me now,” can entice the most reluctant teen to prove herself.
If you want to up the ante, make it a family challenge. Declare that whoever
continued on
Choosing Childcare
Choosing Childcare Your Guide to
HAVE A GAME NIGHT YOUR TWEENS & TEENS WILL LOVE continued...
wins Monopoly gets to pick what’s for dinner or they are off the hook from chores for the day. Your crew won’t be able to resist the competition!
No matter how you get your people to play, you can all have fun because we all know it’s not even about the game. It’s about being together.
A Special Section Dedicated To Helping Parents Find Quality Care To Fit Their Family’s Unique Needs
Did you know… Did you know…
28% of our 55,000 readers will be looking for Childcare Services in the next 12 months?
Showcase your Center & increase enrollment with our Choosing Childcare section!
Source: Circulation Verification Council Audit, June 2022
To help you get started here are 21 games to make your family game night one your teen (and the whole family) will love. Happy game time!
For Quick Fun: These games come in small packages and can be played in less than 15 minutes. It’s easy to fit these into a small amount of time so you and your teens feel connected without a huge commitment on their part.
• Blink
• Uno
• Jenga
• Bananagrams
• Qwixx
• Boggle
• Pass the Pigs
• Guesstures
Popular & Perfect: Usually 15-45 minutes, these are fun games that are more involved than the quick ones above. But with that extra time comes some extra strategy and fun!
• Blokus
• Labyrinth
• Exploding Kittens
• Sushi Go
• Ticket to Ride
• Coup
• Quiddler
Classic Faves: These games are classics for a reason. Your kids might moan and say they’re old school, but once they get started, they’ll come around!
• Monopoly
• Chess
• Clue
• Bingo
• Battleship
• Scrabble
FAMILY TRAVEL
— by Deborah Williams
Cleveland Rocks for Families!
The best way to experience Cleveland on a summer day is from the water— Lake Erie and the connecting Cuyahoga River—on board Goodtime III, which bills itself as the largest quadruple-deck, 1,000 passenger boat on the Great Lakes. Just three hours down the Thruway from Buffalo, Cleveland is a fellow rust belt city that has been rediscovering its glorious history and has a wealth of fun family adventures.
Travel & Leisure named Cleveland a “best place to travel in 2024.” The magazine also named Cleveland one of the best food cities in the country. USA Today ranked Lake Erie No. 1 for “Best Lake” and “Best Lake for Water Sports.”
The cruise, offered several times daily, provides one-of-a-kind views of downtown Cleveland, the Flats, the Cuyahoga River, and Lake Erie. Many families and children were enjoying our two-hour cruise along the Lake Erie waterfront and the river. There are also lunch and dinner cruises.
Unlike Buffalo, Cleveland greatly benefitted when the St. Lawrence Seaway opened back in 1959. We learned that 22,000 jobs and $4.7 billion in an-
nual economic activity is tied to the roughly 13 million tons of cargo that move through the Cleveland Harbor each year.
In recent years, more passenger cruise lines have chosen Cleveland as a Great Lakes port stop. Cleveland has been rated the No. 2 destination within the Great Lakes by cruise passengers.
Our trip down the Cuyahoga River on a beautiful summer afternoon took us past kayakers, boathouses, restaurants with outdoor dining along the water, and under many bridges—swing bridges, lift bridges, truss bridges—and provided outstanding views of the city.
Our guide tells us about the infamous fire on the river when the city became fodder for late night comics. The fire was the rallying cry for the environmental movement and it led to the Clean
Water Act. Today the river has been restored and is full of fish, birds, and recreational boaters.
The downtown Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a dazzling I.M. Pei designed pyramid and ode to rock and roll. It is next door to the Goodtime III dock and office. It was a Cleveland
Great Lakes Science Center
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Elvis Display
disk jockey, Alan Freed, who named the music that was rocking the world “rock and roll” in 1951.
Thanks to the Freed legend (and some intense lobbying), Cleveland beat out the likes of New York, Chicago, and Memphis to become home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. It opened in September 1995.
Today, more than half a million pilgrims each year visit the museum's interactive exhibits and collections. For me, as a long-time Rolling Stones fan, the best part was the videos of early concerts with Mick and the boys looking impossibly young. It is not hard to be a long-time fan since they have been performing and recording for more than 60 years.
This exhibit is part of the Legends of Rock and Roll display area that includes The Beatles, Elvis, and other legends. Check out the listening stations where visitors can don earphones and choose their favorite rock songs.
On as previous visit, I discovered a touch of home with displays of Buffalo radio legends Sandy Beach, Danny Neaverth, and Tom Shannon. They were all featured as hall of fame inductees and were stars of WKBW radio in its days as a rock and roll powerhouse. Alas, the long-time Buffalo radio stars weren’t on
display on my most recent visit since displays change.
Next door is the Great Lakes Science Center, known as a great place for families and children. It is one of the nation’s leading science and technology centers, featuring hundreds of hands-on exhibits, the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, OWNIMAX Theater, and a center for world-class scientific research.
room. Walk the deck and experience the golden age of steamships on one of the best.
For space fans, the NASA Glenn Visitor Center is must-see. Look inside the actual 1973 Skylab 3 Apollo Command Module (It is very small inside).
Experience a multi-media trip through landmark moments in space history. See artifacts from John Glenn’s Friendship 7 mission. Check out a real moon rock. View actual space-flown suits from Skylab and Apollo, including one issued to Buzz Aldrin.
Tour the restored 618-foot Steamship William G. Mather and see what life was like on board a working Great Lakes freighter. Explore the 1925-built Mather from stem to stern and see its huge cargo holds, brass and oak pilot house, elegant guest quarters, and four-story engine
The 183-acre Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is always a family favorite and offers several truly thrilling close-up encounters with wild animals. There is a lot of walking, but there are free trams so take advantage of the rides and the opportunity to learn about the zoo from the driver.
Elephants are always popular. This zoo takes the elephant interactions one step further. Near the Main Entrance, the African Elephant Crossing offers exceptional viewing areas for visitors, including open-air viewing, a nose-to-trunk window, an elevated feeding station, and a gated crossing where people can watch as the elephants pass by to migrate from one yard to the next.
continued on page 16
William G. Mather Steamship
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo West Side Market
FAMILY TRAVEL
The highlight of the African Savanna is surely the giraffes with their incredibly long necks and gentle nature. This is the tallest living mammal, standing an average of 16 to 18 feet for a male and a foot or two less for a female. They have long black tongues averaging 18 inches.
The seasonal giraffe feeding station offers very close up views. Visitors can buy large lettuce leaves and stand by the edge of the platform with the leaf. Soon we are rewarded with the sweet face of a giraffe and his very ample tongue gently taking the leaf from our hands.
Other highlights are the gorillas, monkeys, and several species of lemur, rare snow leopards, lions and bears, as well as kangaroos with babies in their pouches, wallabies, and orangutans including a baby orangutan in the Rain Forest exhibit. There is also a carousel where visitors can ride zoo animal look-alikes.
Everyone loves food and the place to be for food of all kinds is the West Side Market, the city’s oldest publicly owned market. Architects who designed many other classic city buildings, including the Cleveland Museum of Art, created the yellow brick market house with an imposing interior concourse that has stood as a centerpiece of the market since 1912. Its 137-foot clock tower has been a city landmark for more than a century.
The film’s story was set in Indiana and the interiors were shot on movie sets, but Brian Jones, the creator of this tourist mecca meticulously recreated the interior as it was in the movie.
In December visitors can run in the A Christmas Story 5k/10k, with routes between Public Square in Downtown Cleveland and the house on Tremont. Hundreds of participants come out to enjoy this fun-run where folks dress up like the movie’s characters (some even run wearing Leg Lamp costumes).
The house offers year-round tours and the option for overnight stays. Guests can recreate their favorite scenes from the beloved film, pose with the iconic leg lamp and replica BB gun, hide under the kitchen sink like Randy, or decode a secret message in the bathroom while washing your mouth out with Lifebuoy soap.
100 vendors offering a wide array of meats, vegetables, fruits, seafood, baked goods, cheeses, herbs, candy, nuts, and ready-to-eat foods. The market restaurant offers a good place for breakfast or lunch. Bring a cooler since the offerings are so tempting it would be hard to leave without buying some items to bring home.
Across the street is the Museum which features a treasure trove of props from the movie, including the family car, toys from Higbee’s window display, the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom, and an Official Red Ryder Air Rifle BB gunproduced specially for the film. There is a gift shop next to the museum with a wide array of movie memorabilia and holiday collectibles, including leg lamps and bunny suits.
The Travel Channel and the Food Network have highlighted the many delights of the market that draws more than a million visitors a year. Food Network Magazine named it the “Best Food Lover’s Market.” The city’s rich ethnic diversity is celebrated and reflected in the market’s varied offerings.
The market is home to more than
If you have family members who are super fans of A Christmas Story, Cleveland is the place to be. In fact, visitors come to Cleveland from long distances just to experience the house from the movie. The facade of the A Christmas Story House was used for the 1983 family holiday movie favorite that plays every year in households across the country.
About ten minutes from downtown is the University Circle area, home to one of the most concentrated square miles of arts and culture in the country. Cleveland has a rich industrial history and city institutions have benefitted from the generosity of wealthy industrialists who include John D. Rockefeller.
The more than century year old Cleveland Museum of Art is a gem among the museums and galleries. It consistently ranks as one of the best comprehensive art museums in the
A Christmas Story House
A Christmas Story House exterior
country. Best of all, it is free and invites families. Come for an hour or so.
Don’t miss the interactive ArtLens Exhibition that encourages engagement with art. The exhibit uses gesture-sensing projections that respond to body movement, immersing visitors in the experience. There are regular daily docent-led tours and special programs for children.
Next door is the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, known as a great place for families and children. It is also a center for world-class scientific research.
Explore Sears Hall of Human Ecology, Reinberger Hall of Astronomy, Ohio Archaeology, the Wade Gallery of Gems & Jewels, Kirtland Hall of Prehistoric Life, and the Human Origins Gallery. In the Main Level, gallery highlights include Balto, the heroic Alaskan dog; Happy, the museum’s first dinosaur; Jan, the museum’s young tyrannosaur; a triceratops and even a moon rock.
Save time for the Smead Discovery Center. It is an intergenerational space designed for all ages to enjoy together. Activities and exhibits change frequently.
Here are some special events coming up this month:
• August 25 is One World Day, a big celebration of the diversity of the city with a population made of 120 different ethnicities. It is held in Cleveland Cultural Gardens, a series of small, specialized gardens representing the many countries in the city today. Each garden also sports a flag of the home country. There will be a parade, naturalization ceremony, ethnic food, music, and cultural performances.
• August 30—September 7 is Cleveland Labor Day Oktoberfest and Ohio’s largest annual outdoor festival. Many visitors dress in German garb, drink beer, enjoy wiener dog races, eat German food, and listen to live music.
• August 31—September 2 is the three-day Cleveland National Air Show on the shore of Lake Erie at the Burke Lakefront Airport.
Travel Tip of the Month: For information on Cleveland visit thisiscleveland.com or call 800-321-1001 or call 216-8756680.
Deborah Williams lives in Holland, NY and 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.
— by Linda O’Connor
Traveling With Kids Preparation is Key When Flying!
Let’s just say the plane ride wasn’t pleasant. Two young children and their mother sat directly behind me on a 7-hour flight from Ireland to Toronto. The children cried and screamed nearly the entire time. In response to their behavior, the mother simply repeatedly asked her kids to “shoosh” but offered little more.
I am all for traveling with children. My husband and I did so lots of times when our kids were growing up. However, preparation is key. It was clear, within minutes of takeoff, that the young mother behind me had brought nothing to entertain or pacify her children during the 7-hour flight. Had she prepared, the entire experience could have been so much better for her entire family (and everyone else onboard).
“For starters, it’s important to recognize what your child can and cannot tolerate,” says Kathryn Grenda, owner of Kenmore-based travel agency, Kat and Mouse Travel Co. “A 7-hour flight is a long flight for anyone, particularly a young child. Knowing your child’s limi-
tations will allow you to set expectations and better prepare.”
In this case, it was clear from the conversations I overheard that the children behind me had never been on an airplane before. Ideally, a shorter flight would have been a better way to introduce them to the experience. And while that may not have been possible, “planning ahead is key to everyone’s enjoyment,” advises Grenda. Here are some tips this local travel agent offered…
TIPS FOR FLYING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Stick to a schedule
When it comes to flying, babies are fairly easy travelers as long as you stick with their feeding and sleeping schedule as best as possible. “For the plane ride, have a bottle ready to go, pacifier, favorite toy, a blanket, diapers, and a change
of clothes — just in case,” Grenda advises. Take-off and landing can often cause painful pressure on little eardrums. To help alleviate the pressure, offer a bottle to suck on during ascents and descents to encourage frequent swallowing. A pacifier might also help. For older children, or if your child recently had a cold or an ear infection and your doctor cleared them for flying, make sure to stock up on water once you get through security and have them drink right after takeoff and during descent to alleviate ear pressure.
Set Expectations
If your children are old enough to understand, talk to them in advance about what to expect of your upcoming trip. “Buy or borrow from the library a children’s book about airplanes — ideally one with pictures that show the inside and outside of a plane, the pilots, flight attendants and passengers — and share it with your child,” suggests Grenda. “Review the book together several times before your trip. This way, your child
will have a better idea of what to expect, reducing the anxiety that often accompanies the unknown of a new experience.”
Include AgeAppropriate Toys and Activities
Pack age-appropriate toys and a variety of onboard activities (reading books, stickers, coloring books and crayons, etc.) in your carry-on bag to entertain your child during the flight.
“Choose items that can be enjoyed within the confines of their passenger seat,” Grenda says. There are also a number of portable travel games for kids that are designed for use on airplanes. These portable travel games won’t break the bank and are easy to find online or in stores, so pick up a couple portable travel games before your next family vacation. These games will come in handy during long flights or if there are travel delays.
Grenda also suggests that you include something new in your offerings as a surprise and provide that surprise to your child further into the trip as needed.
Don’t Forget Snacks
Make sure to have plenty of your child’s favorite snacks in your carry-on bag, too. “Even if the airline provides a snack, your child may need something before or after the service is offered or they may not like what is being offered, so pack snacks you know your child will enjoy,” Grenda advises.
Extra clothes & Diapers
Again, preparation is key. If your child spills or makes a mess, having a spare set of clothes and extra diapers in your carry-on bag will come in handy.
Help Prepare
“Allow your child to be part of the travel preparations, even if it’s just help-
ing you pack a suitcase,” suggests Grenda. If they are old enough, let your children help choose several flight activities and snacks to pack in your carry-on.
Dress Comfortably
Select something comfortable for your child to wear when traveling or, if they are old enough, assist them in selecting an appropriate outfit for the flight. “Layering is a good idea so that you can add or remove layers based on the temperature inside the plane and your child’s comfort,” Grenda notes.
Let Them Stretch
Once enroute, if the pilot indicates that passengers can move around the cabin, let your child do so. Accompany them as they stretch their legs and explore the plane. For younger children, don’t be afraid to get up and walk the aisles with your child if it helps calm them and you.
Continue to Stick to Normal Routines
Once you reach your destination, do your best to try and stick with your child’s normal routine. Everyone will be happier while you’re away AND when you return home if you do.
“Travel can be a wonderful expe rience for children of all ages,” says Grenda. “They can experience new sights, sounds, foods, and surround ings while enjoying quality family time, too. But don’t leave anything to chance. Plan ahead and prepare so that your trip leaves everyone with fond memories of your time together!”
Linda O’Connor is an Orchard Park resident and former WNY Family Magazine Tweens & Teens columnist whose work has appeared in numerous publications including Redbook, Good Housekeeping and American Baby.
PICK OF THE LITERATURE
— by Dr. Donna Phillips
August…the hottest month of the year! What do we do to stay cool? Go to the beach? Go to the mountains? Sit in the shade? Stay in house in the air-conditioning? If that is not an option what else can you do? How about go to the library? Here you can stay cool and be cool! Explore different times and places and stories of past, present, and future. You can travel anywhere and be back in a few minutes or hours! How can you do this? With books, of course. Here are some books for this summer that celebrate the library and the books there.
A Love Letter to My Library (Sourcebooks, Naperville, 2024, $14.99), written by Lisa Katzenberger and illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr., is a book for the youngest in your family that is a celebration of the library in your school or neighborhood. For those that are familiar with the library or for those just learning about it, it invites the reader into this wonderful place. What is there to love about the library? Books in every nook and cranny, story time, spaces and spots for friends, books for little hands, crafts, computers, quiet corners, classes that teach something new, books to borrow, and a welcome for all! There is a space and place for everyone in the library with helping hands and hearts.
This is the perfect place to seek refuge and relief from the hot summer days.
Everyone looks forward to the new books that appear in the library. None so much as the books themselves! I am Book (Penguin Workshop, New York, 2024, $18.99), written and illustrated by Joren Cull, is about a book with high expectations. Books from the library are moving to a new school library and they are convinced that they will be the most popular ever. Book was sure that he would be chosen first, but that was not the case. What was he doing wrong? What could he do to fix it? With many twists and turns and illustrations to match, this book is worth reading to find out, and in the end we all learn a bit about being happy with who we are.
The Book That Almost Rhymed (Dial Books for Young Readers, New
York, 2024, $18.99), written by Omar Abed and illustrated by Hatem Aly, is the hilarious story of a young boy who writes what he thinks is the perfect story that has wonderful rhymes. That is until his younger sister gets involved. As we begin the story, we are invited to end the sentence with a word that rhymes and that fits the meaning. We even get some letters to help us. But before we can finish the word, we are interrupted. A voice coming from the next page interjects a different word which does not rhyme and takes the story in a different direction. At first, it is quite annoying until we begin to realize that these interruptions make the story even more interesting, funny, and maybe even better. This give and take between siblings leads to creative results that challenges the reader to find the words that rhyme, while forcing us to be flexible in our thinking. From a story that starts with frustration and resistance, we end in acceptance and expansion. This raucous book with perfect pictures to match just might inspire some cooperative storytelling and is a great way to spend a hot afternoon.
The Book That Can Read Your Mind (Chronical Books, San Francisco, 2024, 17.99), written and illustrated by Marianna Coppo, is one book that just might do that! Is it magic? Is it real? Whatever it is, it is very clever and will challenge you to figure out how it can do that. What is even more interesting is that the reader has choices. Much like the books that allow the reader to choose their own ending, this book is much the same. Even with all of this, the book is somehow able to outsmart you. In the end, the author explains how she was able to do it using bolzone (an Italian word referring to magic tricks that use
numbers), “graceful thought,” and “pastime” techniques from the fifteenth century. What are those? The only way to find out is to read this book!
Your library and local bookstores have perfect places for you to spend a hot summer day. Many book options, quiet cool corners for reading and reflection, and maybe even a place to get a cool drink and a refreshing snack await you. All of this invites you into the world of imagination. So, even if you don’t have time or the means to travel, you can still do so with a leisurely trip to the book purveyor of our choice. No packing or passport required!
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.
Celebrate these FUN DAYS during the month of
August 2nd Coloring Book Day
August 10th S’mores Day
August
August 12th World Elephant Day
Is Your Child Ready for Strength Training?
Strength training is a way to build muscles and strength using free weights, weight machines, and rubber resistance bands, or body weight. Kids and teens may want to do strength training to improve sports performance, treat or prevent injuries, or improve their appearance.
The Benefits
Strength training can help kids and teens build strong muscles. With a welldesigned and supervised program, they can improve overall fitness and sports performance, increase lean body mass (more muscle, less fat), burn more calories, make bones stronger, and improve mental health.
Who Can Do It?
Kids and teens who are ready to participate in organized sports or other activities such as baseball, soccer, or gymnastics usually can safely start strength training. Kids as young as 7 or 8 years old can safely do strength training if they have good balance and control of their body, follow instructions, and can do the exercises with good form.
A child’s strength-training program shouldn’t be a scaled-down version of an adult’s weight training regimen. Kids who strength train should learn proper technique and know how to use the equipment safely.
Look for someone who is a certified strength-training expert and who has experience working with kids and teens.
Is Strength Training Safe?
Strength-training programs are generally safe. When done properly, strength training won’t damage growing bones.
As with any sport, talk to your doctor before letting your child start a strengthtraining program. Kids and teens with some medical conditions — such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, seizures, heart problems, and other conditions — need their doctor’s OK before they start strength training.
Also, your child should be closely supervised and using the right equipment and proper technique. The best way to learn proper technique is to do the exercontinued on page 27
STRENGTH TRAINING
cises without any weight. When technique is mastered, weight (or resistance, if using exercise bands) can be added, as long as your child can comfortably do the exercise for 8 to 15 repetitions with good form. Kids should not use machines and equipment designed for adults.
Most injuries happen because a child was goofing around and not supervised. Muscle strains are the most common injury associated with strength training.
Some young and professional athletes try anabolic steroids and other performance enhancers to build muscles and improve athletic performance and appearance. Talk to your child about the dangers of using these drugs.
What’s a Healthy Routine?
In general, kids and teens should tone their muscles using light weights (or resistance) and a high number of repetitions rather than lifting a heavy load once or twice.
The amount of weight will depend on a child’s age, size, and strength level. But in general, kids should be able to lift a weight with proper technique at least 8 to 15 times. If they can’t lift the weight comfortably at least 8 times, the weight is too heavy.
Preteens shouldn’t be concerned about adding muscle bulk, which won’t happen until after they’ve gone through puberty. The focus of each training session should be on proper form and technique, with qualified instruction and supervision.
Training Guidelines
Here are some guidelines when considering strength-training programs:
• An instructor-to-child ratio of no more than 1 to 10. The instructor should have an approved strength-training certification and experience with kids and strength training.
• Warm up with at least 5-10 minutes of aerobic activity and dynamic stretching. Cool down with less intense activity and static stretching.
• Begin with one set of 8-15 repetitions of 6-8 exercises that focus on the major muscle groups of the upper and lower body and core.
• Kids can start with body weight exercises (such as sit-ups and push-ups) and work on technique without using weights. When proper technique is mastered, a relatively light weight can be used with a high number of repetitions (8-15). Increase the weight, number of sets, or types of exercises as strength improves.
• For best results, do strength exercises for at least 20-30 minutes 2 or 3 days per week. Take at least a day off between sessions.
Strength training is one part of a total fitness program. Kids and teens should get at least an hour a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, including aerobic (cardio) activity, like running, biking, and playing outside. Also, be sure your child drinks plenty of liquids and eats a healthy diet for better performance and recovery.
Helping all parents make their children’s educational experience as successful as possible
What Are Schools Like Today?
Parents: As a generalization, you can expect your children’s schools from preschool through high school to be more academic than the ones you attended. On your own state’s education website, you can usually see what children are expected to learn in public schools at each level from kindergarten through high school.
Most states have adopted the Common Core Standards for English language arts and mathematics so there is some uniformity across the country. These standards have learning goals and end of year expectations. However, teachers can determine how these goals will be met.
What follows is a look at what is happening across the country that you can compare to what is occurring in your children’s schools.
The Biggest Change
More than 2,000 schools have moved from having the traditional 5-day week to a 4-day week with a longer schedule each day. While parents, students, and teachers seem to like it, there is little saving of funds and students’ academic progress is slower over time than those having a 5-day week.
A Look at Preschool Programs
Sadly, believe it or not, research done by the National Institute for Early
Education Research shows that most preschool programs are not “high-quality.” So, there is now a movement to develop state standards for all preschool programs.
Basically, there are two types of preschool programs, those that last about 3 ½ hours long and those that are all day and will include rest time and some meals. The idea behind both programs is for the children to learn “pre-skills” to lay the groundwork for elementary school. This means learning school routines.
You will find preschool classrooms feature learning stations with art, music, science, math, sand, and water activities. There will also be group activities, especially ones featuring the teacher reading stories to the children.
How much academics children pick up depends greatly on the preschool. Many will expect children to learn to count to 10, read their own names, and recognize some letters of the alphabet, especially those in their first names.
Kindergarten is Academic Nowadays
Yesterday’s milk and cookies kindergartens no longer exist for the most part. Most kindergartens now look like what first grade once was. One of the big changes is the move away from a half day of school to a full day. This all happened back in 2001 with the No Child
Left Behind legislation that stressed testing starting in third grade and learning standards. Recess once was 45 minutes at this level – now it’s often just 15.
Many teachers routinely have kindergarteners start their day with reading and math worksheets. By the end of the year, the children are often expected to be able to count to 100, write numbers from 0 to 20, read and write simple words, know all their letters and sounds, and read simple books.
Now all this is happening with a strong degree of conflict between educators. The academic kindergarten proponents cite some studies that actually show that children in academic kindergartens do no worse than those in playbased ones in self-control, focus, and behavior. On the other side, the play-based advocates stress the years of studies that say the play-based approach is the best strategy for young learners to grow in all developmental areas. In addition, there is their very valid argument that all kindergarteners are simply not ready developmentally to handle an academic approach.
Today's Elementary Schools
Clearly, there is a tremendous diversity in what is being taught and how it is being taught in elementary schools. Obviously, the computer is part of so much instruction. Teachers who are technologically savvy are able to use it more imaginatively to individualize instruction to meet individual students’ needs and abilities. Most classrooms will have a mix of computer-based and teacherbased instruction.
Typically, computers are introduced slowly as early as first grade. The first task is for students to learn how to type and use them. Then reading and math lessons may be individualized for computer sessions. Computers are usually only used at school.
Another current trend is the elimination of recess or shortening of recess
time for academics. Some schools, however, are bucking this trend as they realize the benefits of physical exercise during the school day. A very interesting trend found in some elementary schools is that no homework is being assigned.
Middle School Trends
You will find that middle schools are most like the ones you attended. Students will move from class to class for different subjects. The major difference is that close to 80 percent of the students’ work will be done on the computer, including most subject tests and homework.
One change is that elements of algebra like ratio and proportion will be introduced in sixth grade math. Also, some students will take algebra 1 in eighth grade, letting them take more advanced math classes in high school.
High Schools Have More Advanced Offerings
Schools are offering more AP and challenging courses. Besides doing much of their work on computers, students and parents can now access the students’ grades and assignments online. On an unfortunate note, cheating is rampant in high school according to most studies. This includes cheating on tests, copying homework, plagiarism, and the inappropriate use of AI Chatbox.
Beyond Academics
At almost every level of schooling, time is now being devoted to anti-bullying, anti-violence, conflict resolution, and tolerance for different lifestyle choices programs.
Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com and visit the dearteacher.com website to learn more about helping their children succeed in school.
RAISING DIGITAL KIDS
— by Mike Daugherty
Parent's Guide to AI: Enhancing Learning for the Next Generation
Generative AI seems to be everywhere these days. While ChatGPT was introduced to the world a little more than 18 months ago, this technology has gained unprecedented popularity around the world. One of the biggest industries impacted by generative AI is education. One of my roles in the school district where I work revolves around innovation. If your child’s school hasn’t already begun exploring these tools, you can expect they will this coming school year.
As a parent, you need to prepare your students so they understand exactly what generative AI can do for them. You also need to teach them about some of the inherent flaws in these large language models as well. In this column, we’ll take a look at how generative AI
can be used for so much more than just writing content. We’ll also look at how to use these tools effectively and responsibly. As you read this, I strongly encourage you to TRY THESE TOOLS yourself first. You will be a much more valuable resource to your child if you understand this technology first.
WHAT IS GENERATIVE AI?
AI has been around for a very long time. The difference between Alexa or Siri and Generative AI is that Alexa and Siri just retrieve information and provide it to the user. When you ask Alexa or Siri a question, that AI is just looking up an answer and providing it. When you ask a generative AI a question, it actually creates an entirely new content that did not
exist before. It does this being “trained” on an insane amount of data. The most popular tool, ChatGPT, can pull information from 10 trillion words. For example, you can ask ChatGPT to write an essay on “The Catcher in the Rye” and it will pull information from all its sources and then write an essay based on what is found. Generative AI is still under development, but it has the potential to revolutionize many industries, including entertainment, design, and manufacturing. It can also be used to help your student in a variety of ways.
WHERE TO BEGIN
The first step would be to choose which Generative AI tool would be best for the task at hand. In this column, we’re going to focus on ChatGPT. At the time of this writing, ChatGPT is the most popular AI tool. This is the tool your child is most likely to be aware of and may already be using. There are quite a few other tools available including Copilot, Gemini, and Claude. From the parenting side, I would encourage you to try them as time permits. While similar, each of these tools performs in different ways.
ASK THE AI TO PERFORM A TASK
Generative AI requires the person using it to provide instructions on what it should do. These instructions are commonly referred to as “prompts.” The more detailed and informative the prompt is, the better the results will be. In the examples I use below, I give the AI a persona. Giving the AI a persona helps it to provide results that better align with what you are hoping to accomplish. For example, if you tell the AI in the prompt “You are a 3rd grade teacher” and then ask it to build a multiple-choice quiz on George Washington, the resulting quiz will be leveled correctly for a thirdgrade student.
This is where you can really begin to see the power of generative AI. Here are some example situations and prompts you can explore.
Proofreading and suggestions:
Generative AI can be used to read your child’s work and provide helpful feedback. In the chat prompt, click the paperclip icon and provide ChatGPT with a paper your child is working on. Now, use a prompt like the one below to generate feedback and areas of improvement. You will need to adjust the prompt accordingly to fit your specific situation.
You are a High School English teacher. Please proofread the paper and provide suggestions on how to improve this writing while not changing the writer’s voice. Please provide suggestions on additional aspects of the topic that the writer could explore.
Compare work against a rubric: This is another great way to use AI. In this example, you’ll need the rubric that the teacher is using to grade the work. Most teachers will provide this to students for reference as they build their paper or project. Using the same paperclip tool in the first example, upload both the rubric and the project to ChatGPT. Try a prompt like this:
You are a 6th grade science teacher. Please check the uploaded work against the rubric. Please provide an analysis of how the work matches up against the rubric. Additionally, please indicate areas of improvement the student could make to better align with the expectations of the rubric.
Create customized study material: Study guides are great, but after reviewing them repeatedly, kids begin to memorize the answers instead of calling on their knowledge. Generative AI can build a brand new review quiz or study guide on the spot in seconds. Here are several examples of prompts you could adjust to fit the situation.
You are a 9th grade history teacher. Please create a study guide for the Battle of Gettysburg that includes key terms the students should know.
You are a 7th grade English teacher. Please create a 10-question multiple choice quiz with an answer key at the end using the following vocabulary words: (vocab words go here.)
You are a third-grade teacher. Please create a set of 15 practice questions on adverbs with no bolded words for a third-grade student with an answer key at the end.
Change the reading level of a passage: If your child is reading something that they are struggling to understand, try uploading the text to ChatGPT and use this prompt:
You are an expert at language and lexile levels. Please change the reading level of this material to a 6th grade reading level.
You could also ask it to summarize what was in the text using a prompt like:
You are a Middle School Language Arts teacher working with a seventhgrade student. Please summarize the passage using age-appropriate language.
Conduct research: Generative AI can be used to conduct research by generating hypotheses, designing experiments, and analyzing data. This can help students learn more about the research process and develop their critical thinking skills.
Please review the attached data and locate any trends you see.
Please design an experiment to test gravitational pull using only common household objects.
projects, individualized to your child, for free. Individualizing assignments and classwork based on each student's needs has been the talk of K-12 education for years.
RESPONSIBLE USE STARTS WITH YOU
It is important for you to talk to your children about generative AI and its potential uses. You can easily see how this type of technology could be used for academic dishonesty. Parents can help their children understand the benefits and risks of generative AI, and how to use it responsibly. Parents can also help their children develop critical thinking skills so that they can evaluate generative AI content critically.
Here are some tips for guiding your children through the world of generative AI:
Don’t Provide Personal Information — Generative AI works off of the information it has access to. By providing personal information, you’re feeding your data into the larger data set that everyone has access to.
Fact Check — AI tools are not perfect. It can invent facts that are simply not true. This is known as AI hallucinations. Kids (and parents) need to do their own research to confirm the information.
It is Inherently Biased — Sometimes AI systems make unfair decisions or predictions because they can pick up and repeat prejudices or inequalities that exist in society.
Help your children develop critical thinking skills — Teach your children how to evaluate generative AI content critically and identify potential deep fakes.
The more you use this technology, you begin to see how truly powerful it can be. It’s designing custom study material, papers, quizzes, and research
Encourage your children to use generative AI responsibly — Remind your children that generative AI should not be used to create harmful or offensive content.
continued on page 33
TWEENS & TEENS
— by Cheryl Maguire
How To Communicate With Your Middle Schooler
Around the time my twins turned 13, they stopped talking to me. After a mumbled “Hello” when they got home from school, they would scamper off to their rooms and close their doors, practically in unison.
A lot of us experience this kind of shutting down from our kids, and we’re all looking for ways to bridge the gap.
Dr. Ken Ginsburg, pediatrician and co-founder of the Center for Parent and Teen Communication at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia says, “It is important to build a foundation of communication skills and establish two-way dialogues early so your teens will feel comfortable coming to you as they mature.”
Kids enter a complex stage of development in middle school.
“They’ve still got one foot planted in childhood, and the other foot stepping into adulthood,” says Ginsburg. “Their bodies are changing, and their emotions are in flux. Plus, they are working to figure out where they fit in with peers, friends, and their communities.”
During this development phase, kids need to learn how to:
• cooperate with others
• negotiate peer situations
• resolve conflict
• empathize with other people’s feelings
• notice nonverbal cues
• learn how to appropriately express their own emotions in a variety of situations
But how do we help our kids develop communication skills when they rarely communicate?
HOW TO TEACH TEENS TO COMMUNICATE:
1.
Take time to listen.
Ginsburg recommends maintaining a consistent presence in your child’s life. Show curiosity in their interests by asking questions about their latest sports event or dance class and make yourself available when they need to talk.
Even though it may seem like they don’t want to talk to you, it’s important to make the effort to engage them in conversation. When your teen does talk to you, listen carefully to what they say and demonstrate your understanding by rephrasing what they’ve said.
2. Model communication skills.
Even when it seems like your teen is in their room most of the time, they are still paying attention to what you are doing. So, make sure you’re modeling the behavior you want to see in them.
“Model skills you want to pass along,” says Ginsburg. “Let them see how you resolve emerging conflicts, bounce ideas off others, and seek help when needed.”
3. Role play.
One way to help your child develop these important communication skills is through role play. They might resist but encourage them to treat it like a game. Try acting out a situation that may be difficult for them, such as which lunch table to sit at, and then offer some suggestions for what they can say in that situation.
When your child isn’t up for talking, try talking about yourself or your daily activities. Taking the pressure off them to communicate may lead them to ask questions and show an interest in what
you’re saying—which is one way to help them develop their skills.
There are times when your child may experience peer pressure, but is unsure how to navigate the situation. Ginsburg recommends establishing a code word with your child that they can use when they’re feeling pressured. If your child is with friends and uses their code word in a phone call or text to you, that is your cue to tell them, “It’s time to come home now.”
“Having a code word gives them a safety net while they are still developing social skills,” says Ginsburg.
4. Remember they love you, even when they don’t talk.
Most kids learn communication skills through trial and error. It can be frustrating when your previously chatty child turns into a silent teen who doesn’t want to talk to you—or prefers talking with their friends instead. But it’s a
normal part of their adolescent development.
“Peers may seem more important, but no one is as valuable as parents,” Ginsburg says. “They still need your love, support, guidance, and structure.”
So, I’m doing my part to model the communication skills I want my teens to develop and I’m confident they will find their way, one word at a time. Until they do, I’ll try not to take their closed bedroom doors too personally.
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, Washington Post, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her on X @CherylMaguire05
RAISING DIGITAL KIDS
Discuss Cheating — This temptation to cheat will be difficult, even for the most honest students. Talk to your children about how to use AI responsibly and to cite its use correctly, just like they would any other source.
By talking to your children about generative AI and its potential impacts, we can help them to become responsible and informed users of this new technology.
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.
Whether at home or in the car on a road trip, “Would You Rather?” questions can strike up some fun conversations
Here are some QUESTIONS you can ask your child!
Would you rather stay up late every night or wake up early every morning?
Would you rather live in the city or in the country?
Would you rather be able to meet your favorite book character or meet someone famous from history?
Would you rather be a scientist or an artist?
Would you rather spend the day at the museum of your choice or spend the day at the store of your choice?
*Source – familyeducation.com
Daddy Daddy The Track
N– by Shannon Carpenter
o, this cannot be. Summer cannot be almost over. I haven’t done all the things yet. There is a big ball of twine out there that deserves to be seen! It is near the World’s Largest T-shirt, down the road from the World’s Largest Screwdriver. School can’t be starting up yet because not all the adventures have been completed.
I know that the kids aren’t toddlers anymore. They are growing up and what felt like endless time now feels restricted. The end times are on the way, and I need to be there with them to soak up every memory that I can. Did you know that there is a road in California that is grooved so that when you drive over it, your tires play the William Tell Overture? We haven’t done that yet.
When the kids were little, life seemed to always be full and busy. Each day was almost a fight to make it to the next one. Late-night feedings, blow-out diapers, and clean bottles consumed me. Then, as they grew into toddlers, I dealt with public meltdowns. My son once pulled a plate off a shelf in the store and shattered it. When everyone turned their eyes on me, I just shrugged my shoulders as if to say “Well, at least he isn’t eating the glass shards.”
The year my daughter started kindergarten, that summer I loaded everyone up into the minivan and we really did go see the World’s Largest Ball of Twine. I freaked out that she was already
cious thing to us, time with our children, to make sure they started in the world with good times as their guide. Even me, as an at-home dad, have felt that pressure of split time, and now it’s at the point where there is no time at all.
What Happens When Father Time Runs Out?
My middle son is about to get his driver’s license and the ultimate freedom for a teenage boy. Soon he’ll be on the road without me, which terrifies me on multiple levels. Last year, I took him to the Indianapolis 500 on a whim. He’s not a fan of racing and got sick at the track. But as he laid in bed and we talked for hours, he laughed and laughed. That’s the memory we’ll hold onto.
in school and that I had squandered my time with her. I had this amazing opportunity to watch her grow up every day. Did I take full advantage of that? That question has burned along with me every year our planet has revolved around the sun. For the record, there is more than just one large ball of twine. It’s a thing and shouldn’t be confused with the largest ball of string which is totally different.
This year my daughter leaves my home to go to college and her time as an adult starts, while my time as an everyday dad dwindles. There is still so much to see.
My youngest is 11 this year and starts middle school. As I filled out this year’s registration forms on the 1980sstyle website our school uses, he asked that I not visit him for lunch anymore.
“Dad, I’m not in elementary school.”
Straight. To. The. Heart.
Where is my stoicism? Isn’t that what fathers are supposed to be made of? Isn’t that what we are taught through generations of fathers before us? What a load. Fathers were never stoic; we have always burned inside for more time with our children. And that has always conflicted with our responsibilities. We just have to hide the pain so our kids won’t worry. We have given up the most pre-
I wonder if he knows that there is a water heater museum in New York? It’s a thing; I looked it up. And since we’ve already been to the vacuum cleaner museum and the antique fan museum, this seems very on-brand for us. He can drive me there.
I never cared where we went together as a family. There were no “great destinations” that were my must-sees. That was never the point of our little family adventures. It was my attempt to stop time, capture it, and store it away for when I really needed it.
As I buy the last of the dorm stuff my daughter has on her Amazon wish list, I find that I need those memories right now. Like many parents, I found peace when the kids went to school and had time to think. I have now found that I have too much time to think, and it’s not good for me.
But summer isn’t over quite yet. I’m not moving my daughter into college right away. I have time to take her to see the World’s Largest Fork. It’s only a couple of hours away.
Shannon Carpenter is the father of three and has been a stay-at-home dad since 2008. He's the author of the book "Stay-at-Home Dad: Your Essential Manual for Being an Awesome FullTime Father.” as well as the co-host of Dadhouse Pod. In addition to his writing on parenting, he is also a humor writer trained through the famous Second City. And we all know that having a sense of humor is essential to surviving parenthood!
Family Movie Options: In Theaters and Streaming Online
15 Essential Items Missing From Your College Packing List
When my daughter went to college, we used every spare inch of the space in our SUV to carry her stuff. It seemed like she packed her whole wardrobe, enough cleaning supplies to maintain the White House and more snacks than I thought she could eat in a year. Even then, she discovered she needed a few more things — items that no one told us we should pack.
1. Your health insurance card — Yes, most campuses have a clinic onsite to diagnose Strep throat, UTIs, and other simple illnesses. However, any prescriptions are dispensed off campus at the local Walgreens or Rite Aid. My daughter found on more than one occasion that the on-
campus clinic was often overflowing with sick students, requiring her to visit the off campus urgent care.
2. Your family’s medical history — Mom isn’t going to be with her college student when she visits a doctor at school. Your student will need to know your family’s basic medical history so they don’t have to call home while filling out the doctor’s forms.
3. The ability to cook simple meals — Most students are sick of the college cafeteria food by the second week and out of money for take-out items by the third week. Take advantage of the kitchen in the dorms
by making simple pastas, egg dishes or comfort food from home.
4. Basic Kitchen Tools
No one wants to use the dorm kitchen tools (who knows the last time they were washed). Instead, buy a cheap pot, colander, large spoon, crockpot, can opener and whatever other item you need to make your favorite dishes.
5. Family passwords
My daughter texted me one night at 11:00 to ask for our cable company user name and password so she could watch The Bachelor on the ABC app. Many cable stations require proof that you are already paying for their service in order for you to watch the programs online.
6. Amazon Prime Account — Almost everything can be ordered through Amazon and shipped to you in two days including food, school supplies, books, clothes, and toiletries. Amazon Prime Student is available for free for the first 6 months and then upgrades to a full membership for 50% normal rate.
7. Rain gear — It rains on almost every college campus at least some of the time. Don’t overlook purchasing a large umbrella (big enough to cover you and your backpack), rain boots, and a waterproof jacket. No one wants to sit in a class in wet clothes.
8. Brita Water bottle
—
Disposable water bottles are surprisingly expensive in single purchases and hard to haul across campus in large cases. A Brita water bottle filters dorm room or water fountain water, saving you a ton of money and is easy on the environment.
9. Entertainment that is not electronic — Give yourself a break from the technical world. Unwind with a coloring book or catch up on your favorite magazine. Playing card games or Frisbee is a great way to bond with new friends.
10. Checks — Much to our surprise, you cannot pay for everything on campus electronically or with cash. There were two instances during my daughter’s freshman year that required me to overnight her blank checks. This may also be needed for direct deposit for on campus jobs.
11. Simple tool box —
You will need a screwdriver to open the back of your calculator battery compartment. Zip ties and duct tape are great for quick fixes. Other simple tools might be a plunger for the suite bathroom or a mini air pump for blowing up balls or bike tires.
12. First Aid Kit — Pack a simple bag of cold medicines, pain relievers, bandages, and a thermometer. As any mother can tell you, everyone gets sick after the pharmacy has closed, so it is best to stock up and be prepared.
13. Mini Tupperware/ Ziploc bags — These are great for storing extra food from your big lunch, taking snacks with you in your backpack or packing wet items when traveling for a weekend trip.
14. Business attire —
Most college students think they can wait until their Junior or Senior year to pack a suit or conservative skirt. However, some class projects, formal events or inductions require nicer clothes than a hoodie and yoga pants.
15. Your own bank account — If you didn’t need one for your high school job, it’s time to get one. Most on-campus jobs are paid via direct deposit. My daughter’s account is linked to ours (one way) so we can transfer money to her as needed.
Thermometer
Feminine products
Paper Towels
Paper Towel Holder
Clorox Wipes
Broom and Pan
Laundry Detergent
Dryer Sheets
Stain Remover
Laundry Basket
Hangers
Plastic Ware and plates
Rubber Bands
Storage Containers
Can Opener
Trash Can
Trash Bags
Batteries for replacement
- remote, calculator
Dishwashing Soap
Desk Lamp
Folding Chairs
Pillows
Sheets
Blankets
TV
Video game system
Microwave
Extension Cords
Surge Protector
Mattress Cover
Mattress Pad
Comforter
Hooks/Removable hanging tools
Decorations for walls
Fan
Fridge
Duffle bag for overnights
Drawstring backpacks
Doorstop
Pam Molnar is preparing for her 8th year of kids in college. It never gets easier to say goodbye, but each year gets easier to pack.
Speakers
Light bulb
SINGLE PARENTING
With summer behind us and school just around the corner, the month of August is about to get busy! Hopefully, your bucket lists have been checked off and you and your kids are feeling ready to go for the new school year ahead. To keep things running smoothly, I have a simple yet thorough back-to-school basics tutorial for how to make that happen.
First things first. Let’s check the basics:
Do the kids have backpacks? Will they be using the ones from last year? If yes, give them a good wash and add a new charm to hang on the outside of the bag to give it a fresh feel.
Grab your school supply lists and fill those backpacks up with all the required items so they’re ready to go for that first day.
Do the kids need new shoes? You would be surprised how fast kids grow, especially in shoe size. Your best bet is to head to the store and have your kids’ feet measured so you know their exact size. Once you have that, you can order online and be confident that you won’t have to return any wrong sizes!
Do the kids have new clothes? T.J. Maxx and Marshalls are always our go-to places for school clothes. It’s the best place to get the most for your money.
— by Meagan Ruffing
Back to School Basics
Don’t forget water bottles. It may be time to throw those old, dingy ones out and splurge for new, clean ones to encourage your kids to stay hydrated.
One of my girls’ favorite things to do when we’re back-toschool shopping is going to Bath & Body Works and picking out new hand sanitizers with holders. It’s become a tradition of ours and something we look forward to.
Get your fridge ready for school by loading up on highprotein snacks and easy-to-grab items like premade salads, string cheese, yogurt, and fruit. This is a simple way for your kids to get what they need on their own.
One of my biggest tips for this time of the year is to encourage parents to start the bedtime routine 1-2 weeks prior to the first night of school. If your kids go to bed around 10pm during the summer, move that to 9:45pm, then 9:30pm, then 9pm, and so on. This will help prepare them to get ready for their normal school night routine without the fight of ‘going to bed early.’
As a mental health therapist, I like to check-in with my kids before that first day of school approaches. I ask open-ended questions like, “What are you most nervous about? What are you looking forward to? How do you want this year to be for you?” This is a great way to start a conversation with your kids and set the precedent for ongoing communication. I also help my kids brainstorm coping skills for when they might feel some
I also help my kids brainstorm coping skills for when they might feel some nerves about starting a new grade.
nerves about starting a new grade. I give them calm strips for their computers which are sensory stickers that have different textures. I also let them know that it’s totally normal to feel nervous and that everyone else is most likely feeling that way, too!
I like to clear my calendar as much as possible during the month of August so that I am available to help the kids with whatever might come up. This means I typically say no to extra events like dinner with friends, coffee dates, etc. and I keep things simple. This helps with not running around as much as I normally do, and it sets the tone for the home that a new school year has begun and it’s time to settle in. Once August rolls by, I slowly add friend dates and outings back onto my calendar.
This month will fly by just like all the other ones so don’t let August sneak up on you! My kids will be entering 10th, 7th, and 5th grades this year and it seems like just yesterday I was walking them into their first day of kindergarten. As the saying goes, the days are long, but the years are short. Cheers to a new year school year.
Meagan Ruffing is a parenting journalist, mental health therapist, and single mom who tries to do her best each day. She doesn’t always get things right but continually strives to do better.
It's normal for kids to feel sad, act grouchy, or be in a bad mood at times. But when a sad or bad mood lasts for weeks or longer, and when there are other changes in a child’s behavior, it might be depression.
Therapy can help children who are going through sadness or depression. And there are things parents can do, too. Getting the right care can prevent things from getting worse and help a child feel better.
If sadness has lasted for weeks or longer, talk about it with your child’s doctor.
HOW CAN I TELL IF MY CHILD IS DEPRESSED?
If a child is depressed, parents may notice some of these signs:
• Sad or bad mood. A child may seem sad, lonely, unhappy, or grouchy. It can last weeks or months. A child may cry more easily. They may have more tantrums than before.
• Being self-critical. Kids going through depression may complain a lot. They may say self-critical things like, “I can't do anything right.” “I don't have any friends.” “I can't do this.” “It’s too hard for me.”
• Lack of energy and effort. Depression can drain a child’s energy. They might put less effort into school than before. Even doing little tasks can feel like too much effort. Kids may seem tired, give up easily, or not try.
• Not enjoying things. Kids don’t have as much fun with friends or enjoy playing like before. They may not feel like doing things they used to enjoy.
• Sleep and eating changes. Kids may not sleep well or seem tired even if they get enough sleep. Some may not feel like eating. Others may overeat.
• Aches and pains. Some children may have stomach aches or other pains. Some miss school days because of not feeling well, even though they aren’t sick.
WHAT CAUSES CHILD DEPRESSION?
Different things can lead to depression. There is no single cause. Some children have genes that make them more sensitive to depression. They may have other family members who have been depressed.
Some children go through stressful things. Some have faced loss, trauma, or hardships. Some go through serious health conditions. These things can lead to sadness or grief — and sometimes to depression.
Having extra support during and after hard times helps protect children from depression or lessen the effects. But even when they have good support, some children get depressed. Therapy can help them heal, feel better, and get back to enjoying things.
WHAT IS THE THERAPY FOR CHILD DEPRESSION?
The therapy for child depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Therapists help kids feel welcome and supported. They have kids talk about what they think and feel. They may use stories, play, lessons, or workbooks. These tools can help children feel at ease and get the most from CBT. When possible, a child's therapy includes their parent.
If a child has gone through a loss, trauma, or other difficult events, the therapy will include things that help a child heal from that, too. And if a parent is dealing with their own loss or depression, the child's therapist can help them get the care and support they need.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK MY CHILD IS DEPRESSED?
If you think your child is depressed:
Talk with your child about sadness and depression. Kids might not know why they are so sad and why things seem so hard. Let them know you see that they’re going through a hard time and that you’re there to help. Listen, comfort, offer your support, and show love.
Set up a visit with your child’s doctor. Let your child’s doctor know if sad or bad moods seem to go on for a few weeks. By itself, this doesn’t always mean a child is depressed. Tell your child’s doctor if you have also noticed changes in your child’s sleep, eating, energy, or effort. Tell them if your child is dealing with a loss, a big stress, or hardship.
The doctor will do a physical exam. A full exam lets the doctor check for health issues that could cause your child’s symptoms. They can also check for depression. Your child’s doctor may refer you to a child therapist. The doctor’s office might have a child therapist on staff.
Set up a visit with a child therapist. A child therapist (mental health doctor) will spend time talking with you and your child. They will do an in-depth check for depression by asking questions and listening. The therapist can explain how therapy can help your child.
Take your child to therapy visits. The therapist may suggest a few visits, or more. Therapy can take time, but you will see progress along the way.
continued on page 42
We take a look at topics important to parents of children with special needs in each and every issue of WNY Family Magazine with our monthly column.
Specia l
Does your business, agency or organization serve children with special needs in our community?
Their parents are looking for your services all year long. Advertise in conjunction with this informative column and let our readership of nearly 55,000 WNY parents know about your important programs and services each and every month.
Be patient and kind. When your child acts moody or difficult, try to stay patient. Talk with your child’s therapist about the best ways to respond when your child acts this way. Often, it helps to connect with your child in a calm way, then guide them to better behavior. Instead of feeling bad, this lets kids feel proud of doing better. It lets them see that you’re proud of them, too.
Enjoy time together. Spend time with your child doing things you both can enjoy. Go for a walk, play a game, cook, read stories, make a craft, watch a funny movie. Spend time outdoors if you can. These things gently encourage positive moods. They help you and your child feel close.
— Courtesy of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society
Traveling with your Pet
Pre-travel preparation is one of the most important parts of successfully traveling with or without a pet.
First, and most importantly, make sure your pet is fit to travel. Some animals simply cannot handle travel due to age, illness, injury or temperament. If you’re unsure, consult with your veterinarian for an expert opinion.
Get ready to travel by making sure you have all the proper identification for your travel buddy. Purchase an ID tag for your pet’s snug collar that lists your home address and cell phone number, as well as a temporary tag with the location and phone number of the place you are traveling to. You may want to invest in a GPS tracking tag or Apple Air tag as well. Bring paper or digital copies of your pet’s medical history documents and look up a local veterinary hospital. In the event of a medical emergency, these documents could be vital for the vet treating your fur baby.
If you haven’t already, now is a great time to microchip your pet. Microchipping is a safe and permanent form of identification that can be extremely useful if your pet breaks free from their collar. If your companion is already microchipped, confirm that all the contact information registered on the chip is accurate and up to date before your departure.
If you’re buying a shipping crate for your pet, be sure it is IATA approved. Any crate or carrier should be large enough for your pet to sit, stand, and turn around in with ease. It should be secure enough not to slip around when the vehicle or plane moves or stops.
If you are traveling internationally or even between states, check the requirements of your destination country or state carefully and at least a few months in advance. Check with the airlines you will use for any exact requirements, as they may require a vet exam and health certificate within a certain timeframe.
If traveling by plane, make sure to follows these tips:
• Use direct flights and travel on the same flight as your pet.
• Affix a travel label to the carrier.
• Remember to give your pet any tranquilizers or medication prescribed by your vet.
• Carry a current photograph of your pet.
• When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet.
If traveling by car, make sure to follow these tips:
• Dogs shouldn’t roam in the car; use a dog seatbelt or crate.
• Cats should be in a carrier.
• Never place a carrier or animal in the front seat or in a truck bed.
• Make sure heads are kept inside vehicle.
• If possible, travel with a buddy, so not to leave the animal alone in the car.
• Don’t ever leave pets alone in the car in warm weather (unless the engine is running and the air conditioning is on the whole time).
• Give your pet many rest stops.
• Pack a travel bag for your pet which includes any health certificates needed, water, food, leashes, pet waste bags, any medications needed, and dishes for food and water.
• You may want to bring an extra key to the vehicle.
If traveling by ship:
Apart from assistance dogs, pets are only welcome on a few cruise lines—usually only on ocean crossings—and most confine pets to kennels. Contact your cruise line in advance to find out its policies and which of its ships have kennel facilities. If you must use the ship’s kennel,
make sure it is protected from the elements and check on your pet frequently.
If traveling by train:
Amtrak now allows some pets on select trains and service animals are allowed on all lines. Some smaller U.S. railroad companies may permit animals on board. Many trains in European countries allow pets.
A final piece of advice is to practice before your trip. Get everything ready and take your pet for a test drive around the neighborhood to get used to the carrier and make sure you have everything organized before you leave. Practice a rest stop as well. This will also allow you to test out and adjust any calming meds prescribed for your pet so you can both have a safe and comfortable trip.
The Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society is a 501(c)3 organization comprised of more than 75 small animal hospitals and more than 225 practitioners in Erie and Niagara Counties. It exists to advance public awareness and understanding of appropriate and compassionate pet health care, veterinary services and the veterinary profession.
ChoicesWellness
5 Things to Know About Asthma and Summer Heat
(StatePoint) Nearly 25 million people of all ages in the United States are living with asthma, a lifelong chronic disease that makes it harder to move air in and out of the lungs.
Here’s what the American Lung Association wants everyone to know during summer, when extreme heat can make asthma harder to manage.
1. New challenges are emerging. Beyond traditional asthma triggers like respiratory infections, secondhand smoke and pets, new challenges are emerging. The effects of climate change include extreme heat, poor air quality, increased allergens, extreme weather events, and more frequent and intense wildfires, all of which are making asthma more difficult to manage.
Excessive heat and humidity increase the risk of asthma exacerbations, asthma-related hospitalization and asthma-related death, especially for children and women. Patients should limit time outdoors during heat waves, seek access to air conditioning and take steps to improve indoor air quality, as humidity allows dust mites and mold to thrive.
2. City dwellers are particularly vulnerable. Two-thirds of the average U.S. city is made up of roads, parking spaces, sidewalks and roofs. Since these surfaces are typically dark and non-porous, they contribute to flooding, increased air pollution, poor health and what is known as “urban heat,” a phenomenon in which cities experience warmer temperatures than surrounding areas. Urban heat, combined with pollutants from power plants, motor vehicles and other pollution sources, creates ozone pollution, also known as smog. Those with asthma can experience symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing from both ground-level ozone and particle pollution, as well as from the impacts of extreme weather and airborne allergens.
Sadly, these issues disproportionally impact certain communities. Due to a history of discriminatory practices like systematic denial of mortgages, insurance loans, and other financial services on the basis of race and ethnicity, Black and Indigenous people, and other people of color, are more likely to be living in areas impacted by urban heat and poor air quality.
3. Flooding can harm lung health.
Increased severe storms due to climate change results in more flooding, which can harm lung health. Chemicals, sewage, oil, gas and other dangerous substances found in floodwaters can pose health risks, and mold, associated with asthma attacks, can grow anywhere there is water or dampness.
4. Advocacy efforts are underway.
The Smart Surfaces Coalition is made up of 40 national and international organizations committed to making Smart Surfaces the global urban design standard. Smart Surfaces encompass a suite of cutting-edge technologies, including reflective (cool) roofs and pavements, green roofs, trees, solar panels and rain gardens. Designed to mitigate urban heat, enhance air quality and improve health, these transformative urban features can cool cities by 5 degrees F, reduce flooding, provide economic benefits and potentially advance environmental justice.
The American Lung Association, an active member of the Smart Surfaces Coalition, encourages cities to take these actions:
• Install light-colored roads, parking lots and driveways to reflect sunlight and reduce heat.
• Install solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity and provide shade for roofs.
• Plant trees to increase shade.
• Select porous surfaces to collect polluted stormwater, soak it into the ground, and filter out pollution.
Other strategies to reduce urban heat, air pollution and ozone levels include using public transportation carpooling, increasing green spaces and installing cooling centers in extreme conditions.
5. Resources are available.
Educational programming can help people better manage the disease in summer and year-round. Patients can check out the self-management education programs, information and tools available at Lung.org/asthma or call the American Lung Association’s Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNGUSA. Living with an illness, or being the caretaker to someone who is, can take a physical and emotional toll. Patients can get support and knowledge, and connect with others by joining the Lung Association’s Patient & Caregiver Network.
For the 24.8 million Americans living with asthma, extreme summer temperatures and emerging environmental threats can make life more difficult. Fortunately, new educational resources and expanded programming can help patients navigate new and old challenges alike.
Celebrate Salad Season Outside the Bowl
Elevate mealtimes with Caesar salad-inspired dishes
(Family Features) From putting a family meal on the table after activities to hosting a large crowd at your next gettogether, a seasonal favorite like Caesar salad can serve as the perfect canvas for creating quick, easy-to-prepare meals.
With more than 100 varieties of fresh, healthy and convenient ready-toeat salads — including 11 Caesar salad varieties like the Caesar Chopped Salad Kit — Fresh Express provides tasty, versatile salad kits that can be modified to fit nearly any kind of meal you might be craving.
Available in the refrigerated produce department, these premium mixes can be eaten as a standalone salad when time is of the essence or taken beyond the bowl and fused with another beloved classic, like tacos, for a burst of flavor and texture in every bite. These Fried Chicken Caesar Tacos, ready in just 30 minutes, feature savory Caesar salad — crisp, chopped romaine; herb-seasoned crouton crumbles; cracked pepper; grated Parmesan cheese; and a delicious Parmesan Caesar dressing — enveloped in a crispy, golden chicken shell.
Even when time is limited, flavor doesn’t need to be compromised. Inspired by high-end dining experiences, the Fresh Express Twisted Creamy Truffle Caesar Chopped Salad Kit provides a gourmet twist to turn these Creamy Truffle Caesar Pork Sandwiches into a culinary delight. Ready is just 20 minutes and featuring tender pork strips; a Caesar salad mix of garden-fresh crispy romaine lettuce, delicate sprinkles of truffle Parmesan cheese, crunchy garlic brioche croutons and creamy dressing; and sauteed onions on a toasted bun, every bite is a sensation to be savored.
To find more inspiration for elevating your salads or locate a store near you, visit freshexpress.com.
Creamy Truffle
Caesar Pork Sandwiches
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
2 pounds boneless skinless pork chops
4 tablespoons Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 red onion
1 bag (9.3 ounces) Fresh Express Twisted Caesar Creamy Truffle Caesar Chopped Salad Kit
4 long sandwich rolls
Preheat pan on stove over mediumhigh heat. Season pork chops with Italian seasoning.
When pan is hot, add oil and pork chops. Cook pork chops, turning halfway through, until they reach minimum internal temperature of 145º F, 6-8 minutes per side (depending on thickness).
Chicken Caesar Tacos
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
3 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet taco seasoning
2 chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally
3 cups neutral oil
1 bag (9.4 ounces) Fresh Express Caesar Chopped Salad Kit
In shallow bowl, beat eggs. In separate bowl, combine flour and half packet of taco seasoning.
Place chicken in resealable bag and, using meat tenderizer, pound to 1/4-inch thickness.
Once pork chops are cooked through, remove from pan and let rest a few minutes.
Peel and slice onion. After resting, slice pork into strips; set aside.
In same pan, saute onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
In large bowl, combine lettuce, dressing, croutons and cheese from salad kit.
In separate pan, toast buns until golden brown; set aside.
To build sandwiches, place sliced pork on bottom halves of toasted buns. Top with prepared salad mixture and sauteed onions. Finish with top halves of buns.
In medium saute pan, heat oil over medium heat.
Season chicken breasts with remaining taco seasoning.
Coat chicken in flour mixture, dip into beaten eggs then coat chicken in flour mixture again, pressing firmly to adhere.
In pan with hot oil, cook battered chicken until golden brown, flipping halfway through, until chicken reaches minimum internal temperature of 165º F, 4-5 minutes per side (depending on thickness). Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding pan, if necessary.
Once fully cooked, fold chicken over to create taco shell-shape. Place sheet pan on top to hold shape, 3-4 minutes.
In large bowl, combine lettuce, dressing, croutons and cheese from salad kit.
Once chicken taco shells set, carefully remove sheet pan. Fill each taco shell with prepared salad mixture.
THE KIDDIE GOUR ME T
Our visit to Gather American Eatery was during the Lewiston Garden Festival, and how appropriate that was since the food was true culinary art. Children 12 and under can gather here and order entrees for $12.00, accompanied by a drink, fries or vegetable. Available are Mac and Cheese, Chicken fingers, Burger (Cheese), and Buttered Noodles.
— by Barbara Blackburn
Gather American Eatery
453 Center Street
Lewiston, NY 14092
716-405-7162
gallorestaurants.com
~ SPOONS ~
5/5
4/5
pancetta, parmesan cheese, egg yolk, and cracked black pepper. Incidentally, across the road is the Gallo Coal Fire, the Italian relative restaurant.
Our appetizers were two artsy and tasty plates: Parmesan Doughnuts and Riders on Horseback. Parmesan Doughnuts ($7.00), with crispy fried basil, received high marks from us. Crispy yet fluffy parmesan doughnuts served over marinara with fresh parmesan rang the bell on our culinary hit parade. Crispy pork belly topped with herbal goat cheese and wine poached dates were not far behind ($10.00). Angels on Horseback has the same concept, yet this one soars in a new creativity.
A handheld keeps the gourmet creativity in a burger ($21.00) — 1/3 pound burger, roasted red peppers, calabrese pepper puree, boursin cheese, balsamic tomato jam, and mixed greens on a DiCamillo roll, served with french fries. Who needs the burger with that line up of culinary companions?
Shall we add that if you are not a member of the prohibition society, check the drink list. The spirited root beer and the new-fashioned Old Fashion, with simple syrup and muddled oranges and a cherry, lasted me and Dad all through the meal.
Looking to strike up a conversation with your child? Here are some FUN QUESTIONS to get things going!
What is something you are really good at?
Cod and Couscous ($25.00) paired my favorite fish with some fresh produce favorably treated. The description reads garlic seared cod, kalamata olive puree, and roasted red pepper romesco, served over chilled couscous. The hot and the cold temperatures mated well on the plate.
Salmon loving Dad ordered the waitress’ favorite—Seared Salmon ($29.00). With this perfect dish came crispy fingerlings, asparagus, and lemon parsley cream. The kitchen mastered the art of asparagus and potato cookery.
A couple of other items to mention are Pastore Pie ($18.00) and Carbonara ($21.00). The pie employs beef instead of lamb to re-create Shepherds’ Pie. Carbonara is an Italian classic with
We inquired about dessert and chose Fried Cheesecake ($9.00) over the chocolate cake. A splendid version of itself it was — fried cinnamon crumbs over three wonton-like structures with a baptism of blueberry sauce, encasing the famous creamy filling.
Even had it not been a splendid summer day, the destination from our home in Williamsville would have been worth the journey.
Barb has been happily doing the Kiddie Gourmet for over 35 years. She has two aging children and four grandchildren, all living in Florida. She is a home instructor and community education cooking instructor for Williamsville Central Schools. She is the 2023 recipient of the Buffalo State Alumni Association Senior Service Award.
What makes you nervous?
What does it mean to be a good friend?
What is something you want to learn how to do?
Do you think it’s more important to be rich or kind?
