parent CAROLINA
SEPTEMBER 2014
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FREE
the Triangle’s family resource • carolinaparent.com
50
Family-Friendly Places to Work in NC
MAKING IT
as a Mompreneur
MANAGING Mommy Guilt
72 OUTDOOR
FAMILY EVENTS
Nationwide
Blue Cross Blue Shield
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IMACs
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inside S EP T E M B ER
features 26 Introducing the 2014 N.C.
Family-Friendly 50 Companies Making Life Easier for Families 41 Think You Could be a Mompreneur? Tips From Moms Who Have Been There and Done That — Successfully
44
Managing Mommy Guilt
How Four Working Moms Find Balance
47 A Dad’s Wall of Joy Cherishing Parenthood as a Stay-at-Home Dad
in every issue 7 Online 8 Editor’s Note 11 Family FYI
Community Craft Education Tips and Picks
11 12 13 15
17 Your Style 18 Growing Up 20 Tech Talk 22 Understanding Kids 25 Healthy Families 48 Calendar
Our Picks Daily Take a Child Outside Festivals
48 51 56 58
61 Faces & Places
parent CAROLINA
SEPTEMBER 2014
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FREE
the Triangle’s family resource • carolinaparent.com
50 Family-Friendly Places to Work in NC
MAKING IT
as a Mompreneur
MANAGING Mommy Guilt
72 OUTDOOR
FAMILY EVENTS
p. 26 p. 41 p. 44 p. 48
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APN San Diego Family Magazine
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online carolinaparent.com SEPTEMBER
E XCEPT 2014-15
chilI OdN A L FRE E
Meet, Mingle, Network! Register now for Carolina Parent’s Women@Work Breakfast and Coffee & Connections networking hour on Thursday, Oct. 23, 8-11 a.m., at Embassy Suites in Cary. …Things to Do ➜ Our Events ➜
Women@Work2014
Dads Welcome! Follow the exploits of our newest bloggers, Triangle Stay At Home Dads, a growing group of men with opinions on everything from muscle cars to mastitis. … Community ➜ Blogs
Pop Mom Stay up to date on everything that’s popular in modern motherhood with Lauren Isaacs, mom of one and digital media specialist for Carolina Parent. … Community ➜ Blogs
Waterstone Family Dentistry
A FAM ILY’S
Special Needs Resources Our Exceptional Child Directory helps you locate services and products for your child with special needs. Click on the Directories/Resources button near the top of our home page.
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a publ
ication of CARO LINA
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arent.com
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D BY
Bust Back-to-School Stress Enter our giveaway, and you could win a weekend getaway for a family of four to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, complete with park tickets, meal vouchers and a two-night hotel stay.
… Community ➜ Contests
Lunch Box Recipes Search “Best Homemade Kids Lunches” for delicious back-to-school lunchbox recipes from author Laura Fuentes.
Tier Bella
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parent CAROLINA
editor’s note
GROUP PUBLISHER
Managing the Balancing Act
PUBLISHER
W
Brenda Larson • blarson@carolinaparent.com
hen did balancing parenthood and work become a priority for you — before or after you had kids? For me, it was after. I knew innately, and my husband and I agreed, that once our first child was born, I would temporarily leave my career to raise our children. This meant buying a smaller home, clipping coupons, and rarely going out to restaurants or movies so we could live on one income. We were OK with that. Having grown up in a single-parent home, I am mindful that not every family is in a position to make this choice, but I’m grateful that I was able to. Three children and 17 years later, I don’t regret this decision at all. Then there are parents who, from the moment they begin working, plan ahead and determine how they will balance parenthood and work prior to even trying to get pregnant. Many of these moms and dads diligently save money, meticulously research child care facilities and diplomatically work with supervisors to create flexible schedules that will allow them to be home when necessary. I respect these parents as much as I do those who arrange for one parent to stay at home full time. Whichever path you choose or have chosen, there will be difficult decisions to make. Fortunately the Triangle is home to many companies that simplify the decisionmaking process by offering employee benefits such as flexible schedules, paid family leave, on-site child care and wellness programs. Explore our 2014 N.C. Family-
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SEPTEMBER 2014 |
Sharon Havranek
carolinaparent.com
Friendly 50 list on page 26 to learn more about these companies and the work-life balance benefits they offer. We applaud their family-friendly policies. As you balance work and life, you will inevitably experience highs and lows. Our “Managing Mommy Guilt” story on page 44 explores how four working moms dealt with their emotions while navigating difficult parenting and career choices. The solution for some moms is to take control of their career and schedule by becoming a Mompreneur. Find out how two moms did just that on page 41. And don’t think women have cornered the market on making tough work-life balance decisions. Many men are choosing to leave lucrative careers so they can embrace fatherhood as stay-at-home dads. On page 47, read about one dad’s choice to give up a successful 20-year banking career when he became a father at age 44 so he could be the primary at-home caregiver for his daughter. He hasn’t looked back since! This issue is our way of helping you navigate the many, often difficult, choices parents face when balancing work and life, from helping your child learn how to say goodbye (page 22) to making sure she gets enough sleep in a 24/7 world (page 20). We’ve thrown in something fun for you, too. Check out the Powder Chiffon Blouse and Madden Girl Lunaaa sandals (page 17), and browse 72 outdoor family events in our calendar (page 48). Here’s to honoring and respecting your family by prioritizing their needs and yours in a way that helps you all find peace and balance. It’s something we here at Carolina Parent strive to do every day, too.
EDITOR
Beth Shugg • bshugg@carolinaparent.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR • CALENDAR/DIRECTORIES Janice Lewine • jlewine@carolinaparent.com
EDITORIAL INTERN
Carolyn Caggia • intern@carolinaparent.com
ART DIRECTOR
Cheri Vigna • cvigna@carolinaparent.com
WEB EDITOR
Odile Fredericks • ofredericks@carolinaparent.com
DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST
Lauren Isaacs • lisaacs@carolinaparent.com
WEB PRODUCER April Craig
SALES TEAM LEADER • MEDIA CONSULTANT Candi Griffin • cgriffin@carolinaparent.com
MEDIA CONSULTANTS
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ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR Kia Moore • ads@carolinaparent.com
MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Karen Rodriguez
PRESIDENT
Donna Kessler
DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING Donald Horton
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR Mary Kate Cline
PUBLICATION MANAGER Kris Miller
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Cher Wheeler
CONTACT US 5716 Fayetteville Rd., Suite 201, Durham, NC 27713 phone: 919-956-2430 • fax: 919-956-2427 email: info@carolinaparent.com advertising@carolinaparent.com • editorial@carolinaparent.com
Circulation 37,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Carolina Parent reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication’s standards. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
A publication of the Visitor Publications Division of Morris Communications Company, L.L.C. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901 Chairman and CEO President William S. Morris III Will S. Morris IV
Beth Shugg Editor
PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION
PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION
2014 Bronze Award Winner
2014 Bronze Award Winner
General Excellence Awards Competition
Design Awards Competition
NC Symphony
Southpoint Pediatric Dentistry
Marbles
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Montessori Childrens House of Durham
OMSA
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Girls Scouts
family fyi
community | craft | education | tips & picks Raleigh Girl Tapped as National Youth Ambassador When Ashley Burnette was 7 years old, her parents noticed that she had developed a limp and a persistent black eye. After a visit to her doctor, Ashley was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma and began treatment. Over the next two years, she endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant and countless other procedures, and she missed an entire year of school during treatment. Ashley, now age 10, has been cancer-free since August 2012 and is back to hula-hooping, reading and playing with her sister. Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids fight cancer, recently tapped Ashley as a 2014-15 National Youth Ambassador for the organization. She will join Hope On Wheels for its 16th year of fighting childhood cancer and tour the country sharing her message of hope with other children who are battling cancer. Learn more at
KIDS WH O A M AK E C E R EN DIFFE
What’s the craziest part of the weekday mornings at your house? The phantom chaos moment during school preparation. I have smoothed my daughter's hair into the perfect ponytail. My fingers tensed between double bands. Palm shiny with gel. My son's school bus will pull up to the house, the dog will bark desperately to be let outside and the baby will cry as if abandoned by all who love him. — Tara Henry I'm so focused on getting the kids up, dressed and fed, I sometimes forget to get myself ready. — Chrissy Lessey
ashleyburnette.com.
Actual eating of breakfast!! — Amberlee Stout
Ashly Burnette is a National Youth Ambassador for Hyundai Hope On Wheels.
Connect with us on Facebook to share your ideas each month.
POLL: What is your top work-life balance priority?
Firewürst Fights Hunger, Supports Student Achievement Firewürst, a provider of flame-grilled sausages, burgers and hot dogs with three locations in the Triangle, recently donated $10,000 in August to North Carolina children in need through the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina’s Stop Summer Hunger Campaign, as shown above. Firewürst served 10,000 hot dogs during National Hot Dog Month in July and pledged its proceeds to the food bank. The contribution will provide an additional 50,000 meals to children across 34 counties in central and eastern North Carolina.
71%
Making sure my children get enough time and attention from me
10%
Making sure I am happy at work
5%
Making time to exercise and stay in shape Limiting extracurricular activities for my children and me
5%
5%
Making sure my spouse/partner gets enough time and attention from me
4%
Other
carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
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Triangle Montessori Academy
T CR AF
L’ecole Popsicle Stick Scarecrow Fall is the perfect season to create fun scarecrow projects and celebrate the harvest season. Try this simple fall craft with your kids.
The Hill Center
You will need Popsicle sticks, glue, yarn, felt, buttons and googly eyes (or whatever fun, crafty items you have around the house).
n
Glue your sticks together to create a scarecrow head and let them dry.
n
n
Add decorations with glue and let them dry.
Hang it up and enjoy! Happy fall, y’all! Provided by North Carolina artist Laura Kelly, creator of Laura Kelly Designs. Find more of her crafts at laurakellydesigns.com/ cms/Videos.php.
Pediatric Therapy
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family fyi Duke Energy Awards N.C. Museum of History $50,000
EDUCATION
The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh $50,000 for education travel grants, which will be available this fall to help cover part of the transportation costs to the museum for public schools in central and eastern North Carolina. In addition, Duke Energy will award 100 tuition-free, online professional development workshops for classroom teachers across North Carolina, who can earn up to 40 contact hours of continuing education credits for each class completed. For details about class topics, visit ncmuseumofhistory.org and click on “Learn.” To request an application for a travel grant or an online workshop, email Kate Betka at kate.betka@ncdcr.gov or call 919-807-7984. Applications must be received by Dec. 1, 2014. Applications that are received early ensure a better chance of receiving a grant or a free workshop.
St. Timothy’s
Lucy Daniels Center Receives Grant The Cisco Foundation has awarded the Lucy Daniels Center a $13,500 grant to support its SecurePath program, which provides behavioral and emotional health interventions for economically disadvantaged children up to age 5 living in Wake County. SecurePath is a mental health service in partnership with Wake County SmartStart that provides free services to families that are uninsured, underinsured or receiving Medicaid. Additionally, services are provided in English or Spanish at a child’s home or child care center. Since its inception in 2005, SecurePath has assisted more than 650 Wake County families. The Cisco Foundation, established in 1997 by a gift from Cisco, awards grants that focus on critical human needs and education, particularly in underserved communities. Learn more at lucydanielscenter.org.
Woodplay
CH Gymnastics
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Arts Together
REX Healthcare
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Tammy Lynn Center
family fyi
Allowance Apps Having trouble keeping up with your kids’ finances — let alone yours? Here are three apps you can use to easily track and update their accounts.
PICKS
✔
Allowance Manager. Track weekly allowance and set it up for automatic “deposits.”
No money is exchanged with the free version, but the paid “Pro” version can be set up to work like a debit card. Available for Android devices and iPhone, iPad and iPod touch (using iOS 4.2 or later). allowancemanager.com.
✔ iAllowance. Schedule and deduct payments — when chores aren’t completed. You
can also track household chores. $3.99. Available for iPhone, iPad or iPod touch (using iOS 5.1.1 or later). jumpgapsoftware.com/iallowance.
Flexible Jobs That Pay the Bills A survey by FlexJobs (flexjobs.com) of 725 parents found that 97 percent say a
TIPS
flexible job would help them be a better parent. FlexJobs teamed up with PayScale (payscale.com) to identify higher paying jobs that offer the option to work from home. PayScale based the average salaries listed below on executives at small and midsize businesses, since 99 percent of companies have less than 1,000 employ-
✔ MoneyTrail. Track allowance and encourage kids to log
ees. From the 50-plus job categories hiring
expenses and cash exchanges. Available for $1.99 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch (using iOS 4.3 or later); $1.99 for Blackberry devices; and $.99 for Android devices. moneytrail.net/home/infooverviewmobile.
on FlexJobs, these lucrative positions may allow parents to work from home:
n
Medical director – $219,100 CEO – $199,300 Vice President of Marketing –
n
Chief Operations Officer (COO) –
n
Regional vice president – $149,500 Chief financial officer – $139,200 Government affairs director –
n n
TOP5
$164,200
Moms in Businesses StartupNation, a resource for small business owners looking to start or grow their businesses, released its “2014 Top 100 Leading Moms in Business Winners” list in May. Mom-owned companies rounding out the top five were:
Dressing Your Truth – dressingyourtruth.com Giveaway Bandit – giveawaybandit.com Carbon Three – carbonthree.com
$152,800 n n
$112,300 n
Director of business operations – $109,100
n n
Senior business analyst – $92,000 Director of education – $68,300
Ask Doctor G – askdoctorg.com Jeneration PR – jenerationpr.com See the entire list at startupnation.com/leading-moms-in-business/WINNERS.php.
PA R E N T I N G T O O L B O X Ramshackle Glam: The New Mom’s Haphazard Guide to (Almost) Having It All by Jordan Reid (Running Press, $19), has been described by the Daily Beast as “a survival guide for those who don’t have a clue how to be domestic.” Pickup tips on storing baby gear, putting on makeup in 5 minutes flat, making wardrobe adjustments to complement the cleavage challenges that come with breast-feeding, helping pets adjust to a new baby and more. Reid, a Harvard University graduate who worked as an actress for more than a decade, launched ramshcackleglam.com after the birth of her son in 2011.
Worried Working Parents A study from Bright Horizons Family Solutions published in June explores what it means to be a working parent today. Here are some of the findings: ✔ 80 percent surveyed have two working parents in the home. ✔ Working parents spend more than
half of their paid vacation time taking care of family responsibilities — especially during the summer months. ✔ 48 percent of working parents fear family responsibilities could get them fired. Learn more at brighthorizons.com/ about-us/child-care-news.
carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
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Northgate Mall
Southern Village Pediatric Dentistry
Triangle Independent School Consortium
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BY LAUREN ISAACS
|
your style
September in the South isn’t about heavy fall colors and fabrics. Ease the seasonal transition with flattering hues of cream, nude and blush with a dash of caramel for warmth. You’ll positively glow!
2. 3. 1.
4. 5.
6.
7.
1. Pink Crystal Hex Pendant, baublebar.com, $42 2. Powder Chiffon Blouse, hm.com, $25 3. Blush Pearl 360 Studs, baublebar.com, $28 4. Hydrate Everyday Body Lotion, beautycounter.com, $22 5. Aerin Amber Musk Eau de Parfum, esteelauder.com, $110 6. Madden Girl ‘Lunaaa’ Sandal, stevemadden.com, $70 7. Naked Flushed Eyeshadow in Streak, urbandecay.com, $30 Lauren Bell Isaacs is the digital media specialist for Carolina Parent. carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
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growing up
|
BY MALIA JACOBSON
Making Good Choices
H
elping kids learn to make good choices is a powerful way to foster future success. We beam with parental pride when our toddler chooses to share a toy, or when our teen swaps candy for fruit. But how can we raise kids who make good choices when we’re not around? The fact is, kids make foolish decisions from time to time, and that’s OK, says family therapist Michelle P. Maidenberg, president of Westchester Group Works in Harrison, New York. But parents can help set kids on the path toward making better choices, for life. Here are age-by-age strategies for supporting strong decision-making skills, from toddlerhood through adolescence.
AGES 0-4
Message Magic Beware of constantly warning your tot to be
AGES 5-12
Failing Up During the school years, decision-making prowess
AGES 13-18
Juggling college applications, summer jobs and
careful, or swooping in to complete a
starts to show — and sometimes, so do
relationships brings on a boatload
task he’s trying to accomplish himself.
poor choices. But these small failures
of decisions for teens, along with a
Parents should tune into subliminal
can actually help build stronger decision-
possible fear of failure. A teen who
messages they may be sending to their
making skills down the road. The key is
procrastinates and seems to avoid
child, Maidenberg says. “By always
letting kids experience minor falls so they
big decisions may be afraid to fail. If
cautioning against risk or doing things
can figure out how to get back up. Radio
your teen seems to drag her feet with
on his behalf, you may be communi-
personality Julie Gates of the ”Gene
decisions, talk to her about her fears,
cating that he isn’t capable or trust-
and Julie Show“ on Raleigh’s Mix 101.5
Maidenberg says. Encourage more
worthy and can’t make good decisions
WRAL-FM learned that her 9-year-old
independent decision-making by
independently.”
daaughter Sophia’s small mistakes could
addressing fear-flooded beliefs like “I
Parents also send important
actually build decision-making power.
won’t be able to do it,” “I won’t be good
messages through their own actions.
“When Sophia was 6, she accidentally left
at it” or “They won’t like me.”
Model effective problem-solving skills
her lunch in the refrigerator, and my first
Help your teen look beyond her
and sound decision-making in your
instinct was to jump in the car and shuttle
fears by reminding her that she’s
own life to impart these skills to kids.
it to school.” Then Gates remembered
capable of achieving. Don’t feed
If you tend to procrastinate, flip-flop
Sophia’s teacher telling her that a small
counterproductive fears by belittling a
between choices or wallow in
mishap like a forgotten lunch can present
teen for a poor choice. Saying “You’re
disorganization, your child may
an opportunity to build decision-making
a moron!” or “What’s wrong with you?”
follow suit. Make a habit of sticking to
skills, confidence and pride. Sophia didn’t
communicates shame and hurts self-
your plans and seeing your choices
go hungry; she decided to ask her class-
confidence, while phrases like “Every-
through, and discuss the impact of
mates if they had anything they could
one makes a bad choice now and then.
daily decisions with your child. When
share. “One shared his apple slices and
What can you do differently next time?”
something doesn’t work out the way
another had an extra granola bar. She was
motivates better choices, both now
you’d hoped, talk through what you
so proud she was able to find a solution
and in the years to come.
might have done differently in age-
all by herself,” Gates says. “And she never
appropriate language.
forgot her lunch again.”
Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three.
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Fear factor
SEPTEMBER 2014 |
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Bull City Gymnastics
Montessori Community School
Durham Pediatric and Orthodontics
carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
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tech talk
Chapel Hill Pediatrics and Adolescents
The Ballet School of Chapel Hill
|
BY CAROLYN JABS
Help Kids Get Enough Sleep IN A 24/7 WORLD
F
or growing children, adequate sleep is every bit as important as nutritious food and daily exercise. Yet ever since Edison
flipped on the first electric light, experts have been worrying about whether any of us are getting enough sleep. Now researchers are warning that online amusements, especially social media, are sabotaging sleep.
International Preschool of Raleigh
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Not long ago, The New York Times ran a story about adolescents who “vamp” — stay up all night using cellphones to surf, text, tweet, play games and binge-watch their favorite shows. The best way to counteract these trends is to teach good sleep habits when kids are little and parents are firmly in control. Throughout elementary school, establish a clear bedtime by counting backward 10-11 hours from when a child needs to be up in the morning. To help kids fall asleep, guide them toward a predictable, self-soothing routine. In middle school, children grow rapidly, so they still need more sleep — and less social media — than they think they do. Sleep experts recommend that bedrooms be tech-free zones: no cellphones, video games or televisions. Period. Make it a goal for everyone in the family to get an hour of tech-free time before bed. In high school, talk to teens about how getting plenty of sleep at night makes them happier during the day. Help them develop a genuine appreciation for the benefits of sleep so they will make healthy decisions even when you aren’t around. Here are some additional points to consider for how you can encourage more sleep.
Hold your teen accountable. Rather than arguing about how much sleep he or she needs, hold your teen accountable for behaviors associated with being well-rested. Can he get up at the right time in the morning and do what needs to be done without reminders from you? Stay awake and pay attention at school? Get through most days without being hostile, grouchy or irritable? Explain to your child that when he can answer yes to all these questions, you can back off about bedtime. Communicate the risks. Research shows that too little sleep has consequences on your teens’ physical and mental health. In addition to the negative effects on mood and attention, sleep deprivation is also associated with higher blood pressure and an increase in stress hormones. Some researchers have even connected too little sleep to increased feelings of hunger, which may lead to weight gain.
Weehabilitate
Wake County Government
Establish boundaries and balance. Sleep experts are convinced that being online before bedtime makes it harder to fall asleep. Light is a stimulant that interferes with the sleep cycle. In addition, many online pastimes — competitive games, social media “drama” or provocative programs — activate emotions that thwart sleep. If your teen resists the idea of disconnecting at bedtime, talk about what’s going on. Some teens whose lives are heavily scheduled feel that their only unstructured time occurs after “lights out.” Understanding why your teen wants a phone under the pillow may help you work together to establish better boundaries and balance. Help your teen become self aware. Teens are more likely to prioritize sleep when they are aware of their own patterns, so encourage your child to keep a sleep diary. What time did he or she get into bed? How long did it take to fall asleep? Did he or she wake up spontaneously (a sign that sleep was adequate)? Did your teen take a nap in the afternoon? Doing this for a week or two may help your teen make the connection between better sleep and better performance during the day. Children who lead full and complicated lives need restorative sleep. Try these time-tested strategies for stepping away from the pressures of a 24/7 world so your child can find peace at the end of the day. Carolyn Jabs raised three computer-savvy kids, including one with special needs. Read more of her columns at growing-uponline.com. carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
21
Children’s Orchard
understanding kids
|
BY LUCY DANIELS CENTER STAFF
Wynn’s Family Psychology
Helping Children Say Goodbye
F
or both working and stay-at-home parents, helping a child
Spanish for Fun
adjust to environments outside of the home is an inevitable
step that must be taken at some point in early childhood. Even children who spend a significant portion of their time at home with at least one parent must develop the means to cope with being apart from parents. Let’s explore ways parents can support their children in developing the ability to comfortably say goodbye, whether it is for a full day in a day care or preschool setting, or for a few hours at a class, in a play group or with a babysitter.
Communicating With Caregivers Supporting your child’s developing ability to comfortably function apart from you begins with a good working relationship with your child’s caregiver. Communicating information such as a difficult morning or sleepless night can help provide a more seamless transition for your child, since knowing there is communication on his behalf helps him feel safer. If his difficulties persist throughout the day, the care provider can then step in to give additional support or comment, “Mommy told me this morning was hard. I will help you with this today.” Young children also benefit from communicating about their day spent away from their parents. Some programs provide
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parents written summaries or photographs of a child’s daily experiences, which can serve as conversation starters.
St. Thomas More
Helping Children Participate in Goodbyes Drop-offs and goodbyes can be challenging for everyone involved. Children need help learning how to comfortably let go, parents need support in feeling it is OK to leave, and teachers and caregivers are usually caught somewhere in the middle. Some children avoid the uncomfortable feelings that come with saying goodbye by running off or becoming interested in an activity or adult caregiver, while others show their struggles more clearly by holding on and resisting the separation. In either case, we have found it is most helpful to talk with your child in an honest way about what is happening by saying, for example, “I know you have found something to do already, but I am leaving and would like to say goodbye first” or “I know this is hard. I will be thinking about you today. You will find a special note from me in your backpack.”
Maintaining Your Image While Apart Providing your child with reminders of you throughout the day is another way to support her developing comfort and sense of self while she is apart from you. This may be contrary to some schools’ beliefs that children do better when they are not reminded of their parents once mom and/or dad are out of sight. However, our experiences tell us children develop stronger and healthier relationships with parents, as well as with others outside of their family, when they can comfortably think and talk about them while apart. Some programs allow parents to briefly check in with their child, but for those who don’t offer this option, there are other ways to remain present in your child’s mind. Leave a note in her lunchbox or cubby, or allow her to keep a family photograph in her pocket, for example.
Duke Pediatric Dentistry
Recognizing When There is a Problem For some children, separation difficulties persist. Ongoing communication with your child’s caregivers can help you understand how he’s doing when you are not present. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s ability to function apart from you, share them with your pediatrician or request a consultation at the Lucy Daniels Center or from another qualified professional. The Lucy Daniels Center is a nonprofit agency in Cary that promotes the emotional health and well-being of children and families. Visit lucydanielscenter.org to learn more. carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
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Coming soon from Baby + Company in partnership with WakeMed Market Envy
The baby you’ve always dreamed of... ...in a place you didn’t know was possible.
Join Us For Our Open House Saturday, October 4th, 2014 226 Ashville Ave. Cary NC 27518 • www.babyandcompany.com/openhouse
The Goddard School
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SEPTEMBER 2014 |
carolinaparent.com
COMPILED BY KATHERINE KOPP
|
healthy families
Have Enough Hours in the Day? Here is a breakdown of time use on an average workday for employed persons ages 25-54 who have children under age 18. How does your daily schedule compare? Working and work-related activities
8.8 hours
Nutrition Report Cards Receive High Marks in Pilot Program
Sleeping
7.7 hours
Leisure and sports
2.6 hours
Other
1.6 hours
A Cornell University pilot test shows
Caring for others
1.2 hours
that for healthier nutrition, parents
Eating and drinking
1.1 hours
should opt to receive a nutrition
Household activities
1.0 hour
report card, in addition to their child’s academic report card. Led by Cornell
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics American Time Use Survey (2012 is the most recent data available). Data includes related travel time for each activity.
behavioral economists Brian Wansink and David Just, the pilot, published in the October 2013 volume of PLOS ONE, found that kids’ nutrition report cards “may be helpful in nudging children toward more healthy, less expensive options … at little cost to the
34th in nation: North Carolina’s rank for overall child well-being. North Carolina ranked 38th in the U.S. for children’s economic well-being. Source: 2014 Kids Count Data Book and the Annie E. Casey Foundation
school district.” Many school districts operate payment systems through which students use a specialized debit card to pay for their meal after specific food items are keyed into a smart cash register, allowing for items purchased and the name of the student who purchased them to be easily tracked. The researchers found that some parents, after receiving periodic nutrition report cards detailing what their kids ate at school, adjusted family dinner meals to include more nutritious food. Many of those parents also used the opportunity to discuss the importance of health and nutrition with their kids. Students whose parents received the nutrition report cards selected fruits and vegetables more frequently and flavored milk less frequently than the control group. Learn more about the pilot at plosone.org (search for “nutrition report cards”).
Are Female Embryos Hardier Than Male Embryos? New research from Duke University suggests that girls may be hardier than boys in the womb, and therefore better able to survive pregnancies stressed by troubled marriages. In a study that appears in the July issue of the journal Demography, Duke economist Amar Hamoudi and University of Wisconsin sociologist Jenna Nobles link differing divorce rates to the robustness of female embryos. According to the study, at every age from birth to age 100, boys and men die in greater proportions than girls and women. Epidemiological evidence suggests that the female survival advantage actually begins in utero. These more robust female embryos may be better able to withstand stresses to pregnancy, the study suggests, including stresses caused by relationship conflict. The authors also found that a couple’s level of relationship conflict at a given time predicted the sex of children born to that couple at later points in time. Women who reported higher levels of marital conflict were more likely in subsequent years to give birth to girls, rather than boys. “Girls may well be surviving stressful pregnancies that boys can’t survive,” Hamoudi says. “Thus, girls are more likely than boys to be born into marriages that were already strained.” Learn more at link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13524-014-0305-x.
18%
Annual prevalence of hookah usage among high school seniors. Source: Pediatrics, August 2014
Katherine Kopp is a freelance writer and editor in Chapel Hill. carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
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Congratulations to the 2014 N.C. Family-Friendly Companies!
2014
N.C. Family-Friendly 50 Companies The Advanced Home Care Triangle Kick Ball Gladiators celebrate after winning a game. Photo courtesy of Advanced Home Care
By Carolyn Caggia
F
lexible work schedules, child care referral services and wellness programs are just a few of the ways businesses can make life easier for employees. In partnership with the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business
School, Carolina Parent, Charlotte Parent and Piedmont Parent magazines reviewed submissions for our annual list of North Carolina companies that honor family-friendly practices, and from those who applied, we chose 50 for a spot on our exclusive Family-Friendly 50 Companies list. Here’s an overview of how these companies are helping employees balance work and family life.
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2014 FAMILY-FRIENDLY 50
FEWER THAN 100 U.S. EMPLOYEES Achieve Therapy Services Advanced Home Care Alston & Bird LLP The Angus Barn LTD ARCA Arts Together Arysta LifeScience North America Auto Logic Bayer CropScience BDO USA LLP Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Bright Horizons Family Solutions Capitol Broadcasting Company Caterpillar Inc. Building Construction Products Division Charlotte Christian School Coastal Federal Credit Union Cognitect, Inc. Copernicus Group IRB Duke University & Health System Durham Academy Elliott Davis Ernst & Young LLP Fifth Third Bank Hill, Chesson & Woody Hope Community Church IBM Corporation Inmar Integrated Laboratory Systems Kindermusik International L&E Research Lyerly Agency Mims Distributing Company Mulkey Engineers & Consultants Nationwide Insurance Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries Inc.
Achieve Therapy Services No. of U.S. employees: 20 N.C. location: Charlotte This all-women company prioritizes work/life balance by allowing children in the workplace and flexible schedules. Achieve Therapy also offers full benefits, a retirement plan and paid time off. If an employee’s child needs therapy his/her insurance won’t cover, Achieve Therapy Services offers it free of charge. achievetherapyclinic.com
Advanced Home Care No. of U.S. employees: 23 N.C. locations: Multiple locations throughout the Triangle Family-friendly programs include complimentary on-site biometric screenings, health assessments, on-site nutritional counseling, an on-site farmers market, an ATM, an employee assistance program and a lactation room. Advanced Home Care allows flexible schedules, compressed workweeks and part-time and workfrom-home options. Medical coverage is provided for same sex domestic partners and their dependents. advhomecare.org Arts Together employees enjoy taking free or discounted modern dance classes on-site. Photo courtesy of Arts Together
Arts Together No. of U.S. employees: 50 N.C. location: Raleigh Arts Together’s wellness program allows each employee one free class taught at Arts Together per year. Employees enjoy flexible hours and the ability to bring children to work, where they can take a class or help out around the office. artstogether.org
Auto Logic No. of U.S. employees: 10 N.C. location: Carrboro All employees have a generous, flexible leave package with time allowed for travel, holidays, lunchtime at a child’s school, sick and care days. A top-tier health insurance policy is provided for all employees with 100 percent coverage. Mental health and substance abuse services are included in the coverage. autologiconline.com
Cognitect, Inc. No. of U.S. employees: 37 N.C. location: Durham Cognitect offers 10 weeks of maternity leave and 80 hours of paternity leave. Employees can work from home and flexible schedules are offered. Company gatherings feature family activities and promote continuous learning. Cognitect provides short-term disability for every employee as needed. cognitect.com
OrthoCarolina Providence Day School Qualcomm Replacements Ltd. Research Square Rex Healthcare RTI International SciWorks Smart Start of Forsyth County Speechcenter Inc. The Steel Network Inc. TIAA-CREF WakeMed Health and Hospitals Ward Black Law Workplace Options Companies listed in blue have offices in the Triangle. carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
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Duke University
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2014 FAMILY-FRIENDLY 50
FAMILY-FRIENDLY 50
Lyerly Agency No. of U.S. employees: 9 N.C. location: Belmont Lyerly allows flexibility for employees with families. Half-day Fridays allow employees to enjoy an extended weekend. Lyerly fosters a family-style work environment with company members often eating lunch together. The company pays for 100 percent of employee benefits. lyerly.com
SciWorks No. of U.S. employees: 30 N.C. location: Winston-Salem Parents enjoy generous flexibility for responding to family matters. All employees receive an Association of Science and Technology Centers membership and are encouraged to bring friends and family to special events at SciWorks. SciWorks pays a portion of a YMCA membership for any interested employee. sciworks.org A Copernicus Group IRB employee enjoys family bowling night with her son. Photo courtesy of Copernicus Group IRB
Copernicus Group IRB No. of U.S. employees: 70 N.C. location: RTP CGIRB offers flexible and alternate scheduling, telecommuting, extended lunch breaks and generous health insurance benefits. Moms and dads can take at least two fully paid weeks off for birth or adoption of a child. cgirb.com
Hill, Chesson & Woody No. of U.S. employees: 70 N.C. locations: Durham, Greensboro and Wilmington Hill, Chesson & Woody’s wellness committee hosts monthly events such as salad day, sneaker day and massage day. Workplace flexibility, an employee assistance program and a referral service help make life easier for employees. The company pays 100 percent of employee benefits and 34 percent of family coverage. hcwbenefits.com
Integrated Laboratory Systems No. of U.S. employees: 90 N.C. locations: RTP and Morrisville Employees can work from home on school holidays and snow days, and work a flexible schedule as needed. Integrated Laboratory Systems supports new parents when returning from maternity/paternity leave by allowing part-time schedules and alternatives to transitioning back to work. Nine paid holidays are offered, and employees get together outside of the normal workday to support a friendly company culture. ils-inc.com
Kindermusik International No. of U.S. employees: 40 N.C. location: Greensboro Kindermusik International offers flexible work hours, work-from-home opportunities and generous paid time off. Children are welcomed in the workplace during teacher workdays/ snow days and other gaps in day care. Lactation facilities are offered on-site. kindermusik.com
Smart Start of Forsyth County No. of U.S. employees: 16 N.C. location: Winston-Salem Family-friendly initiatives include child care referrals, access to the Work Family Resource Center, a family scholarship program, flexible work schedules, the ability to bring children to work and insurance plans. Staff members are offered a lactation room and paid time off to participate in weight management programs. smartstart-fc.org
Speechcenter Inc. No. of U.S. employees: 75 N.C. locations: Winston-Salem, Charlotte and Boone Speechcenter helps parents meet child care needs by providing flexible scheduling and telecommuting options, and parents may be eligible to receive reimbursement for child care services. Employees are offered personal development assistance, therapy materials, travel reimbursements, home office materials and life insurance packages as well. speechcenter.net ➤ carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
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REX
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The Steel Network Inc. No. of U.S. employees: 70 N.C. location: Durham Three weeks of vacation and nine paid holidays are offered, with paid time off increasing for employees who have worked at the company longer than five years. Ninety percent of health premiums are paid, and a “Biggest Loser” contest encourages good health through the company’s wellness program. The Steel Network works with each individual based on the dynamics of family. steelnetwork.com
Ward Black Law No. of U.S. employees: 35 N.C. location: Greensboro Employee benefits are structured to support a family-oriented culture, including flexible scheduling options, an on-site concierge service to assist employees with errands, on-site retirement planning opportunities, and dry cleaning and automobile cleaning services. The company also
RTI
provides mentoring and internships to young women in the community. wardblacklaw.com
100-500 U.S. EMPLOYEES The Angus Barn LTD No. of U.S. employees: 350 N.C. location: Raleigh Employees can trade work shifts and are given flexibility to respond to family matters. Other benefits include paid jury duty, bereavement pay, a team council where ideas for better business are discussed, Caught in the Act of Caring program (in which prizes are given from drawings of those who go above and beyond their jobs), and an annual employee banquet. angusbarn.com
local farms to subsidize the cost of a community supported agriculture membership so employees and families can enjoy local, seasonal produce. Children are welcome at the workplace and ARCA offers families a large kitchen with plenty of healthy snacks. arcatechsystems.com
Arysta LifeScience North America No. of U.S. employees: 118 N.C. location: Cary An open-door policy allows parents to bring children to work. Employees can work a flexible schedule, and from home as necessary, and have plenty of time off during the winter holidays. Arysta also offers an online wellness portal and a mobile app for employees. arista.com
ARCA
Charlotte Christian School
No. of U.S. employees: 103 N.C. location: Mebane ARCA covers 100 percent of preventative care for employees and their families, and partners with
No. of U.S. employees: 180 N.C. location: Charlotte Highlights of family-friendly programs include free, extended-day, afterschool child care on teacher workdays; ➤
Auto Logic
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Bayer CropScience
fall family tailgate parties; parenting groups; retirement plan options; and a generous time-off policy. Life, health, dental and vision insurance benefits are offered, and employees have access to a healthy dining program that offers a free gourmet lunch each day. charchrist.com
Coastal Federal Credit Union No. of U.S. employees: 429 N.C. locations: Multiple locations throughout the Triangle Coastal Federal Credit Union subsidizes the cost of premiums for health care plans. The Raleigh Employee Assistance Program supports employees and immediate family members during times of need. Mad City Money, a program designed to teach life circumstance and money management, is offered to teens of employees and members. The company offers Coastal Cares to support military employees and families during deployment. coastalfcu.org
Coastal Federal Credit Union hosts a dress-up event for their employees’ children. Photo courtesy of Wellness Coordinator Judy Babb
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Durham Academy No. of U.S. employees: 277 N.C. location: Durham Durham Academy offers maternity and paternity leave, as well as a paid leave plan, flexible schedules and the option for employees to bring children to work during school holidays. Durham Academy plans to host a wellness fair this year featuring vendors and transcounty partners. da.org
Elliott Davis No. of U.S. employees: 488 N.C. locations: Charlotte and Raleigh Elliott Davis offers flexible schedules and workloads. Employees receive an additional discount on health insurance premiums by participating in employeepaid, annual clinical health assessments. Elliott Davis offers a Maternity Care program for expectant mothers and provides child care and elder care referrals. elliottdavis.com
Hope Community Church No. of U.S. employees: 145 N.C. location: Raleigh Hope Community Church provides an on-site day care and preschool for staff and church members, an on-site café and bakery, flexible work schedules, paid vacation for winter break, free kid-friendly events and a cost-friendly medical benefit program featuring healthcare reimbursement. gethope.net
L&E Research No. of U.S. employees: 150 N.C. locations: Raleigh and Charlotte Many employees work from home or part-time, and are paid based on productivity to allow for the most flexibility. L&E Research provides health, dental and vision insurance, as well as necessary technology for employees to telecommute. Paid maternity and paternity leave and child care resources and referral services are also offered. leresearch.com
Mims Distributing Company
Workplace Options hosts its Family Day at Pullen Park in Raleigh. Photo courtesy of Workplace Options
No. of U.S. employees: 171 N.C. location: Raleigh The Mims annual health benefit fair gives employees and spouses free flu shots and information on improving health scores. Children are allowed in the workplace as needed. Family-owned, Mims offers 12 weeks of maternity and paternity leave, maintains a commitment to sustainable practices and provides a laid-back work environment. mimsdistributing.com
Replacements Ltd.
Mulkey Engineers & Consultants No. of U.S. employees: 131 N.C. locations: Cary and Charlotte Mulkey offers flexible schedules, telecommuting, a partnership with a nearby child care center, a wellness program and after-work family-friendly social events. Employees can bring children to work on school holidays or as necessary. mulkeyinc.com
Providence Day School No. of U.S. employees: 300 N.C. location: Charlotte Providence Day School offers a health reimbursement account, an extendedday program for working parents, generous maternity/paternity leave, and a PDS Cares program that provides meals and more to families in times of need. providenceday.org
No. of U.S. employees: 425 N.C. location: Greensboro Replacements Ltd. offers an extensive health care plan as well as an on-site health clinic and fitness room. Female employees are transported by a stretch limousine annually for mammogram screenings. Flexible schedules are offered. Let’s Get Up and Move Initiatives encourage employees and their families to become more physically active through friendly competition. replacements.com
Research Square No. of U.S. employees: 122 N.C. location: Durham Research Square offers a flexible schedule to work around employees’ family needs. Employees work where and when they choose and are held accountable for results not present. Employees are offered paid maternity leave and are allowed to bring children to work. researchsquare.com
Workplace Options No. of U.S. employees: 491 N.C. location: Raleigh Workplace Options offers backup child and elder care support services, on-site lactation rooms, daily living services, internal wellness programs ➤ carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
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Pro Martial Arts
Whizard
Shakori Hills
Catepillar
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2014 FAMILY-FRIENDLY 50 that include fresh fruit in all of the break rooms at no charge, and a free on-site gym for employees. Workplace Options also sponsors a vegetable garden in the summer to give employees access to locally grown produce. workplaceoptions.com
501-3,000 U.S. EMPLOYEES Alston & Bird LLP No. of U.S. employees: 1,602 N.C. locations: Charlotte and Durham Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave are offered, as well as paid walks, runs and bike rides for charitable causes. The firm provides 20 back-up care days per child yearly and three months of paid parental leave for primary caregivers. It also supports adoption-related expenses and offers a “College Coach” program to help prepare families for the college-planning process. alston.com
Bayer CropScience No. of U.S. employees: 2,500 N.C. locations: RTP, Morrisville and Clayton Bayer CropScience provides a variety of flexible workplace options and benefits. Partnerships with other companies facilitate discounts on child care and tutoring centers. The Mothers at Work program is designed to support new mothers, and the Women’s Leadership Initiative helps empower women in the workplace. All employees have access to the Employee Perk Lounge on-site. bayer.com
that meets the external needs of employees by providing flexibility when necessary. cbc-raleigh.com
Inmar No. of U.S. employees: 1,868 N.C. locations: Winston-Salem, Rural Hall and Charlotte Inmar provides health/dental and vision benefit plans from day one of employment. A wellness program designed to promote fitness and reduce obesity and tobacco use is offered for the whole family, and Inmar offers partnerships with local child care facilities. inmar.com
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries Inc. No. of U.S. employees: 654 N.C. location: Clayton Employees, dependents and domestic partners are offered health insurance options and an Employee Assistance Program, which provides coaching for child care options. Employees can also take resilience training to help recognize and manage stress. A yearly health fair provides health screens and other services, and there is an
on-site fitness center for employees. novonordisk.com
OrthoCarolina No. of U.S. employees: 1,200 N.C. locations: Charlotte and multiple western N.C. locations OrthoCarolina offers flexible hours, varied days and job-sharing, as well as maternity/paternity leave, on-site lactation facilities, child care resources, paid time off and wellness options such as fitness classes, a YMCA partnership and discounts, a 24-hour nurse line, and health coaching and classes. orthocarolina.com
RTI International No. of U.S. employees: 2,800 N.C. location: RTP and Raleigh RTI’s comprehensive benefits program includes flex-time, telecommuting, on-site lactation rooms, a local child care facility, managerial support for unexpected absences due to family needs, paid-time-off donations (borrowing up to 40 hours) and supplemental leave. A community ➤ RTI International employees volunteer at UNC-TV. Photo courtesy of RTI International
Capitol Broadcasting Company No. of U.S. employees: 641 N.C. locations: Raleigh, Durham and Wilmington Capitol Broadcasting Company provides a CBC Childcare Scholarship Program and allows children to come into the office. CBC gives out tickets to familyfriendly company outing events like sports games, Disney shows, monster truck jams and more. The company is dedicated to providing an environment carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
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Dance Arts
Durham Pediatrics
City of Raleigh Youth Programs
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supported agriculture program gives employees access to locally grown foods. rti.org
3,001-10,000 U.S. EMPLOYEES BDO USA LLP No. of U.S. employees: 3,879 N.C. locations: Charlotte, Raleigh and High Point Through partnerships, BDO offers many resources to parents such as child care, backup care, education programs, resources for expecting parents and more. Flexible schedules are offered, and counseling is provided for marital, parental, financial, substance abuse, smoking and gambling problems. Productivity and time management seminars are also offered. bdo.com
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina No. of U.S. employees: 4,659 N.C. locations: Multiple locations throughout N.C.
BCBSNC offers stress management, financial management and wellness workshops. On-site features include health clinics, gyms and lactation facilities. ParentNet ensures that all employees understand the benefits and offerings for parents. ParentLife is a resource center for prospective, new and working parents. A WorkLife SuperStar contest recognizes outstanding working parents. bcbsnc.com
Rex Healthcare No. of U.S. employees: 5,533 N.C. locations: Multiple locations throughout Wake County Rex offers professional development opportunities such as on-site college degree programs and on-the-job training. Flexible scheduling options and generous paid-time-off benefits are also available. Rex Healthcare offers three health plan options and a Vitality wellness program. A five-star rated child development center is available on-site. rexhealth.com
Kids enjoy the Canes’ Bounce House at the 2014 Rex Hospital Open Family Day. Photo courtesy of Rex Healthcare
TIAA-CREF No. of U.S. employees: 9,200 N.C. locations: Charlotte, Chapel Hill and Durham A wide variety of services for employees are provided through the Employee Assistance Program, including child/ adult care, short-term counseling, a reimbursement program, and beforeand after-school care. The EAP’s services are even extended to family members. An on-site health clinic is available, and a health advocate system helps employees navigate the health care system. tiaa-cref.org.
WakeMed Health and Hospitals No. of U.S. employees: 8,216 N.C. locations: Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Garner and Clayton WakeMed offers health, dental and vision benefits to all employees. An on-site health clinic is available for ➤ carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
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A family celebrates after finishing the annual Wake Med Scrub Run. Photo courtesy of Wake Med Health and Hospitals
employees and a partnership with Little Pro’s Academy offers all employees discounted child care and summer camp programs at nearby facilities. Flexible schedules, telecommuting, and personal growth and self-help sessions are also available to employees. wakemed.org
10,001+ U.S. EMPLOYEES Bright Horizons Family Solutions No. of U.S. employees: 19,034 N.C. locations: Multiple locations throughout N.C. Bright Horizons provides a wide range of benefits such as a comprehensive employee assistance program, college tuition reimbursements, college counseling, child care discounts for employees, elder care resources and referral services, and remote and flexible scheduling options. brighthorizons.com
Caterpillar Inc. Building Construction Products Division No. of U.S. employees: 122,000 N.C. locations: Cary, Clayton and Sanford Caterpillar offers five different medical plan choices and flexible work arrangements. A discount program was recently added to provide employees the option to take advantage of cash back from purchases at vendors such as Target and Lowes. Employees can also buy gift cards at a discount. cat.com
Duke University & Health System No. of U.S. employees: 34,000+ N.C. locations: Multiple locations throughout the Triangle Family-friendly benefits include paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, access to child care, support for elder care and access to a variety of unique cultural events. duke.edu
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Ernst & Young LLP No. of U.S. employees: 175,000 N.C. locations: Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh The EY Assist program provides information to employees on topics ranging from nutrition to college admission to counseling. EY offers parental leave for mothers and fathers, lactation facilities and flexible work options. EY has been among Working Mom’s “100 Best Companies” to work for 15 consecutive years. ey.com
Fifth Third Bank No. of U.S. employees: 21,000 N.C. locations: Multiple locations throughout N.C. Fifth Third Bank offers flexible schedules and work/life balance seminars and programs that encourage stress management, healthy eating and exercising Families enjoy the Duke University & Health System Employee Kick-off event. Photo courtesy of Duke University & Health System
during the workday. In 2012, Fifth Third Bank was voted a leading company for employees with disabilities. 53.com
Corporate discounts to local restaurants and retailers are also provided. nationwide.com
IBM Corporation
Qualcomm
No. of U.S. employees: 100,000+ N.C. location: RTP IBM offers flex time, the ability to work from home, paid maternity leave, mental health assistance, lactation rooms onsite, financial support for adoptions, and assistance finding child care and elder care. us.ibm.com
No. of U.S. employees: 20,000 N.C. location: Raleigh Family-friendly programs include flexible scheduling, employee assistance rooms, an on-site lactation room, college scholarship opportunities, financial aid and support for adoptions, comprehensive family medical insurance coverage, an on-site fitness center, educational seminars, and dependent care and healthcare reimbursement. There are also family cooking contests and discounts for entertainment. qualcomm.com
Nationwide Insurance No. of U.S. employees: 33,000 N.C. location: Raleigh Nationwide offers a Back-Up Care Advantage Program for child care and supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equal rights. An onsite café serves healthy breakfast and lunch options for parents on the go. There is a lactation room, and Wellness Wednesdays offer stress management and work/life balance seminars.
HOW COMPANIES WERE SELECTED Honored companies were nominated and provided information about benefits and programs via surveys and supporting employee testimonials. Information was reviewed at the UNC KenanFlagler Business School in Chapel Hill, and the final list of selected companies was determined in partnership with the business school. Nominations are now being accepted for our 2015 list at ncfamilyfriendly.com.
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UNC
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THINK YOU COULD BE A
Mompreneur? Tips From Moms Who Have Been There and Done That — Successfully
H
By Resa Goldberg
eather McDonnell knows how to blow up a Twitter stream almost as good as she bakes up her impossibly delish Sweet Tea cupcakes. That’s precisely what happened three years ago when she won the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.”
The news went viral and she received thousands of kudos via social media. Of course, using Instagram to post pictures of daily specials and answering customer comments on Yelp is more than just keeping up with technology for her. “I basically started my business through Facebook and Twitter,” says McDonnell, owner of Cupcrazed Cakery in Fort Mill, S.C. — which boasts 17,000 followers on Facebook. “It’s fun now, but in the beginning, getting started wasn’t just hard; it was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done.” A thorough business plan and subsequent bank loan, 20-hour workdays and a strong passion for baking put Cupcrazed Cakery on the fast track. Yet McDonnell still worried that she couldn’t afford to pay staff to help with the workload. Most of all, she worried that her work was causing her to neglect her four children, who now range in age from 6 to 19. McDonnell is typical of many “mompreneurs” who struggle to find balance between their family and business.
Striking Out on Your Own The term “mompreneur” was coined in the late 1990s by Ellen Parlapiano and Pat Cobe, co-authors of Mompreneurs: A Mother’s Practical Step-by-Step Guide to Work-at-Home Success and Mompreneurs Online: Using the Internet to Build Work@Home Success. They also created mompreneursonline. com and even trademarked the term “mompreneur.” Today the term is simply used to describe a female business owner who actively balances the roles of mom and entrepreneur. Although there are no statistics for the number of mothers who own businesses, the number of female-owned firms has increased exponentially locally and across the nation, and most mompreneurs typically start their businesses in their homes. According to American Express OPEN’s 2013 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, it is estimated that there are more than 8.6 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., generating more than $1.3 trillion in revenues and employing nearly 8 million people. That’s an increase of 5
million businesses in only two years. North Carolina is in line with this trend. “Most reports show significant increases in the growth of womenowned businesses in North Carolina,” including the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy Report, says Mike Ernandes, public affairs specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s North Carolina District Office in Charlotte. “I think this growth is encouraging for Heather McDonnell (below), owner of Cupcrazed Cakery. Photo courtesy of Poprock Photography
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Center for Mindful Development
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women interested in starting businesses all over the state.” Despite the rising numbers, women launching their own businesses still face challenges getting access to capital and improving access to markets, including the federal government. The SBA is trying to make that easier. In July, the organization eliminated the requirement that lenders perform cash flow and debt coverage analysis on loans under $350,000. The SBA also implemented a new business creditscoring model that combines an entrepreneur’s personal and business credit scores to make it easier and faster for lenders to work with new business owners. Many mompreneurs still choose to either go at it alone, or accept help from family and friends. Others adopt a “if you can’t beat them, join them” mentality by accepting funding from female “angels,” or firms that invest in womenowned startups. Back in 2008, when Brandi Tysinger-Temple was a fulltime mom to her four kids, she started sewing clothes for her girls as a hobby. Within a matter of weeks after she started selling her products on eBay, she had to hire dozens of relatives and friends to help her address the demand. By 2010, she transferred her eBay store over to Facebook, which really kicked off her children’s apparel company. She named it Lolly Wolly Doodle, and has since moved it to a 19,000-square-foot brick-and-mortar facility in Lexington that is half funded by the state of North Carolina. “By creating jobs in our community, it not only creates amazing products but amazing opportunities as well,” Tysinger-Temple says.
Growing a Good Idea
Developmental Therapy Associates
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When moms develop physical products, as Tysinger-Temple did, there is a period of development each mompreneur must navigate. Claire O’Neal, an avid biker and founder of Pogginz bike accessories for kids, researched plastic injections and foam to make creative helmet accessories. She tried various methods of attaching the pieces to helmets. She even tried using strong magnets, but realized they were not safe for young children. O’Neal eventually began working with Betsy Hauser Idilbi, former president of a company called Little Idea Product Development, which merged with product development giant Eventys last year. O’Neal says Hauser Idilbi was instrumental in helping her settle on final designs. Hauser Idilbi had experience with fabric and suggested O’Neal use fabric for her helmets. “I fell in love with the glitter vinyl, which is weather resistant and easy to clean, and now that is a Pogginz trademark,” she says.
The women decided to put the Pogginz designs on Etsy, an online handmade marketplace, (for only 20 cents per listing) just to see how many people might “favorite” them. “It was a simple way to decide what products to produce and which to abandon,” explains Hauser Idilbi, who recently co-founded Tech Talent South, an intensive web development program with four campuses across the Southeast. “Moms who have taken a leave from the business world to take care of family don’t give themselves enough credit for how much they already know and how much they have learned as a parent,” she says. “My advice to new mompreneurs is to be confident in your product and your ambition. You’re the one who put tireless hours in developing it and had the guts to get it off the ground. Don’t forget that.”
Balancing Business and Family While building her business, O’Neal was also learning how to pivot fast and go from executive to soccer mom in seconds. She admits she has not mastered the art of balancing family and business, but tries to think of creative ways to stay involved in her kids’ lives, and also involve them in hers. Her 16-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter help out with everything — from packaging to assisting at events. O’Neal’s daughter even manages her business Instagram account. McDonnell says her Cupcrazed Cakery balance began with a solid foundation in the form of assistance from the people who are closest to her. During the first year after launching her business, her husband would take care of their children, her mother and friends would stop by to help her do dishes at the store, and her sister-in-law worked as her office manager. This allowed McDonnell to focus on building her business. “I still have days that I feel like I’m on a teeter-totter, but I’ve worked out most of the kinks,” McDonnell says. “Now I can go home after a full day and make dinner, help
Autism Innovation
the kids with their homework, and the laundry pile isn’t as scary as it used to be!” Resa Goldberg is a freelance writer and editor in Charlotte who has two teenage boys.
MOMPRENEUR RESOURCES n
The North Carolina Center for Women Business Owners in Durham just won the 2014 SBA Women’s Business Center of the Year at the state, regional and national levels. ncimed.org
n
“Entrepreneur” Magazine’s Mompreneur Center offers business ideas, resources and feature articles. entrepreneur.com/mompreneur
n
National Association of Women Business Owners represents women entrepreneurs across all industries, with 5,000 members in 60 chapters nationwide. nawbo.org
n
Triangle Mompreneurs is a meetup group specifically established for female business owners with families. meetup.com/for-moms.
n
“Ask the Mompreneur” is an online column published by The Charlotte Observer. charlotteobserver.com/1173
n
SBA resources for women business owners are available online. sba.gov/offices/district/nc/charlotte/ resources/resources-women-business-owners
Not Just Paper
carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
43
MANAGING
MOMMY GUILT
HOW 4 WORKING MOMS FIND BALANCE By Anne Wooten Green
I
f you’re a woman with children, you’ve felt it — sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. Mommy Guilt is an equal-opportunity offender. It strikes whether you’re 25 or 45,
CEO of your home or a Fortune 500 company, living in a small town or big city. Women who work outside of the home haven’t cornered the market on it. Workfrom-home and part-time working moms feel it, too. Mommy Guilt doesn’t discriminate between women who have family around to help, either, or moms who depend on nannies, babysitters, day cares or schools to keep their kids safe and happy while they work.
Full-Time Guilt Kristi Roe, 41, of Charlotte, has two children: Spencer, 6, and Harper, 5. Her husband, Greg, 45, is an information technology security analyst at Wells Fargo. She experiences Mommy Guilt from both sides — as a mother and as a family counselor. Currently director of patient experience at Carolinas Healthcare System, Roe previously owned a counseling and consulting business, and still counsels several clients, mostly women, on family issues. Roe says Mommy Guilt is real. The level of guilt “depends on who you are. All moms have some level of guilt,” she says. “I think many women feel pressure to do things a certain way … the food they feed their children, the way their children behave. Parenting is intense. Sometimes women lose themselves in
44
SEPTEMBER 2014 |
their child; they try to micromanage everything.” When her son was born, she started with a nanny and worked part time for a while, since neither she nor her husband have family in the area. “But when my daughter came, we put both of them in day care full time,” she says. “And they were both fine.” Roe’s career is important to her. She works long hours and travels frequently, so she often experiences Mommy Guilt. But she doesn’t let it overtake her. “I’m very passionate about my career path,” she says. “My job is important to me. I’m ambitious. The guilt would be worse if I didn’t feel good about my children’s lives. But I do.” Even full-time working moms who have plenty of family around to help take care of the kids still feel twinges of guilt.
carolinaparent.com
Sherri Weddle Bowen, 44, of WinstonSalem, works as director of the office of the president at Forsyth Technical Community College. She is also the college’s team captain for the March of Dimes and sells a line of flameless candles. When Bowen’s children, Cody, 10, and Dakota, 8, aren’t with her husband, Marty, 45, a captain at the Lewisville Fire Department, they hang out at her parents’ or in-laws’ house. Once a year she comes in to work late so she can be there for her boys’ first day of school, “but that’s the only time I do it, and I don’t pick them up,” she says. Bowen juggles her kids, husband, job and activities with “lots of planning.” Her husband is the primary cook in the house. To find balance, Bowen says she has to make choices. “I say that you can pick two of three things: your sanity, a clean house or your family. I choose sanity and my family and kids.”
Part-Time Guilt Libby Perry, 33, of Cary, admittedly experiences Mommy Guilt, too. “I feel guilty for working with young kids at home,” she says. “I feel guilty when I think I am letting the 4-yearold watch too much TV. I feel guilty if I think that maybe I spend too much time
“… going full throttle, going 100 percent. I was working from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.” – Amanda Harrell, Raleigh
looking at my phone around the kids. I feel guilty that I don’t take as many pictures of the 1-year-old as I did with the 4-year-old. I feel guilty that I don’t always cook healthy enough meals.” A Pittsburgh native, Perry works for a software company in Raleigh. She has two children, Meadow, 41/2 and Domenic, 11/2. Her husband, Tony, 32, works as an executive for a pharmaceutical company in Raleigh. Perry is grateful that her employer let her change to a 30-hour workweek after having her second child. While her husband works long hours, she says she tries to make managing a family and household while working as easy as possible. “Things like Lowes Foods to Go, Amazon Prime and a housecleaning service are things that help,” she says. Perry would love to minimize her Mommy Guilt. “I wish I had more time with my kids. And I wish the kids and I had more time with my husband,” she says. “As far as lessening the guilt, I’m still looking for ways to do that. I just remind myself that I am doing the best I can right now. Sometimes I feel like I am in survival mode!” continued on page 46
carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
45
Tutor Time
Mommy Guilt
|
continued from page 45
Amanda Harrell, 39, of Raleigh, a licensed marriage and family therapist at 3-C Family Services in Cary, also cut her hours after the birth of her twin sons. She says she spent the beginning of her career “going full throttle, going 100 percent. I was working from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.” When she had her first child, daughter Harper, now 6, Harrell was able to maintain a full-time working schedule. But when her twin boys, Quaid and Hudson, now 4, came along, Harrell says going to a part-time schedule “was an easy choice.” Harrell now works two days a week, seeing clients “backto-back” from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. When her children are older, she says she will go back to work full-time. Harrell says her husband, Jim, 39, “works insane hours” as an attorney, but they find time together as a family on the weekends. “The kids go to bed fairly early now, so that’s a way my husband and I can have time to hang out,” she says.
Counseling the Guilty As a family therapist, Harrell often works with women who experience Mommy Guilt. She first tries to determine if the guilt is justified. “A lot of women are walking around with unjustified guilt,” she says. “They feel they’re not doing enough. They feel unworthy. In that case, there is a lot of work we can do to figure out and get to the bottom of their feelings.” But if the guilt is justified, Harrell works with the client on ways to spend more time with her kids. “Maybe you do something special with your kids at the end of the week, maybe you attend a baseball game or other activity they are involved in on the weekends,” she says. And, she adds, part of the solution is to schedule “me-time.” “Moms need time to themselves,” Harrell says. “Many have a hard time doing something nice for themselves. If you lack energy, are running on empty — you’re doing things halfway with your children.” How do you alleviate Mommy Guilt? Share your solution with us by commenting on our Work-Life Balance blog at carolinaparent.com/community/blogs, where you’ll also find more tips on conquering Mommy Guilt.
Cary Parks
Anne Wooten Green is a freelance writer and editor from Winston-Salem. She still feels Mommy Guilt even though her children are 26 and 22.
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SEPTEMBER 2014 |
carolinaparent.com
A DAD’S WALL OF JOY By Patrick L. Hempfing
I
’m not sure if it was Fred, Barney, Wilma or Betty. It could have been Pebbles or Bamm-Bamm. I do know it was grape-flavored
and should have gone down my daughter’s esophagus — not mine.
Each morning, I prepare breakfast for Jessie. If done properly, Jessie eats her Flintstones chewable vitamin and I swallow my daily vitamin for men. Though the directions on the Flintstones bottle read “Adults and children 4 years of age and over,” I’d just as soon swallow the one that better supports my prostate and heart health. However, on two different occasions, I sleepily and without focus took the wrong vitamin. (I like orange better than grape.) It seems like I was just watching The Flintstones on a black-and-white TV back in the ’60s. With yet another birthday on the horizon, I shake my head in disbelief as to how fast the years have gone by. I’ve lived lots of exciting phases. I had a successful professional career — 12 years in banking, four years in public accounting and five years as an internal auditor. But I wouldn’t trade the past nine years as Mr. Mom for anything, even if I had to eat a chewable vitamin every day. Parenting is immensely joyful, yet it can also be tiring and challenging. Life was a lot simpler watching The Flintstones. I have wonderful childhood memories ranging from playing ball to taping comic strips to the kitchen walls. Now that I’m a parent of a soon-tobe tween, I smile when I glance up from my computer and see evidence of my daughter’s happy childhood
all over my walls. I remember pre-parenthood, when my office walls held my framed college diplomas, certified public accountant license and several framed photos that I called my Wall of Fame. My Wall of Fame motivated me with reminders of some of my biggest achievements. One picture flaunted my first victory in a singles tennis tournament. Another showed me on water skis as I attempted to impress my girlfriend, Mattie. This undertaking was brave because I didn’t know how to swim, but I still jumped in the lake with my life vest on and Mattie’s brother ready to assist, if necessary. It must have worked because Mattie married me a few years later. Another picture showed Mattie and me in Florida on a four-wheeler covered in mud as we drove down “Swamp Road,” which was not a road, but an overgrown path through a swamp with water up to our waists in some parts. To say I was way outside of my comfort zone would be an understatement. When I look at my Wall of Fame today, it’s a whole lot different. It now holds pictures of a smiling daughter gripping a tennis racquet, reading a book, hugging her dog, bouncing a basketball, finding an Easter egg and playing in snow. There are drawings and colored pictures, which Jessie and I created both individually and jointly, that serve as reminders of our quality time together. My walls have changed through the years, just as I have. Though I’ve been blessed in all stages of my life, the Mr. Mom years have provided me with many of my best memories. I have the pictures to prove it on my “Wall of Joy.” As I continue to work to balance my responsibilities as a father, husband, son and writer, I realize there will be highs and lows. You won’t catch me on water skis or a four-wheeler anymore, and I hope to keep my Flintstones chewables intake to a minimum. But mostly, I plan to have lots of “yabba dabba doo” times with my family as I color my walls with memories. Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year professional career in banking, accounting and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad and writer. carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
47
september our picks Photo courtesy of Paul Corey
13th
3rd-4th SEPT.
OCT.
Raleigh M.A.I.N. Event Showcases Music, Art, Innovation and Noise Sept. 3-Oct. 4 The Raleigh M.A.I.N. Event is a medley of festivals and family-friendly activities taking place Sept. 3-Oct. 4 in downtown Raleigh. Enjoy Latino foods, dancing and art at Fiesta del Pueblo Sept. 21, and the thrills of a stunt show and motorcycle parade at the Ray Price Capital City BikeFest Sept. 26-28. Watch
Photo courtesy of David Ramsey Photography
creativity explode at the SPARKcon Festival Sept. 11-14, when more than 1,700 artists and
Pitch Corn for a Good Cause Sept. 13
performers deliver 200 shows and exhibits.
Help Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina grant the wishes of local children with life-
Kids can design a futuristic city in Marbles Kids
threatening medical conditions at the Triangle’s inaugural Pitchin’ for Wishes cornhole
Museum’s cityBUILD project Sept. 27-28. Tap
tournament Sept. 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at Midtown Park at North Hills in Raleigh. The family-
your feet at Wide Open Bluegrass Oct. 3-4,
friendly event features an NCAA bracket-style bag-toss competition, as well as food,
a festival that also hosts the N.C. Whole Hog
music and entertainment. Two-player teams are $50 and can register online. Spectators
Barbecue State Championship. Learn more
are admitted free. Pitchin’ for Wishes has raised more than $500,000 for various charities.
about these events and others at raleigh-
Learn more at raleighpitchinforwishes.com.
mainevent.com.
48
SEPTEMBER 2014 |
carolinaparent.com
Not So Normal 5k + Weekend Serves Up Unique Fun Sept. 12-14 Take part in a threeday celebration of community and philanthropy Sept. 12-14 in Carrboro and Chapel Hill that includes kids’ parties, an outdoor movie,
24th-30th
comedy shows and the Carrboro Art Walk. Proceeds from Not So Normal 5k + Weekend will benefit more than 20 local nonprofit organizations and culminates in a 5k run
Explore Nature with a Child Sept. 24-30
(shortened to 2.95 miles) on Sept. 14 for all
Take A Child Outside Week, Sept. 24-30, is a national program that provides parents,
ages that also features face painting and
teachers and caregivers local resources and outdoor activities to help children connect
other fun activities. The Not So Normal 5k
to the environment, stay focused in school and reduce obesity. Harris Lake County Park,
+ Weekend is the creation of Jay Radford, a
American Tobacco Trail, Historic Yates Mill County Park and J.C. Raulston Arboretum are
stay-at-home dad who writes the “Mom in
just some of the locations offering fun activities to celebrate Take a Child Outside Week.
Chapel Hill” blog. Visit notsonormal5k.com to
These activities, some of which are free, are listed on page 56 and on carolinaparent.com.
register for the weekend’s festivities.
Discover Ellerbe Creek’s Nature Preserves Sept. 20 Nature lovers of all ages can enjoy hikes and hands-on activities at the first Ellerbe Creek Nature Tour Sept. 20, 1-5 p.m. The tour features five stops all within 8 miles of downtown Durham and is hosted by the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association. Visit the preserves of 17-Acre Wood, Pearl Mill, Beaver Marsh and Glennstone, as well as the Creek Smart House. Enjoy birding, guided exploration of the forest habitat, art activities and an up-close look at live animals. Several stops include Spanish-speaking guides. Admission is free. Learn more at creektour.org.
Sing Along with Mister G Sept. 20 Bilingual kindie rock star Mister G, who combines a mixture of music and learning techniques to inspire his audience, brings his high-energy show to The ArtsCenter in Carrboro Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. Mister G’s catchy songs feature Latin rhythms to teach young children about counting, colors and nature, all while celebrating the joys of discovery. His 2012 release, Chocolalala, won a Parents’ Choice Gold Award. Tickets, available for purchase online at artscenterlive.org, are $8 for ages 2-17 and $10 for adults. Learn more about Mister G at mistergsongs.com.
20th
carolinaparent.com carolinaparent.com || SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2014 2014
49
Mathnasium
50
SEPTEMBER 2014 |
carolinaparent.com
calendar
1 MONDAY
5 FRIDAY
Happy Labor Day!
Afternoon Adventure. Explore the
Saturday Storytime: Grandparents
Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten
Day. Read How to Babysit a Grandpa
Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.
and How to Babysit a Grandma by Jean
gardens while searching for five trivia
2 TUESDAY
questions. $1/family. 2-4 p.m. J.C.
Time for Tots: Aw, Nuts! Learn about
Raleigh. 919-513-7011. jcra.ncsu.edu.
the history of peanuts and make a
Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd.,
and enjoy an activity. Free. 7 p.m.
Registration required. $3. 10-10:45
Barnes & Noble, 760 S.E. Maynard Rd.,
a.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5 E.
Cary. 919-467-3866. bn.com.
Make a Mug or Bowl. See Sept. 8.
3866. bn.com.
4-5:30 p.m. Time for Tots: Aw, Nuts! See Sept. 2.
7 SUNDAY Take Your Grandparents Fishing. Celebrate National Grandparents Day
Kids Fun-Days: Reptile Roundup.
ncmuseumofhistory.org.
Children hike, make projects and engage in nature activities. Ages 5-8.
3 WEDNESDAY
Registration required. $12 resident,
History Corner: The Corner Cure-All.
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs,
$16 nonresident. 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Go on a hunt through the 1920s phar-
2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-
macy exhibit and discover remedies,
5980. townofcary.org.
com/parks/crowder. Parent and Child Clay Workshop:
760 S.E. Maynard Rd., Cary. 919-467-
American Girl Club. Discuss McKenna
“nutty� craft. Ages 3-5 with adult.
Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7992.
Reagan. Free. 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble,
10 WEDNESDAY N.C. State Championship Charity
and enjoy fishing together. Take a pole
Horse Show. Take the family for
or borrow one at the park. All ages.
horse competitions, free pony rides,
Meet at the Longleaf Shelter. Registra-
face painting and more. Proceeds
tion required. Free. 3-5 p.m. Harris
benefit visually impaired and blind
Lake County Park, 2112 County Park
citizens of Wake County. $8 adults.
Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342.
Free for ages 11 and younger. Show
wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.
times are 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. James B. Hunt Horse Complex, 1025 Blue
toys and candies of the past. Ages 6-9 with adult. Registration required. $3. 10-11 a.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5
6 SATURDAY
E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7992.
Buckaroo Breakfast. Giddy up for a
History Hunters: Home Remedies.
crafts and sing campfire classics.
dients from home or the store to
Tickets required for ages 1 and older.
stay well or get better. Ages 10-13.
Register online. $15/members, $20/
Registration required. $3. 11:15 a.m.-
nonmembers. 9-11 a.m. Marbles Kids
12:15 p.m. N.C. Museum of History, 5
Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh.
E. Edenton St., Raleigh. 919-807-7992.
919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.
ncmuseumofhistory.org.
org/buckaroobreakfast.
discover the shapes, textures, sounds
Learn introductory techniques with
and smells of nature. Ages 1 and older
aluminum jump rings to create
with parent. Registration required. $8
jewelry. Ages 7-12. Registration
resident, $10 nonresident. 10-11 a.m.
required. $18/child plus $6 materials
Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs,
fee. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Durham Arts
2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-
Council, 120 Morris St., Durham.
5980. townofcary.org.
4 THURSDAY
Lizards. Children learn about the
Wee Walkers: Flutter and Fly. See
tion required. $12 resident, $16
Sept. 3.
Make a Mug or Bowl. Create a clay
There. Learn how seeds pop, fly, twirl
masterpiece. Ages 2-10. Registration
and stick in order to move around. Go
required. $15/child. 10-11:30 a.m.
on a scavenger hunt to find seeds and
Durham Arts Council, Northgate Mall,
create a plant pal. Ages 6-9. Registra-
1058 W. Club Blvd., Durham. 919-560-
tion required. $4/child. 11 a.m.-noon.
2726. durhamarts.org.
Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten
natural world. Ages 5-8. Registranonresident. 10 a.m.-noon. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org.
Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.
develop fine motor skills through games and hands-on activities. Go
com/parks/crowder. Nature Watchers: Super Seeds. Sort
on a nature hunt to find plants and
seeds from trees, plants and flowers.
animals of different shapes. Ages
Learn which animals like to eat seeds
18 mos.-3 yrs. with adult. Registra-
and make a living necklace to take
tion required. $2/child. 10:30-11 a.m.
home. Ages 3-5 with adult. Registra-
Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten
tion required. $4/child. 1-2 p.m.
Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850. wakegov.
Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten
com/parks/crowder.
Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850.
919-560-2726. durhamarts.org. Curiosity Club: Seeking Snakes and
Nature Friends: Seeds, From Here to
Tiny Tots: Shapes in Nature. Toddlers
Chainmaille Jewelry Workshop.
events/9-14.htm.
Parent and Child Clay Workshop:
grandparents and grandkids. Make
Find out how ancestors used ingre-
Wee Walkers: Flutter and Fly. Children
8 MONDAY
chuck-wagon style breakfast for
ncmuseumofhistory.org.
Ridge Rd., Raleigh. ncstatefair.org/
9 TUESDAY Nature Families: The Needs of Seeds.
wakegov.com/parks/crowder.
11 THURSDAY
Learn the parts of a flower and what
Curious Creatures: Creek Creatures.
a seed needs to grow. Create a seed
Discover wildlife, their habits and
mosaic and take a lima bean home to
their habitats through hikes, activities
watch it grow. All ages. Registration
and crafts. Ages 5-8. Registration re-
required. $5/family. 11 a.m.-noon.
quired. $12 resident, $16 nonresident.
carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
51
calendar 10 a.m.-noon. Stevens Nature Center/
Paperhand Puppet Intervention
and awareness. Register online. All
marbleskidsmuseum.org.
Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd.,
Presents The Painted Bird.
ages. Free. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Booth
Junior Naturalist: Looking for
Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org.
Paperhand Puppet Intervention’s 15th
Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy.,
Lizards. Participants develop their
annual puppet extravaganza features
Cary. 919-323-9751. foodallergywalk.
naturalist skills and understanding
org/trianglenc2014.
of local nature. Ages 5-8 with parent.
Friday Night Fun. Meet Clifford the Big Red Dog and enjoy a story. Free. 7 p.m.
masks, stilt walkers, shadow puppets
Barnes & Noble, 760 S.E. Maynard Rd.,
and live music. Purchase tickets
FutureVet Play Day. Learn alongside a
Registration required. $8 resident,
Cary. 919-467-3866. bn.com.
online. $17 adults, $8.50 kids. Free for
real veterinarian, make-and-take bow
$10 nonresident. 2-3 p.m. Stevens
N.C. State Championship Charity
ages 6 and younger. 7 p.m. Preshow
wow bites and cat toys, and explore
Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616
Horse Show. See Sept. 10.
begins at 6:20 p.m. N.C. Museum of
careers in pet health. $5 ages 1-adult.
Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980.
Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 919-
11 a.m-2 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum,
townofcary.org.
715-5923. ncartmuseum.org/summer.
201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-
12 FRIDAY
Paperhand Puppet Intervention Presents The Painted Bird. See
4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org.
Durham Mocha Moms Support
Make It, Take It: Boll Weevils. Learn
Group. Take part in a support group
13 SATURDAY
for mothers of color and mothers
Cub Scout Morning: Let’s Go Outside.
raising children of color. Children
Cub Scouts hike in the gardens while
welcome. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Grey
exploring the plants and critters that
Stone Church, 2601 Hillsborough Rd.,
live there. Create a leaf rubbing and
Durham. mochamoms.org.
plant a seed to take home. $10. 9:30-
ncmuseumofhistory.org.
11:30 a.m. J.C. Raulston Arboretum,
N.C. State Championship Charity
Forest Friends: Monarch Magic. Search for a monarch butterfly and learn
4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh. 919-513-7011.
about the special trip they will take
jcra.ncsu.edu.
this fall. Play a butterfly game and
Family Pond Exploration. Collect
how the boll weevil changed farming
Sept. 12. Service Saturday: Volunteer Day. Help
and make a weevil to take home.
beautify the park. Ages 14 and older.
Drop-in program. Free. 1-3 p.m.
Registration required. Free. 9 a.m.-
N.C. Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton
noon. Crowder District Park, 4709
St., Raleigh. 919-807-7992.
Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 919-662-2850.
Horse Show. See Sept. 10.
wakegov.com/parks/crowder.
Nature Nuts: Goldfinches. See Sept. 12.
15 MONDAY
Paperhand Puppet Intervention
Breastfeeding Cafe. Discuss
plant your own milkweed to take
samples from the pond to see these
Presents The Painted Bird. See
breastfeeding with an accredited La
home. Ages 3-5 with adult. Meet at
creatures up close and learn what they
Sept. 12.
Leche League leader and meet other mothers. Infants welcome. Free. 1-2
the Cypress Shelter. Registration re-
tell us about water quality. All ages.
quired. $4/child. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registra-
Wild Things Are and enjoy an activity.
p.m. The Red Hen, University Mall,
Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County
tion required. $5/family. 10-11:30 a.m.
Free. 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 760 S.E.
201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill. 919-942-
Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342.
Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County
Maynard Rd., Cary. 919-467-3866.
4420. theredhen.com.
wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.
Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342.
bn.com.
N.C. State Championship Charity
wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.
Horse Show. See Sept. 10.
Family Rhythm Jam. Drumming and
Nature Nuts: Goldfinches. Children
Saturday Storytime. Read Where the
stories for ages 3 and older with
14 SUNDAY For the Love of Longleaf. Enjoy a
16 TUESDAY Author Visits. Tommy Hays discusses his new book, What I Came to Tell You,
learn about nature in the world
parent. Drums to loan. $10/family.
around them. Ages 3-5 with parent.
10-11 a.m. Music Explorium, 5314
wagon ride to see longleaf pines.
which offers a true-to-life quest by
Registration required. $11 resident,
Hwy. 55, Ste. 107, Durham. 919-219-
Learn about their history, ecology
a boy seeking solace and forgive-
$14 nonresident. 10-11 a.m. Stevens
2371. musicexplorium.com.
and ecosystem. All ages. Meet at
ness. Ages 10 and older. Free. 7 p.m.
the Restroom Pavilion. Registration
Quail Ridge Books, 3522 Wade Ave.,
Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980.
and yoga. Ages 2 and older with
required. $5/family. 4:30-6 p.m. Harris
Raleigh. 919-828-1588.
townofcary.org.
Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616
Family Yoga in Nature. Combine nature
quailridgebooks.com.
parent. Registration required. $16
Lake County Park, 2112 County Park
Nature Tots: Monarch Magic. Read a
resident, $20 nonresident. 11:30 a.m.-
Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342.
story and play a butterfly matching
1 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock
game. Ages 1-3 with adult. Meet
Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary.
Guest Star Scientist: Rockin’ Robots.
at the Cypress Shelter. Registration
919-387-5980. townofcary.org.
Join NC First Robotics and play with
FARE Walk for Food Allergies. Take
robots while learning about engi-
Celebrate the adoption of the U.S.
Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County
part in a family-friendly walk to
neering. $5 ages 1-adult. 1:30-3:30
Constitution and make a Statue of
Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342.
raise funds and awareness for food
p.m. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E.
wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.
allergy research, education, advocacy
Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040.
required. $4/child. 10:30-11 a.m.
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SEPTEMBER 2014 |
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wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.
17 WEDNESDAY Little Historians: Constitution Day.
Liberty hat and torch to take home. Ages 5-7. Registration required.
$4/child. 11 a.m.-noon. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.
Kiddie Academy
Wee Walkers: Shapes in Nature. See Sept. 3.
18 THURSDAY Eco-Express: Bug Basics. Experience hands-on studies of nature and ecology. Ages 8-12. Registration required. $12 resident, $16 nonresident. 1-3 p.m. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980. townofcary.org. Trail Treks: The Web of Life. Read a story, play a game and take a hike to explore how everything in nature is connected. All ages. Meet at the New Hill Parking Area. Registration required. $5/family. 2-3 p.m. American Tobacco Trail, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Rd., Apex. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/att. Wee Walkers: Shapes in Nature. See Sept. 3.
19 FRIDAY Kids Fun-Days: Reptile Roundup. See Sept. 5.
10 a.m.-noon.
20 SATURDAY Building Together 5k. Take part in a 5k on the American Tobacco Trail. Enjoy free food, drinks, face painting and a bounce house after the race. Hosted by Carolina Elite Basketball and Ten39 Church. All ages. $15-20 for race participants. Post-race party is free. Register online. 10 a.m. Solite Park, off American
Fighting Tiger
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53
calendar Tobacco Trail in Durham, 4704 Fayette-
Race 13.1 Midtown Raleigh Half
Worldwide Day of Play. Celebrate
Marathon, 5k and 10k Races. Enjoy
Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play
Creative by Nature: Musical by
a family-friendly race to promote
with supercharged play and special
Nature. Learn how flowers are
ville Rd., Durham. active.com.
the benefits of an active and healthy
programs. Nickelodeon will “go dark”
a source of colorful and artistic
lifestyle. The event features face
for the entire day to help kids get out-
expression. Ages 7-10. Registration
painting, balloon animals, music and
side and get active. $5 ages 1-adult.
required. $12 resident, $16 non-
more. Register online. $35-$75. Half
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum,
resident. 1-3 p.m. Stevens Nature
marathon begins at 7 a.m.; 5k and 10k
201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-
Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire
races begin at 7:15 a.m. North Hills
4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org.
Farm Rd., Cary. 919-387-5980.
Mall, Lassiter Mill and Currituck roads,
townofcary.org.
Raleigh. race131.com/races/
Eco-Explorers: Reptiles. Children learn about local plants and animals. Ages
midtown-raleigh.
Saturday Storytime. Celebrate Curious
760 S.E. Maynard Rd., Cary. 919-467-
Mom and Me Upcycle Basic Jewelry
noon. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock
3866. bn.com.
See Sept. 6. 2-4 p.m. Design Class. Learn to make earrings and bracelets. Ages 9 and older.
919-387-5980. townofcary.org.
part in a 5k to benefit Oxford Masonic
Register online. $15 plus $5 supply
Face Painting and Twisted Balloons.
Orphanage. Register online. All ages.
fee. 2-3:30 p.m. Southern Charm Gift
Enjoy face painting and balloon
$30. 7:30-11 a.m. E. Carroll Joyner
Boutique, Cary Towne Center, 1105
creations with Lynne Fischer. Free. 6-8
Park, 701 Harris Rd., Wake Forest.
Walnut St., Cary. 919-233-1598.
p.m. Southern Home Crafts, 111 N.
superherosforchildren.com.
etsy.com/shop/southerncharmgifts2.
Salem St., Apex. 919-233-1598.
Cary Parks and Rec Cultural Resources
SEPTEMBER 2014 |
carolinaparent.com
Pop-In Playtime Club. Drop-in
inflatable play. Wear socks. $7/child, $5/sibling. Free for adults. 10 a.m.-
4 p.m. Pump It Up of Raleigh, 10700 3344. pumpitupparty.com/raleigh-nc.
Curiosity Club: Insect Safari.
George. Free. 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble,
54
23 TUESDAY
21 SUNDAY
resident, $16/nonresident. 10 a.m.-
Superheroes for Children 5k. Take
Breastfeeding Cafe. See Sept. 15.
World Trade Blvd., Raleigh. 919-828-
7-10. Registration required. $12/
Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary.
22 MONDAY
24 WEDNESDAY See page 56 for the Take a Child
Outside Week event on this day.
25 THURSDAY Curious Creatures: Snakes and Lizards. See Sept. 11.
SAVE THE DATE ! Carolina Parent’s 13th Annual
Women@Work BREAKFA ST Thursday, October 23, 2014 | 8-11 a.m.
W@W
Embassy Suites | 201 Harrison Oaks Blvd., Cary
Recognition of the
2014 N.C. Family-Friendly 50 companies selected in partnership with UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
Guest Speaker
Sharon Delaney Mc Cloud Turning Battle Scars into Badges of Honor
Sharon shares the ups and downs of being a working parent in today’s world and lessons on how to come out on top. PR E SEN T IN G SP O NS O R S
DOOR PRIZES
•
GOODY BAGS
•
NETWORKING
Visit carolinaparent.com/womenatwork carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
55
TAKE A CHILD OUTSIDE WEEK
calendar Elementary School’s Out Camp. Kids
Leaf Rubbings Sept. 24 – Create a leaf rubbing in the garden. $3. 10 a.m.-noon. J.C. Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh. 919-513-7011. jcra.ncsu.edu.
Build Your Own “TACO” Event Sept. 25 – Enjoy bird watching, fishing, insect collecting, a scavenger hunt, nature crafts and more. Equipment provided. Bring a picnic lunch. Registration encouraged. All ages. Meet at the Longleaf Shelter. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov. com/parks/harrislake.
for enrolled students. Mathnasium,
enjoy museum play and classroom
7409 Sunset Lake Rd., Fuquay-Varina.
activities. Registration required.
919-577-6284. mathnasium.com/
$50/members, $56/nonmembers.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Marbles Kids Museum,
Kidaround Kidsale. Shop for gently
201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-
fuquayvarina.
4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org/
used clothing, toys, books, gear and more. Free. Noon-8 p.m. The Factory,
schoolsoutcamps.
1839 S. Main St., Wake Forest.
Home School Day: The World of
Little Sprouts: Apple Seeds and
Beatrix Potter. Celebrate National
kidaroundkidsale.com.
Garden Bingo
Comic Book Day by learning from
Orchard Fun. Listen to a story about
Sept. 26 – Play a game of bingo in the garden. Free. 1-3 p.m. J.C. Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh. 919-513-7011. jcra.ncsu.edu.
Beatrix Potter’s art techniques to
Johnny Appleseed. Play games and
make stories of your own. All ages.
create a seed work of art to take home.
Registration required. $4/child.
Ages 3-5 with adult. Registration
10 a.m.-noon. Historic Yates Mill
required. $4/child. 11 a.m.-noon.
Park After Dark Sept. 26 – Enjoy fishing, a night hike, stargazing, flashlight games, roasting marshmallows and more. See website for activity times. Bring a fishing pole/ bait, flashlight and camp chair. All ages. Meet at the Longleaf Shelter. Registration required. Free. 7-9 p.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.
County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd.,
Sept. 27 – Explore how trees can tell us their history and how you can tell yours. All ages. Meet at the Loblolly Shelter. Registration required. Free. 3-4 p.m. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 919-3874342. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.
Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-
parks/yatesmill.
6675. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.
Kids Fun-Days: Predators and Prey. See Sept. 5. 1-3 p.m.
Your Family Trees
Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/
26 FRIDAY
27 SATURDAY cityBuild at Marbles Kids Museum. Kids take part in a two-day playful
Author and Illustrator Visit. Author
design project. cityBuild celebrates
Debbie Diesen and illustrator Dan
Marbles Kids Museum’s 7th birthday
Biking with Bats
Hanna discuss their new book, The
and is part of Raleigh’s M.A.I.N. event.
Sept. 28 – Load up your bike and enjoy a 3-mile twilight ride to see what animals come up as the sun goes down. Ages 6 and older. Meet at the New Hill Parking Area. Registration required. Free. 6-8 p.m. American Tobacco Trail, 1309 New Hill-Olive Chapel Rd., Apex. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/att.
Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School. Ages
$5 ages 1-adult. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Marbles
3 and older. Free. 5 p.m. Quail Ridge
Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St.,
Books, 3522 Wade Ave., Raleigh.
Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskids
919-828-1588. quailridgebooks.com. Bookmark Creation Day. Ages 5-8
museum.org/citybuild-marbles-kidsmuseum.
Cloud Watching
create bookmarks. Free. 6-8 p.m.
Sept. 28 – Watch clouds in the garden. Free. 1-3 p.m. J.C. Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh. 919-513-7011. jcra.ncsu.edu.
Southern Home Crafts, 111 N. Salem
explore the pond’s many features by
St., Apex. 919-233-1598.
canoe. Canoes, paddles and life jackets
Crowder by Night: Night Time
provided. Subject to suitable weather
Flower and Leaf Pressing Sept. 29 – Enjoy flower and leaf pressing in the garden. $3. 10 a.m.-noon. J.C. Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh. 919-513-7011. jcra.ncsu.edu.
Natural Explorations Hike Sept. 29 – Spend some quality time enjoying the great outdoors with your family while getting some fresh air and exercise with a park naturalist. Registration required. Free. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.
Sept. 30 – Enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more. Ages 3-5. Register by emailing elizabeth_overcash@ncsu.edu. $5/child. 10:30-11:30 a.m. J.C. Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh. 919-513-7011. jcra.ncsu.edu.
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SEPTEMBER 2014 |
Critters. Learn about raccoons and
conditions. Ages 6 and older. Registra-
opossums through games, crafts and
tion required. $10/boat. 10-11 a.m.,
a mystery box. All ages. Registration
2-3 p.m. Historic Yates Mill County
required. $5/family. 7-8 p.m. Crowder
Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh.
District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex.
919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/
919-662-2850. wakegov.com/parks/
yatesmill.
crowder. Durham Moms Support Group. See Sept. 12.
Garden Storytime
carolinaparent.com
Paddle the Pond. After basic instruction,
Game Night. Enjoy games, snacks, drinks and more. Ages 5 and older. Registration required. $5/person. Free
Saturday Storytime. Attend an Elf on the Shelf birthday party. Free. 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble, 760 S.E. Maynard Rd., Cary. 919-467-3866. bn.com. Tarheel Tale Tellers Perform. Tarheel Tale Tellers perform high-energy
Wake County Parks
Wake Gifted Academy
Our Playhouse
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57
Kidaround Kid Sale
FESTIVALS Schoolhouse of Wonder Family Field Day
Sept. 7 –$5/pack of 5 tickets. 12:30-3:30 p.m. West Point on the Eno City Park, 5101 N. Roxboro Rd., Durham. 919-477-2116. schoolhouseofwonder.org.
Greek Festival
Sept. 12-14 – $3 adults, $2 ages 13-18. Free for ages 12 and younger. 5-10 p.m. Sept. 12; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 13; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 14. N.C. State Fairgrounds, Exposition Center, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. greekfestivalraleigh.com.
BCBSNC Community Wellness Fair
Sept. 13 – Free. 2-6 p.m. Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St., Durham. bcbsnc.com.
Harvest and Hornworm Festival
Sept. 13 – Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Duke Homestead, 2828 Duke Homestead Rd., Durham. 919-477-5498. www.nchistoricsites.org/duke.
Tar River Festival
Sept. 13 – EFree. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Riverbend Park, downtown Louisburg.
franklin-chamber.org.
Clayton Harvest and Music Festival
Sept. 17-21 – Free. See website for times. Main Street, downtown Clayton.
919-553-6352. claytonchamber.com/pages/scheduleofevents.
International Festival of Raleigh
Sept. 19-21 – See website for fees and times. Raleigh Convention Center,
500 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh. internationalfestival.org.
White Plains Children’s Center Back to School Benefit Sept. 19 – $15 adults, $10 ages 13-18 at the door. Free for ages 12 and younger.
7-10 p.m. White Plains Children’s Center, 313 S.E. Maynard Rd., Morrisville. whiteplainschildrenscenter.org.
CenterFest Arts Festival
Bizzy Broomz
Sept. 20-21 – Suggested $5 donation. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 20; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 21. Downtown Durham. 919-560-2787. centerfest.durhamarts.org.
Fall Back in Time
Sept. 20 – Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mordecai Historic Park, 1 Mimosa St., Raleigh. 919-996-4364. raleighnc.gov/museums.
Fall Harvest Celebration
Sept. 20 – Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.
International Food and Music Festival
Sept. 20 – Free. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. J. Ashley Wall Town Center, Third and Cypress streets, Wendell. 919-365-7114. thefoodfestival.com.
Super Cooper’s Rockin’ Run Festival
Sept. 20 – Register online. See website for fees. 3 p.m. Southern Village Green,
600 Market St., Chapel Hill. supercooperswagon.org.
La Fiesta del Pueblo
Sept. 21 – Free. Noon-8 p.m. City Plaza, downtown Raleigh. elpueblo.org/eng/la-fiesta-del-pueblo-2014.
Morrisville Elementary Fall Festival
Sept. 26 – $5-$17. Free for adults. Purchase discounted wristbands online.
5:30-9 p.m. Rain date is Sept. 27. Morrisville Elementary, 1519 Morrisville Pkwy., Morrisville. 919-460-3400. morrisvilleyearround.org.
Storytelling Festival
Sept. 27 – Free. 11 a.m. - 4 p. m. Oakview Historic County Park, 4028 Carya Dr., Raleigh. 919-250-1013. wakegov.com/libraries/events/pages/storytelling.aspx.
Youngsville Fall Festival
Sept. 27 – Celebrate fall with kids activities, craft and food vendors and a car show. Free. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 125 U.S. 1-A, Youngsville. youngsvillefallfestival.com.
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SEPTEMBER 2014 |
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adaptations of contemporary
walk to benefit suicide prevention and
children’s illustrated books. $5 ages
awareness programs. Register online.
1-adult. 11 a.m., 2 p.m. Marbles Kids
All ages. Free. 2-4 p.m. Registration
Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 919-834-4040. marbleskidsmuseum.org.
begins at 1 p.m. South Park, 900 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina. 888-333-
The Possible Police Book Tour Kickoff. Enjoy storytime and book signing
2377. afsp.donordrive.com. Junior Naturalist: Insect Investiga-
with children’s author Wylde Scott.
tions. See Sept. 14. 2-3 p.m.
Free. 11 a.m.-noon. Barnes & Noble,
Rock Painting for Beginners. Paint
8030 Renaissance Pkwy., Durham.
two rocks. Ages 10 and older. Register
919-806-1930. bn.com.
online. $15 plus $5 supply fee. 2-4 p.m.
Southern Charm Gift Boutique, Cary Towne Center, 1105 Walnut St., Cary.
28 SUNDAY
919-233-1598.
cityBuild at Marbles Kids Museum. See Sept. 27. Family Feature: Tracks and Traps.
NC RR Museum
etsy.com/southerncharmgifts2.
Nan’s School of Dance
29 MONDAY
Take a habitat hike and create bug
See page 56 for the Take a Child
traps to catch insects. Make a cast
Outside Week events on this day.
animal track to take home. All ages. Registration required. $5/family. 2-3 p.m. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-
30 TUESDAY
Ten Rd., Apex.
Brains and Bodies Workshop. Parents,
919-662-2850. wakegov.com/parks/
teachers and school administrators
learn how to apply for AHA’s Brains and Bodies Award and its Wellness
crowder. Family Fishing Fun: Fishing Footprint.
Star award for the 2014-15 school year.
Learn to be a responsible fisher. Sup-
Registration required. Free. 10-11 a.m.,
plies and instruction provided. Ages
5:30-6:30 p.m. YMCA of the Triangle, 801
5 and older with adult. Registration
Corporate Center Dr., Ste. 290, Raleigh.
required. $5/family. 9-10 a.m. Historic
advocatesforhealthinaction.org.
Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake
Special Storytime and Activity. Read
Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 919-856-6675.
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew
wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.
Daywalt. Free. 11 a.m. Barnes &
Fuquay-Varina Out of the Darkness Community Walk. Take part in a
Durham Arts council
Noble, 760 S.E. Maynard Rd., Cary. 919-467-3866. bn.com.
CALENDAR POLICY The Carolina Parent calendar lists local and regional activities for children and families. To submit an event for consideration, Artwork by: Melanie Miller
visit carolinaparent.com or email calendar@carolinaparent.com by the 8th of the month for the next month’s issue. Readers, please call ahead to confirm dates and times. This calendar may include some events not intended for young children. Presenting FOX 50 WRAL fm WRAL.com
Platinum
Herald-Sun
Gold
Coca-Cola TROSA Net Friends SciMed Solutions
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business directory
Ashebridge
Carolina Chinese Academy
Nanny Kelly
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Nanny Kelly
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Frogs, Snakes Lizards
Let’s Bounce
Little Dreamers
Reading Solutions Wynns Family Psychology
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SEPTEMBER 2014 |
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Atlas
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of children in
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faces & places
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clockwise from top row: Andy, 5 months, of North Raleigh, plays with a new toy. Alexis, 6, of Apex, builds furniture for her Barbies at Marbles Kids Museum. Connor, 4, of Raleigh, has fun at the Easter 2014 celebration at Halifax Mall. Ryan, 6, pops out of the tires at Laurel Hills Park in Raleigh. Ethan, almost 2, enjoys the festivities at Waverly Place in Cary. Aurora, 3, of Durham, gets her face painted at the Durham Earth Day Festival.
Submit high-resolution photos of your kids having fun. Go to carolinaparent.com/facesandplaces. You could even win a prize! Congratulations to our September winner, Adelaide, 3, of Durham. carolinaparent.com | SEPTEMBER 2014
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NC Museum of Life and Science
North Carolina Zoo
Carolinas Poison Center
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SEPTEMBER 2014 |
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