October Momaha Magazine

PICKING PUMPKINS

Where to find the perfect gourd? Check out our list of area pumpkin patches

FA-BOO-LOUS FEAST

Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers are a festive Halloween dinner

VOLUME 14 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2023

editor in chief KILEY CRUSE cruse@owh.com 402-444-1375

editor

MARJIE DUCEY

contributors GRACE BELLIGHAUSEN KORI RADLOFF DR. KATIE WILLCOCKSON designer ABBY ORF cover photo

KILEY CRUSE advertising sales manager NICK CAVALLARO nick.cavallaro@owh.com 402-444-1202

WHAT’S FALL WITHOUT A COZY MYSTERY?

FOR KIDS

‘AGENT LION AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING PARTY’

by David Soman and Jacky Davis

‘NATE THE GREAT’

by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

illustrated by Marc Simont

The world’s greatest detective, Nate the Great has a new case. His friend Annie has lost a picture. She wants Nate to help her nd it. Nate the Great must get all the facts, ask the right questions, and narrow the list of suspects so he can solve the mystery. This long-running chapter book series will encourage children to problem-solve with Nate, using logical thinking to solve the mystery.

‘SISTERHOOD OF SLEUTHS’

by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

illustrated by Vesper Stamper

nd an old photo of her grandmother and two other women tucked beneath the collection. Stranger still, when Maizy shows the photo to Jacuzzi she feigns ignorance, insisting the woman is someone else. Determined to learn the truth — and inspired by the legacy of Nancy Drew — Maizy launches her own investigation with the help of new friends, Nell and Cam. What they discover not only points to the origins of the iconic series, but uncovers a truth from the past that will lead to selfdiscovery in the present, connecting three generations of women.

FOR ADULTS

‘DEATH ON THE NILE’

by Agatha Christie

‘MAGPIE MURDERS’

by Anthony Horowitz

Petunia’s birthday is today, and she’s got everything a birthday girl needs: An excited smile. The perfect bow. A big party. Wait … where is the party? It was just here a second ago. The balloons, streamers, and guests are all gone! In a mad dash to nd it, Petunia calls the best detective in town, Agent Lion. He runs through the halls and follows clues but will Agent Lion nd Petunia’s celebration in time?

Find

Maizy always assumed she knew everything about her grandmother, Jacuzzi. So when a box full of vintage Nancy Drew books gets left at her mom’s thrift store, Maizy is surprised to

Beloved detective Hercule

Poirot embarks on a journey to Egypt. The tranquility of a luxury cruise along the Nile was shattered by the discovery that Linnet Ridgeway had been shot through the head. She was young, stylish and beautiful. A girl who had everything … until she lost her life. Hercule Poirot recalled an earlier outburst by a fellow passenger: “I’d like to put my dear little pistol against her head and just press the trigger.” Yet under the searing heat of the Egyptian sun, nothing is ever quite what it seems. A sweeping mystery of love, jealousy, and betrayal, Death on the Nile is one of Christie’s most legendary and timeless works.

When editor Susan Ryeland is given the manuscript of Alan Conway’s latest novel, she has no reason to think it will be much different from any of his others. After working with the bestselling crime writer for years, she’s intimately familiar with his detective, Atticus Pünd, who solves mysteries disturbing sleepy English villages. Conway’s latest tale has Atticus Pünd investigating a murder at Pye Hall, a local manor house. Yes, there are dead bodies and a host of intriguing suspects, but the more Susan reads, the more she’s convinced that there is another story hidden in the pages of the manuscript: one of real-life jealousy, greed, ruthless ambition, and murder.

‘SUSPECT’

by Robert Crais

Nine months ago, a shocking assault by unidenti ed men killed Scott James’ partner, Stephanie, nearly killed him, and left him enraged, ashamed and ready to explode. He is un t for duty — until he meets his new partner. Maggie is not doing so well, either. A German shepherd who survived two tours in Afghanistan snif ng explosives before losing her handler, her PTSD is as bad as Scott’s. They are each other’s last chance. And they’re about to investigate the one case no one wants them to touch: identifying the men who murdered Stephanie. But what they nd could ultimately break them both.

these titles and many more by shopping locally at The Bookworm. Located at 90th and Center Streets, The Bookworm is an independent, family-owned bookstore with over 6,000-square-feet of space. The Bookworm offers an excellent selection of books, an outstanding children’s section and friendly, knowledgeable staff who know the books they sell. Learn more at www.bookwormomaha.com.

THINGS TO TRY THIS MONTH

RELIEVE ACHES AND PAINS

Regularly sitting at a desk and managing work stress, sometimes neck and back pain can becomes unbearable. Magic Bag, a household name for 30 years in Canada, is now available in the U.S. to provide natural and noninvasive relief for several common ailments. The hot/cold compresses are perfect for all ages, purposes, and areas of the body (back, neck, knee, stomach, foot, ankles, etc.). Our tester loved the versatility of being able to use the Magic Bag for both hot and cold pain relief. Keep it in the freezer and it’s just right for cold relief. It’s made with 100% cotton and can be placed directly on skin without harm. Alternately, a few 30-second intervals in the microwave and the Magic Bag provides about 20 minutes of moist heat that quickly relaxes tight muscles. Magic Bags come in many sizes with varying prices. The neck/back wrap our tester tried is $35.74, amazon.com

NOT YOUR GRANNY’S SOCKS

Supporo compression socks are a must-have for anyone who is constantly on their feet. Bonus: they come in nearly a dozen fun colors and patterns. The compression socks were lightweight and made of a good, breathable material. They had just the right amount of compression, said our tester, a surgical nurse who wears compression socks everyday for work. “I did not have any swelling, nor did my legs feel tired at the end of the day.”

$31.49, www.masdelinc.com

COLOR IN THE LINES

The Coloring Table has a full line of reusable fabric placemats, tablecloths and pillowcases that are the perfect canvas for any child. The cotton-blend fabric is machine-washable and has a backing that will protect any surface it is used on (no markers bleeding through). Color with permanent fabric markers for a lasting keepsake or with washable markers (Crayola’s Ultra Washable markers are recommended by the manufacturer) for multiple uses. Our tester, a family with four young girls, said the letter and number placemats they tried “did a great job of entertaining the kiddos during a large family gathering. These would be so much fun for a birthday party, too.” They did note that they used a variety of watercolor markers but some did not completely wash out. After consulting the manufacturer, they recommend Crayola’s Ultra Washable markers for best results with washing. Prices vary by product. Set of 4 placemats, $15.99, amazon.com

REUSABLE STRAW TRIO

Mermaid Straws are made from foodgrade stainless steel and come in a variety of size and style options, all in a convenient travel pouch. The stainless steel trio pack we sampled came with straight, bent and smoothie straws. Our tester is a college student who has regularly used reusable straws. She liked the variety of sizes and loved that each straw came with its own cleaning brush. And she said the travel pouch was perfect to keep the straws in her backpack. The straws in this pack are not telescopic, but Mermaid Straws offers that option also. The straws are nontoxic, tasteless, rust proof and dishwasher safe.

$21, mermaidstraw.com

IDEAL MULTIPURPOSE TOOL

The Commander by Pit Command is a must have for your large fire pit. The three-in-one tool has an axe-like chopper, a serrated hook and a poker. With this tool, you’ll be able to split burning wood, roll large logs and adjust everything to help you achieve that perfect fire. The carbon steel construction provides a sturdy tool that weighs in at just over 2 pounds. Our tester built an in-ground fire pit in his backyard and said “it’s an ideal multipurpose tool and a must have for any fire pit owner. No more junky fire tools for me!” Pit Command, which also makes smaller products for smaller fire pits and smokeless fire pits, is crafted in Pennsylvania. $149, pitcommand.com

PARTNERINGWITHFAMILIES

servesasthecentralcontactbetweenfamilies andtheavailableservicesandsupportnecessary tothem.

SPECIALFOREARLYDEVELOPMENTNETWORK

Servicescoordinationatitscorebuilds relationshipsandpartnerswithfamiliesat theearlieststageofachild’slife.

Servicecoordinationisoneofmanyservices availableforchildrenandfamiliesinearly intervention,andtheonlyearlyintervention servicethatisfederallymandatedintheU.S. underPartCoftheIndividualswithDisabilities EducationAct(IDEA).

Aservicescoordinatorhelpslaythefoundation forfamiliesofchildrenwithdisabilitiestogain accesstoandcoordinatetheprovisionofearly interventionservices.Theservicescoordinator

Aservicescoordinatorisacentralcontact personthatcanassistwithfindingservicesto meetthedevelopmental,financial,educational, health,childcare,respitecareandotherneedsof afamilyforthedurationofthechild’seligibility.

Servicescoordinatorshaveavarietyof experiencesandeducationalbackgroundsthat includebutarenotlimitedtoeducation,social work,healthcare,advocacy,earlychildhood, psychology,sociologyandmore.

Servicescoordinatorsdemonstratetheability torespectandsupportthedistinctivequalities ofeachfamily,recognizingthefamilyasthe teacher,support,decisionmakerandadvocate fortheirchild,accordingtotheNationalService CoordinationLeadershipInstituteGroup.

Theservicescoordinatorpartnerswitheach familyinidentifyingandaccessingneeded

resourcesandknowledgeastheyreceiveearly interventionservices.Thesesupportscancome fromavarietyofcommunityresourcesofformal andinformalcommunityagenciesorproviders.

Servicescoordinatorswillalsofacilitate communicationamongearlyinterventionservice providersacrossagenciesresultinginamore coordinatedandresponsivedeliverysystem. Thecoordinatorsspecializeinusingfamilycenteredpracticesinallinteractionstoensure thatthedevelopment,andimplementationofthe individualizedfamilyserviceplan(IFSP)captures thecaregivers’concernsfortheirchild,and addressestheneedsofthefamily.

Theindividualizedfamilyserviceplanisboth aprocessandadocumentintendedtoassist familiesandprofessionalsintheircombined effortstomeetthedevelopmentalneedsof achildfrombirthtoage3.Thisdocument isdescribedasa“livingdocument”asitis constantlychangingtomeetthegrowingneedsof

thefamilyandchild.

Theindividualizedfamilyserviceplanismade toconsiderthefamilyandchildasawhole andisfocusedonoutcomesthataredeemed themostimportanttothefamily.Aservices coordinatorensuresthatprovisionsofservices listedinanIFSParedeliveredinatimelymanner, andtimelinesforcreating,reviewing,and implementingserviceslistedintheplanarekept.

Aservicescoordinatoristheretowalkwith thefamilyfromthatinitialreferraltosuccessful dischargeandtransitionintospecialeducation servicesafterage3.Servicescoordinatorsare committedtoenrichingthelivesofchildrenand families.

Itisnevertooearlytoaskquestionsabout yourchild’sdevelopment.Takeadvantageoffree earlyinterventionservicesthroughyourschool district.Formoreinformation,call402-597-4936 orvisitourwebsiteatomahaedn.esu3.org.

Servicescoordinators playkeyroleinearly childhoodintervention

ADOBESTOCK

Raising funds for a charity through a lemonade stand is one idea of how kids can take part in Make a Difference Day. ADOBE

Make a Difference Day with your kids

DR. KATIE WILLCOCKSON

Boys Town Pediatrics

It’s a well-known fact that one person can make a difference. Even simple acts of kindness can improve the lives of others, including our kids, in ways you may never have considered.

“Volunteering has been shown to increase empathy and compassion in kids, and helps them to find a sense of purpose by contributing to something greater than themselves,” said Dr. Katie Willcockson. “Helping others also brings a sense of accomplishment and helps to raise a child’s self-esteem and feelings of pride.”

Nationally, we celebrate Make a Difference Day every October. This year’s event is set for Saturday, Oct. 28. The purpose of the event is to remind all of us that even our small actions of help and service can impact our society and improve our world. It also provides an amazing opportunity for parents to encourage their kids to volunteer their time and talents to help others. Volunteering helps kids to develop important life skills like being able to express their needs and use negotiation skills. Working with others to accomplish a common goal builds connections. These connections happen when people come together and the focus is not on themselves, but on something much bigger.

Here are some ideas on how to get your children of all ages involved in giving back:

• Volunteer by helping at a local nonprofit organization or charity event.

• Raise funds for charity through lemonade stands; collect coats and toys for a homeless shelter; or encourage your kids to consider asking for food donations in lieu of birthday gifts, and deliver them to a local food pantry.

• Offer support to others by participating in a neighborhood clean-up effort, or delivering blankets to the homeless on a frigid winter night.

As parents, there are many ways we can encourage our children and support them in their own acts of kindness, including:

• Being a role model by volunteering your time and taking your kids with you.

• Getting involved by supporting various fundraising events in your community.

• Researching ways you can help locally, nationally and globally. This year, use Make a Difference Day to jump-start your children’s and family’s commitment to giving back as even small contributions matter!

The perfect pumpkin

Area patches are open for picking

GRACE BELLINGHAUSEN & KILEY CRUSE

Get ready for a season of hayrack rides, big pumpkins and even bigger crowds as pumpkin patches in the metro area prepare to welcome fall enthusiasts. Find your patch-match with our local pumpkin picking guide.

VALA’S PUMPKIN PATCH AND APPLE ORCHARD

For nearly 40 years Vala’s has been an autumn staple in Gretna. The pumpkin patch has 63 attractions and new additions each year. The 400 acres of event space features amenities like hayrack rides, haunted attractions and

multiple festival food vendors.

Vala’s is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It is located at 12102 S. 180th St., Gretna. Tickets are $21.99 per person Monday through Thursday and $43.99 per person Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Purchase tickets online to receive a 15% discount. www.valaspumpkinpatch.com

BELLEVUE BERRY & PUMPKIN RANCH

Enjoy the fall season at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, offering numerous day and night activities.

The daytime pumpkin patch activities include among others: play areas with slides, zip lines, climbing nets and swings, bounce pillows, corn maze, caves, pirate’s ship, hayrides to pick up pumpkins and other fun things for all ages. Day hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission Monday through Thursday is $10 and Friday through Sunday is $17.

On weekend nights. the pumpkin ranch turns into the Ranch of Terror with two main attractions: the Haunted Hayride and the Haunted House. Hours are 6:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays and 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $17 and includes one of the attractions. Combo tickets are available for $29 to $39 depending on activities.

Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch is located at 11001 S. 48th St., Papillion. bellevueberryfarm.com

MARKMAN PUMPKIN PATCH

The family-owned farm has unbeatable pumpkin prices and a small playground for the kids.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 6424 N. 120th St.

PIONEER TRAIL ORCHARD & PUMPKIN PATCH

After 28 years of offering family fun, Pioneer Trail Orchard & Pumpkin Patch’s owners have decided it’s time to slow down and begin their journey into retirement. There will still be pumpkins to pick on the 30-acre farm south of Council Bluffs, but they will no longer charge admission or offer tractor rides, camp fire rentals or other entertainment activities. The Apple Jacks restaurant is still open for a tasty dinner. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. at 21534 Chestnut Road, Council Bluffs.

WELCH’S PUMPKIN PATCH

Welch’s Pumpkin Patch has been opening their backyard to the community for more than 20 years. The small, family-owned farm has gourds, apples and and a variety of pumpkins available for picking. Cash or check only. The patch is open Mondays through Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s located at 17676 Sunnydale Road, Council Bluffs. Admission is free; donations are accepted.

SKINNY BONES PUMPKIN PATCH

Admission includes entry to dozens of attractions, including an indoor tornado simulator, 150-foot slides, jump pillows, a petting zoo, pedal carts, hayrack rides and a 10-acre corn maze. And of course, a pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkins. Friday nights are flashlight nights — navigate the corn maze with the help of a flashlight from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturdays bring haunted night. Enter the corn maze if you dare. Scarers move through the giant maze and no flashlights allowed!

Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays at 3935 State Highway 133, halfway between Omaha and Blair. Cost is $13.95 per person Mondays through Thursdays, and $22.95 per person Fridays through Sundays; children under 2 are free. www.skinnybonespumpkinpatch.com

NELSON PRODUCE & FARM

With more than 400 acres of produce, there are plenty of pumpkins to go around at Nelson Produce & Farm. The farm grows more than 50 varieties of pumpkins, including classic jack pumpkins or more whimsical varieties such as pink Cinderella’s or blue Jarrahdale’s. Guests at the farm can tour the interactive property, pick pumpkins and engage with the sweet barnyard animals. Come jump hay bales, ride pedal trikes, take a trip on the barrel train and spend hours getting creative in the natural playground. Make sure you grab an apple cider slushie, apple nachos, or a warm drink made with homemade syrups from Walt’s Coffee Barn.

The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 10505 N. 234 St. in Valley, Nebraska. There will be extended hours until 9 p.m. on October 5-7, 12-14, 19, and 26-28. Day passes are $15 at the gate and $10 online. www.nelsonproducefarm.com

ROCA BERRY FARM

With more than 45 daytime attractions, Roca Berry Farm is the largest pumpkin patch in Lancaster County. There’s racing slides, the western jail, a barn swing, corn maze, ghost town putt putt, life-size Candyland game, hayrack rides, a zipline, two new animatronic shows and more.

At night, it turns into Scary Farm with the haunted house, haunted hayride and psycho path. Some of the daytime attractions remain open in the evening.

Roca Berry Farm daytime hours are Saturdays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekday admission is $12.95 and $19.95 on weekends. The Scary Farm is open Oct. 6-7, 13-15, 20-22 and 27-28. Admission is $29.95.

Roca Berry Farm is located at 16531 S. 38th St., Roca, Nebraska. Cash is accepted at the ticket window but food barns are cashless. rocaberryfarm.com

Fa-boo-lous dinner

Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers set tone for fun Halloween night

KILEY CRUSE World-Herald Staff Writer

For an easy, kid-friendly, not-sospooky Halloween dinner, try jacko’-lantern stuffed peppers. Any stuffed pepper recipe will work. Rice is more traditional, but kids in our family prefer pasta to rice so this is a favorite.

Use a small, sharp knife to cut an orange pepper as you would a jack-o’-lantern.

KILEY CRUSE

JACK-O’-LANTERN STUFFED PEPPERS

Serves 6

• 1 cup dry small elbow macaroni

• 1 tablespoon canola oil

• 1 yellow onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• One 14-ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes, drained

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1½ teaspoons sweet paprika

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar

• Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

• 6 orange bell peppers

1. Cut each pepper around the stem and remove to create a lid. Remove the seeds and membranes and rinse peppers. If the peppers do not sit flat, trim the bottoms slightly; just be careful not to cut a hole in the bottom of the peppers. Using the tip of a small serrated knife, cut a face like a jack-o’-lantern into the side of each pepper. Set aside

2. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

3. Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and hold until the meat mixture is ready.

4. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sweat until translucent, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper and cook until starting to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and paprika and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Add the cream and cook until the mixture is reduced, about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the cheese and stir until well incorporated. Stir in the cooked macaroni and season to taste with salt and pepper.

5. Fill the peppers with the beef mixture and put on a baking sheet with the lids on the side. Bake until the peppers are fork-tender, about 30 minutes.

Source: foodnetwork.com

Fill hallowed out peppers with a mixture of ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes and cheese.

KILEY CRUSE

Rice Krispies treats are an American classic. Kids love them. They bring back a bit of nostalgia for parents. And best of all, they are easy to make.

With a few simple embellishments, you can turn that classic snack into an adorable Halloween dessert.

PUMPKIN RICE KRISPIES TREATS

• 5½ cups Rice Krispies cereal

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 10 ounce package mini marshmallows

• Orange gel food coloring, see note

• Tootsie Rolls, cut in half

• Green frosting, optional

• Nonstick cooking spray

• Plastic wrap

1. Measure out cereal and pour into a bowl.

2. Melt butter in a 4 quart nonstick saucepan or pot over medium-low heat.

3. Add marshmallows and stir and as they begin to melt start adding in the gel food coloring until desired color is achieved. Stir constantly until marshmallows have melted.

4. Remove from heat, then immediately pour in cereal and gently stir and fold with a spatula until cereal is evenly coated. Let mixture cool slightly (until it’s cool enough to handle with your hands, about 5 minutes, see note).

5. Spray a piece of plastic wrap with nonstick cooking spray. Scoop about ½ cup of the cereal/ marshmallow mixture onto the middle of the plastic wrap. Gather the edges up and gently

squeeze the it into a ball. Insert one Tootsie Roll half into the top center and reshape the pumpkin as needed.

6. Transfer to a plate or dish sprayed lightly with cooking spray.

7. Continue until all of the cereal mixture is gone, respraying the plastic wrap as needed.

8. Optional: using green frosting, decorate the pumpkins with vines and leaves (see note).

9. Store in an airtight container.

NOTES

We used a combination of gel food colorings — half orange and half terracotta. It provided a nice dark orange color, but straight orange would work also. Make sure to use gel coloring, not liquid. Do not form the cereal/marshmallow mixture into balls too soon. The first pumpkins we made had to be reshaped at the end because they were too warm and didn’t hold their shape.

We purchased green decorator icing from the baking aisle at the grocery store. You can buy a set of tips that screw right onto the icing bags. Alternately, make a small batch of green frosting and pipe with a piping bag and round and leaf tips.

KILEY CRUSE World-Herald Staff Writer

It’s normal — but is it helpful or harmful?

DR. CLAIRE MCCARTHY Harvard Health Publications

Sibling rivalry can sometimes help to push children to do and be better. But too much squabbling and competition can also be hurtful and can have lasting effects on how children view themselves and family.

In fact, a 2021 study on family dynamics linked sibling bullying to a lower sense of competence, life satisfaction and self-esteem in young adults. Earlier research found that being bullied by a sibling doubled the risk of depression and self-harm in early adulthood. While we don’t tend to think of ghts and insults between siblings as bullying, it can feel that way to a child.

So what can parents do to help be sure that sibling rivalry is helpful and not hurtful? Here are some suggestions.

SIBLING RIVALRY

STRATEGIES FOR HANDLING SIBLING RIVALRY

1 RESIST COMPARISONS

Every child is different, by de nition. While comparisons are natural and inevitable, be careful not to compare in a way that makes one child seem better than the other.

2 BE AWARE OF YOUR BIASES

It’s totally normal and understandable that a parent might be particularly proud of one child — or nd another one hard to be with sometimes. But be aware of that, and be careful about what you say and do. As much as you are able, try to broadcast by your actions that you love and value all of your children.

3 BE AWARE OF HOW LIFE EVENTS — AND STAGES — CAN AFFECT SIBLINGS

Even something happy, like a new baby or winning an award, can feel hard or bad to a brother or sister.

Not that you shouldn’t celebrate the happy event, but the brother or sister may need a little extra love. And while it’s normal for an older teen sibling to want privacy and to be left alone by a younger sibling, both of them may need some coaching from a parent to avoid hurt feelings.

4 CELEBRATE STRENGTHS

Every child has something that they are good at; celebrate those strengths, and resist ranking the strengths of your children. You never know how a strength will play out later in life.

5 ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO FIND AND FOLLOW THEIR OWN INTERESTS

Just because one child — or a parent — likes to do something doesn’t mean others in the family will.

6 SPEND SOME INDIVIDUAL TIME WITH EACH CHILD REGULARLY DOING SOMETHING THEY LIKE TO DO

Each child should feel like they are a priority and that you appreciate their interests.

7 IF YOU NEED TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN FOR A PARTICULAR REASON, TALK TO YOUR OTHER CHILDREN ABOUT IT

In instances of one of your children having a medical or emotional problem, don’t assume that your other children know or understand why you are spending more time with their sibling.

8 SPEND TIME TOGETHER AS A FAMILY, TOO

Do something like game night, or go for an outing together. Rotate who chooses the game or activity so that everyone knows that their choices matter and are valued.

9 HAVE GROUND RULES FOR HOW PEOPLE ARE TREATED IN YOUR FAMILY

Everyone is deserving of respect and kindness, especially your family members. It’s ne to disagree or even ght, but it’s not OK to be mean. Stick to those ground rules, and have consequences for breaking them.

10 IF SIBLING RIVALRY IS BECOMING A PROBLEM IN YOUR FAMILY, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR

Sometimes some outside help, such as from a behavioral health clinician, can make a difference.

A year of performing arts fun

KORI RADLOFF

The Rose Theater

For Hillary Lewis, the idea of sharing her love of the theater with her two young children was appealing, but the thought of trying to squeeze one more thing into the hustle and bustle of back-to-school season was simply overwhelming.

“I’ve always loved the idea of taking my kids to the shows at The Rose, but by the time we got back into the swing of things with school and activities, it just seemed like it was too late and we’d missed several shows in the season,” she says. “I hate that, because I’ve always enjoyed the performing arts and I want to share that with my family.”

Traditionally, theater seasons mirror the school year, with shows starting in the fall and ending in the spring — and subscription plans follow suit. Miss a show early in the year and it is an opportunity lost forever.

The Rose Theater, Omaha’s only professional children’s theater, is changing that model, allowing families to join the theater’s membership program at any point in time and receive six free member shows, starting in whatever month they purchase, even if that means extending into the next season.

“Under this new model, families can experience everything The Rose has to offer, no matter when they join,” said Mandy Aleksiak, audience services director.

“So, for example, a family that purchases a membership in October will enjoy their benefits starting with our world premiere show, ‘Life Doesn’t Frighten Me,’ all the way through to ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ in June, throughout the summer and ending with the first show of the 2024-25 season next year.”

Rose members receive tickets to the six member shows produced during the year, as well as discounts to premium event shows.

“In this way, Rose members gain access to the best, most affordable way to enjoy everything the theater has to offer,” said Aleksiak.

At $125 for a family of four, a Rose membership costs less than the price of four single tickets to two shows at The Rose; for this investment in the theater, members receive a total of 24 tickets to Rose member shows throughout the year (four tickets for each of the six member shows). This is an 80% savings over the regular ticket price of $30 for member shows. (Other packages are available for larger families.)

Rose members may also purchase additional tickets to member shows for just

$15 each and receive up to 20% off premium event shows, including “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” They receive early booking opportunities for these premium events and receive advance notice on all Rose Theater events.

a sneak peek at 2024 summer camps before they are made available to the general public. Rose members receive a discount of $10 per month per family on year-long classes and a $15 credit to be used to cover the annual class registration fee.

“With a Rose membership, families can share the magic of the theater with their children for about $5 a ticket,” said Rose artistic director Matthew Gutschick. “Not only do these families get to make lasting memories of their time together, but they also give their children all the benefits that research shows the theater experience imparts to young people: stretching their imagination, increasing their empathy, better understanding others, and developing an appreciation of arts and culture.”

Rose members receive a discount on dance, musical theater and acting classes throughout the year, and a sneak peek at 2024 summer camps before they are made available to the general public.

A membership to The Rose is an acknowledgement of the important role theater arts play in a young person’s development. The Rose membership program makes it possible for the theater company to provide the popular productions all families enjoy while also introducing young people to innovative theatrical styles that stretch their imaginations and broaden their appreciation of the arts.

In addition, Rose members receive a substantial discount on dance, musical theater and acting classes throughout the year, and

Rose memberships for the 2023-24 season are available now. For more information, or to become a member, call The Rose box office at 402-345-4849 or go to www.rosetheater.org.

New Rose membership option gives families a year of theatrical fun whenever they choose to join

“Charlotte’s Web” will show at The Rose April 19 to May 5, 2024.

THE ROSE THEATER PHOTOS

“I’ve always loved the idea of taking my kids to the shows at The Rose, but by the time we got back into the swing of things with school and activities, it just seemed like it was too late and we’d missed several shows in the season. I hate that, because I’ve always enjoyed the performing arts and I want to share that with my family.”

Hillary Lewis

Free Virtual Newborn Expo with Boys Town Pediatrics

Monday, October 9 – Friday, October 13

Join Boys Town Pediatricians for Facebook Live presentations about everything newborn!

Mental Health for Parents

Feeding and Tummy Troubles

What to Expect at the Hospital

First-Year Milestones

Attendees will also receive access to daily quick tips from Boys Town primary care, specialty care and mental health experts. Plus, interact during a Facebook Live and get entered to win great prizes from sponsors. One lucky family will win a newborn photo session with Nikki McLeay Photography!

NEW THIS FALL

In-Person

Newborn Skills

Join us on Facebook! Scan the QR code to register and learn more.

Join us Saturday, October 14, for hands-on sessions with baby care experts. We’ll cover car seat installation, newborn first aid and more!

Space is limited.

TO LEARN MORE or sign up, visit boystownpediatrics.org / newbornworkshop. W

Free Baby Swag Bag for First 250 Registered Households