September 2023

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Michele Miller

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Michelle Richter

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Barbara Blackburn • Donna Phillips

Shannon Carpenter • Deborah Williams

Kathy Lundquist • Mike Daugherty

Meagan Ruffing

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Where It’s At! Back To School!

Features:

6 n Tips to Start Your Kids Off on the Right Foot This School Year by Kimberly Blaker

8 n Dear Parents: An HONEST Letter from A Teacher by Rebecca Hastings

10 n Make Your Life Easier: Teach Your Child to Make Their Lunch

24 n

by

26 n Family Travel

Strong

by

34 n Special Needs

by

by

Award Winning Academy of Theatre Arts

What’s New... IN THE KIDBIZ web.finds

SPECIAL OFFER FOR WNY FAMILY READERS

SIGHT WORDS FLASH CARDS

Help your child improve their reading. These handy flash cards give skill-building practice with a sight-word on the front, plus a sentence on the back showing the word in context. Each set includes 95 cards featuring common sight-words children will encounter every day. The card sets gradually increase in difficulty. For ages 6 and up. (Lakeshorelearning.com, $9.99 per set or $27.99 for all three sets)

WRITE-ON WIPE OFF

Highlights magazine was born in 1946 and has been enjoyed by generations of children ever since. Their company now produces a variety of educational products. These write-on wipe-off practice books, each with 56 pages, combine their popular Hidden Pictures puzzles and other entertaining activities with lessons in a way that makes it fun for kids to learn. The reusable format lets kids easily wipe out their previous attempts as many times as they like, to enjoy again and again. The spiral binding lets both right-handers and left-handers write easily. A dry-erase marker is included with every book. For ages 3-8. (shop.highlights.com, $14.99 each; on sale at press time for $6 each!)

MULTIPLICATION FACTS

Helping kids master multiplication is so important! It relates to learning division, percentages, and algebra basics. It’s essential for calculations like tripling recipes, finding square footage, and so much more. A hundred years of research shows practice testing is highly likely to boost retention, develop speed, accuracy, and confidence. This set of 56 cards has the answers on the back of each card. For ages 8 and up.

(School Zone Publishing on Amazon, $2.67)

WORD MAGNETS

Your child will get a jump start on reading, writing, and building sentences with these interactive sight word magnets. Works on any magnetic surface, including the fridge! A great way for kids to practice language building skills while having fun! Includes 60+ pieces. For ages 5 and up. (Active Minds on Amazon, $4.99)

This fall, D’Youville Kavinoky Theatre is inviting students and families to a unique theatrical experience called What the Constitution Means to Me written by Heidi Schreck. This boundary breaking play breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans. At 15, Heidi earned her college tuition money by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. As Heidi resurrects her teenage self in this hilarious and hopeful new play, she invites us all to engage more deeply with the founding document that shapes our lives. What the Constitution Means to Me, directed by Robyn Lee Horn, stars Lindsay Brandon Hunter, Kodi James, and Amara Gómez.

On Wednesday, September 20th there is a special On School Time performance for school groups with discounted tickets and a post-show discussion. Teachers or educators interested in bringing students to this performance can get more information and reserve group tickets by contacting Ben Moran at moran@dyc. edu. The show runs approximately 90 minutes and is suitable for adults and teenagers (15+); ideal student groups would be Juniors, Seniors, or college level.

As a special offer to readers of Western New York Family, parents, guardians, or adults who buy one regular priced ticket are able to bring up to two (2) students for just $1 each. For this show, students include high school and college aged students (it is not appropriate for middle or elementary aged students).

To take advantage of this offer, call the Box Office at (716) 8297668, Tuesday-Friday from 11am3pm; leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible. The show opens September 8 and runs through September 24, with performances on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. More information can be found at www.kavinokytheatre.com.

This year, when it comes to back-to-school, how about thinking “back to basics” when it comes to how our children learn, and how we can help them at home to do well in school? Best of all, no electronics or screen time is involved!

Tip s to Star t Your Kids Off on the Right Foot This School Year

The mark of a new school is often anticipated with a mix of emotions for kids and parents alike, ranging from exhilaration to anxiety. Kids are excited to wear their new clothes, see their classmates, and participate in extracurricular activities. Parents are proud to see their kids reach another milestone and look forward to exciting new experiences for their growing children.

But the school year can bring about challenges as well that leave kids and parents anxious. So, follow these tips to get your kids off to a good start and keep them on course.

Kids Need

Their Z’s

Sufficient sleep is essential to proper brain function. When kids are deprived of sleep, it can interfere with their memory, attention, and ability to learn. Insufficient sleep can also adversely affect health. It contributes to Type 2 diabetes in children and teens.

Mental health is also affected by sleep. Kids who don’t get enough quality sleep are at risk for mood swings,

anxiety, hyperactivity, and aggressive behavior.

Unfortunately, because teens’ circadian rhythm keeps them alert later at night, early school start times don’t help. But getting plenty of sleep is crucial. Kids ages 6 to 12 need 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, and teens require 8 to 10.

To help your kids fall asleep more easily, set a curfew and regular bedtime for school nights accordingly. On weekends, kids want to stay up later. Just try not to let their weekend sleep patterns veer too far from their weeknight routine. Otherwise, it’ll be a challenge to get them back on track. Also:

★ Remove media from bedrooms at night.

★ Set a curfew of 2-3 hours before bed for caffeine.

★ Keep bedroom temperatures 3 degrees cooler at night than during the daytime.

★ Make sure your kids have plenty of blankets.

★ Have your child take a hot bath before bed.

★ Have kids eat a light, high carbohydrate snack before bed, such as fruit or white grains.

Balance Is Essential

During the school year, kids have a lot on their plate. In addition to school, they have family, friends, homework, chores, extracurricular activities, and perhaps a part-time job.

But balance is essential to your child’s wellbeing. The reason such imbalance sometimes develops is that parents see other families involved in so many extracurricular activities. As a result, parents think they’re not doing their job if their kids aren’t always on the go. Because kids want to make their parents happy and proud of them, kids often don’t speak up when they feel overwhelmed.

Structured activities do provide valuable benefits to kids. Still, they need free time to play and socialize as well. When kids lack balance in their lives, it can cause them stress and interfere with their ability to sleep and optimal functioning. It can also affect their mental wellness.

Pay Attention To Emotional Health

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 adolescents has a mental health condition. A significant percentage of younger kids also experience mental disorders. Conditions range from anxiety and depression to attention deficit disorder, and in the later teen years, bipolar and schizophrenia.

School success is strongly tied to kids’ emotional wellness. Unfortunately, when kids exhibit behavioral changes, parents often assume it’s just a childhood or adolescent phase as opposed to a mental health problem.

Child and family therapist, Donna M. Carollo, LMFT, says when a child or teen “exhibits symptoms of depression for over a month, it’s time to seek professional help.” Carolla points out a few signs to watch for that could indicate depression or another mental illness. These include “a child wanting to socially isolate, exhibiting excessive fatigue, a change in appetite, a lack of desire to do any of the fun things they used to, or a sudden drop in academic performance.”

Drugs and alcohol misuse or abuse may also be symptoms of a mental health condition. If you suspect your teen is misusing or abusing substances, intervention is crucial. You can make an appointment with a mental health care professional or contact an addiction treatment center for help.

You can also contact the local public behavioral health care agency for child and adolescent mental health or substance abuse concerns.

Limit Cell Phone Use

According to a 2018 survey by Pew Research Center, more than half of kids between 13 and 17 worry they spend too much time on their cell phones. Just over half also say they’ve taken steps to reduce their use of it. Fifty-seven percent have made efforts to limit their time on social media and 58% to limit video games.

Cell phone addiction has become a growing problem among adolescents. According to Carollo, “Something is considered an addiction when the chosen behavior causes an individual to suffer in many other valued areas of their life.” She cautions, however, that “a parent’s values and a child’s values don’t always sync.” Still, says Carollo, “if the cell phone is interfering with faceto-face family and friend time, school work, sleep, or exercise” that’s when it’s time for parents to enforce some guidelines.

To gain kids’ cooperation, ask them to help you create the rules. Also, allow your adolescent an hour or two of daily phone time because socialization is an integral part of teen development.

At night, however, require all phones are on their chargers outside of bedrooms. Other helpful rules include no phones during mealtime and that chores and homework must be completed before kids can have their phones. Also, set consequences for breaking cell phone rules. Loss of their cell phone for a specified period is an appropriate measure.

Get Academic Help

If your child has struggled academically in the past or grades begin to suffer, your kid may need help. Any of the above issues, among other things, can lead to academic problems.

Some kids struggle with retaining information, understanding concepts, or have a different learning style. Also, learning disabilities can affect kids of all intelligence levels and cause academic challenges.

If your child is struggling in one or more subjects, ask your child’s teachers about their observations. Then talk to the school principal. Public schools are required to provide an assessment upon request. If your child attends a private school that doesn’t offer assessments, you can request it through your public school district.

Whatever the reason for your child’s school difficulties, there are ways to help. First, establish a regular homework time. Also, set up a quiet, distraction-free area as a homework station and furnish it with a desk or comfortable chair. Kids’ rooms provide too many distractions. Plus, the ability to close their door can hide that they’re not on task.

Also, consider a tutor. Some schools offer free one-on-one or afterschool group tutoring. Another option is to ask a trusted family member, neighbor, or friend who might be interested in helping. You can find free online video tutorials at KhanAcademy.org as well.

Another option is to hire a tutor. Look for local tutoring companies, or visit TakeLessons.com or Care.com to find local tutors.

Kimberly Blaker is a mother of two and grandmother. She is also a published author, award-winning research writer, professional freelance writer, and former columnist. Her articles, editorials, and content have appeared in more than 300 magazines, newspapers, and websites.

Dear Parents: An HONEST Letter from A Teacher

Dear Parents, These words don’t come easily. I find myself in a position where I am left with no choice but to bare my heart on my sleeve and ask a favor.

Could you please give your child time to play?

I want to provide this for them in school. I miss the days of a dress-up trunk and play kitchen. I miss the block corner and a craft table. Your children need these things, and I can no longer provide them.

See, the day is busy, as you know. We are in a new era of education. Opinions on that aside, I want you to know I recognize the change. The academic rigor is good but also pushes other things out of the picture.

Your child is learning higher-level mathematical concepts at a much earlier age. Algebra is introduced in first grade now. But there is a cost, and exploring geometry through LEGOs and wooden blocks just doesn’t fit in.

The writing your child is doing is amazing. There are insights and opinions and text-based evidence, but I had

to let something go to make room for this. Unfortunately, we don’t really have time for the creative writing we used to see so much of. It’s not gone, but it feels that way sometimes.

Complex texts and more non-fiction are filling our day. This provides amazing connections with social studies and science concepts. But the loss is things you may remember about grade school.

have found in any encyclopedia. But it does mean more time in front of screens and that typing trumps cursive. I know that’s hard to swallow, but it’s just the best use of our time.

Art, music, and physical education are still there for most of us, but not in the classroom. It’s one session a week as a “special,” but I just don’t have the time or resources to pull the paints out in the classroom anymore. I’m unsure how to justify it with everything else that must be taught.

Thankfully, reading is still an essential part of our day. We read books and articles and primary sources. It’s wonderful to open up new worlds of information. But it had to take the place of something and reading for fun seemed to be the thing that fell away. It breaks my heart, but this is why I need you.

We don’t learn about the 50 states and capitals anymore, and the solar system study is no longer about making models of the planets.

The technology we have is amazing. Computers are putting more information at their fingertips than we could

I need you to bridge this gap with me. When your children come home, please fill these voids in what I am able to do in six hours a day.

Let them be messy with glitter and paint. I know it’s hard, but they need time to be creative.

Let them be loud and run and get dirty outside. I know there is not a lot of time, but their bodies need freedom to move.

Let them read a book just because it’s beautiful. I know you’re busy with dinner and homework, but the beauty of words can inspire them to dream.

Let them try new things. Go places. Visit the library just because. Play tag. Build a tower. Let their imagination run free.

Kids need this. Play will only help them become better learners, thinkers, and creators. No matter how old or young they may be, please make time for them to play.

I will do my best for them in the classroom. I will provide academic rigor and teach all that I’m supposed to. On top of that, I’ll try to squeeze in opportunities for all that’s been pushed aside. I’ll do what I can, but I need your help.

Please, give them time to play.

Sincerely, A Teacher Who Wants the Best

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.

Make Your

Life Easier:

Teach Your Child to Make Their Lunch

Iam the kind of mean mom who made her kids pack their lunch when they were in first grade. Yes, you read that right. First grade. I let a six-year-old decide what she was taking to school in her lunchbox. And you know what, it turned out to be one of my best parenting ideas.

When I was a kid, my mom packed my lunch. Peanut butter sandwich. Chips. Apple. Not only was it boring, but it was seldom eaten. I am not a fan of sandwiches and I would have preferred cut-up veggies to an apple. But that was our routine so I never told my mom any different.

My friends with older kids complained all the time about how much they dreaded making their kids’ lunch. They too slipped into a routine of the same old menu. I wonder if they ever questioned why the same apple went back and forth all week without being eaten.

I was determined not to do that with my kids, and a few days before the first day of school, we did a few dry runs. This is what I did to make things easier:

Provide A Variety of Containers

There are so many fun lunchbox accessories available. We use a thermos to keep mac and cheese warm, bento boxes with separate compartments, screw-on lid containers for easy opening and closing, and zipper snack bags to help with portion control. Lunch box-sized ice packs are also a good idea. Just remind your child to put them back in the freezer when they get home so they are good to go in the morning.

Pick A Consistent Time for Packing Lunch

My kids are all early risers, so they usually make their lunches in the morning. That way, they can pack their lunch and put it right into their backpacks without worrying about forgetting to pull it out of the refrigerator. However, if you know your child would do better in the evening, set a consistent time — after practice or dinner — so they are not rushing in the morning.

Make A List of Options

When my daughter first started making lunch, we talked about nutrition on her level. We made a small poster with pictures under categories like proteins, starches, dairy and fruits and vegetables. I am a big believer in everything in moderation so they did have a category for less healthy snacks. If nothing else, they were good for lunchroom trades.

Pre-Bag Snacks

Kids are natural snackers so we keep a snack drawer full of grab-and-go items like prebagged fruits and veggies, dry cereal, cut-up cheese, pretzels, etc. (This is a great idea for adults, too.) We also fill small containers with ranch dressing, hummus, or ketchup. I also buy single serving items like yogurt and granola bars. It gives the kids the option to do for themselves without asking a parent to come in and pour, scoop or chop.

— by Pam Molnar

Provide Planned Leftovers

Who doesn’t love a meal that is ready to go? We often cook extra meat or use leftovers from restaurants so that lunch is easy to put together. My kids love to grab leftover grilled chicken to dip in ketchup or ranch dressing. Leftover pizza, pasta, and even breakfast items like pancakes with Nutella are a big hit.

Let Them Pick Items From The Grocery Store

Every week I would ask the kids what they wanted for lunches. I knew the staples — fruit, yogurt, cracker snacks, lunchmeat and cheese — but they often came home with ideas from their friend’s lunches, which we would try out ourselves. It is always nice to try new things like a smoothie in a thermos or a new flavor of chips.

While I don’t remember exactly what my daughter made for herself on the first day of school, I do remember how proud she was that she did it herself. Making her lunch not only gave my daughter the ability to make her own decisions, but it also taught her life skills about nutrition, responsibility, and time management.

Pam Molnar is the mother of three lunch making champions and a writer who enjoys sharing her parenting wins with others.

Homework Help: 15 Ways to Support Your Child

Let’s be honest – sometimes parents dread homework as much as their kids do. But homework connects parents to what their children are learning in school, and research shows that children are more likely to be successful in school when their families support them. By following these tips, even the most homeworkchallenged parents can help their children have a successful homework year.

1) Understand the reason for homework.

Homework reinforces what is being taught in the classroom and teaches students important life skills — responsibility, time management, and task completion. Children should be able to complete the work with little help from parents, and they shouldn’t come home with an entirely new concept to learn. Homework should be practice or an extension of what they’ve already learned.

2) Know the teacher’s philosophy.

Teachers have different philosophies about how much homework to assign. Some think piling on a ton of homework helps build character. Others think children have done enough work during the day and don’t assign any. Understand where your child’s teacher falls on the homework spectrum so you are not surprised as the homework does (or doesn’t) come home. If you are unsure what a reasonable amount of homework is, The National Education Association and The National Parent Teacher Association recommend 10-20 minutes of homework per night in the first grade,

and an additional 10 minutes per grade after that.

3) Learn what the homework rules are.

At Open House, learn the homework policy of the school and your child’s teacher. What are the consequences for lost or forgotten homework? Don’t be quick to bail your child out every time you get a frantic text message about forgotten homework. One of the purposes of homework is to teach responsibility.

4) Get organized.

Your child should have a backpack and homework folder to carry assignments between home and school. Teachers of primary students usually send homework correspondence each night. If your older child’s teacher doesn’t require students to record school work in an assignment book, provide one yourself and teach your child how to fill it out.

5) Schedule a consistent time.

With sports, service projects, religious and community activities, it can be hard to schedule one set time every day to do homework. Aim for as much consistency as possible when scheduling homework around after-school activities.

6) Designate a study space.

Pick a homework space free from distractions. However, consider your child’s personality and ability to

— by Janeen Lewis

ONLINE HELP WITH HOMEWORK

There’s An App for That!

myHomework

This student planner syncs across devices and allows students to access classes and assignments and sends due date reminders.

My GradeBook

Students or parents can keep track of grades with this app.

StudyBlue

Provides tools including flashcards, notes and study guides.

Tinycards

This flashcard app helps with memorization.

Meta Calculator

A graphing, scientific, matrix and statistics calculator app; this will help in those challenging upperlevel math classes.

WEBSITES

Dictonary.com and Thesaurus.Com

This website is a dual tool to help students define words and find synonyms.

focus when selecting a homework station. Some children concentrate best in complete quiet at the kitchen table or a desk. Others study well on their bed with background music. And reading areas can be creative like a reading tent or comfy bean bag. Make study areas free from video games, television, and the games of other siblings who finish homework early.

7) Create a supply caddy.

Fill a plastic caddy or bin organizer with items your child might need for homework. Some good supplies are pencils, markers, crayons, highlighters, glue, tape, stapler, three-hole punch, paper clips, notebook paper, small wipeoff board with dry erase markers, art paper, graph paper, calculator, protractor, compass, ruler and a dictionary/thesaurus combo. Also provide a wipe-off calendar for important due dates.

8) Be available, but don’t do the work.

Helping your child with homework is a great way to connect with them, but don’t spoon feed answers. The whole point of homework is for children to practice skills independently.

9) Use a timer if necessary.

Sometimes children like to procrastinate. Some children like the challenge of beating the clock. Either way, a timer keeps a child focused all the way to the finish line.

10) Keep a resource bookshelf.

Can’t remember what a gerund is? Are you a little rusty on what the terms perpendicular and parallel mean? Keep an assortment of reference books or save online references to your Favorites list on your computer. A good math dictionary for parents of elementary students is Math Dictionary: Homework Help for Families by Judith de Klerk. Another great resource is the Everything You Need to Know About Homework Series Set by Anne Zeman and Kate Kelly.

11)

Create a phone chain.

How many times has your child left their spelling words at school or forgotten a lesson? Help your child make a list of friends they can call or get to know other parents in your child’s class so you can have a phone chain to get answers about assignment due dates.

12) Model learning as a priority.

Let your child see you reading the newspaper or books. Discuss current events, politics or the new art or history museum you want to visit. Find exciting tidbits in their homework lessons and research them. Show by example that learning is fun.

13)

Encourage.

No matter how tired you are, have a positive attitude about the work your child is doing. Encourage their efforts and let them know you are proud of them.

14) Reward.

Homework rewards don’t have to be elaborate, although you may want to up the ante for a struggling child or one who is hard to motivate. A reward can be something as simple as a fun activity when they finish. But you can also keep a homework incentive chart and let your child earn a special activity with mom or dad, some extra screen time or a dinner out.

15) Don’t be afraid to speak up.

If you think too much homework is coming home, that your child isn’t familiar with the material or that they are struggling, don’t be too intimidated to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher. Most teachers welcome feedback and want to help your child succeed.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

Support for Common School Work Struggles

What if my child breezes through homework or is under challenged in school?

Talk to your child’s teacher about giving your child more challenging work. If your child still seems to be on Easy Street, you might consider having him or her tested for gifted services. Finally, if the problem persists over time, ask to have your child promoted or see if he or she can take classes in areas of strength in a higher grade.

What if my child is getting too much homework?

Too much homework can be a drain on family time. And if your child is spending hours completing homework every night, they may get burnt out. Talk to other parents in your child’s class to see if they are encountering the same problem. Then approach your child’s teacher diplomatically with the problem. If the problem doesn’t get any better you might consider discussing it with the administration or the school’s Parent Teacher Association to see if a more reasonable and uniform policy can be decided for the school.

What if my child is taking too long to complete homework?

Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist and teacher with a Master’s Degree in education. Because she loves to see her students get lost in books, reading is her favorite homework to assign.

If you have a good homework routine in place, and your child is working hard but struggling, don’t panic. Sometimes kids take longer to learn some skills than others. But if the problem becomes pervasive, this could be a sign your child needs some extra help. Consider hiring a tutor or see if your school offers homework help at its afterschool program. If your child begins to fall behind, testing him or her might be a good course of action to rule out any learning challenges. Remember, keep an upbeat attitude. Don’t lose heart, and chances are your child won’t either.

Inspiring Books for

Kids Struggling to Fit in at School

Watching your child struggle is one of the hardest things we do as parents. So often we see what they are going through and don’t know how to help them. Sometimes kids don’t know how to express what they are going through. This creates a chasm that leaves our children feeling lonely and us feeling lost. Books bridge that gap.

School is exciting and filled with learning new things. Except for when it’s not. It’s easy for kids to feel different, less than others, or like they don’t fit in. These ten books help them see how normal those feelings are while showing how to increase selfesteem, be themselves, and show kindness to others.

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes offers the most beautiful story about a girl who is being teased at school. The reader sees her struggle and immediately wants to cheer for this little mouse with the big name. A fantastic read-aloud for kids in preschool and up, Chrysanthemum will leave kids feeling hopeful and confident in who they are.

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae is a silly story about a loveable giraffe that feels like he’s not like

his friends. Ages three and up will love the vivid animal illustrations and laugh with Gerald as he discovers how to find his own music. It also shows kids how they can be a good friend by cheering on people who are different from them.

A beautiful story that looks at skin color in all its shades, The Colors of Us by Karen Katz journeys with a little girl through her neighborhood. Trying to paint a picture of herself she struggles to find the right color of paint. As she walks through her neighborhood, she sees the beautiful skin of everyone around her in all its varying shades. Perfect for little kids and older kids alike, this story reminds us that we are all unique and that it’s a beautiful thing.

A silly story with a strong message, A Bad Case of Stripes by David

Shannon reminds us to be exactly who we are, even if it’s not the same as the people around us. Through this funny tale and illustrations, kids see how much better it is to be themselves than to conform. Perfect for early elementary grades, kids will laugh and be reminded it’s okay to be different.

You Are Special

by Max Lucado is one of the treasures in the Wemmick’s stories. Beautifully illustrated with characters that carry through to all the books, kids see that you are special no matter what anyone else thinks of you. Perfect for those striving to be like everyone else, You Are Special spans early elementary to middle grades with this heartwarming story.

A teacher and family favorite, Wonder by R. J. Palacio is one of the most honest stories about a boy who looks different and his experiences at school. This story will inspire your child (and you) to be

— by Rebecca Hastings

Middle school can be challenging for anyone, but Catherine faces special challenges in Rules by Cynthia Lord. Struggling to understand how to be who she is when her family life often revolves around her brother with autism, Catherine sets out to understand

continued on page 42

the best version of yourself, embrace all that life gives you, and find joy in the hardest places. While it is a middlegrade novel, it is a fantastic read-aloud for grade 3 through adulthood. It is also a movie, perfect for family viewing after you read the book!

Blubber by Judy Blume is a classic tale of middle school teasing. While it may not solve every part of the problem, it opens the door to conversation about bullying and all the roles people play when someone is bullied. A middle-grade favorite, this is a great book to read with your child.

A fantastic graphic novel, All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson is the journey of a girl named Imogene who has grown up in the Renaissance Faire scene. Finally headed to public school, she finds out middle school can be tricky and friendships aren’t always what they seem. Discovering how to be herself and finding out what real friendship looks like, this book is a treasure for fans of graphic novels.

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Register until October 27th for performance classes. Register anytime of the year for a non-performance class.

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Preparing Your Kids for College: 10 Things to do Now so They are Ready

My son looked at me with dread in his eyes. He needed to find out about driver’s education classes, and there was minimal information on the website. I smiled and told him he needed to call them. As he held the phone in his hand, he wasn’t sure what to do, what to say, or what to ask. He didn’t want to make the call, but I knew he needed to.

As kids approach adulthood, there are things you can do to help them feel prepared and confident. From simple things like making a phone call, to more complex skills like financial planning, you can help your child feel ready for college and more.

Here are 10 helpful things to teach your child:

LIFE SKILLS

LCook simple meals: Yes, they will probably have a meal plan if they go away to college. But knowing how to make a few meals will help them far beyond their college years. Spend time including them in food preparation. Teach them how to follow a recipe, measure, and prep ingredients.

Transfer healthcare: While you have been responsible for every aspect of their healthcare, they need to learn how to navigate their health. Let them make appointments, handle check-in, and share insurance information. Give them a chance to answer questions at doctor’s appointments before you give any input, and be sure to give them one on one time with the doctor. Letting go of the control in this area can feel hard, but they must learn how to do this. The more you equip them to handle these things, the easier it will be when they get sick and are away from home.

Run errands: Things that seem simple to us can be challenging for teens because they haven’t done them before. Give them a chance to run errands like

going to the grocery store or pumping gas so they learn how to do these things on their own. Even having them take the car in for an oil change or bring the dog to the groomer so they learn how to interact with service providers independently is helpful to prepare them for college and adulthood.

Self-care: This isn’t about relaxing or taking time for yourself, although that is a helpful thing to model and teach. This is about teaching your child how to take care of things like hygiene, laundry, making a bed, wiping down counters, cleaning out the fridge, getting rest and exercise, and even managing time. While it is nice to do these things for them sometimes, make that the exception. In life, it is not typical for someone else to handle these things. Teach them how to do it now and they will be much better off down the road.

FINANCIAL SKILLS

Open a bank account: Help your child open their bank account. If they are under eighteen, you will need to be on the account with them, but many banks offer student accounts that can be opened as young as fifteen and used until their early to mid-twenties. Be sure to get an account with a

— by Rebecca Hastings

Adulting College

debit card and teach them how it works, as well as how to monitor their spending.

Pay bills: Kids need to learn how to pay bills on time. Even if they don’t have any official bills, you can start teaching them to contribute to their expenses such as cell phone or car insurance bills on a certain day each month.

Plan spending and saving: Have regular conversations about how to plan their spending. Budgeting can sound too intense for many teens, so ask questions to get them thinking about upcoming expenses or savings. For example, “I saw that the fair is coming. How much do you plan on spending when you go with your friends?” or “I know you’re hoping to get a computer before college starts. How much do you need to save each month to make that happen?” Questions like these will help your child think ahead about how to best use their money.

LEARNING & PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Talk about plans: Have regular conversations about what options are available to your child. If they are going to college, make them part of the process and help them understand the financing. Whether you are paying for school, they are paying for school, or they are utilizing aid, clear communication is essential so they know what they are responsible for now and in the future.

Prepare documents: College requires a lot of documents. From resumes to applications, essays to scheduling, there are a lot of

things to fill out. Let your child fill them out. Yes, you can answer questions. But help them take responsibility for their learning by handling this process. There can be a lot of questions and discussions that need to happen for them to do this. Consider setting aside a weekly time to answer any questions they may have so you both have the time and attention you need for the tasks to be done.

Pay attention to deadlines: The college application process is full of deadlines. Taking tests, sending transcripts, completing admissions and financial applications, and sending deposits all have very specific deadlines. Discuss these with your child and expect them to meet these deadlines. It is helpful to talk about upcoming deadlines together and even ask them to plan time to complete the tasks. Visual and digital reminders will help them stay on track so they meet any upcoming deadlines.

If you give them the opportunity to do these things now when you are available to help if needed, they will feel ready and better equipped to do these things on their own.

– by Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts

Know What Is Going on with Your Children’s Life at School

Parents: There is a middle ground that you should aim for in your involvement in your children’s education. You want to avoid being a helicopter parent overseeing every aspect of their education. On the other hand, do not go to the extreme of not being involved at all. They need your help in so many ways. One thing, for sure, your involvement in your children’s education will need to change as they advance from preschool and into high school and even college.

No matter where your children are in school, especially now at the start of this new school year, be careful that you have not set up unrealistic expectations. To do so may get your children feeling like failures for not meeting your expectations. Realistically, a student who has been a good, but not outstanding student, should not be expected to immediately become a shining academic star. And the one who has always been in the chorus may not suddenly become a soloist. This is not to say these things won’t happen. Many children start meeting with greater success the older they get. And it often takes boys longer than girls to get into the academic swing at school.

Absolutely Necessary Involvement

First of all, there are two events at the start of the school year that you must attend. The first one is Back-to-School or Open House night. This is your chance to get a close look at your children’s teachers as well as the school environment.

You will be able to get a good picture of what their teachers are like. You’ll see if they’re likely to be demanding, supportive, or a good personality fit for your child. Plus, in most cases, you will discover how teachers want to be contacted and get a brief survey of what your children will be studying in the coming year. You are also likely to get an overview of teachers’ policies on such things as homework and assignment deadlines.

This quick meeting with your children’s teachers will give you an idea of how the year is probably going to go for your children. Plus, this bird’s eye view of teachers will lead to more meaningful conversations when you are talking with your children about what is going on at school. Incidentally, this is not the time to waylay the teacher to talk about your children.

Sometime during the fall semester, parent/teacher conferences are likely to be held. This is the second must “go to” event. Traditionally, it has been the time to find out how your children have been doing and to discuss any questions that you may have about their progress as well as to make plans for any additional help they may need.

Be sure to get input from your children about anything that they might like you to discuss with their teachers before the conference. In the early grades, it is likely to be one-on-one with an individual teacher. In middle school, you may meet for a brief time with each teacher your children have. Whatever the format, it is the time to establish a relationship with your children’s teachers. This is truly a very important feature of these

conferences for both teachers and parents.

A new type of conference has emerged. It is the conference conducted by the student which is more common in middle school than elementary school. It is often done with advisors or counselors rather than individual teachers. Students are typically given a framework that will help them lead the conference. They will review how they are doing in each class (successes and problems) as well as show samples of their work.

More Ways Parents Need to Be Involved

From the first day your children enter school, especially in the early years, you want to have a special time with them every day in which you look over their work together and talk about the school day. As your children get older, this conversation can move to the family dinner. This is the time in which each family member can talk about how their day went. Perhaps, the children will talk about an exciting thing they learned, or a funny event in a classroom, or the difficulty of a particular class. What is important is that you are communicating with them about their education.

Finally, there are two additional ways to be involved in your children’s education. If you have time, you can be a volunteer in some activity where the school needs help, from assisting in the library, a classroom, a sporting or theater event, or the lunchroom. This will give you a good picture of how the school operates and how the students behave.

Another obvious way to be involved in your children’s education is by joining the Parent/Teacher Association and attending meetings. It is here that you can learn about school policies and even influence them whether they are trying to change the curriculum or develop ways to handle transgender issues.

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.

Helping all parents make their children’s educational experience as successful as possible

PICK OF THE LITERATURE

— by Dr. Donna Phillips

We’re Baaaaack! Back to school! With all the fun and excitement of summer behind us, it is time to turn to the adventures that lie ahead in the new school year! Some of us are old hands at this and others are just beginning to start the journey with a young child. Either way, there are back-to-school books for everyone. Here are some of the new ones just in time for the school startup.

How To Be Confident in Kindergarten

(Grosset & Dunlap, New York, 2023, $5.99), written by D. J. Steinberg and joyfully illustrated by Ruth Hammond, is the perfect size to slip into a backpack to ride along on the first day of school. This little story encourages parents and children to explore classroom activities and emotions that might be connected to them. These vignettes get young children ready for what is to come and also gives them time to explore them before they arrive. Taking this little book with them will be like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. This little comfort book might even be something the teacher could share with the class!

Another great book to start the school year with a young child is the board book, School Day (Doubleday, New York, 2023, $8.99), written and illustrated by Jill McDonald. As we page through this sturdy colorful book, we see

all the things we can expect to see and do in our class. How will you get there? Who is in your class? How do we start the day? What will we learn? What is for lunch? What awaits on the playground? What will we see and do during library time? What will you do during playtime? What will we learn in art class? Do you have a favorite snack? What memories will you take home with you to share? Each day will be exciting and new but knowing the schedule will help children know what to expect and create confidence and security. You will be glad you used this book to get them ready to start the school year. Our Classroom Rules! (Rodale Kids, New York, 2023, $12.99), written by Kallie George and illustrated by Jay Fleck, helps young children learn the rules of the classroom, understand how to cooperate, and why it is important. Simply written and illustrated, it will be easy for young children to understand and participate in the story and in the classroom. The pages encourage discussion that can help children learn to navigate classroom expectations. Teachers can use this in the

classroom, too! Maybe the book can go with your child to share with the class.

Lunchtime is often the most anticipated time of day. That is unless the room is too noisy and confusing, or if you are like Zia. In Everyone Loves

Lunchtime but Zia (Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 2023, $18.99), written by Jenny Liao and illustrated by Dream Chen, Zia loves her Cantonese food and her family. While her parents lovingly prepare her favorite dishes to take to school for her lunch, other children in her class think they are strange. They look different. They smell different. They taste different. She is torn between her family comfort food and her classmates. To help her, her parents decide to make lunches for her that have a special meaning in her culture to help her feel more confident and to encourage her friends to try it. This book integrates dishes, Chinese language and writing, and recipes that can open an interest in Chinese culture and culinary. A recipe for Zia’s Lucky Yi Mein at the end of the book and a glossary help us better understand the significance of the dishes. The Author Note adds background to the story and the culture. For me this is a “Soup to Nuts” book that covers it all!

Is your child shy or apprehensive about starting school? Maybe you are as a parent or a teacher.

May’s Brave Day (Bloomsbury Books, Somerville, 2023, $18.99), written and illustrated by Lucy Morris, is a book for all of us! May has butterflies in her tummy on the first day of school. She thinks back to other brave days to see if

she can find that feeling again. She even tries to hop and skip away her worries. Nothing helps, and May wishes she could simply fly away. But May’s mom reassures her that everyone has worries, and that even the birds and butterflies must first learn how to fly. With a little time, May will feel ready to spread her wings. May retreats to her garden to watch nature, calm herself and find her courage. She envies the bugs, birds, and animals who seem to not have a care in the world. This book may be just what all of us need as we start our new school year. Perhaps begin by going outside and connecting to nature so we can connect to each other. Nature can calm and inspire us and keep us grounded and present... something we can all use right now.

Look for these books and books like them at your local library, bookstore, or online. Visiting your library or bookstore can also act like being out in nature. The quiet, the smells, and even the sounds of rustling pages or the whispers of the imagined silent words of the authors can be as magical as a walk in the forest.

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.

Daddy Daddy The Track

– by Shannon Carpenter

Back to School Shopping List for the Summer-Exhausted Parent

You’ve done it. Take a deep breath. You’ve won.

You have organized day camps that start at 8am. Or start at 10am. Or started right after 4th of July. Your kids didn’t miss a single one. And summer sports? You’ve sat in your lawn chair while you’ve watched endless soccer and baseball games. You’ve got a bleacher row named after you for your next-level parenting. It’s a row of honor.

You made rainy days become rainy adventures. When it comes to the question “I’m bored, there’s nothing to do,” you’ve always had the answer. You’re an expert on the summer boredom question for your kids so much that you’ve given interviews on national media.

Now there is just one last ritual you have to complete to fully mark the end of Summer. Winter is coming and it’s time for your slumber — where you can get some work done without worrying if your boss will be upset if there is purple crayon on the proposal. It’s time to get your school shopping done, but you know something that others may not. This year it’s for you because you deserve it.

ONE - Twelve # 2 pencils, 12 #1 pencils. 1 pool floatie. You had no idea there was such a thing as a #1 pencil. Furthermore, you don’t have any idea why they would need it. It doesn’t matter. You shop by habit. If it’s on the list, you get it. No questions asked because you know teachers have it hard enough as it is. But wait, what’s on the list? A pool floatie? Not just any pool floatie; the special one. The one that you’ve kept

hidden all year because if you didn’t, a thousand child cannonballs would have destroyed it. If you’re lucky, you’ve got a little bit of warm weather left. Head to the pool with that floatie and just… float. Peace. Quiet. No snack schedules to weigh you down. Enjoy your bliss. You have to, it’s on the back-to-school shopping list.

TWO - One pair of child-safe scissors. Sure, you’ve bought a pair of scissors every year for the kids before school. But by the end of the year, they’ve gone missing. Someone, somewhere, has a thousand child-proof scissors. But for your new pair, get some extra use out of them. Use them as a divining rod to discover what that summer funk smell is. It’s mildew combined with old socks. It’s a glass of milk left under a bed. The smell is so subtle that it’s often mistaken for your own feet. No, it’s something your kids have done and the divining rod of child-proof scissors will help you find it.

THREE - Three 3-ring binders. This will help you keep track of all the deep cleaning companies and their bids. Okay, maybe you couldn’t find

that smell, so it’s time to call in the professionals. Indulge yourself. It’s okay. You deserve this. The type of cleaning you have in mind is going to require a backhoe and permits. Summer has been rough on you and your home. Time to get it done.

FOUR - One wedding registry. You are on the cusp of creating something great, and it begins with a brandnew wedding registry. There will be no party. There will be no get-together. Just a silent renewal of your vows. And then of course, all the dishes you’ve put on the new registry to replace all the ones lost in your children’s room. Bad news, the cleaning crew couldn’t find all the cups, plates, and forks that your kids squirreled away like some sort of niffler (Harry Potter fans know what I mean!). The children have taken their plunder and have buried your spoons on a deserted island. Don’t worry, other parents will know what you are doing. They have it on their back-to-school shopping list, too.

FIVE - One order of jelly of the month club. You don’t even know if it’s real and you’re curious. And if it is, well then, you have something to give away on teacher appreciation day. Everyone likes jelly.

SIX - Eight weeks of massage appointments. It’s not easy carrying the family on your back. Get some work done because the next summer is just around the corner.

SEVEN - One pair of slippers. Everyone deserves some time to rest. Now kick back, your summer is over. You’ve built the memories. It’s ok to smile at the end of the race and appreciate your accomplishment. And buy yourself some flowers.

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

Having mastered the “ Gran Turismo ” video game, Jann is excited to compete against other gamers for a sh ot at driving race cars in the real world H e soon learns that profess ional racing is more complicated than negotiating a virtual track . This movie is a mixed bag: the race scenes are well shot but the rest of the show drags. It ’ s ironic tha t a racing film is slowed dow n by its own pacing problems, but that won ’ t deter young sports fans who will likely enjoy this adequate coming of age story . Photo ©Sony Pictures

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant

Genetically altered by mutagenic ooze, four turtles , named Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo , live in the sewers with a rat named Splinter. Determined to be acce pted by the human world, the ninja turtles work with aspir ing reporter April to catch a criminal named Superfly. Th is is a manic, f asttalking , pop - culture - spouting movie with distinctive animation . It will be a hit with kids and i t ’ s not too terrible for adults Photo ©Paramount Pictures

Barbie ’ s living the dream in Bar bie Land until her feet go flat and she suddenly starts thinking about death. After consulting with Weird Barbie, she heads for the “ real world ” to set things right. Ken stows away on the trip and both of them find their world views turned upside down, in ways that profoundly affec t t heir pink plastic home. This is a cleve r, witty film with a sly sense of humor and brilli ant visual design. There is little negati ve content but the movie ’ s themes of feminism and agency will bore young kids . Photo © Warner Bros Meg

As Jonas and his team pilot their submersible deep into the ocean trench where the first megalodon was found, they discover much larger sharks and a secret mining facility. They also learn that Jonas ’ s 14 year old foster daughter is a stowaway and will now be part of their battle to survive. Th e sequel lacks the en thusiasm and pacing of the original , but teens with low expecations could still have fun with this creature feature. Photo © Warner Bros

Gabbie and her son Travis are terrified to discover that their new home is haunted by ghosts that won ’ t let them leave. Desper ate to free themselves from unwanted specters , they wind up seeking help from a priest, a professor, a medium, and an astro physicist. Th is hollow tale is str ange l y lifeless , producing a movie that is too boring for adults and too scary for kids – and annoyingly full of product placements Photo ©Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com

— by Mike Daugherty

Family Fortress: Cybersecurity Checklist for Parents

When it comes to ensuring our family’s safety online, we often focus on the content they are viewing. We ask ourselves, “Is what they’re watching appropriate?” “What are they searching for online?” “Who are they interacting with, and are those individuals really who they claim to be?” However, a more pressing threat to our family’s security is often overlooked: hackers.

Imagine a stranger gaining control of your bank account and transferring your hard-earned money to multiple banks around the world. Consider the damage that could be done if a hacker used your child’s social security number to open credit cards and make fraudulent purchases. It could take years to discover such deception, and unauthorized purchases could damage their credit history before they even understand what credit is. Social security numbers and similar information are prime targets for hackers because of this.

At a recent event I attended, FBI agents classified hackers into two categories. The first group, which makes up about 70% of hackers worldwide, is described as clever but limited in their ability to cause significant harm if basic security measures are in place. As a result, I’ve compiled a list of actions you can take to protect your family from the majority of cybercriminals.

PASSWORDS

The cornerstone of online security is smart, complex passwords. The danger arises when a website gets breached, and your information gets leaked online. Hackers armed with sophisticated software can use this data to attempt logins on numerous popular sites simultane-

ously. Therefore, when creating a new password, follow these rules to keep it secure:

1) Length is strength: A password should exceed eight characters. Many experts recommend using a phrase or short sentence instead of a traditional password. Such phrases are easier to remember and tougher to crack.

2) Include special characters: Symbols such as exclamation points, dollar signs, or even spaces significantly enhance password security.

3) Diversify: Avoid using the same password for multiple sites. Adding a few unique characters related to each website to your standard password increases security during data breaches.

While complex passwords are helpful, a password manager provides a superior solution.

PASSWORD MANAGER

A password manager is a tool designed to generate strong passwords and safeguard them. It can generate and store intricate, lengthy passwords to replace any existing weak ones you might be using. These services encrypt your data in a secure “vault” and auto-fill the required details for each site you visit. Besides passwords, they can store credit card information, addresses, PINs, and other sensitive data, making them an invaluable tool for securing your online presence.

Despite sounding complicated, password managers are user-friendly. Choosing a trustworthy one is the key. I recommend LastPass for its simplicity, smartphone app compatibility, and helpful features. For $36 per year, LastPass offers valuable premium features such

as auto password change for many major websites if your account is compromised.

A good free alternative to LastPass is Bitwarden. This open-source password manager is popular for its transparent, community-oriented approach to security. Bitwarden offers a free version with features such as unlimited password storage, syncing across all devices, and secure password generation. If you want additional features, you can upgrade to a premium plan.

PASSKEYS

Passkeys are like digital keys that Apple, Google, and Microsoft are creating to replace passwords. They’re designed to be safer and easier to use than passwords and can be used on all major platforms, including websites and apps.

Passkeys are built on a special kind of security system that makes them tough to steal, even if a website or app is hacked. And when it comes to ease of use, you only need to make a passkey once, and you can use it on any website or app that accepts passkeys. The best part? You can use the same passkeys on all your devices — whether you’re on your Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android device, or PC. LastPass Passkeys are still being worked on, but they’re expected to be ready later this year. Once they’re out, you’ll be able to make and keep track of your passkeys right in your LastPass account.

TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA)

Enable 2FA wherever possible. This provides an additional layer of security by requiring two types of identification. Even if someone gains access to your

password, they would need a second form of authentication to access your account. For example, after entering your password, your banking website might text you a code you need to enter before accessing your account information. I recommend turning these on whenever possible, but at a minimum, turn it on for all of your email accounts. If a hacker gains access to your email account, they can take advantage of the information found there to do some real damage.

HAVEIBEENPWNED

Even with strong, secure passwords, how can you tell if your information is involved in a security breach? A resourceful solution is HaveIBeenPwned. com, created by Microsoft Regional Director Troy Hunt. This website lets you search known data breaches for your email addresses and gives details about any leaks. Remember to set up notifications for any future breaches involving your data.

CREDIT CHECK

Regularly checking your children’s social security numbers for suspicious

Let’s Party

activity is another proactive approach. Signing up on Credit.com allows free credit score checks, which are soft credit inquiries and don’t affect your credit rating.

APPLY YOUR UPDATES

Ensure all your digital devices are updated regularly. From computers and smartphones to WiFi routers and home security devices, keeping these systems patched and current minimizes the risk of unauthorized access.

ANTIVIRUS

While Microsoft Windows has a decent built-in virus scanner and most Apple products are less prone to malicious programs, a paid subscription to an antivirus software like Malwarebytes is advisable for maximum protection. Malwarebytes includes BrowserGuard which can help ensure you don’t unintentionally install suspicious software while browsing online. With a $60 annual plan covering three devices, the

software is reliable and versatile. AVG and Symantec are other options worth exploring.

Implementing the measures outlined above will significantly reduce the risk of digital disruption by cybercriminals. The time and cost associated with setting up these security measures are small prices to pay for the peace of mind you’ll gain.

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.

— by Deborah Williams

The Entire Family Can at the Newly Expanded Strong Museum

Giant crayon billboards that popped up in Buffalo this summer invited visitors to “Draw the best day ever in Rochester, NY” at the city’s newly expanded Strong National Museum of Play, a world class museum adventure an hour down the New York Thruway.

The innovative museum originally created to house the collections of Margaret Woodbury Strong opened in 1982. She had established the Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum of Fascination in her house in 1968 to showcase her massive collection of dolls and thousands of other objects.

The only child of wealthy parents who encouraged their daughter’s love of collecting, she died in 1969 and her will left her collections with more than 300,000 objects and most of her more than $77 million fortune to establish a museum. Today the museum boasts what is considered the world’s most comprehensive doll collection.

Over the years the museum doubled in size and then on June 30, 2023, the new $75 million 90,000-square-foot expansion formally opened.

“The Strong is putting Rochester back on the map as a top destination for family fun and for gamers of all ages,” said Steve Dubnik, president & CEO of The Strong. “This expansion project has been years in the making and reflects The Strong’s commitment to exploring the power of play and its influence

on our development and culture. We’re proud to offer guests of all ages a unique and playful experience that they will never forget.”

The world’s only museum devoted solely to play; it is the centerpiece of the city’s all new Neighborhood of Play. The next-door 100-room Hampton Inn & Suites opened this summer, offering family friendly accommodations including canine members. An overnight at the Hampton Inn allows families to totally immerse themselves in the museum experience.

It is very much a museum for all ages and interests from an historic carousel to a high ropes course, to butterflies, to video games galore. It is the place for children and adults alike to come to touch, explore, and play. During my visit, grandparents were everywhere with grandkids leading the way.

The new outdoor 17,000-squarefoot Hasbro Game Park, a colorful play area, was developed with funding from Vivien and Alan Hassenfeld, whose family founded toy giant Hasbro in 1923.

Speaking at the expansion opening ceremonies, Hassenfeld called the museum “an incredible magic kingdom. It truly is, as it’s

been said, the greatest repository of play in the world today. There is no comparison.”

The park includes a 10-by-14-foot replica of the Scottie dog token from Monopoly, a five-headed dragon from Dungeons & Dragons that visitors can make breathe mist and fire with the touch of a button, a rideable Game of Life spinner, towering Candy Land candy canes, and giant Scrabble tiles spelling PLAY.

Everywhere children were jumping, climbing, and playing. Then the bubble lady walked out armed with bubbles, bubble guns, and other bubble making necessities. Almost immediately, she was surrounded by a crowd of small visitors gleefully making bubbles.

Back inside, the expansion includes a new welcome atrium. A new connection building — the Portal of Play — acts as a gateway to the existing parking garage and expanded space.

At the top of the second floor is the new world’s largest, playable Donkey Kong arcade game. It is nearly 20 feet tall. Also on this floor is the immersive ESL Digital Worlds, which offers visitors two progressive, video game centric areas.

In Level Up, they can create their own personalized avatars and set out on

challenging and puzzle-solving quests. In High Score, guests will learn about the business and art of the video game industry and discover the stories behind the World Video Game Hall of Fame and Women in Games exhibit.

Want a challenge? Check out the Skyline Climb (extra charge), the museum’s high ropes course. Suspended above the carousel atrium and Bill Gray’s Diner, adults and children can traverse beams and balance obstacles, maneuver ropes and bridges, and leap off a zipline platform. There are two courses geared toward different sizes and skill levels. There is the low-rise course for guests below 48 inches and the high-rise for guests 48 inches and above.

Do you have younger children? Take a ride on the museum’s largest and most colorful artifact, an operating 1918 Allan Herschell carousel built in North Tonawanda’s Herschell Carrousel Factory.

The beautifully restored carousel features 20 jumping horses, three stationary ponies, a chariot, and a whirling tub. Riders feel right at home among the brightly painted scenes of Upstate New York inspired by the Erie Canal, Lake Ontario, and nearby High Falls.

Another favorite is the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, the only yearround indoor butterfly garden in upstate New York. It is in a glass-enclosed structure with a luminescent roof shaped like outspread wings. There is an additional charge to enter this magical place. A host welcomes us, and we watched a video about the garden and butterflies. As we crossed into the tropical home of the winged creatures the noise level immediately lowered. Even toddlers were fascinated by the butterflies and stood quiet and still when they were lucky enough to have one land on them. We are all reminded to check our clothes before leaving so the butterflies remain in their home.

Wegmans Super Kids Market remains one of the museum’s most popular exhibits. Kids run the store. They cruise the aisles and fill their grocery cart with realistic replicas of food products. Then they scan barcoded products at working check-out counters. At the expanded toddler area, little ones can pick, count, sort and weigh organic veggies; crawl through a raised hoop house; and sit under the apple tree. Produce a commercial or cooking show at the WKID-TV station.

Reading Adventureland is another popular area with 12,000-square-feet of fun that invites guests to laugh, play, learn and read. The Yellow Brick Road takes visitors into five literary landscapes inspired by children’s literature:

Mystery Mansion: Decipher codes and scour for clues like Nancy Drew as you navigate through secret doors and hidden compartments.

The Wizard’s Workshop: Here mermaids, unicorns and dragons dwell.

Fairy Tale Forest: Cross the Troll Bridge, step into Cinderella’s pumpkin coach, climb a Beanstalk to the Giant’s Castle, and act out favorite fairy tales at the Fairy Tale Cottage.

Adventure Island: Become a game piece on a giant board and spin your way through adventures that will have you exploring a shipwreck, scaling a cliff, and crawling through cave tunnels.

The Upside-down Nonsense House: A topsy-turvy house filled with ridiculous rhymes, silly food (green eggs and ham), wacky weather, tongue twisters and mirror illusions.

One History Place is another perennial favorite of younger visitors who enjoy trying on clothes from more than a century ago, putting on a puppet show, learning what kitchen chores were like in great grandparents’ day when modern appliances meant a butter-churn, a washboard, an icebox, and an ice-cream

continued on page 31

How Much Physical Activity Do Children Need?

The amount of physical activity children need depends on their age. Children ages 3 through 5 years need to be active throughout the day. Children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 need to be active for 60 minutes every day. This may sound like a lot, but don’t worry! Children may already be meeting the recommended physical activity levels. There are many ways to encourage children to participate in activities that are ageappropriate, enjoyable, and offer variety. Experience

Keep in mind the different types of physical activity:

Aerobic activity: Most of the daily 60 minutes should include activities like walking, running, or anything that makes their hearts beat faster. At least 3 days a week should include vigorous-intensity activities.

Muscle-strengthening: Includes activities like climbing or doing push-ups, at least 3 days per week.

Bone-strengthening: Includes activities such as jumping or running, at least 3 days per week.

Encourage children to do any activity they enjoy, as long as the activities are safe and appropriate for your child’s age and skill level.

Many activities fall under 2 or 3 different categories. Children can do moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity on all days of the week. Some activities, such as bicycling or basketball, can be done either at moderate- or vigorous-intensity, depending on your child’s level of effort.

The talk test is a simple way to measure relative intensity. In general, if children are doing moderate-intensity physical activity, they can talk but not sing during the activity. If children are doing vigorous-intensity physical activity, they will not be able to say more than a few words without pausing for a breath.

PRE-SCHOOL THRU ADULTS

Classes Begin September 9th

• Fairytale Dance • Pre-Ballet

• Ballet • Contemporary

• Lyrical

• Acro

• Tap • Hip Hop

• Adult Ballet

FALL REGISTRATION

Call the Studio or Check our website for additional information.

Register for Classes Online!

NUTCRACKER AUDITIONS

Saturday, September 16th & Sunday, September 17th

491 West Klein Road (Between North Forest & Hopkins) For A Brochure and Information Call 716-688-4774 or visit our website at www.aab-buffalo.com

For school-age children, examples of moderate-intensity aerobic activities include brisk walking, bicycle riding (on mostly flat surfaces without hills), active recreation (such as hiking, riding a scooter without a motor, swimming), and playing games that require catching and throwing, such as baseball and softball.

Vigorous-intensity activities for school-age children include running, bicycle riding with hills, active games involving running and chasing, such as tag or flag football, jumping rope, martial arts, vigorous dancing, and sports such as soccer, basketball, swimming, and tennis.

•

Students for Over years

WNY and Beyond

Academy of Ballet & Dance Arts

Specializing in Cecchetti Method Graded Ballet Syllabi Director - Lisa Taylor, FCCA

• Ballet • Pointe • Modern • Jazz

• Pre-Ballet • Pilates • Yoga

• Informal Recital

• Creative Movement Ages 3 - 4

• Classes for Children & Adults

• Small Class Sizes

Romney Taylor’s Karate Also Offering

FAMILY TRAVEL continued...

crank. Play the real antique piano or climb aboard the small-scale railroad car. Activate electric toy trains.

Play Pals invites visitors to play house, heal a teddy bear, and save the world. The exhibit traces the evolution of dolls, action figures, toy soldiers, and plush animals throughout American history.

Step into a life-sized dollhouse. Check the vital signs of your favorite stuffed animals. Try on clothes in the fashion dress-up area. Check out dolls, action figures and stuffed animals from every decade including Thomas Edison’s talking doll, a 1930s Mickey Mouse, and Mabel, Margaret Woodbury Strong’s beloved doll.

Climb the dramatic National Toy Hall of Fame exhibit staircase and view a gallery of 21 portraits of classic toys, some that move and interact with guests. Inductees in the Hall of Fame include the Yo-Yo, Erector Set, Etch A Sketch, Frisbee, G.I. Joe, Hula Hoop, Jacks, Monopoly, Raggedy Ann, Silly Putty, Slinky, Teddy Bear, Top, American Girl dolls, alphabet blocks and ViewMaster. Every year new toys are inducted into the Hall of Fame and the public is invited to nominate toys.

Don’t leave without a ride on the Strong Express Train. This is for children and adults alike. The mini locomotive chugs down the track surrounded by scenic postcards from across America. There are colorful passenger cars and a caboose of course.

An exhibit of an old-fashioned wooden fishing boat and gear posed the question: “Is Fishing Play?” the answer: “Sport fishing begins in keen expectation. Tending to reels and rods during the off season, tying flies, baiting hooks, and finally casting or trolling for the prize, prolongs and heightens fishermen’s pleasure. Anglers wait and wait for surprise strikes. Intense contests follow. Remember that play need not be “playful.” And though fish (the “game”) may “win” by escaping, they are not at play. But the anglers are.

Travel Tip of the Month: For information on Strong Museum visit museumofplay.org or call 585-263-2700. The museum is open daily 10 am-5 pm and until 8 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Visitors can leave the museum and return the same day with hand stamps. Get tickets online and save $2 per ticket. Tickets are half price first Friday of the month beginning at 4pm. There are also two-day rates. Anyone who receives SNAP benefits may purchase a ticket for $5 and up to three additional guests.

Consider a yearly family membership for unlimited return visits. Parking in the ramp is $5 for museum visitors.

Visitors are permitted to bring snacks, drinks, and brown bag lunches to the museum, but they should be consumed in the food court. The museum has three dining options: Main Menu (Food Court), Puppy’s Game Cage, and Bill Gray’s.

For Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester Downtown visit Hilton. com or call 585-450-3801.

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.

It’s a Big World

Fun & Creative Ways to Teach Your Kids About Different Cultures

My son came home from a friend’s house raving about the food. I was sure he was going to tell me about some snack cake or a new kind of chips that I don’t usually buy. I was ready to roll my eyes as he begged for this new expensive treat. The snack list seemed endless, what’s one more? I wasn’t ready for what he said.

“Empañadas!” he declared proudly as he did his best to pronounce the new word.

I wasn’t ready for that. I wasn’t even sure I knew exactly what empañadas were. I did minor in Spanish and I knew they were connected, but I didn’t know exactly what they were. A quick text to his friend’s mom cleared it up. And I had what she promised was an easy recipe.

A snack at a friend’s house opened the door to a new culture, and my son was excited about it.

Why It’s Important to Teach Kids About Other Cultures

Teaching kids about cultures around the world is a great way to broaden their perspective and help them understand the diverse world in which we live. It’s

easy to think that everywhere is just like where we are, full of people who look like us, sound like us, eat like us, and live like us. But if that is all kids ever know, they are missing out on the big, beautiful world around them.

The Benefits of Teaching Kids About Other Cultures

Learning about other cultures not only expands a child’s knowledge base. It also fosters important skills that will help them live a fuller life. Understanding other cultures help children develop empathy and respect. It helps them learn to look at things from multiple perspectives, improves critical thinking, and reduces bullying.

When children understand different traditions, races, religions, and ethnicities, it helps them develop a sense of self as well as celebrate people who are different from them. This leads to a lifelong reduction in prejudice and discriminatory thoughts or behaviors.

Tips for Teaching Kids About Other Cultures

Start with the food. Much like my son’s enthusiasm, food that is different

or new can help kids get excited about different cultures. Even if your child is a picky eater, you can find fun ways to introduce them to foods they may be willing to try. Candy, treats, and fruit are usually great starting places.

Another great way to do this as a family is to try a new recipe. Cooking something new together can be an experience. Choosing the recipe, going to the store for special ingredients, cooking, and eating together are part of the learning.

Watch a movie. Many kids love watching movies, and there are an increasing number of movies that help kids discover new cultures. A good starting place are hit animated films such as Encanto, Aladdin, Mulan, Moana, and Coco. Then you can move on to find ageappropriate documentaries that help you and your children better understand the culture.

Head to the library. Full of resources, the library is a surefire way to discover new information. If you have trouble finding something, the support of the librarian is invaluable. Check out a stack of books and bring them home to explore. Even if you don’t read them all, give your child the chance to flip through them. The opportunity to look at photos and illustrations from both fiction and

nonfiction books offers great learning opportunities.

Celebrate a new holiday. If you discover a holiday from a new culture, try celebrating it as a family. Look up traditions, decorations, food, and activities associated with the holiday. It doesn’t need to be complicated.

Start with some of the more wellknown holidays like Cinco de Mayo or Chinese New Year. Then branch out to find new, unique holidays for kids to explore.

Learn a new word (or ten!). Learning a new language is a fun way to explore cultures. Kids often enjoy trying out new words that other people in their circle may not know.

Studies have shown that kids often excel at learning new languages. Additionally, learning a new language helps their listening skills, creativity, memory,

and more. There are many ways to start with a new language. Whether it’s an in-person class, an online program, or an audio program, kids can appreciate cultures more as they learn the language.

Listen to music. A simple way to incorporate culture is to expand your child’s music repertoire. Playing music from other cultures, even in the background, can benefit them as they discover new sounds, rhythms, and styles. Try exploring a music app like Spotify or Apple music for ideas.

Go on a trip. What better way to learn about a culture than to see it in action? A family trip to a new culture can help children understand the culture in ways books cannot.

While an international trip is a great way to do this, there are also more economical options. Sometimes all it takes is a road trip to a new place like Amish country, a rural area, or a city. Depend-

ing on where you live, you may be able to explore your town, by going to a different area that has a culture-specific population such as Chinatown.

Another possibility is going to an ethnic restaurant, club, or festival. Try eating at a German restaurant or going to the local Jewish festival. These are fun ways to see the traditions and foods of other cultures.

Explore and Discover Together

Whether you are exploring new places in person or from home, you are a big part of getting your children excited about new cultures. Engage in the process with them, learning, trying new things, and even feeling silly because something is unfamiliar. It is in this exploration that you and your children discover the beauty of the great big world we live in.

Special Needs Success Story: When You Have a Dream, You Can Aspire to Do More!

Hayley aspired to do more. Already a part-time employee at Paula’s Donuts and a licensed New York State driver, Hayley, with the support of her mom, joined Aspire of WNY’s Supported Volunteering and Lifestyle Enrichment (SVLE) program.

The SVLE program at Aspire of WNY is a non-traditional community day habilitation program offered to individuals 21 years and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This program provides individuals with a variety of different volunteer opportunities within the local community, as well as providing comprehensive soft skill development services that are personalized to each individual’s needs. Some skills that staff focus on may include conversational skills, making

friends, money recognition, and skill building for volunteering.

Initially, when Hayley first joined the program, she was shy. Her support team knew she had a wide range of practical skills, but she just needed some coaxing to come out of her shell and show off her social skills and selfconfidence. The SVLE team happened to be the right people for the job!

Every Tuesday, Hayley joined the Self-Advocacy group, where she had the opportunity to meet with other likeminded individuals. In the beginning, Hayley told her mom that the group just wasn’t for her. But, with the encouragement of her mom, and Liane Agro, Aspire of WNY’s Coordinator of Day Service Opportunities, she decided to give it a shot. She ultimately completed eight classes from the Self-Advocacy Association of NYS (SANYS U).

Throughout the coursework, Hayley began to open up more and more. During this time, she made new friends with whom she shared her hopes, dreams, and plans for the future, and vice versa. One of her proudest accomplishments was creating a “hangman” game for her final presentation in preparation for her graduation from the program. She presented the game to a room full of people, something she would have never done before she entered the program.

With her newfound sense of confidence, Hayley expressed the desire to do even more, realizing she had possibly outgrown her part-time job at Paula’s Donuts, where she had been working for seven years prior. Through some innovation and collaboration, the Aspire of WNY Human Resources and Day Habilitation teams created a position for Hayley within the Aspire of WNY agency!

Hayley applied through the website, secured an interview, and was eventually hired as a relief Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Brock Day Hab, one

of Aspire of WNY’s Day Habilitation Programs in Getzville. On top of that, Hayley went through orientation and passed an intensive test known as SCIPR (Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention - Revised) with minimal help.

Hayley explains that going through the training process and learning new things for this position was exciting for her and that it felt different compared to her past job at Paula’s Donuts, where she spent most of her time assembling the donut boxes.

Hayley says that her favorite part of her new position as DSP is getting the opportunity to help other individuals. “I really like helping people. I help feed them, I help them use the bathroom, and I help them with crafts and puzzles,” says Hayley. She adds that she believes the most important part of her job is “being respectful to others and helping them with their needs.” For now, Hayley plans

continued on page 36

· Evaluations

· Early Autism Program (Preschool)

· Summit Academy (Ages 3-21)

· Respite Programs

· Recreation & Leisure Programs

· Vocational & Employment

· Adult Programs

· Behavioral Health Clinic

· Parent Training

to continue working at Brock Day Hab as a Direct Support Professional for as long as she can.

Success stories like Hayley’s are only possible due to the innovative collaboration between the different divisions at Aspire of WNY. As an agency, Aspire strives to aid individuals in achieving the highest level of independence attainable for them. Through various programs offered at Aspire of WNY, individuals with developmental and similar disabilities are given a support system and taught lifelong skills that help them to actualize their dreams.

The willingness of all teams at Aspire of WNY to create a good fit for those they support is critical to many individuals’ aspiration of living as independently as possible and realizing their full potential.

Aspire of WNY offers an extremely wide variety of services for those with developmental disabilities and similar disabilities, such as day services, community and independent living support, and educational services. If you believe you or a loved one could benefit from their services, contact Aspire of WNY to learn more.

We take a look at topics important to parents of children with special needs not just in April, but in each and every issue of WNY Family Magazine with our monthly column.

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.

For more information, call Paul Kline at 716-836-3486

SINGLE PARENTING

— by Meagan Ruffing

Solo September: Care for the Single Parent

Even though fall is one of my favorite times of the year, it also happens to be about that time when school schedules are back in full swing. When things get busy and I’m running all over town trying to keep up with my kids’ activities, I tend to fall into the pity party mode. The reality of being a single parent hits me again and I realize that it’s just me.

I’m the only one running the kids around. I’m the only one taking sick days at work for kids’ appointments. I’m making dinner every night. I’m budgeting and saying “No” more than I’m saying “Yes” to things. Then it hits me like a ton of bricks; parenting by myself is so hard sometimes.

While I can’t snap my fingers and make things go back to a two-parent household, I can reframe my situation and be intentional about giving myself a break when I need to, and acknowledging daily that I’m doing the best that I can. Those two things have helped me be successful at single parenting while maintaining some level of inner peace.

I do my best at leaving white space on my calendar when I can. Divorce is traumatic and I realized that I was packing my schedule to the point where I had no down-time just to avoid feeling anything. This is a trauma response. I have had to be intentional about not scheduling something every night of the week and allowing myself to have nights

where I have nothing planned. It’s been hard because those are the times when my mind wanders. Now, I notice those moments and choose to journal, call a friend, or go to a yoga class to help calm my thoughts.

I stay off social media when I’m feeling lonely in the parenting world. Looking at other families doing family things is sometimes too much for me.

The kids and I make a fall bucket list of things we want to do before winter hits. Creating this list gets us excited about the upcoming months and helps me prepare early on. While I try to go with the flow as much as I can, I am a planner and that’s what keeps me organized as the only adult in the home. We can do all the fun things that we do because I know how to manage our schedules.

When I have nights that I feel exhausted, I recognize that and remind myself that I have the power to make things easier in that moment. Instead of cooking dinner, I put together a snack board for the kids and pull things from the pantry or, if the budget allows, I order in. My best friend, who has reminded me almost daily since my divorce just how good of a mom I am, told me that my kids don’t need a home-cooked meal every night. They just need to eat.

Even though my kids and I do a lot of fun things together and I’m thankful for the family time we have, I know what triggers me when I’m in a negative headspace, so I steer clear of it.

I make a gratitude list when things get tough. This helps me to remind myself of all the things that I have and never want to take for granted. Hands down, this is the best tip I can give to another single parent. Write down all the things that you are thankful for and watch how your mindset and mood change throughout the day. This also helps take the focus off what I don’t have and pivot to what I do have.

That brings me to my most important tip when it comes to feeling the gut punch of doing this parenting thing alone — you must find a solid support system. You just must. The women I surround myself with are uplifting, got your back, call-in-the-middle-of-thenight friends who I know would do anything for me and my kids. The names of these women are always on my gratitude list, and I can’t imagine going through the things I went through without their love and support. I never take these friendships for granted because I know how fortunate I am to have them. But I put into my friendship what I get out of them. I give what I receive and then some. I would do for them and their kids what they do for me and mine.

continued on page 38

September doesn’t have to be a time for you to stay in the hard. It can be a time for you to look for hope in random moments with your kids and late-night phone calls with your friends. It can be hard and healing. You can hold both feelings and they can both still be true. I like to tell my clients in therapy that there is room for sorrow and happiness. The important thing is to validate both and decide what you’ll do with them. This September I will be updating my gratitude list and adding one more thing. I am thankful for the opportunity to sit with people during some of their hardest life moments and help them heal. My job as a therapist has become such a passion for me and one that I don’t take for granted.

Meagan Ruffing is a parenting journalist and marriage and family therapist living in northwest Arkansas. She enjoys helping other single parents find joy in the hard times while recognizing the hard stuff.

— by Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

What Not to Say To Your Teens (If You Want Them to Talk to You)

Every parent of teens knows how difficult it is to get them to talk. If they’re not in the mood, and you ask how their day was, the likely answer is a monosyllabic. “Fine.” But it’s not always the teen’s fault when communication shuts down. There are things parents do — but shouldn’t be doing — that make teens clam up. Here’s what the experts say:

Don’t Say “Let’s Talk”

When parents have something important to discuss with their teens, like when they want them to pay more attention to their homework or help out more around the house, they often say “Let’s talk.” But that’s not the best conversation starter with teens.

Child psychologist Dr. Shelsa Sen notes that “alarm bells go off in their brains and the shutters come down, making it pretty much impossible for a meaningful conversation to happen.” Instead of saying “Let’s talk,” be more lighthearted and less demanding when you’ve something important to discuss with your teen.

Don’t Raise Your Voice in Anger

If you’re angry at something your teen did (or didn’t do), it’s tempting to raise your voice or otherwise show how upset you are. “When parents yell or use sarcasm or point fingers,” says Joe White, the author of Sticking With Your Teen, “kids figure it’s okay for them to do the same.” An otherwise calm conversation can turn into a full-blown argument. And, if your teens expect that you’ll raise your voice, they may not want to talk at all.

As Joanne Teigen, the author of Growing Home Together, a well-known parenting blog, says “If our kids expect an angry

outburst, they’ll choose secrecy over full disclosure. Instead of bringing out what’s on your mind in the heat of the moment, wait until you’ve calmed down so that you can have a levelheaded conversation. Mental health counselor Debbie Pincus says, “If either you or your child is upset, pause and come back when you can address things in a calmer way.”

Don’t Overreact

Don’t overreact to things your teen shares with you. “If you overreact,” says clinical psychologist Dr. Barbara Greenberg, “your kids will stop talking, because they’ll get the impression that you can’t handle the information they’re sharing.” Ms. Pincus agrees. “Emotion is your enemy when you’re trying to get through to your teen. Remind yourself that what he says and does isn’t a reflection on you,” emphasizes Pincus. Take a deep breath and listen as calmly as you can to what your teen is telling you. If you have doubts or concerns, state them calmly.

Don’t Rush

Don’t rush your teen. “If you punch the accelerator,” says clinical psychologist Rachele Cassava Lohman, “your teen may slam on the brakes and bring the conversation to a screeching halt.” Let the conversation evolve slowly and steadily instead of trying to force your teen to get to a predetermined point as quickly as possible.

Don’t Judge

Teens are used to constantly being judged — at school and elsewhere. Don’t add to the pressure that they feel by judging them, too. As Dr. Greenberg says, “Teens are very sensitive to how their parents perceive them, and if they get the slightest in-

kling of disapproval — even from nonverbal cues — they’re likely to end the conversation.”

Don’t Lecture

If judging is bad, lecturing is worse. “Nothing kills a conversation faster than someone telling you that you’re wrong and they know better,” says clinical psychologist Dr. Nancy Darling. Dr. Carol Maxym, another clinical psychologist, agrees noting, “Remember when you were a teen and your parents lectured at

Coming up in our October issue:

Put your business in front of WNY Family’s 55,000 readers by advertising in the

Family RESOURCE Guide

A Resource Guide for Busy Families

In our Print & Digital Edition, choose from a basic line listing, display ad, or for more visibility choose a “Spotlight” advertorial. All featuredlistings on our WEBSITE DIRECTORY!

To advertise or for more Information: Call 716-836-3486

Providing literacy help to WNY since 1963

716-645-2470 buffalo.edu/clari

Fall, Spring & Summer Tutoring

Looking to strike up a conversation with your child?

Here are some FUN QUESTIONS to get things going! what normal is and discovers a lot about friendship, herself, and family along the way.

What is your favorite song?

If you could be a character from any book, who would you be?

If you could open a store, what would you sell?

What do you want to be when you grow up?

When you become a grown-up, what’s the first thing you want to do?

*Source – familyeducation.com

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli is an emotional tale that highlights the ups and downs of popularity in a new high school. It’s easy to see why this book is so highly acclaimed as it touches on subjects like first love and being yourself no matter what everyone around you says. Stargirl is a great upper middle-grade story with a real look at peer pressure and the desire to fit in.

Try reading these books with your child and talking about the stories. It may give your child the courage to share their feelings and ideas for how to be exactly who they are!

Celebrate these FUN DAYS during the month of

September 9th

Teddy Bear Day

September 11th

Grandparents Day

September 13th

Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day

September 18th

Cheeseburger Day

September 20th

Build a Sandcastle Day

September 21st

Miniature Golf Day

ChoicesWellness

How Mindfulness Meditation Can Improve Mental Health

Quick and simple usually aren’t terms used to describe medical treatments

Yet mindfulness meditation is a fast, easy way to reduce stress wherever you are.

It’s often recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment for physical and mental health conditions. It’s considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. You can incorporate

— by Joel Bobby

mindfulness meditation into your routine to improve your overall health.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION BASICS

Mindfulness meditation is the practice of purposefully being aware of and focusing your attention on the present moment. Mindfulness allows you to be in tune with your experience —right now in this moment — and to explore

with curiosity whatever sensations, thoughts and emotions are present without expectations or judgment.

During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This focus can result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being.

BENEFITS OF MINDFUL MEDITATION

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Mindfulness meditation engages the brain. Think of it as a form of brain exercise. Just as physical exercise keeps your body healthy, mindfulness meditation keeps your brain fit. Research has shown that just five to 15 minutes of daily meditation is all you need to begin experiencing benefits.

After decades of research into the practice, these benefits have been found to include an increase in:

• Cognitive flexibility

• Diabetes control

• Emotion regulation

• Empathy

• Focus and attention

• Immune system response

• Memory

• Positive emotions

• Positive relationships

• Relaxation

• Self-compassion

• Self-esteem

The practice also affects many negative physical and mental symptoms, including decreases in:

• Addictive behaviors

• Anger and hostility

• Anxiety

• Burnout

• Depression

• Emotional reactivity

• Insomnia

• High blood pressure

• Need for pain medications

• Physical pain

• Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms

• Stress

HOW TO USE MINDFUL MEDITATION

Many people may think of mindfulness meditation as “sitting on a pillow, being still, with eyes closed.” This may work for some, but there are many ways to practice mindfulness meditation.

Practicing mindfulness involves using breathing methods, guided imagery, and other strategies to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.

To try focused breathing meditation, sit down, take a deep breath and close your eyes. Focus on your breath as it moves in and out of your body. Sitting and breathing slowly for even just a minute can help. Here are a few other structured mindfulness exercises to try:

Body scan meditation: Lie on your back with your legs extended and arms at your sides, palms facing up. Focus your attention slowly and deliberately on each part of your body, in order, from toe to head or head to toe. Be aware of any sensations, emotions or thoughts associated with each part of your body.

Sitting meditation: Sit comfortably with your back straight, feet flat on the floor and hands in your lap. Breath-

ing through your nose, focus on your breath moving in and out of your body. If physical sensations or thoughts interrupt your meditation, note the experience and then return your focus to your breathing.

Walking meditation: Find a quiet place 10 to 20 feet long and walk slowly. Focus on the experience of walking, being aware of the sensations of standing and the subtle movements that keep your balance. When you reach the end of your path, turn and continue walking, maintaining awareness of your sensations.

Mindfulness is a supportive strategy to help manage many health issues. It pairs well with other medical treatments and counseling. It’s a simple strategy that doesn’t require a prescription or special equipment and can be practiced anywhere. Talk with your health care team about incorporating mindfulness meditation into your life, and see if it makes a difference in your health and general sense of well-being.

Joel Bobby is a licensed independent clinical social worker in Psychiatry & Psychology in Austin, Minnesota, writing for the Mayo Clinic News Network.

As soon as the weather changes from summer to fall, I get a yen to bake. I’m not sure if it is biological or psychological, but like pulling out those sweaters and warm clothes, baking makes me feel comfy. With back to school in full swing, we’re always looking for something quick and easy to bake. These recipes are quick and easy to make, and travel well.

They also incorporate my favorite baking flavors (aside from chocolate) — fresh fruits and cinnamon. I love the smell of cinnamon in baked goods, and a bit of nutrition from the fresh fruit. These recipes can easily be doubled, and leftovers frozen for a quick treat.

BANANA (OR PUMPKIN) SNACK CAKE

Free of: DAIRY, EGGS, SOY, PEANUTS, TREE NUTS, FISH, SHELLFISH, WHEAT, GLUTEN, VEGAN

Yield: 15 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 – 40 minutes

Group A

2 cups flour (can be wheat and gluten free)

1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon (or other spices)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Group B

4 ripe bananas, mashed

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup dairy/soy free margarine, melted

1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

3 T water + 3 T oil + 2 t baking powder, mixed together (or 2 eggs if not allergic)

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 9x13” pan. In a medium bowl, mix together ingredients from group A. Set aside. In a large bowl, mix together ingredients from group B. Gradually, blend in dry ingredients. Spread batter in prepared pan. Bake 30-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely. Serve as is or frost with cinnamon frosting, or other flavor (chocolate frosting goes very nicely with this too!)

Option: Replace the mashed bananas with pumpkin puree.

CINNAMON ICING

Free of: DAIRY, EGGS, SOY, PEANUTS, TREE NUTS, FISH, SHELLFISH, WHEAT, GLUTEN, VEGAN

Yield: Enough icing to frost

a 9x13” or 24 cupcakes

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1/4 cup dairy/soy free margarine

1 Tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla

1-2 Tablespoons water

In a medium bowl, beat all ingredients until smooth and creamy. If necessary, add more water, one teaspoon at a time until spreadable.

APPLE CUPCAKES

Free of: DAIRY, EGGS, SOY, PEANUTS, TREE NUTS, FISH, SHELLFISH, WHEAT, GLUTEN, VEGAN

Yield: 20 - 24 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 – 20 minutes

Group A

2 1/4 cups flour (can be wheat and gluten free)

1/2 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon (or other spices)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Group B

2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped

3/4 cup apple juice

1/3 cup dairy/soy free margarine, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 T water + 3 T oil + 2 t baking powder, mixed together (or 2 eggs if not allergic) Preheat oven to 350°. Line 2 muffin tins with paper liners. In a medium bowl, mix together ingredients from group A. Set aside. In a large bowl, mix together ingredients from group B. Gradually, blend in dry ingredients. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely. Frost with cinnamon icing or other frosting as desired.

If you have any questions about our column, e-mail Kathy at allergy@roadrunner.com. For further information about food allergies, contact FARE at www.foodallergy.org, or call 1-800-929-4040.

Kathy Lundquist is a Western New York parent whose son, now an adult, was born with severe food allergies. Over the last two decades, she has worked tirelessly, in a variety of capacities, to increase community awareness about food allergies.

THE KIDDIE GOUR ME T

— by Barbara Blackburn

What an adorable restaurant is the Smokin’ Little Diner! The decorations are delightful and entertaining. The food is “pig-licious.” Diners were in abundance on a weekday at lunch.

Smokin’ Little Diner

4870 Broadway Depew, NY 14043

716-683-9248

thesmokinlittlediner.com

The kids’ menu, 10 and under, offers a choice of entrees, but no included drink. Choices and prices are as follows: Grilled Cheese & Fries ($5.99), Hot Dog & Fries ($5.29), Piggy Pancake, with 2 Bacon or Sausage ($5.99), add chocolate chips for $1.00, Chicken Nuggets & Fries ($5.99), and Pulled Pork or Chicken with chips ($7.49). Kids are welcome to color ing books and crayons, and the artwork may be put on display.

~ SPOONS ~ FOOD 5/5

SERVICE 5/5

FAMILY FRIENDLY 4/5

mini Fish Fry or a full one ($11.99/$14.99) are always available, and even a Panko Fish Fry ($15.99) and other tasty treats that swim in the sea.

The most unique soup is the Brunswick Stew (S4.59/$5.49). The owner, John, sitting across from us, was enjoying his bowl of this savory concoction born in Brunswick County, Virginia in 1829, originally made with squirrel meat and onions. Today’s version contains a variety of vegetables with the meat.

Looking to strike up a conversation with your child?

Here are some FUN QUESTIONS to get things going!

My choice came from the Breakfast, served all day, menu: Smoked Maple Chicken-N-Waffles ($12.99). This was a fun and flavorful dish. Yet I wondered if I should have chosen the Duck Sausage Alfredo Pasta ($15.99) or the Country Fried Steak Stacker ($12.99). with mashed potatoes, sauteed onions, mushrooms, and gravy on top of Texas garlic toast. This is go-to comfort cuisine done very well.

Dad chose from Barnyard Insanity a dish called Oink & Moo, a burger from the pit, with chips and pickle, plus lettuce, tomato, mayo, and onion upon request ($10.99). Another winner! Yes, this is a clever and creative place.

Should you really want to splurge, check out the section entitled What You Really Want. There you’ll find the Big Sampler for $36.99, including 1/2 Ribs or 2 Hawgs, Brisket or Duck Sausage, Pulled Pork or Pulled Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Fries, plus 2 sides. Otherwise, there are plenty of exciting entrees for less money, such as the Clam Strip Platter ($13.99) including Mac salad, Coleslaw and choice of Potato. A

The cutest name for an item here is Slightly Agitated Temperamental Moody Pies. On your plate it translates into Crab Cakes ($14.99) with Mac salad, coleslaw and potato. Diners are known for their homemade pies, and this one is no slacker. It’s only $4.99 for one of these pieces of heaven. The pastry crust was superb, reminding me of my Uncle Lee’s diner in Gloversville, NY, where my father worked. The berry fruit filling definitely did it justice. Besides sundaes, you can revel in an Ice Cream Float ($4.99).

Take time to read the cleverly worded signs and admire all the porcine decor. Most carnivores would agree that “Everything is better with bacon.” The stools at the counter show off pigs’ faces. Enjoy the Christmas lights and the pig with wings, just a few of the special decorating touches. There are also booths and tables. We wondered what Miss Piggie would say. We can only say how much we liked this eight-year-old restaurant.

Barb has been happily writing The Kiddie Gourmet for over 35 years. She has two adult children and four grandchildren. She is a home instructor and community education cooking instructor for Williamsville Central Schools.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? What is your favorite thing to do with friends?

If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?

If you had $50, what would you spend it on?

$50

If you got to choose what’s for dinner, what would you pick?

rockstar