December 2015 • Free
Handmade Holiday Gifts
Spend time — not money — on gifts this year
STAR WARS
GIFT GUIDE
13 Products your young Jedi will love
Festive Crafting Events
Foster Care COULD YOU HOST A CHILD?
FOR KIDS
STEP AWAY FROM THE ARTIFICIAL TREES AND STEP OUTSIDE YOURSELF Start your adventure today.
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DECEMBER 2015 |
138578-A2-22.indd 1
800.852.9506
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December contents
features
18
Could You Become a Foster Parent? Triangle parents share their
24
experiences
21 24
Get Crafty With Holiday Gifts 5 projects to make for loved ones
Star Wars Gift Guide 13 products your young Jedi will love
in every issue
4
Editor’s Note
7 FYI 7 Community 7 Education 8 Health 10 Style 11 Tech Talk
13
18
Growing Up
14 Hammer, Nails and Diaper Pails
17 Understanding Kids 27
CALENDAR
27
28
Our Picks Daily Calendar
30 Holiday Craft Programs
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editor’s note morrismedianetwork.com
May the Holiday Force Be With You
T
his month we want to inspire you. From charitable contributions to handcrafted gifts, we think our December issue offers plenty of ways you can enrich your life and holiday experiences. What do you give to families in need during the holidays? The parents we profiled beginning on page 18 give love — but not just during the holidays. They have chosen to serve as foster families. This act of compassion lasts year-round and requires a willingness to prioritize and focus on essentials. It takes parents who can enforce loving but consistent ground rules, then be able to say goodbye when the time is right for their foster child to return home. Read their stories and ponder whether this path might be something your family could embark on. There are other ways to give to the less fortunate. Find charitable websites on page 11 that enable online gift-giving. Consider inviting your children to help select and pay for these special gifts so they can experience the reward of helping others. Speaking of special gifts, handcrafted holiday gifts offer immeasurable value to those who receive them. Right now, while sitting at my desk, I see a crocheted paperclip basket my daughter wove for me when she was in fifth grade, and a purple pet rock my son painted for me in preschool. I treasure these gifts more than a brand-name sweater or silver necklace. Turn to page 21 to see five homemade presents you or your children can make for loved ones to treasure this holiday season. The Dec. 18 release of “Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens” is also awakening memories of this popular movie series in parents of my generation and beyond. Help your young Jedi experience the thrill of space adventure by browsing our list of 13 Star Wars-themed gifts on page 24. May the force be with you as you shop! If you’re thinking about giving your kids a new puppy or kitten this Christmas, read about how pet ownership might benefit your child on page 13. Expecting family in town during the holiday season? Check page 30 for seasonal performances and find more holiday cheer on our website — from Santa visits and parades to tree-lighting ceremonies and gingerbread-making activities. Go to carolinaparent.com to discover more. Cheers to you and all of your loved ones! However and wherever you choose to spend your holiday season, we want to help you make it the best one ever.
GROUP PUBLISHER Sharon Havranek
EDITOR
Beth Shugg bshugg@carolinaparent.com
Associate EDITOR
Janice Lewine jlewine@carolinaparent.com
ART and digital development DIRECTOR Melissa Stutts melissa.stutts@morris.com
Assistant aRT DIRECTOR
Alexandria Tisdale alexandria.tisdale@morris.com
WEB EDITOR
Odile Fredericks ofredericks@carolinaparent.com
DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST
Lauren Isaacs lisaacs@carolinaparent.com
Sales MANAGER
Shannan Legge slegge@carolinaparent.com
MEDIA CONSULTANTs
Candi Griffin cgriffin@carolinaparent.com Sue Chen schen@carolinaparent.com
ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR Kia Moore ads@charlotteparent.com
MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT KAREN RODRIGUEZ
PRESIDENT
DONNA KESSLER
DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING DONALD HORTON
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR SHELONDA WEST
PUBLICATION MANAGER KRIS MILLER
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR CHER WHEELER
CONTACT US
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Phone: 919-956-2430 Fax: 919-956-2427 5716 Fayetteville Rd., Suite 201, Durham, NC 27713 advertising@carolinaparent.com editorial@carolinaparent.com Circulation 35,000. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Carolina Parent reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing that is not in keeping with the publication’s standards. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
A Publication of the Visitor Publications Division of Morris Communications Company, L.L.C. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901 Chairman and CEO William S. Morris III
Beth Shugg, Editor
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President Will S. Morris IV
For the Smile Of a Lifetime... Now Accepting New Patients! 919.489.1543 DurhamPDO.com
A Century of Experience, A Lifetime of Caring We are excited to announce our new Ear, Nose & Throat office location in Chapel Hill! To set an appointment at any of our 5 locations
PLEASE CALL 919-595-2000
John R. Christensen DDS, MS, MS 121 W. Woodcroft Pkwy,
Durham, NC 27713
Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Pediatric Dentistry
KidsExchange
ConsignmentSale
the ultimate recycle
NC’s largest event to buy & sell your kids’ gently used items
SALE & PARENTS’ FAIR
“Clean Closets & Full Pockets $.” Gently used: Kids’ Clothes • Baby Equipment Furniture • Toys and much more: Infants to Teens!
Sell & Shop Early • Work Exchange Shops First!
7 DAYS ONLY! Mon., Jan. 18 – Sun., Jan. 24 NC State Fairgrounds ★ Jim Graham Building PUBLIC SALES: Fri. 1/22 (9am-6pm), Sat. 1/23 (9am-5pm), Sun. 1/24 (10am-5pm) Sell & Shop Early ★ Work & Shop 1st! See KidsExchange.net for more info!
2 BUILDINGS 150,000 Sq Ft OF BARGAINS!
New Office Location: 55 Vilcom Drive, Suite 140 | Chapel Hill, NC 27514 | Phone 919-942-7278
Felicia V. Swinney DMD, MS
SALE DATES
Receiving Hours: Jan. 18-20 Work Exchangers Only: Wed. Jan 20, 5pm - 8pm Sellers Only: Thurs., Jan 21, 9am - 8pm Public Days: Friday - Sunday, see hours above Sunday: 1/2 price day, see hours above
FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES NOW AVAILABLE! Open a Kids Exchage Sale with a friend who lives in another city! Franchise Details: Julie@KidsExchange.net
North Durham South Durham 4102 N. Roxboro St. 5726 Fayetteville Rd., #102
Cary 1110 SE Cary Parkway, #100
Roxboro 911 Ridge Road, Suite A
Young People’s Concert MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL, RALEIGH
Emily Saves the Orchestra
SAT, JAN 9 | 1PM & 4PM Christopher James Lees, conductor Platypus Theatre During a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, 10-year-old Emily is drawn from her seat and onto the stage by the beautiful music, but she soon finds herself face to face with the terrible monster Cacopholous in a battle to save music.
Tickets just $23!
Series Sponsor
ncsymphony.org | 919.733.2750 carolinaparent.com | DECember 2015
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We Welcome Dr. Clark Morris to our practice The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend the first dental appointment by one year of age to prevent most dental problems. Dr. Johnson and her children
Specialists in Dentistry for Infants, Children, Teens and Children with Special Needs 2800 Wakefield Pines Dr., Suite 110, Raleigh, NC 27614 (next to SunTrust bank in Wakefield)
www.carolinapedo.com
919.570.0180 NEW HOURS: Monday - Friday 6.45 am -5:00 pm.
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› FYI
| education
Garner SAVE students give safe driving a thumbs up. Photo courtesy of SAVE EDUCATION
SAVE Receives Grant to Combat School Violence The National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) recently received a grant from The Allstate Foundation to empower and engage North Carolina youth in safety and violence prevention activities. Twenty elementary, middle and high schools throughout the state and more than 10,000 students will be involved in the year-long initiative, which will support activities dealing with conflict management, diversity, teen safe driving, bullying and violence prevention, social media safety and more. Area schools include Chapel Hill High School, East Chapel Hill High School, Garner Magnet High School, Jack Britt High School, Vernon Malone College and Career Academy and West Clayton Elementary School. Learn more at nationalsave.org.
COMMUNITY
Book Drive to Benefit Durham Kids Durham’s Partnership for Children, a Smart Start Initiative, recently launched its 10th Annual Barnes & Noble Holiday Book Drive, which runs through Dec. 31. Customers at Barnes & Noble at Southpoint Mall in Durham can purchase new books for children ages birth to 5 who are least likely to have reading materials of their own. The organization will accept books for all ages and also has a large need for bilingual books and board books for infants and toddlers. Learn more at dpfc.net.
Study Finds Boy Scouts of America Program Builds Character A recent study by Tufts University reveals that involvement in Boy Scouts of America has a measurable, positive impact in the character development of young people. The study, funded by the John Templeton Foundation and conducted over three years, involved nearly 1,800 Cub Scouts between the ages of 6 and 10, and 400 non-scouts under the age of 12. Participants were assessed at five intervals during the study to see if and how character changes were taking place. After three years, Cub Scouts in the study reported significant increases in cheerfulness, helpfulness, kindness, obedience, trustworthiness and hopeful future expectations. The control group of non-scouts reported no significant increases. Learn more at tuftscampstudy.com.
POLL
How many snow days do you predict your child will have to make up this school year? 5 or more
3-4
44%
1-2
39%
None
6%
11%
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FYI
|
health
Compiled by Katherine Kopp
Burn Candles Safely Over the Holidays
Be Prepared: 7 Common Winter Illnesses
The top three days for fires caused by home candles are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, according to a 2013 report from the National Fire Protection Association. Twelve percent of home candle fires occur in December, according to the report. Increased use of candles combined with an increase in the amount of combustible, seasonal decorations used in many homes for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and other winter holidays means more risk for fire. To prevent fire in your home: • Never leave burning candles unattended; blow them out when you leave a room. • Keep candles out of the reach of children. • Never sleep in a room with a lit candle and extinguish all candles before going to sleep. • Make sure candles are on stable surfaces, where they can't easily be knocked over. • Don't burn candles near trees, curtains or any other flammable items. • Don't burn trees, wreaths or wrapping paper in the fireplace. • Have your chimney and fireplaces cleaned and checked at least once a year. About 2,200 deaths were caused by fires, burns and other fire-related injuries in 2013, according to a report produced by the National Safety Council. Learn more at nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/news-and-resources-holiday-safety.aspx.
It’s that time of year when illness is prevalent among children and families. Here is a list of the seven most common winter illnesses for kids. 1. Common cold 2. Respiratory syncytial virus 3. Flu 4. Ear infections 5. Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) 6. Croup 7. Strep throat
66%
The number of teens who have consumed more than just a few sips of alcohol by the end of high school. More than 25 percent have done so by eighth grade. Source: “Binge Drinking” in the September 2015 issue of Pediatrics
Moms and Kids: Stay Active All Winter Long! Woman’s Day magazine and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation recently reported on a survey of 1,154 mothers and the activities they engaged in with their children. Among their findings:
For information on prevention, symptoms and treatment, visit uhhospitals.org and search for “7 illnesses.”
•
Half had gone on a walk, run or ridden a bike with their kids ages 5-18 the previous week.
•
26 percent had played a sport, danced together or “ran around” playing together.
•
90 percent ate a meal with their kids.
•
79 percent watched TV together.
•
65 percent helped with homework.
The findings suggest that in order to promote improved fitness, moms may need to be more proactive about scheduling regular physical activities with their children. Learn more at healthiergeneration.org.
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Join us for an
Admissions Event and discover why...
Pre-K and Kindergarten Group Tour Wednesday, December 2 at 9:30 AM
All Grade Levels (PK-12) Group Tours Wednesday, January 20 at 9:30 AM
Why St. DaviD’S?
Wednesday, February 10 at 9:30 AM Wednesday, March 16 at 9:30 AM Wednesday, April 6 at 9:30 AM
Contact our Admissions Office to schedule a campus visit and learn “Why St. David’s!” admissions@sdsw.org www.sdsw.org • 919-782-3331 St. David’s is an independent school in the Episcopal school tradition that prepares young men and women for college and life by challenging them to excel in the vital areas of faith, virtue, and knowledge.
carolinaparent.com | DECember 2015
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FYI
|
style
December
1.
Style Stumped on what to give for the holidays? Find something special for a friend, family member or yourself with these selections. 3.
2. 4.
6.
5.
1. Personalized Children's Silhouette Portrait, etsy.com/shop/trendycutsshop, $24-$64 2. Purple Coco Tassel Earrings, lisilerch.com, $88 3. A Blue & White Christmas Embroidered Cocktail Napkin, shoplettermade.com, $48-$62 4. Mirrored Gold or Silver Pet Ornaments (one of "Oprah's Favorite Things" for 2015), moonandlola.com, $20-$22 5. Happy Stripe 2016 Daily Simplified Planner, emilyley.com, $58 6. Tortoise Hurricane, furbishstudio.com $55-$75 Lauren Bell Isaacs is the digital media specialist for Carolina Parent.
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› TECH TALK matter, other family members, they get the satisfaction of choosing who receives the donation — and you get a tax deduction. Justgive.org and tisbest.org serve a wide range of charities. Both charge a small service fee, which covers the creation of the card as well as the credit card fee.
Giving Back Beyond the Holidays By Carolyn Jabs
W
hat’s the best way to raise generous kids? That question takes on new urgency during the holidays when families are encouraged to participate in charitable
events and projects. Valuable as these seasonal efforts may be, some experts argue that kids benefit more when they have year-round charitable opportunities. One study done by the Philanthropy Institute at the University of Indiana found that children were 20 percent more likely to be generous givers if their parents talked with them regularly about the good they could do by contributing time and money to good causes.
Reinvent Family Traditions With a little thought, families can make special occasions even more meaningful by sharing the joy. For example, if you make special foods for a holiday, double the batch so you can share with an elderly neighbor or a family that’s facing hard times. At birthday parties, consider asking guests to bring a gently-used book or toy to be donated to a local charity. Find more ideas at family-to-family.org. Join the Crowd Crowdfunding is a popular way to support good charitable causes. Crowdrise.com, startsomegood.com and justgiving.com are all good ways to expose teens and preteens to what others are doing to make the world a better place.
The best charitable projects connect with the child’s interests, and your family’s resources and values. The following websites offer a wide variety of ways families can get involved in doing good, throughout the holidays and beyond.
Care2 at care2.com has an entire page filled with sites that allow you to support favorite causes by clicking once a day. Sponsors who make microdonations for each click support the sites.
Make a Loan Sometimes the best way to help people is to loan them what they need to start a business. Kiva.com pools contributions as small as $25 into small loans that can be used to start or expand entrepreneurial projects that improve the lives of impoverished families.
Microgiving
Sponsor a Child
Children often like the idea of helping children their age. Plan International at planusa.org and Children International at children.org make it easy to identify a specific child in a specific country. Children International allows donations to individuals, families or communities. Plan International encourages sponsors to communicate with and even visit children.
Volunteer Your Time
Charitable Gift Cards Several websites help you create donation cards. If you give one to a child or, for that
Carolyn Jabs raised three computer-savvy kids, including one with special needs.
A number of websites allow visitors to make small donations simply by doing things that are part of their daily routine. These websites aren’t a substitute for other projects but they do create mindfulness about causes that deserve your support. Goodsearch.com is a philanthropic search engine that donates 50 percent of its advertising revenue to a cause that you designate. The site also has a Goodshop option, which allows you to donate a percentage of your purchase to charity.
For many families, giving time makes more sense than giving money. Volunteermatch.org will help you find both local and virtual ways to volunteer in your community. Whatever you decide to do, the real benefits come from helping kids recognize needs and think constructively about what they can do to help. You don’t really need a website or an app for that — just an open heart and willingness to give what you can.
carolinaparent.com | DECember 2015
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PEDIATRIC THERAPY ASSOCIATES & Sports Medicine • • • • • • • •
Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech-Language Pathology Music Therapy Developmental Therapy Early Intervention Services Ready to Read Feeding Therapy
Chapel Hill Pediatrics
&Adolescents
Open DAILY, including weekends and holidays
WE WELCOME Dr. Shruti Nagaraj, M.D. to our practice
Raleigh: (919) 781-4434 | Cary: (919) 854-0404 Wake Forest: (919) 562-9941 | Garner: (919) 861-1180 www.pedtherapy.com
"Walk-in availability" for established patients: Monday – Friday 7:15-7:50am & Sat/Sun 9am-2pm • Care from birth through college • Complimentary "meet and greet" sessions • International adoption care • Convenient parking • Same-day appointments • Comprehenisive sports & camp physicals TWO locations welcome NEW and established patients 205 Sage Rd., Suite 100 Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919-942-4173 249 East NC Hwy 54, Suite 230 Durham, NC 27713
www.chapelhillpeds.com
Imagine a School... That Doesn’t Tell Students What to Think, But Teaches Students How to Think.
Join Us for an Open House January 27, 2016 6:30 pm
Superior Academics and Authentic Christian Faith trinityacademy.com • 10224 Baileywick Road, Raleigh, NC • 919.786.0114 12
DECember 2015 |
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›
growing up
school-age child? Ask around for guidance on the best breeds for families. Expert dog trainer Joel Silverman, former Animal Planet host and author of “Bond With Your Heart, Train With Your Brain: Techniques for Training and Motivating Humans and Other Animals,” recommends against dogs with a strong prey drive, such as terriers, for families with young children. Though these dogs can make wonderful pets, they may react negatively to a noisy, unpredictable child. “Dogs with a strong prey drive are often quick to react to the sudden movements, and may chase or nip in these situations,” Silverman says. Retrievers, retriever mixes and other notoriously mellow breeds are known to make great family pets, he says. Selecting a rescue dog? Reach out to a pro beforehand. Trainers, including Jason Troy, will consult with families prior to bringing their rescue dog home to help ease the transition from shelter to forever home.
Pet Project: Choosing What’s Right for Your Family By Malia Jacobson
A
re your kids clamoring for a pet? Saying yes may be smart; research overwhelmingly shows that owning and caring for pets benefits kids at every
developmental stage, boosting levels of empathy, teaching responsibility and even offering a science lesson or two. Research from Purdue University shows that kindergarteners who care for pets have a better understanding of biology; and a large study by Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University links pet ownership with improved emotional health during the teenage years. Read on for pointers on picking the best pet for your family.
Ages 0-5
Pet Pals Adding a new pet to a home already occupied by a baby or toddler can be a challenge. When considering which type of animal to get, keep your family’s lifestyle and your baby’s developmental stage in mind. A tail-pulling toddler might be better off with a low-maintenance goldfish than a cat or boisterous puppy. Some parents, however, find that a high-energy puppy or kitten fits right in with their family. Young children can keep up
with a playful pup or kitten, and parents of babies are already used to getting up at night to clean up messes. “Puppies take work. If you are going to add a new addition, make sure the house is ready for noisy nights and a little bit of chaos for the first few weeks,” says Jason Troy of Canine Scholars Inc. dog training in Charlotte.
Ages 13-18
Separation Station You’re not the only one who will miss a teen who ships off to camp, college or to study abroad. Your teen’s pet may experience separation anxiety, too. While more college campuses and dormitories are allowing pets, most still don’t, so it’s likely that Fido or Fluffy will have to stay behind. Expect a few weeks of mopey behavior after a teen departs, Silverman says. “Pets bond differently with different members of a family, and a pet will most certainly feel sad when the person he’s most bonded to leaves,” he says. Offer the pet extra attention, petting and reassurance during this time, and consult with your veterinarian if the animal displays signs of anxiety, such as excess vocalization, accidents or appetite changes. If your pet isn’t overly anxious, just sad, it may be a great time to consider adding another pet to the family, Silverman says. After the initial adjustment period, a new dog or cat can help distract your pet from the loss while providing the rest of the family with another furry companion to love.
Ages 6-12
Pick of the Litter Ready to take the plunge and get a dog for your
Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three. carolinaparent.com | DECember 2015
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HAMMERS, NAILS & DIAPER PAILS
Terms of Endearment By patrick Hempfing
I
’m not a big fan of Black Friday, Cyber Monday or any of the shopping days leading up to Christmas. Though I enjoy giving gifts, the problem is: What do you get year after year for loved ones who have everything they need? Even buying presents for Jessie, my 10-year-old daughter, is becoming more of a challenge. No Jessie, you won’t be getting a horse for Christmas. What to buy? Rush to purchase. Stand in long lines. Time to wrap. Too few presents. Too many presents? Big credit card bills in January. More long lines to return gifts. I’m not trying to impersonate Scrooge, but “Bah Humbug!” We all know the holiday season is about love, peace and goodwill. Why do we drive ourselves crazy? Speaking of love and crazy, after a relaxing night of tennis a few weeks ago, I stopped for dinner at a local restaurant. Through the years, I’ve heard waitresses use many different terms of endearment, like “Darling,” “Hon” and “Sweetie.” However, when the 20-something waitress delivered my double steakburger and said, “Here you go, my love,” I thought I heard her wrong. “My love?” Heck, I’ve been married over 30 years and I don’t even get a “My love, would you please take out the garbage?” I enjoyed my meal and paid with a credit card. When the waitress handed my card back, she said, “Here you go, my love.” I gave her a 20 percent tip. Of course, I drove straight home and playfully bragged to my wife, Mattie, that a woman more than 20 years my junior called me “my love” — twice. Mattie rolled her eyes, not a bit concerned, and told me to get over myself. Mattie keeps me humble. However, I couldn’t let the fun end. I emailed my wise writing buddy, Jan, to see
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if she had ever heard a waitress use this expression. Jan felt that “my love” was the server’s go-to term for customers, rather than a special name for a sweat-soaked tennis player, but suggested I enjoy the moment anyway. She pointed out that when working for tips, using terms of endearment is a good strategy. Hey, it worked with me. Ah – age. Yes, time zooms by quickly. Which brings me back to Christmas shopping. Do I want to waste my precious minutes fretting over presents? No! The best presents aren’t tangible anyway (though Jessie thinks a very tangible horse would make a fantastic gift). I’ll take family hugs in the kitchen with the dog sandwiched between Mattie, Jessie and me. Massaging Mattie’s feet, propped on my lap, as we laugh together at a TV show. Holding hands during walks. Hearing kind, supportive words — daily terms of endearment like “my love” from my wife. These are the best gifts — the ones that fill my days with joy. With that said, I’m not Ebenezer Scrooge, and I agree that it’s nice to have a few presents to open, especially for children. Last Christmas, I printed out a couple of
pages from the Save the Manatee Club (savethemanatee.org) and let Jessie select a manatee to adopt. She chose a 3-year-old named Squeaky, the youngest manatee in the adoption program from Blue Spring State Park in Florida. I thought she’d enjoy this, because we visit the park to look for manatees at least once a year. I was surprised, however, that it turned out to be her favorite gift. Go figure. We asked about Squeaky on our last trip to Blue Spring State Park, but she hadn’t been spotted in the springs. We hope to see her next time. I can already hear Jessie shouting “Hi, Cutie” at her adopted manatee. We just have to hope this term of endearment doesn’t go to Squeaky’s head. Patrick Hempfing had a 20-year career in banking, accounting and auditing before he became a father at age 44. He is now a full-time husband, stay-at-home dad and author of a monthly column titled “moMENts.” Follow Hempfing at facebook.com/patricklhempfing and twitter.com/patrickhempfing.
ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL?
NEW PROGRAMS IN THE NEW YEAR! NEW EXTENDED CARE FOR TODDLERS PROGRAM
Now offering Full Day and Half Day programs
NEW PARENT/TODDLER EXPERIENCE Saturdays, January 16-February 13 8:30-10:30 am NEW ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE 2016 Sunday January 10th, 3-5pm
All Classroom Levels. Teachers and current parents available for tours and conversation.
NEW SUMMER CAMP OPTIONS
It Makes Even Less Sense in the______________ Classroom!!!
2016 SUMMER CAMP June 13-August 12, 2016 Open to all students ages 3-14
PREMIER TRIANGLE MONTESSORI PROGRAM FOR TODDLER-ELEMENTARY. SACS and AMS ACCREDITED. Serving 18 months-6th grade
www.CamelotAcademy.org
2800 Pickett Rd • Durham NC 27705 919-489-9045 • mchdurham.org
SHOP CARR MILL SHOP, DINE & MEET Ali Cat Anna’s Tailor & Alterations B-Side Lounge The Bead Store Cafe Symmetry Carolina Core Pilates Carrboro Pizza Oven Carrboro Yoga Co.
Chatelaine’s Jewelry CHICLE Language Institute Classic Fashions CVS Elmo’s Diner Harris Teeter Head Over Heels La Boutique Lane Mulberry Silks
Oasis Coffee Shop Organic Sun Skin Spa Sofia’s Boutique Sofia’s Shoetique Townsend, Bertram & Co. Venable Rotisserie Bistro Weaver Street Market & Cafe Yellow Chair Market
CarrMillMall.com 200 N. Greensboro St. In the heart of Carrboro
carolinaparent.com | DECember 2015
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We’ll pay you to share your toys. Gently used or new with tags, always great quality at Children’s Orchard. Clothing • Toys • Books • Playthings
Spirit of Christmas Sale Dec. 11-19 Swift Creek Shopping Center 2865 Jones Franklin Rd., Raleigh/Cary
919-852-0550
High-Resolution PDF - PRINT READY
12.14 | UMASS | 7 PM STAR WARS DAY DRESS UP CONTEST OPENING DAY 3D SHOW TICKETS FOR WINNER! 12.17 | LIBERTY | 7 PM 12.29 | WESTERN CAROLINA | 7 PM 12.31 | UNC WILMINGTON | 2 PM
CALL 919-681-BLUE OR VISIT GODUKE.COM FOR TICKETS
Output On: November 09, 2015 10:50 AM
DUKE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL LOOKING FOR SOME FUN WITH THE FAMILY THIS WINTER? BUILD YOUR OWN MINI PLAN AT DUKE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL! PLANS START AS LOW AS $30. CALL TO BUILD YOURS TODAY!
D IN IN G
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CHAP EL HILL FARM ERS MARK ET GIFT WRAP PING BY THE GIRLS SCOU TS
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS 201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill, NC | 919-945-1900 www.universityplacenc.com
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Helping Children as the Winter Holidays Approach By lucy Daniels Center staff
W
hether traveling, hosting, or simply staying home together as a family, the festivities leading up to and around the winter holidays can bring about many changes and disruptions to a family’s routime children take these changes in stride, while others may need extra support to manage the excitement and anticipation of the season. Routine Patterns Children, especially under age 6, depend greatly on structure and routines. The familiarity of regular behavior patterns provides a sense of comfort and stability. Of course, sometimes routines change; sometimes the changes are planned and sometimes they are unexpected. Either way, learning to cope with changes as they come about is an important developmental achievement that emerges over time. Talking about the disruptions can help children with this developmental task, whether they are planned or not. Ease anxiety around the holiday season by maintaining as much age- and developmentally-appropriate structure as possible while providing additional support around changes to a child’s routine. Possible Disruptions During the Holidays In addition to the anticipation of giving and receiving gifts, there are other disruptions to
contend with this time of year. Schools close for a week or two, temporarily interrupting a child’s daily routine and connection with teachers and friends. (Keep in mind that a week or two is a short break for an adult, but can seem like an eternity for a 3-year-old.) Some families travel and others welcome relatives or guests. In either case, children are visiting with people they may not see very often and may be sleeping (and going to bed later) in unfamiliar places. In addition, during this time when there is often so much activity and excitement, there is the added societal pressure for children to behave, an expectation that is played out through holiday traditions and figures such as Santa (who keeps a list) and his elves (who are watching). Maintaining Structure, Providing Support Maintaining the structure of some of your child’s routines, such as reading bedtime stories and snuggling with comfort objects, can help when there are other disruptions
Understanding Kids
to what your family is accustomed to. Sometimes, planning ahead and talking about what a child can expect each day is enough support to ensure a child’s success. Children benefit from adults putting words to experiences, and words that describe potential feelings are especially helpful. For example, “Today may feel a little different because we have some errands to run and then Aunt Sue and Uncle Joe will be here. We haven’t seen them since last year, so it may feel a little strange at first.” In addition, when children misbehave, it can help to tell them Mom and Dad (and Santa, if you participate in this tradition) know that they are still good children. Changes in Behavior Changes in behavior usually indicate that a child feels different in some way. Some children may seem more excitable and have a harder time settling down during the holiday season. Others may seem quieter, more withdrawn or less interested in their usual pleasures. For young children, magical thinking around Christmas makes the time of year both exciting and worrisome. For some, playing down the enchanted elements of Christmas — in particular the ones that lead a child to feel watched (such as the “elf on the shelf” and “naughty and nice lists”) — may help ease some of the anxiety leading up to the holidays. When to Seek Help Some children have difficulty with changes to their routine in general. The anticipation of birthdays, traveling or visitors may cause changes in behavior that interfere with your family’s ability to carry on smoothly. If your child has particular difficulty with changes throughout the year, professional help may add to your understanding of how to best support his or her development. The Lucy Daniels Center is a nonprofit agency in Cary that promotes the emotional health and well-being of children and families. Visit lucydanielscenter.org to learn more. carolinaparent.com | DECember 2015
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COULD YOU BECOME A
Foster Parent? Triangle parents share their experiences BY CHRISTA C. HOGAN
Charleen Evans (right) with her foster daughter, Briyanna. Photo courtesy of Charleen Evans
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?
When my friend, a foster parent, suggested that my husband and I also consider fostering, I shook my head. I admired her immensely. We wanted to help, and we had room in our hearts and home for more kids. But we could never be foster parents. Could we?
First, the Numbers In Wake County alone, there are around 200 foster families and more than 700 children in care. It doesn’t take a mathematician to compute the overwhelming need. Add into
the equation, however, a general misunderstanding of foster parents and the inherent challenges of foster care, and many qualified people simply say what I did: “We could never do that.” Well, as it turned out, we could. We spent two of the past three years as a licensed foster family. The experience was challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. And, for us, brief. Though reunification with the birth family is every foster family’s imperative, that outcome isn’t always possible. We adopted our first placement, then closed
out our license to focus on meeting the needs of our expanded family. I suppose it’s easy for me to say that welcoming a foster child into your heart and home is a risk worth taking. I’ll say it any way. No matter what the outcome, you’ll gain back far more than you give. The following conversations are with other foster parents serving kids in their communities. The journey to becoming a foster parent often starts with conversations like these, and the extending of an invitation. Consider this yours.
Lora and Christopher Addair Lora Addair and her husband, Christopher, have been foster parents for five years. They have four children — two sons previously adopted from private agencies and two daughters whom they fostered and then adopted.
How did you approach fostering with your own kids, who are also in the home? As a family. We talked to the boys and got their input first, so they saw it as something we were doing together. Once we had our first placements, they acted as stabilizers for the other kids. We have boys and fostered girls, so we did have to stay watchful. We addressed issues as they came up and made our expectations clear.
How did you balance the needs of your family with fostering? We had regular date nights to stay connected as a couple and family nights to stay in tune with the kids. We also
Photo courtesy of the Addair family
had to work together. Our foster kids needed to go to therapy, and we wanted to keep them in their same schools, so there was a lot of driving. But they’d already experienced so much upheaval that it was worth it.
What would you say to families who are interested in fostering? You can change a life forever. You don’t have to be perfect, just available. Our lives are immeasurably greater for it!
carolinaparent.com | DECember 2015
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Photo courtesy of Melanie Shaw
Charleen Evans In the eight years that Charleen has been a foster parent, she has served six teenage girls. She also has two grown sons and seven grandchildren.
Melanie Shaw Melanie Shaw works in the information technology field and has been a foster parent for 10 years. During that time, she has cared for 15 teenage girls.
Why did you become a foster parent? My parents raised me to help people and give back where I can. This will sound selfish, but I also wanted to help teenagers because they were the age of the children I wanted to have but didn’t.
What’s your greatest joy as a foster parent? It’s good to see that you’re making a positive impact. My goal is to make each child feel safe and loved and to give them the opportunity to be the best they can be during the time they’re with me. Some stay in touch after they leave. They ask my advice, which tells me they still trust me. Photo courtesy of George and Edna Marshall
What’s it like being a single foster parent? There are benefits to being a single parent to some kids. They are more comfortable without a man in the home because of what they’ve been through. I do work full-time, so I’ve had awesome social workers that help me meet the kids’ needs. I also use the respite care offered through other foster parents to take breaks. Fostering is emotionally challenging work. But this has been one of the best experiences of my life. It’s a joy to give these kids positive experiences they might not have had otherwise.
What would you say to someone interested in fostering? I grew up on a farm and, to me, fostering is like farming. There are stages. Sometimes you plant the seeds but someone else does the watering. You don’t always get to see the harvest. You have to trust that these kids will take what you’ve given them into their futures.
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George and Edna Marshall After raising two daughters, George and Edna became foster parents. Over the past nine years they’ve helped more than 30 children. They are currently fostering four children ages 11 to 16.
Why foster at a time when most are taking it easy? We saw underweight kids not getting balanced nutrition in our own county. It’s going on right here, and we don’t see it. That drives us. No one will leave our home hungry.
Briyanna and Charleen Photo courtesy of Charleen Evans
What would you say to someone considering foster care? Fostering is a good fit for you if you love kids, have a positive attitude and are willing to take the time to make a difference in their lives. Also, know that you won’t be alone. A team of professionals will support you in helping your kids reach their goals. At the end of the day, all you can do is your very best.
What’s your biggest challenge? The media often portrays foster parents negatively. Everyone hears the bad stories, but no one sees all of the successes we have. We work hard to prepare these kids for life — succeeding in school, playing sports and finding jobs. We also work with birth families to prepare them to reunite with the kids.
What would you say to those interested in fostering? You don’t have to be a lawyer or a doctor. You just need to give love, protection and safety to kids when they need it. We have a prayer hanging in our kitchen that we read to each kid who comes through the door: “Dear God, swing the doors of our home wide so that all people will feel welcome and loved. May the floor and walls be strong enough to carry the burdens of those who come. We pray no one leaves feeling less than when he entered. May your love and peace cover and protect as each one departs. Amen.” Christa Hogan is a freelance writer, mom of three and former foster parent.
For more information on foster care or licensing through your county or a private agency, call 877-NCKIDS or visit ncdhhs.gov/dss/fostercare.
„ITH HOLIDAY ˝IFTS BY RENEE ROBERSON
Thanks to the popularity of crafting television shows and magazines, do-it-yourself gifts are more in-style than ever. This holiday season, why not consider surprising friends and family with a gift crafted specifically with them in mind? Involve your kids in the process, and they will be proud to present gifts they had a hand in creating.
PRACTICAL,
YET PERSONAL “I love making handmade gifts because each gift is unique. The item can’t be bought in a store. No one else owns it, so each gift is more personal and has more meaning,” says Piedmont Parent Publisher and Editor Myra Wright. She came up with the idea to use square tiles from her local hardware store, along with colorful scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, self-adhesive felt and clear acrylic sealer spray to create homemade decoupage coasters.
Gifts to Be Cherished “Creating and giving handmade gifts is like sharing a piece of myself with others,” says Carolina Parent contributer Laura Kelly, who creates a variety of arts and crafts at Laura Kelly Designs (laurakellydesigns.com). Kelly’s Cloud Pillow, Fairy Garden Jar, and Daddy Mugs are all simple but meaningful gifts that will speak volumes.
Cloud Pillow If you’re looking to spread a little joy and happiness, the Cloud Pillow design is a great fit that requires minimal sewing. Make your
DECOUPAGE COASTERS
own with felt, polyester
ITEMS NEEDED: Four square 4.25-inch-by-4.25-inch tiles from a hardware store Four pieces of scrapbook paper of your choice 16 small round pieces of selfadhesive felt Mod Podge Sponge brush Clear acrylic sealer spray Ribbon for gift bow Find directions for how to make these coasters at carolinaparent.com (search for "homemade holiday gifts").
stuffing, colorful ribbons and buttons or purchase a supply kit at Kelly’s online store: shoplaurakelly.com.
Photos courtesy of Laura Kelly
carolinaparent.com | DECEMBER 2015
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Photos courtesy of Julie Loven
A Fairy Garden Jar A Fairy Garden Jar makes the perfect magical gift for the fairy lover in your life. Using Sculpey clay, create a tiny mushroom house and flowers, and bake in the oven according to package directions. Pick out a few charming accessories at the craft store to make the jar irresistible to any fairies who want to make the garden their new home. Photos courtesy of Laura Kelly
Daddy (or Mommy) and Me Mug Set Making handmade gifts doesn’t necessarily require a trip to your local craft or hobby store. Take advantage of supplies at a paint-yourown pottery store and design to your heart’s content. Use Kelly’s whimsical matching Daddy (or Mommy) and Me set of mugs for inspiration.
Find details for how to make these gifts at carolinaparent.com. Photo courtesy of Laura Kelly
Renee Roberson is an award-winning freelance writer and mother of two whose work has appeared in many regional magazines. One of her favorite gifts to make during the holiday season is “cookies in a jar.” Visit her website at finishedpages.com.
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Make Your Own Décor Putting your crafting skills to use doesn’t have to stop at gift-giving. Bypass the aisles of holiday décor at your local big box store in favor of creating your own decorations. That’s what Julie Loven, who blogs as The Effortless Girl for our sister publication, Charlotte Parent, did when creating her Split Pea Trees. “I was fortunate to grow up in a place where Christmas trees are the major export crop,” Loven says. “As a big fan of the holiday season, I like having several trees around my house.” The Split Pea Trees are an inexpensive way to add to the festivity without the commitment of adding another evergreen tree, and kids can help create these decorations. Loven uses a 6-inch green floral cone, a bag of green split peas and glue. By spreading glue onto the cone and then sprinkling it with peas until it's covered, the project is complete after drying overnight. The trees can also double as a unique gift idea. “I believe time is the best gift of all, and spending time thinking of and doing for someone you love makes the gift extra special,” Loven says.
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OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD
STAR WARS
2 BY MICHELE HUGGINS AND MIKALA YOUNG Star Wars fans have been waiting a long time for the big-screen debut of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” due out Dec. 18. Trailers have been watched by millions, young and old, and parents who loved the trilogy in their childhood days are sharing the excitement of these movies with their kids before the newest installment opens in theaters. That excitement includes a plethora of Star Wars toys now being sold. Here are some of our favorite finds.
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5 1 | Kylo Ren Lightsaber – Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Ages 3+. $29.95. Disney Store, multiple locations. disneystore.com. 2 | "Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know." Ages 8+. $11+. amazon.com. 3 | "Star Wars Battlefront." Rated Teen. Available for PC, Playstation 4 and Xbox One. $59.99. Gamestop, multiple locations. gamestop.com.
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4 | Air Hogs Star Wars Remote Control X-34 Landspeeder. Ages 8+. $34.99. Target, multiple locations. target.com. 5 | Sphero BB-8 App-Enabled Droid. Ages 3+. $149.99. Radio Shack, multiple locations. sphero.com/starwars.
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6 | Stormtrooper Art Case. Ages 5+. $14.99. Target, multiple locations. target.com. 7 | Disney Star Wars Episode V Darth Vader Voice Changer Helmet. Ages 5+. $39.99. Sears, sears.com. 8 | Star Wars – Yoda Mr. Potato Head. Ages
2+. $24.95. Barnes & Noble, multiple locations. barnesandnoble.com. 9 | Star Wars Classic Walkie Talkies. Ages 4+. $16.99. Target, multiple locations. target.com. 10 | Play-Doh Star Wars Millennium Falcon Featuring Can-Heads Plus Glow Compound. Ages 3+. $15.99. Target, multiple locations. target.com.
11 | LEGO Star Wars First Order Special Forces TIE Fighter. Ages 8+. $69.99. The Lego Store. lego.com. 12 | Hot Wheels Star Wars C-3PO and R2-D2 2-pack. Ages 3+. $6.99. amazon.com. 13 | Build-a-Bear: Princess Leia/Wicket (mini Ewok). $12.50$42. Build-A-Bear Workshop. buildabear.com. carolinaparent.com | DECember 2015
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December our picks
Visions of Sugarplums Tea The Historic Polk House in Raleigh welcomes girls ages 5-11 and their favorite American Girl doll to its Visions of Sugarplums Tea Dec. 5-6. Girls can make Christmas crafts and doll accessories, and enjoy punch and cookies at this festive event. Tea parties are 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. Dec. 5 and 1-3 p.m. Dec. 6. Fees are $20/child and $18/ female sibling. Register by sending an email to polkhouse2@bellsouth. net. Learn more at facebook.com/ polkhouse.
Visit carolinaparent.com for a list of local holiday performances. Search " holiday performances." Photo courtesy of BrookeMeyer.com
“A Very Cary Christmas” Get into the holiday spirit when The 3D Project and Cary Ballet Company present
Photo courtesy of Southeastern Train Collectors Association
“A Very Cary Christmas” Dec. 18-20 at the Cary Arts Center. The 3D Project opens the show with a jazz performance, followed by Cary Ballet Company’s presentation of “The Nutcracker.” Performances are 7 p.m. Dec. 18; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 19; and 3 p.m. Dec. 20. Tickets are $18. Young children can enjoy a shorter version of the ballet Dec. 19 at 10 a.m., with an optional Ballerina Tea at 11 a.m. to meet the dancers. Purchase tickets, $18, at etix.com.
Southeastern Train Collectors Association’s Model Train Show All aboard! Train enthusiasts will gather Dec. 5-6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds’ Kerr Scott Building in Raleigh for the Southeastern Train Collectors Association’s model train show. The event features a large O gauge train layout with more than 18 child-friendly interactive modules, train races, vendors, Kids Club activities and layouts designed by model railroad clubs. Tickets are $6 at the door and free for ages 13 and younger with a paying adult. Learn more at facebook.com/pages/southeastern-train-collectors-association/100103758441. carolinaparent.com | DECember 2015
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1 Tuesday
ADHD Community Education Seminar. Duke Child and Family Study Center, 2608 Erwin Rd, Lakeview Pavilion East, Ste. 300, Durham. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. 888-275-3853. Jane Howard, LCSW, provides a review of behavior management principles with a focus on increasing desired behaviors and decreased undesired behaviors in children. dukehealth.org.
2 Wednesday
Open House
Thursday, February 4th 6:45-8:00pm
triangletabletennis.com 919.388.0272 2900 Perimeter Park Dr., Ste. 200 Morrisville, NC 27560
Weekly Camps & Clinics
Mon.-Fri. – 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Please see website for schedules.
Tournaments Open Play Lessons
Private & Group
Leagues
Day & Evening Leagues
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Wee Walkers: Big or Small. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10-11 a.m. $8/resident, $10/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Children delight in discoveries of shapes, colors and textures in nature. Ages 1 and older with parent. Registration required. townofcary.org.
3 Thursday
2015 Wilde Awards Live. Flyleaf Books, 752 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. 919-942-7373. Join children’s book reviewer Susie Wilde as she presents her selections for the best picture books and novels of 2015. Ages 9 and older. flyleafbooks.com. Meeting the Needs of Gifted Students. Durham Main Library Auditorium, 300 N. Roxboro St., Durham. 7-8 p.m. Free. 919-408-8404. Parents of gifted children learn ways to meet their child’s needs in a talk led by Dr. Ken Benedict. The talk covers the needs of exceptional children who are also gifted. camelotacademy.org. Wee Walkers: Big or Small. See Dec. 2.
4 Friday
An Evening With Elves at Marbles. Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E Hargett St., Raleigh. 6-8:30 p.m. $25/member, $30/nonmember. Families enjoy museum play, holiday activities, s’mores and other treats. Celebrate with elves and visit with the Snowflake Fairy. Kids may wear pajamas. Purchase tickets online. marbleskidsmuseum.org/elves. Crowder by Night: The Winter Sky. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 4:30-5:30 p.m. $5/family. 919-662-2850. Learn about winter’s constellations and enjoy hot cocoa. All ages. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/crowder.
carolinaparent.com 2/12/15 11:12:40 AM
5 Saturday
Birding With Vernon. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 8:30-10 a.m. Free. Join bird enthusiast Vernon for an easy walk while looking and listening for feathered friends. Discover different types of birds and their habitats. Meet at the Waterwise Garden. All ages. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree. Winter Wildlife Wonderland. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 1-5 p.m. $26/resident, $34/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Learn about wildlife. Ages 6-10. Registration required. townofcary.org.
6 Sunday
Natural Explorations: Winter Wildlife Survival Skills. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 2-3 p.m. Free. 919-856-6675. Discover seasonal changes in nature and explore how various kinds of wildlife prepare for the cold, as well as what you can do to enhance your own winter survival skills. Ages 6 and older. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.
7 Monday
Pop-In Playtime Club. Pump It Up of Raleigh, 10700 World Trade Blvd., Raleigh. 10 a.m.5:30 p.m. $8/child, $6/sibling. 919-828-3344. Drop-in inflatable play. Wear socks. Free for adults. pumpitupparty.com/raleigh-nc.
8 Tuesday
Bake and Decorate: Holiday Cookies. Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs. 5-6:30 p.m. $10/resident, $15/ nonresident. Bake sugar cookies. Ages 6 and older. Registration required. hollyspringsnc.us.
9 Wednesday
Welcoming Winter. Durant Nature Preserve, 8305 Camp Durant Rd, Raleigh. 2-3 p.m. $3/child. Free for adults. Celebrate winter’s arrival by taking a short walk to look for signs of winter and playing winter-related games. Enjoy a story and craft. Ages 3-5 with adult. Register online. reclink.raleighnc.gov.
10 Thursday
Apex Nativity Celebration. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 590 Bryan Dr., Apex. Free. 6-9 p.m. View more than 500 nativities from around the world in an indoor forest of lighted Christmas trees, as well as an outdoor live nativity at the entrance. Hear holiday music from 20 musical and vocal groups. apexnativity.org.
11 Friday
Apex Nativity Celebration. See Dec. 10. Durham Mocha Moms Support Group. Grey Stone Church, 2601 Hillsborough Rd., Durham. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Take part in a support group for mothers of color and mothers raising children of color. Children welcome. durhammochamoms. wix.com/durham-mocha-moms. Nature Nuts: White-tailed Deer. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10-11 a.m. $10/resident, $13/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Go nutty for nature as children satisfy some of their curiosity about the world around them and parents share in the joy of discovery. Ages 3-5 with parent. Registration required. townofcary.org.
12 Saturday
Apex Nativity Celebration. See Dec. 10. 11 a.m.9 p.m. A public sing-in of Handel’s “Messiah”takes place at 7:30 p.m. Eco-Explorers: Winter Wetlands. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Raleigh. 10 a.m.-noon. $12/resident, $16/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Children make treasured memories while increasing their knowledge of plants and animals. Ages 7-10. Registration required. townofcary.org. Family Rhythm Jam. Music Explorium, 5314 Hwy. 55, Ste. 107, Durham. 10-11 a.m. $10/family. 919-219-2371. Drumming and stories for ages 3 and up with parent. Drums to loan. musicexplorium.com. How to Ride a Bike For Kids. Cary REI, 1751 Walnut St., Cary. 10 a.m.-noon. $45/REI member, $65/nonmember. 919-867-1388. Bike instructors help kids with their first bike lesson. Ages 4-11. Register online. rei.com/learn. How to Ride A Bike: Private Instruction. Cary REI, 1751 Walnut St., Cary. 1-3 p.m. $90/ REI member, $110/nonmember. 919-867-1388. Enjoy a private session with a cycling instructor. Ages 5 and older. Register online. rei.com/learn. Jolly Elf Trail Run. WakeMed Soccer Park, 940 E. Chatham St., Cary. 7:30 a.m.-noon. $8-$30. Take part in a 1.25-mile fun run at 9 a.m., a 5K
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at 10 a.m. or a kids’dash at 11:15 a.m. Register online. app.racereach.com/mtl.php?pagecode=r/ jolly-elf-run. Tales and Trails: Stories Around the Campfire. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 5-6:30 p.m. $10/resident, $13/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Go nutty for nature as children satisfy some of their curiosity about the world around them and parents share in the joy of discovery. Ages 3-5 with parent. Registration required. townofcary.org. Winter Wildlife Wonderland. See Dec. 5.
13 Sunday
Family Feature: Winter Wrap Up. Crowder District Park, 4709 Ten-Ten Rd., Apex. 2-3 p.m. $5/family. 919-662-2850. Join a naturalist and learn how to identify tracks, explore conifers and drink pine needle tea. Observe snow and ice through hands-on science experiments. All ages. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/ crowder. Hemlock Nature Quest: Salamander Survey. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 2-4 p.m. $10/resident, $13/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Help with the park’s annual survey of wetland areas for salamanders. Ages 13-15. Registration required. townofcary.org.
Explore a school where your child’s imagination has room to flourish.
At Carolina Friends School, we believe in the intellectual and creative capacity of every student, and we strive to provide all of our students with engaging opportunities for problem-solving, innovation, and expression. We invite you to see for yourself at a tour or open house. Please contact us to arrange a weekday parent tour, or drop in at one of our family-friendly open houses: Durham Early School on December 5 (10:00 am - noon), or Main Campus Open House on December 6 (2:00 - 4:00 pm). For more information, please call us at 919.383.6602 or visit www.cfsnc.org. We’d like to get to know you!
Carolina Friends School
14 Monday
Forest Friends: “Alfie the Christmas Tree.” Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 1-2 p.m. $4/child. 919-387-4342. Read a story and decorate a tree for wildlife. Ages 3-5 with adult. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/ harrislake. Home School Day: Spirit of Giving. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. 919-856-6675. Cut out and assemble warm fleece blankets for children in need. No sewing skills required. Blankets will be donated to the Project Linus nonprofit group. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill. Nature Tots: “Alfie the Christmas Tree.” Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 10:30-11 a.m. $2/child. 919-387-4342. Read a story and decorate a tree. Ages 1-3 with adult. Meet at the Cypress Shelter. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.
15 Tuesday
Pop-In Playtime Club. See Dec. 7. carolinaparent.com | DECember 2015
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Holiday Craft Programs Brunch and Photos with Santa Dec. 5 – Legacy Academy of Chapel Hill, 515 E. Winmore Ave., Chapel Hill. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Kids can have their photos taken with Santa and enjoy brunch and cookie decorating. lachapelhill.com.
Holiday Wreath Making Dec. 5 – Durant Nature Preserve Training Lodge, 8305 Camp Durant Rd., Raleigh. 2-3 p.m. $5/child. Ages 3-5 create holiday wreaths using materials from nature and enjoy hot chocolate. Register online. reclink.raleighnc.gov.
“Christmas in the Big House, Christmas in the Quarters” Dec. 5 – Stagville State Historic Site, 5828 Old Oxford Hwy., Durham. Tour a plantation, make a Victorian-era ornament and enjoy gingerbread and hot cocoa. Noon-4 p.m. Admission is free. Lantern tours of the quarters are 4:308 p.m. Tours are $5 adults, $3 kids. 919-620-0120. stagville.org/events.
SANTA'S WORKSHOP TEA FOR CHILDREN Dec. 6 – Umstead Hotel and Spa, 100 Woodland Pond Dr., Cary. 2-3:30 pm.
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$55/child, $195/family of four. Enjoy treats, drinks, photos and holiday stories with Santa. Decorate your own gingerbread house. tfsnc.org/ events/13th-annual-gingerbreadbenefit.
Let’s Bake and Decorate: Holiday Cookies Dec. 8 – Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs. 5-6:30 p.m. $10/resident, $15/ nonresident. Bake sugar cookies. Ages 6 and older. Registration required. hollyspringsnc.us.
Holiday Crafting Dec. 10 – Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 5-7 p.m. $5/ person. Celebrate winter and make crafts for the holiday season using natural materials. All skill levels welcome. Ages 14 and older. Meet at the park office. Registration required. 919-387-4342. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.
Holiday Creations From the Garden Dec. 11 – JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Rd., Raleigh. 10 a.m.noon. $5/member, $7/nonmember. Parent and child make holiday crafts
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using inspiration and materials from the garden. 919-513-7011. Advance registration is requested at jcra.ncsu.edu/ events/details.php?ID=1193.
Holiday Gingerbread Houses Dec. 11 – Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W. Ballentine St., Holly Springs. 10-11:30 a.m. $10/resident, $15/ nonresident plus $15 supply fee. Decorate a gingerbread house. Ages 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required. hollyspringsnc.us.
Gingerbread House Decorating Workshops Dec 12 and 19 – Family Preschool, 4907 Garrett Road, Durham. 2 p.m. $40/house. Families create a gingerbread house. Allergy-free workshops are at 11 a.m. Purchase tickets online. familypreschool.org/gingerbread.
Holiday Gifts From Nature Dec. 12 – Durant Nature Preserve Park Office, 8305 Camp Durant Rd, Raleigh. 2-4 p.m. $5/person. Make creative gifts using natural items and enjoy hot chocolate. Ages 6 and older. Register online by Dec. 8. reclink.raleighnc.gov.
Gingerbread Jamboree Dec. 12 – Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E Hargett St., Raleigh. $12/ member, $15/nonmember. Families decorate a gingerbread house and enjoy snacks. Sessions are 10 a.m.noon or 1:30-3:30 p.m. Register online. marbleskidsmuseum.org/ gingerbreadjamboree.
Wonder Workshop and Breakfast Dec. 19 – Kidzu Children’s Museum, 201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill. 8:30-10:30 a.m. $35/parent and child, $15/additional adult. Make gifts by combining toy making and technology. Whip up a tasty treat and work alongside artists to create unique keepsakes. Enjoy hot cocoa and a full breakfast. Purchase tickets by calling 919-933-1455. Tickets will not be sold at the door. kidzuchildrensmuseum.org.
Edible Ornaments Dec. 19 – Little River Regional Park and Natural Area, 301 Little River Park Way, Rougemont. 1-4 p.m. Free. Find out what birds are staying for winter and make nature-themed ornaments for them using peanut butter and pinecones. All ages. orangecountync.gov/departments/ deapr/edible_ornaments.php.
› 919-303-3368. Enjoy inflatables and games. Take socks. All ages. Register online. bounceu.com.
16 Wednesday
Little Historians: Totally Toys. Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Rd., Raleigh. 11 a.m.-noon. $4/child. 919-856-6675. Read a story, explore toys children play with around the world and make historic toys to take home. Take a toy to share. Ages 5-7. Registration required wakegov.com/parks/yatesmill.
17 Thursday
“Extreme Mammals.” N.orth Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. $15/adult, $10 ages 3-12. 919-707-9800. See an exhibit that explores the diversity and evolution of mammals. Purchase tickets online. naturalsciences.org. Open Bounce. BounceU, 3419 Apex Peakway, Apex. Noon-2 p.m., 2-4 p.m. or 4-6 p.m. $8/child.
18 Friday
Curious Creatures: Cardinals and Chickadees. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Raleigh. 1-3 p.m. $12/resident, $16/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Discover wildlife, their habits and their habitats through hikes, activities and crafts. Ages 5-8. Registration required. townofcary.org. Night Out in Nature. Stevens Nature Center/ Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Raleigh. 6-9 p.m. 919-387-5980. Kids spend a night out in nature in an old-fashioned, camp-style program. Ages 8-12. Registration required. townofcary.org. “Night Tree” and Wildlife Treat Creations. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 3:30-5 p.m. $8/family. 919-387-4342.
Read the story “Night Tree”and make treats for backyard wildlife. All ages. Meet at the Longleaf Shelter. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/harrislake.
19 Saturday
Connect & Create: Printed Gifts with Sue Soper. Artspace, 201 E. Davie St., Raleigh. 10 a.m.-noon. $10/member, $15/nonmember. 919-821-2787. Enjoy a demo followed by a family-friendly art activity. artspacenc.org. Edible Ornaments. Little River Regional Park and Natural Area, 301 Little River Park Way, Rougemont. 1-4 p.m. Free. 919-732-5505. Learn where birds stay for winter and make nature-themed ornaments for them. All ages. orangecountync.gov/departments/deapr/ edible_ornaments.php. Nature Nuts: White-tailed Deer. See Dec. 11.
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Suggly Sweater 5K and Christmas Celebration. Sugg Farm Park, 2401 Grigsby Ave., Holly Springs. 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $10$30. Enjoy free family activities, a 5K and 3K fun run. Proceeds benefit Meg’s Smile Foundation. Free for ages 5 and younger. Register online. sugglysweater5k.com.
20 Sunday
Winter Break. Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Pkwy., Morrisville. 1-3 p.m. $5/family. Learn about animal migration in the winter. Ages 5 and older. wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree.
21 Monday
Crafts and More for Kids. Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Dr., New Hill. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $16/child. 919-387-4342. Kids craft, hike and play games while parents enjoy time for
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Full day option available with a special program at Jasper’s or TKZ
December 10–13, 2015 Jim Graham Building
Children love our Technology : One-on-one iPad Program, Coding, OSMO, and 3D Language Arts Program!
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Spanish & Chinese • Reading, Math & Writing • Art, Music, Science Smart Boards and iPads • Yoga • International Assessments After School Classes: Dance, Soccer, Chess, STEM Club Tour now for registration in January for the 2016-2017 school year. Hours, prices and payment information: www.wakegov.com/libraries
International Preschool of Raleigh 2730 Godley Lane, Raleigh, NC 27617 (Brier Creek next to Frankie’s)
events
wake county public libraries
www.wakegov.com/libraries
☎ 919-957-7249
ipraleigh.com
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themselves. Ages 6-12. Registration required. wakegov.com/parks/ harrislake. Eco-Express: Salamander Search. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10 a.m.-noon. $12/resident, $16/nonresident. 919-387-5980. Enjoy a hands-on study of ecology. Ages 8-12. Registration required. townofcary.org.
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22 Tuesday
Kids Fun-Days: Amphibian Antics. Stevens Nature Center/Hemlock Bluffs, 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 1-3 p.m. $12/resident, $16/ nonresident. 919-387-5980. Kids hike, make projects and engage in nature activities. Ages 5-8. Registration required. townofcary.org.
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23 Wednesday
“Extreme Mammals.” See Dec. 17.
expert solutions for kids, teens & parents
CALL 919-467-7777
24 Thursday
CARY & NORTH RALEIGH OFFICES!!!
Open Bounce. See Dec. 17.
Wrap it Up! We have gift wrap, gift bags, boxes, ribbons, bows, tags, seals & stickers in a wide variety of colors & styles.
Party & Gift Items Toys & Learning Products NOT T JUST
PAPER
1010 W. Main St., Durham across from Brighleaf Square (919) 688-6886 Mon-Fri 8am-6pm • Sat 9am-4pm
25 Friday
Merry Christmas!
26 Saturday
“Extreme Mammals.” See Dec. 17.
27 Sunday
How to Ride a Bike. Durham REI, 6911 Fayetteville Rd., Durham. 10 a.m.-noon. $45/REI member, $65/nonmember. 919-867-1388. Bike instructors help kids with their first bike lesson. Ages 4-11. Register online. rei.com/learn. How to Ride a Bike - Private Instruction. Durham REI, 6911 Fayetteville Rd., Durham. 12:20-2:30 p.m. $90/REI member, $110/ nonmember. 919-867-1388. Enjoy a private session with a cycling instructor. Ages 5 and older. Register online. rei.com/learn.
28 Monday
“Extreme Mammals.” See Dec. 17.
29 Tuesday
Kids Fun-Days: Life Under Logs. See Dec. 22. 10 a.m.-noon.
30 Wednesday
Curious Creatures: Salamanders. See Dec. 18.
31 Thursday Your Ad. This space. Next Month. advertising@carolinaparent.com
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First Night Raleigh. Ring in 2016 in downtown Raleigh with live performances, fireworks, an acorn drop at midnight and more. A Children’s Celebration begins at 2 p.m. at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences and History on Bicentennial Plaza. First Night Raleigh button required for entry. See website for pricing and details. Evening events begin at 7 p.m. 919-832-8699. firstnightraleigh.com. Warm Muffins and Cocoa. Legacy Academy of Chapel Hill, 515 E. Winmore Ave., Chapel Hill. 1-2:30 p.m. Free. Enjoy muffins and cocoa on the last day of 2015. lachapelhill.com
AJ FLETCHER OPERA THEATER | NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 30
MEYMANDI CONCERT HALL | DECEMBER 12
Get the shot not the flu. Help protect yourself and your family against the flu by scheduling your flu vaccination today. With offices conveniently located throughout our community, UNC Physicians Network offers flu shots as an important step in preventing the flu. And if you do get a cold or the flu, our highly trained, compassionate care team is here to help you feel better. Visit us online at uncpn.com to find a doctor near you.
• Family medicine • Primary care • Women’s HealtH • sPecialty care
• Pediatrics • Preventive care • Urgent care
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