Savvy Kids - October 2013

LIVING WITH ADHD FALL MAKEUP TRENDS

OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.SAVVYKIDSOFARKANSAS.COM

FOR MOM

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BULLYING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW CYBERBULLYING, MEAN GIRLS, MOM BULLIES

...and more!

s t m i o c o k r B ble&G s u b m u B

HALLOWEEN MOVIE-NIGHT PARTIES, ‘GREEN’ COSTUMES, |1 PUMPKIN PATCHES AND FESTIVALS OCTOBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

Join Us For Our 7th Annual

“Mane Event” Saturday, October 5th • 7:00 p.m. • at the River Market Pavilion in downtown Little Rock

Dinner & Drinks Live Music by The Luke Williams Band Live & siLent Auctions featuring Theater Tickets, Football Weekends, Fine Art, Unique Clothing and More!

Tickets are $45 or $75 per couple.

Package tickets available in tables of 10 for a discounted rate.

Contact Tiffany Mattzela for more information (720) 201-2197 or bboundaries@allied-therapy.com

ALLIED THERAPY & CONSULTING SERVICES, P.A. PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL & SPEECH THERAPY

1500 Wilson Loop Rd • Ward, AR 72176 501.941.5630 • www.allied-therapy.com • 501.834.0437 201 Country Club Rd • Sherwood, AR 72120 2 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

beyondboundariesar.com

fall is in the air Day Habilitation ServiceS For cHilDren WitH Developmental DiSabilitieS • Physical, Speech, And Occupational Therapies • Nursing Staff And Mental Health Professionals On Site • State Approved Preschool Curriculum

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Best Special Needs Daycare Best Special Needs Preschool Best Special Needs Elementary

Pathfinder is a private, non-profit, community based organization which provides an array of services for the disabled. Services are provided for those citizens, of Arkansas, with developmental disabilities. Our goal is for each participant to become a self-supporting, productive member of society.

OCTOBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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contents OCTOBER 2013

14

BROOMSTICKS & BUBBLE GUM

ON THE COVER:

Mary Kathryn and Will Robertson of North Little Rock, photographed by Brian Chilson. Savvy Kids would like to thank everyone who contributed to our cover photo shoot: Party City for providing costumes, BJ’s Plants and Produce for providing background props and the Historic Arkansas Museum for allowing us to use their grounds in our cover photos. We would also like to thank Patrick Jones for styling and helping to organize the photo shoot.

Tips for planning a Halloween movie-night party, making“green” costumes and more.

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FALL MAKEUP TRENDS FOR MOM

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LIVING WITH ADHD DEPARTMENTS

Plus...

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What you need to know about bullying.

8 ODDS AND ENDS 10 LITTLE HERO, BIG HEART 12 POTTS’ PICKS 18 EATS AND TREATS 38 BOOK OF THE MONTH

APP OF THE MONTH 40 SAVVY ARTS 42 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 46 POP TOPICS 48 KIDS EAT FREE 54 SAVVY SCIENCE

OCTOBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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®/TM/© 2013. Tyson Foods, Inc.

Editor’s Letter

One Season to the Next

publisher

Alan Leveritt alan@arktimes.com

editor

Photo by Brian Chilson

Red-orange hues, the smell of burning leaves, farmers’ markets teeming with butternut squash, fun-size candy bars and pumpkin-spice everything…fall is here.

This is my favorite time of year. Even though it’s about 95 degrees as I write this, I know the crisp, cool days are right around the corner, and I’ll soon be layering jackets, sweaters and boots. I also love Halloween, though I haven’t worn a costume in years and rarely hand out candy because the constantly ringing doorbell freaks out my two 70-pound Lab mixes. It’s the spirit and feeling of the season that makes it great, and, of course, all the extra candy lying around.

One of the strangest parts of my job is working so far ahead.

Before one holiday or season even arrives, we’re already working on the next, so I’m never sure what month it actually is.

Creating a festive October issue before Labor Day was a little more difficult than I thought. While it may seem that the next season’s items appear in stores really early, let me say that they actually don’t. Finding pumpkins, fall-colored M&Ms and Halloween sprinkles right after back-to-school is near impossible.

In the end, we managed to do a great job capturing the season, with stories on Halloween, fall festivals, parties, pumpkin patches and tailgating. It also meant that we did our cover photo shoot a lot later than usual, which left me a nervous wreck (possibly with a sprained toe and sweating profusely, long story), but it turned out awesomely.

Though I say this often and don’t really practice what I preach (and, I really do try), we should all take a deep breath, enjoy life, seasons and holidays as they come and try our best not to always jump ahead. This is especially true as we descend into the holiday season. All along the way, Savvy Kids will continue bringing you tips for getting through it all, without breaking a sweat.

Erica Sweeney ericasweeney@arktimes.com

digital media producer Bryan Moats

editorial art director Patrick Jones

account executive

Rose Gladner rose@arktimes.com Lesa Thomas lesathomas@arktimes.com Ellen Weiner ellenweiner@arktimes.com

production manager Weldon Wilson

advertising coordinators

Roland Gladden, roland@arktimes.com Kelly Schlachter Carr, kellys@arktimes.com

graphic artists

Kai Caddy, Bryan Moats, Patrick Jones, Mike Spain

photographers

Brian Chilson, Patrick Jones

controller

Weldon Wilson

accounts payable Kelly Lyles

it director

Robert Curfman

billing/collections Linda Phillips

circulation director Jack Higgins

Have a great fall and a happy Halloween!

Follow our Pins on Pinterest

Erica Sweeney, Editor ericasweeney@arktimes.com

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savvykidsofarkansas.com

We

inned It!

Little ones will love getting creative with these eyeball topiaries. Get directions at craftsncoffee.com/2012/10/04/.

6 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

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 SAVVYKIDS™ WILL BE TREATED AS INTENDED FOR PUBLICATION AND ARE SUBJECT TO SAVVYKIDS'™ UNRESTRICTED RIGHT TO EDIT OR TO COMMENT EDITORIALLY. 201 E. MARKHAM ST. SUITE 200, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985. ALL CONTENTS ©2013 SAVVY KIDS™

Turn your lair into a spooky Halloween haunted house with these easy DIY decorations. Check out our Halloween board at www.pinterest.com/savvykidsmag.com for theses projects, along with treats, crafts and more.

Turn a soda bottle and other items from around With a little creativity, mason jars make great Hal- Use balloons and glow sticks to create these the house into this adorable cloche full of ghosts. loween lanterns. Get directions at according-to- spooky little decorations. Get directions at Get directions at craftsncoffee.com/2012/10/12/. kelly.com/2011/10/halloween-mason-jar-lantern/. pinterest.com/savvykidsmag.com.

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ODDS & ENDS

MONEY WISE

Recently, a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) study found that Arkansans ranked 49th in handling their finances and understanding basic financial issues.

To help Arkansans get on track financially, Bryant firm GenWealth Financial Advisors is hosting a series of workshops through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The workshops are part of the firm’s campaign, called “Dollars and Sense,” aiming to educate families and bring attention to how the state should educate children about money.

During the last General Assembly, a bill was sponsored by Rep. Warwick Sabin (D-Little Rock) to require a personal finance course in Arkansas high schools. Though the bill did not pass, it was recommended for interim study by the House Committee on Education.

GenWealth’s workshops, which will be held at the UALR Cooperative Extension Service, are free and open to the public.

On Oct. 17 at 7 p.m., the topic will be “An Introduction to Investing” and “Put Your Company-Sponsored Retirement Plan to Work for You.” On Nov. 16, this workshop and others previously held will be repeated at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Topics include “Invest in Yourself,” “Credit Cards, Credit Scores and Credit Reports,” “Kids and Cash” and “Preparing for Retirement.”

For more information, call (501) 653-7355.

DRUG TAKE BACK ONCE UPON A TIME Reach Out and Read Arkansas is hosting its annual “Once Upon a Time” fundraising event on Oct. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Country Club.

This year’s book theme is “Oh The Place You’ll Go,” and the event features the Rodney Block Band, dinner and drinks.

Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based nonprofit organization of medical providers who promote early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud to their kids. When families read together, children often enter kindergarten better prepared, with larger vocabularies and stronger language skills.

Reach Out and Read Arkansas has 33 program sites, and distributes more than 54,000 books to nearly 34,000 children annually.

“Once Upon a Time” tickets are $50. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit www.reachoutandreadarkansas.org or call (501) 226-9444.

MAILBOX

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 26. This initiative strives to provide a safe and convenient way to dispose of expired or unneeded prescription (or over-the-counter) drugs and educate the public about possible abuse of these medications.

Locally, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, local law enforcement agencies and other organizations to provide prescription drug take-back events in the spring and fall of each year, says Carl Minden, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office media relations supervisor.

There are more than 140 local sites, where individuals can drop off their medications for proper disposal during these events. Also, the sheriff’s office has a prescription drug drop box available 24/7 at its administrative building. The medications are incinerated according to federal and state environmental guidelines, Minden says.

The most important message of the program is keeping drugs off the streets and out of the hands of teenagers. When the program began in 2010, Minden says Arkansas was No. 1 in the nation for teen prescription drug abuse. Since then, he says the numbers have dropped, but Arkansas still ranks in the top 10.

“It’s amazing the amount of pills that teens have access to,” Minden says.

Minden says education is key to further reducing that number. He urges parents to get their youngsters involved in collecting medications and properly disposing of them, specifically, “if it’s not yours, don’t take it.”

For more information about the Prescription Drug Take-Back Program or to find a collection site, visit www.artakeback.org.

It’s August 15, 2013 and I’m just getting my monthly copy of Savvy Kids. I would like to thank Robert Bell for his article “Appreciating Single Parents” (August 2013). I am a single mother of two daughters, 4 and 5, and work as a nurse.

The topic of being a single parent is very underestimated. I’m always trying to find ways to make life easier with scheduling, meals, planning, organizing, etc. So, if it was hard on (Robert) as a married man, it’s triple that feeling for a single parent. We pray and ask God for guidance. Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Thank you.

Sincerely, Tafarra Haney

SEND US YOUR COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK. EMAIL ERICASWEENEY@ARKTIMES.COM. 8 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

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LITTLE HERO

LITTLE HERO Gabriéll (left) and Julia Merritt

Gabriéll and Julia Merritt and the Little Rock Animal Village

By Lisa Lakey

Gabriéll and Julia Merritt of Cabot know a thing or two about giving back.

Right now, they are giving their time and love to the animals at the Little Rock Animal Village.

Raised in a military family, the girls have volunteered in every community they have lived in. Not ones to shy away from a little dirty work, 16-year-old Gabriéll and 11-year-old Julia can be found on Saturday mornings cleaning cat cages, as well as bathing and walking dogs.

“I just like helping out with the animals,” Gabriéll says. “Everyone’s busy there and it can be really stressful so I like helping out. I like being there with the animals because it can be a scary place to be for them.”

Julia says that she mostly likes giving the dogs baths and “keeping them happy.”

“I like animals a lot,” she says. “I either want to be just a veterinarian or a veterinarian at the zoo hopefully.”

With their mother working at the shelter’s front desk, both girls spent much of their summer vacation caring for the animals. During the school year, they are only able to volunteer one day a week, but look forward to the time they get to spend with their canine and feline friends.

Gabriéll especially likes to spend time with the breeds that are often overlooked or have gotten a bad reputation.

“Mostly pit bulls because I know people are scared of them,” she says. “I love them. Most of them just cuddle in my lap and it makes me smile.”

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Prince Ekanem, shelter supervisor for the Little Rock Animal Village, says the girls help out quite a bit around the shelter and take their jobs seriously.

While the shelter has several volunteers, the girls’ willingness to do whatever needs to be done is not commonly seen in teenagers.

“Most of our volunteers deal with the socialization of the animals. Playing with them, walking them,” he says. “[Gabriéll and Julia] have a real strong work ethic.”

A work ethic they learned from their parents, no doubt. And hopefully something that will rub off on other kids and teens who have the heart to make a difference.

“It makes me feel good that I am doing something that’s right,” Julia says.

“My friends think it’s really cool me doing this for all the animals at the shelter.”

The Little Rock Animal Village is the home of Little Rock Animal Services.

As promoters of animal welfare, the shelter offers volunteer classes on a regular basis and hosts low-cost spay/neuter clinics performed by their fullystaffed, on-site veterinary clinic. Much of the shelter’s funding comes from Friends of the Animal Village, a nonprofit that supports the shelter through fundraising, promotions, memberships and donations. For more information about the Little Rock Animal Village, visit www.FriendsOfTheAnimalVillage. org or call (501) 376-3067.

Photo by Patrick Jones

BIG HEART

EMPOWERING KIDS TO CONQUER THEIR WORLD.

The challenges the world presents are different for every child.

That’s why Pediatrics Plus takes an individualized approach with each child we serve in order to bring together the tools and resources necessary to address his or her unique developmental needs. Because what really matters is that every child can overcome any challenge before them or meet any goal they set in order to conquer the world around them.

Conway

Little Rock

North Little Rock

pediatricsplus.com Russellville

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Potts’ Picks

The Quest for Candy and Costume

By Jasper Potts

Well, it’s that time of year again. No, not Christmas! When, I ask you, has Christmas ever fallen in October? Honestly. It’s Halloween, of course!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because you get candy… and um… uh... yeah! It’s Halloween!

Planning a costume is always really fun, and making it is even more fun.

But when you realize you don’t have something to finish your costume, and you find out you have to sift through eBay and Craigslist for hours on end, some invisible fun vacuum just comes and sucks up all the fun. It really sucks. For instance, this Halloween I am going to be the awesome Goth spider from “James and the Giant Peach.” From my costume last year I am going to cut out the striped top and leave the poodle skirt behind (have you guessed? I was a sock hop girl), and I have a purple and black striped miniskirt (not strictly black and white, but you work with what you have, right?) to wear with that. My plan is to cut out two pieces of felt into the shape of eyeliner and glue googly eyes to it. I have the face paint, and even the black beret! The only problem is that I don’t have the black, pointy toed, high-heeled, knee-high boots (not a tall order, right??). I looked on the Zappos site, and they had, like, nothing whatsoever that matched my search. I mean, seriously? Come on! On eBay, you have to sift through all the stuff that is too worn out, but at least they have more options, right? Well, however looming the task is, I guess I have to do it sometime to get it over with, and I may as well do it sooner rather than later. Never procrastinate (notice I didn’t say I never procrastinate) or you will regret it later.

In my opinion, as long as your costumes are awesome, you are never too

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old to trick-or-treat. When I am 80 years old, I will still be in my Wonder Woman costume (don’t worry, I will stay moderately fit so as not to blind you upon the slightest glance) with my children pushing my wheelchair through the neighborhood. Yes, I’m serious. I will not be that one teen who sits at home texting all night while everyone else is having fun and putting another pillow over my head each time the doorbell rings. Halloween is way, way, way too much fun for that, y’all!

Between wanting to box internet shopping sites and pondering old ladies in Wonder Woman costumes, Halloween is a very awesome experience for a lot of people. Long live those who never miss a Halloween! Good luck finding a costume to those with a similar problem as me.

Jasper Potts is in the sixth grade. She enjoys writing, of course, and sushi. She is probably doing her homework right now.

Mark Your Calendars for Arkansas’ Biggest Halloween Party!

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Photos by Brian Chilson

“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” “Shrek,” “Beetlejuice.” These films, full of pumpkins, ogres and ghosts, scream Halloween, and celebrating this spookiest of holidays with a movie night party is a timeless way to bring the festivities into your home.

Choosing the right flick is the first step to planning a movie night party. If there’s any debate about which Halloween movie is the best, we have the ultimate list to choose from. The “13 Not-Too-Scary Halloween Movies” story offers suggestions for all ages and interests.

Of course, what’s a movie night without popcorn? And, what’s Halloween without candy? We have an idea for combining the two. Make Monster Munch: the perfect Halloween popcorn mix (without too terribly much sugar). Our Wormy Apple Cooler is a festive and healthy accompaniment.

The best part about throwing a Halloween movie night party is that for about the same amount of work, the party can be a simple family affair or entertain a large group of kids. We hope you have a great party and a great Halloween!

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Monster Munch

WHAT YOU NEED 8 oz. white chocolate 12 cups popped popcorn (about ½ cup of kernels) ½ cup candy corn ½ cup Reece’s Pieces ¼ cup M&Ms ½ cup dry roasted almonds WHAT TO DO 1. Spread the popcorn out on a baking tray.

2. Top with the candy and nuts.

3. Melt the white chocolate according to the package’s directions, typically in 20-30 second intervals, stirring often.

4. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the popcorn, candy and nuts.

Toss to coat.

5. Let the mix set so the chocolate hardens. Place in the refrigerator for a quick set.

This recipe has been adapted from the “Monster Much (Halloween Popcorn Mix)” recipe published at Our Best Bites (www.ourbestbites.com).

SERVE IT UP We used a plastic witch’s caldron, purchased at a dollar store, and dressed it up with polka-dot ribbon and a sparkly foam pumpkin sticker, which can be purchased at any craft store. For individual servings, use cardstock or craft paper to make cones. Little ones will love helping with these decorations!

Wormy Apple Cooler WHAT YOU NEED Apple juice Club soda Gummy worms Water

WHAT TO DO 1. To make wormy ice cubes, fill ice cube trays half way full. Place a couple of gummy worms in each cube and leave to freeze overnight.

2. To make the coolers, place a couple of ice cubes in each glass.

3. Fill half way with apple juice.

4. Top with club soda.

5. Stir and serve with a straw.

SERVE IT UP Everyone has mason jars, jam jars or other jars lying around the house. These jars make a cute way to serve up drinks to your little ones. We decorated ours simply with ribbon and foam pumpkin stickers from a craft store. The striped paper straws are festive and go perfectly with the mason jar look.

13 Not-Too-Scary

Halloween Movies

By Christina Katz

Feeling haunted by the sugar surges of Halloweens past?

Why not gather up your little brood of goblins for a sweet movie marathon sure to get you in the hallowed mood—no candy required.

These not-too-spooky flicks are a festive way to build up to a big night of “Trick or Treat!” without terrifying anyone in the family. The films range in appropriateness from toddler to teen, with age recommendations that should satisfy even the most cinema-selective parents.

1. The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966, not rated, ages 4 and up) 2. Sleeping Beauty (1959, not rated, ages 5 and up) 3. Beauty and the Beast (1991, G, ages 6 and up) 4. Escape to Witch Mountain (1975, G, ages 7 and up) 5. Shrek (2001, PG, ages 7 and up) 6. The Wizard of Oz (1939, not rated, ages 8 and up) 7. Pinocchio (1940, G, ages 8 and up) 8. ET (1982, PG, ages 8 and up) 9. Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone (2001, PG, ages 9 and up) 10. The Corpse Bride (2005, PG, ages 9 and up)

For Older Kids:

Family Movies to Watch With Teens The Goonies (1985, PG, ages 11 and up) Hocus Pocus (1993, PG, ages 11 and up) Edward Scissorhands (1990, PG-13, ages 13 and up) The Addams Family (1991, PG-13, ages 13 and up)

11. Star Wars (1977, PG, ages 9 and up) 12. Ghostbusters (1984, PG, ages 10 and up) 13. Beetlejuice (1988, PG, ages 10 and up)

Happy Halloween movie season, everyone!

Author and freelance journalist Christina Katz loves Halloween movie marathons that don’t keep her up at night. Her latest book is The Writer’s Workout from Writer’s Digest Books.

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A GREEN HALLOWEEN Ideas for one-of-a-kind, homemade costumes Story and Photos by Rebecca Brockman Green is the new orange this Halloween. Although orange is probably the first color you think of when you hear the word “Halloween,” it’s time to start thinking about adding another color to the mix – green. As we head into the busiest (and most expensive) part of the year, there are ways to be eco-friendly and possibly save some green in the process.

Usually the most expensive part of Halloween is the costume and all the accessories that go along with it. Of course every pirate needs a sword and every princess needs a crown, but it’s easy to spend more than $75 on a pre-made costume that your child wears for a couple hours before crashing from the sugarrush. Then the costume usually gets stuffed in the back of the closet and remains there for eternity. There is a better alternative – create your costume from gently used items or find a pre-made costume at a local secondhand store and be a friend to the environment. With a little creativity, anyone can be transformed into a ghost, cowgirl, zombie, princess or other character of choice with thriftstore finds.

“Shopping for items from your local [secondhand] store is not only a sustainable practice, but it is a fun way to save and create a unique Halloween costume on a budget,” said Brian Itzkowitz, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. “Revenues from our stores are used to fund jobs and educational and career programs that help Arkansans build stronger families and communities.”

The added benefit to shopping secondhand is that buying Halloween costumes and decorations gives them a second life, diverting them from landfills. You can even turn the shopping trip into a lesson about the importance of recycling and educate your child about what happens to superhero capes, plastic clown shoes and ballerina tutus when they are thrown away and end up in the landfill.

“Another great part is that you can find fresh items in stores every day, including clothing in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, as well as accessories from different decades to transform an ordinary look into an exciting, original costume,” explains Leisa Wamsley, Goodwill’s vice president of donated goods. “Our inventory changes constantly, so you never know what treasures you will find.”

Most clothing items at thrift shops are $2-4. Therefore, you can create a complete costume, including shoes and accessories for around $10-15. And, sometimes, you can even find pre-made Halloween costumes from previous years for less than $10. For example, here’s what we found during a recent shopping trip to the Goodwill store on Markham in West Little Rock: • A white body suit with long sleeves ($2.50) and a ruffled skirt ($2.50). Add a pair of tights and a gold medal and your little girl could be an Olympic gymnast, figure skater or ballerina.

• A kid’s sized blazer ($2.50) and a pair of trousers ($3) that could easily be ripped and distressed into a zombie or a 1920s-era gangster costume.

• Several soccer, basketball and baseball jerseys that could be matched with shorts and tennis shoes for a complete athletic star costume.

• Pre-made Dorothy and caterpillar costumes for around $10.

More importantly, your kids will have fun adding their own flare to the clothing and making it a one-of-a-kind creation. Once you share your secret about how you saved enough money to splurge on “good candy” and have enough to sock away for Christmas presents, your friends will be green with envy. See, green is the new orange this holiday season.

Rebecca Brockman is the Public Relations and Community Engagement Manager at Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. To find more costume inspiration and enter Goodwill’s costume contest, visit www.GoodwillAR.org/halloween.

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1. Pair a plain white body suit and a ruffled skirt and become a gymnast or ice skater in no time.

Additional accessory ideas: a gold medal, gym bag or pair of skates.

2. Secondhand stores around the state often carry pre-made costumes like this adorable Dorothy dress. Most are less than $10 and some still have the tags on them.

3. Secondhand stores around the state often carry pre-made costumes like this adorable baby caterpillar costume. Most are less than $10 and some still have the tags on them.

4. Be cozy as you trick-or-treat in this fuzzy robe and slipper costume from a local secondhand shop.

5. This reasonable suit jacket and dress pants can be turned into an original zombie costume or matched with a collared shirt and fedora for a 1920s gangster costume.

Halloween Candy: Avoiding Sugar Overload For health-conscious parents, Halloween can be tricky. Do you set limits? Do you let kids decide how much to eat?

There isn’t just one right answer. Instead, use your best judgment given what you know about your child’s personality and eating habits.

Before kids go trick-or-treating, try to serve a healthy meal so they’re not hungry when the candy starts coming in.

Kids who generally eat just a couple of pieces and save the rest might be trusted to decide how much to eat. But if your child tends to overdo it, consider setting limits.

Here are some more tips for handling the Halloween treats: •K now how much candy your child has collected and store it somewhere other than the child’s room. Having it so handy can be an irresistible temptation for many kids.

•C onsider being somewhat lenient about candy eating on Halloween, within reason, and talk about how the rest of the candy will be handled. Candy and snacks shouldn’t get in the way of kids eating healthy meals.

• I f a child is overweight — or you’d just like to reduce the Halloween stash — consider buying back some or all of the remaining Halloween candy. This acknowledges the candy belongs to the child and provides a treat in the form of a little spending money.

•B e a role model by eating Halloween candy in moderation yourself. To help avoid temptation, buy your candy at the

last minute and get rid of any leftovers.

•E ncourage your kids to be mindful of the amount of candy and snacks eaten — and to stop before they feel full or sick.

You also can offer some alternatives to candy to the trickor-treaters who come to your door. Here are some treats you might give out: • Non-food treats, like stickers, toys, temporary tattoos, false teeth, little bottles of bubbles and small games, like tiny decks of cards (party-supply stores can be great sources for these) • S nacks such as small bags of pretzels, sugar-free gum, trail mix, small boxes of raisins, and popcorn • S ugar-free candy • S mall boxes of cereal Steer clear of any snacks or toys — like small plastic objects — that could pose choking hazards to very young children.

And remember that Halloween, like other holidays, is a single day on the calendar. If your family eats sensibly during the rest of the year, it will have a more lasting impact than a few days of overindulgence. © 1995-2013. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

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Eats & Treats

Tailgating with Tots Ideas for kid-friendly snacks on game day Story and Photos by Daniel Walker Sure, a great deal of what goes on during tailgating festivities is more “adult oriented” in nature. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of opportunities to share the excitement of game day with the whole family. With a little preparation, there’s no reason that the festivities cannot be equally enjoyed by football fans of every age. Get your little Hog fans started early and you’re likely to instill a deep-seeded love for your favorite team that will last a lifetime. Plus, your kids will appreciate being part of the festivities.

One thing is certain, the centerpiece of any good tailgating party is the food. So how does one make tailgate eats and drinks a bit more kid friendly?

It’s simple really—with some pre-game planning and a little patience. Obviously the plethora of “grown-up” beverages are of no use to your little tykes, and perhaps barbecue and hot links are about as appealing to your kids as broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Here are a few tips to make game-day eating a fun and tasty experience for every child at the party.

Burgers and hot dogs are staples at any tailgate grill-fest, but why not scale things down a bit for the little guys? Sliders are simple to prepare if burgers are already on the menu, by replacing full-sized buns with smaller dinner rolls.

Bite-sized meatball sliders are one of our family’s favorites—simple to prepare and always well received. Throw a bag of frozen meatballs in a large aluminum disposable container, throw in a bottle of your favorite marinara sauce, heat in the oven and serve on Hawaiian sweet rolls. Similarly, the kiddos will love snacking on miniature hot dogs. Nab a bag of “Little Smokies” cocktail sausages, throw in a bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce, and the kids will munch on them all day.

Many craft stores sell football-shaped cookie cutters that make preparing pre-game food a fun, family event. Any sort of cookie or brownie works well and you can quickly and easily transform these ordinary foods into something that’ll show your team spirit. Even sandwiches can be shaped with these cookie cutters, making football shaped finger sandwiches a snap.

No one wants their kids rummaging around in a cooler full of alcoholic beverages during the party to find a drink. Bring along an extra kid-sized cooler filled with a variety of child-friendly drinks—fruit punch, sodas and juice.

Your youngsters will appreciate the special treatment and will enjoy having a bounty of special drinks all to themselves.

A number of quick and simple snack foods should be provided. Anything that little ones can easily grab and go. Chips, trail mix, Chex mix, granola bars and crackers will all inevitably be consumed by the ravenous packs of kids burning through calories like a California wildfire.

In the end, tailgating is supposed to be enjoyable and relaxing, so don’t

18 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

over-think this one. Stress should never be on the menu. Many great “to-go” options can be had from local restaurants—a bucket of fried chicken, a bag of sub sandwiches or a couple dozen cupcakes will do a lot to take a load off parents’ shoulders. Enjoy the game, enjoy the company, and allow your kids to do the same. Tailgating can become a family tradition that everyone will look forward to each time football season approaches.

Daniel Walker is a resident physician in dermatology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and a freelance food writer and blogger for the Arkansas Times. He and his wife have two kids, Max and Vivian, and live in Little Rock.

Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory

We’ve Been Helping Kids Be Kids for Over 100 Years

o Call the Hogs and show off your team spirit with these sweets and treats from local bakeries. From cakes to cookies to cupcakes, these little delights are a great addition to game day festivities.

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Celebrate the Hogs with cupcakes!

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me time

MAKEUP FOR FALL Julie Straessle Wilkerson

This season’s trends and our makeover winner

By Erica Sweeney

Photos by Patrick Jones

BEFORE

FALL MOMMY MAKEOVER WINNER 20 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

It’s time to put away the shorts and flip-flops and break out the sweaters and boots. While each new season always brings a wardrobe change, it’s also an ideal time to make some adjustments to your beauty routine. This fall’s makeup trends focus on all-around brightening and most importantly working with one’s best features.

Vanessa Russell, a makeup artist and skin care specialist at B. Barnett in Little Rock, says it’s best to use products that emphasize the skin and brighten the complexion and eyes, rather than covering up imperfections. This effect makes skin look younger, she says.

One of Russell’s go-to products to achieve this look is a BB cream, or beauty balm, which combines moisturizer, color, sunscreen and treatment, instead of foundation.

“They’re great for busy people,” she says. “It brings lightness to the front of the face. This season, it’s more about balancing your face and highlighting your best features.”

And, if anyone has trouble identifying their own best features, Russell says to ask your friends. “Your best features are the ones your friends want,” she says.

Another fall trend is bigger, fuller lashes, with heavy eyeliner and minimal or neutral eye shadow. Russell says using a brightening product on the eyelid instead of eye shadow also works and can help individuals look more alert.

“There’s not a lot of color on the eyes,” Russell says. “It’s more about the lash.

Brightening the eyelid is as important as concealing.”

One tip for creating the appearance of fuller lashes is to use a gel eyeliner and dot along the root of the lash, she says. When applying mascara, start at the root and wiggle the applicator back and forth and then up. Brows are also important because they frame the face. She says special brow pencils can emphasize and fill in eyebrows.

When embracing the heavy eyeliner and fuller lash trend this fall, Russell suggests choosing a light, natural lip color or gloss. If someone chooses to go lighter on the eye makeup, a bold red lip is acceptable. Combining both looks can be too much, she says.

Any of these fall makeup looks can be achieved with a lot or a little time, and the products come in varying price points. Russell says the first thing she asks her clients is how much time they have in the mornings to put on makeup, and tailors her suggestions accordingly. And, while she most often works with Trish McEvoy brand, there are many other brands of BB creams, mascaras and gel eyeliner available at drug stores.

Little Rock stay-at-home mom Julie Straessle Wilkerson was the lucky winner of our Fall Mommy Makeover!

“It made my day,” Wilkerson, 37, said when she learned she was the winner. She and her husband, James, have three sons: Christopher, 4, Charlie, 3, and Chase, 3 months.

The makeover included a hair cut and styling by Beth Wilson at Blush Salon, a makeover by Vanessa Russell at B. Barnett and a complimentary gift bag from B. Barnett.

Savvy Kids would like to thank Beth, Vanessa and everyone else who made our Fall Mommy Makeover possible.

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?

How Much Do You Know About

BULLYING Bullying, particularly cyberbullying, is a huge issue facing today’s children, and parents and educators are becoming increasingly concerned with how to prevent it. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has even set up a website (www.stopbullying.gov) devoted to this hot-button issue. Locally, the Attorney General’s Office, the Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute, school districts and other organizations are working to educate Arkansas students about bullying.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. The first step in preventing bullying is understanding what the term actually means. Parents are then better equipped to identify the warning signs of bullying, and whether their child is the victim or perpetrator.

What is Bullying?

The term “bullying” is often tossed around casually and sometimes misused, says Larance Johnson, an assistant director at the Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute. But, she says, the problem is very real, and kids can really hurt each other.

Bullying refers to any aggressive behavior, such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking physically or verbally, or excluding someone, but not all aggressive behavior is bullying. To be considered bullying, two components must be present: power imbalance and repetition.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ StopBullying website, kids who bully use their power in some way to control or harm. This power can be physical strength, access to embarrassing information or popularity, and the bullying behavior must happen more than once.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that occurs via electronic media and devices, like social media sites (i.e., Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), text messages, chat and websites.

According to StopBullying.gov, kids who are cyberbullied are often also bullied in person. What makes cyberbullying particularly damaging is that children often can’t get way from the bullying behavior, because it can happen 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Any messages or images posted online can follow a victim from school to home.

The exact number of kids who are cyberbullied each year is difficult to quantify at a state or national level, because social media usage habits are constantly changing. But, a 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 16% of high school students were bullied in the previous year.

22 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

The Bullied and the Bully Risk factors, signs and prevention

By Erica Sweeney In the past few years, there has been story after story of young people taking their own lives because they have been victims of bullying. While these are extreme cases, bullying, including cyberbullying, can have a major impact on everyone involved: the victim, the perpetrator and the witness. The effects can include mental and behavioral health issues, low academic performance, substance abuse and even suicide. Before a potential bullying situation reaches these extremes, it is essential that parents, teachers and other adults recognize the risk factors and warning signs, so that it can be stopped immediately.

• • • • • • • •

Getting into physical or verbal fights Having friends who bully others Being increasingly aggressive Getting sent to the principal’s office or to detention frequently Having unexplained extra money or new belongings Blaming others for their problems Refusing to accept responsibility for their actions Being competitive and worrying about their reputation or popularity

The Bullied

Prevention

Children at the biggest risk for becoming victims of bullying are often perceived as different from their peers in some way, such as being overweight or underweight, or wearing glasses or different clothing. Other factors include the perception of being weak, having low self-esteem, being less popular and not getting along with others.

However, just because a child falls into these categories does not mean he or she will be bullied. But, if parents notice changes in their child or a child begins exhibiting certain signs, they may need to take a closer look into what’s going on in their child’s life. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ StopBullying website offers these warning signs that a child may be a victim of bullying: • Unexplainable injuries • Lost or destroyed items, such as clothing, books or electronics • Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness • Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating.

Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat their lunch.

• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares • Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork or not wanting to go to school • Sudden loss of friends or avoiding social situations or interaction • Feelings of helplessness or decreased self-esteem • Self-destructive behavior, such as running away, harming themselves or talking about suicide If your child demonstrates these signs, don’t ignore the problem. Talk to your child, and if necessary, seek help immediately.

When it comes to bullying prevention, education is key, says Larance Johnson, an assistant director at the Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute. She often visits schools, along with representatives from the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, to educate students about bullying. She says kids are often very willing to admit that they have bullied someone or been a victim of bullying.

It’s up to the parents and other adults to educate children about bullying, recognize the warning signs and handle any situations that arise. Here are a few tips for how parents can help from StopBullying.gov: • Talk about what bullying is and how to stand up to it safely.

• Make sure that kids know bullying is unacceptable.

• Make sure kids know how to get help.

• Keep the lines of communication open. Listen to them, and know their friends, ask about school and understand their concerns.

• Encourage kids to participate in activities or hobbies that they love.

This can boost confidence, help kids make friends and protect them from bullying.

• Be role models for treating others with kindness and respect.

• Encourage kids to speak to a trusted adult if they are bullied or see others being bullied. Encourage the child to report bullying if it happens.

• Talk about how to stand up to kids who bully, like using humor and saying “stop” directly and confidently. Talk about what to do if those actions don’t work, like walking away.

• Talk about strategies for staying safe, such as staying near adults or in groups.

• Urge kids to help others who are bullied by showing kindness or getting help.

The Bully It may be difficult to accept but your child could potentially be the bully.

Parents should take notice if they think their child may be bullying others, because these individuals often face lasting consequences, just like victims.

According to StopBullying.gov, kids who bully others are often considered popular among their peers, have social power and like to dominate or control others. He or she may not necessarily be the biggest and strongest kid in class; the power imbalance can be in popularity, strength or ability. In other cases, children who bully may exhibit these qualities: feeling isolated, depressed or anxious; having low self-esteem; being easily pressured by others; being aggressive or easily frustrated; having issues at home or little parental involvement; and, viewing violence positively.

Parents should be aware of the following signs, which may be a warning that their child is bullying others:

For more information about bullying, including cyberbullying, visit www.stopbullying.gov.

Arkansas’s Cyberbullying Law

Did you know that Arkansas law has provisions for cyberbullying?

Act 115 of 2007 defined bullying to include cyberbullying, and amended public school district anti-bullying policies to include cyberbullying. And, Act 905 of 2011 made cyberbullying a Class B misdemeanor.

OCTOBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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BULLYING cont.

Different, Not Lesser Speaking with your child about diversity

By Lisa Lakey

You don’t have to be a parent of a tween or teen to know that bullying is a growing problem. And while it is startling enough to know that nearly one in four students will be bullied, those with disabilities or who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender are two to three times more likely to be the target of verbal and physical bullying.

According to Kat Crisp, youth program coordinator for the Center for Artistic Revolution in Little Rock, much of the bullying that happens to LGBT teens stems from the culture we live in.

“I think it’s just a lack of education, a lack of understanding,” she says, “and also being ingrained in an environment that’s taught them constantly that it’s wrong.”

It’s important for parents to open a conversation with their children about diversity. Although Crisp says there isn’t a set age to begin having these discussions with your child, she recommends starting sooner rather than later.

“Kids are talking to each other at an earlier age about things that adults don’t even talk to each other about,” she says. “Gauge your comfort level, but I wouldn’t wait too long. Use whatever filters you need to make it a more delicate process, but don’t sugar coat anything. You know that bullying exists, you know the environment we live in. You want to prepare your child for anything the world has.”

Tom Masseau, executive director of the Disability Rights Center of Arkan-

sas, says that children tend to be curious about differences in their peers. We need to teach our children that curiosity is OK, but to be respectful when asking another child about their disability.

“Kids want to know why somebody is different and that’s OK,” he says. “Approach them and talk to them like you would anybody else. We need to recognize that every child is the same. I think it kind of lets the person asking questions know that they have the same qualities, it’s just that they look or talk different.”

Masseau also says one of the most important lessons to teach a child is to put the person before the disability. For example, encourage your child not to refer to a classmate as the kid with the disability. Use their name just as they would any other child.

“Focus on the individual first,” Masseau says. “The disability doesn’t define them. They’re an individual first.”

Above all, setting an example for our children through our own actions is what will have the greatest impact. But starting the conversation is just one way to let them know where we stand in regard to others.

“Have that conversation saying we need to respect everyone regardless of who they are,” Crisp says. “And that goes across the board as far as diversity.”

Lisa Lakey is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two in Benton.

Ways to Bully 5 Proof Your Kid

Did you know that 25% of public schools report that bullying among kids occurs on a daily or weekly basis? And that 1 in 5 high school students report being bullied in the past year?

The good news is that because bullying has made national headlines, schools and communities (and even celebrities) are taking a strong anti-bullying stance.

You can do your part at home, too. Here are five smart strategies to keep kids from becoming targets — and stop bullying that has already started: 1. Talk about it.

Talk about bullying with your kids and have other family members share their experiences. If one of your kids opens up about being bullied, praise him or her for being brave enough to discuss it and offer unconditional support.

Consult with the school to learn its policies and find out how staff and teachers can address the situation.

2. Remove the bait.

If it’s lunch money or gadgets that the school bully is after, you can help 24 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

neutralize the situation by encouraging your child to pack a lunch or go to school gadget-free.

3. Buddy up for safety.

Two or more friends standing at their lockers are less likely to be picked on than a child who is all alone. Remind your child to use the buddy system when on the school bus, in the bathroom, or wherever bullies may lurk.

4. Keep calm and carry on.

If a bully strikes, a kid’s best defense may be to remain calm, ignore hurtful remarks, tell the bully to stop, and simply walk away. Bullies thrive on hurting others. A child who isn’t easily ruffled has a better chance of staying off a bully’s radar.

5. Don’t try to fight the battle yourself.

Sometimes talking to a bully’s parents can be constructive, but it’s generally best to do so in a setting where a school official, such as a counselor, can mediate. © 1995-2013. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. All rights reserved.

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BULLYING cont.

Holding our daughters accountable for their actions “That’s why her hair is so big. It’s full of secrets,” says Damian, a character in the film “Mean Girls.”

Apparently, girls’ hair in the South is getting more and more limp. Not only are they not keeping secrets, but some are also spreading vicious lies. But this comes as no surprise to teens and their parents, who are seeing mean girls in full force. Have we become so immune to “mean girls” that we accept this vile behavior as the norm?

“Boys are raised with a different standard than girls,” North Little Rock psychotherapist Mikki Pierce says, “and unfortunately, it’s a higher one. When we accept this type of behavior as a specific gender trait, it’s an insult.”

Gossip and girls using words as weapons instead of their fists is nothing new. After all, you don’t hear about “mean boys” waging a war of words. You do hear about boys being boys. So, is this just girls being girls? Pierce says no.

“I don’t think girls are trying to build friendships,” she says. “They’re untrusting. It’s more far reaching than that. It’s fueled by jealousy and anger.”

Andrea*, an 11th-grader in North Little Rock explains, “It’s a social class system. [Some girls] don’t want anything to do with you if you don’t meet their standards, especially if they have a lot of money.”

This behavior goes way beyond just being ignored, however. Andrea says that once someone becomes a target, it’s not unusual for a mean girl to go for the jugular. Insults and name calling have escalated into damaging accusations that can follow a girl long after the fight has blown over.

“They will say someone has an STD or something hateful like that,” Andrea says. “They won’t name the person though. Social media has ruined everyone in the sense that they won’t go directly to the person.”

These days, teens are mainly turning to Twitter as their social media of choice. This is because many think parents have “ruined” Facebook. Many parents aren’t on Twitter monitoring their child’s posts and know little about it, so it’s an open playground for cyberbullying.

Andrea says often girls “sub-tweet” about one another, but “you can tell who it is even though they’re too scared to tag them.”

If you’re on any social media site, you’ve probably seen a sub-tweet or even written one. It’s a RBTL (read between the lines) post. Although a person isn’t specifically named, a sub-tweeter’s friends know exactly who and what is being talking about.

Andrea admits she’s been guilty of calling out someone on social media when they’ve said something about her or her family.

“I think it’s accepted as normal behavior, but I don’t put up with it,” she says. “I think people don’t like hearing the truth, but I don’t feel the need to cower down because they feel they have this power over me because they’re spreading rumors.”

By Monika Rued

At the very least, girls should feel safe within their own social circle, right? Andrea and Pierce both say that’s not always the case.

Nearly every day, Andrea says she sees girls act like best friends to someone’s face, but then talk about the person behind their backs.

“Nothing has changed but it’s out in the open now.

Prejudice and bias have always been a part of society,” Pierce says.

“However, it’s a parenting problem when the parent doesn’t demand that the child respect and care about another. The child is raised without loyalty. They have no sense of loyalty. It’s one of the biggest problems today.”

In her practice, Pierce says she often sees parents not holding girls to the same high standards as boys when it comes to as characteristics, like loyalty and honor. This is a serious mistake, she says.

“We want our sons to have those traits, so why wouldn’t we instill these in our daughters?” Pierce asks.

Parents should also consider whether they’re raising a daughter with the “princess” mentality and a sense of entitlement, Pierce says. And, the common practice of girls setting out to deliberately damage a reputation is particularly troubling. Pierce says recovering from this damage can be difficult to overcome and often follows teens into adulthood.

“This behavior is hurtful, wrong and you can ruin someone,” she says. “It’s devastating and cruel. It isn’t entertainment.”

When a girl mistreats another girl it goes beyond just jealousy and is a sign of anger, she says.

“Maybe they don’t feel like their life is what they want it to be and they’re angry,” Pierce says.

“It can be as simple as that. If you don’t get what you think you deserve, you get angry. Why do they think they deserve it? Because they’ve been told that they do. The disappointment when they realize that they can’t be anything they want to just because they want it.” *Andrea’s last name has been omitted to protect her privacy.

Monika Rued is the director of social media at Arkansas Times.

MOMS WEIGH IN We asked moms with daughters to weigh in on their experiences with mean girls, and what they’re teaching their own children about this type of behavior.

“I require only honesty, modesty and kindness. By successful application of those essential things, we all learn to recognize the things we shouldn’t do and the people we shouldn’t follow.”

--Kelly Sublett, Conway 26 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

“TB is 8 and is already experiencing the effects of ‘mean girls.’ We have taught her to accept all, be kind, loving, honest and helpful. Her reactions to some of the things that are said to her fall right in line with all of that. Thankfully, she has only come home with a few questions, but has not ever (yet) questioned who she is, what she looks like and still has all of her confidence.”

-- Meredith Poland, North Little Rock

“I’’ve taught Laci (she’s nearly 15) that people that are hurting tend to hurt others, and there’s usually always a reason behind it, so she should pray for them even if she’d rather be mean back. She’s kind-hearted so it’s not that hard for her most of the time. She has her radar out for the ones who are the outcasts and openly is a good example to the mean ones. It’s just like with adults, the loud obnoxious ones are the minority, but they cause the biggest stink, and it can be intimidating. But just see things for what they really are.”

--Jenni Kellar, Tennessee (North Little Rock native)

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BULLYING cont.

No one said that being a mom would be easy, but no one suggested you show up in full battle gear either. The social scene in motherhood is more like a battlefield complete with “frenemies” equipped with their own sets of mama drama.

While television glamorizes bully moms with shows such as “The Real Housewives,” “Dance Moms” and “Cheer Perfection,” it undermines a potentially dangerous behavior that exists all too often in real life. According to Ken Clark, psychotherapist and clinical director of Chenal Family Therapy, bullying is any time someone makes themselves feel better by making another person feel lesser. And it doesn’t seem to go away as a person enters adulthood.

“Insecurity exists all throughout our life, and the vast majority of people that bully are doing it from an insecure place,” Clark says. “It has a way of creating a sense of self power or feeling included themselves. It doesn’t go away.

What happens as we get older is people become more adept at hiding it. As we age, we move through more juvenile forms of bullying to the more subtle forms of bullying.”

WHEN MOMS BULLY Marie*, a mother of two, says the bullying she experienced from her former group of friends started out subtle, and she didn’t know it was happening until it was over.

“It was mostly the differences of being a single mom who works versus a married mom who stays at home,” she says. “I found that often my friends would plan things during the day when they knew I couldn’t go and then make me feel guilty or less of a mom because I had to work.”

Marie says eventually there were other functions that she would not get invited to because she didn’t fit into the “clique.” When she did get together with the group of women, there was often drama.

“The worse experience I ever had was at one of the women’s houses,” she says. “They were talking about babysitters, house cleaners and what wine they were drinking. We were all hanging out at the pool, so I gravitated to where the men were talking about politics and healthcare. At the end of the evening, I got snide comments said to me and hateful looks. I was asked if I was after their husbands. I felt very uncomfortable and never wanted to go back there again.”

Exclusion tends to be an easy tool for mom bullies. Many mom groups can become cliquish, making other moms feel even more secluded at a time in their lives when it is difficult to feel a part of something outside of their children. Clark says this may be why you see this behavior more commonly in women than men.

“Men have a lower need for emotional connection and inclusion,” Clark says. “Women have a higher need for social connection. Moms become very isolated a lot of times, especially first-time moms. Maybe they come out of 30 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

THE WARS: Mean girls in a grownup world

By Lisa Lakey the work place and all of a sudden are desiring very much to be included in one circle of friends.”

Certain situations seem to set the stage for this behavior in already insecure women. Clark says that many moms use their children to boost their own self-esteem. This is where the notorious “dance moms” can come in, but any activity involving the child can be a bullying platform.

Veronica*, a mother of two, became fast friends with another mom when the two met through their daughters’ extracurricular activity. She noticed as the friendship grew, her friend seemed to grow competitive.

“All of a sudden, I was showing off on my creativity...I was too positive,” Veronica said. “My wanting to have friends was bad on her. I would hear things like, ‘Well I don’t feel a need to pony up to every school room mom the way you do. I am so confident in myself that I don’t need to be surrounded by all of them.’”

Other moms began to tell Veronica things that were being said behind her back. When she confronted the bully mom, she would laugh it off saying that she was only joking. Veronica says the friendship was draining, but she cared about her. Then Veronica found out her own daughter was being bullied.

“The last straw and where it really got ugly was when I found out her daughter was bullying mine,” she says. “This child would physically restrain my daughter during the entire recess and would threaten her friends that if they played with my daughter she would hurt them.”

Veronica spoke with the school about the situation with their daughters, and she was assured they would take care of it. For Veronica however, there weren’t authorities to take care of her own bully. She began to receive vulgar, hate-filled texts and emails. Today, she no longer has contact with her bully, but the memories have stayed with her and she learned from her experience.

“She wanted me broken so she could feel above me,” Veronica says. “I am

not broken. Because God is within me, and he just needed me to learn. I am more careful and I listen right away to that inner voice these days.”

SETTING AN EXAMPLE Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for children to mimic the bullying behavior of their parents. Clark says when children see parents acting in such an inappropriate manner it can be “incredibly dangerous.”

“What it does especially for younger children, is create a situation where they don’t want to go against mom,” he says. “Number one, they’re seeing mom be incredibly cruel towards other people. It creates a fear of mom turning against you. Every parent realizes too late that our kids are watching every single thing we’re doing and parents are oblivious to the fact that kids are listening to them on the phone badmouthing other moms. It trains kids to be the same way.”

No parent wants to see their child become the bully. So how do we handle the insecurity in our own lives that could lead to bullying?

“The biggest thing with all bully behavior and insecurity in general is you’ve got to look to measure your contentment by the life you have and not by the life you don’t have,” Clark says. “Content people are secure people and secure people are not very prone to bullying. That’s going to lower their need to find joy by pointing out the misery in other people’s lives. Whether it’s getting involved spiritually at church or just learning to enjoy your kids more and savor what you have. All that lowers the tendency to bully.”

It’s important to remember that bullies aren’t always the horrible people we envision them to be. All mothers deal with insecurity at some time or another.

It comes with the job. Understanding they have insecurities just like you do, can make dealing with a so-called “bully” a tiny bit easier.

“The core issue that’s missing for all of us as humans is empathy,” Clark says. “The more empathy we can feel for each other the less likely we are to hurt each other in any capacity.” *last names have been omitted for privacy Lisa Lakey is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two in Benton.

DEALING WITH AN ADULT BULLY Ken Clark, a psychotherapist for Chenal Family Therapy and an expert featured in the documentary “Finding Kind,” about teen girls and bullying, offers some tips for dealing with an adult bully.

DON’T PULL OTHERS INTO THE CONFLICT: “The typical way moms operate when they’re being bullied is to build their own alliance,” Clark says. “We need to avoid building our own alliances. The best way to deal with bullying is to not pay back in kind what somebody is doing.”

CALL THE BULLY OUT ON THEIR BEHAVIOR: “If we feel like we’re being bullied we need to call it out,” he says. “I think what a lot of women tend to do is they try to soften the conversation. Soften the blow.

It leaves a lot of room for the bully to rationalize in their own head what they’ve done. It’s far more effective to say, ‘I could be wrong, but I feel like you’ve been bullying me.’ People are unlikely to engage in the behavior once it’s been identified.”

BE IMPERVIOUS TO BULLYING: “Bullies look for a reaction,” Clark says. “Bullies are always going to be interested in getting a rise out of their victim. If you do that one way or another the bully has won. The more we can just be indifferent to it, the more likely the bully is to move on to someone else who is an easier target.”

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Be Fire Safe

By Sara Kendall

Every two and a half hours someone is killed in a home fire in our country, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Home fires are the most common disaster the American Red Cross responds to, above floods and hurricanes. In a typical year, about 20,000 people are injured in house fires nationally.

October is Fire Safety Month, so this is the perfect time to get informed about fire safety, learn vital life-saving information and pass it along to your family. Experience shows that a prepared child is more likely to escape unharmed than one who has not been taught fire safety skills. The following information can help you and your family avoid a tragedy on your home front.

SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES National Fire Protection Association studies show that almost twothirds of the reported home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or with alarms that did not work. Following your state’s recommended requirements and equipping your home with these life-saving devices will help bring your house up to code and add another level of safety and peace of mind.

Fire safety experts recommend that smoke detectors be checked monthly by pressing the test button, replacing the batteries every year and fully replacing smoke detectors every 10 years. Children should be familiar with the sound of the smoke alarm, so involve them when testing the alarm. Explain that a smoke alarm detects smoke in your house and will sound if and when smoke is present.

HOME ESCAPE PLAN Fire drills at school are critically important safety procedures, so why not conduct them at home? It could save your family. According to the American Red Cross, only 42 percent of American households have a family emergency plan. Get yours in place and practice the drill at least twice a year for the safety of your family.

Plan and rehearse two escape routes out of each room of the house. It is

32 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

important to have an alternate escape route, in case one is blocked by fire.

If you live in a condominium or apartment building, make sure windows are easy to open and not painted shut. Safety bars on windows should be easy to open or remove. Know the locations of the closest stairwells and fire escapes, and where they lead. If your house is multilevel, an escape ladder made of fire-safe material should be stored in each upper story bedroom.

Designate an outside meeting place, so all members of the family can be accounted for quickly. Master the drill so that your family can do it within three minutes, the time it can take for an entire house to go up in flames.

In case of a real fire, instruct your children to never go back into a burning building once safely outside. Once everyone is accounted for, call 911 immediately. If you don’t have a cell phone with you, go to a nearby home or business to alert the fire department.

BROADEN YOUR CHILDREN’S FIRE KNOWLEDGE Fire is loud and smoke makes it very dark. Being able to see and hear during an actual fire can be a challenge, so inform your children of these two important facts. Kids tend to hide from fire, often under a bed or in a closet. Encourage children to crawl under the smoke for safety. Touch doors with the back of your hand before opening them. If it’s hot, use an alternate route.

Most fire-related deaths are not from burns, but from smoke inhalation. Teach your children to cover their mouths and noses with their hand, an article of clothing or, ideally, a moist towel.

Coach children on how to properly extinguish their clothes if they catch on fire by using the Stop, Drop and Roll method: stop, drop to the ground and roll back and forth until the fire is out. Practice this often so that it makes a lasting impression.

In October, as information about fire safety is widely discussed, get your family up to speed and ready to handle a fire emergency in your home.

Sara Kendall is a freelance writer and mother of two daughters.

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Special needs

THE CHILD BEHIND THE LABEL:

LIVING WITH

By Lisa Lakey

Whitney Beggs of Little Rock suspected early on that her son, Joseph, had Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

“Joe was diagnosed at 4 years old,” she says. “For me, I suspected he was as a toddler. He was the child you couldn’t keep up with. His signs were uncontrollable, active behavior, couldn’t sit still longer than a few minutes, hard to keep his attention and when talking to you sometimes he couldn’t make eye contact. And he was very impatient.”

After the diagnosis, Beggs was hesitant to try ADHD medications for her son after hearing stories of possible side effects.

“I felt he was too young,” she says. “I heard so many horrible things about it. After almost a year of changing diets, avoiding certain food dye colors, keeping him busy to wear himself down and behavioral therapy I researched medicines. And after hearing that he was impatient with other kids trying to answer questions in class, dancing in his seat, drumming on the table and making noises.”

Joseph, now in second grade, has done well with his medication and Beggs says she wishes that people wouldn’t be so quick to judge the medicinal side of ADHD treatments.

“People think if you choose medicine you are just looking for an easy way out or don’t want to deal with it,” she says.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Most parents who have a child with ADHD know that misconceptions about the disorder and treatments are as common as the diagnosis itself.

ADHD falls into three categories: inattentive (known as attention deficit disorder), hyperactive and combined. In Arkansas, 13 percent of children between the ages of 3 and 17 will be diagnosed with ADHD each year. The national average is 9 percent.

No one is sure what causes ADHD, but according to Sabine Falls, a clinical psychologist for ACCESS Group in Little Rock, a nonprofit offering education, therapy and training for children with learning disabilities, most children who are diagnosed have a parent who has ADHD as well. Additionally, boys are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed as girls.

“One way to look at it is that boys very often have more symptoms that are more easily recognizable,” Falls says. “The inattentive type seems to be more prevalent in girls and the hyperactive type more prevalent in boys. The fact 34 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

that there’s more boys with ADHD is in part due to the fact that the girls just don’t get diagnosed as frequently as the boys do. It’s less disruptive so the girls might go undiagnosed.”

But both boys and girls can experience any of the forms of ADHD. Angel Heath’s daughter, Emma, was diagnosed in kindergarten. After the school she was attending placed her in an alternative school because of her uncontrollable fits, her parents took her to a counseling center for help.

“She exhibited symptoms earlier than that,” Heath says. “As we looked at her behavior we just didn’t know what to look for. I was in denial of the ADHD. I did not think that was it. I thought maybe we had just spoiled her.”

Without a full understanding of the disability, many parents blame themselves for the child’s behavior. They wonder what they did wrong and why they cannot control their child. This is often made worse by relatives or others who have misconceptions about ADHD. “It’s a medical diagnosis,” Falls says. “The children that have ADHD have something going on in their prefrontal cortex that makes it more difficult for them to do certain things at an age-appropriate level. That’s nobody’s fault.”

DIAGNOSING ADHD Much of the controversy surrounding ADHD centers around the belief that the disability is over diagnosed. Many disabilities can have similar symptoms.

A child may be inattentive in class not due to ADHD, but other issues such as a reading disability, where they cannot do the work expected. Falls says the problem with ADHD is it is over diagnosed as well as under diagnosed.

“All human beings are different in the way that we are able to pay attention,” she says. “Not everyone who sometimes forgets his keys or doesn’t know where she put her glasses has ADHD. That’s just having a personality. A disorder means it really impairs your life. It’s also still frequent that kids have ADHD and don’t get diagnosed. They have it and they suffer and they struggle with it. And they have a hard time and they get labeled as the disobedient child or the troublemaker or the one who doesn’t want to listen.”

For parents who think their children fall into this category, it is important to have them evaluated by a child psychologist. The psychologist will perform a multidisciplinary assessment on the child which involves interviews with the parents, questionnaires sent to teachers and one-on-one time with the child. A child must meet a certain number of diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis.

After Heath’s daughter was diagnosed, they too were hesitant to try medications. After speaking with a psychologist who believed medicine was the next step for Emma, they agreed. “The meds were scary,� Heath says. “Finding the right medicine was heartbreaking. The first one we tried made her like a zombie she just sat there and did nothing then when it wore off she would have fits and become violent.

After a week of that we changed dosage with similar results so after a month we finally found the medication that suited her and she has been on it ever since. Once we found the medicine it was a night and day difference. She kept her great personality and energy with rare fits.�

Falls says that medication can be a trial and error process and is a decision that parents should make together with their pediatrician. She warns that not treating ADHD can be just as harmful. “Since ADHD is a real disorder and we treat other disorders with medication, it makes sense to me to treat it with medication as well,� Falls says. “We need to be aware: ADHD which is left untreated can have a lot of long-term negative effects. It can affect social behavior, listening and minding, it will affect academic success a lot and if a child is not successful that will affect selfesteem and might lead to academic failure and depression.�

Most importantly, Falls says that it is important for parents, the child and others to recognize ADHD as a true disorder. “It’s not where you see the child has a physical disability, it’s not as easily identifiable,� she says. “It’s somewhat objective, but not as objective as someone thinks. There’s still this notion somehow that they just don’t mind, they’re disobedient and that sometimes makes it more difficult to find acceptance.�

Lisa Lakey is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two in Benton.

ADVOCATING FOR CHILDREN WITH ADHD Sabine Falls, a clinical psychologist with ACCESS Group, offers these tips for parents to help their child with ADHD. LOOK INTO COUNSELING FOR YOURSELF: “Depending on how severe the symptoms are, parents might need to get a couple of sessions of counseling with a psychologist or somebody who is trained to adjust their parenting style,� she says.

INFORM THE SCHOOL: “Meet with the school to set up a plan for the child in the classroom and academically,� Falls says. Check into whether or not a 504 plan is right for your child.

MONITOR MEDICATION: “Meet with the pediatrician to discuss medication options,� she says. “And then closely follow that up and see if it is working or not working.� Also ask your child’s teacher for feedback on any changes in behavior they have noticed as well.

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MAKING CHOICES

Sarah Panzau-Evans

“Living Proof” shows students the real life impact of drunk driving

By Lisa Lakey

“It wasn’t supposed to happen to me,” she said.

Donned in athletic gear, showing numerous scars including what remains of her left arm, Sarah Panzau-Evans spoke to juniors and seniors at Pulaski Academy on September 12, telling why her life is “Living Proof” of the dangers of drinking and driving.

A former top college volleyball player, Panzau-Evans’ life came to a screeching halt in 2003 when she made the decision to drive herself home with a blood alcohol level nearly four times the legal limit. The 21-year-old was propelled from the vehicle, separating her left arm from her body. Believed to have no chance at survival, Panzau-Evans was about to be pronounced dead on the scene when her body gave a small gasp, a small sign of the fighter that was in her and the battle for her life that had only begun.

Since her recovery, which included more than 30 surgeries, Panzau-Evans has devoted her life to speaking to teens and college students about how poor life choices can have lasting consequences.

“I don’t just get up here and tell them what to do, ‘don’t drink, don’t do this, don’t do that.’ They hear that all the time,” she said. “Statistics don’t resonate with them because they’re just numbers. I think the main message that stands out is if they make that first poor choice to drink underage, not to make the second one and get behind the wheel.”

As tears mixed with 36 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

laughter, all eyes and ears followed her through the gym. Witty humor and raw emotional stories combined with graphic photos from the crash and her recovery, created a speech unlike what many students had heard before.

Isaure Ajarrista, a 17-year-old senior, said the photos taken at the scene of the crash are not something she will forget easily.

“She has proof that drinking and driving is really stupid and just not worth it,” she said. “You just have to think about your decision twice.”

The mental image of state troopers showing up at the door of Panzau-Evans’ mother early in the morning is what struck a chord with Hunter Paddie, a 17-year-old senior.

“I have a real connection with my mom,” he said. “I couldn’t imagine doing that to my mom because she loves me and my brother so much that having her offspring suffer, it’s like her own suffering, but going through it twice.”

While Panzau-Evans’ message is aimed at high school and college students, she reminded them that their parents are their No. 1 resource and to always call them instead of getting behind the wheel or riding with someone who has been drinking.

“One thing I think is so important is [parents] need to stay involved in their kids’ lives,” she said. “There’s only so much you can do as a parent, because unfortunately when the time comes the kids are going to have to make the decision. I think they need to keep open communication about always being there for their child.”

Panzau-Evans travels throughout the country telling her “Living Proof” story as part of a corporate social responsibility program of Anheuser-Busch.

Golden Eagle of Arkansas, an independent distributor, organized the event at Pulaski Academy.

Lisa Lakey is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two in Benton. This story originally appeared in the Sept. 26 issue of Arkansas Times.

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Arkansas Baptist School System admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

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of the month

BOOK OF THE MONTH

Courtesy of the Children’s Department at the William F. Laman Public Library in North Little Rock

The Odd Squad: Clucky and the Magic Kettle Pavon Bully Bait By Mar Clucky the hen takes her chicks to school everyday so they

By Michael Fry

When his school counselor insists that he needs better socialization skills after being stuffed into a locker by a bully, Nick, a middle-schooler, finds himself, along with two other misfits, joining the school’s lamest club: Safety Patrol.

can learn and socialize. But each day the chicks return home with some nonsense from others. Clucky tells them “to get it out of your head”!

After a bit of practice the chicks learn to cope with the things that others say about them.

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38 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

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501.396.7050

| 39

Savvy Arts

A Spooktacular Show

October features Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Halloween performance and fall children’s concert

By Erica Sweeney The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Halloween Spooktacular is more than just a performance. It’s a full-on Halloween experience for all ages, featuring costumes, decorations, spooky music and lots of surprises, says Philip Mann, ASO’s music director.

The show will feature music from films and some classics, all with a “spooky” feel, he says, and, most will be easily recognized by the audience. Attendees of all ages are encouraged to come in costume, and there will be a costume parade. Orchestra members will also be wearing costumes, but Mann isn’t revealing what he’s going as. That’s one of the surprises.

The Halloween Spooktacular was first performed in 2011, and Mann says it is one of the most requested shows the ASO has performed since he took the reins three years ago. This year’s performances are Saturday, Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. at Robinson Center Music Hall.

Shows like the Spooktacular are a perfect way to introduce newcomers, especially youngsters, to the wonders of a symphony orchestra. The excitement and all-encompassing fun of the show help dispel some of the misconceptions that many people have about classical music and orchestras, Mann says.

“We’re taking the stiffness out of it,” he says. “It’s not about holding our hands in our laps and sitting quietly. We’ve gotten more casual, but haven’t taken away anything from the music.”

Mann says, “kids walk in with no baggage” or preconceptions of what the symphony should be. He says the concert hall can be a special place that exposes kids to the world of music and possibly inspires them to pick up an instrument of their own.

As music director, he says his goal is to get more people excited about learning to play a musical instrument, which can impact youngsters’ lives in a “hugely positive way.”

“There’s nothing better to maximize the potential of kids than music,” he says, explaining that studies have shown that playing an instrument improves math and reading skills and boosts IQs. To carry out this mission, the ASO has myriad programs for Arkansas students to 40 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

provide entertainment and education about music.

On Friday, Oct. 25, the fall children’s concert will be held at Robinson. The concert is open to grades 3 to 8, and is designed to teach a specific lesson, Mann says. He says there is a lot of interaction and visuals during the show.

Other ASO educational programs include string quartet demos at schools and instrument petting zoos, where kids get the chance to play the instruments. There are also four youth orchestras in the state, and ASO has recently partnered with Thea Foundation to hold an instrument drive.

“We want to provide opportunities for every young Arkansan to fall in love with music and play an instrument,” he says.

That message is getting out there. Mann says children are now brining their parents to performances, not the other way around, likely because they’ve been exposed to one of the ASO’s programs.

He says attending a performance is a “really great afternoon for families of all ages.”

And, it’s cheaper than going to a movie.

Kids in grades K to 12 can attend Sunday ASO performances for free with at least one paid adult. Mann urges parents to bring their kids to a performance and keep an open mind. Getting the next generation interested in music starts by exposing them when they’re young.

“I’ve been going to concerts since before I was born and I never stopped,” he says. “Life without music is an impoverished life.”

Music is in Mann’s blood. He began playing violin at age 5. His mom is a musician and his father was a conductor. He wants his 20-month-old son, Julian, to play at least one instrument, but says he wants him to find his own path in life.

For more information about Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s educational programs or to purchase tickets to the Halloween Spooktacular, visit www.arkansassymphony.org or call (501) 666-1761.

Match a Child Care Facility to Your Child’s Unique Needs.

Matching a child care setting to your child’s individual strengths and needs is key to having a successful child care experience. Each child has certain personality characteristics that should be considered when selecting child care. Different types of programs appeal to different personality needs. Visit our website to learn what to look for in a child care environment and information on finding the right child care in your area.

Department of Human Services Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education

www.ARBetterBeginnings.com • 1-800-445-3316 OCTOBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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Calendar

OCTOBER2013

CALENDAR OF EVENTS WICKED October 1-6: WICKED returns to the Robinson Center Music Hall. Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for “the most complete and completely satisfying new musical in a long time,” says USA Today. Admission: Call Celebrity Attractions for pricing at (501) 244-8800.

WILD RIVER COUNTRY SPOOKTACULAR SAVINGS October 1-31: Purchase a 2014 Season Pass at $49.99 plus tax and receive one 2014 Wild River Country PM Plunge buddy ticket for free admission with each 2014 season pass purchase. Three- and fivemonth payment plan options are available online only. For more information, call (501) 753-8600 or visit www.wildrivercountry. com.

PINKALICIOUS October 4-6: The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre continues its 2013-’14 season opener with “Pinkalicious,” about a little girl who loves pink cupcakes. Show times are Fridays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Call (501) 372-4000 or visit www.arkarts.com for details or to purchase tickets.

2013 LITTLE ROCKTOBERFEST October 5: This is an annual celebration of beer and brats on the banks of the Arkansas River. Over the past decade Little Rocktoberfest has become the biggest beer festival in Arkansas, celebrating craft beer, local breweries and the home brewing hobby. Admission includes tastings and foods. Event place: Dickey-Stephens Park.

Event time: 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.littlerocktoberfest.com.

21ST ANNUAL LITTLE ROCK ALZHEIMER’S WALK October 5: It’s time for the 2013 Little

october

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Rock Alzheimer’s Walk to benefit Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Prizes will be awarded to the largest family and corporate teams, and the individual, family team and corporate team raising the most money. Admission: free, walk T-shirts are free with a $25 donation while supplies last. Meeting place: Little Rock Zoo. For more information, call (501) 224-0021.

STAR PARTY AT PINNACLE October 5: Join amateur astronomers at the Visitor Center for an evening with the stars and other celestial phenomena.

As twilight settles in, the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society will provide telescopes for viewing objects in the night sky. If cloudy skies prevent observation with telescopes, an indoor program on astronomy will be presented at 9 p.m. Admission: free. For more information, call (501) 868-5806.

ALLIED THERAPY’S MANE EVENT October 5: The 7th Annual “Mane Event” will be held at the River Market Pavilion in downtown Little Rock at 7 p.m. There will be dinner and drinks, live music by the Luke Williams Band, live and silent auctions featuring theater tickets, football weekends, fine art, unique clothing and more! Tickets are $45 per person or $75 per couple.

Package tickets available in tables of 10 for a discounted rate. Call (720) 201-2197 or e-mail bboundaries@alliedtherapy.com for more information.

DENNYWEST MUSIC FESTIVAL October 5: This one-day outdoor Americana acoustic music festival, features children and family entertainment from 1 to 5 p.m. at Wildwood Park for the Arts. At 6:30 p.m., acts, including Ukulele Bill, REAL Entertaining, Mister Morphis One Man Band, the Hartley Family Bluegrass Band, Posey Hill, the Mulligan Brothers and BettySoo, take the stage. Gates open for lunch and free hayrides around the lake at noon.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, and free for kids 5 and under.

Evening tickets, starting at 5 pm, are $20 for adults, $10 for teens, $5 for children 12 and under. For more information, visit www. wildwoodpark.org.

41ST ANNUAL CENTRAL ARKANSAS GEM & MINERAL SHOW October 5 & 6: Rocks, minerals, jewelry, fossils, beads and more. Door prizes, demonstrations, a kiddie dig site, fabulous mineral displays and discussions is what you will find at the 41st Annual Central Arkansas Gem and Mineral Show. Fun for all ages. Location: Jacksonville Community

Center. For more information, call (501) 379-8653.

OPEN STUDIO “ARKANSAS BARNS” October 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 & 26-27: George Dombek, acclaimed artist, invites the public to his studio to view his latest project – “Arkansas Barns.” This series, using Dombek’s unique style and perspective, centers on watercolor paintings of barns from all over the state. The open studio will also feature many of his earlier works.

Outside of the event hours, Dombek’s studio is open by appointment. Event time: 1 to 6 p.m. Location: 844 Blue Springs Road, Goshen.

CAMP ALDERSGATE 30TH ANNUAL FISH FRY October 6: Camp Aldersgate is holding its annual Fish Fry, with family entertainment, bake sale, live music, face painting, kids fishing derby, pumpkin patch and more. Event time: noon to 3 p.m. Tickets are $15; kids 6 and under are free. An additional cost may be associated with some of the event’s activities. Visit www. campaldersgate.net for more details.

FALL CANOE FLOAT October 6 & 13: Enjoy the fall’s crisp cool air on this canoeing journey through Pinnacle Mountain’s lowlands with a park interpreter as your guide. If we are lucky, we will see the fall’s colors on the Little Maumelle River’s bald cypress trees. No paddling experience is necessary, but you should be comfortable around water and wear shoes that can get wet. Advance payment required. Admission: $35. Meeting place: Little Maumelle Boat Launch. For more information, call (501) 868-5806.

DUCK DUCK GOOSE SALE October 10-12: You don’t want to miss the DDG Children’s Consignment Event at Hot Springs in the Crossgate Church Gymnasium (3100 East Grand Ave). The consignment sale features lightly used children’s items at Bargain Prices, including clothing, baby equipment, furniture, toys and even women’s clothing. Just in time for the cooler weather, it’s your one-stop shopping extravaganza for everything your child needs for the fall and winter seasons at unbelievable savings. Admission is FREE. Visit www.duckduckgoosesale.com for more information.

ARKANSAS CHALLENGE BIKE RIDE October 11-13: Hotel check in starts at 1 p.m. on Friday for bike build. Reception is at 6 p.m. Saturday ride starts at 8:15

a.m. and lunch on the lawn starts after the ride. Saturday night meal is at 6:30 p.m. then release from hotel on Sunday at your leisure. Event place: Clinton Center and park. For more information, visit www. arkansasfreedomfund.org.

CENTRAL ARKANSAS BUDDY WALK October 12: This is a one-mile walk brings awareness and support to people with Down Syndrome. October is National Down Syndrome Awareness month. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. Participants must pre-register by October 4th to receive T-shirt and meal ticket. The walk begins at 5:15 p.m., followed by a meal and activities.

Event Time: 4:30 to 7 p.m. Event Location: Lake Willastein Park in Maumelle. Cost is $15 for adults, $8 for children ages 5-12.

For more information, call (501) 350-6199.

GIRL SCOUT MASM PATCH DAY October 12: A special event at Mid America Science Museum just for Daisies, Brownies and Juniors! Girl Scouts will explore a special Journey Station designed to meet the Discover portion of It’s Your Planet, Love It! Journey has all new activities and experiments for Daisies, Brownies and Juniors to explore the year including Dinosaur exhibit and the Tinkering Studio.

Girl Scouts will also earn the unique MASM patch, explore the Museum, and see a specialized Tesla Coil show. To RSVP, call (501) 767-3461 ext. 13 or email groups@ MidAmericaMuseum.org.

BREAKFAST AT THE ZOO FARM October 12: Join the Little Rock Zoo for a delicious breakfast buffet in Café Africa and a unique keeper chat during our breakfast with animals series. The zoo highlights several animals during the breakfast series and provides guests with a special upclose-and-personal look at some interesting creatures! Seating is very limited and prior reservations are a must! Breakfast with Animals starts at 8 a.m. sharp! Admission: Members: Adult $16.95, Child $12.95; NonMembers: Adult $21.95 and Child $16.95.

Reservations require a Visa, Master Card or Discover Card. Changes or cancellations are accepted through the Friday before the event by 2 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, contact (501) 661-7218.

STORYFEST AT THE BAY October 12: StoryFest and the Grand Re-Opening event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with coffee, pastries and a tour of Fairfield Bay’s revitalized Our Towne Conference and Visitor Center. Morning storyteller sessions begin at 9:30 a.m. and the afternoon storytelling sessions begin at 1:30 pm. The

public is invited to the Grand Re-Opening Celebration at 11:30 a.m. A variety of arts and crafts vendors as well as food vendors from around the state will be available throughout the day. Location: 110 Lost Creek Parkway in Fairfield Bay. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.FairfieldBayStartsToday.com or call (501) 884-6500.

TIM AND THE SPACE CADETS AT MOD October 13: Tim and the Space Cadets perform at the Museum of Discovery, featuring pop tunes, rockers and lullabies.

The band was named one of the Top 4 KidFriendly Bands to Watch in 2012, and their hit song “Superhero” spent six weeks at No. 1 of the XMKids Radio chart. The concert is included in the price of regular museum admission. $10, adults; $8, kids 12 and under and seniors 60 and older; free for members. For more information, visit www. museumofdiscovery.org.

WETLAND WALK-A-BOUT October 13: The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center in Little Rock is hosting a Wetland Walk-a-bout from 2 to 3 p.m. every second Sunday, through November. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Arkansas River Trail and on the William E. “Bill” Clark Presidents Park Wetlands boardwalk. This half-mile guided stroll will offer opportunities to view native plants and wildlife. Discover the benefits or wetlands and explore nature downtown. For more information, call (501) 907-0636.

4 MAN GOLF SCRAMBLE BENEFITING THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION October 14: Entry fee includes 18 holes of golf with cart, green fee, range balls, welcome bag AND hamburger lunch. Admission: $70 per player or $280 for a team of four. Event place: Stonelinks Golf Course (110 Hwy. 391 N., North Little Rock). For more information, call (501) 350-0433.

SPARK October 17: Join us from 6:30 to 9 p.m. for the inaugural Spark benefiting Museum of Discovery. Help us to support our mission of igniting a passion for science, technology and math in a dynamic, interactive environment! All proceeds will benefit the Museum of Discovery. You will enjoy fun, hands-on science activities in our Great Hall and museum galleries, heavy hors d’ oeuvres and drinks, and a live auction. We will honor 12 successful STEM professionals who will share how their passions for science, technology and math were “ignited” at an early age! All guests can enter for a chance to win two roundtrip tickets to San Francisco and two tickets to the Exploratorium in San Francisco. For more information and ticket prices, visit www.museumofdiscovery.org.

ONCE UPON A TIME FUNDRRAISER October 17: Reach Out and Read Arkansas is hosting its annual “Once Upon a Time” fundraising event from 6 to 9 p.m. at Pleasant Valley Country Club. This year’s book theme is “Oh The Place You’ll Go,”

and the event features the Rodney Block Band, dinner and drinks. Tickets are $50.

For more details or to purchase tickets, visit www.reachoutandreadarkansas.org or call (501) 226-9444. Check out our story on page 8 for more details about this organization.

‘DOLLARS AND SENSE’ WORKSHOP October 17: GenWealth Financial Advisors in Bryant is hosting workshops, titled “An Introduction to Investing” and “Put Your Company-Sponsored Retirement Plan to Work for You,” at 7 p.m. Location: UALR Cooperative Extension Service. Free and open to the public. For more information, call (501) 653-7355. Read more about these workshops on page 8.

ACCESS GARDENS FALL PLANT SALE October 18-19: Spruce up your garden with mums, pansies and other fall favorites!

Sales benefit ACCESS programs for individuals with language and learning disabilities.

Event time: Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday, Oct.19, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Location: ACCESS Stella Boyle Smith Campus, 10618 Breckenridge Dr., Little Rock. For details, visit www.accessgroupinc.org/.

22ND ANNUAL EAGLE WATCH WEEKEND October 18-20: There will be daily boat departures at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Expert guides with 24 years of experience inform passengers about the bald eagles’ features and habitat and help you site the eagles on 75 minute cruises. There will be guest speakers aboard and informative handouts. Restroom and concessions will be on board. Admission: $22 for adults, $8.50 children. This event takes place in Eureka Springs on Beaver Lake aboard Belle of the Ozarks. For more information, call (479) 253-6200.

KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE October 19: Breast cancer affects everyone, not just the survivor. Co-survivors, including family, friends and co-workers feel the effects too. This year, Komen Arkansas encourages all survivors and co-survivors to join us for Race for the Cure. Support your loved ones and join the fight against breast cancer. Race time: 8 a.m. Event place: Downtown Little Rock (intersection of Broadway & 2nd Street). All funds from the Komen Race for the Cure go to research, education, screening and treatment programs. For more information, visit www.komenarkansas.org.

2ND ANNUAL PAWS ON PINNACLE October 19: Pinnacle Mountain State Park is having its annual Paws on Pinnacle event featuring informative programs about caring for your dog, getting outside and hiking with your dog, and agility and working dog demonstrations. The final event of the day will be a dog “Howl-O-Ween” costume contest! Programs begin at 10 a.m. Costume contest is at 3 p.m. All well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome to attend.

Admission is free. Meeting place: West Summit Picnic Area. For more information, call (501) 868-5806.

2013 SIGNATURE CHEF AUCTION October 24: This event features wines, music, culinary delights from many of Little Rock’s top restaurants, and live and silent auctions. Proceeds benefit the local chapter of March of Dimes. Location: Statehouse Convention Center. Event time: 6 p.m. For more information, call (501) 663-3100 or visit www.marchofdimes.com/arkansas/.

THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE October 25-November 10: The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre is staging “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” through Nov. 10. The show, based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and written by Children’s Theatre resident playwright Alan Keith Smith, is the story of a modern young girl on a magical journey when she meets a mysterious medieval sorcerer’s apprentice. Show times are Fridays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Call (501) 372-4000 or visit www.arkarts.com for details or to purchase tickets.

MUD RUN 2013 October 26: The Mud Run is definitely NOT your average 5K. The Mud Run is for the adventurous spirit and is a family friendly race. Participants run, walk, skip and even cavort through our 5Kish (please refer to the helpful hints section of the website for the clarification of “ish”) course. The event take place at Two Rivers Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants must overcome an “obstacle” or two along the way. Then finish with a spectacular frolic (but in most cases romp) through our world-renowned 300 foot mud pit, which is filled with that amazing Arkansas mud and we added the Mud Mountain…which rocks! The point is not to finish fast but to finish with style.

Visit www.mudrun.org for more information.

ARKANSAS BAPTIST KINDERGARTEN PREVIEW October 28: Come join us for our kindergarten preview showcasing our K3, K4, & K5 programs located on our Lower School Campus (62 Pleasant Valley Drive, LR) starting at 6 p.m. Students are encouraged to attend. Complimentary childcare available for siblings. All attendees get their application fee waived. Reserve your spot

by Oct. 25 by calling (501) 227-7077 ext.

35 or register online at www.ArkansasBaptistSchoolSystem.com.

ROBOTS + US EXHIBIT OPENS AT MOD October 12: Meet the lifelike intelligent machines known as robots, which we have passionately created to maintain and extend our human capabilities as well as amuse us.

Families and children of all ages will learn from and enjoy Robots and Us. The exhibit runs through Jan. 26, 2014. Event time: TuesdaySaturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Admission: $10, adults; $8, kids 12 and under and seniors 60 and older; free for members.

For more information, visit www. museumofdiscovery.org.

CYCLE FOR SIGHT & KID’S BIKE RODEO October 26: Annual endurance cycling event to create awareness for eye research and outreach at the Jones Eye Institute. Event time: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Go around rivertrail loop as many times in the given allotted time frame. Kid’s Bike Rodeo starts at 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Admission: $35 for adults and $10 for children. Meeting place: NLR Riverfront

by Sub Marine. For more information, call (501) 686-8638.

NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY October 26: Drop off your expired or unwanted prescription or overthe-counter drugs at one of 140 local drop-off sites. For more information about the program or to find a collection site, visit www.artakeback.org.

For more details about this initiative, check out or story on page 8.

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Calendar

OCTOBER2013

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

CONT.

CENTRAL ARKANSAS HAS MANY GREAT OPTIONS FOR FALL OUTINGS, INCLUDING PUMPKIN PATCHES, CORN MAZES, FESTIVALS, HAYRIDES, HALLOWEEN PARTIES AND MORE.

LOCAL PUMPKIN PATCHES BOBROOK FARMS

13810 COMBEE LANE, ROLAND (501) 519-5666 WWW.BOBROOKFARMS.COM Open: Oct. 3-31: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: $6 Activities: Pumpkin patch, hayride, corn pit, hay maze, sunflower maze and farm zoo.

GARNER HOMESTEAD FAMILY FARM

1376 LONSDALE CUTOFF ROAD, FOUNTAIN LAKE (GARLAND COUNTY) (501) 463-0510 WWW.GARNERHOMESTEADFAMILYFARM.COM Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., through Nov. 2 Admission: $6 for ages 3 and up Activities: Pumpkin patch, nature and cornfield trail, petting zoo, playground, hayride and picnic area.

MARY’S PLACE

3705 HWY. 5 N, BRYANT (501) 847-3900 WWW.MARYSPLACEINBRYANT.COM Open: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 pm., through Nov. 2 Admission: $7.50, with pick a pumpkin; $5, without a pumpkin Activities: Pumpkin patch, tractor-pulled hay rides, gift shop, refreshments, picnic area, farm animals and train rides.

MOTLEY’S PUMPKIN PATCH

13724 SANDY ANN DRIVE, LITTLE ROCK (501) 888-1129 WWW.MOTLEYSPUMPKINPATCH.COM Open: Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Nov. 3 Admission: $8 for ages 3 and up Activities: Pumpkin patch, tractor-drawn wagon rides, twisty slides, play area, farm animals, pig races and holiday store.

PEEBLES FARM PUMPKIN PATCH AND CORN MAZE

HIGHWAY 64 BETWEEN AUGUSTA AND MCCRORY (WOODRUFF COUNTY) (870) 919-6162 WWW.PEEBLESFARM.COM Open: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 8 p.m.; through Oct. 31 Admission: $8; hay rides and wagon rides are extra Activities: Pumpkin patch, 20-acre corn maze, hay rides, farm animals, horse and wagon rides, corn cannon, hay tunnels, swings, slides, tractor tire serpent, picnic areas, play area, tractor pulled train ride, rubber duck races, sunflowers, weekend bonfires and concessions.

SCHAEFERS CORN MAZE

863 LOLLIE RD., MAYFLOWER (501) 269-7903 WWW.SCHAEFERSCORNMAZE.COM Open: Friday, noon to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 8 p.m.; through Oct. 31.

Admission: Varies Activities: Concession stand, picnic area, corn pit, tricycle corral, straw tunnels, horse shoes, hay bales to climb, sack races and the new corn maze express ride.

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SCHAEFERS & COLLINS PUMPKIN PATCH AND FARM

862 LOLLIE ROAD, MAYFLOWER (501) 470-3127 WWW.SCHAEFERSPUMPKINPATCH.COM Open: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Admission: $5 Activities: Pumpkin patch, hay rides, hay tunnels, play area, concessions, pony rides, haunted hay rides, face painting, crafts and more.

SCOTT PUMPKIN PATCH

14519 HIGHWAY 165, SCOTT (501) 920-2901 Open: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.; through Nov. 3.

Admission: Varies Activities: Hay rides, pumpkin patch, farmer’s market, barnyard nursery, cart rides, pig races, playground, barnyard zoo, concessions and more.

FALL FUN & FESTIVITIES FALL FLOWER DAYS

October 1-31: Fall at Garvan Woodland Gardens offers a rainbow of colors and shapes from just one plant, the chrysanthemum. Hundreds of hardy cultivars provide an array of colors and bloom shapes, making mums the divas of the autumn garden. The blooms last for weeks, not days, and the sheer number of flowers per plant will convince anyone that this flower really likes to show off. For more information, call (501) 262-9300 or visit www.garvangardens.org.

THE HAUNTED EVENING TOUR

October 4 – November 1: The tour departs from the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, purported to be one of the most haunted places in the South, every Friday night.

Learn about some of the city’s most haunted locations on this spirited adventure, including funeral customs of the 19th Century and how they relate to modern day beliefs. Admission is $40. For more information, contact Linda Howell at (501) 681-3857 or visit www.HauntedToursOfLittleRock.com.

FALL HARVEST HOME FESTIVAL

October 5: Bringing in the harvest was a central part of home life that every family shared in early Arkansas. The Plantation Agriculture Museum invites you to bring out your family and celebrate the annual gathering of crops and home life from the Arkansas Delta at our Fall Harvest Home Festival. For more information, call the Plantation Agriculture Museum at (501) 961-1409.

ARKANSAS STATE FAIR

October 11-20: The fair features free concerts, children’s shows, exciting attractions, carnival rides, games, educational exhibits, rodeos, livestock shows and lots of food. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children and seniors age 60 and older, free for kids 6 and under. For more information, visit www.arkansasstatefair.com.

ASO POPS: HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

October 12 and 13: Have a spooky time with your Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Come in costume, bring the family and hear familiar favorites, featuring classics from Wagner, Berlioz and Liszt to movie music from Williams and Elfman. Event place: Robinson Center Music Hall. Admission: $18-$59; kids can attend the Sunday show for free with a paid adult. For more information, visit www.arkansassymphony.org.

MAGIC SCREAMS AT MAGIC SPRINGS

October 12-27: Magic Screams is an annual event inside Magic Springs, featuring a trick or treat area, pirate-themed haunted house, costume contests and much more. This year brings two new shows: “Ghoul & The Gang,” a pop music teen-oriented show, and “Reunion of Souls: Rock the Dead,” hard rock music with dancing ghouls. There will also be a dance party with a DJ every Saturday night at “The Ghoul Zone.” The park will be open from 4 to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and 4 to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Some rides will be available. Regular admission prices apply. For more information, visit magicsprings.com.

S’MORES SCARES

October 14: Watch a scary movie, “Drag Me to Hell” (PG-13), and eat s’mores at the Level 4 Teen Center at the Central Arkansas Library System’s Main Library. The fun begins at 4:30 p.m.

Open to ages 13-19. Free. For more information, call (501) 918-3057 or visit www.cals.org.

BOO AT THE ZOO

October 18-20 and October 25-November 1: The entire family will enjoy celebrating Halloween at Boo at the Zoo. Visit www.littlrockzoo.com or call (501) 666-2406 for details.

POOCHES & PUMPKINS

October 19: The Good Earth Garden Center’s Annual Pooches & Pumpkins event is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome, including pets! There will be many fall-themed areas for taking family photos, a pet costume contest, free hot dogs, popcorn, beverages, hayrides, balloons, face painting, live music, a fainting goat and much more! Local animal rescue groups will be on hand if you don’t have a pooch. For more information, call (501) 868-4666.

BOO!SEUM

October 24: Costume contests, games, crafts, refreshments and lots of candy. This fun and safe event is free and open to the public. Held at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock. For more information, visit www.mosaictemplarscenter.com.

HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL

October 25: The Little Rock Athletic Club is hosting a Halloween Carnival, featuring games and giveaways. Visit www.lrac.com for details.

HALLOWEEN SEASON FUN AT PETIT JEAN

October 26: Celebrate the “spooky season” at Petit Jean Mountain! Family friendly, naturerelated activities will be provided, and costumes are welcome. For details, contact the park at (501) 727-5441. Admission is free.

BOO-TIFUL KIDS COSTUME CONTEST

October 26: The Promenade at Chenal is hosting the BOO-tiful Kids Costume Contest at 1:30 p.m. Register online at www.chenalshopping.com. The first 100 registrants will receive a FREE Spooktacular Gift Pack. Parents can enter their children on the contest day for a $2 donation per child that will go to support the Arkansas Rice Depot.

MONSTER DASH 5K FUNDRAISER

October 26: Proceeds from the first Monster Dash 5K Run/Walk will help to create camps for kids here at the Oak Grove Life Center. This is an event for the entire family. The cost is $35 per runner/walker. The 5K will begin and end at the Oak Grove Life Center, 10025 Oakland Drive, North Little Rock. Be sure to wear your Halloween costume. Event time: 9 a.m. For details, visit http:// oakgrovelifecenter.com.

LAMAN FALL FEST

October 26: The William F. Laman Public Library is hosting a Fall Fest, with a costume contest, carnival, games and more. Free and open to the public. Event Time: 2 p.m. Visit www.lamanlibrary.org.

COSTUME CRUNCH TIME: LAST MINUTE COSTUMES

October 26: During this all-day event for ages 13-19, get help whipping up a costume from staff at the Central Arkansas Library System’s Main Library Level 4 Teen Center. Free. For more information, call (501) 918-3057 or visit www.cals.org.

HALLOWEEN HAYRIDE

October 26, 27 and 31: The Halloween Hayride, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Pinnacle Mountain State Park features a campfire, treats and marshmallow roasting. Advanced payment and registration is required. $12, adults; $6, children ages 6-12. Call (501) 868-5806 for details.

MONSTER MADNESS AT MILLS PARK

October 29: Halloween celebration with a haunted hayride on the trail, costume contest, kids’ area with games and bounces, trick-or-treating and s’mores making. Admission: $5 for trail and $3 for kids’ area. Meeting place: Mills Park, walking trails and tennis. For more information, call (501) 847-4702.

HALLOWEEN CONCERT WITH THE KINDERS

October 29: Join Mr. Brian and Ms. Terri for a wonderful Halloween concert. Come in costume if you like. Event time: 6:30 p.m. Event place: Max Milam Library in Perryville. For more information, call (501) 889-2554.

TRICKS AND TREATS

October 31: Head over to the Central Arkansas Library System’s Main Library at 4 p.m. for some Halloween fun for school-age kids. Be sure to wear your costumes. Free. For more information, call (501) 918-3050 or visit www.cals.org.

BOO BASH

October 31: This Halloween party for ages 13-19 features costume contests, dancing, treats and much more. The party starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Arkansas Library System’s Main Library. Free. For more information, call (501) 918-3000 or visit www.cals.org.

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POP TOPICS

Nobody told me this stuff:

They Really Grow Up So Fast

By Robert Bell • Illustration by Bryan moats I don’t have an overarching theme this month. Just a couple of brief observations on the wildly glamorous and action-filled life of a 35-year-old father.

There’s this psychological phenomenon called “semantic saturation” that occurs when you repeat a word over and over in your head until it becomes meaningless. I remembering stumbling upon this sensation once in high school when I started thinking — like, really thinking — about the word “tree.” Tree. Tree. Tree. It’s like, what is a tree, man? You know?

Anyway, I hadn’t given much thought to this phenomenon until recently.

It’s come up again because my little boy has begun repeating things over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and ooooover again until not only has that particular word or phrase lost all meaning, but my mind has become unmoored and has drifted off into a fog so thick that the very idea of meaning itself has become an abstract notion so ridiculous as to be nearly laughable.

“Lawn mower! Lawn mower! Lawn mower! Lawn mower! Lawn mower!

Lawn mower! Laaaaaaaaaaawn mower! Lawn mower! Lawn mower!” and on and on and ooooon. I’m serious; it turns your brain into utter mush, and not necessarily in a good way. It might even violate Geneva conventions, but I’m not going to turn him in.

The name of this column is “Nobody Told Me This Stuff,” and as you might deduce from that title, I mostly write about the elements of fatherhood that nobody had told me about (or perhaps they did and I just wasn’t paying attention). But here’s one thing they did tell me, seemingly at every opportunity: “Don’t they just grow up so quickly?”

If I’ve heard that phrase once in my life, I’ve heard it four hundred billion times. I heard it so many times that you might say it lost all meaning. When I was a kid, time seemed to go by painfully slowly, and crawled to a complete stop if I was at school or church or some other place I didn’t want to be. (Of course, the opposite was true when I was doing something fun, thus illustrating an important point about the nature of time versus our perception of it: it’s all in our heads.)

But grownups, especially the grandma and grandpa contingents, always seemed to be talking about how fast kids grow up, “Why, it seems like 46 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

just yesterday you only came up to my knee! How did you get so big so fast?

You’re just growing like a weed!”

I don’t remember if I ever said anything in response. What would I have said? “Yeah, I’ve been eating my spinach and going to bed early.”

But man, after having a child of my own now and having seen many of my friends’ kids growing up over the last few years, I’m here to tell you there’s a very good reason old people say that over and over again and it is because kids grow up so fast! It is insane how fast they grow up!

And it seems like now that I’ve realized it, it’s going by even faster. When I put my son to bed, I’ll usually hold him for a while. He’ll sleep on my shoulder for several minutes, his bunny grasped tightly in one hand, usually drooling a little bit on my shirt. I’ll rub and pat his back gently as he drifts off to sleep.

And I always want to hang onto these moments and stretch them out as long as I can and remember them as vividly as I can, because I know that someday, very soon (and it will seem even sooner), he’ll be a teenager and I’ll never hold him like that again.

Halloween Headquartes Best Party suPPlies

THE DISCOUNT PARTY SUPER STORE

11218 Rodney Parham (Pleasant Valley Plaza) 501-223-4929 • partycity.com

OCTOBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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kids eat free Below is a listing of locations and days in which kids, 12 and under, can eat free with a paid adult (unless otherwise noted).

EVERY DAY

KIDS EAT FREE!

CICI’S PIZZA Ages 3 and under eat free at buffet.

Conway: 1250 Old Morrilton Hwy, (501) 764-0600 Hot Springs: 3321 Central Ave., (501) 321-2400 Jacksonville: 120 John Harden Drive, (501) 241-2224 N. Little Rock: 2815 Lakewood Village, (501) 753-1182 GOLDEN CORRAL Ages 3 and under eat free at buffet.

N. Little Rock: 5001 Warden Road, (501) 771-4605 JJ’S GRILL Free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. All day. Kids 12 and under.

Conway: 1010 Main St., (501) 336-1000 LARRY’S PIZZA Ages 4 and under.

Bryant: 4500 Hwy 5 North, (501) 847-5003 Cabot: 2798 South Second St., (501) 843-7992 Conway: 1068 Markhan, (501) 329-3131 Little Rock: 1122 S. Center St., (501) 372-6004; 12911 Cantrell Road, (501) 224-8804; 801 S. Bowman, (501) 400-8260 N. Little Rock: 5933 JFK Blvd., (501) 812-5353 SAN FRANCISCO BREAD One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal, after 5 p.m.

Hot Springs: 261 Cornerstone Blvd., (501) 525-7322 ZAXBY’S One kid’s meal per adult meal purchased. 5 p.m. to close.

Dine in only.

Jacksonville: 209 Marshall Road, (501) 241-0546 Maumelle: 104 Carnahan Drive, (501) 851-9777 Sherwood: 208 Brookswood Road, (501) 833-9777

MONDAY

AMERICAN PIE PIZZA Kids eat free after 4 p.m.

Little Rock: 10912 Colonel Glenn Road, (501) 225-1900 Maumelle: 9709 Maumelle Blvd., (501) 758-8800 N. Little Rock: 4830 North Hills Blvd., (501) 753-0081 CHICK-FIL-A First Monday of each month N. Little Rock: 4320 McCain Blvd., (501) 945-1818 GUSANO’S CHICAGO-STYLE PIZZERIA Kids’ Night for 12 and under. 8” pepperoni or cheese pizzas are $1.99.

Conway: 2915 Dave Ward Drive, (501) 329-1100 Little Rock: 313 President Clinton Ave., (501) 374-1441 IHOP (N. Little Rock Location Only) One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée, 3-9 p.m.

N. Little Rock: 11501 Maumelle Blvd., (501) 753-4457 THE PROMENADE AT CHENAL Get a free kid’s meal with a paid adult at the following restaurants located at The Promenade at Chenal: A.W. Lin’s Asian Cuisine, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, The Tavern Sports Grill, Big Orange, Local Lime and YaYa’s Euro Bistro. 11 48 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

a.m. to 7 p.m., lunch and dinner kids menu entrees only.

Kids must be 12 and under (limit 1 kids meal per each adult entrée ordered). Drinks not included. Not valid with any other discount or offer. See restaurants for details.

Little Rock: 17711 Chenal Parkway, (501) 821-5552.

SHORTY SMALL’S Up to two kids’ meals free per paying adult.

Little Rock: 1110 N. Rodney Parham, (501) 224-3344 TA MOLLY’S $1.99 kid’s meal with purchase of adult meal, 5-9 p.m.

Bryant: 206 W. Commerce St., (501) 653-2600

TUESDAY

ARKANSAS BURGER COMPANY One free kid’s meal per adult meal purchase. Dine in only, 5-9 p.m.

Little Rock: 7410 Cantrell Road, (501) 663-0600 BEEF ‘O’ BRADY’S One kid’s meal per adult meal purchased, 4 p.m. to close.

Maumelle: 115 Audubon Drive, (501) 803-3500 DENNY’S RESTAURANT Ages 10 and under, 4-7 p.m.

Little Rock: 4300 S. University, (501) 562-5651; 310 S. Shackleford, (501) 224-8264 GOLDEN CORRAL Discounted prices for kids 12 and under, and ages 3 and under always eat free.

N. Little Rock: 5001 Warden Road, (501) 771-4605 LONESTAR STEAKHOUSE All day Little Rock: 10901 Rodney Parham, (501) 227-8898 MOOYAH BURGERS One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal, 5-9 p.m.

Little Rock: 14810 Cantrell Road, (501) 868-1091 PIZZA HUT 5-8 p.m., dine in only Little Rock: 11410 W. Markham St., (501) 228-7000 STROMBOLI’S One free kid’s meal (12 and under) per adult meal purchased at regular price. Dine in only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Conway: 605 Salem Road, (501) 327-3700

WEDNESDAY

IHOP (N. Little Rock Location Only) One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée, 3-9 p.m.

N. Little Rock: 11501 Maumelle Blvd., (501) 753-4457 ZAXBY’S One kid’s meal per adult meal purchased.

Bryant: 2207 N. Reynolds Road, (501) 847-3800 (ages 10 and under) Cabot: 2215 W. Main St., (501) 941-2601

(ages 12 and under) Conway: 3800 Dave Ward Drive, (501) 329-5000 (ages 12 and under)

THURSDAY

CAPTAIN D’S Benton: 1419 Military Road, (501) 778-7909 Hot Springs: 1906 Central St., (501) 321-4288 Jacksonville: 1109 W. Main St., (501) 982-3330 Little Rock: 6301 Colonel Glen Road, (501) 568-6244 N. Little Rock: 5320 JFK Blvd., (501) 758-5144 MEXICO CHIQUITO One free kid’s meal per adult entrée for kids 12 and under. Dine in only.

Conway: 1135 Skyline Drive, (501) 205-1985 Jacksonville: 1524 W. Main St., (501) 982-0533 Little Rock: 13924 Cantrell, (501) 217-0700; 11406 W. Markham, (501) 217-0647 N. Little Rock: 4511 Camp Robinson, (501) 771-1604 MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL 4 p.m. to close. One free kid’s meal with paid adult meal.

Bryant: 7409 Alcoa Road, (501) 778-3111 Conway: 625 Salem Road, (501) 336-6500 Little Rock: 12312 Chenal Pkwy, (501) 223-3378 N. Little Rock: 4834 North Hills Blvd., (501) 812-5577

SATURDAY

BOSTON’S GOURMET PIZZA RESTAURANT Little Rock: 3201 Bankhead Drive, (501) 235-2000 DENNY’S RESTAURANT Ages 10 and under, 4-7 p.m.

Little Rock: 4300 S. University, (501) 562-5651; 310 S. Shackleford, (501) 224-8264 DIXIE CAFÉ $1.99 kids’ meals with purchase of an adult meal, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids 12 and under.

Little Rock: 1301 Rebsamen Park Road, (501) 663-9336; 10700 Rodney Parham, (501) 224-3728; 10011 Interstate 30, (501) 568-6444 North Little Rock: 2724 Lakewood Village Pl., (501) 758-4777 Cabot: 302 S. Rockwood, (501) 843-1700 Conway: 1101 Fendley Drive, (501) 327-4777 LUBY’S CAFETERIA Little Rock: 12501 West Markham, (501) 219-1567

SUNDAY

BOSTON’S GOURMET PIZZA RESTAURANT Little Rock: 3201 Bankhead Drive, (501) 235-2000 CORKY’S Kid’s meals are half off, 4 p.m. to close Little Rock: 12005 Westhaven Drive, (501) 954-7427

If you know of other places with a kids eat free or discounted kids meals, let us know! Call (501) 375-2985 or email ericasweeney@arktimes.com.

r e y a L P e h t e M o c BeOU WANT TO BE! Y ar · Bass it u G · s n o s s e L ic Mus no DruMs · VoiceDa· yPiaParties rock star Birth

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Call today for an appointment!

Dr. Gavin Trogdon 501.321.2211 3320 Central Avenue

www.HotSpringsKidsDental.com

Oct. 26

2 PM

• Costume Contest • Face Painting • Games CHILDREN’S

FREE

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Open to the Public

DEPARTMENT

LAMAN LIBRARY 2801 ORANGE ST • NORTH LITTLE ROCK 5 0 1 - 7 5 8 -1 7 2 0 • L A M A N L I B R A R Y. O R G OCTOBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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BACK2SCHOOL The first day of school is an important milestone and cause for celebration, particularly for parents! At the end of August, we asked our readers to send us photos of their youngsters heading back to school. We were so excited to receive photos from all over the state!

TAYLOR AND AIDAN HUMBARD

Taylor is in 4th grade and Aidan is in kindergarten at Chenal Elementary.

DYLAN AND EMILY SISEMORE

Dylan is in 8th grade at Central Junior High (Springdale) Emily is in 5th grade at Westwood Elementary (Springdale)

PSYLLIS (PSY) PRUIETT

1st grade, Eastside Elementary (Cabot)

A’MYA JAMES

2nd grade, Park Hill Elementary

WESTIN GOGGANS Pre-K, Keep & Teach Too (Sheridan)

At Savvy Kids, we love it when readers share their experiences, stories and photos with us. So, send cool snapshots of your youngsters to ericasweeney@ arktimes.com. Each month we’ll publish one, so check back to see if your photo was chosen. No professional photographs, please.

50 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

MICHAEL JAMES

4th grade, Park Hill Elementary

WALKER GOGGANS

6th grade, Sheridan Middle School

JORDAN JAMES 1st grade, Park Hill Elementary

12th Annual Se Habla Español!

Great smiles

are within

reach.

November 21-23 Win a 2014 Ford Mustang Limited to 500 Raffle Tickets, $100 each

Other great prizes available Fun for the entire family including holiday shopping with nearly 100 merchants, visits and photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus and a special pajama party with Santa for the little ones.

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO SCHEDULE A DENTAL CHECKUP?

Pajama Party

Friday, November 22, 9:00am $15 per child. Limited number of tickets available.

Ticket includes Dazzle Daze admission, storytime with Santa, photo with Santa and a special treat for the kids.

Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus

November 22, 4-9pm and Nov 23, 10am-3pm. Professional photo packages starting at $15.

Best Dentist Best Orthodontist Benefiting Conway Regional’s OR/OB expansion, health student scholarships and financial assistance program for health and fitness services.

Info and Tickets are available online at www.DazzleDaze.com

PCSSD

drbpd.com

Experience the power of public education.

pcssd.org

Pulaski County Special School District

Achievement in Action From culinary arts to cosmetology – or Mr. Crook’s hands-on automotive repair class at Jacksonville High – our vocational programs ensure our students are workforce-ready.

501.234.2000 OCTOBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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SAVVY EVENTS

Classie Lewis Turns 1!

Photos by Patrick Jones

Classie Lewis recently celebrated her first birthday with friends and family, at a party themed “Classie’s Lemonade Stand.” Party guests enjoyed a lemon toss, lemon bowl and a coloring activity with Classie’s personalized lemonade stand coloring sheets. Her lemonade stand birthday cake was made by Blue Cake Company, and cupcakes were from Sam’s Club.

5

1

2

3

6

4

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8

9

10 13

11

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1. Kade Thrower 2. Classie and her lemonade stand 3. Tylen Loring 4. Cadence (Gigi) Jones 5. Kadence Mays 6. Cupcakes!

7. Lauren Mays 8. Party Favors 9. Classie Lewis, the Birthday Girl!

10. Jurnee Loring 11. Angel Wesley 12. Bryce Lawson 13. Jai White 14. Hayden Goodloe 15. Jeremiah Gulley Jr. 16. Classie Lewis and Chrishai Thrower

10 Not-So-Proud Moments in Parenting

By Heidi SmitH Luedtke 1. Your 2-year-old performs her rendition of “Sexy and I Know It” for all the adults at the church picnic. Inquiring minds want to know where she learned it.

2. You say no to sugared cereals but yes to brownies for breakfast. With milk.

3. Your preschooler enthusiastically commends you for “making a poopie” in a crowded public restroom. Strangers clap as you exit the stall.

4. When the tooth fairy goes missing in action, you tell the kids she’s on strike because they don’t floss twice a day.

5. Your daughter tells her first-grade class that her dad wears panties. Apparently the distinction between boxers, briefs and women’s underwear is unclear to 6-year-olds.

SAVVY kids K I DSOCTOBER OCTOBER2013 2013 52 | savvy

6. You gush “the neighbor kids are such a bad influence!” when your kid cusses like a rap star at playgroup. Silently, you vow to clean up your language if you aren’t struck dead on the spot.

7.

When he asks about avian anatomy, you tell your son the “nugget” comes from the chicken’s backside. He repeats your explanation to the school lunch lady using the phrase “chicken butts.” She doesn’t find it so funny.

8. You instituted topless spaghetti dinners to avoid marinara stains that just won’t come out. The kids tell your mother-in-law they eat dinner naked.

9. You let your son take the heat when he throws his dad’s souvenir homerun baseball into the swimming pool. It doesn’t matter who threw the first pitch, right?!

10. You insist your kids share toys, treats and TV time but hoard fancy chocolates and diet Coke out of sight. Mom needs some guilty pleasures all her own.

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom of two. Despite frequent failings, her kids think she’s supermom.

L O O H C S S R O L O C

9100 N RodNey PaRham • 501-225-6242

The Pediatric Clinic, P.A. of North Little Rock A pediatric therapy program specializing in the evaluation and treatment of sensory processing and feeding disorders.

Specialized, comprehensive treatment One-on-one parent consultation and training Intensive home programming

Call us today at (501) 315-4414 for more information!

17706 I-30 Frontage Rd Ste. 4 • Benton 300 S. Rodney Parham Ste. 12 • Little Rock

www.kidsourcetherapy.com

Over 50 Years of

Caring Accepting New Patients Birth Through Adolescence Most Insurance Accepted

Lourie Battles, MD • Robert Choate, MD • Kim Clinton, MD Matthew Hadley, APN, PhD • Kim Hurlbut, MD • Stephen Fiedorek, MD Eric Fraser, MD • Gary Fowler, APN Bishawn Morris, MD JoAnne Wilson, APN • Tina Jones, MD • Nicole Turner, APN 3401 Springhill Drive, Ste. 245 North Little Rock • 501.758.1530 CliniC Hours: Monday-Friday 8 aM-6 pM Walk-in siCk CliniC: saturday 8 aM 203 B Plaza Boulevard Cabot • 501.843.0068 CLiNiC HouRs: MoNday-FRiday 8 aM-5 PM OCTOBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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Savvy science

MAKE YOUR OWN

Project Courtesy of Museum of Discovery

An introduction to the properties of polymers

What you need: 1 cup of warm water 2-3 tablespoons of glow-in-the-dark paint (optional) Food Coloring (neon green is great if you are using glow-in-the-dark paint) 2 teaspoons of Borax 1/3 cup of warm water

Directions: 1. First mix together the Elmer’s glue and the 1 cup of warm water.

2. Stir in the paint (optional) and food coloring.

3. In a separate small bowl, mix together the 1/3 cup warm water and Borax. Stir until the Borax is dissolved.

54 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

4. Add a tablespoon or two of the Borax mixture to the glue mixture (more may be needed.) Stir continuously. The more of the Borax mixture you add the stiffer the slime will be. If you want the slime to be runny, add less of the mixture. Feel free to add more food coloring while stirring to get your desired color of slime.

about polymers The mixture produces a putty-like material called a polymer. A polymer is a long chain of molecules (like spaghetti). If the long molecules slide passed each other easily, then the substance acts like a liquid because the molecules flow. If the molecules stick together at a few places along the strand, then the substance behaves like a rubbery solid called an elastomer. Borax causes the glue’s molecules to link together to form the slime.

that student success is the only option.

As representatives of the Little Rock School District, we promise that: 1.

Children come first!

2.

All employees are accountable for student achievement that meets or exceeds state standards.

3.

All employees will demonstrate professionalism and integrity.

4.

Student success is the only option.

5.

Potential is discovered and nurtured.

6.

An academically rigorous environment is evident in every classroom.

7.

Communication is clear, open, and timely.

8.

Students, parents, families, and community members are essential partners.

9.

Diversity is valued as demonstrated by culturally competent practices.

10. Facilities are safe, clean, secure, and inviting.

Quality education has a new face in Little Rock: The New Little Rock School District.

The committed men and women of the Little Rock School District have renewed their promise to make our district the best public education provider in the state. Our team fully understands that your children have many dreams, and the “firsts” they will achieve tomorrow hinge directly on what we put first today. With our combined efforts, we can meet the promise to ensure bright futures and a quality education for all children in the Little Rock School District.

We promise to put children first. Will you?

»

Where WE Put Children First

Learn how you can help us keep our promise at WePromiseLrsD.org.

«

OCTOBER 2013 SAVVY K I DS

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Pointe Your Family in the Right Direction.

When families become stressed by behavioral issues, they need a caring environment. Pinnacle Pointe is the largest children & adolescent behavioral care hospital in Arkansas.

Programs and Services: • Acute Inpatient • Residential Inpatient • Outpatient • School-Based Pinnacle Pointe is the only Tricare-certified residential program in the state. Contact us for a free, confidential assessment.

2009 President’s Award for Outstanding Juvenile Programs 2008 ATRS Facility of the Year 2007 APA Residential Facility of the Year for Outstanding Service

56 | SAVVY K I DS OCTOBER 2013

“TRICARE” is a registered trademark of the TRICARE Management Activity. All rights reserved.

1-800-880-3322

www.pinnaclepointehospital.com

11501 Financial Centre Parkway • Little Rock, AR 72211