SAVVYkids | March 2020

MARCH 2020 · SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

Rhythm Nation Music benefits for kids and teens

GO, GO KITCHEN GADGETS!

SPRING BREAK ESCAPES

FINDING A WEIGH THROUGH

SHOP ARKAN SAS A RT ISA N C RA F TS AT LIT TLE R O C K’ S BIGGE ST V E N UE

Make plans to see the state’s most accomplished artisans at the Arkansas Made– Arkansas Proud market at War Memorial Stadium on May 16, 2020.

For more details, please go to the Arkansas Made–Arkansas Proud Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you in May — mark your calendars now!

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MARCH 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2020

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MARCH

MUSIC EDUCATION ROCKS ON PAGE 14

2020

5 EDITOR’S NOTE 8 ADVENTURE & FUN CALENDAR, CRAFTS & MORE!

12 MAMA SAID ...

PART OF THE SOLUTION — JEN HOLMAN

14 EXPLORE & LEARN RHYTHM NATION

20 GOOD EATS

GO, GO KITCHEN GADGETS!

28 FAMILY & PARENTING SPRING BREAK ESCAPES

34 HEALTH & WELLNESS FINDING A WEIGH THROUGH

38 MEET THE PARENT CHRISTEN BURKE PITTS

KITCHEN GADGETS MAKE DINNER SO MUCH EASIER ON PAGE 20

ON THE COVER: SASHA CLEMONS PERFORMS FOR OTHER TRUST TREE CAMPERS. PHOTO BY KATIE CHILDS.

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MARCH 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

Photo by Stacy Kinzler

MAKE A BREAK FOR IT There’s something about making it through a cold, dark winter, with the end of school just around the corner and everyone in the house about to burst with energy over the thought of a few precious warm days that leaves us all chomping at the bit, suitcase in-hand, wondering suddenly: Where are we going for spring break? It’s not too late to plan a trip, and if the start of your 2020 was like everyone else’s, you deserve it! So flip to page 28 and check out our list including some nearby and some get-the-heck-out-of-town locations with kid-friendly itineraries.

If you find yourself homebound over the break, don’t fret — there are plenty of camps and events happening all over the city to keep your kids occupied and entertained. Check out News and Notes on page 8 for a few ideas to fill your calendar.

If you happen to have a musically inclined youngster in the home, you are in luck! On page 14, we dive into the music education scene in Central Arkansas with a look at programs that teach everything from jazz to rock. Learn about the importance of music education for childhood development, where you can sign up for lessons and how to get your daughter writing and playing songs with her future Trust Tree band mates.

Well-rounded kids need solid education foundations as well as healthy ideas concerning their bodies and weight. Boys and girls can begin struggling with food aversions as young as age 3. On page 34, we delve into the facts, stats, symptoms, treatments and more concerning eating disorders and body image among kids and teens. Know what to look for, where to go for help and how to promote good habits and a positive mentality around eating and nutrition with your kids.

Speaking of nutrition … if you need to load up your arsenal of easy dinner recipes don’t miss Zara Abbasi’s Good Eats column this month! She looks at kitchen gadgets that make cooking effortless with a focus on the Ninja Foodi, which she uses to make everything from hot wings to cake!

With a magazine full of activities, vacation plans, recipes and more, we hope you’ll find plenty to fill your March days!

Amy Gordy Editor, SAVVYkids amy@arktimes.com

SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2020

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PUBLISHER BROOKE WALLACE | brooke@arktimes.com EDITOR AMY GORDY | amy@arktimes.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR MANDY KEENER ART DIRECTOR | DIGITAL MANAGER KATIE HASSELL SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE LESA THOMAS PRODUCTION MANAGER | CONTROLLER WELDON WILSON ADVERTISING TRAFFIC MANAGER ROLAND R. GLADDEN ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR MIKE SPAIN GRAPHIC DESIGNER SARAH HOLDERFIELD DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & EVENT PLANNING LUCY BAEHR DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY JORDAN LITTLE PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN CHILSON IT DIRECTOR ROBERT CURFMAN ACCOUNTING CHARLOTTE KEY CIRCULATION DIRECTOR ANITRA HICKMAN PRESIDENT ALAN LEVERITT

©2020 ARKANSAS TIMES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP 201 E. MARKHAM ST., SUITE 200 LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985

MAR 5-8, 12-15 The Studio Theatre Go to CentralArkansasTickets.com to purchase these tickets and more!

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MARCH 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

FIND US ON

contributors ZARA ABBASI lives in Little Rock with her husband and three children. She is a licensed attorney, but you know her better as Little Rock’s friendly pastry chef and custom cake maker. She keeps busy with dessert orders, pop-up dinners, writing articles and doing anything food-related.

Follow her on Instagram @Zaramadeit for her newest cake creations and dinner ideas.

KATIE CHILDS is a wedding, lifestyle and commercial photographer based in North Little Rock. When she's not behind the camera, Katie, her husband, Jon, and their new addition, baby Jonas, can be found traveling the U.S. in a DIY camper van.

DWAIN HEBDA is a writer and editor living in Little Rock. He and his wife, Darlene, are the parents of four grown children. The empty-nesters spend their time traveling, working out and spoiling their two dogs.

JEN HOLMAN is doing her best right now, OK? She lives in Little Rock with her husband and three children, striking that delicate balance between inspiration and frustration.

She’s written five novels, one of which won a Rosemary Award for excellence in young adult fiction.

ANGELA E. THOMAS is a proud University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate and a member of its Alumni Board. For 11 years, she served Central Arkansas as editor for a locally owned magazine. Thomas is founder and owner of the greeting card company GODsent Greetings.

MELISSA TUCKER spends her days working in web marketing. When not at work, you'll probably find her at the gym, on the playground with her kids or checking out too many books from the library.

EMPATHY & EXCELLENCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AT THE INSTITUTE, learning and relationships go hand in hand and are alive with passion, curiosity and spirit. The Institute offers children in their early years through Kindergarten a robust program in which children learn to think critically and creatively within a beautifully compassionate community. The Institute for Mindful Learning is committed to creating an environment that celebrates the richness of life and the common bonds of all humanity.

INFANT | TODDLER | PRE-K KINDERGARTEN 501-492-9923 www.theinstitute-ar.org jennifer@theinstitute-ar.org

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SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2020

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ADVENTURE & FUN

MARCH 2020 March 17

ST. PATRICK’S DAY March 14

ARGENTA READING SERIES HIGH SCHOOL WRITING CONTEST March 2

NATIONAL READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY (DR. SEUSS DAY) March 8

ADVENTURE QUEST: KID FUN AND FITNESS

Kids ages third to eighth grade are invited to participate in this fun, free community class hosted by UA - Pulaski Tech at Unity Martial Arts from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Kids will travel back in time to the days of heroes and castles to find the source of evil, save the land and have a blast working together to solve problems, build a castle and then storm the gates. This is an introduction to the series of kid game and learning programs held at Unity Martial arts for over 10 years. Parents love how these themed games build social skills and confidence. Kids love it because it engages their bodies and their creativity. unitymartialarts.com

Enjoy listening to the talents of Central Arkansas’ high school writers. The finalists of the Argenta Reading Series High School Writing Contest will read their work in front of a live audience at Argenta United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. to determine the winner of the $1,000 prize. Remaining finalists receive $500. argentareadingseries.com/writingcontest

March 14

March 20-22

The fun begins at 1 p.m. at the corner of Sixth and Main streets in North Little Rock and travels through the Argenta Arts District, across the Main Street bridge, through the River Market to end at Third and Cumberland streets. Wear something festive and green and enjoy the lively atmosphere, decorative floats, Irish dancing, Irish wolfhounds, music and more. Irisharkansas.org

Catch the Arkansas Arts Center’s Children’s Theater touring production as it makes a stop at the Center’s Riverdale location for four special pay-what-you-can performances of “The Arkansas Story Porch.”

Meet Old Winnie and Monroe Jones, a funlovin’ pair of Ozark hill folks who love to sit on their plank-board porch with friends and neighbors, spinning yarns and singing songs of Arkansas lore and Arkansas history. Catch a performance March 20, 7 p.m.; March 21, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.; or March 22, 2 p.m. arkansasartscenter.org

21ST ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

‘THE ARKANSAS STORY PORCH’

March 14

ALPACAPALOOZA

Join the celebration of urban and rural farming and bring the family for a day of local food trucks, artisanal food and goods, crafts for all ages and, of course, alpacas at Heifer Village and Urban Farm starting at 10 a.m. Admission is free and open to the public. heifer.org

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March 23-27

SPRING BREAK COOKING CLASS

Kids ages 6-11 are invited to learn all about nutrition by cooking healthy and delicious meals and easy snacks with Ms. Brianna Hamm of UofA Cooperative Extension Services at the Laman Library Main Branch beginning at 10:30 a.m. throughout spring break. Register to save a spot! lamanlibrary.org

March 23-27

SPRING BREAK AT THE CLINTON CENTER March 21

‘WYNKEN, BLYNKEN, AND NOD’

Catch a special pay-what-you-can performance of this play tailored to very young children. The Arkansas Arts Center’s Children’s Theatre on Tour's production is stopping by the Riverdale location for a special performance at 10:15 a.m. Toddlers and preschoolers will delight in the enchanting and whimsical journey of Wynken, Blynken, and Nod as they sail away one magical night and meet the mystical Moon! Inspired by Eugene Field’s poem, this interactive musical for earlychildhood audiences explores the fantasy world of dreams. arkansasartscenter.org

The Clinton Center invites children of all ages to enjoy free spring break activities each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the center grounds. Activities are inspired by the current temporary exhibit, “...Like It's 1999: American Pop Culture in the 1990s.” clintonfoundation.org

MEET ‘ARTHUR’ AND ‘CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG’

Meet and have your photo taken with “Arthur” from AETN & PBS Kids at Museum of Discovery on March 23, and return the following day for a meet-and-greet with “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” Each day will include hands-on activities and opportunities to meet museum animals from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities are included in regular museum admission, or free for members. museumofdiscovery.org

ZOOFARI SPRING BREAK CAMPS 2020

Let the kids go wild this spring break at the Little Rock Zoo. Fun-filled and educational Zoofari full-day and half-day camps offer campers opportunities for up-close animal interactions, creative crafts and more. littlerockzoo.com

Animal Architects — March 23 Bees and beavers aren’t the only busy critters in the animal kingdom. Journey through elephant trails and spider webs as we explore nature’s best builders.

Critter Cleaners — March 24 It’s a dirty job, but these animals are up for it! Learn why vultures, opossums and lions are important for keeping our world clean and discover how we can help do the same.

Wild Gardeners — March 25 March 24- April 19

'THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME'

Kids and adults will love this stage drama based on the award-winning novel that has sold more than 5.5 million copies world-wide.

The story follows 15-year-old Christopher, who has an extraordinary brain and is exceptional at mathematics, but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He embarks on a mission that turns into an investigative adventure that will upturn the world of his family and community forever. therep.org

March 23-24

March 23-27

March 29

BARKUS ON MAIN

This Mardi Gras parade is all about the dogs!

Watch as dressed up, festive furry friends march down the Main Street Creative Corridor beginning at 2:30 p.m. at Seventh and Main streets. The pre-party kicks off at noon and will feature live music, a beer garden, gumbo, drinks, crawfish boil, plenty of beads and the dog parade. Prizes will be awarded for best pet/owner look-a-like costumes, best dressed pet, best small dog costume, best large dog costume, most original costume, best float and judge’s choice. barkusonmain.com

Pollinating, fertilizing and planting seeds are just a few of the things that animals do to keep the ecosystem growing. Discover how zebras, birds and insects all play important roles as nature’s gardeners.

Eco-Artists — March 26 Beautiful colors, lovely songs and exciting dances are an important part of human culture, but can be essential for animal survival. Join us as we learn how birds, reptiles and various animals use art to protect themselves and communicate with others.

Creature Teachers — March 27 Living like an animal sometimes looks easy, but even animals need help from their friends and families. Discover how chimps, cheetahs and even bees teach each other life skills.

April 3

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS ‘DREAM BIG’ Catch your favorite Disney characters including Miguel, Moana and Maui, and Anna and Elsa as they inspire with stories of strength, determination and kindness at Simmons Bank Arena. Share every magical moment filled with breathtaking ice skating and beloved songs and stories. simmonsbankarena.com

SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2020

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ART SPACE

Springtime Bird Feeders

Bring the birds into your yard with these simple, handmade birdfeeders

BY KATIE HASSELL

BIRDSEED DISK You will need:

Mason jar lid band ¾ cup birdseed Pack of unflavored gelatin ¼ cup boiling water Twine

How to:

1. Combine the gelatin and water in a bowl and stir to dissolve.

2. Mix in the birdseed, coating all of it in the gelatin mixture 3. Loop some twine through the Mason jar band.

4. Fill the band with the birdseed mixture. Be sure to press it down and fill up the band.

5. Allow to sit for a few hours to harden. Once hardened, they are ready to hang outside.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day Erin Go Bragh!

INVITATIONS • DECORATIONS • PARTY FAVORS • BALLOONS • PIÑATAS • CAKE SUPPLIES 10 MARCH 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER You will need:

4-ounce Mason jar Hanging Mason jar lid from a craft store Red plastic cutting board Permanent marker Scissors Hole puncher 2 cups water ½ cup sugar

How to:

1. Remove the original lid and clean the Mason jar. (Save the band for the birdseed feeder.)

2. Using the permanent marker, trace the outer edge of the band of the lid. Then cut out the circle inside the line so the red plastic disk will fit within the band.

3. Use the hole punch to make four holes in the red disk, and place in the hanging Mason jar lid.

4. Make hummingbird nectar with this simple recipe: Boil two cups of water and dissolve ½ cup of sugar in the water. Allow to cool.

5. Fill up the Mason jar with the nectar, screw on the new lid and hang outside for the birds to find.

11218 PARHAM RD. / LITTLE 1 1218N.N.RODNEY RODNEY PARHAM RD.ROCK / LR 501.223.4929 501.223.4929

4822 N. HILLSN. BLVD. / NORTH LITTLE 4822 HILLS BLVD. / ROCK NLR 501.978.3154 501.978.3154

• INVITATIONS • DECORATIONS • PARTY FAVORS • BALLOONS • PIÑATAS • CAKE SUPPLIES SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2020

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MAMA SAID ...

Part of the Solution

BY JEN HOLMAN

D

id you happen to see the social media storm surrounding Shakira and Jennifer Lopez’s Super Bowl halftime show? Whether empowering or objectifying, a lot of people had opinions about the performance and didn’t hesitate to throw those opinions around on social media. No big deal, right? A respectful discussion about culture and music and powerful, successful women is a good thing. Except when it’s not respectful. Except when it devolves into body shaming and name-calling and hypercritical accusations by people who’ve never laid eyes on one another.

I saw all that and more on my social media feed the days following the performance, the merits of which I am not here to debate. What I do want to talk about is why people, why women, are so quick to publicly turn on one another over things that don’t matter one little bit in our day-to-day lives.

We’re teaching our children social media etiquette, but are we using it?

In the online conversation about JLo, a woman stated her opinion, and a dozen people she didn’t know threw huge chunks of judgment and accusation at her, landing a few juicy ones right in her face. I readied my typing fingers to defend her, to attempt to moderate the masses, but you know what I did? I’m ashamed to say I

carpool line. Why do we do that? Has social media really designed that good of a filter for empathy and compassion—for decency?

In 2004, Facebook’s mission was “to make the world more open and connected,” and it started that way.

It has given us an easy way to reconnect with old friends and share photos with relatives. We can follow celebrities and heroes and chefs and bands. It’s great for organizing communities and causes.

As social media has aged, though, I worry connection and openness are no longer primary goals. It’s no secret the role social media played in “fake news” stories that spread like wildfire. Election influence by foreign actors has been widely reported. Online discussions about the female body and school policies are far less civil than those we have in real life.

I’m not saying social media is all bad. It has the power to do a whole lot of good. It can give a voice to the powerless, and connect donors with worthy causes. It helps quickly disseminate information on emergencies and threats. It has given us cat videos and yoga goats and memes.

But it has also given us a too-easy way to publicly express our knee-jerk, and often unkind, reactions.

Worse, outrage can be contagious.

There’s a term called “moral grandstanding,” that describes what happens when people become overly outraged on social media, making exaggerated public displays and shaming anyone who disagrees with them. These grandstanders lie in wait, reading every word of the opposite side’s response so they can pounce and publicly dispute it. They’re encouraged when their audience “likes” their morally outraged posts and start to pile on, too. They’re validated. They’re right. But

“We’re teaching our children social media etiquette, but are we using it?” did nothing. I didn’t jump into the fray because I knew I’d set myself up as the next bull's-eye.

It happens on neighborhood and school groups, too.

One person comments, and the floor is suddenly open to opinions and moral superiority and grandstanding that would never happen at the coffee shop or

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they would never behave this way in person. The normal barriers to joining an “outrage mob,” like time to cool off or the fear of shame at humiliating someone, are eliminated when faces aren’t visible.

I worry that social media has gotten very good at making us angrier people and destroying our capacity for empathy. Though some people have and are happier for it, unfortunately, it’s unrealistic to think we’re all going to ditch social media to save humanity.

But wait! All is not lost. There are some things we can do. Just like we teach our children, we must remind ourselves to be kind. We must stop and think before we reply. Do we really need to air our frustrations so publicly? Who will it affect? Would I say this to her face? Will I have to see the teacher/parent/co-worker tomorrow?

I think it’s important, too, to reject the conditioning to “like” inflammatory comments.

In his recent Oscar speech, Joaquin Phoenix said he’d “been a real scoundrel” in the past. He claimed to have been cruel at times, and hard to work with. But people gave him a second chance.

“That’s when we're at our best,” he said, “when we support each other … when we help each other to grow, when we educate each other, when we guide each other toward redemption. That is the best of humanity.”

Isn’t that lovely? If we use social media for good, if we forgive past mistakes and help each other grow and have respectful conversations there’ll be no room for moral grandstanding. There’ll only be grace and support … and cat videos.

“That’s when we're at our best, when we support each other … when we help each other to grow, when we educate each other, when we guide each other toward redemption. That is the best of humanity.” _ Joaquin Phoenix

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EXPLORE & LEARN

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Rhythm Nation

Music holds many potential benefits for young people, and Central Arkansas has struck a chord with ample organizations for musically inclined kids and teens

BY DWAIN HEBDA PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CHILDS

(FROM LEFT) CAMILLE ENNET, TEGAN HOWELL, MIRI LEONARD AND SADIE EVANS PERFORM TOGETHER AS THE BAND “HIDING AWAY.” SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2020

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F

or many children, the world is a musical place.

From lullabies to nursery rhymes; from “Sesame Street” jingles to simple Sunday School hymns to “Baby Shark,” much of what we communicate to our children, either directly or indirectly, is set to a beat and carries a melody.

Science has backed us parents up on these tendencies, citing the emotional and development benefits of music in a child’s formative years. And a growing body of evidence suggests there’s a lot to be said for music as a component of intellectual development as well.

Scholastic.com reported in 2017 a bevy of studies that showed the positive impact music has on various aspects of a child’s development. The site cited various studies of children in pre-kindergarten through second grade that showed music as an incubator for executive functioning, literacy and language processing, memory and emotional well-being.

“When they move and sing, children feel good about themselves,” the site quoted Dr. Julene K. Johnson, professor at the University of California, San Francisco, “Study after study has found that singing relieves anxiety and contributes to quality of life. ... It takes something intimate, a sound that begins inside you, shares it with a roomful of people, and it comes back as something even more thrilling.”

Teenagers also stand to benefit greatly from music and music education, according to scientific data compiled by The NAAM Foundation. High levels of music involvement, especially in formal music programs, positively impacted math competency, graduation rates, SAT scores and college attendance. Teens also reported in surveys that music is an important social tool, helping them bond with their peers without regard to race, age or gender differences.

To this long list of benefits, add leadership skills, said Keesha Bass, director of outreach and communications for Trust Tree, a Little Rock-based music and arts program for girls ages 9 to 16. Trust Tree puts those girls through one- and two-week camps during which time they develop skills in songwriting and the basics of instrumental and vocal music.

“Our program is just as much about leadership, teamwork and communication as it is music,” Bass said.

“They are working on their songs, but they’re also working together on problem-solving and time management and team building and they have to work through a lot of differences. In trying this new experience, they are also able to surprise themselves with what they are able to accomplish. They build pride and self-esteem that transfers into other endeavors.”

Trust Tree alums carry their experiences to surprising heights. Jamee Ellisa McAdoo performed the song she developed through the program in pageants, developed a video for “Admire Me,” viewable on YouTube, and has performed all over Little Rock. Many others work to nurture what Trust Tree plants in them.

“We have a few annual fundraisers and our girls will get together and play in front of the community,” Bass said.

“They continue working on their songs whenever they can get together with their bandmates.”

TRUST TREE FACILITATOR KEESHA BASS AND CAMPER SAMIYAH HERVEY WORK ON SAMIYAH’S SONG.

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LET THE MUSIC PLAY

In addition to Trust Tree, several programs throughout Central Arkansas specialize in building musical foundations in kids and teens. Here are a few noteworthy organizations:

ARKANSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

arkansassymphony.org ASO offers a wide range of educational programs for young musicians. Parents of kids in first through third grade will want to check out The Orchestra and You, a free program introducing children to symphony instruments. Those seeking a more formal education will want to explore ASO’s Sturgis Music Academy, providing a proven method for developing confidence, creative thinking and a general work ethic that will assist students' musical and non-musical endeavors. Or, check out the Summer Strings Camp for musicians with at least one year of lessons under their belts.

ART PORTER MUSIC EDUCATION

artporter.org Leveraging the power of music to promote academic success, Art Porter Music Education supports various programs, including Minors in Music, a platform that combines workshops, musical and educational relationships with professional musicians and educators, and a community service component to create a customized training program. The transformative power of music impacts young people in a way that empowers, educates and socially connects them universally.

JETTWAY PERFORMANCE

thejettwayperformance.com It’s a short drive to Hensley, about 20 miles south of Little Rock. But once you’re there, you’re going to get music and songwriting lessons from members of the Zac Dunlap Band, named 2018 Entertainer of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year, as designated by the Arkansas Country Music Awards. Zac and Hannah Dunlap, along with two other members of the group, provide the finer points of instrumental and vocal music, songwriting and even the chance to play a real gig in front of real fans.

LITTLE ROCK MUSIC ACADEMY

littlerockmusicacademy.business.site Located at 11220 N. Rodney Parham Road in Little Rock, the LRMA offers music lessons for all ages across a broad range of musical instruments. Among the available lessons that the academy offers are those for piano, voice, orchestral strings, brass, woodwinds, guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, drums—even bagpipes!

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LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

lrschoolofthearts.com This Midtown Little Rock school offers one of the widest art curriculums in the region with private and group lessons in various iterations for guitar, bass, woodwind, brass, piano, strings, drums, percussion and voice. For little ones, check out Music and Movement Plus, an introduction to music class for kids ages 2 to 5. Or, try a one-day seminar in songwriting or lab band for a unique musical experience.

ROCK CITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC

rockcityschoolofmusic.com Ready to get serious with your musical career? Check out Rock City School of Music for instruction in drums, guitar or keyboards through private, one-on-one weekly lessons (30- or 60-minute sessions available) or opt for group lessons and learn and interact with other students at various skill levels. Monthly workshops are also available. Visit their website for a free first lesson.

THE REP

therep.org Arkansas Repertory Theatre provides a range of classes for young people, including semester-long courses occurring in the fall, winter and spring for kindergarten through adultage students. Course offerings include training in a variety of curricula, including musical theater, acting, theater dance, tap dance, audition preparation, Shakespeare, physical theater and more. Tuition payment plans, as well as full and partial needbased scholarships, are available for all education programs upon application.

TRUST TREE

trusttree.org The music, arts and leadership program for girls ages 9 to 16 has doubled in size in each year of its existence. Founded by the members of a local all-women band, Trust Tree offer one- and twoweek camps during which time girls are taught the fundamentals of songwriting, instrumental and vocal music. The girls, most of whom have little or no prior musical experience, form bands or work solo on their creations, which are performed for parents.

WILDWOOD PARK

wildwoodpark.org Find here the West Little Rock Performing Arts Academy, which offers private voice lessons during the school year and summer months under the direction of professional musicians. Una Voce, an auditioned high school honors choir, attracts youth from around Central Arkansas who perform locally, regionally and will be touring Europe in the summer of 2020. For younger children, don’t miss the Wildwood Academy of Music and the Arts, a summer music festival and arts camp designed for students ages 6 to 18 who are interested in studying music and other artistic endeavors.

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SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MARCH 2020

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GOOD EATS

Quick Blueberry Cake 20 MARCH 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

Go, Go Kitchen Gadgets!

Kitchen technology just keeps getting better. If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen tools, look no further than the Ninja Foodi, and these fast, delicious recipes.

BY ZARA ABBASI PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CHILDS

H

ave you bought into the idea of robots helping you out in the kitchen yet? No? Well, let me convince you why you absolutely should! Now, I don’t mean robots in the sense of the futuristic “The Jetsons” (although I’d take a Rosie any day!), I mean more along the lines of machinery that makes life easier for you with meal prep and the actual task of cooking dinner. You’ve probably heard tons about crock-pots, pressure cookers and the Instant Pot, and they’re all great, but my personal favorite is the Ninja Foodi. Now, let it be known I’m not being compensated by Ninja or any of its affiliates for the following information; this is all based on the two years' experience I’ve had with this machine, along with the several years of experience I’ve had with other gadgets.

I’m a pretty old-fashioned cook—I love to be adventurous in cooking, but I cook and bake everything I can and from scratch when possible. When I received a run-of-the-mill pressure cooker for my wedding 14 years ago, I about charred my face off because no one had ever taught me to not open the top until it had completely depressurized. Scary, right? I thought so, and so do quite a few other people. They’re totally threatened by such contraptions and maybe for good reason. As I got better and better at using the pressure cooker, I incorporated it into my regular cooking a lot more.

However, my experience with the crock-pot was not really the same; I used it pretty infrequently. I didn’t grow up with a parent using one and I really had no clue as to where to start, so that machine came out to play only for special occasions like holding a big batch of cheese dip at parties, keeping hot cocoa warm during the holidays and a soup here and there.

When the Instant Pot came out, it was all the rage. I couldn’t understand why until I realized it was a more fool-proof pressure cooker. Then I understood all the hype, but as I already had a pressure cooker, I really wasn’t persuaded by the Instant Pot despite its fancy display screen and safety.

Enter, the Ninja Foodi. While I don’t really care for the name (it sounds so … blah), I was still mesmerized by the infomercial one late night. What was this contraption? And why was it different than the Instant Pot? One quick answer: It has a built-in air fryer! What?! Let me repeat, it’s a pressure cooker WITH A BUILT-IN AIR FRYER. So, I began my research. It was new, like brand new.

Hardly anyone had heard of it at that time so I had to dig deep and watch videos and demonstrations.

Soon, I was sold. I knew I needed this spaceship food maker and, lo and behold, my sweet husband gifted it to me right away.

I’ll spare you the initial excitement and delve right into what I’ve learned from having this thing: Almost all Instant Pot recipes are adaptable to the Foodi; I learned that the Foodi has a bigger engine so it cooks things faster and hotter (which is a win for me!); its so versatile and can make a full roasted crispy chicken in it. Say what? Sorry, excuse all my childish slang, but fun cooking gadgets bring the kid out in me. I really cannot recommend this thing enough. It saves you from getting two gadgets (Instant Pot and a separate air fryer); it cooks fast, flavorful meals; and, it’s genuinely something that you can incorporate to make incredible meals. If this article convinces you to get the Foodi, there is only one thing I would encourage you to do: Get rid of the recipe book that comes with it. Unfortunately, it is extremely poorly written and has yielded several disaster meals only because I firmly believe that someone without recipe development skills was tasked with writing it. There are far better recipes online and in social media groups dedicated to this device. So, without further ado, here are a few of my favorite recipes for the Foodi.

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22 MARCH 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Wings 2 pounds fresh or thawed chicken wings 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon salt Ÿ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper 2 teaspoons onion powder 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 to 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning ½ cup favorite hot sauce (optional) 1. In a large bowl or Ziploc bag, toss the wings with all the dry ingredients.

2. Spray or grease the crisper basket and preheat Foodi to 400 degrees.

3. Place the wings in the basket and lightly spray with your choice of cooking spray.

4. Close lid and air crisp for 20-25 minutes, being sure to flip halfway through.

5. Toss warm wings and the hot sauce together in a bowl and enjoy. Serve with your favorite dip.

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24 MARCH 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

SELF DEFENSE SPOTLIGHT THE HAIR GRAB

10-Minute Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo 1½ cups chicken broth Salt and pepper to taste ½ pound fettuccine noodles broken in half 3 teaspoons garlic paste 1 pound chicken, cut into cubes 1½ cup heavy whipping cream 1 cup parmesan cheese Fresh basil (optional)

1. In your Foodi pot, layer the following ingredients in this order: broth, cream, garlic, a little salt, broken noodles (do not stir but just move gently to ensure they’re covered by the liquid).

2. Top with the chicken pieces (they don’t have to be fully immersed).

3. Secure your pressure cooker lid and set on high for eight minutes.

4. Once the timer is done, do a quick release and add in freshly grated parmesan and stir.

5. Let it thicken a bit, then I like to add fresh basil for extra flavor. Enjoy with your favorite garlic bread and salad.

O

ne of the most common attacks, especially against women, is to grab and pull by the hair. Being pulled and held by the hair makes you vulnerable to strikes to your head, and keeps you from being able to escape or fight back effectively. In Unity Martial Arts’ self defense courses we teach a three-step process for escaping a hair grab, which is one of the most common concerns of attendees to these free community seminars.

If you have enough hair to grab, take some time to think through and practice these steps so you’ll have a better chance of escaping or fighting back if you’re assaulted this way.

STEP 1: GRAB THE GRAB AND COVER YOUR HEAD

When you’re first grabbed you’ll be off balance and disoriented, maybe even pulled to the ground. Get one hand or both onto the hand that has hold of your hair and pull it toward your head, pulling your elbows in and covering your head as best you can. This will make it possible to resist your attacker’s pull with your whole body instead of just your neck.

STEP 2: FIND YOUR FEET

Instead of trying to wrestle to get your hair back or stand up, bring your feet or knees below you so that you can use your strength. You want to get your body between you and the ground or between you and the attacker. Keep covering your head and try to get in a position where you can see the attacks and the attacker’s body.

STEP 3: ATTACK THE ATTACKER

Instead of trying to pull the grab out of your hair, use your free hand and your legs if possible to attack targets you can reach. Often these targets are low (groin, inner thigh, knee or feet). These strikes will loosen your attacker’s grip better than fighting the grab itself and give you the opportunity to get up and get away.

Competence takes practice and, preferably, instruction.

We’d love to see you and your loved ones at one of our free community self-defense seminars on March 29, May 31 and Aug. 16.

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26 MARCH 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

Quick Blueberry Cake 8 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature 1 cup sugar, set aside 1 tablespoon 1 egg 1 tablespoon quality vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour, set aside ¼ cup 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups fresh blueberries ½ cup buttermilk

1. Cream butter and sugar (except the 1 tablespoon set aside) until light and fluffy.

2. Mix in egg and vanilla.

3. Toss the blueberries with the ¼ cup flour and set aside.

4. Add the remaining flour, baking powder and salt into the butter and egg mixture and combine slowly.

5. Add in buttermilk and stir until just combined.

6. Fold in the floured blueberries (don’t have to add in the excess flour left behind).

7. Pour your batter into the greased pot and close the crisping lid.

8. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

9. Check after about 15 minutes to make sure it's not getting too brown.

10. Cake should be complete in about 20-25 minutes. Enjoy as dessert or as a breakfast item with coffee.

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FAMILY & PARENTING

28 MARCH 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

SPRING BREAK ESCAPES Pack your bags and hit the road for these near and far(ish) kid-friendly destinations!

BY MELISSA TUCKER

N

ow that we’ve survived a full eight weeks of January and a particularly harsh February flu season, parents and children alike are turning their thoughts optimistically toward spring and the customary, week-long hiatus from our daily routine. If you think a short trip is on the table for spring break this year, but aren’t sure where to go, we’ve got a few ideas for you. Just pick a direction on the map and start driving.

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GO WEST, YOUNG MAN TULSA

Drive: 4 hours Do: Head upstream on the Arkansas River to The Gathering Place, a public park spanning 100 acres and featuring playgrounds, gardens, trails, boat rentals and outdoor events. Another small stop is The Center of the Universe, a circular landmark that’s something of an acoustic oddity. You’ll have to hear it to believe it. The Tulsa Glass Blowing School lets kids create art in community classes, while The Discovery Lab and Go Ballistic play centers let them burn off energy indoors.

Dine: Fuddrucker’s has games and kid-friendly food; silent films project on the walls at Mondo’s Italian Restaurant; and Rock Rose Microcreamery has rotating flavors of fresh-made ice cream. gatheringplace.org tulsaglassblowing.org goballistictulsa.com discoverylab.org

OKLAHOMA CITY

Drive: 5 hours Do: OKC is a short drive due west and has enough attractions to fill a few days. You could play at Frontier City, a theme park operated by Six Flags that starts its season March 14. The Science Museum offers a full day of learning and exploring, while the immersive “Mix-Tape” arts exhibit at Factory Obscura is a full sensory experience. Relax at Scissortail Park, a 40-acre park near downtown with gardens, a playground and pedal boat and paddleboard rentals. You can also add the Oklahoma City Zoo, Myriad Botanical Gardens and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum to your agenda.

Dine: Try Wedge Pizzeria where kids can play with fresh dough at the table; Muu Shabu, for an authentic Japanese hot pot experience (ages 8 and up) and have some dessert at Pie Junkie. factoryobscura.com/mixtape sixflags.com/frontiercity sciencemuseumok.org

DISCOVERY LAB

FACTORY OBSCURA

SCIENCE MUSEUM OKLAHOMA

30 MARCH 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

SOUTHEAST BEACHES GULF SHORES

Drive: 8+ hours Do: The beach is the quintessential spring break destination. In Gulf Shores you can book a Pirate Ship Cruise, get a “degree” in castle-building at Sand Castle University, visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, rent bikes and ride through the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, then close the trip at The Wharf for the nightly SPECTRA Light and Sound Show.

Dine: Try the 1950s-era breakfast at Sunliner Diner; doughnuts at Sassy Bass Crazy Doughnuts; or dinner at Lulu’s on the waterfront with beach activities, an arcade and ropes course. At The Diner, kids can play old-school video games before dinner. orangebeachpirateship.com sandcastleu.com alabamagulfcoastzoo.com

EAST YOUR HEART OUT

PIRATE SHIP CRUISE

NASHVILLE

Drive: 5 hours Do: Music City will keep your family boot-scootin’ for a full week. The Adventure Science Center has science about Earth and beyond, while the Sudekum Planetarium has themed laser shows set to Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. Take a Riverboat tour at Opryland Resort, visit the renowned Centennial Park or the Nashville Zoo, and snag a selfie with a famous wax figure at Madame Tussaud’s. The SOAR Adventure Tower just south of town has more than 110 above-ground challenges and ropes courses on four levels and putt-putt on land for those who prefer to respect gravity.

Dine: Have something sweet at the famous Goo Goo Shop candy store or try breakfast “bonuts” at Biscuit Love. Play a board game before your meal at Bongo East or bocce ball at Coco’s Italian Market. soaradventure.com adventuresci.org

SOAR ADVENTURE TOWER

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NORTHERN EXPOSURES MOUNTAIN VIEW

Drive: 2 hours Do: Known for folk music, arts and the Ozark Folk Center State Park, Mountain View is perfect for the outdoorsy family with exploring at Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, hiking and biking on the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail, horseback riding and fishing. But adventurers in the know go to Mountain View for the Loco Ropes zip-line, climbing walls and high-line ropes courses with more than 30 challenges to complete among the treetops. A hidden gem in Mountain View is the Stone Amphitheater in City Park—a serene place for a picnic.

Dine: Try the Skillet Restaurant in Ozark Folk Center State Park, JoJo’s Catfish Wharf, Tommy’s Famous Pizza or cheeses and meats at Mikey’s Smoked Meats and Deli. locoropes.com

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

Drive: 3 hours Do: You can’t go wrong with a visit to Northwest Arkansas. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art never disappoints, and neither does wandering the grounds at Terra Studios or a stop at the castle at Wilson Park in Fayetteville. You can also teach the kids about life before Netflix at the 112 Drive In movie theater or while hiking on the Razorback Regional Greenway trail. Over in Bentonville, the Scott Family Amazeum’s interactive exhibits and play areas could easily fill a full day.

Dine: Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese restaurant was made for kids and kids in grown-up bodies. Taste the custard-y ice cream from Burton’s Creamery or try a doughnut ice cream sandwich from Kream Snack Bar. Yeah, that’s right. Doughnut ice cream sandwich. In Bentonville, Crepes Paulette always satisfies, and the atmosphere and food at the ’50s-themed Spark Diner keeps ‘em coming back. terrastudios.com 112driveintheatre.com amazeum.org

LOCO ROPES

AMAZEUM

TERRA STUDIOS

32 MARCH 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

ST. LOUIS

Drive: 6 hours Do: City Museum might be the best way to fill a day or two in St. Louis. A 100-year-old warehouse becomes a repurposed playground and exhibit with indoor and outdoor areas to explore. Kids can play in tunnels, bridges, castles and slides both above ground and below. The Saint Louis Zoo is a classic choice, while Big Joel’s Safari Petting Zoo and The Magic House museum offer a more hands-on experience.

Don’t forget standbys like the famous Gateway Arch Park, the Science Center or a Cardinals game.

Dine: The Boathouse has nearby boat and paddle board rentals before dining, while Fitz’s craft soda microbrewery has views of the bottling line while you wait for food. Clementine’s Naughty or Nice Creamery has boozy desserts for parents and “nice” ones for the kids. citymuseum.org magichouse.org

CITY MUSEUM

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

FINDING A WEIGH THROUGH Millions of us resolve each new year to lose weight by exercising and dieting. However, concern about weight loss and body image can become a preoccupation, an obsession. In fact, it’s estimated that 30 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder. You might be surprised how young these thoughts can begin to form.

BY ANGELA E. THOMAS

34 MARCH 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

A

norexia, as you may know, is an eating disorder, a form of self-starvation. There are two types: restrictive and bulimic; restrictive meaning severely limiting food intake, including foods that are high in fat and carbohydrates. Bulimia involves binging and purging. An individual with this disorder will take in large amounts of food then make themselves throw up or ingest large amounts of laxatives or medication to clear the intestine.

Wesley Morgan is a licensed professional counselor who serves patients and families at Methodist Family Health. She previously provided outpatient therapy for children ages 3 to 19 and young adults who are dealing with these eating disorders.

“This can lead to malnutrition. Children this young aren’t trying to lose weight, and this doesn’t involve body image issues. They’re just so picky, they aren’t getting the nutrients their body needs,” she said.

“Control can also be a factor. For children 5 and younger, eating and using the restroom are tied to their emotions. They may not even understand what they’re doing. Their desire for control can be due to stressful situations or changes in their environments, such as a divorce or going into foster care, or a fear of choking.

Other times it may just be a texture issue. This varies from child to child.”

No matter the cause, Morgan said, parents should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

“Pay attention to your child, especially if you know he or she is being bullied, and definitely be aware of how you talk about food.”

“Children and teens who are anorexic will often eat, binge eat and eliminate in secret,” Morgan said. This can make it difficult for parents to pick up on warning signs early on. “However, if your child begins to talk about dieting, calories and losing weight more often, you will want to become more observant, because what may begin innocently can quickly become obsessive.”

You may have noticed that Morgan has treated patients as young as 3. Her patients this young have dealt with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, which is characterized by selective eating habits. These are extremely picky eaters who avoid foods due to texture, color or past experiences. For instance, if a child became sick after eating broccoli, he may avoid it in the future.

For adolescents and teens, issues with body image, insecurity and being bullied may breed anxiety and depression. “Their coping strategy may be to diet; however, for some, the dieting spirals,” Morgan said.

She recommends parents first contact their primary care physician and get his or her recommendation.

Treatments include intensive, individual mental health therapy; family therapy; psychological education groups; and support groups for families.

“Nutritional evaluations and nutritional rehabilitation may also be recommended,” Morgan said.

“I’ve worked with teens early on, when they first start talking about body image issues, then found they’re having issues with food. For instance, a patient may come in to be treated for anxiety or depression and, as

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we build a rapport, the topic of food and his eating habits comes up. This is an instance where cognitive behavior therapy is a starting point; but as a result, I recommend further treatment.”

This may include a referral to a clinic for nutritional evaluation and monitoring. Intervention is crucial as long-term effects of anorexia include damage to the heart and digestive tract; to the kidneys due to dehydration; and to the endocrine system, which can cause a lack of menstrual period. Additionally, anorexia can cause bones to become fragile. “Lastly, all forms of anorexia can lead to the severity of death. These are just some of the reasons treatment is so important,” Morgan said. Outpatient therapy, in some cases, may not be appropriate. “If a child refuses to eat with intent to harm or kill themselves, they would meet the criteria for inpatient care.”

Parents, do not assume that your child cannot be affected by an eating disorder. “Eating disorders are not specific to any race, gender or sexuality,” Morgan said. Additionally, according to the National Eating Disorders Association, boys account for 25 percent of those with anorexia nervosa. Further, youth ages 15 to 24 with anorexia have 10 times the risk of dying when compared to their peers.

As parents, it’s important to promote a positive mindset toward food and body image. “I recommend a focus on health versus weight, and that parents stress positivity and not criticize their child’s body. Additionally, modeling body comfort is key. If you as a parent are anxious about your own body, connect with a medical professional to address the issue. It’s OK to encourage your child to be physically active. And be sure to compliment your child regularly.

Social media plays a big part in how children think about their bodies, so be sure to talk about the images in media and on social media. Pay attention to your child, especially if you know he or she is being bullied, and definitely be aware of how you talk about food.”

GENERAL WARNING SIGNS

“EATING DISORDERS ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO ANY RACE, GENDER OR SEXUALITY.”

36 MARCH 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

Parents, make note if your child experiences a good bit of weight loss or weight gain — his clothes become too tight or loose-fitting — however, Morgan said this can be a bit subjective. “The assumption is that you’ll notice changes in your child’s weight, but because children are still growing, parents need to look for other signs as well.” You should contact your physician, if your child: • Avoids food that they previously enjoyed.

• Has a sudden, abnormal change in eating habits, i.e., not eating dinner at night for an extended period.

• Claims that he has eaten when you know he hasn’t.

• Experiences anxiety and/or becomes depressed.

• Withdraws socially.

• Exercises excessively.

• Has changes in his sleep patterns.

• Has stomach pain and/or dizziness.

• Hides food and/or candy wrappers.

• Spends more time in or making frequent trips to the bathroom (listen for sounds of vomiting).

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CHRISTEN BURKE PITTS has been a dance instructor in Central Arkansas for more than 30 years and is founder/director of the Theatre Dance Program and Dance Troupe at North Little Rock High School, where she has taught since 1996. She has performed and danced professionally in more than 50 shows, plays and musicals, and has choreographed more than 65 musicals. Christen is married to Kyle Pitts and has two children, Grace and Corbin, who all share in her love of the arts!

Which phase of parenting have you enjoyed most? I’ve actually enjoyed them all!

I definitely miss the cuddles from when they were little. My favorite part of the day was rocking them to sleep. I love watching them grow into who they are meant to be, but it is also bittersweet. It goes by too quickly, and it is tough knowing that they will eventually leave our nest.

What advice would you pass down to other moms of performing kids? First and foremost, protect your children. Learn as much as you can about the “business” and know who your children will be working with. Do your research on projects before an audition and be sure the project is a good fit. No role is more important than their safety.

I'm sure raising kids in theater/acting has come with many highs and lows. How did your family celebrate the successes? And how did you equip your kids to handle the disappointments? We keep things in perspective and teach our children that their self-worth isn’t determined by other people’s opinions of them. This business is fickle and many times you are measured by your last performance or experience with someone. Their work ethic, ability to work with others, and reliability is key. They are heavily involved in theater/film and have worked professionally since they were very young. They both have multiple agents and spend a lot of time auditioning, performing, training and rehearsing. The fact that they are auditioning a lot makes it easy not to dwell on auditions and castings. Once an audition is over, we encourage the kids to focus on their next goal or project. They treat auditions as opportunities to perform for a new audience, network, learn and develop new skills.

Tell us one thing about yourself in high school that people may be surprised to know. I was captain of the cheerleaders and ran track.

If you could perform any role on stage, what part do you feel you were born to act or dance?

At this point in my life, I have no desire to be in front of the camera or on stage. When I was still performing, I would’ve loved to play Polly Baker in “Crazy for You.” Two of her songs, "I’ve Got Rhythm" and "Someone To Watch Over Me," were my go-to audition songs and I love the music.

Which of your kids is more like you and why? They are a perfect combination of my husband, Kyle, and I. They are both driven, focused and passionate about what they want to do with their lives. Grace can be shy (like me) in certain situations, but comes alive on stage. Corbin loves being busy (like me) and is happiest when he is either on stage or on a film set. They are both dreamers and doers.

What household rule stands firm and which have you've been known to let slide from time to time? Firm: Be respectful, kind, humble and trustworthy. Let slide: Bedtime … our schedule is hectic and ever-changing, so it is hard to have consistency.

Your kids are pretty close in age. Did they always get along? They actually get along very well. They have been performing together most of their lives, and have played brother and sister in many shows, films and commercials. They are fiercely protective and supportive of one another.

38 MARCH 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

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40 MARCH 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM