SAVVY | February 2016

THE LIFESTYLE MANUAL FOR THE MODERN MOM

FEBRUARY 2016 · THESAVVYMOMS.COM

SHARE

OUR GUIDE TO TEST PREP

CRAFTS, RECIPES & MORE!

TEEN DATING

THE LOVE

High quality child care looks like

DISCOVERY.

Experiment and observe. Experiment some more.

They are reaching a greater understanding of the

This is how children make discoveries. How fast can

laws of nature.

the wheel spin? Use a bigger shovel or add sand faster?

Quality child care provides many opportunities for discovery. Find quality child care at our website.

These children are learning about cause and effect.

www.ARBetterBeginnings.com • 1-800-445-3316 Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education

ec 162a Savvy Feb. 2016.indd 1

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FEBRUARY MODERN MOM 13 FRIENDS, WHO NEEDS ’EM? WELL, ME, FOR ONE. 14 LOVE YOUR HEART 16 WHOLE LOTTA LOVE

SAVVY FAMILY 20 SHARE THE LOVE 24 MOM SEEKS ART IN THE EVERY DAY 28 SEARCH & ENJOY 30 NOT JUST A PHASE 32 PASSWORDS & PRIVILEGES STELLA U LOVES YO LIKE “XO”!

34 THE SAVVY GUIDE TO TEST PREP

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 EDITOR’S NOTE 11 NEWS & NOTES 38 BAG CHECK

THE LIFESTYLE MANUAL FOR THE MODERN MOM

ON THE COVER: STELLA ZIMMERMAN IS OUR VALENTINE. OUTFIT BY JEANNE JOHANSSON, SCARLET. PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILY DARRAGH.

4 FEBRUARY 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

FEBRUARY 2016 · THESAVVYMOMS.COM

SHARE

OUR GUIDE TO TEST PREP

CRAFTS, RECIPES & MORE!

TEEN DATING

THE LOVE

Shape the Future of Better Children’s Care We’re expanding our reach across Arkansas so we can develop a statewide network of care. And we need to hear from trusted patients and families, and the general public so we can make sure we’re meeting your health care needs all over the state.

How can you help? Join ACH Asks, our online survey community.

Will it take a lot of time? No! We’ll send out short surveys once in a while to get feedback on specific topics.

Sign me up! Get started at archildrens.org/feedback.

Zoo membership is a gift that gives and gives.

When you give a membership to the Little Rock Zoo, you do two good deeds with one gift. You give family and friends hours and hours of fun. AND you help fund the Zoo’s crucial mission of wildlife conservation and education.

Give one gift that helps both humans and animals!

Get all the great details at www.littlerockzoo.com/membership or at Guest Services at the Zoo’s main entrance. Or call (501) 661-7218 with questions.

www.littlerockzoo.com #1 Zoo Drive | Little Rock, Arkansas | 501.666.2406 Like us on Facebook!

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

5

—SENECA

When I became editor of Savvy in the fall of 2014, I was a little apprehensive. I mean, I’m not even a mom. I asked my publisher, “Are you sure? You know I don’t have kids right?” She assured me that children weren’t a job requirement.

So I started with the December issue. By then the magazine had a new design and new name, but was otherwise having an identity crisis of sorts. And while it took me a few issues to get my bearings, I think we’ve not only found our look, thanks to creative director Mandy Keener, but also we know what Savvy is all about. I feel like we have struck a great balance between mom life and family issues, between serious topics like learning disabilities and fun stuff like fashion and beauty.

I am incredibly proud of what Savvy has grown into: Smart, modern, stylish, always in the know—kind of like your favorite girlfriend.

But this issue is my last as editor. I have loved every minute of it, especially any photo shoot that involves babies and toddlers (so this issue’s cover shot was an absolute ball, to say the least). I have loved being able to collaborate again with my old friend Mandy, and I have loved getting to know some of the most amazing mamas in this state. I am equal parts happy and sad; I’ll miss my team here, but I’m excited for my new adventure returning to the world of nonprofit communications.

I am also very lucky in that I have been able to help find the next editor of Savvy. I’m excited to tell you that Amy Gordy will be your editor beginning with the March issue. I’ll let her tell you about herself, but I will say that she’s amazing, and you guys are going to love her. Savvy is in very good hands!

Thank you all so much for being a part of this journey. I know that Savvy will only continue to get better and better with every issue, and I hope you’ll give Amy a warm welcome next month.

Mel Jones Editor, Savvy @SavvyAR

6 FEBRUARY 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY: SARA REEVES

“EVERY NEW BEGINNING COMES FROM SOME OTHER BEGINNING’S END.”

2015

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We take your child’s education With quality public schools like Arnold Drive Elementary, the education you want for your child is close at hand.

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501.234.2000 THESAVVYMOMS.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

7

LOOKING FOR A FUN DATE NIGHT? WIN HER HEART AT BIG ROCK FUN PARK •Go Karts •Mini Golf •Bumper Boats •Lazer Maze •Arcade & Prizes •Batting Cages •Big Party House!

LET US PLAN YOUR PARTY!

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PUBLISHER REBEKAH HARDIN | rebekah@arktimes.com EDITOR MEL JONES | melanie@arktimes.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR MANDY KEENER | mandy@arktimes.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ELIZABETH HAMAN | elizabeth@arktimes.com NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BLAKE HANNAHS | blake@arktimes.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE LESA THOMAS | lesa@arktimes.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE RHONDA CRONE | rhonda@arktimes.com ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER ROLAND R. GLADDEN | roland@arktimes.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR JIM HUNNICUTT | jimhunnicutt@arktimes.com DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCER BRYAN MOATS SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR LAUREN BUCHER | lauren@arktimes.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS BRYAN MOATS | MIKE SPAIN | KEVIN WALTERMIRE PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN CHILSON PRODUCTION MANAGER | CONTROLLER WELDON WILSON

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Statewide Toll-Free:1-800-342-5541 • www.snellpando.com Offices located in Little Rock, Russellville, Fort Smith, Mountain Home, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff and Conway.

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ALL MATERIALS ARE HANDLED WITH DUE CARE; HOWEVER, THE PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CARE AND SAFE RETURN OF UNSOLICITED MATERIALS. ALL LETTERS AND PICTURES SENT TO SAVVY™ WILL BE TREATED AS INTENDED FOR PUBLICATION AND ARE SUBJECT TO SAVVY'S™ UNRESTRICTED RIGHT TO EDIT OR TO COMMENT EDITORIALLY. 201 E. MARKHAM ST. SUITE 200, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985.

ALL CONTENTS ©2016 SAVVY™

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Hey LRSD Moms, Attend and Win! February 15, 2016

Research indicates that when parents are actively involved, students have better outcomes in school and life. A great place to start is attending Parent Conferences held twice a year. Parent attendance often declines for middle school and high school students at a time when students need parents to be involved the most.

February 15 LRSD Parent Conference Day Students out.

February 16-24 Moms Matter Facebook Photo Contest

Mothers or female guardians who attend Parent Conference Day on February 15 may enter LRSD’s Moms Matter Facebook Photo Contest by snapping a photo with a LRSD student’s teacher and uploading it to the contest page by midnight will have a chance to win great prizes including an awesome technology prize! Voting will begin on February 16 and end on February 24. Winners will be invited to

the Rx Catering Moms Matter Luncheon (by invitation only) on Friday, March 4.

Luncheon sponsors include Rx Catering and Olive Garden.

March 14-16 (NEW DATES!) Artistry in the Rock The Little Rock School District’s annual three-day showcase of the arts with artwork and performances from most LRSD schools, grades Pre-K through 12th grade.

March 11-30 Instagram 15 Seconds of Fame School Spirit Video Contest Videos should be created by an LRSD student and 15 seconds in length.

Little Rock School District

PERFORMANCE WORKPLAN CE FOR TOMO lrsd.org

LLEN CREATING EXCE

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THESAVVYMOMS.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

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contributors FEBRUARY 2016

KERRY GUICE is a food blogger and photographer living in Little Rock with her husband, two kids and their dog. When she’s not sharing her latest meal on Instagram, Kerry is planning her family’s next Arkansas adventure or crafting with her creative tots.

LILY DARRAGH is a photographer in Little Rock. She studied photography at Parsons the New School of Design in New York. Currently working out of a photography studio in downtown Little Rock, Lily loves to shoot people and places unique to Arkansas.

SHORT-TERM TREATMENT.

LONG-TERM REWARDS.

PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION The BridgeWay’s Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) serves as a bridge for providers who hope to offer adults extra structure, and skills to help with stabilization during a difficult time.

Likewise, Partial Hospitalization Program serves as a bridge for people, allowing them an additional framework of support in a nurturing environment.

Partial Hospitalization Program can be a great transition from hospitalization as a person returns to the daily tasks and rhythms of life. Also it can help individuals avoid hospitalization by providing a timely extra layer of therapeutic structure.

KD REEP is a writer and public relations practitioner in Little Rock. She owns Flywrite Communications, Inc., a public relations agency, and is the PR director for Mass Enthusiasm, a fullservice marketing communications firm in Little Rock.

The BridgeWay’s Partial Hospitalization Program is covered by most insurance plans and Medicare.

PROGRAM HOURS AND LOCATION Monday through Friday, 9AM to 3PM. PHP is located on The BridgeWay campus.

HOW TO REFER For more information or to make a confidential referral please call 501-771-1500 or 800-245-0011 and ask about The BridgeWay’s Partial Hospitalization Program.

10 FEBRUARY 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

21 Bridgeway Road North Little Rock, AR 72113 800-245-0011 www.TheBridgeWay.com Accredited by The Joint Commission

DWAIN HEBDA is a writer and editor living in Little Rock. He and his wife Darlene are the parents of four grown children.

The empty-nesters spend their time traveling, working out and spoiling their two dogs.

NEWS & NOTES

THE LATEST FOR PARENTS & KIDS APP ALERT

DOWNLOAD THIS

ADDICTED TO SOCIAL MEDIA? Talkspace, an online therapy service, offers access to a personal therapist anytime, anywhere, from your computer or via its smartphone app (for a fee, of course). Struggling with that vow to spend less time staring into that little screen (phones down, hands in the air)? Talkspace has developed Social Media Dependency Therapy, designed to help you manage your use of, and response to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more. Through the 12-week program, users will work with a licensed Talkspace therapist who will teach individualized strategies to deal with social media’s impact on your mental health. Talkspace is well aware of the irony of using technology to solve problems created by similar technology, calling the idea “poetic justice.” See what you think at talkspace.com.

TECHNOLOGY

CULTURE

WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG?

Savvy readers know from our monthly “Bag Check” feature that we love seeing what moms carry in their bags, so you can bet we’re totally into this exhibit currently on display at the ESSE Purse Museum. Jason Travis’ Purse-onas features 18 photo diptychs showcasing people of all ages along with an image of each person’s bag and its contents. Offering an intimate look into the lives of others, Purse-onas was curated from Travis’ much larger Persona exhibit, and runs through Sunday, March 13. Visit essepursemuseum.com for more information.

DO THIS!

FREE FIELD TRIP PROGRAMS! HIGH-TECH NAPTIME The 4moms rockaRoo provides a front-to-back gliding motion that babies love in a compact size. Its sleek, modern design is 70-percent smaller than traditional swings, so the rockaRoo looks great in any home. It features five speeds, an mp3 hookup to play baby’s favorite lullabies and reversible toy balls. Available at Babies ‘R Us in Little Rock; 4moms. com for additional stores or to order online.

In celebration of the Historic Arkansas Museum’s 75th diamond anniversary, and in recognition of museum director Bill Worthen’s more than 40 years of service, the museum has launched the Bill Worthen Future of History Fund dedicated to inspiring the next generation of Arkansas history lovers.

The first project of the fund is to offer free field trip programs to any school that wants to visit HAM in 2016 (reservations are still required). A donation of just $50 gives one classroom the opportunity to experience Arkansas history up close with a hands-on field trip program. You can donate to the Bill Worthen Future of History Fund, or get more information on field trip programs, by visiting historicarkansas.org.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

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CREATIVE COMPETITION

DO THIS!

FEBRUARY 2016 Cirque du Soleil’s new TORUK—The First Flight is a live immersive multimedia spectacle that brings to the stage the breathtaking world of James Cameron’s Avatar like you have never seen it before. Narrated by a “Na’vi Storyteller” and populated by unforgettable characters, TORUK—The First Flight is a mythical tale set thousands of years before the events depicted in the film and before any humans ever set foot on Pandora. When a natural catastrophe threatens to destroy the sacred Tree of Souls, Ralu and Entu, two Omaticaya boys on the brink of adulthood, fearlessly decide to take matters into their own hands. Tickets start at $37.50. verizonarena.com.

Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey comes vibrantly alive in a fusion of music, dance, mime, masks and choral effects. Enduring Poseidon’s wrath, King Odysseus faces witches, sirens, and a cyclops as he wends his way—literally through Hell and high water—to his home and the long-suffering love of his Queen Penelope. Best enjoyed by children in third grade and up. The Studio Theatre at Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre; Fridays, 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. Tickets are $12.50; $10 for AAC members. arkarts.com.

Spend the day learning and exploring at the 2nd Annual Arkansas STEM Festival. With more than 100 engaging science projects to see, Arkansas STEM Festival is designed to expose Arkansas’ youth to the exciting world of STEM, and to ignite their interests in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Former NASA astronaut Duane Carey will be a special guest at the festival. Presented by LISA Academy, USA Science Festival, University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Education Pioneers Club.

Donaghey Student Center, UALR, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free. arstem.org.

12 FEBRUARY 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY: ERRISON LAWRENCE, CIRQUE DU SOLEIL/COURTESY THEA FOUNDATION

Registration for Thea Foundation’s 2016 scholarship competitions for fashion design and slam poetry is now open. Thea’s newest and most innovative competitions, the fashion design program is in its third year, while the poetry slam competition is entering its fourth. These two competitions are not just unique because they’re new, but they’re also the only competitions of their kind in the state of Arkansas. In fact, the slam competition is the only one like it nationwide. The competitions are open to high school seniors, including those who are homeschooled, and students may enter as many as they like.

The online registration deadline for the slam poetry is Monday, March 14, with the competition taking place the following Saturday, March 19, at Thea Foundation. The competition consists of three elimination rounds, during which students will perform three original poems and a haiku tiebreaker if necessary. The online registration and essay deadline for the fashion design competition is is Monday, March 7, and the competition will be held at Thea Foundation the following Saturday, March 12. Students are required to create their designs using 75-percent recycled materials, present a book of sketches and defend their work to the judges. They can model their own design or bring a model with them, and they’re allowed to create accessories as well as clothing.

Visit theafoundation.org for more information on the scholarship competitions, and to enter your senior poet or fashionista.

MAMA SAID...

T

FRIENDS. WHO NEEDS ’EM? WELL, ME, FOR ONE.

hough we waited until we were nearly thirty, my husband and I were the first in our little group of friends to have children. The first, and the only for several years. Those friends’ lives went on, but ours… well, ours came to a screeching halt. No more spontaneous trips to the races or staying out all night. I mean, we were parents. We had to be adults and, you know, do the adulting.

After our daughter was born I decided not to go back to work. I never thought I’d feel that way—I loved working, loved being around people, loved using my brain—but one look at her and I knew I couldn’t leave her.

So not only did I not have friends with similar life circumstances, I no longer had coworkers. My family lived three hours away. My husband worked a lot in order to support our growing family and enable me to stay home. I felt isolated and alone. I didn’t really have a support system. I went a little crazy.

What I needed was to get out of the house, to talk to another adult, to make mom friends. I had read about the Central Arkansas Library System’s Children’s Storytime, and began going to the Main Library once, sometimes twice a week. There I met other moms like me. Moms who hadn’t found the time to shower yet that day. Moms with applesauce on their shirts and spit up in their hair. Moms who were giddy with the prospect of having five minutes of adult conversation once the stories were read and the crafts packed away. Storytime was a lifesaver during this very difficult time in my life. I made dear, irreplaceable friends whom I love and depend on today.

Of course now, with three kids of my own and a nephew all under our roof, I look back and think what did I do with my time? But I digress. That first child, that initial life change, that learning curve—those are tough adjustments. Tough.

We’ve all heard “It takes a village to raise a child,” and the adage is as true today as when it was first spoken. “Community” is so important, whether that source of community is our churches, our neighborhoods, our schools or our adopted families. Besides a support system, communities—and within them other moms—are a rich source of

information and history, which are essential in child rearing.

New moms have a million questions from “Are all kids such terrible sleepers?” (yes) to “Is breastfeeding this hard for everyone?” (yes) to “Does this rash look weird to you?” (Ew. Yes. Call your doctor.)

I recently read something by Glennon Doyle Melton about the term “sistering.” Sistering is a word used by carpenters to describe reinforcing a joist so that it can withstand a heavy load and support an overall structure. But sometimes a joist must bear such a heavy load that it begins to weaken. When this happens, the carpenter fastens a supporting board to one side of the weakening joist to strengthen it. If that’s not strong enough, another board is added to the opposite side. This finished product, that reinforced beam, can bear any load. To paraphrase Ms. Melton, when life’s burden becomes too heavy to bear alone, “sistering” or having support by our sides, can help strengthen us and hold us together.

Isn’t that lovely? Isn’t it true?

It’s impossible to navigate this stage in life alone. If you’re lucky, you don’t have to. But what if you’re not so lucky? What if your mother doesn’t live nearby, or you’re new to town? Where can you find this essential piece of life’s puzzle that is friendship? How do you even start to form a community?

You can meet new people at the library like I did. You can chat up other moms at the park—chances are they’re as desperate for camaraderie as you are. (True story: I once made a friend at TJ Maxx.) You could ask your church to start a new moms group. You can Google it. No, really. A quick Internet search for “Little Rock, moms, meet” resulted in seven different Meetup groups ranging from fit moms to an autism support group to mamas Latinas.

But the best way I know to have good friends is to be a good friend. This month—yes, the one reserved for sweethearts—let’s do something extra special for those dear friends, those “sisters” who support our heavy loads.

We could even try to make new friends. You never know when the woman standing next to you in the grocery store is moments away from a sleepdeprived, isolation-induced breakdown. Maybe she could use a friend.

JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY MOMS. WE GET TOGETHER AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH.

I MET ANGELA AT THE LIBRARY’S STORYTIME SEVEN YEARS AGO.

Jen Holman is often irreverent and frequently imperfect.

But she’s happy, by God, and that’s what matters. She lives in Little Rock with her husband, three children and a nephew, striking that delicate balance between inspiration and frustration. Jen has published two novels under the pseudonym Jen Crane, the second of which was selected by iTunes/iBooks as “Our Pick” in fantasy sci-fi.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

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PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY SUSAN E. LEVY

Susan E. Levy will share her story in Little Rock on February 12.

LOVE YOUR HEART

The first step to heart health is self-care BY KD REEP

W

omen lead with their hearts; there’s no doubt about that. We feel the hurts and triumphs of our children, the passion and frustration of our partners, the victories and defeats of our friends, family and community. What we don’t do, however, is care for our hearts as much as we care for the hearts of everyone else in our lives.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. It killed almost 300,000 women in 2009, which accounts for one in every four deaths of women. According to the December 2012 report, The Burden of Heart Disease & Stroke in Arkansas, which was prepared by Lucy Im, MPH and Chief, Chronic Disease Epidemiology Section at the Arkansas Department of Health, heart disease is the largest single killer of Arkansans as well as Americans.

Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a “man’s disease,” according to the CDC, around the same number of women and men die each year of heart disease in the United States. Despite increases in awareness over the past decade, only 54 percent of women recognize that heart disease is their top killer.

Conquering this foe, however, will take adjustments to lifestyle, the most important of which is eating a healthy diet. Susan E. Levy, the founder of the Well-Fed Heart program and a partner with CHI St.

Vincent in Little Rock, has been down the very road that Arkansas women are traveling every day in ignoring their heart health.

“It was two years after my son died, and I was still fragile—emotionally and mentally,” she says on her blog. “I was through the hormonal tide known as menopause. I was overweight, and my body ached. My numbers (cholesterol, blood sugar, waist/hip ratio) were all going the wrong way. My movement consisted of too much sitting. I was not exactly a poster child for my business as a heart-healthy living expert.”

She began taking “baby steps,” as she calls them, which became a path for her that would help her blaze a new and healthier trail.

“It would also be a trail that would sustain me through even more troubled times to come,” she says. Susan chronicled her steps in a book, The 8 Principles of a Heart-Healthy Woman, and she will be presenting two cooking demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at CHI St. Vincent Heart Clinic Arkansas in Little Rock on Friday, February 12.

“Because I’ve been doing this for more than 25 years, I want to show women and families how they can make better choices for life, one bite at a time,” says Susan, who also is a spokesperson for the American Heart Association’s Go Red Campaign.

To register for the free Heart-Healthy Cooking demonstrations, visit eventbrite.com/e/heart-healthy-cooking-little-rock-tickets-20277411283.

*FEWER WOMEN THAN MEN SURVIVE THEIR FIRST HEART ATTACK.

14 FEBRUARY 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

FACTS ONLY

Education is the first step to prevention. Go Red For Women offers these stats to help women better understand their risk for cardiovascular disease FACT 1: CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES CAUSE ONE IN THREE WOMEN’S DEATHS EACH YEAR, KILLING APPROXIMATELY ONE WOMAN EVERY MINUTE. • An estimated 43 million women in the U.S. are affected by cardiovascular diseases.

• 90% of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease or stroke.

• 80% of heart disease and stroke events could be prevented.

FACT 2: SINCE 1984, MORE WOMEN THAN MEN HAVE DIED EACH YEAR FROM HEART DISEASE & STROKE. • Fewer women than men survive their first heart attack.

• The symptoms of heart attack can be different in women vs. men, and are often misunderstood—even by some physicians.

• Women have a higher lifetime risk of stroke than men.

• Each year, about 55,000 more women than men have a stroke.

FACT 3: HEART DISEASE AND STROKE AFFECT WOMEN OF ALL ETHNICITIES. • Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death for African-American women, killing nearly 50,000 annually.

• Only 43% of African-American women and 44% of Hispanic women know that heart disease is their greatest health risk, compared with 60% of Caucasian women.

• Of African-American women ages 20 and older, 48.9% have cardiovascular disease. Yet, only 20% believe they are at risk.

• Only 50% of African-American women are aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

• Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than Caucasian women.

• Only 3 in 10 Hispanic women say they have been informed that they are at a higher risk.

• Only 1 in 4 Hispanic women are aware of treatment options.

FACT: Vaccines save lives.

Learn more at archildrens.org/vaccines

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

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Recreate the background from our photo shoot! All you need is a white paper backdrop, or even a sheet, and some tempera paint and paintbrushes.

It’s a fun and easy project the kids will love—and the paint is non-toxic and washable, meaning any messes can easily be cleaned away!

Whole Lotta Love MAKE A FESTIVE VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION

WITH A FEW FUN CRAFTS

BY MEL JONES PHOTOGRAPHY: LILY DARRAGH STYLING: MANDY KEENER

16 FEBRUARY 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

PainterLy PASTA Bling

A perfect craft for little hands, this noodle necklace couldn’t be easier. All you need is a handful of pasta (we like the shape of penne), tempera paint and colorful yarn. Let kids paint and draw designs on their pasta pieces, and once dry, simply thread them onto the yarn, tie it up in a bow and voila! custom-designed jewelry for Valentine’s Day!

Stella Zimmerman, our sparkly little Valentine, is party ready in a Stella McCartney Kids dress, hot pink Dr. Martens, and a sweet sequined Zara jacket. Fashion styling by Jeanne Johansson of Scarlet in Little Rock.

DID YOU KNOW...

More than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold for Valentine’s Day each year.

Our Top 5 “Love” Songs CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE QUEEN

TA-DA!

CRAZY IN LOVE BEYONCÉ FEATURING JAY-Z SILLY LOVE SONGS PAUL MCCARTNEY & WINGS SAME LOVE MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS LOVE MY WAY THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS THESAVVYMOMS.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

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Got 20 minUteS and 5 bucKS? We’ve got 2 super-CUTe Valentine box ideas for you!

Darth Lovah Even the dark side has feelings!

WHAT YOU NEED: Shoe box Darth Vader mask Black foam core or construction paper Red construction paper Red felt Marker Paper towel roll Foil

Fun way to recycle your Halloween masks!

NOBODY HAS MORE HOLIDAY FOR LESS

HOW TO: Cover the shoe box in black construction paper or foam core. Cut a big heart from the red felt, add your own special message, and attach to the front of the box. Secure the mask to the top of the shoe box. To make the lightsaber, simply wrap red construction paper around the paper towel roll. Add the foil around one end of the lightsaber to create a handle.

NOBODY HAS MORE HOLIDAY FOR LESS LITTLE ROCK

NORTH LITTLE ROCK

501.223.4929

501.978.3154

11218 N. RODNEY PARHAM RD.

18 FEBRUARY 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

4822 N. HILLS BLVD.

Meow?

Can’t decide bETWEen a kitty or a unicorn?

Well, hello UNIKITTY!

What other animals can you combine?

WHAT YOU NEED: Shoe box White felt Glitter paper Hot pink paper Pink tassels or ribbon Toilet paper roll Googly eyes Scissors Glue HOW TO: Wrap your shoebox in fuzzy felt, and add a pair of felt ears. Use the hot pink paper to make lips and to add color to ears. Make two hearts out of the glitter paper, and attach to felt. Top with googly eyes, and add some eyelashes or other features. To fashion the horn, wrap a cone of glitter paper around the toilet paper roll. Top with the pink tassel or ribbon to create a fancy mane/hair do.

Valentine’s Day Class Décor Starting at

29¢

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

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Sometimes a full house is the best Valentine's gift of all!

SHARE THE LOVE

No babysitter? No problem. Try this delicious Valentine’s Day dinner for the whole family to enjoy STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY KERRY GUICE

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aving a quiet, romantic Valentine’s dinner with your better half is a dream! Sometimes, however, it’s literally a dream. As in you’ve waited too long to snag a babysitter, your parents live too far away and every restaurant in town is booked anyway. You want the night to feel special, but you don’t want to have to make separate meals to please everyone and you’re not about to have a heart-shaped PB&J for dinner like the kids suggest. Try this family friendly Valentine’s menu and you’ll all feel loved!

Get the kids involved—let your toddler tear the lettuce for salad, and your older kids can make the garlic bread while you work on the smoky Valentine chicken pasta. The batter for the strawberry mousse crepes can be made the day before, along with the mousse and strawberry sauce, so dessert will be a breeze! This dinner feels fancy, and because the red peppers are pureed in the cheesy sauce, the kids will love it right along with mom and dad. The green onions on top are optional, and if you’re like me, you’ll also be adding some red pepper flakes to your bowl. Pour yourselves a glass of wine and let the kids have a special drink, too. Share a toast and enjoy this Valentine’s Day with all your sweethearts!

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Emmett sneaks some strawberry mousse from his crepes.

Isabelle serves herself the salad she made.

Daniel White tries to convince Isabelle for a bite of her dessert!

Amy White getting some sugar from her mini sweetheart Emmett.

NO FANCY EQUIPMENT NECESSARY— JUST USE A MUFFIN PAN TO GET STARTED.

Serve a crisp white wine (like Raptor Ridge Pinot Gris, shown) with the pasta.

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SHIRLEY TEMPLE Serves 2 16 ounces lemon-lime soda 3-4 teaspoons grenadine 2-4 maraschino cherries

Pour 8 ounces of soda into each glass. Stir in 1½-2 teaspoons of grenadine into each glass, and top with 1 or 2 cherries.

SMOKY VALENTINE CHICKEN PASTA Serves 6

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling 1 tablespoon butter 1 shallot, chopped (¼ cup sweet onion if shallot isn’t available) 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon flour 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard ¾ cup chicken stock 2 cups very warm milk 1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese ¾ cup roasted red peppers, drained 3 slices bacon ¼ teaspoon each of garlic powder, salt, oregano, smoked paprika and chili powder (for seasoning chicken breasts on both sides) 2 fresh chicken breasts 1 pound noodles (I use bucatini, a thick, round spaghetti) ¼ cup seasoned croutons, crushed (or 2 tablespoons seasoned breadcrumbs) 3 green onions, sliced (optional) Melt 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium pot over low heat. Add the shallot and garlic, cooking 3-5 minutes until soft. Add the salt and flour and stir to let the flour soak up the fats, then stir in the mustard to combine. Slowly whisk in the chicken stock until all combined and slightly thickened. Keeping the heat on low, add in the warm milk and stir to combine. Add the shredded cheeses and stir almost constantly until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Do not let the mixture come to a boil, or the milk will separate and ruin the texture of the sauce. Remove from heat to cool slightly. Add the roasted peppers to a blender, and then carefully pour the warm sauce into the blender, and puree until sauce is smooth.

In a cast iron or other heavy skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon until crispy, then transfer to a plate and crumble. Using a paper towel, wipe some of the oil from the pan, leaving just enough to flavor the chicken. Don’t let the pan cool. Immediately add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook on one side for 10 minutes, then turn over and cover, cooking another 15 minutes. Without uncovering, remove pan from heat and set aside to rest (this keeps the chicken from drying out).

Boil the pasta in a large pot of heavily salted water (1 tablespoon for 6-8 cups water) for 12 minutes until al dente, then drain most of the water, being sure to keep about ¼ cup of the starchy water in with the pasta. Slowly add the sauce into the pasta and bring up to a light simmer for 5 minutes to let the pasta soak in some of the sauce.

Plate the pasta in a large platter or individual bowls and top with slices of the chicken breast, bacon crumbles, sliced green onions and crushed croutons. Best served with salad and toast.

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STRAWBERRY MOUSSE CREPES Serves 4-5 (10-12 crepes)

CREPE BATTER 1¼ cups milk 1 cup flour ¼ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar 2 eggs 3 tablespoon melted butter ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ stick cold butter for coating pan between crepes Pour all ingredients except the butter in a blender in the order listed, then blend together until completely smooth. Transfer to a bowl or jar and let sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour (to get the bubbles out). Can be refrigerated up to 3 days.

To make the crepes, heat an 8-inch nonstick pan over medium heat (may need to be slightly lower or higher depending on your stove—be prepared to throw the first one out to find the perfect temperature). Using the stick of butter, lightly coat the bottom and sides of the pan, then immediately pour 1½ ounces (slightly less than ¼ cup) of batter in the center of the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan and just barely creeping up the side. When the crepe shifts with a shake of the pan (about 90 seconds), flip the crepe and cook on the other side for 30-45 more seconds. Transfer to a paper towel and repeat, coating the pan with butter in between each crepe, until all the batter is gone. Don’t multitask when making crepes, they cook fast! Let cool before filling with mousse to prevent melting.

STRAWBERRY SAUCE 8 ounces frozen strawberries 2 tablespoons sugar Juice of ¼ lemon Pinch sea salt Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth.

Transfer to a squeeze bottle, reserving ¼ cup for the filling.

STRAWBERRY MOUSSE 1½ cups heavy whipping cream ¼ cup powdered sugar ½ cup whipped cream cheese ¼ cup reserved strawberry sauce In a cold, clean stainless-steel bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form (about 3 minutes), then gradually add the powdered sugar, cream cheese and strawberry sauce, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed, until thick. Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Keep cold until ready to serve.

ASSEMBLE THE CREPES Lay the crepe out flat, and make a line just off center with ¼ cup of the strawberry mousse. Fold the closest side over, then gently roll up like a burrito, leaving the ends open. Drizzle strawberry sauce and chocolate sauce (optional) on a plate, then place two rolled crepes on top. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and garnish with one sliced fresh strawberry, if desired.

THE CREPES CAN BE GARNISHED WITH STRAWBERRY AND CHOCOLATE SAUCE, POWDERED SUGAR, FRESH STRAWBERRIES AND MORE!

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

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LESLIE GOLDEN WITH SONS ADAM, 14, AND RYAN, 8.

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MOM SEEKS ART IN THE EVERY DAY

BY KD REEP P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y L I LY D A R R A G H

Ask Wildwood Park for the Arts executive director Leslie Golden what her favorite thing is about Little Rock, and she is quick to tell you it’s all of the creative facets that can be discovered here. Leslie Golden has had the pleasure of working with artists, arts educators and administrators as well as others who value and support the arts throughout her professional career, but her most treasured creations are her two sons.

SAVVY: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY AND YOURSELF. LESLIE GOLDEN: I was born in Little Rock and have lived here most of my life. I have two sons: Adam, 14, who is in the eighth grade at Forest Heights Stem Academy; and Ryan, 8, who is in the third grade at Forest Park Elementary School. I studied at Hendrix College, the University of California at Los Angeles and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

WHAT IS YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIKE? My day starts early with some quiet time and a jumpstart on the day’s events. If one of my boys wakes up early, we get to share a few extra minutes of one-on-one conversation. Once lunches are made and breakfast is in hand, we’re usually dashing out the door. I say a little prayer that each will be happy, healthy, smart and strong as they go about their days.

When I arrive at Wildwood, I take a moment to breathe in the fresh air of the park and bask in the beauty of Wildwood, be it the lushness of summer, the gorgeous canvas of autumn, mother nature’s architecture in the winter, or the fresh emergence of spring foliage and the aroma of daffodils, cherry trees and native woodland azaleas.

One of the qualities I love about working at Wildwood is that no two days, no two events, are alike. It’s a creative atmosphere—there’s always plenty to do, exciting projects to plan and diverse aspects to manage. Wildwood is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides experiences in arts education, 105 acres of gardens and woodlands to explore, and concerts,

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GOLDEN BOYS—RYAN GETS A LIFT FROM BIG BROTHER ADAM.

“ALL KIDS ARE NATURALLY CREATIVE, AND ADAM AND RYAN EXPRESS THEIR CREATIVITY IN DIFFERENT WAYS.''

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KRISTEN AND HER DAUGHTER KHLOE PLAYED PEEK-A-BOO DURING THE SHOOT.

“WHAT I HOPE MY BOYS HAVE LEARNED IS THAT COMMUNITY, THE ARTS AND QUALITY TIME IN NATURE ARE IMPORTANT TO A LIFE WELL LIVED.'' LESLIE GOLDEN festivals and events to provide a feast to the soul. It’s our job to build opportunities for artists and patrons from all walks of life to “create, recreate, celebrate.”

YOUR BOYS HAVE GROWN UP AT WILDWOOD. HOW HAS THAT AFFECTED THEM AND YOU? Ryan was about 20 months old when I started work at Wildwood as managing director under CEO Cliff Fannin Baker. I’ve been blessed to be in an atmosphere where my kids were welcomed during weekends for volunteer calls, events or opening the park for patrons. On office work days, they may not like it so much, but they enjoy being able to explore Wildwood’s natural environment and to meet lots of people, from artists to volunteers, from patrons to teachers and members of our AmeriCorps teams comprised of young adults who dedicate a year to community service through the National Civilian Community Corps.

What I hope my boys have learned is that community, the arts and quality time in nature are important to a life well lived. I think they understand the value of creating experiences that bring people together, the rewards of volunteering and earnest effort, the importance of always learning and growing. I hope they’re learning that there’s much fulfillment from the work and process as well as the fruition of anything they embark upon.

HOW DO THE ARTS INFLUENCE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY? Bringing creativity to one’s life endeavors is important and makes people happier and more successful in general, I believe. All kids are naturally creative, and Adam and Ryan express their creativity in different ways. The boys’ father, Gary Wayne Golden, is a visual artist,

so they come to the expression of their creativity naturally. They also both enjoy cooking and attend WILDKids Cook! classes led by Faith Anaya at the park. They both attend WAMA—the Wildwood Academy of Music & the Arts—as well as spring break outdoor adventures at the park with Central Arkansas Master Naturalists.

THE LANTERNS! FESTIVAL IS COMING UP. TELL US ABOUT THAT EVENT AND WHAT IT MEANS TO WILDWOOD. LANTERNS! is our biggest event of every year with up to 7,000 people attending in three nights when the weather’s right. The festival really captures all of our imaginations, and the proceeds are imperative to funding our general operations, and of course it’s a prime example of living our mission to enrich the lives of Arkansans of all ages by creating community through nature and the arts. The festival is anchored by Asian traditions celebrating the first full moon of the lunar year and features China, Australia, Hawaii, Greece, the UK and Brazil this year. It’s a great event for families.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A MOM? These two great fellas who call me Mom inspire and challenge me to see the world through fresh eyes. I don’t remember ever thinking, “I liked them better when....” I think as parents we all wish our kids didn’t grow up quite so fast, though; the time flies! I love being here to watch (and hopefully influence and guide well) the people that they are becoming—their senses of humor, passions and growing knowledge of the world. That first “hi, Mom” in the morning always makes me smile, and I really enjoy the evenings when we can talk and read together before settling in for the night.

LANTERNS! will be glowing February 19-21, at Wildwood Park for the Arts, 20919 Denny Road, in west Little Rock. Shuttles run from the Kroger on Chenal Parkway beginning at 6 p.m. nightly until 30 minutes after the event is over. Hours are 6 p.m.-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 6 p.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets prior to the event are available online: $8 for adults, $4 for children age six to 12, free for children five and younger. Tickets at the door are $10 and $5. You can visit wildwoodpark.org or call 501-821-7275 for tickets and more information.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

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PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY GEOCACHING.COM

What will you find?

Different kinds of caches.

SEARCH & ENJOY

Geocaching offers a new way to experience The Natural State

BY BLAKE HANNAHS

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A fun family adventure.

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t's that time of year—temperatures begin to drop, new game consoles bought for Christmas begin to buzz and laziness sweeps over your family faster than you can even realize. Lucky for moms everywhere, there is a new craze out there that involves physical activity, web research and outdoor play! The Real Housewives of New York are doing it, Melissa Joan Hart and her family are doing it, as well as Hugh Jackman and his! Geocaching is sweeping the nation, allowing anyone with a GPS-enabled device (like your smartphone) to become a real-time treasure hunter. With more than two million geocaches worldwide, the hunt invokes adventurism in adults and children alike. From learning how to read GPS coordinates, to visiting one of Arkansas’ 52 state parks that has geocaches, to the actual experience of exploration, geocaching is a great activity for the entire family.

Registration is free and the geocaching online portal offers an entire community of geocachers, their experiences and their pictures, hours of endless entertainment for everyone!

The word geocaching refers to “geo” for geography and to “caching,” the process of hiding a cache. In computer terms the word cache refers to information stored in memory to make it easier to retrieve. Geocaching is defined as the hunting for and finding of hidden objects or treasure using GPS coordinates posted on the geocaching website. GPS devices determine your position using longitude and latitude anywhere on the planet using the triangulation of signals from satellites. Three satellites, to be exact, calculate a general location by a process called trilateration. While the coordinates are exact the geocache can be anywhere in the area you are sent to.

Some are underwater, some hidden in secret compartments in rocks and some are even in disguises such as a bird house.

There are more than a dozen types of caches but the most common is the traditional geocache. The traditional geocache is a container located at the given coordinates that contain a logbook and sometimes items for trade.

Treasures or trade items include anything from keychains to trinkets to paperback novels. You can take a treasure from the cache if you wish, the only rule being that one must leave something of equal or greater value in its place. These caches vary in size, some as small as a 35mm film canister and some as large a bucket, but all contain a logbook. You must record your discovery in the logbook when you find the geocache and then follow up by logging your experiences at geocaching.com. When you’re finished you must put the cache back exactly as you found it, even if you think you see a better spot for it.

NOW ENROLLING STUDENTS IN PK4 THROUGH 8TH GRADE. • Located Downtown in Beautiful Historic District • Oldest elementary school in the city of Little Rock • Diverse School environment • A legacy of rich Catholic education, academic excellence and service for over 130 years

GET STARTED! 1. Register at geocaching.com

(you must be a member to participate)

2. Visit the "hide & seek a cache" page

501.374.9166 805 Sherman St. Little Rock, AR 72202 www.saintedwards.net

3. Enter your postal code and begin your search

4. Choose which geocache you wish to look for and click on its name

5. Enter the coordinates into your device 6. Use your device to find the hidden geocache

7. Sign the logbook and return the geocache to its original location

8. Share your stories and photos online Arkansas State Parks offer a ton of geocaching for adults and kids, with geocaches in 52 of the parks, each with their own special mission. All staff at the individual state parks will welcome your questions about geocaching in Arkansas. For information on participating in geocaching in the state visit arkansasstateparks.com/things-to-do/ geocaching/.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

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Adolescent girls tend to have lasting ramifications from dating violence, which can lead to risky behavior later in life.

NOT JUST A PHASE Teen dating abuse transcends economic, gender lines BY DWAIN HEBDA

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The Arkansas Legal Partnership reported in 2012 that more than 14 percent of high schoolers in the state have experienced dating violence.

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ngela McGraw is a mother of six, a successful career woman and a statistic.

“I’m a survivor of domestic violence,” she says. “It was right out of high school. I wasn’t very familiar with relationships at that time.”

The experience, which McGraw speaks of with matter-of-fact candor, is one reason she’s so effective in her role as executive director of Women & Children First: The Center Against Family Violence in Little Rock. It’s also been useful first-person information for raising her children, none of whom have experienced similar treatment.

And it gives her personal insight of how violence creeps into relationships and how it can fester under the cover of shame, a perspective she shares with young people and their parents in the battle against the growing problem of teen dating violence.

“In my work in the high schools and middle schools environment, you almost can’t be among the kids and not see the issue of dating violence taking place right before your eyes,” she says.

The Journal of the American Medical Association reports one in five high schoolers are physically or sexually abused by a dating partner; San Francisco-based advocacy group Future Without Violence reports the same percentage of 11- to 14-year-olds know a friend who’s been abused. The Arkansas Legal Partnership reported in 2012 that more than 14 percent of high schoolers in the state have experienced dating violence.

As with domestic abuse, no one is immune to teen dating abuse. Economic status, grades and achievement do not disqualify someone from such problems and in some cases can make things harder to come to grips with.

“If people had any idea of the demographics of this, there are just no boundaries to it at all. It hits everybody,” McGraw says. “I see the richest kids dealing with dating violence and I’ve seen the very poor dealing with dating violence.

“A lot of times, kids who have more resources and more support think, ‘I’m not supposed to be one of those people,’ and so they don’t want to identify as being one of them. There’s an embarrassment, a stigma that’s attached to that and that’s probably a bigger issue with the kids who have more resources than those who don’t.”

Unlike domestic violence, which is overwhelmingly perpetrated by men against women, dating violence doesn’t cut so neatly along gender lines. “We see lots and lots of girls who text their boyfriends 64 times a day, wanting to know where they are, saying they can’t talk to any other girls, displaying that jealousy. This is becoming more and more common,” McGraw says.

Megan Holt, director of clinical services for The BridgeWay Hospital, said an inability to appropriately manage feelings of anger and frustration are common underlying causes for developing abusive tendencies or actions, especially if a child has experienced or witnessed domestic violence in their own homes. Therefore, abuse treatment options focus on coping with the immediate aftermath as well as underlying issues.

“This could include tools that, when used in conjunction with therapy, helps the victim explore different ways an abusive partner may be using power or control to manipulate the relationship,” Holt says. “This also helps the victims evaluate relationships in a new way.

“In addition, treatment would look to address all identified problems with the client. In that way, the client may also be dealing with some of the residual symptoms such as depression or self-esteem.”

Holt said regardless of background or circumstances, it is important to get treatment if you suspect your teen is experiencing dating violence.

Adolescent girls in particular tend to have lasting ramifications that can place them at higher risk for later substance abuse, risky sexual behaviors and suicide.

Parents of perpetrators of teen dating violence should also seek help for their child, as such behavior often feeds domestic violence in adulthood.

“As far as teen-violence perpetrators counseling, individuals or families could seek help on their own but many enter services through a court system,” Holt says. “This may be related to gender differences in help-seeking patterns: Research has emerged that teen males strongly oppose using formal support services and prefer to rely on friends and family for support. Female teens, alternatively, seem to face difficulties in relying on friends and family for support, thereby it is more common for them to seek professional services.”

Parents not only need to pay attention to the various warning signs of dating violence, but also approach the subject in the correct manner. Skilled abusers create barriers between their partner and their partner’s family and friends and coming on too strong only validates these messages. Restraining from a hardline approach is a difficult but necessary step. “Pulling them away from their partner is probably not going to be the answer. Parents don’t like to hear that, I didn’t like to hear that with my own six kids, but educating them is the key to helping them understand how unhealthy their relationship is,” McGraw says. “Be supportive and educate when you can and eventually something’s going to take. There’s going to be something that you say that’s going to help them understand.”

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS Indicators of dating abuse include many individual violent and controlling behaviors; however these are often hidden from others. Angela McGraw says in absence of more conspicuous signs like bruises or overt threats, looks for the “big three” red flags: Jealousy, involvement and isolation.

JEALOUSY Examples include insisting on knowing where the person is at all times, placing limits on who the partner can talk to or be around, pressuring for sex as “proof” of devotion or fidelity.

INVOLVEMENT Often starts innocently, such as requesting a text that the partner got home all right after a date, this escalates to unhealthy attachment and disregarding personal or family boundaries.

ISOLATION Finding fault with family and friends to avoid having to spend time around them, limiting contact with others and maintaining a steady stream of messages that erodes their partner’s other relationships and support systems.

we

all about preparing for the doctor’s office

A trip to the doctor can result in an anxious child, but with preparation, these visits can go smoothly and be extremely beneficial.

“Every doctor understands the apprehension children can experience, but help from parents can go a long way in calming some of those nerves,” said Senthil Raghavan, M.D., a family medicine specialist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

Whether it’s all the medical equipment or waiting on the examination table, our children can become nervous for many reasons, but a few simple, reassuring actions can soothe the anxiety.

Explain the Visit. Like adults, many children fear the unknown so taking a few minutes to explain the visit and what it entails could help out tremendously.

Let Them Ask Questions. The best way to address your child’s anxiety might be to let them ask questions.

This way, you’ll be sure to address your child’s worry.

Know When to Go to the Doctor. Check with your child’s physician to know the symptoms (fever, runny nose, decreased appetite) that justify a trip to the doctor.

The doctor plays a vital role in monitoring development and growth, so taking the appropriate steps to promote a good relationship serves your child well.

For an appointment, call 501-686-8000 UAMShealth.com/centerforprimarycare

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

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OMG! Mom you got a lot to learn...

PASSWORDS & PRIVILEGES

A

From cyber bullying to sexting, supervising kids’ online presence can help prevent unwanted interaction BY DWAIN HEBDA

s anyone with tweener or teenage children knows, the awkward years, the struggle to fit in and the related clumsy, embarrassing incidents have changed little since our own growing up. All of the things from those days that we’d rather not relive still occur, amplified by happening in front of—and sometimes ridiculed by—others.

What has changed is today’s bullies have wider and more devastating reach than ever before. Access to, and proficiency with, technology means the taunts, ridicule and other forms of harassment that used to end with the school day can now be streamed nearly constantly and to an almost unlimited audience, sometimes with tragic consequences.

“The way that I explain it is that bullies in the original sense of the term used to kick or hit and that would cause bruises or marks that would require some time to heal,” says Dr. Wendy Ward, pediatric psychologist at UAMS, who practices at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

“Cyber bullies cause bruises or marks on self image and self esteem and those bruises take longer to heal.”

Cyber bullying is one end of a spectrum of issues that parents must understand when deciding what degree of online (read: social media) access their children can handle, particularly as yesterday’s use-onlyin-emergencies flip phone became today’s must-have pocket-sized computer virtually overnight.

Along the way, social media, email, text, Internet and cameras all came along for the ride, revolutionizing communication, interaction and commerce.

All of which makes for a pretty heady brew for your average middle schooler to use responsibly.

“Tweeners are definitely where the use of technology starts and like any responsibility with inadequate preparation, rules and oversight, misbehavior happens in that age group,” Ward says. “They don’t have fully functional frontal lobes and that’s the part of the brain that inhibits impulsivity. When you’re being emotional, especially with hormones, you rip something off and it’s easy to click send. Emotions wax and wane and you may not mean it five minutes later, but it’s there.”

Such impulsivity and emotionality explain how otherwise modest, even shy students are induced into sexting—sending explicit messages or photos of themselves or baring themselves in front of webcams, presumptively only for the viewing of a boyfriend or girlfriend—but that’s only part of the equation. Often the recipient has ulterior motives or uses such images as revenge when a relationship cools and may share it or post it online.

Cyber bullies don’t require such material, of course, to cause pain and embarrassment in their victims.

Young people dealing with body issues, mental or physical challenges, or who simply struggle to fit in are all ready targets for those who would seek to ridicule, threaten or humiliate. While Ward is quick to point out that not every random unkind word constitutes bullying, such are a far cry from the coordinated, pervasive and relentless attacks students have launched upon others.

“The fact is, as a pre-teen or a teenager, an occasional negative comment from someone, just because of the age they are, is going to happen,” she says.

CYBER BULLYING IS A CRIME IN ARKANSAS, PUNISHABLE BY JAIL, FINE OR BOTH.

32 FEBRUARY 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

“But when it’s targeted and repeated, you consider it a true bullying incident and whether it’s online or face-to-face, it really isn’t very different. It’s just the level of access that you have to it and how public it becomes.”

Ward counsels parents to take a systematic approach in evaluating whether a child is ready to go digital, beginning with an assessment of their level of maturity, particularly in how they manage their emotions.

“When they’re upset, are they mouthing off at a friend or at you or are they able to more appropriately manage that feeling?” she says. “What is their understanding and their awareness of their own safety, such as being aware in public places or as they’re walking in the dark, making sure they’re walking in a lighted area? If that stuff becomes natural and is part of their decisionmaking process, then they’re going to have some mindfulness about safety in an online forum.”

From there, address specific dos and don’ts for social media backed up by frequent monitoring and rules you are committed to enforcing.

“Just because you allow access doesn’t mean you don’t have rules over it,” she says. “With my kids, for instance, I need to have your password, I need to be your Facebook friend, I need to see what you’re posting and I also need to see what’s on the back-channel chatting. The minute the password changes and you don’t have access anymore is the minute you lose the privilege.”

WHAT TO DO?

TELL SOMEONE: Let your young person know what to do if they are the target of repeated threatening or embarrassing messages online. Have them take screenshots or photograph the messages as proof and if feasible, take it up with the parents of the perpetrator.

DON’T FEED THE TROLLS, ESCALATE: Responding directly to abusers just makes matters worse. Instead, if you get nowhere with the parents, take the matter to the school. State law require schools to have anti-bullying policies in place, so particularly if it happens during the school day, let a school official know as soon as possible.

LAW & ORDER: If the child’s safety is in question or if other avenues fail to stop the harassment, contact law enforcement. Cyber bullying is a crime in Arkansas, punishable by jail, fine or both. If the initial police report doesn’t yield result, keep at it.

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

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TEST PREP

BY DWAIN HEBDA

34 FEBRUARY 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

PERSONALIZED PREP Experts: Key to ACT success is finding which method suits your student

From free online self-teaching to school-based programs to companies and private tutors providing structured group or one-on-one sessions, there is no shortage of ACT prep options. However, finding the service that’s right for your student can be a lot trickier.

TAKE TIME

TIPS FOR A GOOD TEST DAY 1. Get plenty of rest the night

before test day.

According to Kristi Frieberg of Gideon Math and Reading Center in Little Rock, the search for the right ACT prep service starts at home. “I like to talk to the parents and say, ‘What are you goals?’” she says. “Are you just trying to improve by a couple of points? Are you trying to get into a certain school? Are you looking for scholarships? Students and parents need to be on the same page going into it because sometimes the parents will tell me one thing and the student will tell me something else.

“You have to know where you’re headed. If you only need a 22 to get into ABC school and you don’t care about a scholarship, that’s a very different animal than if you need a 34 because you’re probably going to spend some money and quite a bit of time and effort getting there.”

Once that’s been established, Frieberg says a key success factor in ACT prep is time. Of all the issues parents and students go through when it comes to test prep, failing to provide enough time to adequately prepare is one of the most common mistakes they make. “I don’t think you can cram for the ACT. I mean, it just doesn’t work,” she says. “Some parents will call and say ‘Oh, my student does best cramming,’ but this is not your typical test.

“I like to see kids take their first test no later than the June administration after their sophomore year. Then, after they get those results, we like to start working with them. I like to have a minimum of four months to work with them.”

Gideon delivers one-on-one instruction, which Frieberg says allows for more targeted help, but this isn’t the only delivery method out there. Many companies, including the nation’s largest prep firms, use group instruction and these also suit some students’ learning styles. Online practice tests and other aids are also available—many for free— something Frieberg highly encourages.

“There’s always the ability to enhance your knowledge, whether you do it from a book, a teacher, another person, a classmate or online,” she says. “One of the best things a student can do is work on vocabulary. That’s a very time-consuming endeavor and to do that oneon-one is not really a beneficial use of prep time.

“Bottom line, a student is going to have to put in the time outside of Gideon to be successful. We can work with them for a year, we can work with them for two months, when they walk into that test, we aren’t there. So, they have to take responsibility for it.”

2. Dress comfortably. Some test

centers are warmer or cooler on weekends than during the week.

Consider dressing in layers, so you’ll be comfortable no matter what the room conditions are.

3. Check your ticket for your test

option—ACT or ACT with writing— reporting time (normally 8:00 a.m.), and the reporting location of your test center.

4.

If you’re unsure where your test center is located, do a practice run to see how to get there and what time you’ll need to leave to arrive by 8:00 a.m.

5. If you arrive earlier than 7:45 a.m., you might have to wait outside until testing staff complete their arrangements.

6.

Bring snacks or drinks to consume outside the test room only during the break.

NO. 2 PENCILS ONLY!

7. Be ready to begin testing after

everyone has been checked in and seated.

GET PLENTY OF ZZZS!

TAKE A PRACTICE TEST!

THESAVVYMOMS.COM | FEBRUARY 2016

35

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR LEARNING DISABILITIES

1.

TEST-TAKING TIPS

Carefully read the instructions on the cover of the test booklet.

2. Read the directions for each test carefully.

Read each question carefully.

3. Pace yourself—don’t spend too much time on a single passage or question.

4.

Pay attention to the announcement of five minutes remaining on each test.

5. Use a soft lead No. 2 pencil with a good

eraser. Do not use a mechanical pencil or ink pen; if you do, your answer document cannot be scored accurately.

6. Answer the easy questions first, then go

back and answer the more difficult ones if you have time remaining on that test.

7.

On difficult questions, eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can, then make an educated guess among those remaining.

8.

Answer every question. Your scores on the multiple-choice tests are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for guessing.

9. If you complete a test before time is called,

recheck your work on that test.

10.

Mark your answers properly. Erase any mark completely and cleanly without smudging.

11.

Do not mark or alter any ovals on a test or continue writing the essay after time has been called. If you do, you will be dismissed and your answer document will not be scored.

36 FEBRUARY 2016 | THESAVVYMOMS.COM

But what happens when a student is hindered by a learning disability that is more than conventional effort and tutoring can overcome? Susan Jeter, owner of Educational Edge in Little Rock, says students with dyslexia, ADHD and other learning problems need help levelling the playing field with the ACT. “It doesn’t matter how much prep work you do, if the student can only get through half of the materials, there’s no way they can score well,” she says. “If a kid is reading on a fifth-grade level, it doesn’t matter how quick they read, they can’t read a lot of the words.

These kids need tools to get around their reading disability.”

The good news is the ACT recognizes students with these disabilities and has implemented accommodations to help. The bad news is many parents—and even high school administrators and counselors—don’t know such accommodations exist.

“It all depends on the school,” she says. “Our private schools in Little Rock all do it; they usually have 20 to 30 kids who are taking advantage of this every test day. But there are also really big public schools that aren’t familiar with this.”

The accommodations include extended time, which provides an extra 30 minutes per test section to students with certain conditions, administered at the regular testing site and date. More severe disabilities qualify for extended time and alternate test formats, such as DVD, reader or Braille format and may be administered over several days.

Students seeking to take advantage of these accommodations must have certain documentation of their condition, including a diagnosis and treatment history as well as other certification that such action is warranted. That’s where Jeter comes in, conducting a day of testing to establish the student’s performance capability, consulting with parents and helping with application paperwork.

The effort is worth it: Jeter estimates that by using the accommodations a student can raise their score 10 points or more and it also provides key documentation for college coursework and other tests after high school.

“I usually like to meet with parents and the student for a couple of hours to discuss college, because in college all these things can be used again. They even do this for the MCAT and LSAT level after college because they qualify for the same thing,” she says.

“There’s usually a reason if a student is struggling; it’s not that they’re not trying or not motivated,” she says. “They need to know what kinds of things they can qualify for and how to request them.”

DID YOU KNOW...

“Students who meet a Benchmark on the ACT have approximately a 50 percent likelihood of earning a B or better, and approximately a 75-percent likelihood of earning a C or better, in the corresponding college course or course area, without remediation.”

— How Act Assessments Align With State College And Career Readiness Standards, 2015 ACT white paper

RESOURCES All things ACT are available at ACT.org. Here you can find all registration forms, testing dates and sites, plus free practice tests, an ACT question of the day and other prep materials. The ACT student page provides a test day checklist, college and career planning, a listing of the student’s scores and help streamlining the process of sending scores to colleges. It also provides a link to colleges that require the optional written component of the ACT. Parents and students can also sign up for ACT updates and find complete information about accommodations for student with learning disabilities.

DID YOU KNOW...

“The percentages of students meeting the ACT English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Benchmarks are 5 to 8 percentage points higher for students who are monitored early than for those who are not.”

—Staying on Target, 2012 ACT research brief

SUCCESS STORY:

Persistence, Teamwork Keys to Improvement for Little Rock Student When Annie Ellzey took her most recent ACT exam, she had good cause to be apprehensive. Annie, a senior at Little Rock Episcopal School, had taken the ACT on three previous occasions. Each one resulted in scores she wasn’t satisfied with. She needed better scores to get financial aid at her target colleges.

“ONE OF THE BEST FAMILY MUSICALS EVER PENNED” –Chicago Tribune

The pressure was on.

After that third ACT exam, Annie enrolled in ACT preparatory instruction at Huntington Learning Center. This turned out to be the game changer she needed to see improved scores. Even though Annie only had time to take half of her allotted prep sessions, she raised her composite ACT score from 21 to 27.

“I’ve gotten to know the staff so well, and they’ve given me customized tutoring,” Annie says.

“She would always come home from her ACT prep sessions and rave about the tutors and the experience there,” says Annie’s mom, Graeme. “The tutors made the sessions fit the way she works. She’s a much more confident student now.”

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