CONTENTS SPRING 2014
36 4
INTRO BY ANITA OLDHAM
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ON THE COVER
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WHAT’S HAPPENING @ TODAYSFAMILYNOW.COM?
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FAMILY FUN NIGHT: Volunteering with the Burrito Riders BY ERIN NEVITT
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FEATURE YOUR TEACHER BY ALISSA HICKS
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BEAUTIFUL BABY CONTEST: It’s time to vote!
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JUST ASK JOYCE: Terrible Temper • Pre-teen Outbursts • Blended Family
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BY JOYCE OGLESBY
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Family Vacations That Worked
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VOLUNTEER VACATIONS BY MEREDITH BALL
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‘RENTS RANT: When Your Kid Has Weird Demands BY CARRIE VITTITOE
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KIDS IN THE KITCHEN: Mini Pizzas BY MELISSA DONALD
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AGE PAGES: 34 Birth to 5
BY TAMI L. PYLES
36 6 to 11
BY MEGAN M. SECKMAN
38 12 and Up
BY STACIE L. MARTIN
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SUMMER CAMPS
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DIRECTORIES: Celebrations • Childcare • Education • Extra-curricular Activities • Retail • Wellness BY ALISSA HICKS
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D•I•Y: Sew a Button Shirt Pillow Cover BY MIRANDA POPP
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INTRO By Anita Oldham, Editor
We Recommend DON’T YOU JUST LOVE A RECOMMENDATION — SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN TESTED, so you don’t feel like you are taking a big risk? Or sometimes the recommendation just opens my mind to a
new possibility I hadn’t yet considered. Sharing information is what Today’s Family is all about. In this issue you will find vacations that have been tested and recommended by our team of parent writers (page 20).
Here are some parent philosophies that have stuck with me. Share yours with us at TodaysFamilyNow.com!
I think knowing that something works is why I like reading advice from other parents — especially those who have grown children. They have gained perspective that some of us in the midst of parenting might not have.
ON OUR COVER
LESS SCREEN TIME “WE SEE OUR HOMES AS SANCTUARIES FROM A HECTIC WORLD, then television begins to feel more and more like an unsavory intruder, robbing our rooms of life and meaning, stealing our time, and preying on our souls. When it comes to TV, less really is more. Or, as my son Henry has advised me: ‘Just say that TV fills your head up with other people’s ideas, which means you don’t have as much room for your own.’” — Katrina Kenison, Mitten Strings from God
TEACHING INDEPENDENCE “WHEN THE KIDS TURNED 16, WE BOUGHT EACH A CAR. The first one learned what that meant. As the tow truck pulled a once “new” car into the driveway, my oldest proclaimed: “Dad, it is a wreck!” I said, “Yes, but a 1965 Mustang fastback wreck. Here are the repair manuals. Tools are in the garage. I will pay for every part, but I will not pay for LABOR.” Eleven months later, the car had a rebuilt engine, rebuilt transmission, newly upholstered interior, a new suspension system, and a new coat of paint. My daughter (yes, it was my daughter) had one of the hottest cars at high school. And her pride that she built it was beyond imaginable. (As a side note, none of my kids ever got a ticket for speeding, even though no car had less than 450 horsepower.)” — Francis L. Thompson, (who with his wife raised 12 kids and they all paid for their own college educations)
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LUKE REINECKE, 11, attends St. Michael School and loves sports. He plays lacrosse for Louisville Bluegrass LAX, as well as football and basketball. His parents are Kelly and Fred Reinecke. ELLIE MAYER, 8, attends St. Michael School and participates in cheerleading, volleyball, and gymnastics. Her parents are Lori and Craig Mayer.
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TODAY’S FAMILY
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TodaysFamilyNow.com
Volume 23 • Number 2 PUBLISHER
Cathy S. Zion
publisher@todayspublications.com EDITOR
Plan your Vacation Time
Anita Oldham
editor@todayspublications.com ASSISTANT EDITORS
Elaine Rooker Jack
elaine@todayspublications.com
Tiffany White
tiffany@todayspublications.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
• Family-Tested Vacations — More details from family trips
Susan Allen
susan@todayspublications.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
• Volunteer Vacations — more information
Rose Helm
rose@todayspublications.com
• Summer Camp listings
Teri Hickerson
Participate! • Vote for Beautiful Baby.
teri@todayspublications.com
Suzy Hillebrand
suzy@todayspublications.com
Joyce Inman
joyce@todayspublications.com
• Enter the Essay Contest to ride on a float in the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade • Win giveaways every Wednesday.
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
April H. Allman
april@todayspublications.com PHOTOGRAPHER
Melissa Donald
melissa@todayspublications.com
• Nominate Your Teacher
ASSISTANT EDITOR/DESIGNER
Jessica Alyea
jessica@todayspublications.com COVER PHOTOGRAPHY
Melissa Donald
TODAYSFAMILYNOW.COM EDITOR
It’s Time. The call for summer adventures has sounded. Don’t miss your chance to win one of these summer camp giveaways from Today’s Family. Weekly drawings begin in February through March.
Enter at TodaysFamilyNow.com.
Miranda Popp
miranda@todayspublications.com MEDIA ASSOCIATE
Alissa Hicks
PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY: Zion Publications LLC 9750 Ormsby Station Road, Suite 307 Louisville, KY 40223 Phone (502) 327-8855 Fax (502) 327-8861
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Subscriptions are available by sending $15 to the above address for 6 bi-monthly issues.
Today’s Family magazine is published bi-monthly by Zion Publications LLC and distributed free to the people of metropolitan Louisville and Southern Indiana. Circulation 25,000. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the publisher. Today’s Family magazine does not endorse or guarantee any advertiser’s product or service. Copyright 2014 by Zion Publications LLC with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited without permission from Zion Publications LLC.
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FaMiLyfunNiGhT Volunteering: Burrito Riders
By Erin Nevitt Photos Melissa Donald
Erin, John, and their daughter Molly roll burritos for delivery.
Burrito Riders ride bikes and pass out burritos to whoever may need a meal.
Last December, we wanted to do a service project together, so my family of four joined up with Burrito Riders of Louisville. Burrito Riders works with the community to prepare hot breakfast burritos in homes, and then deliver them via bicycle to the hungry and homeless. I knew of this organization through two people who attend Revolution Church. The appeal: • Giving back is second nature to us. • It was different and simple enough to do with our children (ages 10 and 2) as our first attempt at meal prep for others. • The idea of preparing a breakfast meal packed full of protein for the hungry and homeless just really got our Advent-minded moods in the spirit of the season. I messaged the Burrito Riders on Facebook, and we readied ourselves to roll burritos for their first ride of the month. My family talked together about the importance of our task, and we went shopping for the ingredients. Continued on page 10
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Little Will Nevitt gets in on the fun with Mom Erin, Dad John, and sister Molly. Continued from page 8
WHAT YOU NEED
• Wide roll of heavy duty aluminum foil • Two 8-count packages of burrito-style tortillas • 3 cans of black beans • 1 package of shredded cheese • 1 dozen eggs • 1 jar (24 ounce) of mild salsa • 1 package of plain white rice (4 cups cooked) • Salt, pepper and 2 teaspoons each cumin and garlic powder
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We chose a weeknight that worked may need a meal. In the beginning, we were for our calendar. Following the recipe, we very careful not to make assumptions about cooked the rice and eggs and warmed up people, and that kept us pretty shy in offering. the beans. Molly, 10, was obviously Now, we don't care — we offer food to able to help a lot more than Will, 2. anyone we see because ‘homeless’ She helped whisk the eggs, stir isn't a pre-req. We've connected o Contact the Burrit lle the beans, and mix the batch. with many great people in isvi Riders of Lou at Louisville@ She had a blast rolling and stuffneed, though not in the kind of or BurritoRiders.org ing the burritos just right. Will need people might assume.” ok on Facebo “Burrito Riders danced around the kitchen and This was our first experiof Louisville.” observed; he knelt on a kitchen ence doing anything like this. chair and helped roll two burritos The biggest takeaway for my in the aluminum foil and thought that family was the conversations we was fun! had about giving back to our community The day after we rolled the burritos, and helping those in need. It’s hard to priorianother volunteer graciously came to our tize who might need help more than others, house to pick them up. Burritos are often but the homeless and hungry in our comrefrigerated in the riders’ homes and can be munity really tug at my heartstrings. My frozen for a few weeks. They are reheated by family described it as a “feel good moment,” the volunteers the morning of the ride and to help someone who doesn’t have anything served hot. to eat, and it was fun for our family to do Volunteers can prepare burritos, be part something together. We continue to reflect of the bicycling delivery team, or both! Acback on it, thinking about the literal parts of cording to Tim Adkins, a volunteer with the providing a meal with the love we poured organization, “Faces light up when you hand into it with our hands. We were so blessed someone a hot and convenient meal that is by this experience and are talking about doboth hearty and different. The burritos make a ing it again very soon. difference. We ride the bicycles with burritos Erin Nevitt lives — and makes burritos — in either in backpacks or a bicycle trailer (or Louisville with her husband John and their panniers, etc.) and pass them out to whoever kids Molly (10) and Will (2). 4 4 4todaysfamilynow.com 4 4 4facebook.com /todaysfamily 4 4 4 @todaysfamilynow
Feature Your Teacher
By Alissa Hicks
SPONSORED BY
Your teacher’s photograph could be here! Katie Caswell
Lisa Stringfellow
9th and 11th grade English ASSUMPTION HIGH SCHOOL
5th grade KENTUCKY COUNTRY DAY
This year marks her 20th year teaching, 17th year at AHS. “I love working with students and seeing them grow as writers and readers. I think that every student is valuable — every student has something to say. Every classroom should be one of respect, and that is what I try to foster.”
Lisa has been teaching nearly 20 years and currently teaches language and literacies, integrating technology skills with the language arts curriculum. “I love working with middle school kids! They have a great sense of humor and are unpredictable, which makes teaching fun. This age has a lot of curiosity.”
At Assumption, Katie has learned new ways of integrating technology in the classroom. “Assumption has technologically grown so much in the last year. Students all have PC tablets, and so my classroom has become almost paperless.” Aside from reading along with her freshman students who have just finished A Summer of Kings, she is now reading Mercy by Jodi Picoult. Katie would love to some day teach a creative writing class and looks forward to making more time to write with her students.
Lisa, who is passionate about reading and teaching her kids to love reading, says to follow your passions and find the things you’re interested in. “I’m always trying new things. I have a strong interest in educational technology — learning how to program new websites and introduce kids to new ideas.” While teaching fifth graders, Lisa also teaches a fine arts knitting class to students in the 7th and 8th grades, and she is also working on her own manuscript.
Your Teacher’s Name
How can you feature your teacher? Nominate him or her at TodaysFamilyNow.com. One teacher will be featured each month on TodaysFamilyNow.com and also in the magazine. The three teachers with the most nominations will be featured!
What a Beautiful Baby! We asked, and you delivered! Here are the entrants in our 2014 Beautiful Baby Contest. Take a look at all of the beautiful babies (ages 0-3) and cast your vote. The baby with the most votes will appear on the cover of our Summer issue and will receive a $1,000 savings bond from Derby City Pediatric Dentistry. Sponsored by:
VOTE ONLINE @
TODAYSFAMILYNOW.COM! Deadline for voting is March 10.
#1 ALEX ABELE
#2 CRUZ AGNEW
#3 RYLAND ALLEN
#4 OLIVIA ALVAREZ
#5 DECLAN ALVEY
#6 AMAYA APANEWICZ
#7 BEAU BARNETT
#8 RYDER BELCHER
#9 EMILY BERGER
#10 TYLER BERGSTROM
#11 PRESTON
#12 BREANNA
BURCKHARDT
BURNETT
#13 LUCY CONELY
#14 BROOKLYN CONLEN
#15 CALLIE COOP
#16 JAXON COOPER
#17 JAMES CREECH
#18 LAILA CRENSHAW
#19 CHARLOTTE
#20 CALLIE CRUTCHER
#21 KYLIE DAWSON
#22 AMAYAH DIAZ
#23 KYLEIGH DIAZ
#24 JAMES EVANS IV
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CROUCH 4 4 4todaysfamilynow.com 4 4 4facebook.com /todaysfamily 4 4 4 @todaysfamilynow
#25 ISABELLA GALES
#26 DIEGO GARCIA
#27 HUNTER GAUS
#28 GRAHAM GIBSON
#29 STELLA GILLES
#30 ASHLYNN GOFF
#31 ELLIS GRIZZLE
#32 SAMANTHA GROSS
#33 STELLA GUM
#34 DYLAN HALL
#35 OWEN HAMMON
#36 ZAINE HARDING
#37 HALO HARRIS
#38 PATRICK
#39 ELIJAH HESS
#40 SHYLA HESS
#41 ISABELLA HIGGINS
#42 MADALYNNE
HENNESSY
#43 KYNLEE HOBBS
#44 TY HOBBS
HIMES
#45 KAYDENCE
#46 GRACE JONES
#47 SKYLAR JUMPER
#48 ETHAN KANZINGER
JENKINS
#49 KAITLYNN KELLY
#50 RENO LAWRENCE
#51 CARTER LINEBACH
#52 JACOBY MARSHALL
#53 AMELIA
#54 DAVID MAYER
MATTINGLY
#55 ADALYNN
#56 AUTUMN
#57 DECLAN
#58 ADDISYN
MCCORMACK
MCCORMICK
MCCROSSON
MCGLINCY
#59 LIAM MCKINLEY
#60 NORA MCKINLEY
VOTE ONLINE @ TODAYSFAMILYNOW.COM! Deadline for voting is March 10.
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TODAY’S FAMILY
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#61 ADDISYN MERGENTHALER
#62 LEANNA MILLS
#63 COLLINS MOORE
#64 GRAYSON MOORE
#65 LEVI MOORE
#66 JV MORAN
#67 ANNMARIE
#68 ALEXANDER
#69 CHARLIE PARKER
#70 KIAN PEREZ
PARADIS
#71 NOAH RAVENSCROFT
#72 NIA RIVERS
MULLIN
#73 KAYLEE RYE
#74 KONRAD SCHLIMM
#75 HENRY SCHMIED
#76 ELLA SCOTT
#77 LUKE SCOTT
#78 ALEXANDER SEIFFERT
#79 ASPYN SHAFTLEIN
#80 LILITH SHERRY
#81 CADEN SINGLETON
#82 ATOM SNELLING
#83 ARIA BEACH
#84 MA’RIYAH SPENCER
#85 BRENNEN
#86 ELEANOR
STANDAFER
STEPHENS
#91 VIVIAN WESTENHOFER
#92 BRYNNLEY WILKINS
#87 SKYLAR STIVERS
#93 AVA WILLIAMS
#88 BANNON STRANGE
#94 KALEB WOOD
#89 DAITHAN VAN
#90 HANNAH
NATTA
VOGELSANG
#95 ESMAE WOODARD
#96 GABRIELLE WOOLRIDGE
VOTE ONLINE @ TODAYSFAMILYNOW.COM!
#97 CARSON YADON 16
#98 ANTHONY SPENCER
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TODAY’S FAMILY
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Just Ask Joyce By Joyce Oglesby
Terrible Temper
Q:
What do you do with a toddler who has a terrible temper? He’s only 13 months old, and he clenches his fist, screams, and holds his breath until he gets his way. My first child is very passive. This behavior is all new to this mom. Help!
“Kids beg for boundaries, regardless of their personalities. Failing to set limitations for a child is courting disaster down the road.” Blended Family
Joyce: I’ve had personal experience with your challenge. Consequently, I developed my Five-Finger Exercise for Children that works, and the earlier you institute this plan, the quicker you begin to get results. Kids love counting on their fingers. When your child’s temper flares, hold up one finger sternly and say, “Mommy says no temper.” Set your face equally as unyielding. He will soon fall into motion when he displays his temper and sees your finger. Eventually, all you have to say is,
Pre-Teen Outbursts
Q:
I have a pre-teen daughter who is struggling with expressing her feelings. We’ve always been able to talk, but trying to get her to discuss hormonal changes and woes of friends is causing her emotional outbursts, which creates considerable angst. I don’t want to lose our friendship in this growing-up process.
Joyce: Becoming a teen and a stepdaughter can be hazardous to everyone concerned. Keep in mind
Joyce: For everything there is a
that kids rarely want parents to
season — a time to be a friend and
hold up his own finger and his temper
divorce. Their inner struggle centers
a time to be a parent. This is your
will subside. It is truly amazing how
on loyalty. If they find themselves
season for parenting. Let me offer
a little one responds. Then, introduce
accepting of Stepdad, it can feel like
you a wonderful suggestion for
the second finger exercise: “Self-
a sell-out of Dad. Contrary to this, if
communicating about the more
control.” I always have my kids repeat
Dad is neglectful and/or a jerk, a child’s
sensitive issues young girls can
both: “No temper, self-control.” The
anger for not having a relationship
sometimes find embarrassing to talk
exercise continues as they grow: “No
with him can transfer to the substitute.
about with Mom: Journal it. Get a fun
temper; self-control; be patient; tell the
Boundaries must be established.
journal or use a simple notebook. Pose
truth; punch bags, not people.”
Respect absolutely is expected. But
a daily question for the two of you to
Kids beg for boundaries,
remember, kids are still kids until they
dialogue about. Write your response
regardless of their personalities.
grow up. They are trying to process life
first. Take her back in time when you
Failing to set limitations for a child is
on a field they haven’t played on yet.
were a young girl and struggled with
courting disaster down the road. You
Be patient, firm, and always loving.
similar issues. The discussion will
are a smart mom to seek a remedy
Sooner than later, a child will come
increase with patience and persistence.
early. Don’t allow a child to disrupt
to understand your love was never
Let her see that you are not too far
your life or his.
displaced. So, who do you honor? Both.
from understanding exactly how she
Your love for your husband is on a
feels. Be sensitive to her emotions while
different plane from your love for
keeping positive parenting principles in
your child. Find the balance. It usually
place. She is still the child.
meets in the middle.
“What does Mommy say?” and he will
(Five-Finger Exercise for Children book available at JustAskJoyce.com.)
need family advice? 18
Q:
I recently remarried after being divorced for five years. My 7-year-old son is enjoying having a new dad. My 13-yearold daughter is not. She is disrespectful, resentful, and downright hateful to my husband. Who do I honor in this situation when I love them both?
Write Joyce Oglesby, Family-Life Fitness Pro, at joyce@JustAskJoyce.com. Check out my books and other resources today at JustAskJoyce.com. Listen to The Just Ask Joyce Show M-F at 10am on WNDA 1570/WLRS 1600 AM, or stream it on TuneIn.
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TODAY’S FAMILY
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Vacation Planning
Start 9 months in t advance so you’ll ge ces pri d an ks pic st the be tels. with airlines and ho – TravelChannel.com
Family Vacations That Worked 1 Washington Island, Wisconsin Family vacations are all about spending time together and exploring new areas. Here are six family-tested vacations you can book today.
My family has been heading north to Washington Island, Wis., for the past seven years. The moment we cross over Lake Michigan to the small northern island, something magical happens. First, my kids want to take their clothes off and run around nude, chanting, “We’re free! We’re free!” That is partially because of the 11hour car ride with each other in the back seat, but mostly because of the crisp, clean air, the sound of swaying pines, the escape from Louisville’s stifling humidity, and the overwhelming silence that welcomes you. There is literally nothing to do here except be. There’s no cell service, no amusement park, just lots of green, lots of darting deer, and a beautiful limestone beach over crystal-clear Lake Michigan that makes you feel like you are in the Caribbean — except for the water’s chill that takes your breath away. Megan M. Seckman lives in Louisville with her husband Billy and their kids William (9) and Nadine (6).
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(598 miles)
THE DETAILS TRAVEL: By car & vehicle ferry across Lake Michigan TRAVEL TIME: 11 hours # DAYS: 7 GROUP: Two adults, two kids ages 5, 8 (we’ve also had giant family reunions there) ACCOMMODATIONS: Rental cottages OVERALL FEEL: You’ve just escaped the hectic, technology-saturated, humid mainland to a quaint, clean northern paradise.
HIGHLIGHTS: School House Beach is a local must every day. It is a limestone beach on blue, crisp water. The sun is hot, and the water is freezing, but there’s no sand to shake out of anything. FOR TYPE As: A social experiment in learning how to relax; or maybe you could finally write that book you’ve always talked about... FOR TYPE Bs: You will enjoy the silence, nature, bike rides (rentals are available), and mental check-out time. Everything is on island time, including
the restaurants; we eat out one night and cook our own meals most nights. DON’T MISS: Rock Island State Park. Take a passenger ferry to this uninhabited, primitive state park. You can reserve a campsite for an overnight stay or just venture over with a picnic basket and bask in the sun on the endless beach. I swear, you would never guess you are on a lake. With waves and a powdery beach, it’s just like the ocean. BEST TRIP MEMORIES: Getting up the nerve to take the plunge in the lake and witnessing the northern lights one year.
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Colorado (1107 miles)
HIGHLIGHT: Colorado Zip Line Adventures. A set of six zip lines 200 feet above a canyon with the longest line being 1,000 feet FOR TYPE As: Zip lining, white water rafting on the Arkansas River FOR TYPE Bs: Wandering through the Garden of the Gods National Park in Colorado Springs, nature hikes, spa treatments, driving up to Pike’s Peak mountain top WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THIS TRIP: It’s a beautiful part of the country. Easy to get to. Lots of activities from fancy to free. DON’T MISS: Garden of the Gods. It is a picturesque national landmark of red and pink limestone formations. It’s great for strolling, hiking, biking, and rock climbing. BEST TRIP MEMORY: We had never zip lined before this trip, and we weren’t sure how the kids would react to it. So as a precaution, I went across first, in case the kids freaked out. Mary Beth went last in case they were too scared to take the leap. Well, none of that was necessary. Even though Brian was so small he didn’t quite have enough momentum to get all the way across the canyon on the first line and had to be pulled in by the guides, the kids weren’t scared at all. They both thought it was super cool, and they ran to the front of the line for each of the remaining zips. It was a great experience. Bob Uberti lives in Prospect with his wife Mary Beth and their kids Morgan (16) and Brian (12).
THE DETAILS TRAVEL: By plane and rental car TRAVEL TIME: A few hours # DAYS: 6 GROUP: Two adults, two kids ages 9 and 13 ACCOMMODATIONS: Keystone Resort Lodge, 90 miles west of Denver. OVERALL FEEL: Outdoor activities both adventurous and relaxing
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colo.
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Two Augusts ago, my family and I fell in love with St. Joseph, Mich. Take a step back and relax. When I start to recollect my memories from this vacation I just melt! We visited four different cities in a week’s time, but St. Joseph was our favorite. It’s an easy drive to a small piece of paradise: gorgeous lake views, sightseeing, history lessons, outdoor activities, familyfriendliness, and wonderful, affordable, and casual dining for a family. Erin Nevitt lives in Louisville with her husband John and their kids Molly (10) and Will (2).
HIGHLIGHTS: Our 4-mile roundtrip walk down the beach to the North Pier Lighthouse.
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FOR TYPE As: Curious Kids’ Museum and Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone, Silver Beach Carousel, Amtrak train ride to Chicago, art museums, plenty of local shops through the downtown district, plenty of weekend activities (outdoor concerts, workshops, speaker events, author events), outdoor amphitheater, bus tours, great local eateries. (Check out Silver Beach Pizza and Chocolate Safari.)
St. Joseph, Michigan
(292 miles)
THE DETAILS TRAVEL: By van TRAVEL TIME: Roughly five hours, a little more than 300 miles # DAYS: 3 (took some other short trips throughout Michigan while there) GROUP: Two adults, two kids ages 9 and 1 ACCOMMODATIONS: Baymont Inn in Stevensville (1-2 miles away from beach town along scenic byway) OVERALL FEEL: Relaxed
HIGHLIGHTS: Visits to City Museum, Magic House Children’s Museum, Grant’s Farm, St. Louis Arch, Fitz’s Soda Bar & Grill, and an Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour FOR TYPE As: Tons of places to visit! We covered quite a few, but there are more to explore. FOR TYPE Bs: While we buzzed through each of the attractions, you could easily spend a day exploring City Museum and Magic House and take a more leisurely approach to your sightseeing! WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THIS TRIP: It’s close, and there are things to do for kids of all ages. Younger children will enjoy the Children’s Museum more, while kids of all ages will love the endless opportunities to explore at City Museum. DON’T MISS: City Museum. It is called a museum, but it is anything but! Think of it as a renovated warehouse space filled with recycled items and materials that you crawl and slide through, around, under, and over! BEST TRIP MEMORY: Feeding the goats with bottles at Grant’s Farm
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FOR TYPE Bs: Beaches, parks (Silver Beach County and Jean Klock Parks in particular), walks along edges of lighthouses, quaint dining spots, Saturday morning farmer’s market, a great little local library, a marble chess game atop
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the cliff overlooking Silver Beach County Park WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THIS TRIP: The town resembles a small town right out of the 1950s. Its location on the West Michigan Pike will not disappoint adventureseekers. St. Joseph is old-fashioned, picturesque, charming, pretty, and appealing to multi-faceted family dynamics. And it has affordability written all over it. DON’T MISS: The scenic lighthouses; some have tours, some are accessible to visit inside. BEST TRIP MEMORY: The day it warmed up and we spent the day on the beach having a picnic at Rocky Gap Park. This hidden gem had no pay-up-front parking! Our walk down the beach was the highlight of our trip.
St. Louis, Missouri
(260 miles)
THE DETAILS TRAVEL: By car TRAVEL TIME: About 4 hours # DAYS: 3 GROUP: Two adults and two kids, ages 8 and 6 ACCOMODATIONS: Holiday Inn Airport (booked through Travelocity) OVERALL FEEL: Family fun!
We took a trip to St. Louis in the fall when the kids had a long weekend. We had heard wonderful things about the museums in St. Louis and wanted to check them out for ourselves. They did not disappoint! Everything we experienced was so different from anything in Louisville; we truly felt like we had “gotten away” and had a mini-vacation, even though it was a quick four-hour drive! Susan Viers Wobbe lives in Louisville with her husband Thomas and their daughters Lily (10) and Elise (8 in April). 4 4 4todaysfamilynow.com 4 4 4facebook.com /todaysfamily 4 4 4 @todaysfamilynow
TODAY’S FAMILY
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HIGHLIGHTS: Cincinnati offers attractions that appealed to our whole family, and its close proximity to Louisville meant I never heard, “Are we there yet?” On our long weekend trip, we visited nearby attractions Ride the Ducks, Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, and IKEA. (ridetheducks.com, cincymuseum.org, ikea.com/us/en])
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Cincinnati, Ohio (99 miles)
THE DETAILS TRAVEL: By car TRAVEL TIME: Approximately 2.5 hours # Days: 3 GROUP: Two adults, two kids ages at trip time 6 and 1 ACCOMMODATIONS: Holiday Inn Express in West Chester, Ohio OVERALL FEEL: Nice balance of relaxation and fun family activities
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FOR TYPE As: The Ride the Ducks tour highlighted the historic and popular landmarks around the city. The 45minute sightseeing adventure began across the bridge in Newport, Ky. Although we started on land, the vehicle later splashed into the water to cruise on the Ohio River. FOR TYPE Bs: On our first night, we sneaked relaxation time in at the hotel pool. The kids splashed while I lounged poolside with a book. The shopping experience at IKEA — their upstairs showroom displays products in room settings — also offered a slower pace. WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THIS TRIP: The Cincinnati Museum at
Niagara Falls, Canada Side
(558 miles)
Union Terminal is a full-day experience. It houses three museums, a theater, cafés, and an ice cream shop. We purchased a full-access pass for entry into all museums, but you can purchase tickets separately. Our boys enjoyed The Woods at the Duke Energy Children’s Museum and the Dinosaur Gallery at the Museum of National History & Science. (Hot tip: If you are a member of the Kentucky Science Center, show your membership card to get free access to the Museum of National History & Science.) DON’T MISS: The OMNIMAX theatre is amazing! Its five-story domed screen and surround sound make you feel like a part of the movie. BEST TRIP TIP: We supplied our boys, Noah and Lucas, with their own suitcases to pack everything they needed. Involving them in packing helped to build excitement and reinforced that we do not need to take elaborate trips to appreciate family time. Lorie Gant Leitner lives in Louisville with her husband Jeremy and their sons Noah (8) and Lucas (3).
HIGHLIGHTS: The Falls’ Maid of the Mist boat ride, under-the-falls experiences, and the sky car across the whirlpool rapids. FOR TYPE As: Remember that you will need a passport to travel to the Canadian side, which has more spectacular views and activities than the U.S. side. FOR TYPE Bs: Head to the quaint Niagara-on-theLake (Lake Ontario) for the George Bernard Shaw festival (summer) or visit a winery. Nearby, The Old Downtown business district has local shops selling bicycles, comics, and more, as well as casual cafés. We ate at the Paris Crepes café twice! The chocolate hazelnut crepes were the highlight of the trip for our 5-year-old. WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THIS TRIP: Niagara Falls is not officially one of the “wonders of the world,” but it is in my book. Everyone should see it at least once. And it’s closer than you think. DON’T MISS: We highly recommend the Butterfly Conservatory, where dozens of varieties of butterflies might land on your shoulder or head. BEST TRIP MEMORY: Our kids had their first “foreign travel” and got to see a natural wonder along with many other inspiring and educational experiences during our five-day trip. Angela Stallings Hagan, Ph.D., lives in Louisville with her husband, Ken, and their daughters Isabel (8) and Audrey (6).
THE DETAILS
TRAVEL: By minivan TRAVEL TIME: Nine hours to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls # DAYS: 5 GROUP: Two adults, two girls, ages 7 and 5 Accomodations: Great Wolf Lodge, which overlooks the Niagara Whirlpool Rapids OVERALL FEEL: Perfect home base for half a day exploring, half a day relaxing most days
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GIVING BACK
Volunteer Vacations
By Meredith Ball
We usually associate vacations with rest, relaxation, and a general break from everyday life. What if the “break� you have in mind is serving, saving, relieving, and rebuilding? These motivations are part of a growing trend toward volunteering vacations. If the idea appeals to your family, here are a few organizations with options available.
Photo: habitat.org
GLOBAL CITIZENS NETWORK Your family can help a community by refurbishing buildings, installing irrigation systems, or working with local artisans.
Photo: crossculturalsolutions.org
CROSS CULTURAL SOLUTIONS Volunteers work closely with locals to address their needs while also engaging in other experiences and excursions that allow the volunteer to truly experience that culture.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Habitat extends its arm to those in need overseas as well as right here in Louisville. Locations: U.S., Central America, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Caribbean Ages: 16+ habitat.org
Location: Africa, Asia, Latin America, US/Canada Ages: All globalcitizens.org
Photo: globalcitizens.org
Locations: Appalachia, New Orleans, Mexico Ages: 5+ or 12+ crossroadsmissions.com
responsible vacation.com
:
Check here for a world of vo lunteer vacation op tions for your family.
WATERSTEP A trip with this organization could include hand pump repair and/or building a mini water purification plant (including training and equipping locals to run and repair it), along with health and hygiene classes and vision clinics. Locations: Worldwide, including India, Kenya, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Ethiopia, and Ghana. Ages: 16+ waterstep.org
Locations: Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Morocco, Tanzania, Peru, South Africa, Thailand, Brazil Ages: 8+ crossculturalsolutions.org
CROSSROADS MISSIONS Your family could be involved in home repair, assisting the elderly, building ramps for the disabled, lawn care, preparing for an event, or simply sharing in conversation.
Photo: thegreatprojects.com
SOLES FOR SOULS In this environment, your family might participate in education, athletic, or construction activities, or help with medical clinics along with distributing shoes to individuals. Locations:Haiti, Costa Rica, Honduras, India, Jamaica, and Tanzania. Ages: 10+ soles4souls.org
THE GREAT PROJECTS Your work could be restoring a Malaysian rainforest, identifying and tracking elephants, releasing baby turtles into the wild, or one of many other experiences. Locations: Sri Lanka, Borneo, South Africa, Amazon/Peru, Finland, Namibia, India Ages: 9+ thegreatprojects.com/ familyprojects
OCEANIC SOCIETY Your family can join researchers in studying and observing dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Location: Belize Ages:10+ oceanic-society.org
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Photo: oceanic-study.org
Meredith Ball lives in LaGrange with her husband Reggie and their sons Coen (8), Weston (5), and Kairo (1). Go to TodaysFamilyNow.com for more specific information about each of these organizations. 4 4 4todaysfamilynow.com 4 4 4facebook.com /todaysfamily 4 4 4 @todaysfamilynow
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‘rents rant Don’t let your child rule your home!
What the Experts Say Charles Pemberton Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Dimensions Family Therapy
“The first thing to consider is whether the unusual behavior is developmentally appropriate and expected for the child,” says Charles Pemberton. For a preschool-age child, shutting the door or choosing a certain cup from which to drink are efforts to gain a sense of control over their lives, assert their independence and/or get attention from parents. Though these are aggravating to adults, these behaviors are normal for children of this age.
When Your Kid Has Weird Demands I
We’ve all had a thought like that when dealing with our children, especially at some of the oddball demands children make that defy adult reasoning. A child can really go to pieces over seemingly unimportant stuff, like whether a parent puts the child’s left sock on before the right one or whether their teeth are brushed before their faces are washed at bedtime. While these things are typically preschooler behaviors, some parents are lucky enough to have elementary-age children who still carry the quirky fixation torch. Tammy Gnagy’s 3-year-old daughter, Addy, has to be the one who shuts the door when they come in from running errands or there is heck to pay. According to Tammy, “Addy just starts screaming and yelling that she wants to do it. Sometimes Riley — Addy’s
Baptist Medical Associates
big brother — decides he wants to make her mad and will insist on shutting the door, too, so they get into a fight as to who shuts it last.” Carrie Cross’ 4-year-old son, Graham, has to have his sheets just so for naps and bedtime. If they are not pulled up just the way he likes them, he loses his preschool mind. Carrie says, “If he wakes up in the middle of the night and the sheet and comforter are off or turned, he screams, runs out of the room into our bedroom and says, “Mommy, my blankets are messed up. Come fix them.” Linda Jaber’s 5-year-old son, Zaid, will only eat salad if all the various fixings are in their own separate bowls. Cary Hanna’s 7-year-old daughter, Olivia, wants her food in separate bowls, but also demands a plate on the table too. Whatever is a parent to do to either minimize these strange fixations or keep from losing his/her temper?
Carrie Vittitoe lives — and occasionally peels grapes — in Louisville with her husband Dean Langford and their delightfully persnickety children Norah (10), Graeme (6) and Miles (4).
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Jessica Fortwengler Family Doctor
By Carrie Vittitoe
“ cannot BELIEVE I’ve marked sections on my dishes with permanent markers so foods don’t touch!”
Some fixations, though, are bigger issues because they affect the entire family’s functionality. In the case of night wakings related to bed sheets, Pemberton suggests asking, “‘What do the sheets not being perfect mean to the child?’ I would try to work on a system whereby the comforter is not perfect but the sheet is, and gradually step it down so the child gets used to the sheets not being a certain way.”
Jessica Fortwengler understands these childhood fixations from both a personal and professional standpoint. She acknowledges, “With my own kids, it drives me crazy, but it is essentially harmless what they’re doing.” So when should a parent worry that odd fixations require more serious investigation by a doctor? She says, “I wouldn’t give a kid medicine or treat them with drugs unless it is harmful to their health, if they become so obsessive about something like washing their hands, where their hands are cracking open and bleeding.” School-age children who have their little peculiarities only at home are often testing their parents. Fortwengler suggests looking into some of the strategies proposed by Kirk Martin — celebratecalm.com — a behavioral consultant who gives seminars on children’s sometimes aggravating behavior.
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KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
Easy Tip:
Ellie Mayer and Luke Reinecke create mini pizzas that are healthy and tasty.
Kids can make their own pizza snack with common items in the refrigerator and cupboard.
Ingredients
Mini Pizzas
1 English muffin
A Healthy Snack with Quick and Easy Assembly Photos and Recipe by Melissa Donald
active time 10-15 MINUTES total time 20 MINUTES makes ONE ENGLISH MUFFIN PIZZA AND ONE FLATBREAD PIZZA
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If using oven, preheat to 400 degrees and place oven rack to the middle setting.
3. Place turkey pepperoni and the rest of the toppings on top.
1. With the back of a spoon, spread the sauce on the English muffin halves or flatbread, leaving about 1/ 4 of an inch of the sides sauce-free.
4. If using a string cheese stick, pull apart cheese stick into strips and lay them over the top of the pizzas. Otherwise, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pizzas and place on a cookie sheet.
2. If using fresh spinach (which is a great way to incorporate greens), lay spinach in a single layer on top of the sauce.
5. Place in the preheated oven for approximately 8-10 minutes. If using a toaster oven, place pizza on the toaster oven baking sheet and choose the convection or bake setting.
1 sandwich wrap (We used flatbread.) ½ cup pizza sauce or favorite spaghetti sauce 25 slices of turkey pepperoni ½ cup fresh spinach ½ cup sundried tomatoes ¼ cup black olives 1-3 string cheese sticks or ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese Other Options: Instead of sauce, try: • Pesto or olive oil with salt and pepper • Fresh tomatoes • Pre-sliced mushrooms • Naan bread • Bagels
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AGE Page
Birth to 5
By Tami L. Pyles February is National Sweet Potato Month.
Get an EdZOOcation The Louisville Zoo has more than 1,500 animals! Give your little one a chance to get up close and personal with these creatures by participating in one of the early childhood education programs offered at the zoo. Children as young as two can attend. Marcelle Gianelloni, the zoo’s education curator, says, “the Two by Two, Two by Three, and ZOOper Kids programs provide experiences that are hands-on, where they can explore and discover through making observations, investigating, thinking, reasoning, and drawing conclusions.”
GO VERTICAL
And work those...Hands?
Developing hand muscles is key for fine motor skill progress and eventually writing. Get vertical to promote development. "It's important for hand development to complete activities using an easel
Add this superfood into your little ones’ meals to provide a yummy source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. Try this easy sweet potato fry recipe or visit The Burning Bush in Prospect, Ky., for great sweet potato fries every kid will love.
or wall as vertical surfaces,” says Melanie McAlister, a local occupational therapist. Get ideas at kiboomukidssongs.com/ easy-mosaic-easter-egg-craft/
BOOK NOOK
Alice in Wonderland: a BabyLit Colors Primer by Jennifer Adams One of a new series of board books that introduce young readers to classic literature. The illustrations are colorful, quirky, and fun.
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Sweet and Nutritious
Sweet Potato Fries 2 sweet potatoes, washed and cut into wedges 1 tablespoon of olive oil Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss wedges in olive oil. Bake on cookie sheet for 25 min.; turn occasionally while baking. Source: sweetpotatousa.org/nutrition.htm
According to the National Commission on Reading, the most significant factor influencing a child’s early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school. Shannon Kruer, head children’s librarian at the Oldham County Library, recommends these great books.
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
Duncan wants to color, but instead of his crayons being in the crayon box, Duncan finds a stack of letters in their place. His crayons have gone on strike! The letters that the crayons have left for Duncan, along with the illustrations, will have you and your child laughing.
Chu’s Day by Neil Gaiman
Tap This
App The Kosair Children’s Hospital App offers great information about the facility, assistance with finding a doctor, and a wealth of information on children’s health-related issues, including videos and interactive games and activities. Download at the Apple App Store or by visiting KosairChildrens Hospital.com/mobile.
Chu is an adorable panda with a sneeze that causes bad things to happen. Join Chu and his parents on their visit to the library that is dusty and to the diner that is peppery! Finally they visit the circus. Will Chu sneeze? This fun story has rich and detailed illustrations.
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AGE Page
6 to 11
By Megan M. Seckman
Cure for Homework Meltdown BATTLING HOMEWORK FATIGUE? Christine Mikel, herbalist from Holistic Health, recommends keeping a bottle of Rosemary essential oil near your homework station. Rosemary promotes mental clarity and can be inhaled straight from the bottle when confusion and fatigue set in.
Spring Fitness According to the U.S. National Soccer Players Association, the average child runs seven miles in the course of one game. Registration for Highland Youth Recreation, a non-competitive Louisville league since 1976, ends February 15 with opening day on March 15. Visit hyrsports.com.
MOST KIDS ARE READY FOR FORMAL MUSIC INSTRUCTION BETWEEN THE AGES OF 5 AND 7. — KIDSHEALTH.ORG
There’s An School of ROCK? Marvin Maxwell, founder of Mom’s Music, makes rock stars out of kids. In Rock School 101, kids who have never touched an instrument are put into bands where they practice for eight weeks and perform live, on-stage in week nine. Maxwell guarantees, “Rock School will change their lives!”
App
For That! Turn family night into cinematography night. Patrick Fitzgerald of Beargrass Media Club, a media-making club that meets weekly at the Highlands/Shelby Park Library, recommends using the free iMotion HD app for cool stopmotion shorts because of its kidfriendly editing features.
Brain Food According to a University of North Carolina/ Duke University study, eggs contain the vitamin choline and promote memory cell production through childhood. Did You Know? So, eggs are ille Metro Louisv true brain food. a on ng livi residents are lot cre lf-a ha Want to raise allowed five hens your own? and a rooster. 36
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AGE Page
12 and up
By Stacie L. Martin
Avoid Sports Injuries Avoid sports injuries by following these tips from Brittany Kersey, physical therapist at KORT, Mt. Washington: • Warm up muscles with high knees, butt kicks, and arm swings. • Drink water before, during, and after sports activities. • Rest! There has been an exponential increase in overuse injuries because of year-round sports. Encourage players to rest between sports seasons.
Eagerly Awaited
Movies
Divergent Opens March 21 In this intense dystopian thriller, Beatrice Prior is a teenager who leaves her family to join one of five factions in the future Chicago. Beatrice trains and competes in this faction, all the while meeting new people and hoping she has chosen the correct faction. But Beatrice finds her life threatened when plans for extermination of her kind are developed.
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Yo haveu still to time t h e r ea d bo first oks !
HELLO, SPRING! Visit one of many local parks to play tennis, investigate walking paths, and play hoops on basketball courts. Bike the Louisville Loop. Take a stroll on the new pedestrian bridge and Louisville Waterfront Park. Play dodgeball on a trampoline at Sky Zone. Brush up on your ice-skating skills at Iceland Sports Complex.
Fault in Our Stars Opens June 6 The eagerly anticipated movie brings John Green’s Hazel Grace and Augustus to life. This sometimes funny, thought-provoking story of the romance between two selfproclaimed “cancer kids” describes their attempt to live full lives despite their physical disabilities.
April is
Texting and Driving ONE-THIRD OF TEENS SELF-REPORT TEXTING OR EMAILING WHILE DRIVING. The risk of a car crash is four times higher if a driver is on a cell phone. Talk to your teens about the dangers of driving while texting or talking on a cell phone.
National Each day in Kentucky, Child Abuse more than 130 kids Prevention Month. are involved in reports of abuse or neglect. Kentucky law requires anyone who suspects abuse or neglect of a child to report his or her suspicion to authorities. If you think a child is being hurt, call 877.597.2331.
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Click on this page to access the Today’s Family Summer Camp Directory.
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Click on this page to access the Today’s Family Summer Camp Directory.
TODAY’S FAMILY
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Click on the categories below to access the Today’s Family Directory.
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d•i•y
Make a big statement by tossing several of these shirt pillows against a plain white background. Super chic, dahling!
Button Shirt Pillow Cover By Miranda Popp Photos Jason Popp
Got a beloved shirt you’re holding onto for sentimental reasons? Here’s a creative way to give that shirt a new purpose and showcase it year round: turn it into a pillow cover! It’s fun, easy, and perfect for the novice sewer.
1. Measure the pillow you’re going to cover, then add ½ inch to each side. (Ex. If your pillow is 18 inches square, you will cut a 19-inch square, giving a ½-inch hem on each side.)
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Supplies • Button-down shirt • Throw pillow • Straight pins • Fabric scissors • Sewing machine
2. Button the shirt and
3. Cut out the square
4. Sew a straight line
5. Unbutton the shirt,
draw the pillow outline on it. It really doesn’t matter what you use to do this because it will never show on your finished cover.
and pin the two pieces together with the outsides of the shirt facing inward.
about ½ inch from the edge all the way around the square.
turn it right side out, and insert the pillow. You’re done!
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