Mid-Valley MOM | June / July 2023

WE BRAKE FOR YARD SALES

FAST, KID-FRIENDLY DINNER IDEAS

Expecting a Special Delivery?

Please join us for our Baby Bundle and Healthy Baby classes at The Corvallis Clinic

Since we believe that knowledge brings comfort and confidence, we sponsor these classes for all parents-to-be. During each session, you will have the opportunity to speak with our specialists about labor, delivery, and your child’s development.

Each Baby Bundle session features one of our expert obstetricians who will focus on labor and delivery. We’ll even help you figure out how to choose a pediatrician.

Our Healthy Baby sessions feature an expert pediatrician to answer questions about your newborn. Feel confident knowing that you aren’t alone in your journey into parenthood.

Visit our website to learn more and register or scan the QR code for quick registration.

Learn more at CorvallisClinic.com/baby-classes

Dr. Jilinda Lewis, page 28

PO Box 672

Aurora, OR 97002-0672

503-825-2100

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Director

Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com

Salem Advertising

Representative Kim Leighty

kim.leighty@mommag.com

503-510-9036

Mid-Valley & Lane County

Business Development Manager

Linda Blair linda@mommag.com

541-231-7250

Designer Sean Carver sean@activemediausa.com

Because I said so!

On a recent trip to Waldport, I found myself in the local interpretive center marveling over the story of the Alsea Bay Bridge. Two lovely volunteers gave me a short history of the engineer who designed that bridge, as well as many others in Oregon and beyond.

Never, ever have I thought about bridges this deeply. They’ve been in that category of things that exist in the background of my life, and sure, I’m glad we have them. It made me appreciate anyone who dedicates their life and talents to a singular purpose. Not in a million years could I ever be an engineer…or chef, accountant, computer tech…the list goes on. Yet I’m grateful there are people who do these jobs because their work benefits all of us.

We’re all given unique talents in this world, such as our featured experts who always teach me something new. And like our recent Community Impact Award winners, who have been selected to win a year of free advertising in our magazine. These nonprofits go to admirable depths in helping people:

In Eugene, Bags of Love provides necessities and comfort items to children who are experiencing neglect, abuse, poverty, homelessness and disasters.

In Albany, Family Tree Relief Nursery offers therapeutic early childhood programs, support for families experiencing poverty, classes for parents in recovery, and more.

In Salem, the Assistance League gives clothing, hygiene items, school supplies and much more to children and adults.

Not all of us have the talent, skills or time to do what they do. They’re like that builder of beautiful bridges (his name was Conde McCullough, should you wish to go down an internet rabbit hole): doing important work to enrich us all.

You probably take your own personal work for granted, as many moms do. But could others do what you do? Nope. So thank you for what you do in this world. I agree wholeheartedly with Lizzo on this one: in case nobody told you today, you’re special.

Audrey Meier DeKam Editor-in-Chief

541-766-6918

Anything you can do, you do it much better than I ever could

QA

Have a question you forgot to discuss at the doctor’s office or are too embarrassed to ask? The experts at Samaritan Health Services are here to help.

Q: My daughter is getting close to her teen years which makes me wonder: what is the best age for her to begin seeing an OB/GYN?

A: An OB/GYN is a physician who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, covering all facets of reproductive health. Regular OB/GYN care is important throughout all stages of life so that disease and other health-related issues can be detected early.

The American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology recommends seeing a health practitioner around the time of one’s first menstrual period, which is typically between the ages of 13 and 15. After the age of 21, they should see an OB/GYN regularly for an annual exam.

Q: I keep household chemicals safely away from my busy toddler. Are there other common products that could be hazardous to her?

A: Unintentional poisonings of children under the age of 5 continues to decline significantly in our country, thanks in great part to the use of child safety packaging on consumer products. Even so, an average of 31 children will die each year.

Recent statistics from the national Poison Control Center show that 11.8% of poison exposure for youngsters comes from cosmetics and personal care items like fluoride toothpaste, hand sanitizer or lotion. Household cleaning products were a close second with 11.3% of cases, and accidental overdose of pain medication like acetaminophen accounted for 7.6% of cases.

The first appointment with a gynecologist can be scary so that first visit often is about establishing trust, creating safety and reinforcing to the patient that they are in control of what happens to their bodies. During the first appointment, doctors talk with patients about their personal and family health history, menstrual cycle, diet, exercise and sexual activity.

For adolescents, a pelvic exam is typically performed only if a patient is having problems, such as heavy periods, pelvic pain or vaginal discharge — and with the patient’s consent and complete understanding of what to expect.

— Carrie Durkee, RN, BSN – Manager, Women’s Center, Samaritan Albany General Hospital

Be cautious with all medications and supplements, including marijuana edibles. Alcoholic beverages, coin-size button batteries, pesticides and even plants can pose a danger to curious children.

Although the rates of poisoning exposure for children are disproportionately high compared to the rest of the population, extreme injury or death is rare. If your child has been exposed to a poison, call the Poison Control Hotline at 800-222-1222. Always call 911 immediately if someone is unconscious or not breathing.

For more information, visit poison.org or ohsu.edu/poison.

— Kim Fletcher, RN – Trauma nurse coordinator, Samaritan Albany General Hospital

When you need dinner quicker

Sometimes life comes at you fast, meaning dinner needs to come quicker. When that happens, count on the Co-op. We’ve always got good — and quick — ways to feed the whole family.

First Alternative Budget Bites are the Co-op’s free meal plan series dedicated to stretching your grocery budget and making your time in the kitchen and grocery store more efficient. Every edition includes six unique and affordable recipes along with a detailed shopping list. Free copies of the latest edition can be found in-store and online at firstalt.coop/budget-bites, where you’ll also find back-issues.

The Co-op Deli Grab ’N’ Go coolers and Salad Bar are always stocked with natural, delicious meal options direct from the Co-op Kitchen, like seasonal salads, sides and heat-and-eat entrees like Yam & Black Bean Quesadillas and Vegan Enchiladas. Hungry for more? Our selfserve salad bars are stuffed with organic veggies and tons of fresh fixings, and we have a rotating menu of seasonal soups, available prepacked or hot and ready-to-eat. We do the cooking and you save time!

KITCHEN CHAOS

Picture this: You work for months designing and planning your kitchen remodel. You schedule your remodeler for the summer, with a goal of enjoying a beautiful, functional new kitchen in the fall, just in time for the holiday season. Demolition day rolls around, and you realize you didn’t think about your kitchen being out of commission. How do you feed a family during a kitchen remodel?

THINK OUTSIDE THE KITCHEN

Something we commonly do when preparing our clients for remodels is ask where we can place the current appliances while the work is underway. This is not only to protect your appliances, but also to potentially provide a secondary cooking/storage area for you during the project. We often plug in refrigerators and other appliances in garages or other secondary areas where families set up temporary kitchens.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Be it a grill, smoker or beloved pizza oven, outdoor cooking can solve many issues you might run into in the midst of a kitchen remodel. We see clients use camp stoves and all sorts of outdoor recreation items as stand-ins for indoor counterparts. In the summer months, this might even be a welcome change for your family.

THERE’S MORE THAN ONE PLACE TO WASH A DISH

While there aren’t many options for setting up a dishwasher temporarily, we have seen many creative solutions for a kitchen sink replacement. If you’re fortunate to have a utility sink, these workhorses are great substitutes during a remodel. Another option is a less-used bathroom sink. We recommend having drying racks in a different area of your house, but a sink is a sink! We’ve even had a homeowner set up an entire dishwashing system in their bathtub.

SMALL BITES

This is geared more towards a DIY approach, as most remodeling companies work with subcontractors and schedule the project in one fell swoop. If you are doing the project on your own, you can divide it into smaller chunks, such as replacing your countertops, tiling a new backsplash, refinishing cabinets and more, all at your own pace. It extends your timeline, but leaves your kitchen semi-functional throughout the process.

Kitchen remodels can bring short-term stress, but they are well worth it in the end. Kitchens are the workhorses of a home and a central gathering place for many families. Plus, they often increase the value of your home. Worth it!

Rylee Henderer | DESIGNER

Rylee Henderer grew up around construction job sites, sweeping up endless sawdust in the shop. She formally joined her family’s business in 2017 and learned everything from demolition and framing, to tile and cabinetry installation. From there, Rylee grew into client management, and along the way found a love for design. She is now a full-time designer, creating beautiful, innovative spaces for Henderer Design + Build + Remodel.

hendererdesignbuild.com / 541-753-5660

info@hendererdesignbuild.com

2350 NW Professional Dr. Corvallis

It’s perfect, honey!

Making and keeping friendships

lives, we see what we don’t have. When we look in the mirror, we see our flaws instead of the blessings. Can we take a step back? Can we accept those few extra pounds, or scuffed shoes, or not-so-new car—even with its occasional rattles—and allow ourselves to experience satisfaction with what we have and who we are? Peace with ourselves liberates us to be our own “best.”

Peer relationships are key to a child’s development, helping them grow social skills that are fundamental for their whole lives.

If your child is struggling to make friends, watch how they behave in social settings. What, specifically, are they struggling with? Perhaps it’s a loud, chaotic setting that is overstimulating. Maybe they sit on the sidelines because they feel uncomfortable with an activity they do not understand.

Today’s the day. Give yourself a break from the expectation of perfection and say, “I’m okay.”

It’s called GRACE. Give yourself some today! Santiam Christian Schools

You can’t force your child into friendships, but you can make the setting better. Set them up for success by knowing what brings out their best: It might be a small, backyard gathering with no organized activity. Or perhaps they thrive in a sport with skills and rules you can practice together at home and model sportsmanship.

Helping your child gain confidence to start conversations, or even just say “Hi,” makes a difference. Smiling at others, playing fair, being a listener and laughing easily are all traits that attract more friendships. Model these behaviors in your own relationships. Your children are watching and taking cues from how you interact with your peers.

www.santiamchristian.org

541-745-5524 x243

Your child doesn’t need tons of friends. Numerous superficial friendships are less enriching than a few solid, good ones — and with some luck and effort, they can last a lifetime.

This smile is brought to you by: WADE L. HASLAM, DMD, PC 2657 NW Rolling Green Drive Corvallis | 541.757.2440 valleyvieworthodontics.com

Early evaluation is important

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age 7. By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner.

Starting orthodontic treatment early helps correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw as well as aid in permanent teeth coming in without getting stuck or delayed. Early treatment also can help correct thumb sucking and potentially improve minor speech problems. As a parent, there are signs and behaviors you can look for to know if it’s time to see an orthodontist. You might see obvious crowded teeth that don’t line up properly, but watch your child for other lesser known signs such as:

• Mouth breathing

• Sleep issues

• Lip entrapment

• Speech impediments

• New finger or thumb sucking

• Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing

• A hard time chewing or biting into foods

Consultations at our office are free. There’s quite a bit we can tell from an exam and your insight as a parent. Summertime is perfect for arranging this first and important step toward keeping your child smiling for life.

Feast your way to better eye health

Research shows that eye-friendly nutrients reduce the risk of certain eye diseases. A summer salad is the perfect way to nourish your precious sight.

On a plate of leafy greens, add tomatoes, hard-boiled egg, salmon and avocado for a bright and healthy meal. Or, go for in-season strawberries paired with walnuts for something lighter. The variations are boundless in providing essential nutrition.

Vitamin A in carrots, cantaloupe and other orange-colored fruits and vegetables support your retina and help prevent dry eyes. Vitamin E in nuts and sweet potatoes can protect cells of the eyes from damage caused by unstable molecules which break down healthy tissue.

Vitamin C from tomatoes, peaches or many other fruits and vegetables lower the risk of developing cataracts and,

when taken in combination with other essential nutrients, can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and visual acuity loss.

Antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin in green leafy vegetables, avocados and egg yolks reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases and age-related cataracts. Omega fatty acids maintain the integrity of the nervous system, fuel cells and boost the immune system. Sprinkle on chickpeas or pumpkin seeds to get zinc, which plays a vital role in bringing vitamin A from the liver to the retina in order to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes.

You have numerous options for creating delicious, good-for-you salads — feast your eyes!

Source: American Optometric Association

Meg Jones

DO THREE CHILDREN AND THREE BUSINESSES COUNT AS SIX KIDS?

PROBABLY FEELS LIKE IT!

PROFESSION: Business owner

COMMUNITY: Albany

PARTNER: Alan Jones, firefighter/ paramedic

CHILDREN: Haddie, age 10; Max, age 7; and Cami, age 5

PHOTOS BY: CHRISTY CAMPBELL CREATIVE

Family comes first.

All families are unique. Tell us about yours? Alan and I have been married for 11 years. We have three kiddos and two dogs – an 11-year-old chocolate lab and a 3-year-old Bernedoodle.

When did you know you wanted to be a mom? I’ve always wanted to be a mom. Starting in late middle school, I babysat lots of different kids. When Alan and I met I told him I wanted six kids!

Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours? As a spouse to a firefighter, our traditions aren’t really traditions. I never knew going into this life that I would struggle with it as much as I do. We don’t always celebrate Christmas on Christmas, I’m solo for a lot of celebrations and holidays. But I always do my best to make it a fun day/event for our kiddos. So shout out to all the mamas out there who work shift work or with a spouse who works shift work.

Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. For me it’s the little things: to see on report cards that they are good friends, to hear from neighbors that they were sharing with other kids at the park, to see them be good friends to others. Really knowing that they are loving, caring kids when I’m not looking.

Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. These pre-teen years have humbled me. The emotions, the questions, the style, the hormones, the education, all the things. I thought I would be the “cool” mom and know how to talk about all the things with my daughters. I’m realizing I’m way less cool, so nervous and also a little awkward. I’m working on it.

What is the most surprising thing you have found wedged between the sofa cushions or behind a car seat? Smooshed gummy worms in the couch. When asked, my daughter said she was saving them for the next movie time.

You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say, “______________.” Everyone go potty and get your shoes on.

MOMs Love Local

Tell us about your favorite…

…family game: Happy Salmon

…place to find some peace & quiet: The Oregon Coast will always have my heart.

…binge-worthy TV: Parenthood

…time-saving app: Basecamp

What is something you swore you would never do before kids that you now do? This list could go on forever. Would never let my kids wear their pajamas in public, would never let them have screen time under a certain age, would never let them drink their bottles in the car, would never let them eat fast food….

No one works harder than mom.

We know that being a mom is a full-time job. How do you balance (or not) motherhood, activities, work, volunteering, household responsibilities, and life in general? What sometimes falls through the cracks? One of my good friends always used to tell me that there is no such thing as balancing all the things moms have to do. That so often we put so much pressure on ourselves to be doing everything 100%. Instead I’ve learned that what I do and how my life looks is going to look very different from other moms, and that’s okay. I’ve had to learn to take the pressure off of myself and not compare myself. I may not always be able to volunteer, I’m not always the one picking

up my kids from school, I forget about school dress up days, there are dust bunnies in my corners and a yard that needs work, I miss fun events at work…But at the end of the day I’m doing what makes me happy and what I believe is best for my family and I think that all moms are doing just that.

Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I own and operate three Burn Boot Camp locations. Burn Boot camp is a fitness facility with a mission to empower, inspire and transform the lives of women through community-based fitness. I’ve been with Burn for over 6 years; before Burn I was a school social worker in Albany and absolutely loved my job.

When was the last time you failed? What did you learn? I fail everyday. I am a big believer in, “If you’re not failing, you’re not pushing your limits, and if you’re not pushing your limits, you’re not maximizing your potential” (Ray Dalio). I fail as a mom, wife, friend and business owner daily. Just recently, we had a big event coming up and I let the pressure and emotions of it all get to me. I wasn’t leading in the way I like to lead and was putting unneeded pressure and stress on my team, family and members. I’m still learning to just take that breath, realize my value and worth are not in this event and reminding myself my best is all I can give. I also apologized to my team.

If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.

Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? My parents were extremely hard working. My dad is a physician, my mom is a nurse, and I have one older brother. My parents loved us so well, were present for all of the big events in our life and instilled some great values. We were in no way perfect, but I look back on my childhood and have many great memories. My parents live right next door to us and are very involved in our lives and our kiddos’ lives.

What is special about where you grew up?

I grew up in Albany. I think what was special to me was that my family had roots here: my dad and his dad grew up here and graduated from the same high school as me. What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? Discipline, hard work and faith in God. I truly wouldn’t be where I am without my

faith and I’m so thankful for my parents showing me their faith but also being real, honest, vulnerable and willing to talk openly and hear my frustrations about it as a young kid and even as an adult.

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, in which event would you win a gold medal? Vacuuming and mopping. Our gym has a large carpeted area and we’ve raced to see who can vacuum it the fastest. I still hold the record.

Name one thing that is part of your daily routine that you just can’t live without. BURN! I workout every day.

It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know, it never happens). What do you do?

Watch trash TV with a glass of wine. What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)? My brain does not stop. I keep a piece of paper next to my bed so I can just write down all of the thoughts that pop into my head. It’s everything from things I forgot to do, things I need to do, stuff for the kiddos, ideas I have.

What keeps you sane? My husband. Poor guy…he’s the calm to my craziness. What is your least/most favorite household chore? Putting away laundry.

Outside of your family members, who/what inspires you to be better? The members at Burn Boot Camp.

Listen to mom.

Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? Yes and no. It is so much harder. I think what has surprised me most is how completely draining, exhausting, frustrating and annoying it is, but you also wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another mom? That the big issues and things we worry about today will all be gone in a few days, replaced with another set of worries. So don’t get too caught up in them. This comes into play in all stages of life. But I remember it vividly when my kids were itty bitty, like sleep training. All of a sudden our baby who slept through the night didn’t for three days and it was all consuming, then

they would sleep through the night but wouldn’t eat bananas anymore. It was always just a good reminder that everything goes so quickly, so don’t worry about the small things.

What message would you like to share w ith other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. That motherhood is freaking hard. We are all going through it whether we show it or not. Let’s all let go of the criticism and instead celebrate, encourage and love each other. We don’t need to make motherhood any harder than it already is.

What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? To really enjoy it. I know it sounds so cliché. But I look back at the baby pictures of my kiddos and wish that I would’ve snuggled a little more, taken more pictures, recorded their little voices, made more memories. But I also know that I’m going to think that same thing in five years about the stage I’m in right now, so I’m working on being more present.

MOM ' s Favorite...

Tell us about your favorite…

…shop to pick up a gift for friend: Restyle

…coffee spot: The Brim Coffee Co.

…spot to get a good workout: Burn!

…restaurant to take the kids: The Barn

…restaurants for a date night: The Vault 244

…take-out, food truck or quick bite: Drunken Noodle

…meetup spot for happy hour: Tacovore

…place where the kids can let off steam: Wacky Bounce

Fastest dinners in the West

IT’S DINNERTIME SHOWDOWN

SLOPPY JOE SANDWICHES

Hamburger buns

1 pound ground turkey

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons prepared mustard

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt to taste

Optional ingredients: ¼ cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper

Brown the ground turkey and drain. If you like, you can saute in a ¼ cup chopped onion and/or a 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper. We know these are sometimes deal breakers with kids, so you do you for your crew.

In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic and onion powder. Salt to your taste, then pour over the cooked ground turkey. Heat on medium-low, then serve on hamburger buns.

When summer fun has you and yours go-go-going, try these fast kidfriendly meals.

ORANGE CHICKEN

Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Nuggets, cooked as directed Kikkoman or Panda Express orange sauce (both are available at most grocery stores)

Optional: sesame seeds, chopped green onions

In a large bowl, pour orange sauce over cooked chicken nuggets and gently stir to coat. Serve over rice, with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

FISHWICHES

Hamburger buns

Breaded fish filets, cooked as directed

Lettuce leaves

Optional: tartar sauce

Bake filets and serve on buns with lettuce and tartar sauce, if your kid is a fan.

Quick & delicious dinner ready to go in 20 minutes or less!

½ lb. ground beef

½ small onion, chopped

1 – 9 oz. bag corn chips

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

2 cups shredded lettuce

1 bottle taco sauce or 1 pint salsa

Cook ground beef with onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Coarsely crush corn chips and place in bottom of ungreased 8x8” square baking dish. Spoon hot meat over chips. Top with cheese. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. When casserole is heated through, sprinkle with shredded lettuce and serve immediately with taco sauce or salsa.

Double check helmet height

Mom, rate my helmet fit

Tighten up that strap!

If you haven’t called out, Wear your helmet! to your child who is racing outside to bike, scooter or skateboard, are you really even a mom?

Protecting children from traumatic brain injury is a universal priority. Don’t trust your kids with this important grown-up job: you must be the one to regularly check your child’s helmet for safety.

We asked the experts at the Oregon Department of Transportation Safety Division for advice. They provided us with 7 easy steps for a perfect helmet fit.

STEP 1

Measure your child’s head, then shop. It’s best to shop in person, rather than online, because each manufacturer seems to go by something different: some by measurement in inches, others by age groups or small/medium/large.

STEP 2

Use two fingers to measure the distance between your child’s eyebrows to the brim of the helmet. This is where you want the helmet to sit.

STEP 3

Buckle up. Center the left buckle under the chin. Adjust the length of the strap to get it right (note that it’s easier to adjust the straps when the helmet is off).

STEP 4

The side straps are the ones that form a V around the ears. Adjust these straps so the slider is slightly in front/under of the ears.

STEP 5

Back to the chin strap. Pull or loosen as needed, but only one or two fingers should fit under the chin strap. That odd little rubber band ring thingy? It’s to hold the excess strap material from slipping (more on that in step 7).

STEP 6

YAWN! Ask your child to open their mouth wide into a big yawn. The helmet should pull down on the head. If it doesn’t, tighten the chin strap and repeat the yawn test.

Does the helmet rock back more than two fingers’ width above the eyebrows? If yes, then unbuckle and shorten the front strap. Does the helmet rock forward into your child’s eyes? If it does, unbuckle and then tighten the back strap slider. Keep retesting until it no longer rocks.

STEP 7

Back to that little ring. It’s not there for funsies — it has a critical purpose. All four straps need to go through the rubber band to prevent slipping. The rubber ring should be next to the right buckle.

WHAT DO BIKE SHOP PROS SAY?

Jim Nevada, founder of Shift Community Cycles in Eugene, regularly fits and sells helmets to families.

He said that because kids grow quickly and in spurts, parents should check helmets often: at least once a month, and many resources will tell you to check the fit every time you put one on.

“The most common mistakes I see parents make when using helmets is an improper fit or using an old hand-me-down. When a helmet doesn’t fit properly it does very little to protect your head and wearing an old helmet can cause other problems,” said Nevada. He also notes that many people do not realize helmets have expiration dates.

Josh Goldfarb, operations director/founder of Shift Community Cycles, added, “If a helmet is dropped or takes an impact, they are to be replaced according to manufacturer standards.”

Both Nevada and Goldfarb regularly fit customers, with consent asked first, for bike helmets prior to purchase.

Thank you to the Oregon Department of Transportation for photos and information.

Audrey Benson Behavior Supervisor

922 NW Circle Blvd, Ste 160-112

Corvallis, OR 97330

kidsnw.org | 1.888.360.0360

The emotional weight of having a child with disabilities

The experience of having a child with disabilities can be overwhelming for any parent, but the emotional weight can be particularly heavy for mothers. Society often places a great deal of pressure on mothers to be perfect caregivers, and when a mother has a child with disabilities — especially ones that are invisible — she may feel a deep sense of shame.

The heaviness of the emotions around this subject is difficult to put into words. Mothers of children with disabilities often feel as though they have failed in some way. They may feel responsible for their child’s condition, even if there was no way to prevent it. This is typically not helped by criticism from others. Whether it be in schools, social settings or while managing day-to-day life, there is always someone there to share their unwarranted opinions. This only adds to the shame and makes these circumstances feel even more impossible to overcome.

Despite the many challenges of having a child with disabilities, it is important to remember that mothers are not alone in their experiences. There are support groups, resources and communities that can provide comfort and understanding. Motherhood is a complex and nuanced experience, and there is no one right way to navigate the challenges that come with raising a child with disabilities.

The shame and guilt that mothers of children with disabilities go through can be all-encompassing. It’s important to acknowledge the emotional weight of these experiences and to offer support and understanding to those who are struggling. If you are struggling with similar feelings, please reach out to others for support. It may be the bravest, most impactful action a mother can take.

Brought to you by:

KIDS NW connects families with compassionate caregivers, specially trained in serving individuals with disabilities.

WE BRAKE FOR YARD SALES

If you’re looking for a low-cost, warm-weather activity that your kids (and your wallet) will enjoy, try hitting nearby yard sales.

FIRST, SCOUT OUT THE SALES

Craigslist seems to be the primary place for listings, as well as Facebook and Nextdoor. If you’re looking for specific items, check online the night before for descriptions. Sellers will often put “toddler boy clothes 2T to 3T” or other helpful descriptions. Or, you might just simply drive around your own neighborhood and follow the signs. Some sales start on Thursdays and end on Sundays; Saturdays are by far the most popular days.

CUSTOMER ETIQUETTE

• Bring cash in a variety of denominations. Sellers won’t often have change for $50 and higher, so pack the mixed bills.

• No early birds means just that. Don’t rush the sale.

• Bargain, but don’t be outlandish.

• Mind your kids. Keep them out of off-limits places, away from the glass vases and other mischief. Tip: show them to the box of free stuff.

• Be mindful when driving and parking: residential neighborhoods aren’t exactly set up to handle traffic.

FOR YOUR KIDS

Give your kids some spending money. They love new-to-them toys, and what an economical way to get them. It’s also a fantastic way to learn about money — how far it goes, how to hand it to an adult and take change, and of course, to remember good manners.

You might be surprised by what interests your child. An old but working radio prompts an interest in engineering. A ball gown ignites a passion for fashion design. And for yourself, maybe you find the next hot seller on Antiques Roadshow or that just-what-you’ve-been-looking-for item.

When you take items home, clean them before bringing them inside. Wipe down plastics, wash clothing, etc. You don’t want little hitchhikers invading your home.

At the end of day, take a few items you’ve had in your home that you no longer want or use, and put them in your own yard sale/donate pile. What comes around goes around, in the best way.

Dr. Jay Vaikuntam

Should your child use an electric toothbrush?

Sometimes kids need extra motivation to brush their teeth. If a brush is cool enough to use, that may be just what your kiddo needs.

For most children over age 3, we recommend spin-type brushes with an automatic timer and bluetooth connection. The timer helps kids brush in the proper areas for the correct length of time, which improves gum health, stops plaque build up and helps freshen breath.

With bluetooth technology, you can connect the brush to your phone and monitor how well your child is brushing. Pressure sensors in the brush allow you to see what spots they might be missing and where they may be over-brushing. Brushing too hard can create sensitive spots.

Before you buy, note that interactive brushes can be expensive, so make sure your child is ready before you make this investment. Factor in that brush heads will need to be replaced every three months. Also, if your child has a sensory issue we would not recommend these brushes. We don’t want to scare our kids or make brushing a bigger chore on them or you.

The biggest issue we see are patients letting the brush do all the work instead of their own hand. An electric brush will not brush any better than a manual brush if the patient isn’t moving it around to all the necessary spots.

A parent should evaluate the electric toothbrush option for each child’s hygiene goals before they purchase. And please, ask us for advice. We’re here to help.

Bruce Madsen, MD

Spencer Ludlow, MD

Tomas Lopez, MD John Dodd, DO

Gregory Richard, MD

Grace Anderson, OD

Jessica Norris, OD

Matthew Knecht, OD

Masha Molodyh, OD

Carlyle Curtis, OD Carli Lancaster, OD

Hussey, OD

pets are family

Made in the shade

As the weather gets warmer, we remind everyone to never leave pets (and kids!) in your car, as vehicles heat up quickly. Beyond that core tenet, summer weather brings up other concerns. To keep your pets cool and comfortable:

1. Keep your pets hydrated. Some pets might even like some ice cubes in their water bowls.

2. Keep your pets off of hot pavement as it can burn their paws. Generally, when the air temperature is 85 degrees and up, it’s time to keep your dog off the pavement. If the pavement is too hot for your own hand, it’s too hot for your pup.

3. Know the signs of heatstroke (excessive panting, drooling, weakness, lethargy, rapid heartbeat, etc.) If you suspect heat stroke, move your pet to a shaded area and pour cool water over them. Seek veterinary attention immediately.

4. Take breaks in the shade when you do take your pets out.

5. Take your pets out during the cooler hours of the day; typically the mornings are best.

Some pet parents swear by cooling mats, which are widely available. Others bring out the hose and kiddie pool to play — in the shade is best, as pets can get sunburned too.

TheAlbany Carousel 6th Anniversary

Brought to you by: Jilinda Lewis, DVM Ark Animal Hospital In partnership with Willamette Veterinary Hospital & Eastgate Veterinary Clinic

Philomath Montessori School

“The child is both a hope and promise for mankind.”

Maria Montessori

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For parents in Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties

The importance of play

As simple as it looks to an observer, there is a depth of critical development happening within children as they play.

The benefits of play have been scientifically proven, ranging from cognitive and social-emotional development, to dexterity and confidence, and much more.

When children play, they create a world where they are the masters, allowing them to process and conquer fears, which in turn builds resiliency. Unstructured play, rather than passive entertainment, also allows for physical movement. A box of sidewalk chalk goes a long way in the summer, from hopscotch to treasure hunts. Inexpensive hula hoops and balls can be used to dream up delightful new games.

Take a moment to observe your child’s play. You’ll learn the depths of their imagination and how they view the world. If they choose to involve you in their play, let them lead it and see what transpires. You’ll gain insight into their interests, passions and creativity.

It’s been said that play is the work of children. It’s also just plain fun!

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

Karen Swanger Director of OSU Kidspirit

Brought to you by: OSU KidSpirit, OSU Extension & Outreach kidspirit.oregonstate.edu

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