June 2015 • Moms Just Know • Free
Surviving
Summer with Your Children
Also Creating a Baby Burrito Overcoming Mommy Jealousy Discussing Violence With Your Kids
DIY
Father’s Day Gift Ideas
Serving: Granger • Mishawaka • Elkhart • South Bend • Goshen • Niles Edwardsburg • Middlebury & Surrounding Communities
GLITTER & GIVE Help Families At Memorial Children’s Hospital Every penny counts and when it comes to a child, each and every penny goes a long way! Be a part of Memorial Children’s Hospital’s Glitter & Give and help local families who are in need!
1 2 3 4
FOUR WAYS TO GLITTER & GIVE DONATE
Donate Online www.beaconhealthsystem.org/glitter-and-give Or Call 574-647-6613.
TEXT
Text “Beacon Kids” To 20222 To Donate $5 To Memorial Children’s Hospital
SHARE
CHALLENGE
Share Glitter & Give On Social Media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Etc.
Challenge Your Friends To Glitter & Give On Facebook Hashtag #glittergive Or Send A Link To Your Photo Or Video On Memorial’s Children Hospital’s Facebook Page www.facebook.com/memorialchildrenshospital
IN THE NEXT ISSUE:
Backpack Giveaway If you would like your business and/or service to be included in the next issue, call The FAMILY Magazines at 574.387.5420 to reserve your space. Space is limited.
Contributors President & Publisher: Betsy Tavernier
Betsy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
Managing Editor: Jessica Haviland
Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
AD COORDINATOR & INSIDE SALES MANAGER
Amanda Oiler Amanda@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud
Zuzanna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
Medical Editor: S. Jesse Hsieh, M.D. Distribution ManagerS: Mike Trentacosti Kevin Reynolds Family Magazines of Michiana would love to hear from you! Please submit press releases, event information and inquiries to: Jessy@Michianafamilymagazine.com The FAMILY Magazines 1233 E. University Drive Granger, IN 46530 PH: 574.387.5420 • FX: 574.217.4700 www.MichianaMom.com The FAMILY Magazines June 2015 Established in 2006. All rights reserved. Permission from the publisher is required for any reproduction or reprint of this publication. Read The FAMILY Magazines online each month! Go to www.MichianaMom.com and flip the pages, cover-to-cover the organic and green way!
On the Cover: Dominic and Sam of Elkhart
Volume 9: Number 6
Find the Hidden Acorn! For your enjoyment and fun!
TheFamilyMagazineOfMichiana @FamilyMagazines FamilyMagazine
Grace Pulver is Michiana’s Premier Wedding and Fine Art Children’s Photographer. She grew up in New Zealand and has a degree in fine arts. Grace shoots in her new studio in downtown Elkhart and also on location. Visit her website at www.gracepulver.com, email graciepulver@gmail.com or call 574-370-4936.
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TheFamilyMag www.MichianaMom.com Please use the information compiled by Michiana Family Magazines for your research. Michiana Family Magazines recommends that parents and families interview each business or organization to make sure that it is safe and a good fit for your family. The information presented here and provided by Michiana Family Magazines is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, Michiana Family Magazines does not, in any way, accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information and/or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge all parents and families to confirm any information given herein through additional research. The views and opinions expressed by the writers, event organizers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of Michiana Family Magazines LLC, its officers, editors, staff or contributors. THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015
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F R O M T H E P U B LI S HER
7
Things We (at FAMILY)
Love
Things
Right Now!
We Learned Making
The June Issue
Photography: Classic image photography Makeup: Camellia Maalouf, Camellia Cosmetics Granger
1.
America!
2. Fireflies
1. Spend less and enjoy more! Visit page 26 for some great one tank trip ideas for you and your little ones this summer! 2. Stop comparing yourself to other mothers. Mommy jealousy comes and goes for every one of us! Visit page 34 to read more on how one mom experienced her mommy jealousy and how she overcame it!
3.
Silver Beach
4.
Rose Bushes
5.
Maxi Dresses
6. Hats 7.
3. Don’t over plan your child’s summer vacation. Learn why it’s ok to have an unstructured summer on page 12.
BBQ Ribs
8. Sprinklers 9. Clotheslines
4. Keep open communication between you and your child regarding violence on the news. Learn how you can make an unpleasant event into a learning experience on page 16.
10. Family Time
5. Do not experiment with homemade fireworks! Be save this 4th of July with these firework safety tips on page 10. 6. Father’s Day is not celebrated the same way in every country. Stop by page 32 to learn how Mexico or Russia celebrates their fathers.
11. Stars
Check it Out!
Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the NEW SASSY & Boom Mag azine!
JUNE 2015
The Imp ortance of
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150 YJeaju ANrs dy THE SU
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | June 2015
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7. Swaddling can become your lifesaver. Learn how and why to swaddle your baby on page 22.
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4Keeps
By Casey Kiel
Like '4Keeps' on Facebook or visit CaseyKiel.com
“Bloom” Seminar Intended to Grow Girls’ Confidence
E
ight years ago, then-advertising executive and soon-to-be mom, Molly Schleeter Bell, couldn’t help but question the gender biases presented by children’s products. Flowers, hearts and the color pink consistently characterized toys and clothes intended for girls. The 1997 Saint Mary’s College alumna is now mother to seven-year-old daughter, Julia, and even more passionate about what she sees as a need to aid young girls in their understanding of who they are on the inside. “There are lots of things happening in the market that are affecting our daughters’ self-esteem at a very young age and starting to push them in directions of thinking that their only purpose in life is to be a beautiful, sexual being that doesn’t have a mind of her own,” Molly said. With the help of the Office of Campus and Community Events at Saint Mary’s College, Molly is hosting for a second year “Bloom for Girls,” a one-day summer seminar on Sunday, July 19 intended for middle-school girls and their moms or guardians. She designed the self-esteem building program with five women ranging from pediatricians to educators to therapists. “Bloom” promotes positive conversations on issues like
By: Morgan Carroll
friendships, your digital footprint, beauty and loving and accepting your body. The Status of Girls in Indiana 2013 report— a comprehensive study released by Saint Mary’s faculty and students on the health and well-being of Indiana girls ages 10-19, brings perspective to many of the topics “Bloom” addresses. Among the data, the study found that girls suffer from low self-esteem and depression because of an array of outside factors. (To read the report, go to saintmarys.edu/StatusOfGirls.) “This is something actionable that shows we, as a community, are responding to those statistics, primarily those that indicate girls are experiencing depression at a higher rate and their self-esteem seems to go down after puberty,” Molly said. The program will be held from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. on July 19 and is intended for middle school girls between the ages of 10 and 14 and their mothers or guardians. For more information on the seminar, go to saintmarys.edu/camps or call the college at (574) 284-4625.
Photos Provided By: Saint Mary’s College Fifth-grader Laura Foti and her mom Pam Foti came all the way from Milwaukee when they heard about the program. The theme of the event drew moms and daughters from all over the Midwest to Saint Mary’s. Attendees represented five states.
Girls at the 2014 “Bloom for Girls” seminar participate in a “What is Beauty?” workshop. The girls cut photos from fashion magazines to create collages to show inner beauty versus outer beauty.
THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015
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the FAMILY magazine table
Of
12
26
contents
18
Family Craft 36 DIY Father’s Day Gift Ideas By: Jill Lebbin
Family Fun 8 Spoil Dad With These Father’s Day Gift Giveaways 10 Fireworks Safety
Live Your Best 4 7 Things We Learned Making This Issue 4 Things We Love Right Now 5 4Keeps Comic 7 Contributors 8 The FAMILY Month Calendar 20 Centerfold Calendar
Family Book Reviews 38 Book Review: Watch My Baby Grow
By Shaoni Bhattacharya, Radhika Holmstrom, Sally J. Hall and Emma Young Reviewed By: Ashley Barnard
By: Amy Westbrook Pracht
12 Surviving Summer With Your Children By: Jennifer Long
Family Kids 14 Kick The Bucket List By: Meagan Church
16 Discussing Violence With Your Kids By: Amy Westbrook Pracht
18 Making Safety Your First Priority By: Lt. William Redman
SPECIAL SECTION: One Tank Trips
26 One Tank Trips By: Alexa Tupper
Family Pregnancy 22 Creating A Baby Burrito By: Meagan Church
Mommy and Daddy 24 5 Ways To Encourage Your Husband By: Whitney Fouts
28 Dear Mom, Dare Greatly By: Meagan Church
30 Product Testing: Dry Shampoo By: Lara West
38 Student Book Review: Legend By Marie Lu Reviewed By: Jacob Mendenhall
32 Worldwide Father’s Day Traditions By: Alexa Tupper
Family Movie Review 39 Summer Family Movies: Do’s And Don’ts By: Cole Pollyea
34 Overcoming Mommy Jealousy By: Noelle Elliott
22
FAMILY contributors
Meagan Church is married to her high-school sweetheart and is the mother of 3 kids. She is a writer and children’s book author. She is also the brainpower of the online resource Unexpectant, exploring the realities of birth, babies and beyond.
Lara West completed her degree in Elementary Education and has spent the last several years working as a ghost writer, completing manuscripts, children stories, research papers and article rewrites.
Alexa Tupper is a student at Indiana University Bloomington where she is pursuing a degree in Journalism. When she’s not writing, she can be found with a history book in her hand, running outside or tweeting about her adventures.
Jill Lebbin is a wife, mother, craft fanatic and DIY blogger at www.EveryDayisan Occasion.com. She and her husband Marcel have been married for five years and love living in Granger with their two spunky kids, Marcel Jr. and Lilly.
Slide The City Coming To South Bend Parents, mark your calendars for “Slide the City” happening in Downtown South Bend on Sunday, June 14th from Noon to 4:00 P.M. This 1,000 foot slide will create hours of entertainment for the kids (5 years and older) and even yourself! Originally out of Salt Lake City, Utah, the slide will be laid out on LaSalle Avenue. It is recommended to register early for this event to receive the best price. You can use the promo code (SlideSB150) to receive 10% off. Also, a percentage of all early registrations (15%) will be given back to South Bend to help fund future events.
Slider Options
Unlimited Slider: Unlimited Sliders will be able to slide an hour before the slide opens and an hour before it closes. You are able to slide as many times as you would like and will also receive a tube to slide down on and other fun items! Price ranges from $50-65 depending on when you sign up! Triple Slider: With the Triple Slider, you are able to slide down three times, receive a tube and other fun items. Price ranges from $30-45 depending on when you sign up!
Single Slider: The Single Slider is a one-time slide pass. You can bring your own tube to slide down on our purchase one at the event. Price ranges from $15-24 depending on when you sign up! Promo Code: SlideSB150 For 10% Off To purchase your tickets, please visit www.www.slidethecity.com/events/ south-bend or scan the QR code! THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015
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Huntington’s Disease Alive and Well Documentary Viewing, Discussion, and Silent Auction, 8:30 A.M.- 12:00 P.M.. Grace Church, Granger
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Celebrating Flag Day With
The Kids
Every year on June 14th, America celebrates Flag Day. Make this year’s holiday exciting, yet educational, for the kids with these fun Flag Day activities. • Dress In American Flag Colors • Make Your Own Flag & Display It Outside • Walk Around Your Neighborhood & Count How Many Flags Are In Your Town • Attend Your Local Flag Day Parade • Visit Your Local History Museum And Learn More About Your Town • Learn How To Properly Fold An American Flag • Play Family Trivia On The American Flag • Plan Dinner With Flag Colors Incorporated
DIY
Homemade
Silly Putty Silly Putty can be the best AND worst invention for parents. But, with the warmer weather finally hitting Michiana, letting the little ones play with their homemade silly putty outside can create hours of entertainment! Try this recipe below! Items Needed: • 4 Ounce Bottle of School Glue (Can be colorful or event glitter filled!) • 1 Tsp Borax • 4 Ounce Water Directions: 1. Mix together a one to one mixture of the glue and the water. 2. Stir until completely mixed and then dissolve one teaspoon of the borax a half cup of warm water. Then pour into the glue mixture and stir. 3. After a few seconds of stirring, the glue will begin to thicken. Once it becomes thick enough that you can’t stir very well, pick up the silly putty and squish it around for a few minutes. You will then start noticing that the goo will turn into actual silly putty! 4. Store in a zip lock baggy after use! 5. Enjoy!
Bored Bucket
(www.overstuffedlife.com)
DIY Giant Bubbles
(www.busykidshappymom.org)
Squirt Gun Painting (www.firefliesandmudpies.com)
Craft Found: www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com
FAMILY fun
Spoil Dad With These
Father’s Day
Gift Giveaways
Visit www.michianamom.com/ contests/ to enter-to-win!
Save The Date:
4th of July Fireworks
The Men’s Health: Getting Abs
Does dad want to lose that extra few pounds? This diet and fitness book will help him achieve those lean and defined abs that he has always wanted! No matter if his weight was added on by stress, age, diet or poor results from the gym, this book will give dad the confidence he deserves!
Date & Times
Giveaway Date: June 8th-10th
Elkhart:
July 3rd at 10:00 P.M. Rice Field
Photo Provided By: www.amazon.com
Rollors
Make this Father’s Day one he’ll never forget with Rollors--the latest party game to hit the backyard.
Goshen:
July 5th at Dusk Black Squirrel Golf Course
Rollors is an exciting new lawn sport that’s fun for the whole family. Rollors combines the skills of horseshoes, bowling and bocce for a game that is fun for parties, family reunions, beach trips and, better yet, Father’s Day!
Mishawaka:
July 4th at Dusk Robert C. Beutter Park
Giveaway Date: June 11th – 13th
Downtown South Bend:
Photo Provided By: www.rollors.com
July 3rd at Dusk Downtown By The River South Bend:
The Butler: Organizer For Men
Please Call 311 For Time & Location
Giveaway Date: June 14th – 16th
July 4th at 10:00 P.M. Stauffer Park
Make organization easy for dad with The Butler! It holds ties, belts, cufflinks, watches, collar stays, buttons, cards/ID, tech gear and more and is the perfect companion for traveling.
Nappanee:
Photo Provided By: www.justsolutionsproducts.com/product/the-butlerorganizer-for-men/
Niles, MI:
July 2nd at Dusk Apple Festival Fair Grounds Cassopolis, MI:
July 4th at 10:30 P.M. Diamond Lake
Dobbs Cuff Links
Dowagiac, MI:
July 3rd at Dusk Russom Park
Keep your dad in style with these stunning Dobbs Cuff Links! These elegant pair of blue goldstone links have a timeless quality, but show that dad isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd.
Edwardsburg, MI:
July 4th at Dusk Eagle Lake
Giveaway Date: June 17th -19th Photo Provided By: www.dobbsboston.com/products/cl29 THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015
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FAMILY fun
Fireworks Safety What You
Need to Know By: Amy Westbrook Pracht
There is a little joke about having fireworks on the Fourth of July. Why do people always want to have fireworks on July 4th? The answer: Because we always have! There is some history to celebrating the holiday with fireworks. One year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the city of Philadelphia held a celebration that included the discharge of a cannon, the ringing of bells, dinner, music and fireworks. Other cities followed suit. A tradition was essentially started. Today, we still celebrate in similar fashion and fireworks are always the center of the festivities. While fireworks are as American as apple pie, statistics show that they also account for two out of five fires that day, more than any other causes of fires. In fact, according to the 2013 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, children younger than 15 years of age accounted for approximately 40 percent of the estimated fireworks-related injuries. It also reported that over half of the estimated emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries were to individuals younger than 20 years of age. Experts will also say that the best way to protect your family is to not use any fireworks at home. Attend the public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.
However, if purchasing consumer fireworks is an important part of a family's holiday celebration, consider these important tips provided by the National Council on Fireworks Safety: • Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks. • Know your fireworks and read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting them. • A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children. • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show. • Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks. • Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away. • Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area and away from buildings and vehicles. • Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water. • Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
Locally, the South Bend Fire and Police Departments encourage residents to enjoy fireworks in the safest possible manner. However, it is important to remember there are local and state laws that are in effect. • Only adults age 18 and older are allowed to purchase fireworks, for use in Indiana.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers. • Do not experiment with homemade fireworks. • Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• Private fireworks may be set off only on the user's property, the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks or at a special discharge location designated by the state fire marshal. • Fireworks may not be discharged on public property, such as in streets or parks, without special permits issued by the state fire marshal and local fire chief. • Users are responsible for all debris resulting from the discharge of private fireworks. If a user sets off fireworks on their own private property, and debris or other material lands on a neighbor's property, who has not granted permission to discharge fireworks, the user is in violation of the law. Most safety experts recommend that only children over the age of 12 (and under parent supervision) be allowed to handle sparklers of any type. While sparklers are fun and may seem harmless, most parents don't realize the tips of sparklers burn at temperatures of more than 1,200 degrees. That is hot enough to inflict third-degree burns.
There are also time parameters to be considered. No person may use, ignite or discharge consumer fireworks within the corporate limits of the City of South Bend except during the following times: • Between the hours of 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. on June 29, 30, July 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. • Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 pm on July 4. Fireworks are to be enjoyed, but it is even more important to be safe. Take the extra precautions needed to ensure a safe holiday and the holiday will be a blast! For firework ordinances, please call your local township fire department or call 574-235-5562. THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015
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FAMILY fun
T
By: Jennifer Long
he thought of spending the summer at home with your children can be wonderful. You may imagine trips to the beach, sipping lemonade as your child splashes in the sprinkler or enjoying a fabulous summer vacation. Then summer actually arrives and often the reality of keeping your children busy all summer becomes overwhelming. The fantasy of summer together and the reality of an entire summer together can be two very different things! After just one day, of summer you may already be hearing your children say these dreaded words…. “I’m bored.”
1. Set a Daily Routine Children are used to having a busy schedule. A relaxing day of sleeping in and lounging around might sound appealing to an adult but that schedule gets boring very quickly to a child that’s usually busy all day long. Typically a child is awake early to go to school, follows a structured routine at school, engages in after school activities, comes home to eat and play, does some homework, watches a little TV and goes to bed. In a typical week many children have only a few hours of unstructured time. When they are offered 10 entire weeks of unstructured free time they honestly don’t know what to do with themselves. Try creating a routine to balance their day between outdoor play, indoor play, a little TV/computer/game time, reading time and more. When a child has a schedule their day runs smoother. You could even include a daily trip in your routine. For example, Monday trip to library, Tuesday trip to local park, Wednesday visit to grandma’s house, Thursday trip to local a park, Friday grocery shopping, Saturday trip to mall and Sunday trip to church. A simple schedule can keep both you and your child busy.
2. Engage the Community Events/Activities/Festivals Be sure to capitalize on local events. Local parks, libraries and organizations often have an array of free and low cost summer events. Be sure to check the calendar at www.michiana.mom.com/Things-To-Do to find a calendar of fun things to do this summer.
3. Spend Time Outside Children need time outdoors. Being outdoors connects them to nature and gives them an opportunity to explore, run, jump, climb, play and more. Children that spend significant amounts of time outside benefit in numerous ways including language development, social skills and physical development. Think back to your own childhood, chances are some of your happiest memories include outdoor play. Creating a fort, skipping rocks, enjoying a picnic, chasing lightning bugs and blowing bubbles are just a few wonderful summer memories.
St. Thomas A Distinctly Catholic Education Our Mission To provide children with the opportunity to develop their God-
4. Get Cooking
given talents through
Cooking together is a fabulous way to connect with your child and to teach your child. Cooking includes reading recipes (a literacy skill), measuring ingredients (a math skill), following directions (a social skill), creating changes in materials (a science skill), talking as you cook together (a language skill) and more. So whipping up a batch of chocolate chip cookies or a pan of organic granola can be a fabulous bonding experience that’s embedded with learning.
academic excellence and
5. Enroll in Summer Camp or Summer Classes Consider enrolling your child in a summer day camp, an overnight camp or summer classes to keep your child learning and socializing all summer. Support your child’s interest in art, sports or music by providing your child with some structured activities and some time to socialize with peers. There are a variety of programs available in our community. The key to a happy summer together is planning a busy summer together. Don’t count on your child entertaining himself. Instead, have a schedule of fun things to do together. If you always have ideas of fun things to do you won’t hear the dreaded “I’m bored.”
co-curricular programs as well as to empower them to develop zeal for their faith with a commitment to prayer and service. • Named a 4-Star School for 2013 • State of the art iPad and Smartboard Technology • School Choice Indiana Option • Outstanding Academics
• Safe Environment • Before and After School Care • Christian Family Atmosphere • 21st Century Learning Facility • Recently Renovated and Expanded
We received an “A” on the state accountability report card!
For a tour call (574) 264-4855
www.stselkhart.com THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015
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FAMILY kids
T
By: Meagan Church
wo near geniuses with wisdom beyond their years once said, “There's 104 days of summer vacation and school comes along just to end it, so the annual problem for our generation is finding a good way to spend it.” Okay, so maybe Phineas and Ferb are not the Einstein’s of their generation (especially since they are cartoon characters), but they do speak for every child when they talk about finding a good way to spend that summer vacation they so eagerly anticipated. Kids aren’t the only ones trying to find ways to fill those 100-plus days of summer. Parents can find themselves in a panic, wondering how to schedule their kids’ time off, carefully planning out a bucket list for the Best. Summer. Ever. But if there’s one thing that Phineas and Ferb teaches it’s that bucket lists aren’t necessary. Only a bit of time, a sprinkling of boredom and a healthy dose of imagination are all that is required. Perhaps they are on to something.
“Given the logistical rigor of the school year, I recommend trying to build in as many lazy days of summer as possible!” said Christine Koh, editor of the award-winning parenting/lifestyle portal BostonMamas.com and co-author of Minimalist Parenting: Enjoy Modern Family Life More By Doing Less. “Obviously, flexibility will depend on your work situation and the age of your kids, but the key is freeing yourself of the pressure to create the Best Summer Ever and remembering that it’s perfectly fine (and healthy!) for your kids to have unstructured time.”
This summer, instead of turning to a checklist and attempting to plan a perfectly executed summer with no room for boredom, kick the bucket list to the curb and opt for a more unstructured approach. To achieve a minimalist approach to summer, try these tips from Christine, an expert in the art of minimalist parenting: 14
THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | June 2015
Remember that Boredom = Good
So this summer, instead of turning to Pinterest lists to fill the empty days, take a note from a cartoon. Allow your kids some room to breathe and be bored. Give them space to solve their own problems, to do the simple things and to pitch in with the chores. You never know what this approach could lead to…“like maybe building a rocket or fighting a mummy or climbing up the Eiffel Tower….”
“I believe that the tendency for modern parents to want to help their kids avoid boredom comes from a well-intentioned place,” Christine said. “However, if you’re always solving your kids’ problems, they’ll never learn how to solve them on their own. When your kids complain of being bored, send them to the yard or playroom and wait them out. More often than not, they work it out. You’re doing them a favor by teaching them to problem solve and be resourceful!”
Do the Simple Things
“Many parents feel the pressure to create the Best Summer Ever. You don’t need to do that! Do the simple things, like being a tourist in your own neighborhood or taking a family hike together. At the end of the day, your kids will be happier having your relaxed and happy attention, not you stressing out about logistics and details.”
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Build Better Helpers
“Kids should engage in chores year round, but during the summer, enlist your kids further, whether it’s taking on a task independently or enjoying connection time by preparing a meal together,” Christine said. “It’s a win for everyone; your load gets lightened, and they learn essential life skills.”
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | JUNE4/22/15 2015
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FAMILY kids
Riots Continue to Burn the City Local Woman Murdered by Husband Two Dead After Drive-By Shooting On an average night, headlines similar to those are blasting the airwaves of the evening news and landing in living rooms across Michiana. For parents, it can be both a challenge to shield children from the violence, as well as finding ways to help them understand real life current events. For Granger mother Amanda Jones, 42, she recently noticed her oldest son Campbell, 13, taking an active interest in watching the news at night. "We (my husband and I) have been watching Fox News for a long time and our oldest son has started watching it with us. He loves it and he is really interested in it," she said. While she has always monitored the types of new television programs in her home with her three children, having a teenager who is interested in now watching the news does change things. She said he doesn't get upset at the violence he sees on the news, as he seems
old enough to process it by asking his parents questions about what he is witnessing. "He asks us questions and we tend to have great conversations about what we are watching.” Even if a television is purposely turned off turning the evening news, children will often hear about major news events from television commercials, overhearing it from parents and friends or learning about it at school. "I know they are talking about current events at school," said Jones, especially in her oldest son’s class. She also noted that her son tends to be very empathetic when it comes to the violence he sees on the news. "He said that we pray for them at school and he draws his own conclusions that the people who are on the news are often sad, afraid or ignorant...and that is where the violence comes from." It can be daunting as parents try to navigate what a child understands about a recent current event that is dominating the news, especially the violent ones. Depending on the age of the child, it is often hard to completely shield a child. Living in a world of 24 hours news channels can be challenging for parents. Jones understands that her children like most children are essentially ‘sponges’ when hearing and learning about new things and that goes for news they hear on television, the radio or in their classrooms. "If we (as parents) aren't talking to them about it, someone else is," said Jones. Most importantly, she also explained that it is important to understand what her son is mature enough to handle, especially when it comes to violence on the news. "He does grasp it and understand that there is evil in the world."
“If we (as parents) aren’t talking to them about it, someone else is.” 16
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | June 2015
According to NBC News, here are a few tips on how to talk to children (grades 3-8) about what they see on television news programs. Remember, while these are great tips, the responsibility should always lie with the parent as to whether or not a child is ready to watch a news story.
YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION CONTINUES IN OUR
• Watch news with your child. This is the easiest way to understand what your child is watching and exposed to on television. Discuss what is being reported. If the images are too violent, parents can turn off the television.
Summer Special
• Find answers together. If a child has questions and the parent doesn’t know the answers, this is a great way to research together for the answers. Look for information on the countries or geographic areas that are being discussed on the news programs.
1 MONTH FOR $20 Includes Uniform!
MISHAWAKA LOCATION (574) 277-KICK (5425) 5776-48 GRAPE RD
• Keeping up with the news (especially the news being discussed at school). A child’s teacher may require current events discussion as part of the class curriculum. Ask children what current event topics they discussed at school, as well as how it was discussed. • Keep an open ear and an open mind. It is important to both listen and answer a child’s concern about war and violence that is seen on the news. Children need to be able to voice their opinion and share their concerns. Even if parents don’t have all the answers, sometimes just talking about it together is therapeutic. Jones also makes time to discuss with her children that sometimes the bad things shown on the news is often due to bad choices made by individuals. “There is good, bad and evil in the world and sometimes it’s all about choices people make.”
ELKHART LOCATION (574) 277-KICK (5425) 123 N. ELKHART AVE.
WWW.STARTKD.COM
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It is also important to understand that every family filters the television and radio in different ways. Being informed and keeping the communication lines open between parent and child is very important, because each child understands and processes information differently at different ages. Jones is also the mother to two younger children under the age of 10 and is careful to have the news turned off when they are in the room. “I try to the keep the television off when the younger kids are in the room,” she said. “Sometimes they will hear something and we try to have some kind of conversation about it but luckily the younger kids seem to move on from it quickly.”
Early Childhood Development Center NAEYC Accredited – Promoting Excellence in Early Childhood Education
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For information please call:
574-284-4693
or online at: www.nd.edu/~ecdcnd THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | JUNE1/22/14 2015
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FAMILY kids
Recognizing June as
National Safety Month
As we acknowledge the month of June as National Safety Month, we also celebrate the end of the 2014-2015 school year. This is the time of year when parents are trying to decide whether their child/children are ready and mature enough to be home alone. Deciding to allow children to stay home alone versus making child care arrangements can be a difficult decision for parents. Being trusted to stay home may be a positive experience for a child who is mature and well prepared. Staying home alone can help boost self-esteem and responsibility for your child. At the same time, leaving a child home alone who isn’t mature or is frightened may lead to poor choices, creating an unsafe environment. This makes the decision of parents even more difficult. A child’s age and maturity level must be considered when making this decision. 18
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | June 2015
Here are a few things to think about before making the decision to leave your child home alone:
“Who is
Age and Maturity - Children mature at different rates, so age is only
available in
one factor. Consider how much responsibility your child has shown in the past. Is your child physically and mentally able to care for him/herself? Does your child follow house rules and make good decision?
Your Child’s Feelings - Discuss with your child if he/she is
case of an emergency
comfortable being home alone. How comfortable is he/she?
(parent,
Time - When and how your child is left home alone may make a difference
grandparent,
his/her safety and success. How long will child be home alone? Will it be daytime or nighttime hours? Will it be during meal times? How often will child be home alone?
a neighbor)?”
Other Children - Children that are ready to stay home alone may not be ready to care for younger siblings. How many children will be home without an adult? How do the children get along, and how capable is the older child of caring for younger ones?
Safety -
Asses your home and think about any safety hazards. Do you have a safety plan for emergencies? Can your child follow an emergency plan? Does your child know his/her address, phone number and how to call 911 if needed? Can the child contact you at all times if needed? Who is available in case of an emergency (parent, grandparent, a neighbor)?
“Talk to your child about his/her feelings in regards to staying home alone.”
Once that you have determined that your child is ready to stay home alone, here are some suggestions to prepare you and your child:
Have a Trial Period - Leave your child home alone for a short period of time while you are nearby to see how he/she manages.
Role Play - Act out a possible problem situation to help your child respond.
Establish Rules -
Make sure your child knows what is and what is not allowed at your home. Have a list of chores to do to help keep your child busy.
Check In - Call your child frequently while you’re gone, or have a family member or friend stop by to check on your child.
Share Feelings - Talk to your child about his/her feelings in regards to staying home alone. Address any concerns they have before leaving them home alone again.
Parents, please remember, that the safety of your child should always be your first priority! THE
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– Jim Valvano
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”
JUNE 2015
Scan this QR Code to get connected to our online calendar at MichianaMom.com!
Want to check out even more things to do in Michiana?
10:00 A.M., Lion’s Beachfront Park, New Buffalo, MI
4th Annual New Buffalo ARTIgras Art And Crafts Festival,
1st Day of Summer
FATHER’S DAY
5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M., Wellfield Botanic Gardens, Elkhart
Yoga In The Gardens,
Center For Outpatient Services, St. Joseph, MI
Breastfeeding Support Group, 11:00 A.M.,
6:00 P.M., Seitz Park, South Bend
The Sandbar Bums,
Meet Me On The Island, 5:30 P.M., Century Center, South Bend
5:00 P.M., Downtown South Bend & Goshen
First Friday,
Happy 4th of July!
8:30 A.M.- 12:00 P.M.. Grace Church, Granger
Huntington’s Disease Alive and Well Documentary Viewing, Discussion, and Silent Auction,
FAMILY pregnancy
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By: Whitney Fouts
Ways to Encourage
Your Husband
W
hen two people fall in love and start a family, the role of being a wife may easily be swept under the rug; unintentionally of course, as the role of being a mother comes into play. Below are five simple ways to help you uplift and encourage your husband. It’s important not to forget to show how much you love and appreciate him through the everyday shuffle of life.
1. Support and Praise: Always stand behind your husband with full, loving support. Let him know how proud you are of him and his accomplishments as often as possible. 2. Alone Time: Make sure you give your husband time to relax and recharge. Maybe even a night a week spent with his friends to unwind and clear his head or a quick nap after work.
3. The Little Things: This could be as simple as sneaking his favorite candy in his lunch for work, leaving a sweet note for him to wake up to or cooking his favorite meal for dinner. Simple little things to remind him he is important. 4. Affection: Never underestimate the value of a hug or a spontaneous kiss. Make time for just the both of you to spend relaxing together with a nice foot or backrub.
5. Date Night: Plan a night a week where the two of you spend a night away from home to focus on each other and your marriage. Open up with one another and just talk.
Above are just a few ideas, pulled from an infinite list, to help make your husband feel special, appreciated and encouraged. The responsibilities of a wife and mother can be overwhelming at times, but try not to forget about the man you fell in love with and with whom your life and family began. 24
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FAMILY recipe
Hey South Bend! Your Potawatomi Zoo Membership gets you 50% off admission at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo – named the “#1 Indiana Summer Gotta Do!”
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Bigger Heart. You'll love family getaways in Fort Wayne!
Explore Indiana’s second-largest city this summer, and discover a heart-warming family escape!
Ingredients • 1/2 Cup Packed Light Brown Sugar • 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour • 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda
Reconnect with your family – and make memories together – in Fort Wayne, Indiana!
• 1/8 Teaspoon Salt • 1 Cup Rolled Oats • 1/2 Cup Butter, Softened • 3/4 Cup Seedless Raspberry Jam Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease an eight inch square pan and line with greased foil. 2. Combine the brown sugar, flour, baking soda, salt and rolled oats. Rub in the butter to form a crumbly mixture. Press two cups of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan then spread the jam to within 1/4 inch of the edge. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top and lightly press it into the jam. 3. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Find getaway ideas, overnight packages, and deals at:
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FAMILY mommy & daddy
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | June 2015
NOW IS YOUR CHANCE.
Make a difference. Impact your community.
Learn more and apply at
www.adecinc.com
ADEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Part time/full time with benefits. THE
FAMILY MAGAZINE | JUNE 2015
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FAMILY mommy & daddy
O
nce upon a time there was a young husband and wife who bought an old farm house with two acres of nothing but open field. All the “older” people in their lives tried to tell them that it will take a lot of time and money to fix it up, but the young couple believed they could do it. Five years later, the young couple was working hard to make that old house their home. In addition to spending every free minute DIY-ing the place, the wife was working fifty hours and going to school, (the husband commuted 90 minutes each way to work daily and took online courses, but this really isn’t about him.). I was the wife and I’m a little embarrassed to admit it, but some days I just didn’t have the energy or the time to wash my hair. I was closing a restaurant one night, opening it in the morning and then attending classes that same night. If you had stock in dry shampoo you probably noticed a greater return during that time period. During those face-paced years, I found something that helped me save time and look presentable enough run a restaurant. I was introduced to dry shampoo by a friend. I could only find it at the local drug store, but now, you can find four or five options at almost any big-box retailer. Upon noticing the 100% price increase between brands, I decided to do all my dry-shampooing compadres a solid and determine if it’s worth it to save or spend. 30
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The Test
For this test, I picked up a $3, $6 and a $12 spray can of dry shampoo. I didn’t want to skew any of the results by using the products one right after another, so this project was completed over the course of three weeks. I normally wash my hair every other day, but it took three complete days for my hair to noticeably gross and oily. (The itching was insane!) After I used one product, I washed my hair the next two mornings, and waited three days to get good-andoily before moving on to the next. The first product I used was the least expensive. It smells great and within seconds I had hair that looked like I just wash and dried it. At mid-day the roots were still looking clean and dry, but around six that night, 11 hours later, it was starting to become obvious I needed a shower, and by morning I was a big yuck head, again. Next, I tested the $6 brand. It also smelled really nice, and quickly showed that greasy hair who was boss. All was looking good through mid-day and even at bed time. Some slickness was starting to show in the morning. Lastly, I tried the mother pearl of dry shampoos. The smell was amazing, again and again – the oily mess was dried up in seconds, and my hair was looking strong and clean from morning till night. The next morning showed a little dirty oiliness, but wasn’t too bad.
Recommendations:
The bottom line is that they all did their job and made my dirty, unwashed hair clean for the day. If it’s a long day, steer clear of the bargain brand and stick to the middle or top range brands. I felt comfortable enough in the mornings to pull my hair up and walk my daughter into her classroom with the two higher priced brands. This is a nice bonus if you have busy mornings and want to wait to shower until getting the children off to school. There must be a staple in these products to make them smell so fantastic. I skipped the perfume on the days I applied the dry shampoo. Bear in mind that the type of hair you have may produce a different result. I’m keeping the $6 bottle stocked in my cabinet for any busy days that might sneak up on me, because if I have to “dry wash” between water washes, then I like the idea of dropping my daughter off at school and then taking a long relaxing shower. However, if you want a bottle to keep in your desk at work just to get you through the day, save your money and pick up the cheapest one. It works just like it should.
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Family Day @ the Snite: Stories in Art Snite Museum of Art Sunday, June 14 1:00-5:00pm
Free and open to all
University of Notre Dame • sniteartmuseum.nd.edu • (574) 631- 4435
Once upon a time at the Snite Museum of Art there were amazing works of art that had fascinating stories to tell. Enjoy gallery explorations, art making, storytelling, refreshments, and more!
Academically Focused Childcare • 6 Weeks - 12 Years Only • Before & After School Programs • Transportation to and from select schools • Summer Camp Programs & Field Trips Monday - Friday 6 am - 7 pm.
once a child... BE SELECTIVE
3 Convenient locations: Granger 574-277-5501 South Bend 574-232-5566 Osceola 574-674-6500
www.StarzAcademy.com
Enroll now for ULTIMA TE SUMMER FUN!
UPCOMING SHOWS At The Lerner • Downtown Elkhart
JUNE 28 • 3PM
JUNE 17 & 18 • 7:30PM JUNE 19 • 3PM CALL FOR TICKETS
574.293.4469 www.premierarts.org
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FAMILY MAGAZINE | June 2015
BIRTHDAY PARTY!!! Check out these great opportunities for Birthday Fun!
It’s Party Time at Up to $15 OFF on your next birthday party!! *$15 off a 20 kid party package
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*$5 off a 10 kid party package
Call us for more details 574-243-2695
Bring in this coupon to Strikes & Spares to receive your discount
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FAMILY craft
Father’s Day Gift Basket:
,
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FAMILY book review
FAMILY student book review
Reviewed By: Jacob Mendenhall, 8th Grade Student At Edwardsburg Middle School The Legend series by Marie Lu consists of three books: Legend, Prodigy and Champion (in that order). Legend is based on two main characters: Day, a young boy from the poor parts of this dystopian America. Then there is June—the only perfect scorer in all of the trials; her family is wealthy and influential. What are the trials? The trials are a nationwide test of teenagers to see the best of the best and placed them into schools. The kids that may fail the trial, well, no one knows exactly where they go. The Republic [of America] claims that the teens go work in factories, but is this true? Day failed his trial and is on the most wanted list for a number of crimes. The Republic’s darling June is hired to track Day down and bring him to justice. But does June fall for the dashing
Day and betray her beloved Republic, or does she betray him and send him to his doom? In my free time I like to run, play baseball and read. I have read a lot of good books in my lifetime, but Legend is one of the top three for sure. Young readers like me should read this series because it captures the imagination and makes the reader get the perspective of both male and female. Legend is a story of mystery, action, romance and heartbreak; it encompasses everything that readers these days yearn for. So, pick up the book and start reading!
FAMILY movie review
Summer Family Movies:
Do’s and Don’ts By: Cole Pollyea It’s safe to say that there are definite do’s and don’ts as far as family movie viewings go, and the following article is a part parallel, part narrative analysis of the films my family saw during our five-day spring break vacation, which took place at a location not so unlike Northern Indiana in the summertime. Let the record show that the intention here is not to influence your spring break selections (though it could), but rather to show how such films can affect your family’s transition to warmer weather. Our arrival on the first night was late but we managed to catch A Few Good Men. Following the plight of three young lawyers (Tom Cruise and Demi Moore play two of them) who attempt to uncover the truth behind the murder of a marine at a military base in Cuba, Rob Reiner’s classic courtroom drama is well-paced, riveting, and well-acted. From its iconic lines to its engaging resolution, this is one we were glad we caught despite the fact that we, obviously, had seen it before. It’s important, however, to note that all viewing members were 16 and older! What’s reassuring to most families who beach on one of the Great Lakes is the inherent absence of the most formidable creature that lurks in the ocean: the shark, which happens to be the antagonist of the movie we viewed the following night, Open Water. From the get-go, it’s obvious that it isn’t Jaws-caliber in terms of its shooting, acting, and writing. However, it is based on true events and is one of the most frightening motion pictures to date. The true events it successfully chronicles are the hours before, and the hours during, a couple on vacation are ditched by the boat back to which they were supposed to report while scuba diving.
The following night, a barbaric and totally awful motion picture was screened being Sylvester Stallone’s Over The Top. Essentially, this is a movie for those who enjoy poorly written exercises in which the blue collar succeeds the white collar in relationships with their children. What also can’t go unmentioned are the perpetually never-ending arm-wrestling scenes that take hold in possibly the most frightening Las Vegas venue ever put on film. Still though, Stallone is honest here as the truck driver who meets his son for the first time, as he needs a ride home from military school to his wealthy mother and grandfather waiting back home. I said “ouch,” my parents said “best movie ever!” Lastly, we finished our vacation with a movie that wins you over every time: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Following the adventures of a visionary and wildly popular high-schooler’s day off, John Hughes’ written-directed gem is hilarious, redeeming, and masterful in almost every aspect of a teen dramedy. All in all, it’s an unforgettable moviegoing experience, and a quotable one at that! Just as warmer months are right around the corner, so is family movie night. It wouldn’t be unwise to take note and get a jump-start on the arduous preparatory procedures that I know my family takes before finally settling down for an agreed-on film. It’s important to, as I most certainly wished we would have, make note of the do’s and the don’ts, as I have done for you. The only exceptions to these guidelines are the die-hard Stallone fans, of course!
My 10-year-old brother sat in for this one, and viewing is really up to the parents’ discretion here; an appropriate shark film, however, that everyone can (but may not want to) sit in for is the movie we watched the following night, the above mentioned Jaws. This four star, Steven Spielberg masterpiece follows the preying of a massive, man-eating shark that haunts Amity Island, whose police chief, Deputy Brody (Roy Scheider), is left to deal with. Now it’s important for the sake of my recommendation to note that both my mother and brother were bored to death by this two and a half hour motion picture; my advice: this doesn’t dole out large amounts of entertainment to those who don’t love dialogue, so save it for those who do.
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The only area hospital
Idress, 16
MemorialChildrensHospital.org
Just for me!