Savvy Kids January 2013

savvyKiDS SPECIAL NEEDS ISSUE

Every Kid Needs a Cheerleader The

Get Educated What “typical” parents and children should know

Beyond Ritalin: An alternative

therapy to helping kids with ADHD

inspirational story of Razorback Cheerleader Patience Beard

Financial Planning for Kids with Special Needs

A Potential Medical Breakthrough:

Meet Drake Haynes JANUARY 2013 www.savvykidsofarkansas.com january 2013 savvy kids

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contents January 2013

20 Drake Haynes’ Story

A Potential Medical Breakthrough and Intensive Treatment Improve Life for 3-Year-Old with Cerebral Palsy

16 Good Grief Receiving a diagnosis can bring a wave of emotions.

8 Savvy Family 10 Little Hero,Big Heart 12 Every Kid Needs a Cheerleader 14 Get Educated: 18 The Most Precious Gift on Earth…Maimed At Birth!

24 Beyond Ritalin 26 Financial Planning for Kids with Special Needs 28 Special Needs Resource Guide 34 Special Needs Calendar of Events 36 Pennywise 38 PopTopics 40 B ook of the Month App of the Month Check it Out

42 Savvy Arts 44 Kids Eat Free 46 Little Bites 48 Calendar of Events 62 Savvy Project 4 | savvy kids January 2013

ON THE COVER: Drake Haynes Photographed by Brian Chilson

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The Better Beginnings website makes it easy for parents to: • find Better Beginnings participating child care providers in their area • learn what to look for in a child care environment Get off to a good start by equipping yourself with the knowledge and information to choose a Better Beginning for your child!

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Child care checklists are great tools to use when visiting various child care environments. Because each type of facility or home has its unique personality, you may find it helpful to use various checklists to help you remember the different qualities of every program you visit. Click the QR Code with your smart phone or visit our website to download some good examples of checklists we have selected to share with you. january 2013 savvy kids

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publisher Michelle Miller michelle@arktimes.com editor Erica Sweeney, ericasweeney@arktimes.com digital media editor Meredith Martin-Moats digital media producer Bryan Moats editorial art director Patrick Jones senior account executive Tamara Adkins tamara@arktimes.com account executives Catherine Slifka catherineslifka@arktimes.com Erin Holland erin@arktimes.com Michelle Miller michelle@arktimescom advertising sales assistant Kelly Lyles, kellylyles@arktimes.com production manager Weldon Wilson advertising coordinators Roland Gladden, roland@arktimes.com Kelly Schlachter Carr, kellys@arktimes.com Tracy Whitaker, tracy@arktimes.com graphic artists Kai Caddy, Rafael Mendez, Bryan Moats, Patrick Jones, Mike Spain, Sandy Sarlo photographers Brian Chilson, Patrick Jones, Nick Hillemann, Teresa Dollar, Rachael Kimble controller Weldon Wilson accounts payable Angie Fambrough it director Robert Curfman billing/collections Linda Phillips circulation director Anitra Hickman

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simply call us at: 501-316-1255 or 800-264-5640 or

s we ring in the New Year, we traditionally toast to resolutions and new beginnings. And here at Savvy Kids, we’re taking to heart. am very visit that us on the Iweb at: www.rivendellofarkansas.com. happy and excited to be the new editor of this fantastic magazine. I have been a regular contributor to Savvy Kids for theWe pastoffer year and look forward to a mobile assessment that is available in most areas my new role. I will be taking over for Emily Griffin and wish her all the best as by appointment. she grows her family.

In our annual special needs issue, we have an inspirational cover story about Drake Haynes, a student at ACCESS Schools, and his potential medical breakthrough. We also discuss how to communicate with special needs families. I really enjoyed talking to Christy Etters and Rachel Brewer, both mothers of special needs children, about their experiences communicating with other parents and how parents must lead by example in teaching their kids about acceptance.

Our resource guide this month is full of valuable programs and contacts for families with special needs kids, including therapy, educational supports and advocacy groups. And, of course, we have our regular features, like Savvy Arts and Little Hero, Big Heart.

Photo by Brian Chilson

If you haven’t visited our website (www.savvykidsofarkansas.com), please do so. Bryan Moats has worked very hard to create an interactive experience for our readers on the web. The website is a great place to find out the latest about upcoming events, enter contests, see a list of our “Kids Eat Free” restaurants and submit events. The website is full of awesome content, including our blog, written by Meredith Martin-Moats.

A Place For New Beginnings.

Savvy Kids is also on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter, so please friend us and follow us.

Directions We would love to hear from you!

Best Wishes in the New Year,

to Rivendell:

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Since 1985, our goal has been to provide the best

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SAVVY FAMILY

Lindsey and Skylar Stone

Over the years working as Editor of Savvy Kids, I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful parents and children living in the central Arkansas community. In this special issue of Savvy Kids I would like to introduce you to Lindsey Stone and her daughter Skylar. Lindsey and Skylar have been fans of Savvy Kids for some time now, and if you’ve paid attention, you’ve seen Skylar’s photograph printed from various community events.

Lindsey is a single parent, and one of the strongest and most heart-felt parents I’ve met. When she was told that Skylar had suffered a stroke in utero and was diagnosed with Schizencephaly, an uncommon congenital disorder of cerebral cortical development, she was shocked, but she didn’t let the diagnosis keep her down. She has made sure that Skylar lives a full life, and gets to experience all sorts of activities and events—she doesn’t let the disability stop them.

Recently, Skylar was granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She traveled to Florida for a fun-filled vacation at Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios—a trip they will not forget any time soon. Here is there story.

Mom: Lindsey Stone, Monitoring Specialist at UAMS Daughter: Skylar Stone, 6 Current Projects: I work with Community Connections. I am the program director for the Showstoppers Cheerleading for Community Connections. I help with I Can! Dance as well. I have also sent in an application to volunteer with Make-A-Wish. I want to be able to help kids receive their wish, just like Skylar.

Parenting Style: I am a very active and involved parent. If I’m not at work I’m with Skylar. We are always going to an activity with Community Connections, going to the movies, or doing something together. Due to Skylar’s disabilities, I am her advocate so I am very vocal about the things that she needs and do everything I can to ensure that her needs are met.

She is the light of my life and if it was up to me we’d spend every day, all day together.

Life lesson learned from parenthood: Never take anything for granted and celebrate all of life’s blessings. I’ve learned to celebrate all the things that Skylar can do rather than dwell on the things that she can’t. People expect for their children to walk, talk, and do specific milestones but they take them for granted sometimes. I’ve never heard a sound as sweet as when I 8 | savvy kids January 2013

heard Skylar laugh for the first time. I celebrate and appreciate any and everything that she accomplishes because I know without a doubt that she’s trying with everything she has to be the best that she can be and it’s my job, as her mom, to make sure that I encourage her to do just that.

Keeping It Organized: I have everything scheduled on my Outlook calendar that is also on my phone so that I never forget. Skylar has an average of 4-5 doctor’s appointments a month as well as her activities so she keeps me busy. I’m not sure I would function with my calendar to keep it all together in one place.

Favorites: Book: Silly I know, but I love the Twilight series.

Music: My taste is very eclectic. I enjoy most all genres of music.

Place to shop for you: Maurices Place to shop for kids: Gymboree, Children’s Place, or Old Navy Family Activity: Dance, Cheer, Music, Art with Community Connections Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse Guilty pleasure: Community Bakery iced sugar cookies. They are amazing!

Vacation destination: Disney World is now at the top of my list.

Won’t leave home without: My cell phone. I have to be reachable at all times when I’m not with Skylar.

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Russellville | 9 january 2013 savvy kids

HERO

little hero

Big Heart Photos by Brian Chilson

By Erica Sweeney

Maggie Culp and Haiden Fender have learned a thing or two about leadership and the importance of helping others, through their National Programs in Action project for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. The two Maumelle Middle School students are raising awareness about the Waner Children’s Vascular Anomaly Foundation, a project they call “Waner Works.”

The pair created a PowerPoint presentation and speaks to groups, like the Maumelle High School child development class, Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club. This is Fender’s favorite part of the project, and she says she has learned a lot from the experience.

“It feels good to inform,” Fender, an eighth-grader, says. “When you’re the one doing the teaching, it gives you a different perspective. You understand what your teachers are doing with you. I think it’s cool to learn to talk to anyone of a different age group.”

Culp, who is in seventh grade, agrees: “We’re reaching them as middleschoolers, and they’re 40-year-old adults.”

The two are also raising money to help fund surgery for a 3-year-old Little Rock girl, named Maria Young. Culp says they have set up “penny jars” in seven Maumelle restaurants and hope to reach their $2,000 goal by March.

“It’s something not a lot of people know about,” Culp says, explaining why they chose to focus on the Waner Foundation for their project. Culp’s mom, Betsy, is the organization’s director of operations.

Culp, 13, says middle-schoolers can make “as much of an impact” as adults.

10 | savvy kids January 2013

Fender, 14, says, “If we’re not involved with the community, we won’t have a say.”

The project has taught Culp and Fender valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership and multitasking.

Both are on their school’s basketball team and work hard to keep their grades up. They meet several times a week to help each other with homework, practice basketball and work on their project. Finding a good balance is what keeps them going.

“You have to be dedicated,” Culp says. “It helps to have a partner to work off of. It’s my life and her life, on top of school and sports. I think we’re doing a good job juggling it all.”

“Instead of thinking it’s all about you, you have to think of someone else’s time,” Fender says.

Both Culp and Fender say helping others has helped them realize how fortunate they are. They plan to continue community service throughout their lives and have careers dedicated to helping others. Culp says she wants to one-day work in cancer research. Fender says her brother has autism, and she plans to be an occupational therapist to help others like him.

The Waner Children’s Vascular Anomaly Foundation provides financial assistance to families affected by vascular anomalies and funds research and educational programs about the condition. Vascular anomalies affect about one in 10 kids nationally, says Betsy Culp, director of operations. There are no statistics available for Arkansas. The foundation will host a mother-daughter tea party on Feb. 9 at the Country Club of Little Rock from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more information about this event or the foundation, visit www.wanerkids.org.

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january 2013 savvy kids

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Every Child Needs a

Cheerleader

By Lela Davidson

Patience Beard was born to compete. She was also born with proximal femoral disorder, a disease that can leave one leg significantly shorter than the other.

Extreme cases—like Beard’s—require amputation. Before she was a year old, Patience lost her left leg, but her parents made sure that never stopped her. Faced with her daughter’s physical challenges, Michelle Kelley chose optimism. She decided to focus on everything her daughter could do, rather than what she could not. “We wrapped our arms around reality and have enjoyed every minute of it,” says Michelle.

Michelle has always been acutely aware that her daughter’s situation could have been much worse. She remembers meeting a man at the hospital one of those early days after the amputation. He had a little girl about the same age as Patience, who had also lost a leg. “He told me that she had cancer,” Michelle says.

“I knew then that we had much more to be thankful for than to be sorry for.”

That attitude has nurtured a happy, charming, and accomplished young woman, who in the spring of 2012 snagged one of only two-dozen spots on the University of Arkansas cheerleading squad. Patience made the team without any special treatment, by showing off her winning personality, and by performing all the cheer stunts flawlessly. And unless you’ve got the good seats in the Razorback football stadium, you barely notice the zebra-print leg,

Confidence built on play and competition

Photo courtesy of Razorback Athletics

Patience has been competing in cheer since the seventh grade. She credits her parents for never treating her any differently than if she’d been born without

12 | savvy kids January 2013

u o y f “I ’t can e g n a h c it, be..” . y z a r c

a crippling bone disorder. When Patience was just an infant, her mother Michelle says she vowed that she would not treat her any differently than the two boys she already had.

From an early age Patience played like other kids played, including joining teams for t-ball, gymnastics, and cheer. But before Patience ever shook a pom-pom, her parents were her cheerleaders at home. “We were not going to make her handicapped,” she says.

Michelle knew how tough it would be to watch her daughter fall, literally, but the resolve paid off. Patience grew to accept herself just as she was. “Patience has never come to me and complained about having one leg,”Michelle says. “She comes to me with... ‘I hate my hair. Do I look fat? How’s my makeup look?’ All the typical girlie things.”

The Importance of Peers Patience encourages parents to help their children meet peers who understand their unique challenges. She treasures the time spent on Scottish Rite Hospital ski trips in high school. One of her fondest memories was when all the kids would go swimming together, leaving their legs by the side of the pool. “It’s just normal,” she says. “You connect so fast because you all have that in common. It’s really nice to be around people who have the same struggles as you,” she says.

Even among that group, Patience says you could always spot the kids whose parents didn’t encourage them the way hers did. “You’d have to push them to be more confident and not be down on themselves for the way they looked.”

Let your freak flag fly Anyone can have a plain prosthetic. The first prosthetic Patience had was pink and polka-dot. Her mom picked that one. When she got older, Patience spent hours choosing just the right design, one she’d live with for a couple of years until she grew and needed a new leg. After 9/11, she had a new leg made with an American flag design. The next summer when the family went to the beach, strangers stared. Her mother remembers trying to help Patience cope.

Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory

“I pulled her to the side and told her all the motherly things I could say about accepting yourself and not letting other people affect you,” Michelle says. Then Michelle had one of those ‘Aha’ moments. “Patience,” she said, “you have an American flag on your leg. Of course people are going to stare!”

Patience learned to embrace everything about herself, as well as others’ curiosity. “A doctor once told me, ‘If you can’t change it, be crazy,’”she says. And she puts a lot of thought into expressing herself. “That’s always my hardest life decision—what leg I’m going to get!”

Attitude: It’s Everything When Patience had to have hip surgery and spend eight weeks in a full body cast, her parents joked that they would get her a skateboard she could lay on and roll around the house. “Those were the kind of things they always did,” she said. More evidence of the family’s sense of humor: Patience’s big brothers used to routinely hide her leg from her. “We always had fun with it,” she says. “They never let me feel down about it.”

Patience is studying communications to become a professional motivational speaker. Michelle believes her daughter’s gift of inspiration—and her grit. “I have always tried to encourage her to just do her best, and to know when to quit,” she said. “But she only heard do your best, because she never quits!”

Lela Davidson is a freelance writer and the author of Blacklisted from the PTA and Who Peed on My Yoga Mat?

Play Ball!

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PROSTHETICS / ORTHOTICS / PEDORTHICS / POST-MASTECTOMY january 2013 savvy kids

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Get Educated

What “typical” parents and children should know

By Erica Sweeney

Special-needs parents fight for what’s best for their children on a daily basis. Often, this means a busy schedule full of doctor and therapy appointments, daily care and dealing with stares and inappropriate comments from strangers.

“It’s not an easy life, but our children are perfect for us,” says Rachel Brewer. “We don’t take any milestone for granted.”

Brewer’s daughter, Ava, who is almost 3, has Angelman Syndrome, a neuro-genetic disorder, causing her to be nonverbal and have seizures. The Brewers spend several days a week at therapy and Ava takes medication for her seizures.

Creating an open dialogue among parents of all children is the best way to teach “typical” children to interact with “special needs” children, says Brewer, who lives in Maumelle. But starting the conversation is not always easy.

“Many parents don’t know how to approach us,” she says. “Many stare or don’t make eye contact.”

Christy Etters has had similar experiences with people asking about her 9-year-old son, Jackson, who has autism.

“People look at you differently,” she says. “We’re normal people. Our kids are just as human. They may act differently or need a little extra help in certain areas.”

Both moms say they prefer for strangers to simply strike up a conversation about their special-needs children or ask questions. As Brewer says, “Honesty is the best policy. There’s no other way to learn.”

“If people have questions, they should just ask,” says Etters, who lives in Conway.” I’ll tell them anything. I’m an open book.”

After all, “special-needs parents are just parents,” Brewer says. “We like it when another parent takes an interest.”

She says special-needs parents often want to educate others about their children, but feel that “typical” parents aren’t interested.

“I’m not a shy person,” Brewer says. “When I see people who seem interested, I engage them in conversation.”

Being open and honest is most important, Etters says, but she realizes most people don’t know how to ask questions about their children because “they think we’ll get offended.”

People can say things that “aren’t the nicest,” but Brewer says she tries to focus on the “spirit” of the comment, rather than the actual words. Generally, she says she doesn’t think people mean to be rude; they just don’t know how to approach special-needs parents.

14 | savvy kids January 2013

Rachel & Ava

Questions like, “what’s wrong with your kid?” may “come across harsh,” but it likely wasn’t meant that way, she says. Comments like, “I don’t know how you do it,” can be irritating for special-needs parents, even though Brewer says she knows people mean to be empathetic. For her, that statement implies that she should be doing more: “As a mom, you do what you have to for you child and you think ‘what else should I be doing?’”

Amie Gaither, a social worker at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, urges special-needs parents to try not to take difficult comments too personally, though she admits it can be difficult. “Lack of information leads to those inappropriate comments and questions,” she says.

It shouldn’t be assumed that people with disabilities don’t understand or can’t communicate, Brewer says. Talking directly to the special-needs child is “always refreshing,” she says. “It’s treating a person with disabilities like a person.”

Brewer says strangers are most curious about Ava because she is nonverbal, but is very expressive, claps and is learning sign language. She says people often want to know why she doesn’t talk back.

Etters says Jackson’s service dog, Chester, is a good conversation starter. She says it seems easier for people to ask questions about the service dog than to ask about Jackson.

Often, it’s not what’s said, but the actions that parents take that can be most upsetting, Brewer says. Both Brewer and Etters say they’ve experienced parents pulling

their children off of swing sets to get away from their special-needs children.

“That’s teaching your child that something is wrong,” Etters says. “If you’re curious, don’t whisper behind my back. If you’re going to talk about me, come to my face and talk about me.”

Gaither says parents should lead by example in teaching their children about being respectful and accepting of others. When parents steer their children away from special-needs people, it sends the message that it’s OK to avoid people who are different. Instead, parents should show their kids that special-needs children can be friends too, Gaither says.

Many special-needs parents get frustrated because they feel that other parents don’t see that “we’re just normal parents, and want what’s best for our children,” Etters says. Brewer agrees: “People don’t understand, I’m just a mom too.”

A place where children with learning differences and developmental disabilities can grow and develop in an environment tailored to meet their unique needs.

Gaither says it’s important to remember that special-needs kids are still kids and “all kids are unique, with their own personalities and traits that are special.”

Also, Brewer urges parents to focus on “how our kids are similar and not different, and impart that to your child.”

She says Ava doesn’t notice people’s negative reactions: “She’s so happy and loving.

She’s never met someone she didn’t want to be friends with. I don’t want to chastise people for not wanting to get to know her. It’s their loss.”

Parents of special-needs kids should be approached to discuss their children just like any other parent, Gaither says. She suggests asking special-needs parents specific questions about their children, rather than making general statements. And, she says, a smile goes a long way.

“Special-needs parents don’t want to be treated any differently,” she says. “They don’t want pity, but appreciate support.”

Finding a support system is essential to dealing with negative comments from strangers. Most special-needs parents look to family, friends and other special-needs parents for support. There are also many online communities for special-needs parents, Gaither says.

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Both Brewer and Etters say that before having children, they had little experience with specialneeds kids. Growing up, Brewer admits that she never knew many specialneeds people, and didn’t know how to approach them so she stayed away. Now that she has a special-needs child, she says avoiding specialneeds people “shows more ignorance.”

“The more comfortable parents become with people with special needs, the better we’ll all be,” she says.

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If your child has been diagnosed with a development disorder: Autism, Asperger syndrome, PDD, Down syndrome, Apraxia or other language disorders, or sensory integration issues, contact us today for more information or to schedule an evaluation for your child.

(501) 663-6965 • 1600 Riverfront Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas We work with a variety of private insurance providers as well as ARKids 1st, Medicaid, TEFRA and TRICARE. Jackson january 2013 savvy kids

| 15

Good Grief

Receiving a diagnosis can bring a wave of emotions for parents.

By Duane Runyan, Ph.D., MBA

“Good grief.” What exactly was Charlie Brown thinking every time he muttered this phrase? Whether it was the kite-eating tree or Lucy pulling the football away from him at the last second; Charlie Brown would respond by saying, “Good Grief.” Most likely, the cartoonist, Charles Schulz used this phrase as an expression of surprise and frustration. Did he really mean good?

Maybe. Perhaps rather than saying a bad word, Mr. Schultz would substitute words. That seems likely, considering the two words, “good” and “grief” rarely, if ever - go together. Or do they? Still, it makes me wonder why Charlie Brown would utter his now famous saying. In this article, the concept of grief will be looked at a bit more closely.

These days, the term “grief” tends to be linked with loss often associated with death, such as bereavement. Phrases such as “grieving the loss of your loved one” contribute to this specific use of the word. But this is not the original meaning of this word. There is much more to this word than bereavement and death. The term grief initially was used in the 1300’s from the term “gravis” 16 | savvy kids January 2013

meaning “a heavy burden, mental pain and sorrow.” For those of us that have experienced grief, it makes some sense that the same word that brought us grief also brought us “gravity.” Grief is a heavy, heavy burden that causes pain and almost seems smothering. As Sarah Dessen wrote in The Truth About Forever, “grief can be a burden, but also an anchor. You get used to the weight, how it holds you in place.”

How did we get a narrower view of “grief” in today’s use of the term? This is probably related to a famous book from the late 1960’s by psychiatrist, Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. She published a book entitled, “Death and Dying” in 1969, which was based on her work with patients who were dying. She identified five stages of grief from her work. These stages include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. She notes everyone who experiences grief will not necessarily go through all of these stages and they can occur in any order. While Dr. Kubler-Ross originally applied the grief process to patients who were dying (which is probably where it became

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These life events include tragedies, disasters, divorce, drug addiction, or disease amongst others.

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When talking with parents of special needs children, they sometimes describe a grieving process. For many parents, they experience strong emotions around the child’s diagnosis. They struggle with questions about changing expectations of themselves, their spouse, and their children. After all, what is happening is different than what the parents wanted to see happen – and it is different from other people’s paths. Not surprisingly, it is not uncommon for marital challenges to occur in the context of grief. Many parents struggle with the “why did this happen” question, which is a very normal expression of grief.

How can parents grieve and not feel guilty that they are grieving?

An essay written in the 1980’s by Emily Kingsley called “Welcome to Holland” captures the unanticipated journey very well. It is a metaphor for parenting the child with special needs. It is about a person on an airplane to Italy, a place the person wanted to go all of their life. They have read the guide books learned the language, and all are ready to go. Then the flight attendant announces that there has been a change in the flight plan and the plane lands in Holland instead and “there you must stay.” It is a different place than Italy, slower-paced and less flashy. After awhile, you notice that “Holland is a unique place; it has windmills, tulips, even Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy….and for the rest of your life you will say, ‘Yes, that’s where I was supposed to go. That’s what I had planned.’

And perhaps, the pain of not going to Italy will never, ever go away, because the loss of that dream is a very significant loss. But If you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn’t get to Italy; you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things about Holland.”

Perhaps “Welcome to Holland” is what Charlie Brown meant by “Good Grief” after all.

Duane Runyan, Ph.D., MBA, is the CEO/Managing Director of Rivendell Behavioral Health Services of Arkansas. To learn more, call 1-800-264-5640.

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…

The Most Precious Gift On Earth

Maimed At Birth!

By Dr. J.R. Crabtree D.C. We all want what’s best for our children. From the moment they’re born, we worry about them. Is their food nutritious? Are they eating enough? Will they develop a rash from buying the wrong brand of diapers? What’s the best laundry detergent? Or even, what if we choose the wrong doctor? When we hold them in our arms and feel the weight of their small bodies and smell the sweet scent of their skin, we realize they are a gift, a gift from God to be cherished and cared for to the best of our abilities.

For many of us, our child’s birth was a marathon we thought we couldn’t run.

And in the end, we finished with the best prize. It’s the beginning of a journey of health and happiness. But for others, the prize doesn’t come so easily, and many are pained in the process. Health and happiness are like a distant island in an angry ocean that is pulling them further out to sea.

During difficult births, doctors must do what they feel is necessary to deliver the baby and still protect the mother in the process. These procedures often 18 | savvy kids January 2013

result in babies being pulled or twisted to “help” them exit the womb. Often their head or neck is strained, and there have even been cases of broken collar bones and torn tendons and ligaments. Some doctors resort to using suction or forceps to pull the baby through the birth canal. Even in the event of a C-Section, babies have had facial bruising from a tumultuous delivery.

Pulling and twisting on a newborn’s head and neck can have long-lasting consequences for the child. Every mother knows that when holding a baby you must always support the child’s head and neck. A baby has very little muscle development in their neck to support their head. If someone were to pick up a baby and grab the child’s head and begin pulling on the head and neck, it is easy to see how this could severely injure the child. The brain stem is the lifeline of the body. If it has been twisted and manipulated during the birthing process, many health problems can surface.

Over 700,000 babies suffer from colic, leaving parents desperately seeking

had a reversal in symptoms and problems. Colic has dissipated, digestion and allergies have improved, and ear infections are few and far between. Countless other ailments have been prevented by maintaining upper cervical care, which drastically helps immune system function.

Over 700,000 babies suffer from colic...

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, consider these helpful points: • Talk with your doctor about the delivery process. Request that your child have no twisting, pulling, or suction. Many babies are born without the doctor ever touching the child’s head or neck. God designed a mother’s body to contract and squeeze the child through the birth canal without being twisted and pulled from the outside.

• Consider using a midwife or doula. Most midwives or doulas are well trained in ways to deliver a baby without pulling or twisting the head and neck of the baby.

• Consider denying the epidural, spinal tap, or pain blockers. These drugs weaken the contractions, making exiting the womb much harder for baby.

• Consider denying induced labor. Usually labor begins naturally when the mother’s body knows it is time to birth the child. Starting this process prematurely with drugs ensures that the mother’s contractions will not be as strong and not timed correctly.

answers. Some two million babies are put on “formula” to try to alleviate digestive problems or allergies. Ten million babies suffer from chronic ear infections, consuming over 30 million doses of antibiotics annually. Still millions of others suffer with headaches, epilepsy, ADD, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, asthma and other health issues too numerous to mention.

As parents, we want our children to live life to the fullest, to be happy and healthy. We want them safe and protected above all else. One of the most important steps of all is having your baby checked by a certified upper cervical doctor to ensure that your child has recovered from the birthing process. This process is fast and simple and can have huge benefits for the child’s well-being.

There are many things in this world we can’t protect children from, but giving them the best healthcare possible is one way we can protect them.

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Photo by Brian Chilson

Drake Haynes’ Story A Potential Medical Breakthrough and Intensive Treatment Improve Life for 3-Year-Old with Cerebral Palsy

By Becca Green The fear of passing diabetes on to her unborn child spurred Nicole Haynes to bank her infant’s umbilical cord blood three years ago. She couldn’t have known at the time that her baby boy, Drake, would later be eligible for a cord blood stem cell clinical trial.

Haynes, a registered nurse, was in her postpartum hospital room when a neonatologist told her Drake had an ischemic stroke at birth. The artery supplying blood to the right side of his brain was blocked, which deprived some cells of the oxygen and nutrients needed to function. The resulting damage meant Drake was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Haynes was advised to enroll Drake in developmental therapies to address his hemiplegia, a weakness on the left side of his body, and general development.

Haynes recalls Drake’s early developmental months, noting his delays in speech and motor skills. He didn’t make many sounds, other than “da” and “bye;” he never crawled; and, when sitting, would use his dominant leg to propel himself across the floor, earning him the nickname, “Scooter.”

While pregnant with her second child, Haynes called Cord Blood Registry to bank her daughter’s cord blood. As she chatted with the CBR representative, she shared Drake’s story. She learned that an infusion of Drake’s cord blood, which had been banked at his delivery, might be available to him immediately for an experimental treatment.

Soon after, Drake was selected to be one of a limited number of children participating in an FDA-regulated clinical trial led by Dr. James Carroll, MD, chief of child neurology at Georgia Health Sciences University. The purpose was to determine whether an infusion from stem cells of cord blood can improve the quality of life for children with cerebral palsy. Drake began the year-long trial, a double-blind study, in June 2011. Participation involved four visits to GHSU. During the first two visits, an injection of either a placebo or the child’s cord blood was given, with one of the two injections 20 | savvy kids January 2013

guaranteed to be the child’s own cord blood. The remaining two visits involved assessments of developmental skills such as cognition, speechlanguage skills and motor skills.

Haynes describes the effect on her now 3-year-old son as being “as if a curtain was lifted,” recounting his improvements in speech and lapse of seizures during and following the trial period. “Before, I had no idea if he was affected intellectually [from his stroke at birth], because he wouldn’t respond,” said Haynes, recalling Drake’s “flat affect” in his early years. “[Now,] I feel like, mentally, he’s fine.”

Haynes is quick to point out that she feels Drake’s success is attributed to the combination of his cord blood infusion and intensive developmental education and therapeutic treatment during his early years. She noted, “You can’t get an infusion, go sit on a couch and cure cerebral palsy. That’s not how it works. Drake’s therapists and teachers, along with the stem cells, have helped him become the person we always hoped he would become.”

Drake has attended ACCESS Preschool, where he receives full-time developmental education and therapy services, since infancy. Cheri Stevenson, ACCESS director of operations, referred to Drake’s accomplishments in therapy as “steady, with marked improvement in his language and motor skills during the last year. Although he continues to work on goals in therapy as related to the needed developmental skills of a 3-year-old, Drake barely qualified for developmental education during his last assessment. I think one could make a strong case for his stem cell injection contributing to his development.

We have enjoyed working with him and watching him make progress.”

Drake is described by his current teacher, Lorie Baker, as “fun-loving,” happily taking part in all classroom activities, especially music and movement time.

He was cited as being persistent in trying to do things independently and the last child in the room who will ask for help, preferring instead to try first to

accomplish tasks on his own. In addition to play skills and establishing independence, other skills Drake continues to work on in preschool and therapy include articulation; strengthening oral-motor skills; improving strength, balance and coordination; increased range of motion; the bilateral use of hands (to avoid neglecting his left side); visual motor skills; self-calming skills (for sensory modulation); and self-help when using utensils.

Haynes credited family support as another reason for Drake’s accomplishments, noting help from family and friends with travel arrangements for his clinical trial participation and with the costs of cord blood banking. She portrayed the trial participation as somewhat daunting, as it involved a new area of medical research and a significant commitment of time and effort but is thankful she had the opportunity to participate.

As a nurse, Haynes is keenly aware of potential complications for Drake stemming from his cerebral palsy diagnosis and an unrelated venous malformation of his esophagus, for which he has had multiple, phased surgeries. The decision to enroll Drake in the clinical trial was not an easy one for her or her husband, Joey. When asked what made them ultimately decide to participate, Haynes responded that they kept asking themselves, “What do we tell Drake later if we don’t try this?”

Photo by Brian Chilson

The field of cord blood stem cell research is relatively new, with new research projects tied to a number of therapeutic areas launching continually. Haynes’ message to other parents who are considering banking their babies’ cord blood is one of hope: “There are options out there. This could be a medical breakthrough,” she said.

For more information on the Cord Blood Registry, stem cell research and related clinical trials, visit cordblood.com

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At Wit’s End A parent’s guide to knowing when to seek mental health services for children

by Jane Dennis

Asking for help is difficult for many parents. Mom and Dad may feel like they’re supposed to have all the answers and know what to do when faced with bumps in the road of parenting or raising a child. They may feel illequipped to handle a child’s escalating mood swings. Some parents may worry that they will look weak or inadequate if they turn to professionals for help.

But they shouldn’t.

Mental health professionals are well equipped to lend a hand and offer sound advice and expertise to families with concerns or questions about their child’s emotional state.

When do you take that step and seek mental health assistance? «The answer to this lies in another question,» says Ally Orsi, LSCW, a psychotherapist with Methodist Family Health, a Little Rock-based nonprofit that provides behavioral and mental health services to children under 18 and their families.

«Are the problems with your child getting in his or her way? Do they interfere with the major areas of a child›s life, such as going to school, finishing schoolwork, family relationships, peer relationships? Has there been legal involvement? All of these are ways of looking at the impact your child›s symptoms are having on him/her and the family.»

Irritability is another early sign to watch for, «although this is a tough one 22 | savvy kids January 2013

because most adolescents are irritable,» says Courtney Bishop, LPC, who assesses children for mental health issues prior to admission to a Methodist Family Health program. «But I always tell people to try to gauge their child by other peers close to their age. Have there been sudden changes in behavior, especially withdrawing, a loss of interest in things they used to like (such as suddenly dropping out of an extracurricular activity), crying spells or sleep disturbance, such as difficulty falling asleep or waking in the middle of the night?”

Parents may notice their child cannot tolerate much stress without crying, or becomes angry and ill-tempered easily, Orsi adds. In young children, often stomach aches, headaches and other physical complaints can be correlated with feeling anxious or depressed.

“Children lack the vocabularies that adults have and often are confused by the physical feeling of depression or anxiety,” Orsi notes. “Because of this, a child who feels worried or sad may complain that their stomach hurts. Most children are not familiar with the term ‘anxiety’ and will not know what it means. Therefore, they complain of the physical symptoms the anxiety and depression are causing.”

It’s not wise to ignore signs of depression or anxiety. “In children, things may come to a boiling point if mood problems are not addressed,” Orsi says. “You may notice your child is falling behind in school. You may notice

There are many different levels of care for mental health services. As a general guideline, children with emotional struggles and mental health challenges are placed “in the least restrictive, effective treatment environment,” Orsi explains. “A child who is threatening suicide should always be taken seriously, and needs an assessment by a qualified mental health professional to determine what type of placement is best. For some this is day treatment. For others, problems can be effectively resolved with outpatient therapy services like individual and family therapy. More restrictive environments for children, such as hospitals, may be necessary in some cases where the child is suicidal, homicidal, or represents a threat of harm to himself or others.”

Parents are urged to start and keep the lines of communication open with children from a very young age. It’s never too late to start. Be mindful of the child’s interests and pastimes. Does your child like to build Legos? Build with him/her and talk while you do. Ask questions about school, friends, teachers, and whether your child feels like she/he is successful. Some children who struggle with academic and peer problems develop low self-esteem. Have family meetings. Go over the feelings (mad, sad, scared, confused, happy, etc.) and encourage or praise your child for talking.

In teenagers, this can be a difficult balance between their normal need to have more privacy and the parental need to ensure the child is safe. “I do not recommend sneaking around to find out how your teen is doing,” Orsi warns.

“Do not read her/his diary or texts. Unless your child has given you a reason to check these things, showing him or her you trust them is one way to gain their trust in return. Aside from that, children deserve some privacy. If you are concerned about your child or teen, tell them. Give specific changes you have noticed and why you are concerned.”

Parents will most likely have to initiate these conversations by asking questions, but once initiated they should become more of a listener, Bishop says. “Parents want to fix things for their kids and make them feel better immediately. With mental health issues, such as depression, this is not always possible. Parents tend to try to give their kids advice or tell them what to do to make it better, which then pushes the kid away and makes them less likely to open up to the parent again.”

Ask your child for their input in deciding what to do. Ask if they want to see a therapist or if they want to go to the doctor. Yes, there are times that parents have to make these decisions regardless of what the child wants to do. “But if you start out with giving them some input,” Bishop advises, “they will feel more empowered, like they have more control, and less like you are just trying to push them off onto someone else to fix.”

Jane Dennis is director of communications for Methodist Family Health. The staff at Methodist Family Health would gladly answer questions or concerns from parents or family members. Call (501) 661-0720 for more information.

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they are isolating a lot and do not have the same friends. Or, perhaps your child is irritable, defiant and confused by his or her feelings. For this reason, communication is key. Do not be afraid to talk to your children about emotions and emotional distress. Untreated, many unresolved mood symptoms can lead to more serious impairments in the major areas of a child’s life and the family’s.

If a parent has concerns, Bishop advises, they should first contact their school counselor, family physician or an outpatient provider like Methodist Family Health to determine if services are needed. Many providers have therapists who can meet privately with children in their school setting so their school day is less disrupted and parents don’t have to miss work to provide transportation.

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www.ascentchs.com january 2013 savvy kids

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Beyond Ritalin

An alternative therapy to helping kids with ADHD

By Learning RX

If your child has been labeled “ADHD,” you may already feel the pressure to pump him full of Ritalin. But while it’s estimated that 6 million children will take Ritalin or other brands of stimulant medications, that doesn’t mean that a prescription is right for your child.

Like all medications, there are risks and side effects associated with taking stimulants: insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability and perhaps most common – a sense of emotional “numbness.”

And while some parents swear that the benefits have been enough to get their children back on track in school, there is a growing movement toward non-drug therapies to help kids with ADHD. One therapy that has proved particularly effective is called “cognitive skills training.”

24 | savvy kids January 2013

What are cognitive skills?

Unlike tutoring or computer-based programs that focus on behavior management or specific academic skills, cognitive skills training helps children with learning disabilities attend to and process information.

“Cognitive skills are the essential, but often overlooked fundamental tools of effective learning,” explains Ken Gibson, founder of LearningRx, a national franchise that specializes in cognitive skills training. “Learning isn’t about how much you know, but how effectively you process or handle the information you receive.

Cognitive skills are the mental mechanisms that process incoming information.”

Unlike academic disciplines, cognitive skills are not the subject taught in school classrooms. “Most parents – and some educators – are unaware that there’s a difference between cognitive and academic skills,” says Gibson. “Cognitive skills are the underlying tools that enable kids to successfully focus, think, prioritize, plan, understand, visualize, remember and create useful associations, and solve problems.”

How are weak cognitive skills identified?

Cognitive skills are not easy to see or recognize through casual observation. They function behind the scenes as you process the information received from every possible source – sound, touch, sight, and even information received from yourself when you are thinking, speculating, or recalling. Because

of this ‘behind the scenes’ nature, an appropriate assessment test is essential for the identification and treatment of weak cognitive skills.

There are, however, common traits that children with weak cognitive skills often display, including: • Difficulty paying attention • Poor test scores, grades or reading comprehension • Poor memory • Difficulty organizing activity • Poor study and work habits • Taking a long time to complete tasks • Disinterest (or dislike) in school Parents can take a full online evaluation at www.learningrx.com to help them further identify their child’s weak cognitive skills.

How does cognitive skills therapy help?

A child’s cognitive skill set is made up of several cognitive skills including auditory processing, visual processing, short and long-term memory, comprehension, logic and reasoning, and attention skills. Each of these can also be divided into identifiable sub-skills. For example, attention is made up of sub-skills such as sustain attention (staying on task), selective attention (ignoring distractions) and divided attention (handling more than one task at a time). Each of these skills and sub-skills play a specific and necessary role, and must work in concert before an individual can learn effectively.

“Good programs use intense focused training to strengthen weak skills,” says Gibson. “It’s just like practicing the piano to improve your skill level.

There are specific programs and exercises that specialize in identifying and strengthening weak cognitive skills. With the right program, most children who have been labeled as having ADHD, ADD or other learning disabilities can improve from three to five grade levels and about half the students no longer require medication.”

“We were so thankful to find a program that gave good results right away,” said Isidro and Luz (last name omitted for privacy), whose son experienced cognitive skills training. “Joshua had such a bad habit of chewing on his sleeves. A week after he started the program he stopped this habit. A month later we noticed how he started focusing, being more responsible with his schoolwork and his home duties too. Later friends started noticing how calm he was getting. We truly recommend (cognitive skills therapy) programs to anybody.”

For Sheila and Sam, there was no question that cognitive skills training drastically changed their son’s love for reading. “Yuri struggled significantly with reading before the classes. Now he is reading everything he sees – posters, cereal boxes, street signs, etc. He loves being able to ‘do it himself.’ He also is better able to focus on what’s important and ignore the other noises going on around him.”

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For those parents who are considering Ritalin – or whose child is already taking it – cognitive skills training may offer a more natural approach to learning disabilities. Just be aware of the benefits of the therapy: improved attention, higher grades, better performance, increased self-esteem, and perhaps most important – a new love for learning!

LearningRx is a successful nationwide network of brain training centers. We are a family of concerned and passionate educators, professionals, and local business owners who want to help kids and adults learn & perform faster, better, and more easily. We are also a stable and growing company with expansion opportunities for businessminded people who want to make a positive contribution to their community.

drbpd.com january 2013 savvy kids

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Financial Planning

for Kids With Special Needs As friends worry out loud about how they’ll pay for their kids’ college education, the parents of children with special needs have worries that extend beyond the few years it takes to get a college degree: • How will we pay for the special therapies our child needs now?

• Who will pay our child’s expenses once he or she becomes an adult?

• Where will our child live and who will oversee his or her care after we’re gone?

These daunting questions and fears stop many parents in their tracks.

But creating a plan can ease anxiety, say financial planners. Some of the issues you need to confront are financial: How do you set aside money for your child without affecting his or her government benefits?

And some are emotional: Who would understand your child’s needs if something were to happen to you right now?

Here are 10 steps to planning your child’s financial future. Some are simple, some are challenging; some cost nothing and some require paying legal fees. Get started on some of these now, so you’ll have peace of mind down the road.

1. Create a Special Needs Trust A special needs trust is the most important part of your child’s longterm financial plan. This is where you can put money that you save, that others give your child as gifts, or that you receive from an insurance settlement without worrying that these funds will interfere with your 26 | savvy kids January 2013

child’s eligibility for federal benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Even if you’re unable to pay into a trust right now, set one up anyway.

This way, you can make the trust the beneficiary of your life insurance policy and your estate, ensuring that those assets don’t get passed to your child when you die. Why wouldn’t you want your child to be the beneficiary of your estate? Because showing more than $2,000 in assets could make your child ineligible for federal benefits such as SSI. 2. Write a Will A will specifies what will be done with your assets after your death. By writing a will, you make sure that your assets are left to the special needs trust and not to your child. Without a will, a probate court judge could name your child as a beneficiary, which could make your child ineligible for federal benefits (see above). The will is also where you can specify a guardian who will take care of your child.

When you have a child with special needs, a will should not be a do-ityourself endeavor. Hire a lawyer who works specifically for people with special needs and is aware of your state’s disability laws. Once the documents are drafted, have your lawyer keep one and then give copies to any executors or guardians named in the will.

Costs for this legal paperwork, including the will, trust, and powers of

attorney, start at $1,500 and go higher depending on where you live.

Contact the Academy of Special Needs Planners or the Special Needs Alliance for a referral to an attorney in your state.

therapists, and other medical support people as well as current medications and their dosages and schedules. Are there people you don’t want around your child or activities to be avoided? Write that down too.

3. Name a Guardian A guardian is the person who will care for your child if you were to die before he or she becomes an adult. In choosing this person, consider how much time you now spend tending to your child’s needs. Who can handle that type of commitment? Who has bonded with your child? Who has the patience, understanding, and other personality traits necessary to deal with the day-to-day responsibilities of raising your child?

And then once a year, update the letter. This is not a formal legal document, so you can draft it yourself. Keep a copy wherever you have copies of your will. And make sure that your child’s appointed guardian has a copy too.

Once you pick someone, ask the person if he or she can and will accept that responsibility (even though you hope it will never be necessary).

And talk about how this commitment will likely stretch beyond when your child turns 18.

4. Name a Trustee A trustee is the person who will be responsible for managing the special needs trust after your death. It can be a family member, a friend, or even a bank or lawyer. The trustee ensures that the money in the trust is spent only on your child with special needs and only on services that you’ve specified or that are appropriate to your child’s needs. The trustee also supervises how the money in the trust is invested. The person who is caring for your son or daughter (the guardian) cannot spend any money in the trust without the trustee’s approval.

And a word on trustees and guardians: They often are not the same person, and some financial advisors recommend that they never be the same person. By separating these roles, you ensure a “checks and balances” system for your child’s future needs.

5. Build Your Savings Parents of children with special needs quickly learn that just because a child needs a certain treatment or therapy doesn’t mean that your school system will offer it or insurance will cover it. This is where personal savings become so important. Start putting aside whatever you can each month — no amount is too small — to cover these extra expenses. Just make sure you never put this money in your child’s name.

Savings also can help pay for a special needs advocate, an expert in special education who can help you navigate the paperwork, programs, and laws that affect what services your child qualifies for. Special needs advocates can save parents money in the long run by using their expertise to ensure that kids get all the services they’re entitled to from their local school district.

To find an advocate in your area, contact your local school district, organizations focused on your child’s disability, or local colleges with special needs programs for a referral.

7. Plan for Your Child’s Independence When your child is about 16, start thinking about where he or she will live as an adult. In most states, people with special needs are 21 or 22 years old when they become ineligible for education services through the local public school system.

So start thinking: Will your child remain living with you? If so, will support personnel be needed during the day when he or she used to be at school? Are day programs for adults with special needs available in your area? If independent living is the goal, start investigating options in your community such as shared living, group homes, or apartments.

Once you find a place you like, get on the waiting list if there is one.

8. Apply for Guardianship or Power of Attorney Once children turn 18, they’re considered adults in the eyes of the law.

This gives your child the right to make medical and financial decisions.

If he or she is not capable of this or needs your guidance, consider assuming legal guardianship or the less-restrictive power of attorney and health care proxy for his or her financial, legal, and health care affairs.

This way you maintain the same supervision and control you had over these as you did when your daughter or son was younger.

Experts advise parents to hire an attorney to help with this process.

This will ensure that you have all the powers you would need to assume control of your adult child’s health care in the event of an emergency. If your child cannot or won’t consent to you assuming power of attorney, the matter will likely be decided before a probate court judge.

9. Educate Family Members Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other loved ones might want to help out with expenses. But explain to them the importance of not putting anything in your child’s name. Have a family meeting and explain why grandpa can’t leave anything to your child in his will or name your child beneficiary on his life insurance policy. The same goes for gifts of savings bonds, stocks, or cash: nothing should ever be in your child’s name.

And if your son or daughter will not attend college, there is no need for a 529 savings plan. Those funds can only be used for post-secondary education, not private schools, tutoring, or therapies needed before age 18.

If loved ones want to leave something to your child, they can. But tell them to name the special needs trust as the beneficiary to ensure that your child holds no assets of his or her own.

6. Write a Letter of Intent Preparing for your child’s financial future is important. But hand-inhand with that is making sure that your child’s everyday needs will be met should anything happen to you. That’s where a Letter of Intent comes in. Is your child’s daily routine very important? Write it down and be as detailed as possible. The same goes for your child’s daily, weekly, and monthly schedules.

10. Need Help? Find an Advisor If all of this is too overwhelming, a certified financial planner or special needs financial planner can help. Ask your human resources department if your company offers this service as part of your benefits package. Or check the Academy of Special Needs Planners or Special Needs Alliance websites for a referral to a professional in your area.

Create a list of contact information for your child’s physicians,

© 1995- 2012 . The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission. january 2013 savvy kids

| 27

Resource Guide ADD/ADHD

Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD)/Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Clinic at Dennis Developmental Center 1301 Wolfe St., Little Rock (501) 364-1830 www.UAMS.edu/DDC Learning RX 11825 Hinson Road, Suite 102, Little Rock (501) 223-9500 www.LearningRX.com/little-rock

ADVOCACY

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families 1400 W. Markham, Suite 306, Little Rock (501) 371-9678 www.ARAdvocates.org Arkansas Disability Coalition 1123 S. University Ave., Suite 225, Little Rock (501) 614-7020 www.ADCPTI.org Disability Rights Center of Arkansas 1100 N. University Ave., Suite 101, Little Rock (501) 296-1775 www.ArkDisabilityRights.org National Alliance on Mental Health, Arkansas Chapter 1012 Autumn Road, Suite 1, Little Rock (501) 661-1548 www.namiarkansas.org

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Learning Disabilities Association of Arkansas P.O. Box 23514, Little Rock (501) 666-8777 www.LDarkansas.org Muscular Dystrophy Association, Central Arkansas Chapter 204 Executive Court, Suite 208, Little Rock (501) 227-7098 www.MDA.org United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas 9720 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock (501) 224-6067 www.UCPArk.org

EDUCATION

EVALUATION/ASSESSMENT ACCESS Evaluation and Resource Center 10618 Breckenridge Drive, Little Rock (501) 217-8600 www.ACCESSGroupInc.org Andrews Neuropsychology Consulting 10515 W. Markham St., Little Rock (501) 823-0592 www.andrewsneuropsychology.com Dennis Developmental Center 1301 Wolfe St., Little Rock (501) 364-1830 www.UAMS.edu/DDC

A Child’s Place Preschool 3920 Woodland Heights Road, Little Rock (501) 227-3634 www.eastersealsar.com

Educational Edge 415 N. McKinley, #280E, Little Rock 501-607-1300 http://eedge.org

Academy at Riverdale 1600 Riverfront Drive, Little Rock (501) 663-6965

INSURANCE

ACCESS Schools 10618 Breckenridge Drive, Little Rock (501) 217-8600 www.ACCESSGroupInc.org All Children’s Academy 12410 Cantrell Rd., Suite 200, Little Rock (501) 224-1418 www.allchildrensacademy.org

AR Kids First 500 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock (501) 374-6608 www.ARKidsFirst.com Arkansas Community Care 10025 W. Markham Street, Little Rock (501) 223-9088 www.ArkansasCommunityCare.com

LEARNING DISABILITIES

Learning Disabilities Clinic at Dennis Developmental Center 1301 Wolfe St., Little Rock (501) 364-1830 www.UAMS.edu/DDC

Arkansas Autism Resource and Outreach Center 2001 Pershing Circle, Suite 300, North Little Rock (501) 682-9900 www.aaroc.org

Arkansas School for the Blind 2600 West Markham St., Little Rock (501) 296-1810 www.ArkansasSchoolfortheBlind.org

Arkansas Children’s Hospital Autism Specialty Clinic 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock (501) 364-4000 www.ARChildrens.org

Butterfly Learning Center 9720 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock (501) 228-3868 www.ucpark.org

Autism Resource Center of Arkansas 2740 College Ave., Conway (501) 329-5459 www.CommunityConnectionsAR.org

Helping Hand Children’s Center 4901 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock (501) 791-3331 www.helpinghandcc.com

Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic at Dennis Developmental Center 1301 Wolfe St., Little Rock (501) 364-1830 www.UAMS.edu/DDC

Integrity Inc. 6124 Northmoor, Little Rock (501) 614-7200 www.integrityinc.org

Arkansas Epilepsy Program, PA 2 Lile Court, Suite 100, Little Rock (501) 227-5061 www.ArkansasEpilepsy.com

Lonoke Exceptional School 518 NE Front Street, Lonoke 207 Plaza Blvd., Cabot (501) 676-2786

Pediatric Neuropsychology Clinic at Dennis Developmental Center 1301 Wolfe St., Little Rock (501) 364-1830 www.UAMS.edu/DDC

Arkansas Children’s Hospital Neurodevelopmental and Neurobehavioral Clinic 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock (501) 364-4000 www.ARChildrens.org

DENTAL

Arkansas Children’s Hospital Dental Clinic 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock (501) 364-1816 www.ARChildrens.org

DISABILITY GROUPS

Arthritis Foundation 10 Corporate Hill Dr., Ste. 340, Little Rock (501) 664-7242 www.arthritis.org/arkansas 28 | savvy kids January 2013

Pathfinder Preschool 2615 W. Main St., Jacksonville (501) 982-4578 www.Pathfinderinc.org Sammie Gail Sanders Children’s Learning Center 1300 W. 18th Street, North Little Rock (501) 907-5716 www.aeddinc.org The Allen School 824 N. Tyler Street, Little Rock (501) 664-2961 www.TheAllenSchool.org

LEGAL SERVICES

Arkansas Special Education Law Firm 10515 W. Markham, Ste. H-9, Little Rock (501) 823-0550 www.arkspedlaw.com

MEDICAL

Arkansas Children’s Hospital 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock (501) 364-1100 www.ARChildrens.org

Snell Prosthetic and Orthotic Laboratory 625 N. University, Little Rock (501) 664-2624 www.SnellPandO.com

MENTAL HEALTH

Bridgeway 21 Bridgeway Road, North Little Rock (501) 771-1500 www.TheBridgeWay.com

Continued on page 30

WHEN CORBIN CAME TO US, HE COULDN’T UNDERSTAND A SIMPLE STORY. NOW, HE READS THEM TO HIS PARENTS. Student and clients join us for all kinds of reasons, whether they need evaluations, therapy or a different educational setting. ACCESS uses innovative, multi-sensory teaching methods. We offer everything from speech and reading to feeding techniques and educational technology.

Our services build a foundation for reading skills and future academic success so your child can hit milestones with his peers.

501-217-8600 · ACCESSGROUPINC.ORG · @ACCESSGROUPINC

EVALUATION & RESOURCE CENTER · SPEECH, PHYSICAL & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY · ACADEMIC THERAPY · PRESCHOOL · ACADEMY · YOUNG ADULT PROGRAM

“After Jacob was born, our doctor

“When Onetold cameus to something get came Angel out and Trevor we knew that he was was wrong with his heart. He already in the best possible asked where we wanted to go. hands.”

IF YOUR BABY IS BORN pRemAtURe,

WHeRe IN tHe WORLD DO YOU tURN? tO tHe BeSt HOSpItAL IN ARkANSAS FOR tINY BABIeS LIke YOURS.

We told him to get us to Children’s.”

F

rom Angel One Transport to our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Arkansas Children’s Hospital is the best place for your tiny miracle. The specialized care begins when Angel One comes to your hospital to pick up your baby and continues on arrival at the the only NICU in the state that offers comprehensive neonatal intensive care. ACH is the only hospital in Arkansas that has neonatologists at the hospital 24/7 and other specialists on-site that your baby might need. So if the unexpected happens and you don’t know where to turn, turn to Children’s.

Angel One™ • NICU • Heart Center

Desiree and Brandon Byrd with 4-month old son, Trevor

Learn more at archildrens.org | Healing is in our nature. january 2013 savvy kids

| 29

Resource Guide CONTINUED Methodist Family Health 1601 Murphy Drive, Maumelle (501) 803-3388 www.MethodistFamily.org Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral HealthCare System 11501 Financial Center Parkway, Little Rock (501) 223-3322 www.PinnaclePointeHospital.com Rivendell Behavioral Health Services 100 Rivendell Drive, Benton (501) 316-1255 www.RivendellofArkansas.com

NUTRITION

Martial Arts (501) 329-5459 www.CommunityConnectionsAR.org Miracle League of Arkansas PO Box 7372, Little Rock (501) 940-3405 www.MiracleLeagueAR.com My Art (501) 329-5459 www.CommunityConnectionsAR.org Rivas United Football League (501) 329-5459 www.CommunityConnectionsAR.org

Arkansas Relay Services 26 Corporate Hill Drive, Little Rock (501) 221-1285 www.ArkansasRelay.com Arkansas School for the Deaf PO Box 3811, Little Rock (501) 324-9506 www.ARSchoolfortheDeaf.org Little Rock Audiology Clinic 500 S. University Ave., Suite 405, Little Rock (501) 664-5511 www.LittleRockAudiology.com

Arkansas Children’s Hospital Eating Disorder Clinic 16101 Cantrell Road, Ste. 114, Little Rock (501) 364-8957 www.ARChildrens.org

Showstoppers Cheerleading (501) 329-5459 www.CommunityConnectionsAR.org

Speech/Language Pathology Services at Dennis Developmental Center 1301 Wolfe St., Little Rock (501) 364-1830 www.UAMS.edu/DDC

Arkansas Children’s Hospital Nutrition Center 15 Children’s Way, Little Rock (501) 364-3309 www.ARChildrens.org

Special Olympics Arkansas 2115 Main Street, North Little Rock (501) 771-0222 www.SpecialOlympicsArkansas.org

UALR Speech and Hearing Clinic 5820 Asher Ave., Suite 600, Little Rock (501) 569-3155 www.UAMS.edu/chrp/audiospeech

Feeding Disorders Clinic at Dennis Developmental Center 1301 Wolfe St., Little Rock (501) 364-1830 www.UAMS.edu/DDC

TOP Soccer (501) 329-5459 www.CommunityConnectionsAR.org

RECREATION

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Acts Jr. (501) 329-5459 www.CommunityConnectionsAR.org Adapted Disc Golf (501) 256-4747 (501) 329-5459 www.CommunityConnectionsAR.org Camp Aldersgate 2000 Aldersgate Road, Little Rock (501) 225-1444 www.CampAldersgate.net Community Connections 2740 College Ave., Conway (501) 329-5459 www.CommunityConnectionsAR.org First Tee (501) 329-5459 www.CommunityConnectionsAR.org Freedom Reins 17706 Interstate 30, Suite 3, Benton (501) 315-4414 www.KidSourceTherapy.com ICan! Dance (501) 329-5459 www.CommunityConnectionsAR.org ICan! Make Music (501) 329-5459 www.CommunityConnectionsAR.org Little Rock Parks & Recreation – Therapeutic Recreation Division 500 W. Markham St., Room 108, Little Rock (501) 371-4770 www.LittleRock.org/ParksRecreation/TherapeuticRec 30 | savvy kids January 2013

Butterfly Learning Center 9720 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock (501) 228-3868 www.ucpark.org Easter Seals Arkansas 3920 Woodland Heights Road, Little Rock (501) 227-3600 www.eastersealsar.com Independent Living Services 1615 Independence Ave., Conway (501) 327-5234 www.IndLiving.org Pathfinder, Inc. 1410 W. 14th St., Little Rock (501) 375-7811 www.Pathfinderinc.org

SPEECH AND HEARING Affiliated Audiology Center 10310 W. Markham St., Little Rock (501) 224-6910 www.AACAudiology.com Arkansas Audiology 2835 College Ave., Conway (501) 329-7979 www.ArkansasAudiology.com Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Audiology Department 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock (501) 364-4000 www.ArChildrens.org Arkansas Department of Health, Infant Hearing Program 4815 W. Markham St., Slot 20, Little Rock (501) 280-4740 www.ArHealthyHearing.com

SUPPORT SERVICES

American Childhood Cancer Organization of Arkansas P.O. Box 3854, Little Rock (501) 376-4567, Ext. 25 Arc of Arkansas 2004 S. Main St., Little Rock (501) 375-7770 www.ArkArc.org Arkansas Department of Rehabilitation Services 525 W. Capitol, Little Rock (501) 296-1600 www.ARSinfo.org Arkansas Down Syndrome Association 9800 Vinson Court, Little Rock (501) 223-3696 www.ARDownSyndrome.org Arkansas Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council 5800 W. 10th Street, Suite 805, Little Rock (501) 661-2589 www.DDCouncil.org Arkansas Hands and Voices P.O. Box 512, Conway (501) 569-8907 www.arhandsandvoices.org Arkansas Support Network 6836 Issac’s Orchard Road, Springdale (479) 927-4100 www.Supports.org Brain Injury Association of Arkansas PO Box 26236, Little Rock (501) 993-0420 www.BrainAssociation.org CARTI PO Box 55050, Little Rock (501) 664-8573 www.CARTI.com

Continued on page 32

grow, learn, develop & dream grow, learn, develop & dream

Friendship Community Care’s MiChild Enrichment Center in Bryant, Arkansas, serves children aged 6 weeks to kindergarten transition through Early Intervention Services, a CHMS program, a DDTCS program, and an ABC Program. We provide needed speech/language, occupational, physical, developmental, and behavioral therapies in a structured preschool setting as well as on an outpatient basis. Supplementary therapies for school-aged children are also available at our site. To discuss eligibility for any of our services, please contact us at 501-847-9711. 908 North Reynolds Road, Bryant, AR 72202 For information on other locations and services visit the Friendship Community Care website, www.friendshipcommunitycare.org facebook/fccare • twitter/fccare

Come Build Your Future With Us Speech and Language Therapy • Occupa�onal Therapy • Physical Therapy

Now Enrolling

Hearing and Vision Consulta�ons • Developmental Early Learning Readiness Assessment Evalua�ons & Developmental Screenings

Adults with developmental

CHMS (Child Health Management Services) available at Bryant, Russellville and West Fork campus

disabilities ages 18 & up

facebook/fccare 1‐800‐461‐1793 twi�er/fccare Join us at Easter Seals’ new www.fccare.org Center for Training and Wellness Developmental Delays • Down Syndrome

Designed to meet the expectations and challenges of today’s young adults.

Feeding Disorders • Hearing Impairments • Language Delays • Learning

ClassesDisabili�es • Intellectual Disabili�es • Sensory Integra�on Disorder and Services:

Computer and Technology

Activity clubs

Health and Fitness Cooking for healthy living

Learning strategies for adults with autism

Art and Music Library with book clubs

Job Training and Placement Therapy

501-376-1200 14901 Cantrell Rd. www.eastersealsar.com january 2013 savvy kids

| 31

Resource Guide CONTINUED

Centers for Youth and Families 5905 Forest Place, Suite 200, Little Rock (501) 666-8686 www.CentersforYouthandFamilies.org Children’s Tumor Foundation www.ctf.org Community Connections 2740 College Ave., Conway (501) 329-5459 www.CommunityConnectionsAR.org

Coping with Chronic Illness at Dennis Developmental Center 1301 Wolfe St., Little Rock (501) 364-1830 www.UAMS.edu/DDC Department of Human Services/Developmental Disabilities Services PO Box 1437, Slot N-501, Little Rock (501) 682-8678 www.State.ar.us/dhs/ddds/NewWebsite/index.html Easter Seals Outreach Program 3920 Woodland Heights Road, Little Rock (501) 227-3600 www.eastersealsar.com Epilepsy Education Association 701 Autumnbrook Circle, Sherwood (501) 454-9950 www.EpilepsyArkansas.com First Assembly of God: COOL Kids 4501 Burrow Drive, North Little Rock (501) 758-8553 www.FirstNLR.com Friendship Community Care 920 N. University Drive, Russellville (479) 967-2322 5701 Springhill Rd., Benton (501) 653-2255 www.FriendshipCommunityCare.org Geyer Springs Baptist Church Special Needs Ministry 12400 Interstate 30, Little Rock (501) 455-3474 or (501) 351-2232 www.GSFBC.org Increasing Capabilities Access Network 26 Corporate Hill Drive, Little Rock (501) 666-8868 www.AR-ICAN.org Integrity Inc. 6124 Northmoor, Little Rock (501) 614-7200 www.integrityinc.org Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – Greater Arkansas Chapter 11324 Arcade Drive, Suite 16, Little Rock (501) 217-0321 www.JDRF.org/GreaterArkansas

www.ARChildrens.org/Services/Center-for-Good-Mourning/ Good-Mourning-Resources/Family-Counseling.aspx Parents Educating Arkansas about Children with Epilepsy (PEACE) PO Box 224, Vilonia (501) 563-5211 www.PeaceinArk.com Technology and Curriculum Access Center at Easter Seals 3920 Woodland Heights Road, Little Rock (501) 227-3600 www.AR.EasterSeals.com/TCC

THERAPY

ACCESS Group 10618 Breckenridge Drive, Little Rock (501) 217-8600 www.ACCESSGroupInc.org All Children’s Therapy 12410 Cantrell Road, Suite 200, Little Rock (501) 868-1212 www.AllChildrensTherapy.org Allied Therapy & Counseling 1500 Wilson Loop, Ward (501) 834-0437 www.Allied-Therapy.com Andrews Neuropsychology Consulting 10515 W. Markham St., Little Rock (501) 823-0592 www.andrewsneuropsychology.com Arkansas Children’s Hospital Department of Rehabilitation 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock (501) 364-1192 www.ARChildrens.org Arkansas Therapy Outreach P.O. Box 807, Benton (501) 350-7572 www.artherapyoutreach.com Ascent Children’s Health Services 3214 Winchester Drive, Benton (501) 326-6160 4107 Richards Road, North Little Rock (501) 955-2220 www.AscentCHS.com Beyond Boundaries 2195 Peyton St., Ward (501) 941-1522 www.beyondboundariesar.com Charles A. Bussey Child Development Center 1410 W. 14th Street, Little Rock (501) 375-7811 http://www.pathfinderinc.org/litlrok.htm Easter Seals Arkansas Outpatient Children’s Services 3920 Woodland Heights Road, Little Rock (501) 219-4000 www.eastersealsar.com

March of Dimes 1501 N. Pierce Street, Suite 106, Little Rock (501) 663-3100 www.MarchofDimes.com/Arkansas

First Step, Inc. 407 Carson Street, Hot Springs (501) 624-6468 www.FirstStepArkansas.com

Medical Crisis and Loss Clinic at Dennis Developmental Center 1301 Wolfe St., Little Rock (501) 364-1830

HBO Clinic 106 S. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock (501) 353-2130 www.TheHBOClinic.com

32 | savvy kids January 2013

Hearts & Hooves 2308 Kellogg Acres Road, Sherwood (501) 834-8509 www.HeartsandHooves.com

Helping Hand Children’s Center 4901 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock (501) 791-3331 www.HelpingHandCC.com Independent Living Services 1615 Independence Ave., Conway (501) 327-5234 www.IndLiving.org KIDSource 300 S. Rodney Parham, Little Rock (501) 315-4414 www.KidSourceTherapy.com Onsite Therapies, Inc. 400 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock (501) 687-2000 www.OnsiteTherapies.net Pediatrics Plus 2740 College Ave., Conway (501) 329-5459 www.PedsPlusTherapy.com Social Behavior at Dennis Developmental Center 1301 Wolfe St., Little Rock (501) 364-1830 www.UAMS.edu/DDC Therapy 4 Kids 306 Salem, Conway (501) 514-3722 Hwy 65, Greenbrier (501) 581-6045 www.therapy4kids.net Timber Ridge Ranch NeuroRestorative Services 15000 Hwy. 298, Benton (800) 697-5350 www.NeuroRestorative.com

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT Arkansas Children’s Hospital Eye Clinic 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock (501) 364-1150 www.ARChildrens.org

Arkansas Department of Human Services: Division of Services for the Blind PO Box 3237, Little Rock (501) 682-5463 www.Arkansas.gov/dhs/dsb/NEWDSB Arkansas School for the Blind 2600 W. Markham, Little Rock (501) 296-1810 www.arkansasschoolfortheblind.org Lions World Services for the Blind 2811 Fair Park Blvd., Little Rock (501) 664-7100 www.LWSB.org National Association of Parents with Visually Impaired Children (NAPVI) PO Box 21611, Little Rock (479) 675-1551 www.ARNAPVI.org

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Structured preschool classes are scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Before and after care is available between 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The preschool and daycare is open year-round, five days a week, except for scheduled holidays. Our teacher child ratio is 1:4 6 wks through 2 years and 1:7 3-5 years.

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It is almost time for the

Boot Scootin’ Bash!

501.941.1522 • WWW.beyondboundARieSAR.Com 2195 Peyton StReet/HWy. 319 • WARd, AR 72176

Volunteers are always welcomed to our programs.

Contact Stacey at smcminn@alliedtherapy.com for more information.

7th Annual Beyond Boundaries Boot Scootin’ 5K Dash & Bash April 27, 2013 ~ 8 A.m. rAce Time ~ DemonsTrATions & Fun Till 1 p.m.

2195 peyTon sTreeT, WArD, Ar

Serving the needs of children in the Central Arkansas area for 20 years

1500 Wilson Loop Rd • Ward, AR 72176 • 501.941.5630

www.allied-therapy.com

ALLIED THERAPY & CONSULTING SERVICES, P.A. PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL & SPEECH THERAPY 501.834.0437 • 201 Country Club Rd • Sherwood, AR 72120 january 2013 savvy kids

| 33

SPECIAL NEEDS CALENDAR

SPECIAL NEEDS EVENTS

January

Parenting the Strong-Willed Child January 9 Tonight is the first night of the course Parenting the Strong-Willed Child. This course is great for parents wanting to learn behavior management tips for children between the ages of 2 and 10. This is a six week course that takes place from 6-8 p.m. The price of the class is $15.00 for the six week course. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Reserve your seat by calling the Parent Center at 501666-6833. Checks can be made payable to Centers for Youth and Families.

Parenting Tweens & Teens with Love and Logic January 9 This is the first of six sessions for this course on parenting tweens and teens with love and logic and will take place from 6-8 p.m. Contact The Parent Center to enroll in the course by calling 501-666-6833 or email them at ParentCenter@cfyf.org. Pre-Registration is required for this course and the fee is $15/ person or $25/couple for the six week course.

Polar Plunge January 19 Hurricane Lake Estates, Benton Take the Polar Plunge and support Special Olympics Arkansas! Register today at www.specialolympicsarkansas.org.

Basketball Clinic January 21 For more information or to sign up, contact the Special Olympics Arkansas, www.specialolympicsarkansas.org.

Floor Hockey Clinic January 26 Robinson High School For more information or to sign up, contact the Special Olympics Arkansas, www.specialolympicsarkansas.org.

Evolve: A Modern Day Charity Ball January 31

34 | savvy kids January 2013

Support our mission to help children and families in our community. Come and celebrate the evolution of The Centers with a Chinese New Year themed party!

Centers for Youth & Families is the oldest, continuously-operating non-profit in the state of Arkansas. Our mission is to provide prevention, intervention, and treatment services that promote emotional and social wellness for children and families in Arkansas. The event will take place at Next Level Events in downtown Little Rock from 6:30-9:30 p.m. If you would like to sponsor or purchase tickets, please contact The Centers Foundation at 501-666-9436 or Foundations@cfyf.org.

Boot Scootin’ Bash and 5K Dash 2013 April 27 Get ready for the Boot Scootin’ Bash and 5K Dash! Register today! For more information, contact Beyond Boundaries, 501-941-1522; www.beyondboundariesar.com.

Recurring Events: First Baptist Church 105 South Spring Street, Searcy We have a special place for individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Every Sunday morning, we have a special Sunday School class devoted to those with “special needs.” They meet on the First Floor of the Howle Building from 9:30-10:30 a.m. For more information call 501-268-3561 or e-mail fbcsearcy@ sbcglobal.net.

Park Hill Baptist Church 201 E. C Ave., North Little Rock Manipulatives, sensory integration, motivators, visual supports and schedules, etc. Are these words foreign to you? Do you understand how they can make Sunday School more enjoyable and meaningful to a child with special needs?

We, at Park Hill, have been led to reach these children in ways beyond traditional teaching methods, and minister to families through meeting the needs of their children. Sunday School classes meet from 9:30-10:40 a.m. Extended care for parents during worship service is from 10:55 a.m.-noon. For more information call Susan Bumpas at 501-753-3414, or via e-mail at sbumpas@ parkhillbaptist.org.

“Dedicated to the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of individuals and families who hope to improve their functioning in everyday activities and achieve an overall better quality of life.”

Our mission is to

improve the quality of life for individuals

with disabilities by providing community recreational and leisure opportunities while promoting lifelong skills.

• Annual Arts Festival • Summer Day Camp • Youth & Adult Outings • Sports Programs • Instructional Classes • Adult Day Program Ottenheimer Community Center Therapeutic Recreation Facility 7201 Dahlia Dr. • Little Rock • 501-570-1131

• Neuropsychological Evauliations: Brain injury, Alzheimer’s dementia • Psychoeducational Assessments: Learning disabilities, ADD /ADHD, behavioral problems • Outpatient psychological services: Depression, anxiety, anger, pain • Cognitive Rehabilitaion: Concusion, work related injuries

(501) 251-1857 10515 W. Markham, Suite E3 • Little Rock • www.andrewsneuropsychology.com

Join us for our

Lower School Open House K3 - 6th Grade

Wednesday, January 16th 9:00 am Make your reservation online: www.ArkansasBaptistSchoolSystem.com or by calling 227-7070 ext. 355.

Reservations appreciated by January 11th.

To schedule an Upper School Shadow Day or Private Tour, call 868-5121 ext. 221 or email drogers@abhs.org.

Arkansas Baptist Trust Us With Their Minds. We’ll Give Them Our

Hearts.

january 2013 savvy kids

| 35

PENNYWISE

The Sweet Aroma of

Saving Money

By Meredith Martin-Moats A few years ago my husband and I decided to start making our own laundry detergent. We were on an extremely tight budget and looking for ever-more creative ways to save money. Three years down the road, making laundry detergent has become one of my favorite domestic activities. And it’s recently become a source of wonder for our twin toddlers. This probably makes us sound like we don’t get out much. But hear me out: Making laundry detergent is a form of household magic.

If you’re new to the world of DIY homemaking or urban homesteading, or whatever name you want to ascribe to this make-it-yourself form of domesticity, the thought of making your own laundry detergent may sound a little over the top.

People often wonder, will it work? Is it hard to make? Where will I find the time?

I can get cheap detergent at Wal-Mart, so what’s the point, anyway?

First let’s talk about frugality. According to a little online research, we discovered that store bought laundry runs somewhere around twenty cents to forty cents a load. Homemade, on the other hand, is only about two cents a load. If your household produces a high volume of laundry, the saving can really add up. But honestly, I’ve never sat down and calculated our savings. I just know I can buy a package of washing soda for about $3, a box of borax for another $3 and a few bars of soap for another $3, and I’ve got what I need to make laundry detergent for the year.

Does it work, you ask. I’m a gardener who lives with two 3-year-old boys, two cats, two dogs, and an artist/cyclist/semi-handyman. In other words, we’re quite familiar with dirt, and laundry is a serious subject around these parts.

Since beginning to make our own detergent, I’ve never noticed a difference in the quality of our laundry, and our clothes come out just as clean and stain free as they always have. As an added bonus, we’ve also greatly reduced the amount of plastic bottles we throw in the recycling bin since we reuse the designated detergent container for each new batch. In our case the reusable container is an old four-gallon ice cream bucket we got from a local deli, so we double the recipe. But any two-gallon container will do.

I like saving money and I’m happy to have found another way to decrease the amount of waste we produce in our home. I also like knowing that this soap is better for the environment, free of toxins, and doesn’t dump any dangerous 36 | savvy kids January 2013

chemicals in the communal water supply. But to be honest, this isn’t why I look forward to whipping up a new batch every few months.

When I grate the soap and dump the shavings into boiling hot water, the concoction fills the house with a soft, soapy smell that permeates every room.

My children love watching the steam rise from the big bucket and the opportunity to stir all the ingredients together, observing the powders dissolve and knowing they’re helping make something so essential to our daily lives. After we’ve finished the process, and we put the lid on the bucket to let it cool, I take this opportunity to talk to them about patience and the art of waiting (you’ve got to work that subject whenever you can, right?). Twenty-four hours later we lift the lid and find the concoction converted into a gel-like substance that’s ready to be stirred and wash their dirt-covered clothes. It only takes a few minutes to make a batch, a seemingly simple act that infuses a little bit of wonder into an otherwise normal day.

You can find numerous soap recipes online, including some that call for liquid soaps like Dr. Bronner’s. Here’s our favorite recipe.

Ingredients: 1/3 bar of Fels Naptha Laundry Soap* (found in the laundry area of most large stores), grated. You can use a hand grater or an electric. We use an old cheese grater reserved specifically for this purpose.

6 cups water 1/2 cup washing soda (Found in the laundry aisle of most stores) 1/2 cup borax (same as above) Directions: Heat 6 cups of water on stove. (An old cooking pan works perfectly). Add soap shavings and let them dissolve. Stir in washing soda and Borax and mix until dissolved. Boil mixture for 15 minutes and remove from heat. In a 3 or 5 gallon bucket, add 1 quart of hot water and add the soap mixture.

Stir together. Add enough warm water to make a 2 gallon mixture. Mix until blended. Let sit 24 hours. Stir before each load and use about 1/2 per load. *You can substitute other bars of soap in the place of Fels Naptha. Use 2/3 of the bar rather than 1/3.

Abundant Life School “Education with a Difference”

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ALS has truly given our family hope now and for our children’s future!”

– Baker Family K4 – 12TH GRADES • SMALL CLASS SIZES • BEFORE AND AFTER CARE ON-SITE SAFE AND FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT • DAILY BIBLE CLASS AND MUCH MORE!

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THANK YOU for MAKING DIET CENTER HEIGHTS ONE Of THE BEST WORLDWIDE! january 2013 savvy kids

| 37

POP TOPICS

Nobody told me this stuff:

Independence

By Robert Bell

After weeks of wobbly standing and half-steps that turned into crawling, my son started walking, a couple weeks shy of the 14-month mark. It was an overnight deal. One day, no walking. Next day, walking all over creation like a champ. He’d had crawling down cold for quite a while, but walking had proved a bit more elusive.

I heard my wife say “Come here quick!” Apparently he’d been walking around and had spit up a bit on this little foldout couch we got him. He looked at it for a second, then went over and grabbed a clean spit-up cloth and started cleaning up after himself. It was pretty incredible.

Maybe this independence thing will be OK after all.

Of course, we all crawl before we walk, but there’s something about walking that signals a new era of independence. It’s kinda like, OK, you can walk upright on your own, you’re officially a human being now.

Like all parents in similar situations, I was naturally calm and completely nonchalant about the fact that he wasn’t walking yet by two weeks after his first birthday, which is when the pediatrician said most kiddos start toddling.

Well, I was calm and nonchalant on the surface. But my mind would occasionally veer off, projecting unlikely scenarios: May 17, 2029 — high school graduation. My boy is valedictorian (of course) and when they call him up to deliver his speech, he heads for the podium on all fours, a murmur running through the crowd of proud parents and grandparents and siblings, who issue forth with a collective gasp: “That poor child! He never learned to walk!”

Which is a totally plausible scenario, I realize. But still, I was ready for him to start walking. And he was capable of taking steps way before he started. He’d been pulling up and standing on his own for some time, but when he’d start to take a step he’d pause, think on it for a sec, and then take off crawling at top speed. I could practically see the little gears turning: “Sure, I could try this walking business, but it’d be so much faster and more efficient to just crawl.”

Anyway, for whatever reason, a couple of Saturdays ago, he decided that that was the day to take the plunge and there has been no looking back. Actually, I guess there’s been some. I sent my dad a video of him walking away from me, stopping for a second and looking back with a grin, and then taking off around the corner. Dad thought this was funny. “Get used to it,” he said.

I’ll have to, because my boy has a serious independent streak. He wants to do everything himself, from eating dinner to hogging the remote to using the iPads and iPhones to brushing his teeth. We got him his first real toothbrush recently (we had this one that was a rubber thing that fit over your finger, but he hated it, understandably, I suppose). Ever since then, he’s been all about brushing his own teeth — all six of them.

Another amazing thing happened the other night. I was in the kitchen when 38 | savvy kids January 2013

A customized day full of imaginative adventures for them.

A stress-free party for you, or in other words an At a The Little Gym Awesome Birthday Bash, your child and their friends will have the whole place to themselves for games, music and fun activities created especially for them. Plus The Little Gym team will handle everything from set-up to clean-up. It’s no surprise that many parents tell us an Awesome Birthday Bash is a big wish come true for them too.

Call or go online to schedule your child’s next birthday at The Little Gym The Little Gym of Little Rock www.tlglr.com 501.225.5437

Open Enrollment for the 2013-14 School Year

Open enrollment is the two-week time period in which new students and students wishing to apply for magnet programs or school choice options may submit applications.

Jan. 28 - Feb. 1, 2013 • 8am-5pm • St. Mark Baptist Church • 5722 W. 12th St. Feb. 4 - Feb. 8, 2013 • 8am-5pm• Student Registration Office • 501 Sherman St.

One of the State’s Most Comprehensive Special Education Programs LRSD’s special education program benefits over 2,900 students daily. We offer many supplemental services to support general education instruction including the following:

• VOYAGER literacy and math intervention program for students with disabilities • STAR reading program for students with autism • Smart Tech computer-assisted program for the Smartboard, TransMath and “Algebra’sCool Math’sCool” program • Assistive technology for students with visual impairments, communication difficulties and physcial disabilities Creating Excellence for Tomorrow

Little Rock School District PERFORMANCE WORKPLAN OW

NCE FOR TOMORR

CREATING EXCELLE

www.lrsd.org january 2013 savvy kids

| 39

BOOK OF THE MONTH Leah’s Voice Written by Lori DeMonia, Illustrated by Monique Turchan Leah’s Voice is a story that touches on the difficulties children encounter when they meet a child with special needs such as autism. Children who have a brother or sister with special needs may find it difficult to explain to their friends, or feel disappointed when their friends aren’t more understanding. Leah’s Voice tells the story of two sisters facing these challenges.

Through her kindness and devotion, one sister teaches by example the importance of including everyone and showing acceptance.

Zoom!

Written by Robert Munsch, Illustrated by Michael Martchenko Finally it’s time for Lauretta to get a new wheelchair. But she isn’t satisfied with a regular 5- or 10- speed model. Nothing will do but the 92-speed, black, silver and red, dirt bike wheelchair! When Lauretta gets a speeding ticket during her one-day tryout of the super wheels, her parents tell her the wheelchair has to go back. But when her brother has an accident, only Lauretta and her 92-speed, black, silver and red, dirt-bike wheelchair can get him to the hospital in time!

Cause and Effect Sensory Sound Box

By Cognable • $1.99

APP OF THE MONTH Description:

Sound Box is the second in a series of developmental touch skills apps created for teenagers with complex disabilities. It was created primarily for use on iPads, but support for some iPhones and iPod Touch devices is also included. These apps have also proven popular with parents of very much younger children without special needs. The focus of Sound Box is creating, playing with and manipulating sound at the most basic level. Twelve very simple interactions are provided to explore a range of musical scales, tones, pitch shifting sweeps and other interactive sound effects. All activities in Sound Box use single touch taps and gestures; see Light Box for an additional collection of multitouch activities.

Tap-n-See Zoo By Little Bear Sees $2.99 Description: Tap-n-See Zoo is the first app for iPad and iPhone created specifically for children with cortical visual impairment (CVI)! This simple cause and effect app will also appeal to children without CVI. Watch as animals float around the screen. Even the lightest tap will make the animals come towards your finger. Tap the animals and watch them expand and disappear as rewarding sounds play. Full version is fully customizable to meet your child’s needs.

40 | savvy kids January 2013

Over 50 Years of

Caring

for Children of Central Arkansas

© amber walker photography

The Pediatric Clinic, P.A. of North Little Rock

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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

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Little Rock Christian Academy is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, as a 2012 Blue Ribbon School. Out of 100,000 schools in America, 269 were given the Blue Ribbon distinction. Little Rock Christian was recognized as an exemplary high performing school in the elementary, middle, and high school divisions.

“Little Rock Christian is a model of excellence that will inspire others.”

— Arne Duncan U.S. Secretary of Education

Schedule your tour today!

january 2013 savvy kids

| 41

SAVVY ARTS

By Erica Sweeney Newspapers, soda cans, milk cartons and plastic bottles will provide the inspiration for students creating works of art for the first ever Art of Recycling Sculpture Contest this spring.

The contest is the brainchild of the Regional Recycling and Waste Reduction District’s educational committee as a new type of outreach program. While the organization often visits schools to speak about the importance of recycling, the art contest will provide a more hands-on approach “to promote recycling with an educational focus,” says Reita Miller, Regional Recycling public outreach specialist.

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade at public and private schools in Pulaski County may create sculptures out of recycled materials such as newspapers, magazines, paper bags, cereal boxes, cardboard, plastics, aluminum and steel cans, and juice and milk cartons. Students may use paints and adhesives to assemble and decorate their creations.

“No matter the media, artists look at things in new ways, and interpret and share them,” Miller says. “It’s pretty remarkable what imagination can do when it’s inspired. It’s exciting to really honor art in the classroom in a practical way. I absolutely can’t wait to see what they come up with.”

The Museum of Discovery will exhibit the Art of Recycling sculptures from April 10 to 30. Miller says the community is “lucky” to have such a museum, which she says values art, creativity and science.

Each school competing in the contest will choose two sculptures for final judging: one each from grades K-2 and 3-5. The school’s entries must be delivered to the museum by April 6 and will be judged on attractiveness, creativity and originality, use of recycled materials, craftsmanship and following guidelines, Miller says. Winners will be announced at a reception on April 9.

Even though glass containers are recyclable, they may not be used for the sculpture contest because of safety concerns, Miller says.

Two overall winners each will be selected from grades K-2 and 3-5. Winners receive $300 for their schools’ art programs. Prize money comes from Regional Recycling’s education grant funds, and Miller hopes it will be particularly beneficial for art teachers because they often have limited budgets.

Miller has also worked with teachers to incorporate the themes of reduce, reuse and recycle into school curricula. She says this art project teaches elementary school students that recycling should be part of everyday life, and that it is just as important as other school subjects.

Because this is the first year of the contest, Miller says she has no estimation for the number of entries, but she’s excited to see students’ sculptures. She hopes to continue the sculpture contest in years to come and even expand it to include homeschool students.

Envisioning everyday recyclable items in new ways and seeing them transformed into works of art will inspire students to appreciate the value of art and importance of recycling, she says. These are also lessons that children can share with their parents and others.

For more information about the sculpture contest or to learn more about recycling, visit www.regionalrecycling.org. Teachers or schools wanting to participate in the contest should email Miller at reita.miller@regionalrecycling.org to express their intent.

42 | savvy kids January 2013

january 2013 savvy kids

| 43

KIDS EAT FREE

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

TUESDAY

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

• Conway: 1250 Old Morrilton Hwy, 764-0600 • Hot Springs: 3321 Central Avenue, 321-2400 • Jacksonville: 120 John Harden Dr, Jacksonville, 241-2224 • North Little Rock: 2815 Lakewood Village Dr, 753-1182

BEEF O BRADY’S 4 p.m.-close.

• Maumelle:115 Audubon Dr., 803-3500

JJ’s Grill Free kid’s meal with the purchase of adult meal for kids 12 and under (all day).

Conway: 1010 Main Street

THE BALL DENNY’SHOPE RESTAURANT

March 10: The10Hope Ball is an annual gala event hosted by 4-7 p.m.

Ages and under. the 20th Century to raise funding for the continued • Little Rock: 4300Club S University, 562-5651 operation of the 20th Century Club’s Lodge. The 2012 Ball, themed “Garden of Hope”, will be held in the GOLDEN CORRAL Ages 3 and under eat freeCenter, at buffet.

Discounted prices The Statehouse Convention Wally Allen Ballroom. for kids on Tuesday. elegant evening will include both live and silent auctions, Little Rock:dinner, 5001 Warden a• North delicious seated cocktails,Road, and 771-4605 dancing until midnight. For more information call 501-907-1760 or visit LARRY’S PIZZA www.hopeawayfromhome.org.

Ages 4 and under.

• Bryant: 4500 Hwy. 5 North, 847-5003 • Conway: 1068 Markham, 329-3131 • Little Rock: 12th & Center St., 372-6004; 12911

Cantrell Rd., 224-8804 San Francisco Bread Co. One FREE Kid’s Meal with the purchase of Adult Meal, after 5 p.m.

• Hot Springs: 261 Cornerstone Blvd., 525-7322 ZAXBY’S 5 p.m.-close, dine-in only.

• Jacksonville: 209 Marshall Rd., 241-0546 • Maumelle: 104 Carnahan Dr., 851-9777 • Sherwood: 208 Brookswood Rd., 833-9777

MONDAY

American Pie Pizza Kids eat free after 4 p.m.

• Little Rock: 10912 Colonel Glenn Rd., 225-1900 • Maumelle: 9709 Maumelle Blvd., 758-8800 • North Little Rock: 4830 N. Hills Blvd., 753-0081 CHICK-FIL-A First and third Monday of each month.

• North Little Rock: 3929 McCain Blvd, 945-1818 NYPD Pizza Free Kids entree, for children ages 10 and under, with the purchase of adult entree. Dine-in only, 4-6 p.m.

• Little Rock: 6015 Chenonceau Blvd., 868-3911 SHORTY SMALL’S Up to two kids meals free per paying adult.

• Conway: 1475 Hogan Ln, 764-0604 • Little Rock: 1110 N. Rodney Parham, 224-3344 • North Little Rock: 4317 Warden Rd, 753-8111 TA MOLLY’S 5-9 p.m.

• Bryant: 206 W. Commerce St., 653-2600 44 | savvy kids January 2013

Arkansas Burger Company One free kid’s meal per adult meal.

Dine-in only, 5:30-9 p.m.

• Little Rock: 7410 Cantrell Road, 663-0600

MOOYAH BURGER One free kid's meal with the purchase of adult meal.

• Little Rock: 14810 Cantrell Rd., 868-1091 NYPD Pizza Free Kids entree, for children ages 10 and under, with the purchase of adult entree. Dine-in only, 4-6 p.m.

• Little Rock: 6015 Chenonceau Blvd., 868-3911 DENNY’S RESTAURANT 4-7 p.m. Ages 10 and under.

• Little Rock: 310 S. Shackleford Rd., 224-8264 JIM’S Razorback Pizza Kids 12 and under receive a FREE six inch pizza with the purchase of an adult entree (Dine-in only).

• Little Rock: 16101 Cantrell Rd. • Maumelle: 20608 Hwy 365 North • Hot Springs: 4330 Central Ave. LONESTAR STEAKHOUSE 4 p.m.-close.

• Little Rock:10901 Rodney Parham, 227-8898 PIZZA HUT 5-8 p.m.. Dine in only.

• Little Rock: 11410 W. Markham St., 228-7000 Stromboli’s One FREE Kid’s Meal (12 or under) per adult meal purchased at regular price. Kids may choose from the Kid’s Menu or Pizza By-the-Slice with up to two toppings.

Dine-in only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

• Conway: 605 Salem Rd., 327-3700

WEDNESDAY

FAMOUS DAVE’S 4 p.m.-close.

• Little Rock: 225 North Shackleford Road, 221-3283 FIREHOUSE SUBS • Bryant: 3108 Horizon St., 653-3700 • Little Rock: 12312 Chenal Pkwy., 228-5553; 10300 Rodney Parham, 225-2001 • Maumelle: 11617 Maumelle Blvd., 753-9898 • North Little Rock: 2811 Lakewood Village Dr., 812-5002 LARRY’S PIZZA 4-8 p.m. With purchase of one adult meal, up to two kids get a small one topping pizza, drink, and $1 in tokens.

• Cabot: 2798 South Second Street, 843-7992

JIM’S Razorback Pizza Kids 12 and under receive a FREE six inch pizza with the purchase of an adult entree (Dine-in only).

• Little Rock: 16101 Cantrell Rd. • Maumelle: 20608 Hwy 365 North • Hot Springs: 4330 Central Ave. Western Sizzlin Up to 2 children eat Free with the purchase of an adult meal.

• Benton: 1916 Congo Rd., 778-9656

THURSDAY

CAPTAIN D’s • Benton: 1419 Military Rd, 778-7909 • Hot Springs: 1906 Central St., 321-4288 • Jacksonville: 1109 West Main St., 982-3330 • Little Rock: 6301 Colonel Glen Rd., 568-6244 • North Little Rock: 5320 JFK Blvd., 758-5144 Mexico Chiquito One FREE kid's meal per adult entree for kids 12 and under (Dine-in only).

• Conway: 1135 Skyline Dr., 205-1985 • Jacksonville: 1524 W. Main St., 982-0533 • Little Rock: 13924 Cantrell, 217-0700; 102 S. Rodney Parham, 224-8600; 4511 Camp Robinson, 771-1604; 11406 W. Markham, 217-0647 MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL 4 p.m.-close. One free kids meal with paid adult meal.

• Bryant: 7409 Alcoa Rd., 778-3111 • Conway: 625 Salem Rd., 336-6500 • Little Rock: 12312 Chenal Pkwy., 223-3378 • North Little Rock: 4834 North Hills Blvd., 812-5577

SATURDAY

BOSTON’S GOURMET PIZZA RESTAURANT • Little Rock: 3201 Bankhead Dr., 235-2000 LUBY’S CAFETERIA • Little Rock: 12501 West Markham, 219-1567

SUNDAY

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

• Little Rock: 310 S. Shackleford Rd., 224-8264 CORKY’S Kid's meals 1/2 off.

4 p.m.-close.

• Little Rock: 12005 Westhaven Dr., 954-7427

If you would like to add your Kids Eat Free information to this list, contact us at 501-375-2985.

kids

! e e r f t ea

Producing A New Generation of Christian Leaders

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For more information or to schedule a personal tour please call 501-225-0068 or visit us at www.agapeacademyonline.org

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OUT OF SCHOOL DAYS

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501-225-3600 • 4610 Sam Peck Rd • Little Rock • www.lrac.com january 2013 savvy kids

| 45

LITTLE BITES

littlebites DEMPSEY BAKERY

don’t eat gluten-free are happy to enjoy these baked goods just as much as any other bakery items. In fact, family friends have been eating treats at the Dempsey home already and haven’t noticed the difference!

In 2008, a family member was diagnosed with health issues that required a gluten-free diet. How frustrating it can be to find tasty foods to accommodate such a need, they noticed.

They learned it was a genetic disorder, and one-by-one three generations of Dempseys discovered that although they had different symptoms, the common denominator was gluten.

Not wanting to miss all the pretty birthday cakes to come, Paula Dempsey started working on her dream to start a gluten-free bakery that serves everyone regardless of dietary limitations. Today, her family and yours have a local bakery with endless baked options.

If you have questions about eating gluten-free, the Dempsey family is glad to share what they’ve learned about good, wholesome products to cook at home.

Call Dempsey Bakery at 501.375.2257. dempseybakery.com

Are you or someone you love gluten intolerant? Well, you don’t have to say “no” to tasty baked goods! Dempsey Bakery, at 323 Cross Street in Little Rock, offers delicious breads, cakes, pies, cookies, pizza crust, cupcakes, sandwiches and more.

SO, WHAT DID WE ORDER? Joseph

“I can’t have gluten or dairy so this is great!”

Alexandra

“This is absolutely delicious.”

Dempsey is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday through Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and now serves lunch from 11-2 p.m.

It is difficult to sort out all the options when it comes to food sensitivities.

The Dempsey family understands and has not only made a promise to bake delightful, delicious products in a 100 percent gluten, wheat, soy and nut-free environment, but they have taste tested every product offered to ensure all the items are as yummy as they look!

The bakery also offers many egg and dairy-free products as well.

The Dempseys have found that friends who 46 | savvy kids January 2013

ON THE MENU BREADS COOKIES SWEET BREADS DESSERTS CAKES POT PIES

Liam:

“Looks like a lightbulb, tastes like a sugar cookie.”

Jacob

“I like the icing and chocolate. It’s a good combination.”

Molly

“This is the best chocolate cookie!”

501-375-2257 323 Cross Street Little Rock dempseybakery.com

EAT NYPD Pizzeria Kids love pizza and NYPD Pizzeria loves kids. Coupon offer: Every Tuesday is “Two for Tuesday” at NYPD Pizza offering a free 14” cheese pizza when any other 14” pizza is purchased when you dine in. Crayons and coloring sheets are distributed and one of the many large TV screens offers something kids like to watch while parents enjoy the game or a movie. Renown for their homemade crust, pizzas are topped with hi quality, premium fresh toppings. Dairy free and gluten free options are available as well as a children’s menu.

HERE! Each month, Savvy Kids will feature some of central Arkansas’ tasty, family-friendly restaurants, including special offers for Savvy Kids readers. If your restaurant would like to be included, call us at 501-375-2985.

6015 Chenonceau Blvd., Little Rock. 501-868-3911 www.facebook.com/NYPDPizzaLittleRock

All Aboard Restaurant and Grill is a FUN family restaurant that serves fresh food in a unique way – via the All Aboard train! Whether it is the veggie burger, home-cut fries or strawberry salad, there are lots of healthy menu options and each meal is made to order with the freshest ingredients. Where possible, we use locally and organically grown ingredients. Then we get your food to you fresh – whisked along a complex rail system right to your table. One Free Kids Meal with the purchase of an adult meal. Monday through Friday only. Must present this ad. Offer Expires 1/31/13. One coupon per customer/transaction.

Cantrell Rd., Little Rock. 501-975-7401 www.all-aboardrestaurant.com

Colton’s Steak House & Grill is a full-service restaurant with a fun, casual atmosphere where guests can snack on all the peanuts you can eat. We serve choice hand-cut steaks, ribs, chicken and seafood, as well as salads and burgers. Meals are served with hot homemade yeast rolls and lunch specials are available during the week. We offer a kids menu for children 12 and under. Entrées include a healthy choice of side, roll and a drink.

Free Kids Meal: Limit one child 12 or under per adult entrée purchased. Select kids entrées from the kids menu only. For a limited time at Cabot location only. Must present coupon to redeem offer. Expires January 31, 2013.

195 Northport Dr. Cabot. 501-843-1905 www.ColtonsSteakHouse.com

Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s menu boasts bold, flavorful food and smoothies with a healthy appeal. Our food and smoothies are made to order with fresh ingredients. Our smoothies are made from superior simple ingredients including real fruit and natural sugar. Our toasted wraps, bistro sandwiches, grilled flatbreads, and gourmet salads are made fresh with high quality meats and cheeses; and topped with fresh produce and flavorful sauces. Combine that with a fun atmosphere and friendly hospitality and you see why people return again and again!

Sign up for Club Tropical absolutely free for special offers, freebies & more! Follow us on Twitter @tscarkansas for even more great rewards.

Order online at order.TropicalSmoothie.com Little Rock • North Little Rock • Maumelle • Conway • Jacksonville

US Pizza We pride ourselves in offering our guests the very best pizza, salads and sandwiches, and we value your patronage. Our oldfashioned stone hearth ovens are one of the reasons our pizzas are worth the wait. From our Salad Supreme to our spicy Trey’s Chloroplast Blast pizza, you won’t find our award winning original creations anywhere else.

Little Rock: Heights, Hillcrest, Fair Park, Rodney Parham; North Little Rock: Pike, Fair Park, JFK Maumelle • Sherwood • Conway • Bryant • Fayetteville www.uspizzaco.net

Loganberry Frozen Yogurt Kids craving Ice Cream? Satisfy their desire with a healthy alternative at Loganberry Frozen Yogurt. Made fresh in Russellville, AR, in a boutique dairy farm, Loganberry Yogurt is cultured, probiotic yogurt with real fruit purees and natural ingredients. Fresh berries and fruit, nuts, and granola are some of the 50+ toppings at Loganberry Frozen Yogurt topping bar. 12 delicious, low fat, low sugar flavors range from Triple Dark Chocolate to Pink Lemonade sorbet. Treat your family to a healthy dessert they can have fun serving themselves.

6015 Chenonceau Blvd., Little Rock. 501-868-8194 www.facebook.com/LoganberryFrozenYogurt

American Pie Pizza is a family owned operation. Our pizzas are thin crust, and considered by some as the best around. We only use the freshest ingredients on all of our items.

Our salads can be a meal and the sandwiches are sure to fill you up. Check out the menu for all the great choices. There is something for everyone. We hope you delight in our food and our staff and have an enjoyable visit as our guests at American Pie Pizza. Kids Eat Free Every Monday! See you at “The Pie”. www.americanpiepizza.net

Maumelle: 9709 Maumelle Blvd (501) 758-8800 North Little Rock: 4830 N Hills Blvd (501) 753-0081 Little Rock: 10912 Colonel Glenn Rd (501) 225-1900

january 2013 savvy kids

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JANUARY 2013 SAVVY CALENDAR

january STUTTGART DUCKS UNLIMITED MEMBERSHIP BANQUET January 1: Celebrate the end of the year and Arkansas’ duck season with Stuttgart Ducks Unlimited Chapter. Contact Lester at 870946-5713 or Lew at 501-951-1251 for tickets or visit www.ducks. org and order them online. Event place: Grand Prairie Center (2709 Hwy. 165 South, Stuttgart). Event time: 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Don’t miss this great event!

38TH TOYS DESIGNED BY ARTISTS January 1 thru 6: The Toys Designed by Artists exhibition engages museum visitors, delighting young and old alike. In 1973, the Arkansas Arts Center initiated an exhibition of toys designed by artists. Inspired by Alexander Calder’s circus figures of the late 1920s and early 1930s, this exhibition was launched to stimulate the imagination of both children and adults and to engage them with toys of whimsy, delight and good craftsmanship. The tradition continues this season with the 38th Toys Designed by Artists.

This international juried exhibition challenges artists to take the concept of “toy” and make a personal expression-a piece of art.

The wildly inventive toys selected often hearken back to the days before plastic and mass production, when all toys were handmade and, whether simple or elaborate, engaged the imagination of both maker and users. Admission is FREE. For more information call 501-372-4000.

RIVER MARKET ICE RINK January 1 thru 6: The ice rink will be in the River Market Pavilions again this year. For dates of operation and times, visit www. holidaysinlittlerock.com. Tickets $9 for ages 5 and up (which includes taxes) for 60 minutes and includes skates. Children (4) four and under are FREE. Ticket sales will cease one hour prior to the closing time.

Group discount of $1 per ticket for groups of 15 or more.

L.R. ATHLETIC CLUB HOLIDAY BLAST DAYS January 2, 3, and 4: Looking for a fun place for the kids to hang out 48 | savvy kids January 2013

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while out for Christmas break? Check out Holiday Blast Days! Open 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Price includes lunch. Call 501-225-3600 or visit www.lrac.com to find out more.

EAGLE LAKE CRUISE January 5: Join Pinnacle Mountain State Park interpreters for a cruise on Lake Maumelle to seek wintering bald eagles. We often see several eagles and migratory waterfowl. Dress in layers for extreme cold and windy lake weather.

Advance payment is required.

Admission: $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-12. Meeting place: Jolly Roger’s Marina. For more information call 501-868-5806.

L.R. ATHLETIC CLUB OUT OF SCHOOL DAYS January 7, 8, and 31: Looking for a fun place for the kids to hang out while out of school? Check out Out of School Days! Open 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Price includes lunch. Call 501-225-3600 or visit www.lrac.com to find out more.

FAMILY NIGHT BINGO January 8: Come join us at the William F. Laman Public Library where families will enjoy a special night of Bingo fun! Event time: 6:45 p.m. until 7:45 p.m. For more information call 501-758-1720 or visit www.lamanlibrary.org.

JUSTIN BIEBER IN CONCERT January 10: With worldwide album sales in excess of 15 million units, Justin has dominated pop culture and social media for more than two years. He has over 43 million Facebook fans, more than 22 million Twitter followers, and over 2.7 billion YouTube views—he is far and away the most popular YouTube artist of all time, and received the 2012 Billboard Music Award for Social Artist of the Year.

Doors open: 6 p.m. Show time: 7 p.m. Ticket Prices starting at $51.50 and up. Tickets available at the Verizon Arena box office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

CREATION STATION January 10 and 24: Children of all

ages will enjoy a special craft making at the William F. Laman Public Library. Event time: 4:15 p.m. until 5:15 p.m. For more information call 501-758-1720 or visit www. lamanlibrary.org.

31st ANNUAL ARKANSAS MARINE EXPO January 11 thru 13: Marine Expo is Arkansas’ Premier Boat Show will offer special low “boat show pricing” on hundreds of boats…bass boats, ski boats, deck boats, party barges, and more…also gives you the opportunity to shop and compare dozens of dealers and hundreds of boats at one time, in one place! Plus huge discounts on fishing tackle as well as many other boating related displays. This event will take place at the Statehouse Convention Center. Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets: $5 for adults and children 12 and under get in free. For more information call 501-765-1423 or visit www.dgattractions.com.

SCHOOL FACULTY EXHIBITION: PAST AND PRESENT January 11 thru 31: In conjunction with the Arkansas Arts Center 50th Anniversary celebration, the Museum School Faculty Exhibition: Past and Present pays tribute to the Museum School faculty. The Arkansas Arts Center first began offering art classes for children and adults during the spring of 1960. When the new Arts Center was completed in May of 1963, it included studios that comprise the Museum School in which a full schedule of art classes was offered. The Museum School Faculty Exhibition: Past and Present highlights work created by current Museum School Faculty along with work from the permanent collection by former faculty members. Works in a variety of media are featured. This exhibition is the final installment in the series. For hours of operation and admission call 501-372-4000 or visit www. arkarts.com.

ANTIQUE ALLEY ARKANSAS

ANTIQUE SHOW January 12 and 13: Saturday 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. Antique dealers from many states will bring architectural salvage, old toys, linens, antique furniture, estate jewelry, advertising, and much more from the 1950s and before. Check out the website (www.antiquealleyarkansas.com) for photos from previous shows. This event will take place at the Conway Expo Center.

Admission: $3 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under. For more information contact Ashley Norris at 501-230-5728.

GROSSOLOGY AT M.O.D. January 15: Come explore why your body produces mushy, oozy, crusty, scaly and stinky gunk at Grossology. The (impolite) Science of the Human Body during its appearance at the Museum of Discovery. Based on the best-selling book Grossology, this exhibition uses sophisticated animatronics and imaginative exhibits to tell you the good, the bad, and the downright ugly about runny noses, body odor, and much more. Grossoloy will be featured at the Museum of Discovery until May 26, 2013. For more hours of operation and admission prices call 501-396-7050 or visit www. museumofdiscovery.org.

ARKANSAS BAPTIST LOWER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE January 16: The students, faculty, and administration of Arkansas Baptist invite you to attend our Lower School Open House for K3 thru 6th Grade. Come see, firsthand, our small class sizes, individual instruction and challenging curriculum. Event time: 9 a.m. Make your reservation online at www.arkansasbaptistschoolsystem.com or by calling 501227-7070 ext. 355. Reservations appreciated by January 11, 2013.

The Arkansas Baptist offers an Upper School Shadow Day or Private Tours, just call 501-868-5121 ext.

221 or via e-mail drogers@abhs. org for more information.

ADVANCE AUTO PARTS MONSTER JAM January 18 and 19: Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam featured trucks:

SAVVY CALENDAR

WINTER CAMP DISCOVERIES

January 2 thru 4: Especially for grades K-6, join us Jan. 2nd thru 4th for uniquely themed winter day camps. Your child can explore science through hands-on activities and experiments. Jan. 2: Winter Wildlife will give us a chance to learn about the amazing animals you will and won’t see in Arkansas during the winter season. We’ll also explore the coldest climates on earth, and how some incredible creatures have adapted to survive there. Jan. 3: Chilling Crime will give us a chance to investigate the cold hard facts about criminals, crime scenes, and how detectives use science to put the bad guys on ice. Jan. 4: What’s Cooler than Cool will give us a chance to answer that question and find out what happens when physics and chemistry experiments go sub-zero. Morning sessions are from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. and afternoon sessions are from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Campers can come for one session or stay all day and bring a lunch. Members cost is $30 per half day session or $50 for full day. NonMembers cost is $35 per half day session or $60 for full day. To reserve your spot contact Beth Nelson at 501-537-3073 or via e-mail bnelson@museumofdiscovery.org.

Ironman: Scott Buelow, Mutt Rottweiler: Charles Bens, Bounty Hunter: Daron Migues, Iron Outlaws: Ben Winslow, Bad News, and Barbarian: Devin Jones. Doors Open: 6:30 p.m. Show time: 7:30 p.m. Ticket Prices starting at $22 and up. All ticket prices increase $2 day of event. Kids ages 2-12 are $7 in advance in select seating areas. Groups of 15 or more $4 off each adult ticket for select seats. Special scout discounts also available. Contact the group sales office at 501-975-9131 for more information. Tickets available at the Verizon Arena box office, all

Ticketmaster Outlets, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

A CHORUS LINE January 25: A Chorus Line is a musical for everyone who has ever had a dream and put it all on the line. Event time: 7:30 p.m. Event location: University of Central Arkansas. For more information call 501-450-3265 or visit www.uca. edu/reynolds.com.

3 LIL PIGS & 3 BILLY GOATS GRUFF January 25 thru 27: One bridge,

three houses, three pigs, three goats, and a troll. These favorite fairy tales are told back to back in this witty musical production.

The Three Little Pigs escape the Big Bad Wolf by the “hair of their chinny, chin, chin.” The Three Billy Goats Gruff trip-trap their way across a rickety bridge and bump into a grumpy old troll. After some teamwork and trickery, the goats and pigs make it out scot-free!

You’ll cheer as these wily characters overcome their biggest bullies!

Event place: Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre. Performance times: Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 3 p.m. and

Sun. 2 p.m. Admission: $12 per person. For more information call 501-372-4000 or visit www. arkarts.com.

23RD ANNUAL ARKANSAS BIG BUCK CLASSIC January 25 thru 27: Come to the Arkansas State Fairgrounds for the Largest Hunting Event in Arkansas.

Show Hours: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-12, and kids under 5 FREE. Kids concessions $1 on Friday ONLY. For more information visit www.bigbuckclassic.com.

N.L.R. SCHOOL DISTRICT REGISTRATION January 28: Registration for the 2013-2014 school year begins Monday, January 28, 2013.

We encourage you to visit our website at www.nlrsd.org to find out more. Experience all of the excitement our World Class school district has to offer.

THE ANTHONY SCHOOL WINTER OPEN HOUSE January 30: The students, faculty, and administration of the Anthony School invite you to attend our Winter Open House. Come see, firsthand, our small class sizes, individual instruction and challenging curriculum. There will be classroom tours, admission information, faculty and staff available, and refreshments. Event time: 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. The Anthony School has been producing outstanding students for nearly 70 years. For a personal tour call 501-225-6629 or visit www.anthonyschool.org.

january 2013 savvy kids

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WhenTragedy Strikes: How to Help Your Children

By Gayla Grace

The horrific scene from the Sandy Hook shootings in Connecticut flashed across TV’s for days, broadcasting terrifying images for all to see. Making sense of what happened didn’t surface quickly and kids and adults were left to speculate why a 20-year-old would go into a school with the intent to kill defenseless children.

27 people dead, 20 of them first-grade students, cuts to the heart of every parent. As our children begin asking questions in the aftermath of tragedy, the subject must be broached. What do you say? How much emotion do you show?

How do you help your child make sense of the senseless?

There are no easy answers but there are a few do’s and don’ts to help your child when tragedy strikes. The biggest consideration revolves around how we, as parents, react to the event. Our children watch and take cues from us.

Family psychologist Shannon Bruno, Ph.D., when interviewed by KSLA-TV said, “If you make it seem like it is something that needs to be discussed, the 50 | savvy kids January 2013

more your child will get the idea that it is something that they need to be upset or distressed or fearful of.”

Here are other suggestions to help your child cope in the aftermath of tragedy: 1) Monitor media coverage. Young children can’t process media replay of tragic events and may begin to think the event is happening repeatedly. There is nothing gained from allowing children to watch media coverage of a tragedy.

If older children are curious and look to the TV for information, monitor how much they watch and be ready to discuss what they see.

2) Be honest and specific about the event. Don’t try to hide what happened.

Our children need to understand the world they live in, based on their developmental age. But don’t over explain, or dwell on the details of the tragedy.

Answer questions honestly and give your children the freedom to ask whatever they need to defer their fears.

3) Embrace their emotions. Allow your children to “feel” their feelings. It’s OK to feel sad. It’s natural to feel some anxiety. Acknowledge their feelings with expressions such as, “I understand this event makes you feel scared. I feel sad about what happened also.” Offer words of comfort to relay their fears or sadness.

4) Be available and offer reassurance as often as necessary. Let your children know they’re safe. Recognize the needs of your child and respond accordingly.

Some children need more reassurance than others. My oldest daughter was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder when she was five years old. Throughout her childhood, she was likely to respond to difficult circumstances with more anxiety than our other children and my husband and I knew to always be available for her during challenging circumstances. Children are also more vulnerable if they’ve recently experienced difficult events such as a parent’s divorce, re-marriage, death of a family member, or another stressor.

5) Recognize what feelings look like in children. Younger children may regress to behavior they’ve grown out of such as sucking their thumb or soiling their pants, when troubled. Older children are more likely to show their feelings through a defiant attitude or irritability. Children don’t have the ability to process feelings like adults. Watch for anything unusual in your children that could indicate they are experiencing high anxiety or fear.

6) Keep routines as normal as possible. Children thrive with routine. When tragedy strikes, it’s especially important to keep a sense of normalcy with school, meals, and bedtime schedules. Children may have trouble sleeping or eating, which can help alert a parent to troubling emotions your child is experiencing.

7) Depending on your religious practices, it may be helpful to pray with your child regarding the tragedy. After the Connecticut shootings, my 11-yearold son and I prayed for the families affected by the tragedy and the town of Newtown. It can be reassuring for a child to pray and ask for God’s help for a distressing situation.

8) Suggest doing something with your child that shows compassion or offers help for those affected. Many families have sent cards to Sandy Hook Elementary School to offer their thoughts and prayers for those families.

Some lit a candle for each child represented. Children experience a sense of well-being by showing compassion and offering help in a situation that appears hopeless.

9) Seek professional help for your child if troubled emotions don’t subside after a period of time. Mental health professionals are trained to help children of all ages cope with difficulties. Depending on the level of exposure to tragedy or other challenges children are dealing with, they may get stuck in their anxiety or grief and unable to move forward. Don’t hesitate to find help sooner than later if this happens.

Tragedies such as the Sandy Hook shooting carry a weight heavy to bear. They’re especially difficult for young children to make sense of or cope with. Helping our children process their emotions, while shielding them from graphic details, offers them healing and the gift of hope to continue on their young journey with renewed strength in their ability to cope with life’s next challenge.

Gayla Grace is a freelance writer and wife and mom/stepmom to five children in her blended family.

Arkansas’s Largest Supplier of Printed Music FeatUring 15

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(501) 217-0275 • Market Place Shopping Center 11121 N Rodney Parham Rd • Little Rock lewis.anthonymusic@gmail.com www.carolynskeyboardcorner.com january 2013 savvy kids

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First Assembly of god North Little Rock Hosts Christmas Lane

SAVVY EVENTS

Photos by rachael kimble

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Christmas Lane, a free family event, featured activities for the whole family, including train rides, carriage rides, carnival rides, hot chocolate and holiday treats.

Santa was also available for photos. The Christmas Bucket List, a hilarious, funfilled, multi-media production provided entertainment for all ages.

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Anothy Pettigrew, Carrington Pettigrew, Careem Adams, Cleen Adams & Genesis House Damarius & Dominjo Jimmerson Hannah, Abby, Elisha Alivia Greer Sarah Willard Dyiah Heard, Jayla & Justice Sullivan

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The Junior League of Little Rock Hosts Holiday Children’s Event Photos by ashley murphy

2 Children of all ages enjoyed playing games, making crafts and listening to music at the Children’s Event, themed “All Aboard the Polar Express,” which was held recently at the Junior League of Little Rock Building downtown.

Santa even made an appearance.

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Anna and Alice Zawada Presley and Shepherd Tapp Zoe Pitts and Taylor Lisko Talen Lovejoy Alice Zawada and Santa Claus Mason Abrahamson Carson and Ethan Mullins Tripp Piwetz Savvy Baker Officers Tommy Norman & Todd Humphries, Conductor Doug Tapp, Presley and Shepherd Tapp, Catherine Tapp Lila Cross Addy and Ella Kate Minto Ava Mccullar Kennedy Carroll Christmas Tree

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january 2013 savvy kids

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The Promenade at Chenal Holds Animated Tree and Light Show

SAVVY EVENTS

Photos by Rachael Kimble

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The Promenade at Chenal kicked off the holiday season with a brand new 26-foot musically animated tree. Each night throughout December featured a 14-minute light show, bringing holiday cheer to the entire family. The event benefited the Make-A-Wish Mid-South Chapter to grant a wish for a deserving child.

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Haley & Alexis Aduddell Savanna Clements, Osama Oattur & Lacey Robelas 3. Jaxin Griffin 4. Kaitlyn & Aubrey Gore 5. Cortney Bristow & Abby Hall 6. Luke, Grace & Hope Malmstorm 7. Hunter Baker 8. Andy, Jennifer, Jonny, & Cyanne Ward 9. Savvy Baker 10. Animated Tree 1.

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Braylon Has Adoption Party

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Photos by Rachael Kimble

Braylon White recently celebrated his adoption with family and friends at Tydall Park in Benton. Kids enjoyed a balloontwisting, face-painting clown from Add Sum Balloons in Sherwood. The party featured a bubble machine, kids’ music, pizza, candy and a cake made by Debbie Geurin from Taste of Eden Bakery in Hot Springs.

Instead of gifts, donations were made to Project Zero, which raises awareness about adoption through foster care, with the ultimate goal of finding a forever home.

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Braylon, Tenna & Adeline White Braylon White Party Guests Adeline White Kacey Bagwell Party Cake Tenna & Adeline White Braylon & his mother

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Come See What We’re Learning!

rS a t S k c o r e Drums Futur Guitar • Bass • The students, faculty and administration of the Anthony School invite you to attend

Winter Open House Wednesday, Jan. 30 9 to 11 a.m.

Come see, firsthand, our small class sizes, individual instruction and challenging curriculum.

• Classroom Tours • Admission Information • Faculty & Staff Available • Refreshments We’ve been producing outstanding students for nearly 70 years. For a personal tour call 225-6629 or visit anthonyschool.org.

PREK3 Eighth Grade

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7700 Ohio St.•225-6629 AnthonySchool.org

501.650.1806 contact@studio-1-photo.com january 2013 savvy kids

| 55

William F. Laman Public Library Hosts Tree Trimming Party

SAVVY EVENTS

Photos by Rachael Kimble

Children of all ages and their parents got the chance to spread some holiday cheer and get creative by making ornaments and decorating the tree in the library’s Children’s Department.

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Victoria & Jayron Johnson Library workers and Volenteers Sarah Benson, Delphine Smith, Marilyn Willis, Jamie Brown, Macie Clark Charles & Payton Josephy & Reese Kollar Cailen & Candace B.J. & Jye’ron Cassidy & Devin Duun and Dacarter Coleman Leroy Watson Leianna King and Aurora King Madison Donley Brailyn Mitchell Olivia Givens Thomas Larch Sadie Sanders Vaden & Amy Vent

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Violet and Edie Host Annual Stuff the Stocking Party

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Photos by Rachael Kimble

Violet and Edie recently hosted their annual Stuff the Stocking Party for friends to stuff stockings for the Salvation Army. Kids enjoyed bringing items for the stockings and learning about the true spirit of Christmas. Kids also made cards for the Cleburne County Meals on Wheels program.

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Coleman York Jacob Ausrin, George Cessna, & Willow Becker Making cards.

Edie Rose Ward Hallie Henerson William Selva Emily Stone, Weston Davis & Violet Ward Hallie Henderson, Ella Burleson, Lillie York, Edie Rose Ward & Violet Ward The finished product.

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Zoo membership is a gift that gives and gives.

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

Give one gift that helps both humans and animals!

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

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

LIMITED TIME ONLY Back by popular demand!

Nathan Sawaya and Dean West

December 12, 2012 – February 1, 2013

Artist Nathan Sawaya, the Picasso of LEGO® bricks, returns to the Clinton Center with a new show.

“In Pieces” partners seven large-scale, highly stylized photographic images with uniquely constructed three-dimensional LEGO® brick sculptures.

1200 President Clinton Avenue Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 501-374-4242 • clintonpresidentialcenter.org january 2013 savvy kids

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SAVVY EVENTS

Cortland Bowie Turns 3!

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Photos by Rachael Kimble

Cortland Bowie celebrated his 3rd birthday with his friends and family at the Museum of Discovery. Cortland and his friends had a blast exploring the museum and especially loved looking at the animals and bugs that call the Museum of Discovery home. The kids also had fun using their imaginations and playing in the Room To Grow exhibit.

After working up an appetite, everyone gathered to eat birthday cupcakes and open presents.

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Cortland Bowie Party Guests Looking at bugs Carson Mullins Paisley Wise Carson & Ethan Mullins Jasper Stogsdill Corland Bowie

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Alexander Hill Turns 1!

Photos by Rachael Kimble

Alexander Hill celebrated his 1st birthday with friends at Scott Pumpkin Patch. Kids had a great time going on a hay ride and playing on the big slide and bounce house. Guests also enjoyed pig races, a petting zoo and going on a little train ride.

Alexander’s mom, Jenny, made all the food and cupcakes for the party. All the kids received a mini pumpkin to take home.

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Birthday Presents Party Refreshments Alexander Hill Sophia & Conor Lavrey Emma Lavrey Conor Lavrey Posing for pictures Alexander and Party Guests

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For the little or big monsters in your family!

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A Full-Service Bakery

Cakes, Cupcakes, Cookies, Cookie Cakes,Donuts, Muffins, & More

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january 2013 savvy kids

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Jillian Reed Turns 2!

Photos by Rachael Kimble

SAVVY EVENTS

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Jillian Reed recently celebrated her 2nd birthday with several friends at the Little Gym in Little Rock. Kids had a great time running, jumping and playing at the birthday bash, which had a Sesame Street theme. They also played games, and enjoyed music and other fun activities especially for the spunky birthday girl.

Jillian’s mom, Jennifer, made the cake and cupcakes for the party.

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Jillian Reed Gus Vogelgesan Ababella Vanvoy Lydia Madar Jillian Reed Party Refreshments Party Games Eating Cake Hayden Wallace Evie Thomas Fiona Thomas

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Michael and Hannah Cuffel Turn 13!

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Photos by rachel kimble

Twins Michael and Hannah recently celebrated their 13th birthday with friends at Burns Park’s Pavilion 8. They had a great time with their friends playing games in the park and enjoying the great outdoors. Cupcakes for the party were made by Michael and Hannah’s mom, Angel. Instead of gifts, Michael and Hannah asked guests to bring dog food and other items to donate to the Humane Society of Pulaski County. Twenty-six bags of dog food, eight bags of cat food, 32 collars and six leashes were among the many items collected.

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Michael & Hannah Cuffel Party Guest & donations Hannah Cuffel & Dahlia Bray Party Guests Abby Harris & Isabella Frazier-Pool Food Fight!

Emily & Justin Rising Andrew Parsons Xavier Wear Hannah & Michael with donations Michael Cuffel, Scott Cryer, Michael Dugger & Philip LeBeau 12. Food Fight Continues!

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I understand that thisthis proof is provided so so that I may correct anyany typographical errors.

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You Need Need You to Get Get the the to Party Started!

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Everything you you need need Everything to get get the the party party started! started! to Little Rock

Little Rock 11218 Rodney Parham 11218 Rodney (Pleasant Valley Parham Plaza) (Pleasant Valley Plaza) 501-223-4929

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North Little Rock North Little 4822 North HillsRock Blvd.

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(Joyce Plaza) 479-571-2147 479-571-2147

Over 600 stores nationwide. Not responsible for typographical errors. Product selection and everyday low prices may vary by store.

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Over 600 stores nationwide. Not responsible for typographical errors. Product selection and everyday low prices may vary by store.

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11218 Rodney Parham Little Rock (Pleasant ValleyParham Plaza) 11218 Rodney

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North Little Rock 4822 North Blvd.

North LittleHills Rock (off McCain, to Kroger) 4822 Northnext Hills Blvd.

Fayetteville

50Fayetteville West Joyce Blvd.

(Joyce Plaza)Blvd.

50 West Joyce

479-571-2147 (off 501-978-3154 McCain, next to Kroger) (Joyce Plaza) 501-223-4929 501-978-3154 479-571-2147 Over 600 stores nationwide. Not responsible for typographical errors. Product selection and everyday low prices may vary by store.

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501.234.2000 january 2013 savvy kids

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SAVVY PROJECT

Paper Beads Courtesy of Kate Petty at minieco.co.uk

I made these paper beads a while ago and dug them out the other day for my eldest son to play with. At three and a half he’s grown out of playing with his chunky threading beads – so these were the perfect replacement. They are so easy to make and surprisingly sturdy.

I used some sheets of origami paper to make mine but you can use any kind of paper. For example magazine scraps are particularly good for making beads with a more ethnic feel.

To make them simply cut out some very long isosceles triangles. Mine were 15cm long and 2cm wide. Then get a skewer (or something similar) and wind the paper tightly round it. When you are nearly at the end simply

62 | savvy kids January 2013

add a dab of glue. I used the remnants of a tube of glitter glue – hence the sparkles. If you want a better explanation then check out this great tutorial at creativejewishmom.com.

You can experiment with paper length/width and make beads of different shapes and sizes.

The beads are perfect for little kids to thread. If you are a bigger kid (like me!) then you can slip them on some safety pins and make some pretty cool pendants/bracelets.

Find more photos at www.minieco.co.uk/paper-beads-2/.

january 2013 savvy kids

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Pinnacle Pointe Hospital Wishes you a

Happy New Year

Acute Inpatient Residential Inpatient Outpatient School-Based The Pointe Outpatient Behavioral Health Services offer the same quality care for all ages. When your family needs help, please contact a facility near you.

Pinnacle Pointe helps families learn to live calmer, happier, and more productive lives by providing high quality behavioral health treatment programs.

Let good things happen for your family. Contact us for a free and confidential assessment by calling 1-800-880-3322.

Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral HealthCare System BEST BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FACILITY

Pinnacle Pointe Behavioral HealthCare System

www.pinnaclepointehospital.com 1-800-880-3322 11501 Financial Centre Parkway Little Rock, AR 72211 “TRICARE” is a registered trademark of the TRICARE Management Activity.

All rights reserved.

2011 Governor’s Quality Award | 2009 President’s Award for Outstanding Juvenile Programs | 2011 & 2008 ATRS Facility of the Year 64 | 2007 APA Residential Facility of the Year for Outstanding Service savvy kids January 2013