Issuu

MAY 2020 · SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

Chalk It Up to a

' New Normal'

THE EMOTIONAL SUDDENLY WEIGHT OF SOCIAL HOMESCHOOLING? DISTANCING

STOCK, PLAN & PREPARE IN THE KITCHEN

SHOP LOCAL EAT LOCAL

Support your favorite local restaurants and retailers. Order online or by phone then pickup curbside. 2 MAY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MAY 2020

MAY

GET CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING WITH SIDEWALK CHALK! PAGE 27

2020

5 EDITOR’S NOTE 8 ADVENTURE & FUN LOCAL AND ONLINE

12 MAMA SAID ...

ADRIFT IN THE EDDY OF A LOST SPRING — JEN HOLMAN

14 FAMILY & PARENTING

HELP KIDS UNDERSTAND COVID-19

18 EXPLORE & LEARN

SUDDENLY HOMESCHOOLING?

20 GOOD EATS

STOCK, PLAN & PREPARE IN THE KITCHEN

26 HEALTH & WELLNESS THE EMOTIONAL WEIGHT OF SOCIAL DISTANCING

FIND "MIRA DOES HER PART," WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY THREE LOCAL MOMS, ON AMAZON! PAGE 13

30 MEET THE PARENT ALYSON COURTNEY

IS YOUR PANTRY PREPARED? PAGE 20

ON THE COVER: CHLOE WILLIAMS CHALKS IT UP IN THE SUN. PHOTO BY LUCY BAEHR.

4 MAY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

NOT A FAN OF THE ‘NEW NORMAL’

Photo by Stacy Kinzler

If you’re like me you probably waver day-to-day between “I absolutely hate this” to “I love all this extra family time!” While I do feel like slowing down (maybe not to an abrupt halt) was exactly what the Gordy house needed, I’m pretty ready to tap out, surrender and say “uncle” to this at-home

quarantine. I miss my parents; I miss my friends; I miss teaching yoga at the studio instead of to a camera; I miss running errands; stopping for coffee; grabbing lunch with my sister; knowing all the people I care about are going to be healthy, safe and financially stable when/ if this is over. I’m ready to put out an issue of SAVVYkids that’s not all about COVID-19. We should be figuring out which summer camps to send our kids to right now, planning a Mother’s Day brunch with the grandparents and mimosas, gearing up for a Memorial Day cookout, researching summer vacations that involve air travel or beaches. Sigh. Maybe in the fall, right? And while it’s easy to fall into the “pit of despair” (see, I just did it again), it’s important to stay positive and keep pressing on, continuing to stay home and making the most of this hopefully short time of “new normal.” I’m so proud of all of our kids, really. What troopers. Distance learning has been a whole new experience for them and they are rolling with the punches and doing the work, while desperately missing their friends and teachers. The shift has been felt among parents as well. Most either love or hate this new homeschool life. If you find yourself holding class at the dining room table and feeling a little lost then turn to page 18 for advice, resources and encouragement from a local homeschooling mom to six. Do your kids have a lot of questions concerning the coronavirus? Even if they aren’t asking them, chances are the uncertainties are weighing heavily. On page 14, we talk to a pediatric psychologist with Arkansas Children’s Hospital about how to explain and reassure kids about the pandemic, and get answers to a few questions from local kids. Feeding a house-full of people stuck at home can be a full-time job in itself. Curbside pickup and delivery have made grocery shopping easier and safer, but keeping a pantry stocked when essentials are hard to find has made home cooking even harder. Zara Abbasi simplifies your shopping list in this edition of Good Eats. She offers a list of dry goods, freezer essentials, spices and more that can be used to make almost any meal and gives her recipe for roast chicken and guidance on how to extend that chicken to create several meals for your family on page 21. Looking for ways to learn, move, make and break up the monotony of sheltering in place? On page 8 we offer a list of local resources that are offering free or low cost virtual options for everything from ballet lessons to story time, jewelry making and more. Want to support local businesses this Mother’s Day (May 10)? Here, you’ll also find a few suggestions for locally made gifts with pick up and delivery options. We hope you find some guidance, resources, answers to questions and inspiration in this issue of SAVVYkids. Keep staying home, safe and healthy as we navigate through what I hope is the tail end of this “new normal.”

Amy Gordy Editor, SAVVYkids amy@arktimes.com

SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MAY 2020

Safe Psychological Testing for Children Dr. Mindy Lester is still providing psychological testing services at Methodist Family Health’s Little Rock Clinic for all outpatient and school-based programs in the state – a service that cannot be provided via telehealth. The small staff wear gloves and masks, and thoroughly disinfect facilities between clients, plus we have adopted other stringent safety protocols.

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 PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN CHILSON IT DIRECTOR ROBERT CURFMAN ACCOUNTING CHARLOTTE KEY CIRCULATION DIRECTOR ANITRA HICKMAN PRESIDENT ALAN LEVERITT

For information or appointment, Contact us at 501-537-3991 or DWard@MethodistFamily.org

6 MAY 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.

GROWTH THROUGH ADVERSITY

Hopefully by the time you’re reading this we’ve supplied our medical system with the resources to protect us and kept enough distance to finally start seeing the COVID-19 virus coming under control with fatalities and new cases on the decline. Hopefully we have a vaccine. Hopefully we’ve returned to our communities and businesses with a wary relief, immune or unscathed. Hopefully. As I write this in April, the doors of Unity Martial Arts are closed, emptied of the endless gathering of friends, playmates and training partners that flow in and out of its doors like the breath of life. New cases of the virus are still doubling and death tolls rising, and I can feel the creep of despair tugging at my mind. But the reason I’ve dedicated my life to martial arts is because of the response to adversity that it teaches us. To the martial artist, anything that pushes us down teaches us about our strengths and weaknesses. I teach my students that no contest is ever a loss unless your ego refuses to let you learn from it. The greater the challenge, the greater the teaching. So as my business is threatened, my kids unable to go to school, and none of us able to spend time with our friends, I have to listen to my own teaching. It is time to use our creativity to build solutions that will make our families, businesses and friendships stronger on the other side of this instead of just surviving. Unity’s response has been to go online, creating a virtual space to keep learning through video conferencing, and keep our talented teachers motivating and challenging the kids, teens and adults who all want more than just to hang on. We’ve taught ourselves how to adapt our training to our homes, utilizing common household objects as stand-ins for all the training equipment we’re used to having at Unity. We’ve created new tasks for kids and adults designed to develop their home life through projects, training schedules, cleaning, cooking and service. As we’ve built this system, something wonderful has happened. Teachers and students from all around the world have joined us to teach and train through our virtual classroom! We’re seeing Masters and teachers that we normally need plane tickets and regional conventions to see. Suddenly a teacher in California, and another in Paris, can easily coordinate to teamteach classes with us and share all over the world. This virus is challenging our society globally, but as martial artists, we see all challenges as growth opportunities. After we return to the dojo, we look forward to implementing what we’ve learned about video training to add to what we do instead of be discarded like a dirty face mask. This adversity is our chance to learn things we might never have before and emerge stronger in our minds, bodies and community. If you’d like to take an online course in martial arts, yoga, tai chi, fitness or our kids Adventure Quest program, visit unitymartialarts.com.

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.

(501) 664-0604 • WWW.UNITYMARTIALARTS.COM ADVERTISEMENT

SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MAY 2020

LOCAL & ONLINE

EXPLORE FROM HOME

The world may be on lock down but doors are opening up everywhere for virtual experiences. Some of the world’s leading history and art museums are offering virtual tours, online learning opportunities have expanded, and many organizations are offering these services at low or no cost. Make the most out of your time indoors by taking advantage of these virtual experiences offered by local organizations.

LEARN

CONNECT

STORY TIME WITH SUGAR PLUM

Join Ballet Arkansas each Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. for a live reading of one of classical ballet's beloved stories, read aloud by the Sugar Plum Fairy herself. Enjoy a new story every week on Facebook Live. Videos will be posted afterward for your continued enjoyment. facebook.com/BalletAR

DISCOVER STATE PARKS

Arkansas State Parks has an extensive Digital Discovery section on its website. Take a tour of the Borden House at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park; watch the sun set over Lake Dardanelle; get an up-close look at native plants, insects and birds; download several Arkansas State Park-themed Zoom backgrounds to spice up your conference calls; and more. arkansasstateparks. com/digital-discovery

‘PARKS AND RECREATION’ TRIVIA NIGHT

Did you watch all seven seasons and 125 episodes? Then sign up for this virtual trivia night with Nexus Coffee on May 5. Zoom sign in begins at 6 p.m., while trivia will begin at 6:30 p.m. facebook.com/nexuscoffeear

WATCH AND LEARN WITH PBS

Arkansas PBS is coming in with the crucial assist to get parents and teachers through distance learning. The network’s educational programming and classroom materials—created in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education—will continue through the end of the school year. Find resources through daily broadcasts; live streaming at myarkansaspbs.org/live; on-demand and archived videos at myarkansaspbs.org/ ArkansasAMI; the free Engage Arkansas PBS app; the PBS Video app; and on the Arkansas PBS channel for YouTube. myarkansaspbs.org

8 MAY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

EMPTY BOWLS ONLINE

Attending the Arkansas Foodbank’s signature fundraising event, Empty Bowls, just got easier! Tune in to the online auction and live stream event hosted at THV11 on May 8 at 9 a.m. Bidding on exciting auction items begins online May 1. emptybowlsarkansas.org

BALLET CLASSES

In partnership with ACANSA A(r)t Home, Ballet Arkansas is offering free (donations are appreciated) ballet classes taught by company dancers. Find offerings including beginner ballet, advanced ballet, jazz, discussions on choreography and much more. balletarkansas.org/learn-from-home

LOCAL MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS

Small businesses are working hard right now. Show them some love this gift-giving holiday while brightening Mother’s Day for the matriarch in your life. Here are a few lovely local options:

IT’S HER JAM!

Nexus Coffee offers a variety of gift baskets ranging from $25 to $100 that can each be personalized to fit mom’s excellent taste. Choose a favorite locally roasted coffee; jar of jam, molasses or nuts; and a sweet greeting card in this mini gift basket. nexuscoffeear. square.site/shop/mother-s-daygifts/24

FRESHLY CUT FLORA ONLINE ART AND THEATER

The Arkansas Arts Center has suspended the hands-on instruction they are well known for, and implemented a variety of low-cost online learning opportunities for toddler ages to adult. Little ones and parents can have fun together for “Family Game Time!” or “Move Together.” Older kids can sign up for sessions of “Digital Storytelling,” “Play Reading,” or “Musical Theatre.” arkansasartscenter.org

Sure, she’d like a dozen long stem roses from the grocery store, but why not dazzle her this Mother’s Day with a striking bouquet of local, in-season flowers harvested by Felder Farm? These creative bouquets are works of art, inexpensive and available for porch pick up in Capitol View or delivery for an added fee. facebook.com/FELDERFARM

KID-FRIENDLY CHARM NECKLACE WORKSHOP

Build your own custom charm necklace in the workshop led by Stacey Bowers of Bangup Betty. Everything you need will arrive in the mail before the virtual workshop on May 23 at 2 p.m. Choose your chain color, submit your hobbies and likes to be matched up with charms, then receive enough supplies and tools to create three pieces of jewelry. Recommended for ages 10 and up. bangupbetty.com

SHE’S THA BOMB!

Stifft Station Gifts is full of fantastic mom-friendly gifts and it’s running a special through Mother’s Day: buy three items from the Mother’s Day gift collection online and get a free bath bomb. They’ll put it in a nice gift bag and leave it on the back porch of the shop for convenient, socially distant pickup. stifftstationgifts.com

FRONT DOOR DELIVERY

Brighten Mom’s day with colorful balloon delivery from Just Peachy! This local balloon artist is known for dazzling lighterthan-air creations. Pick your balloon bundle (ordered at least two days in advance) with the option to pair it with a container of margarita mix from The Fold, or sweeten the deal by adding four pints of Loblolly ice cream to your gift. doingjustpeachy.com SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MAY 2020

ART SPACE

Hunt and Gather

No need to go shopping. You probably already have everything you need to build this fun binoculars and camera set. Clean out your craft box and make these fun, instant toys for a neighborhood scavenger hunt. BY KATIE HASSELL

You will need:

Cardboard tubes (toilet paper and/or paper towel) Glue Small box Washi tape Stickers Ribbon or yarn Scissors or X-acto knife Paint and brushes Crayons Colored pencils

BINOCULARS How To:

1. Take two toilet paper cardboard tubes and glue them together side by side. 2. Use an X-acto knife to cut a hole on each side of your binoculars. Tie ribbon or yarn to the hole to make a neck strap. 3. Decorate with Washi tape and stickers.

APPLE I-PHONE

Screen Repair *

*Excluding X Series & 11 Series

801 South Bowman Road • (501) 224-2852 10 MAY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

TOY CAMERA How To:

1. Cut a 2-inch section from a cardboard tube and glue it to the center of the box to make a camera lens. 2. Cut a small rectangular hole above the lens on the front of the box. Then cut out a rectangular hole in the same spot on the back of the box to create a viewfinder. 3. On the sides of the box, glue the ends of a ribbon long enough to use as a shoulder strap. 4. Time to decorate. Let your child decorate any way they want. Markers, crayons and Washi tape are all great ways to add color and fun to the camera.

OPEN AND OFFERING CURBSIDE PICK UP BUY ONLINE, PICK UP IN-STORE HOW IT WORKS

Place your order online and pick it up for free from our store. It provides you the convenience of ordering from anywhere, coupled with fast availability, and access to the expertise of our local associates.

1. FIND YOUR PRODUCTS

Look for items that are marked eligible for Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store.

2. SELECT LOCATION

During checkout, select Pick Up In-Store - Free and choose our location (Little Rock, 801 South Bowman Road).

3. COMPLETE YOUR ORDER

Finish placing your order. Your order will be routed to our store.

www.batteriesplus.com/t/services/buy-online-pick-up-in-store SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MAY 2020

MAMA SAID ...

Adrift in the Eddy of a Lost Spring BY JEN HOLMAN

ull disclosure: I’ve lost it a number of times. A number. Of times. Parenting in this time of pandemic is one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced. Although every day is the same, every day is not the same, and it feels like the rickety canoe I’ve taken too far from the shore is caught in a fickle storm. Waves surge and I hold on for dear life. Then, quick as they came, the current ebbs for a while and I can breathe again. This is sheltering at home with school-age children. Up and down. Circling. Circling. Then paddling with all our strength not to go down, down, down. I’ve navigated tough waters in the past. Having never stepped foot in our nation’s capital, I moved to Washington, D.C., on Sept. 19, 2001, just eight days after 9/11. As I drove into work each day, Capitol Police used mirrors to check under my car for bombs—until a month later when the U.S. House Office Building I worked in was suddenly closed. Anthrax poison had been sent by mail. Essential staff was moved to offsite offices. I was 24, single and young enough to roll with new “normals.” It’s nearly 20 years later, I’m a mother of three, and there’s a new threat. This new virus is one none of us is immune to. We’ve all been hunkering down since March

“Days are not just running together but stacking on top of each other, and sometimes I can’t hold them all up."

12 MAY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

to flatten the curve, sheltering in our homes with our kids who are used to going at full speed. School has stopped. Activities have stopped. Life has stopped. There are days I love this slow, simple life. With nothing else to do, spending time outdoors has become a priority and my family has hiked and ridden bikes and spent more time with our neighbors—from a safe distance, of course. My husband and I take “date” walks through the neighborhood. (So exciting; just like dating in the Victorian era!) We’re watching all the movies, and in one month we’ve played more board games and charades as a family than in past years combined. When my middle schooler’s social life screeched to a halt, she rediscovered her siblings, and that has been lovely to observe. Don’t get me wrong; it is not all cotton candy and rainbows over here. With more “quality time” comes more arguing. My 8-year-old has this twisted obsession with pick, pick, picking at his sisters until they explode. Days are not just running together but stacking on top of each other, and sometimes I can’t hold them all up. When I need a break I hide in the bathroom or let my kids have way too much screen time. I know I am not alone. I have texted and Zoomed with enough mom friends to know

we are all just doing the best we can. We never signed up to homeschool! We can’t take our kids to the trampoline place or the pool to burn some energy. Times are tough! And how are working parents expected to walk elementary-age children through hours of schoolwork every day? How can we help older kids with algebra we haven’t seen in years, and never fully grasped? We’re all just doing the best we can, doing everything halfway and most of the time feeling like a total failure. So, tensions flare. Resentment rears its ugly head. Yes, yes, of course we love our children. We’re glad they’re ours. But it is OK if we love our children while lamenting our situation. It’s normal. Actually, I began feeling guilty the other day for feeling sorry for myself. I mean, Anne Frank and seven others lived in 450 square feet for over two years. What right have I to complain, really? Then I read something I haven’t been able to find again. Essentially, it was this: There is no pain Olympics. Feelings aren’t a contest, and there isn’t a winner. We’re allowed to be sad. It’s OK to feel cheated, and used up and fed up and tired. Our emotions are valid and important and real. What, then, will we do if social distancing is necessary

into the summer? What if COVID-19 resurges this winter? How will we deal with even more of this new normal? Well, we’ll get outside. We’ll play board games and do puzzles. We’ll have more drive-by birthday parties, and we’ll probably still hide in the bathroom for breaks. But we’ll keep on keeping on because we must, and because we can. We’ve had a crash course, after all. Our spring may have been lost, but we have something to show for it. We know how much water we can take on before our rickety canoe tumps over. Hopefully, over these last weeks and months we’ve learned about ourselves, and learned a few new coping mechanisms. Hopefully, we’re still young enough to roll with another new normal.

“What, then, will we do if social distancing is necessary into the summer? What if COVID-19 resurges this winter? How will we deal with even more of this new normal?"

Jen Holman lives in Little Rock with her husband and three children. She has published six novels, one of which won a Rosemary Award for excellence in young adult fiction. Together with moms Dr. Kristy Bondurant and Cary Smith during the COVID-19 outbreak, Jen recently published a children’s book, Mira Does Her Part, to help parents explain the tough topics of pandemics and social distancing, and what kids can do to help.

SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MAY 2020

FAMILY & PARENTING

Help Kids Understand COVID-19 Kids' worlds have been turned upside down with school being canceled, confinement within our homes, and constant information coming at them through news and social media. It’s important to make sure they have the facts, and ease their minds as much as possible. BY DWAIN HEBDA

14 MAY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

hildren are tireless question generators. From “Where do babies come from?” to “How do Santa’s reindeer fly?” to “Do all dogs go to Heaven?” their little minds seem to know no bounds when it comes to posing questions to Mom and Dad. And, if it hasn’t already, the unusual circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 crisis will undoubtedly generate plenty of questions of its own. “A child’s ability to comprehend crises varies by age, and children younger than 5 will have very limited understanding,” said Dr. Brooke Yancey, pediatric psychologist with Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the UAMS Department of Pediatrics. “Children between the ages of 6 and 9 begin to think more abstractly and will begin to more fully understand crises happening around them.” Yancey said children’s questions often manifest from anxiety as they try to make sense of what’s churning inside of them. “Some children may not be very emotionally affected while others may experience anxiety or other symptoms,” she said. “Children may want reassurance that loved ones are safe and healthy, or to be physically close to loved ones more often than usual and not want to leave their side.

“Validate your child’s worries and anxieties while providing reassurance that things will eventually go back to normal. Reassure them that doctors and nurses are caring for those who are sick and communicate to them that scientists are working every day to find a cure.” Yancey said the adage, “If you don’t talk to your kids, someone else will,” is particularly apt given many kids are cooped up and possibly taking in more media than usual. “Research has shown that TV and media seem to be the biggest source of stress for children,” Yancey said. “Therefore, parents are encouraged to monitor and screen the amount of media children are exposed to regarding COVID-19. “Ask your child what they’ve heard or what they know about coronavirus. This helps to ascertain if they may have misunderstood something or have incorrect information.” Initiating conversations opens the door for kids to say what’s on their mind and sends the message you are there for them even under these trying conditions. Let them drive the conversation; even if you are unsure of your ability to answer their questions, taking the time to listen and communicate the best you can reassures them that they’re safe. “Parents should be calm, confident and honest with their children. They can admit to not knowing all of the answers while reassuring children they are healthy and safe at home,” Yancey said. “Parents can help their child feel more in control by explaining they are taking all precautions to avoid getting sick, such as washing their hands, staying at home, getting good sleep and cleaning surfaces around the house. “Parents can even encourage children to make hand-washing a fun experience by singing their favorite song for at least 20 seconds, singing the ABC’s, or singing the Happy Birthday song.”

“Some children may not be very emotionally affected while others may experience anxiety or other symptoms."

SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MAY 2020

KIDS ASK THE DARNDEST THINGS SAVVYKids asked several school-age children what was on their minds surrounding COVID-19, and then turned those questions over to Dr. Brooke Yancey to provide some sample responses. Will we go to school in the fall? As of right now, we do not have any reason to believe that you won’t be able to go back to school in the fall. As for right now, we will continue to play and do school work remotely and keep our normal routine as much as possible. Unless we hear the leaders announce something different, we will plan that you will be returning to school in the fall. How close are scientists to finding a cure? Scientists are really smart people and they are working very hard every day to find a cure. There are a lot of steps to finding a vaccine and medicine that they can use to treat those who are sick, but they are optimistic about finding a cure in the near future. How do doctors treat patients to make them better? Some people need to go to the hospital to get better, while others can stay home while they get better. Doctors are telling them to get lots of rest, drink a lot of water, take prescribed medications and wash their hands very often while their bodies get stronger. How do you test for coronavirus? Adults and kids get tested for coronavirus by having a small swab placed in their nose to collect a sample of some of the fluid in their bodies. Then they check that fluid to see if those people have the virus. If you don't have access to a test, how will you know if you have it? If we don’t get tested, we may not be able to tell for sure if we have it or not. That’s why it’s important that we keep doing all the things that we know can help us and those around us stay safe and healthy, such as washing our hands, getting good sleep every night, eating our fruits and vegetables, not touching our faces and staying at home as much as we can. Can you get coronavirus more than once? Doctors and scientists are still learning a lot about this new virus, and they are learning more each and every day. Right now, they believe that someone can’t get it again after being sick, but they aren’t sure and they are working to find a vaccine to make it so that none of us will get it in the future. The vaccine will make our bodies stronger to be able to fight off the virus, just like how a superhero fights the bad guys! Why are not many kids being infected? Scientists and doctors aren’t 100 percent sure why kids aren’t being infected as much as adults. They have a few theories and are working hard to test their ideas. But it’s still very important that you continue washing your hands and keep a safe distance from other people so that you can stay healthy and safe!

16 MAY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

Yancey said it is best to use simple, direct language to explain what coronavirus is and why it’s altering daily life. For example, she recommended describing COVID-19 as “a virus that can make people not feel well. They may have a cough, fever, or runny nose. Some people stay at home until they feel better while others may need to go to the hospital. “For younger children, answer questions briefly and concisely in an honest manner without providing additional details,” she said. “For older children, you may be able to discuss things more in-depth.” Equally important to what you say to ease your child’s concerns is what you do and how you act. While naturally resilient in the face of change, children may struggle with social distancing and the loss of regular routine. This adjustment can be aided by observing a parent or guardian taking disruptions of work and family life in stride. "There are several things parents can do to help their children adjust while also balancing the many responsibilities they are facing,” Yancey said. “For example, parents can implement daily structure such as scheduled meals and snack times, school and homework time, screen time, and outside or inside play time.” As many families are confined to their homes, parents should be even more conscious of the fact that their kids are watching them. “Parents should keep in mind that they are powerful role models for their children,” Yancey said. “Demonstrate good and healthy coping skills and self-care practices by regularly engaging in activities with the children, such as taking a walk outside, baking a family-favorite treat, watching a funny movie together, singing and dancing or reading comforting stories. “Parents should also remember to go very easy on themselves during these uncertain times and practice a lot of self-love and self-compassion. If you need to complete work at home, allow the child to play and don’t feel any guilt if the child doesn’t complete ‘productive’ tasks during that time. Remember, play is essential for children’s growth and development, learning, communication and helps with emotion regulation.”

Arkansas Children’s A SAFE PLACE FOR KIDS DURING COVID–19

ow more than ever, the Arkansas Children’s team has an unyielding commitment to its mission: to champion children by making them better today and healthier tomorrow. We know that children still get sick; brave kids still battle cancer; young risk-takers still break bones; babies still need care in the NICU.

Rest assured: in the midst of these unprecedented times, our core values shine brighter than ever – safety, teamwork, compassion and excellence are at the center of what we do.

We’re Taking COVID–19 Precautions

Safety always comes first at Arkansas Children’s. In an abundance of care and concern, we have implemented additional measures to make sure our patients and families are safe. •

•

We screen every single person who enters any Arkansas Children’s building – including our team members. Screening involves asking a series of questions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that can alert us to an individual’s risk of COVID-19 as well as taking each person’s temperature. We use a 10-step cleaning process in all of our rooms, using a disinfectant that is effective against COVID-19.

Things May Seem a Little Different

Our patients and families remain at the center of everything we do. While a child’s stay will look different during this time, we’re still offering the same resources and amenities: • • • •

We offer takeout options for each meal, seven days a week while our on-campus cafeterias are closed for dining in. Group activities are restricted, but our Child Life teams offer virtual programming such BINGO, painting and science demonstrations and one-on-one in-room activities. Skype is available on in-room tablets so patients can connect with loved ones, since only one visitor or family member is allowed per patient. Our providers offer virtual health care, called telehealth. Children and their caregivers can interact with a physician via phone or video call rather than coming into one of our facilities. The ability to utilize telehealth is dependent on the specific health needs of a child.

We Continue to Care for Kids

Now, more than ever, your child’s health needs are our primary focus. We will continue to serve the families of Arkansas through the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Our clinics and services remain open and available to deliver the best care to every child who comes through our doors. Have questions about COVID-19 and your child? We are operating the state’s 24/7 COVID-19 pediatric hotline, which includes a telehealth option managed by our licensed providers for patients and families who may need additional attention or evaluation. Call 1-800-743-3616 to speak to a pediatric nurse at any time.

For COVID-19 resources for your family visit archildrens.org/COVIDresources SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MAY 2020

EXPLORE & LEARN

SUDDENLY HOMESCHOOLING?

If your dining room is now a classroom, welcome to the club! As teachers, parents and students feel their way through distance learning, we are all struggling to fill in the holes and make sure kids are getting a thorough education, staying safe, and that everyone in the household keeps their sanity. BY MELISSA TUCKER

hen public schools closed in mid-March, many parents across the state found themselves unexpectedly transitioning to distance learning. And now that schools will be closed through the end of the year, parents also must determine exactly how to navigate the in-home classroom for the foreseeable future. For advice in these wild and wired times, we turned to homeschooler Jenny Wallace for help. She has a master’s degree in education and was a public school teacher for 12 years, but she and her husband decided to try homeschooling after they adopted a child, bringing their household total to six. “We thought it would be nice for our whole family to be home,” she said. “Financially we never had the opportunity, but that year it would be a trade because the amount for childcare was about the amount I would be missing by not working.” She readily admits homeschooling is far different from the distance learning kids are participating in right now. “When you homeschool, you’re choosing a curriculum, and you are able to choose things that fit your family and things you love,” she said.

“Now, there’s an opportunity to experience things together virtually that you couldn’t before." 18 MAY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

JENNY WALLACE HOMESCHOOLS HER

KIDS ANDREW, PARKER, HAMILTON AND JOLEIGH.

Though parents trying to work from home and stay on top of assignments may not be able to do all of these, some of Wallace’s pointers for staying calm and focused during a school day at home include: 1. DETERMINE YOUR PRIORITIES: She suggests families find a subject they all enjoy and structure their day around that. “Our homeschooling has been prioritized around reading,” she said. “I want to be a family that reads. I want our memories to be centered around ‘Narnia’ and ‘Harry Potter’ and to discuss things and learn empathy by having these characters come to life inside our home.” Wallace starts every school day by reading a chapter of a book with her kids. “Then, we tackle the biggest things first,” she said. “For some it’s math and some it’s other subjects.”

2. STAY PATIENT BUT GIVE YOURSELF SOME GRACE: Once while Wallace was teaching math to her son, who has dyslexia and dysgraphia, she got so frustrated she pounded her fist on the glass top table and broke the side of it. “I always tell people that story because I feel like people need to understand how real it is,” she said. “We all need grace. We all make mistakes. I would say, we have a lot of moments here when I definitely lose my patience, and I have to apologize a whole lot, but it’s a good example for them to see I’m a work-in-progress and they’re a work-in-progress.”

3. TRY TO TAKE LEARNING OUTSIDE Ideally science class would always be held outside, she said, using nature walks and studying the different areas in your neighborhood. “If I were telling people what to do, the science would be 100 percent outdoors, studying which living creatures live in this cubic foot under the ground or in one cubic foot in this tree,” she said. “You could spend weeks studying about that because one thing is going to lead you to another and more questions.”

4. CREATE A FUN RITUAL Wallace and her kids used to sit outside with treats and have Poetry Tea Time. “I would make a special treat, and we would sit outside and read poems and ask, ‘What are they talking about?’ and “Are there words we don’t understand?’” she said. “Sometimes they would write their own poems, or we’d discuss the musical ‘Hamilton’ and get a song lyric and try to uncover what it was about and that would be our Poetry Tea Time.”

5. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NEW ONLINE OPTIONS She pointed out many talented artists and teachers have started offering online classes for things like dance and music lessons. Actors from Broadway have added online courses at broadwaykidsauditions.com. Museums and other art venues have gone online, adding virtual visits and digital streams. The Museum of Natural History has ways to visit virtually, and the Pittsburgh Symphony also offers streaming programs. “Now, there’s an opportunity to experience things together virtually that you couldn’t before,” she said. “But you could still make it special. For example, if you’re going to watch the orchestra tonight, everyone can dress up and have a fancy dessert.” She suggested a compilation of online resources at reshelvingalexandria.com for parents, and also said high schoolers could spend this time working on ACT preparation. “If my kids were in ninth grade and up, I would buy an ACT test prep book and spend 15 minutes a day working on that or go online,” she said. “You’re never going to have this much time given to you.”

SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MAY 2020

GOOD EATS

20 MAY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

Stock, Plan & Prepare in the Kitchen In a time when grocery shopping feels like preparing for battle, make the most of your meal plans and be ready for anything with pantry and freezer stocked with essentials BY ZARA ABBASI PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CHILDS

hen did “How’re you holding up?” slowly replace “How’re you guys doing?” And when did we slowly change “Take care” and “See you later” to “Stay safe”? All these small changes because of a global pandemic remind us that we’re all subconsciously adjusting to this new way of life as best as we can. Whether we’re making huge changes like staying in at all costs, or little ones like changing up our greetings, we are trying to make it to the other side of this somewhat intact. Other significant changes seem to be happening in our kitchens; we’re cooking a lot more! We have no choice really because restaurants are closed and only so many places offer delivery or pick-up. Our family has been cooking nightly even before this quarantine began, so I have a few pointers in case you’re finding yourself in the kitchen for the first time, or running out of ideas of what to cook.

4 TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEAL PLANS: 1. STOCK YOUR KITCHEN 2. PLAN & SHOP PROPERLY 3. A MEAL THAT KEEPS GIVING 4. CONNECTION

SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MAY 2020

1. STOCK YOUR KITCHEN

The first thing is to have a good collection of items for your spice cabinet your pantry, as well as your fridge and freezer. I make a lot of simple foods but I try to elevate the flavors by making sure I use plenty of seasonings and fresh herbs. I also like to have things in the pantry and freezer that I can make if I have no other fresh ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive list of items to keep on hand and incorporate into your shopping lists. Obviously, not all items work for everyone; implement what’s useful for you and change what you need for your lifestyle. But this is just an idea of how to have a well-stocked kitchen so you can make more than just spaghetti when you’re out of ideas.

HERBS & SPICES

 Kosher salt  Black pepper in a grinder  Garlic powder  Onion powder  Chili powder  Oregano  Cumin  Crushed red pepper  Bay leaves  Dried sage  Dried thyme  Mustard powder  Paprika  Ginger powder  Cinnamon  Nutmeg

FRIDGE/FREEZER

 Condiments  Unsalted butter  Eggs  Cheese (hard and soft)  Milk (of your choice)  Cream  Berries  Vegetables/fresh herbs/lemon Freezer:  Frozen fruit/vegetables  Frozen brown rice/potatoes  Turkey sausage  Meat (at least 1 full chicken)  Ice cream  Frozen waffles  Easy freezer meals (2-4)

PANTRY: DRY GOODS

 Flour  Sugar  Brown sugar  Baking soda  Baking powder  Yeast  Pasta  Rice  Lentils/beans  Cornmeal  Vegetable broth  Canned tomatoes/vegetables  Potatoes  Onions  Garlic  Oats  Breadcrumbs  Tomato paste in a tube  Pasta sauce  Good olive oil  Canola oil  Hot sauce  Vinegar  Worcestershire sauce  Peanut butter  Chocolate chips  Nuts  Honey  Olives  Coconut milk  Coffee/tea

Once you have a good pantry built, the meals get easier to cook. The majority of these items, when stored properly, have long expiration dates and good shelf life. I use my freezer as a second pantry. I cook a lot so I invested in a large freezer for the garage, but fret not if you have a standard freezer. You can still incorporate a ton of these items into yours and have versatile meals. I keep mine stocked full of meats and frozen fruits and vegetables. If I cook extra, I usually package it into foil pans and pop those meals into the freezer for later use. That way on days I’m in a hurry, I can still make a pretty rounded meal without having things go bad in the fridge or being out of an ingredient because I haven’t made it to the store.

2. PLAN & SHOP PROPERLY

The first thing I suggest people do before they go on a big shopping spree, is to make a list of meals you like to eat, recipes you’d like to try or other things that interest you. It doesn’t matter how long that list is. My list is usually 40 meals long, but I get help from my kids with the suggestions they have for the meals they’d like to eat. After you compose your list, pick two weeks' worth of meals (if you do not plan on cooking every night, then pick fewer meals). We like to eat out once or twice every couple of weeks, so I adjust for that factor. After you have picked out the meals you’d like to cook for the one or two weeks, gather the recipes you plan on using and check the ingredients. Check with what you already have and then make a list of the things you need. That way you’re shopping in a focused manner and not doubling up on items you already have at the house. Once that’s done, you can cook based on the list you created for yourself. A little bit of extra thinking at the beginning of the cooking “adventure” keeps a lot of stress at bay later on when its actually time to cook.

22 MAY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

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3. A MEAL THAT KEEPS GIVING

One thing that I make fairly often is my roast chicken. If you have access to a rotisserie version right now, that’s great, but I know they can’t put them up fast enough because they continue selling out. So this is an easy recipe to know because it’s really helpful in the long run. For us, this one chicken helps us with so many meals and we can stretch it farther than you can imagine.

24 MAY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

ROAST CHICKEN

5-7 pound whole chicken (insides and neck removed) 2 sprigs rosemary 3-4 sprigs thyme 1-2 sage leaves ½ onion, quartered ½ lemon, quartered 4-6 garlic cloves, smashed 1 tablespoons Greek seasoning 1 stick unsalted butter, or ¼ cup olive oil Salt and pepper to taste

1. Optional steps: Dry brine and spatchcock your chicken. Spatchcock means to cut out the back bone with kitchen shears or a very sharp knife, then push down the breast bone until it cracks and the chicken lays down flat. It helps to cook the chicken faster and more evenly. Dry brine means to infuse the chicken with moisture and flavor with salt and spices for an extended period of time without doing the traditional wet brine method. To dry brine; dry the chicken all over and then rub it down with the following mixture: 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, dried sage, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and brown sugar. Let it sit uncovered in your fridge over night. 2. **Note the weight of your chicken before starting. My general rule of thumb is 20 minutes per pound of roasting or until it reaches 165 degrees. **Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place your chicken in the roasting pan and rub it all over with either the butter or the oil. Be sure to get under the skin without tearing it. I like to leave large pats of butter under the skin of the breasts since those areas typically dry out faster. 3. Sprinkle the top of the skin and the insides with the Greek seasoning (and salt and pepper if your seasoning is not salted). Season under the skin as well. 4. Take herbs, onion, lemon and garlic cloves, and stuff inside the chicken cavity or around the sides if you have spatchcocked the chicken. 5. Bake chicken for 20 minutes, being sure to baste it with the juices and butter/oil in the pan. 6. After initial 20 minutes, reduce heat to 350 and cook for the remaining 20 minutes per pound. Baste every 10-15 minutes or so **Remember note from step 2** (rotate pan if your oven has a hot spot, or you can cover with foil) 7. Once chicken reaches 165 degrees on a meat thermometer, cover with foil and allow it to rest before cutting or else all the juices will rush out leaving you with a dry bird. This recipe is great for eating as is, which is what we do the first night. After that, I shred the rest of the chicken and put into a large Ziploc bag. The next step is to take the bones and make chicken stock. It’s so easy and very little work. Fill a stock pot to ¾ of the way and add in the bones, remaining onion, additional garlic, two bay leaves and any other vegetable scraps you may have (like carrots and celery) and then allow it to simmer together for a few hours. Strain, cool and store to use later. Shredded chicken: I like to use half of the shredded chicken in a large pan of enchiladas or casserole, and the remaining chicken is great in salads, wraps and soups or whatever else that interests you. Stock: I use the stock to make gravy, cook it with rice, use it for chicken and dumplings as well as adding flavor to sauces. This one chicken can do so much!

4. CONNECTION

What we’re lacking the most right now seems to be connection. Here are ways to connect more for what you need. If you need more recipes, please follow along on Instagram @Zaramadeit. However, if you’d like a more full service approach to getting through this quarantine with recipes, homeschooling and workout tips, home and life organization tips, things to make us all laugh and connect, then please follow FriendHer on Facebook. The group is free and was founded to better help facilitate friendships between women. It was an extremely functional group focusing only on activities; however, due to social distancing, we have adjusted our mission to help women make it through this socially distant time with laughter and helpful tips. Here are a few examples of what we do: • No Thinking Tasks: timed out tasks to work on things that are holding you back • Good Things Daily: at least one good or positive thing a day to lift spirits or make you laugh • Recipes: Weekly recipes (about to be more often) • Tips: Financial resources, health and mental health tips, local restaurant info, parenting/relationship info; and much more. • Activities: local and at-home activities, interactive book clubs and GNO’s as a few examples. We would love for you to join the group!

SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MAY 2020

HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Emotional Weight of Social Distancing

Just three months ago, the words ‘social distancing,’ ‘self-quarantine’ and ‘isolation’ were abstract. Today, we rarely have a (virtual) conversation without using these terms, especially while discussing our emotional health. We adults are sorting through it all, but how are the kids? BY ANGELA E. THOMAS

26 MAY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

s Americans, this sudden surrender of freedom is unfamiliar. We know it’s necessary so we’ve set about accepting it. But, as Joshua Routt, licensed clinical social worker at Methodist Family Health, points out, each news cycle elicits more emotions. “Many of the emotions we’re experiencing are somewhat like the grief cycle. Initially, we are OK but new information can cause us to become anxious, angry and frustrated. We’re all feeling insecure and uncertain about the future,” he said. “It’s easy to feel a sense of helplessness or hopelessness and to think that we may be trapped forever. The anger we feel is likely due to feeling helpless.” If we’re feeling this way, what must the children feel? After all, they so seldom have control of themselves and their environments. Routt said children are generally resilient and adapt easily. “While we’re in this crisis, it’s more important than ever that adults understand and manage their emotions. Children recognize emotions at an early age; they can reflect fears and anxiety at 18 to 24 months of age or even earlier. So, if the parent is really stressed, the baby will be stressed.” To deal with the feelings surrounding our current health crisis, he recommends parents first spend time reflecting on their own emotions. “If you’re a bit less patient or more critical than usual, step back and do a personal inventory. It’s easy to say ‘The kids are annoying me,’ versus ‘I’m feeling annoyed.’ The second statement creates ownership, which is key because if you own it, you can do something about it, and sometimes simply acknowledging your feelings creates awareness.” He suggests parents try discussing their feelings with their partner or another adult. This is especially important if one of you is emotionally charged. Routt also said, “Be sure to have this discussion away from the children. Kids take information to heart. They do not have the emotional intelligence we do.” If your children are middle school or high school age, ask open-ended questions. It’s key that you create and maintain open communication—even if they say, ‘I’m fine,’ ask more questions. Additionally, tailor your conversations to their personalities. “Be open and honest. Express your concern. Give them the needed information, accentuating the positive and giving honest reassurance. Also, it’s OK to let them know that you're experiencing similar emotions,” Routt said. Teens, of course, can articulate more. However, they, like adults, may say they’re angry when the underlying emotion is fear or vulnerability. “So, it’s important that you ask tons of questions. Their sadness may be due to disappointment. Validate those feelings, and ask, ‘What can we do about that?’ As a parent, your job is to help them find their own answers,” Routt said. Additionally, he advised that it’s important to remember that we reckon time as adults differently than children.

CONFINEMENT IS BRINGING OUT THE ARTIST IN KIDS! Whether it's sidewalk chalk, paint-by-number, DIY slime or creating a multi-layer cake, arts and crafts is a great way to keep the creative juices pumping in your house. Snap a pic of your kids latest creation and tag @savvyar on Instagram and we'll share it!

(TOP) BRECKIN HARMON, (CENTER) EMMALINE AND ANNALISE MCLAURIN AND (BOTTOM) FIONA GANN MAKE THEIR MARKS WITH SIDEWALK CHALK. SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MAY 2020

ACCORDING TO A AN AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGIST, WE EXPERIENCE EIGHT PRIMARY EMOTIONS— JOY, SADNESS, ACCEPTANCE, DISGUST, FEAR, ANGER, SURPRISE AND ANTICIPATION. THEY ARE A FOUNDATION FOR OTHER EMOTIONS. THE EMOTION WHEEL IDENTIFIES THESE PRIMARY EMOTIONS AND THE SECONDARY EMOTIONS BEHIND THEM. FROM POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

28 MAY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

“For example, as an adult, the time from one Christmas to the next is a snap of the fingers. For children, it’s forever! So, while we realize we’ve only been in isolation for a bit more than a month, for them it’s been forever!” Unfortunately, there’s not much we can do about that. Simply validate their feelings and point out that our current situation is totally new and different. He suggests talking about the what-ifs, such as “What if you can’t start college in August; what can you do instead? What would you have done if you had the time? “It’s important that you put things into perspective. Figure out alternatives, perhaps talk about working for a bit before going to college or what they would like to do with a gap year. Point out that this is historic. In 10 or 20 years, we’ll have this incredible story. We’re living in what will become part of history,” he said. Communication is key, he stressed. Give children a space to talk. If you’re homeschooling, remember, children actually thrive on schedules. You may find that your child fares better in school than at home because they know what’s going to happen when. Routt’s recommendation is that you create a schedule and maintain it. “Structure creates predictability, and this can help ease anxiety. If you don’t have a routine, create one. If you had one and you’ve strayed, get back to it,” he said. “You’ll also need to be patient with your child. As adults, we manage our emotions. Children must learn to do this. For instance, you may tell your child that ‘he has an attitude.’ He may not know what you mean. Explain what you mean by ‘an attitude,’ and help him understand his behavior and identify the emotion behind the ‘attitude.’” Lastly, seek professional help for guidance or for virtual appointments. Many companies offer EAPs (employee assistance programs) that include a number of free therapy “visits.” You may find a discussion or two with a mental health professional is just what the doctor ordered.

Routt offered the following advice: • Create a schedule, and be sure to include a block of “alone time” each day. • Allow your children to help create the schedule. When they plan an activity, they’re more likely to participate. • Additionally, he suggests loosening restrictions on electronics, but within reason as prolonged screen time has been associated with depression and anxiety. • Be sure to create “fun time,” and include physical activities. “Movement is medicine. This can take place indoors or out. Older children may fight you on it, but they’ll feel better afterward.” Download apps and look for resources online. Have a dance party, practice yoga, learn to meditate and practice mindfulness. • Blow bubbles. This, Routt said, can be therapeutic. “Blowing bubbles takes time. You cannot do it quickly or by taking fast breaths. Make it a challenge: see who can blow the biggest bubble. If you are experiencing anxiety, picture putting the anxiety in the bubble and when the bubble bursts, picture the anxiety disappearing as well.”

SAVVYKIDSAR.COM | MAY 2020

ALYSON COURTNEY has been in television news in Little

Rock since 2003. She currently co-anchors “Daybreak” on KATV, Channel 7. She grew up in Louisiana and graduated from Northwestern State with a degree in broadcast journalism. Alyson is a huge supporter of the arts in Arkansas and serves on the board of directors for The Studio Theatre. She is also heavily involved in the Make-A-Wish Foundation and attends Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. She is married to KLRT Fox 16 Sports Director and BUZZ KABZ- FM radio personality Wess Moore. They have two girls, Brooklyn, 14, and Berkeley, 11. Which of your children is most like you, and how so? I'd say they’re both super independent, but so am I, so I think they got that from me. Brooklyn is late to everything like me, and Berkeley is all about a party like me—except she’ll get there on time. If you could go back in time and give yourself, as a “new parent,” advice, what would it be? The LITTLE things DO NOT MATTER! I remember traveling out of town once and being 30 minutes from home and realizing I'd forgotten the hot pink hair bow that perfectly matched the smocked dress I was planning on Brooklyn wearing, and I freaked out and turned around with an 8-month-old in the car to go get it. Wasted an hour of travel time! I hate myself for that to this day. Nobody cares! What does your self-care regimen look like? Naps, gym when I can, and Wordscapes on my iPhone. I think of nothing else and am worry-free when I play that dumb game. I'm on level 1,644. Share a parenting experience where you felt afraid. How did you handle the situation? Oh, goodness, I feel afraid about medical stuff all the time. I’m 100 percent a hypocondriac and insane germaphobe (even before COVID-19). My youngest, Berkeley, has a birth defect that we didn’t discover until she was 10 months old. It’s a rare vascular malformation and doctors didn’t know what it was at first and I panicked! I’m a journalist, so the way I handle fear is through research. In my business, we hear all the worst of the worst medical cases on a very regular basis and it can be overwhelming. I'm definitely scarred from hearing so many parents during my career tell me, “I just thought it was a typical headache or a growing pain...” We go to the doctor a lot! What has been one of your favorite Mother’s Day gifts from your kids? I’m the luckiest — my two leave me notes on a regular basis and that’s really my favorite thing in the world. They are both very funny and thoughtful and artists, so I love their writings and drawings. As far as material things, my favorite gift was definitely my queen-size, 30-pound weighted blanket. It’s truly the most life-changing product I've ever received. And the girls and I love snuggling underneath it together! What’s an instance you thought to yourself, “My mother was right.” I will never admit that as long as I live and Donna Courtney knows it. I'm the most stubborn of her three girls. What is your sport/hobby/activity of choice? Going to the theater, of course! Both my girls are performers and there’s no place I'd rather be than in the audience watching them do what they love so much. The amazing theaters in central Arkansas are like second homes for us. What three things are getting you through the Coronavirus isolation time? No. 1 is movie watching. We are watching some of my favorites like “Speed” and “Twister” and they LOVE them! I was once a very strict parent about PG13 and R-rated movies, but I realized the “Mother of the Year” competition was probably gonna be canceled along with everything else, so I’ve thrown screen time restrictions out the window, and it’s an “eat whatever the heck you want” kind of mentality over here lately. I’m not proud about it, but here we are. That means No. 2 is desserts with EVERY meal. No. 3 is just truly enjoying the giggles, serious talks and prayers with my girls and my husband that seem so much more important these days than anything else.

30 MAY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM

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32 MAY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM