Colorado Parent May 2022 by Colorado Parent Magazine

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more adventure Ready to explore this summer? At Gaylord Rockies Resort, the adventures are endless! You don’t have to leave the resort to discover a thrilling water park, magical Pirates & Princesses events, and everything else you’re searching for on your perfect summer getaway.

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A Simple Stretch To Prep for Labor Prenatal yoga delivers a variety of benefits, and Garland Pose is especially great for moms-to-be. “It’s a deep, wide-legged squat,” explains local mom Katrina Gustafson, owner of Karma Yoga Center in Denver. In addition to stretching the ankles, perineum, and back, Garland Pose also stimulates digestion—(buh-bye, heartburn!)—and helps open the hips for childbirth. Stand with your feet on the edges of the yoga mat, toes pointed straight or at a 45-degree angle, then bend your knees while slowly sitting down as low as possible. Keep your back straight and the crown of your head lifted. If your heels start to lift as you

squat, you can rest them on a folded blanket. If the squat is uncomfortable, use a block under your buttocks for support, which takes some of the tension and weight out of the stretch. Take five to 10 full breaths while in the squat, then come into a widelegged forward fold for three to five more breaths. Rise to standing. Skip Garland Pose if you’re experiencing low back pain or knee injuries, or if your doctor advises against squatting. Pregnant moms should always check with their obstetrician before beginning any exercise practice, including yoga. —Jamie Siebrase

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WHAT TO GIFT THIS MOTHER’S DAY Give mom what she really wants this year: gear kits for any way she likes to play.

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MUSIC CLASSES FOR TINY TOTS Sign your child up for one of these fun local classes to foster a love for music.

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6 WEEKEND GETAWAYS FOR MOMS WHO NEED A BREAK Whether you’re planning a girls trip or craving some solo time, these spots are sure to impress.

A 5-MINUTE MAKEUP ROUTINE FOR BUSY MOMS Try a few key products that are easy to apply and look good with everything—even joggers and a messy bun.

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A simple stretch to prep for labor

Junior Entrepreneurs Prepare Pretty Sweets for Mother’s Day Bakers extraordinaire and co-CEOs of Little Sistas Treats, 13-year-old Zyaire and 11-year-old Char’Les Hawkins are prepping for a big Mother’s Day. The sisters, who run a sweet shop from their home in Highlands Ranch, will offer chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels, cupcakes, cookies, and roses all wrapped in lavender boxes in honor of their grandmother, Vivian E. Hawkins, whose favorite color was purple. Their other grandmother, M. Faye Vaughn, who was a chef and restaurateur for more than 50 years, is one of the girls’ inspirations for creating Little Sistas. The two planned their menu and flavors in the back of a coloring book, and established the business in 2020. They’ve since been featured in several local and national news outlets, sold their treats at events such as the Juneteenth Festival, and given speeches to inspire other young girls to become CEOs. “The best part is working together—trying not to argue—and trying to come up with new ideas, experimenting on new flavors,” Zyaire says. Zyaire and Char’Les are speaking with local business owners and researching expansion options, with their sights set on a food service truck and storefront. For now, customers can place orders online and the girls’ “momager,” Marietta, will deliver them within Highlands Ranch city limits. littlesistastreats.com —Anna Sutterer

COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

Good Neighbors Inspiring the next generation of strong girls

Solutions What to do when you’re worried about substance use at a home where your child plays

What We Love Imaginative costumes for make-believe

wellness

Mom on the Mend Postpartum symptoms to pay attention to

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When Your Child Has Dyslexia Getting them the help they need is no small task

Lace: Getty Images. Mother’s Day Box: Little Sistas Treats. Little Sistas: Annette Rogers.

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ADO PAREN T OR

Sippy Cup Stars

Five popular training cups were tested by our tough toddler critics and approved by their parents. Here’s why these three made the cut. OUR CRITERIA Child’s interest level Leak resistance Durability

OVERALL RATING:

5/5

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Ease of cleaning Ease of child handling the cup —Kara Thompson

The Munchkin Miracle 360 Trainer Cup features a spoutless design that allows drinking from any side of the cup. It ranked highly for durability. Parents also pointed out that it helps kids learn how to tip a cup toward their face in order to drink. $7, munchkin.com Highlights: “It took a little while for my son River to figure out how to bite the top of the cup to release water, but once he did, he loved it! It’s very leakproof, lightweight, and easy to clean.” —Alyssa Bohanan, mom to River, 11 months

Spring Brunch in a Basket Try this sweet addition to your family’s picnic menu.

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Our Top Picks for Family Fun From an exhibit that takes you inside the pages of Dr. Seuss stories to Free Comic Book Day events

To Do Today

44 OVERALL RATING:

4/5

OVERALL RATING:

4/5

Crushing it in the interest level category, the Lollacup Sippy Cup has a cheerful look that reeled in our toddler testers. It has a weighted straw that facilitates easy sipping, is dishwasher safe, and has removable handles that allow the cup to fit into cup holders. $16, pishposhbaby.com

Ongoing Events

Highlights: “My son Odin loved the look of the cup and gravitated toward the fun design. While his coordination is still developing, the weighted straw ensures he’s always getting water, which is crucial to growing his confidence and independence.” —Holly Lenhart, mom to Odin, 11 months

Healing words from Golden physical therapist and mom, Jessie Flammer

Made with BPA-free silicone, the Lalo Little Cup is soft on tender gums. The cup is designed to function three ways: with the straw, with the spout, or with an open mouth. Because the straw doesn’t have a stopper, the cup is best for introductory purposes and will allow you to see which cup style your child prefers. $12.50, meetlalo.com Highlights: “Bowie likes this cup because it’s small and soft which works well with his little hands. This is strictly an at-home cup for us because it will leak if it is squeezed, shaken, or turned upside down. I love the angled soft straw which is great for straw training and young babies with no, or new, teeth.” —Vanessa Ying, mom to Bowie, 9 months

COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

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Photo: Lucy Beaugard Photography 8 14 17 31 39

3 Toddler-Approved Sippy Cups 5 Adorable Costumes for Make Believe Bounce Back After Baby Build a Stylish Maternity Wardrobe 57 Ideas for Family Fun

Baby in high chair: Getty Images. Bostock: Rebel Bread.

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good to know Smartfabric: Laura Devendorf. Teacher crafts: Glued and Stitched Landscape. Illustrations: Getty Images.

The Art and Physicality of Parenthood Wearable tech (think: Fitbit) is “in” right now, it tracks everything from our steps to our heart rate. But for University of Colorado information technology professor and mother Laura Devendorf, her own research in “smart” fabrics is less about data tracking and more about being seen and understood. As part of an artistic exploration of technology in fabric, Devendorf designed and hand-wove a poncho with 13 sensors that map out the forces her children exert on her body, through being picked up and held, for example. “I just got really interested in if my clothes could remember my experiences, or if they could form a map. If I did have this kind of garment, from when my children were born to when they grew up, how would I see them kind of travel across my body?” Devendorf says.

During the beginnings of the pandemic, she created Wear, a full gown integrated with circuitry that marked the physical impacts of parenting during the COVID-19 lockdown. “On a personal level, it was a way for me to cope,” Devendorf says. “It also formed a small community that’s been really valuable to me in terms of just feeling supported and being able to offer support to other people. It becomes a way to nod at somebody like, ‘Yeah, I see you. We’re doing this.’” Explore Devendorf’s art-meetsscience works, including a video tracking the creation of the Wear gown, at artfordorks.com. —Anna Sutterer

A Chess Tournament for Kids With Disabilities The first North American Chess Cup for Children with Disabilities, held near the Denver Tech Center on June 21 to 26, is open to kids in kindergarten through age 20 of all skill levels. Adaptive aids including American Sign Language interpretation, talking time clocks, and specialized boards for blind players will be available, and trophies and college scholarships will be awarded. Everyone will have an opportunity to join a field trip to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Register by June 7; $110 entry fee. events4chess.com —AS

COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

BRIGHT IDEA

Thank a Teacher

Say “thank you” to your child’s teacher with this easy-to-craft gift card pocket. All you need is red, green, brown, and cream felt, tacky glue or a hot glue gun, and red embroidery floss (optional). TO MAKE: Print the template from ColoradoParent.com and use scissors to cut out the various pattern pieces. Pin the apple pattern to red felt, stem to brown, leaf to green, and heart to cream, then cut out the felt shapes. Use tacky glue (kid-friendly) or a hot glue gun to glue the stem, leaf, and

heart to the apple; leave the inside and top of the cream heart open (unglued) to create a pocket. With the leftover brown felt, cut out seed shapes and glue them to the heart. Use the pocket as a gift card or candy holder for a special teacher. For a homespun look, sew the pieces with a sewing machine, or thread a needle with contrasting embroidery floss and roughly stitch the layers together. —Craft and photo by Makayla Shartle, who shares creative lifestyle ideas on her blog Makayla and Co.

Girls Inc.: Jen Ross Productions.

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Deeply Committed good neighbors

Empowering Denver Girls

By Anna Sutterer

irls have the right to: be themselves and resist stereotypes, take risks and pride in success, accept and appreciate their bodies, and prepare for interesting work with economic independence, according to the Girls Inc. of Metro Denver (GIMD) Bill of Rights. This local chapter of the national organization provides empowerment programs to help girls—trans and nonbinary folks included—be strong, smart, and bold. “A good percentage of our girls who start in elementary will stay connected to us through high school and college,” Destinee Perkins, director of programs at GIMD, says. “As a mother of four girls who participate, it’s a sweet touch getting to see which one of them is interested in STEM, or which one of them is leaning more towards leadership and advocacy…and seeing those paths already starting to develop.” At their West Colfax location and in partnership with local schools and community organizations, GIMD hosts art and movement-based electives, mentorship, homework help, and classes on topics such as healthy sexuality and financial literacy. They also facilitate lessons on identifying emotions and finding healthy ways to regulate them. Elementary-age girls who can’t access center-based programming can receive a monthly (pay what you can) GIRLS thINC Outside the Box kit with a STEM activity and books by authors and illustrators of various racial and ethnic backgrounds. COMING UP: Eureka! STEM is a five-year program in which girls gain skills through monthly hands-on opportunities, such as building circuit models with the help of a Ball Corporation aerospace employee. Girls leaving seventh grade are eligible to apply. GIMD is also offering a nine-week summer camp for first- through eighth-graders. Students pick two days per week to participate in fitness and STEM activities. girlsincdenver.org

For 40 years, our learning centers have helped children ages 6 weeks to 12 years spark their imaginations and explore their worlds. Register Today (303) 972-0787 littlepeopleslanding.com

Last call for super cool summer ABA therapy! Summer Camp at The Behavior Exchange fills up fast! It is expertly made so children with autism have fun while learning important skills that will make happy campers out of everyone. Featured Programs:

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Sign up for individual and group volunteer opportunities on the GIMD website; roles include program assistance and center maintenance. Donate to GIMD to help provide mentorship, tutoring, and paid internships. Visit the Strong, Smart & Bold Beans coffee shop at 1401 Zuni Street, and treat yourself to women-produced coffee, tea, and food.

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solutions

Drinking alcohol and using marijuana is not uncommon, but what if you suspect these substances are being abused at a home where your child wants to play? Two parents and a substance abuse expert weigh in on how to handle the situation. Edited by Courtney Drake-McDonough THE MOM OF OLDER CHILDREN SAYS… “I’ve learned that many kind families who love their kids are just comfortable with different behaviors in their homes than I am. I can’t convince another parent otherwise or control their habits, even if I am uncomfortable. I tell my kids that if they feel uneasy about behaviors in a friend’s house, to trust that feeling, come home, or call me to come get them, no questions asked. I tell them to blame me if they want to leave, but don’t know what to say: “My mom needs me to come home.” When teens are involved, in my opinion, it’s no longer about whether parents are socially using or abusing, but whether kids have easy access to substances that they know would not be allowed at their own home.” —Lydia S., mom of two teenagers, Arvada

THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE EXPERT SAYS…

THE MOM OF A YOUNG CHILD SAYS…

“Before making assumptions about substance abuse, focus on observable information, i.e., open alcohol, marijuana, paraphernalia, or behaviors such as visible intoxication. If you don’t know the family well, talk to them, focusing on your own values for yourself and your family. Tell them that you’d like your child to be in an environment where similar values and behaviors are practiced. If you have a closer relationship, start by expressing concern. Typically, individuals respond better to nonjudgmental sentiments. For younger kids, set clear limits about who they can hang out with. For teens, try to get to know their friends and their families and set limits (to the extent you can with teens). For serious problems or concerns for your own child’s behavior, consider seeking out professional advice.”

“I would ask myself the following questions: Is it substance use or abuse? Which substance? Could there be a racial or class bias here to the feeling that the parent has a substance abuse issue? There’s a difference between a parent smoking pot on the porch and a parent who is regularly passed out or stumbling around drunk in front of the kids. If it was the latter, I would tell my kids to never get in a car with that parent, suggest they meet in the park, and encourage the kids to come to my house instead. I’d also get to know the other parents, build a friendship, and gather more evidence than just a feeling to resolve my suspicions.”

—Dr. Christian Hopfer, medical director for UCHealth’s Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation (CeDAR) and a professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine

COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

—Jennifer M. mom of a three-year-old son, Santa Rosa, California

Women talking, father and child: Getty Images.

When You’re Worried About Substance Use Where Your Child Plays

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We Offer: • Various surgical options including DaVinci Robotic Surgery • Non-invasive options such as the Empower platform for vaginal rejuvenation, incontinence and more • Urogynecology services including urodynamics and surgical options • Minimally invasive in-office surgery with the option of in-office anesthesia All our physicians are Board Certified/Eligible and Certified BioTe Providers

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Make

BELIEVE Let your little one relish in pretend play with these imaginative costumes.

This magnificent Lion Costume will transform any living room into a zoo or safari. Suitable for kids ages three to six, the canvas cape is adorned with dainty paw details, gold fringe, and a tasseled tail. The matching headdress affixes to your child’s head with a hook and loop fastener. $68, merimeri.com

By Kara Thompson

Plastic dress-up crowns can easily break and aren’t always comfortable. This soft, cotton Princess Crown is made with quality in mind and is more enticing for kids to wear. The crown features an easyto-use Velcro strap that can be adjusted to fit any princess’s head. $42, oyoy.us

Pretend play meets practicality with this cheerful Gardener Costume. Perfect for the kid who wants to get dirty, the apron is machine washable. The set comes with a wide-brimmed hat, gloves, shovels, a rake, and a watering can. $70, cocovillage.com

4 4

Got a kid who enjoys playing the villain? This eerie Woodland Storybook Wolf Cape will be a hit. A loop inside the paws makes it easy for your child to grab on and bare their claws, even if their arms are still on the shorter side. $40, shopgreatpretenders.com

Any aspiring knight is sure to have his (or her!) shining moment with this Soft Shield and Sword. Elastic loops on the backside of the shield make it easy to carry, and the plush design ensures that your child and playmates stay safe amid the fun. $48, odinparker.com

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Mom Mend ON THE

Postpartum symptoms to pay attention to. By Monica Parpal Stockbridge

MAY 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

For new moms, there’s a lot of pressure to bounce back after having a baby. Our society tends to celebrate moms who quickly lose the baby weight and get back to “normal” once the child is born. After I gave birth to my daughter, I spent two nights in the hospital and returned home, joyful but also sore, seeping, and exhausted. I didn’t have another doctor’s appointment for six weeks. My newborn had five appointments in that same time frame. Six weeks postpartum marks the halfway point through what some people call the fourth trimester. It’s the time during which a baby is learning to exist outside the womb, yet is still completely dependent on the parent(s). The woman is also learning to be a mother, whether it’s her first time or her fourth. Women’s bodies go through enormous changes during and after delivering a baby. Many women experience symptoms for months and even years beyond their six-week check-up. Any mother will tell you, it’s hard to take care of yourself when you have a tiny, helpless human dependent on you for their survival. It’s not about bouncing back to your pre-baby weight or even your pre-baby activities. It’s about staying well through the transition to motherhood. This includes knowing the signs and symptoms to look for in case something is off, and knowing when to consult a doctor.

Pelvic Floor Discomfort The pelvic floor is made up of layers of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that surround the vagina and rectum. The muscles stretch from the pubic bone to your tailbone and support the

Postpartum Care At Home

organs in the pelvis, including the bladder, uterus, and bowels. These elements are integral to normal human function; they keep us upright, ensure we can go to the bathroom (or hold it), and help in the delivery room. “Obviously, there are quite a few changes that go on after you have been pregnant, not necessarily just after a vaginal delivery,” says Dr. Kimberly Larson-Ohlsen, an integrative doctor at UCHealth Gynecology Clinic in Cherry Creek. “During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through hormonal and structural changes that allow her muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons to stretch, be more lax and mobile in order to accommodate

COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

Pregnant woman: Getty Images.

Many women are “leaky” postpartum—peeing a little when they sneeze or do certain exercises, like jumping jacks. Dr. Sonal Patel, pediatrician and owner of NayaCare Fourth Trimester Clinic, says that this should start to resolve after six weeks, and definitely shouldn’t last beyond a year. Patel has been through it herself. The mom of four dealt with her own dose of postpartum woes: pelvic pain, postpartum depression and anxiety, and interstitial cystitis (a chronic condition of bladder pain and pressure). For her, pelvic physical therapy was life-changing. After experiencing those postpartum challenges firsthand, Patel started NayaCare. The clinic provides lactation support, pelvic physical therapy, postpartum depression screening, and four in-home visits for complete care, coordinating with an OB-GYN or midwife and the baby’s pediatrician. “It’s two months where families don’t have to go into a clinic,” Patel says.

a growing fetus. Oftentimes, they don’t return to normal structural locations, which can lead to pelvic floor issues and discomfort.” Other pelvic symptoms that postpartum moms might experience include incontinence, uncomfortable sex, sciatica pain, nerve pain, or tailbone pain. It might hurt just to sit on the couch. Any pain closer to delivery that goes beyond the feeling of regular menstrual cramping should be brought up to your doctor right away, recommends Dr. Sonal Patel, pediatrician and owner of the NayaCare Fourth Trimester Clinic. Prolonged or intense pain and incontinence (urinary or fecal) are not normal. Bring these up with your doctor at your six-week postpartum visit. Denver mom Leslie Boyce has a background as a fitness trainer, and began her first pregnancy feeling strong. A few days after delivering her healthy baby in February of 2021, she started experiencing intense pelvic pain. “If I was standing perfectly still, both feet on the ground with my weight evenly distributed, I was fairly pain free. If I shifted any weight by picking a foot up off the ground (or even just starting to do so), I had a sharp and piercing pain right on my pubic bone,” Boyce explains. “It was nearly impossible for me to go up the stairs, get into bed, take a bath, etc., because I physically could not lift up one leg at a time.” Boyce ended up in the ER, and found out she

was suffering from symphysis pubis dysfunction. This normally occurs during pregnancy, caused by the hormone relaxin loosening ligaments in the joint between the left and right pelvic bones. While this helps women’s bodies give birth, it can also cause discomfort or pain. For Boyce, the pain came on postpartum and kept her bedridden for three weeks. Once she found a physical therapist that specialized in pelvic floor issues, she found relief. Sarah Prowak, an occupational therapist in Wheat Ridge, experienced pelvic floor weakness after her second cesarean section. She worked with a pelvic floor physical therapist who helped her with pelvic floor tension release (both external and internal), and breathing work to reengage the muscles. “I wish everyone got to go see a pelvic floor PT,” Prowak says. “Our bodies just went through impactful transformation in a short amount of time.” Rather than waiting for something to go wrong, she says, it’s important to engage the muscles as they’re healing. “I feel like that should be more preventative care—from my view as a therapist.” Pelvic floor physical therapy is not always offered on insurance plans, and many women aren’t aware of it as an option for treating their discomfort. “I don’t think everyone necessarily needs to have it, but I think it would be a wonderful benefit if you have the opportunity,” Larson-Ohlsen says. Women wishing to try therapy exercises on their own can reference online instructions, such as ones for Kegels from the Mayo Clinic. Make sure the exercises you are doing are recommended by a professional. Larson-Ohlsen also cautions: “It is really important to practice (Kegels) without urinating because that can lead to urinary tract infections. I often teach (patients) to squeeze their anus—the muscle to hold back gas—not their buttocks. I suggest doing both quick contractions and slow, and holding the contraction for the count of five.”

Brush, mother and child: Getty Images.

Postpartum Mood Disorders Many new moms—at least 15 to 28 percent, according to Larson-Ohlsen—experience mood disorders. While it’s normal to have some mood shifts in the beginning, when symptoms last longer than a couple of weeks, it might be more than just the “baby blues.” And the ways mood disorders manifest themselves can represent a wide range of emotion, depending on the person. Prowak experienced postpartum rage. She found herself yelling at her kids, thinking, “I know better. Why am I doing this? What’s going on?” She found an individual therapist who specialized in working with moms—although it took effort. “It was really challenging for sure, during pandemic times, to meet virtually, and be able to carve out a time where I can be in a mindset to be thinking of myself,” she remembers.

Hair Loss

Many women experience postpartum hair loss—which can be a real bummer after experiencing that shiny, voluminous pregnancy mane. “Most women don’t realize that after delivery, your estrogen drops significantly,” says Dr. Kimberly Larson-Ohlsen, an integrative doctor at UCHealth Gynecology Clinic in Cherry Creek. “There’s an unusual number of hairs that go into that resting phase, and then they can shed for months.” There’s a term for this: Telogen effluvium. Women normally release about 100 hairs per day, Larson-Ohlsen says. But during the postpartum phase, it can be up to 300 hairs a day. So, if you are finding hair on your pillow or in the shower for up to a year postpartum, don’t worry; if it continues beyond that time, it might be time to see a dermatologist. In the meantime, try taking a prenatal vitamin with iron.

Jordan Glassberg of Denver experienced postpartum depression after her daughter was born. “I would say around maybe two weeks (postpartum) is when I started to have moments of feeling like I wasn’t in my body,” she says. A few days later she began sinking into a deep gloom, she remembers. “I felt so sad all the time; crying for no reason, and any reason.” Prior to becoming a mother, Glassberg hadn’t struggled with mental health issues, so these intense feelings were new for her. “I thought it was going to be sunshine and rainbows, and I would bake cookies for my happy child, and I would get dressed every day and take a shower,” she says. “It’s not that. So I think that’s something that kind of shook me up early on for sure.” Glassberg’s doctor offered to help get her prescription medication for her postpartum depression, but at the time she was breastfeeding and felt hesitant to take anything that might affect her supply or be transmitted to her newborn through her breast milk. Larson-Ohlsen notes

MAY 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

Nutrition and Supplements

“As an integrative doc, I get asked a lot of questions about herbal things that are safe in breastfeeding,” says Dr. Larsen-Ohlsen. While nothing has been studied significantly, she recommends herbal supplements including St. John’s Wort, passionflower, skullcap and milky oat, as well as the adaptogen ashwagandha. With any supplement, read the label carefully, and consult a qualified professional before using. She also emphasizes good nutrition for new moms. “I don’t think we pay enough attention to optimal nutrition and blood sugar balance,” she says. “So I really encourage new moms to graze on complex carbohydrates, good quality protein, and fat every two to three hours.”

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COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

Monica Parpal Stockbridge writes about food, travel, and technology in Colorado and beyond. She lives in Denver with her husband and daughter. Mother and child: Tatyana Tomsickova Photography/Getty Images.

Board-certified physicians and advanced practice providers

that Zoloft, a brand name of sertraline, is a good choice for an antidepressant to use if breastfeeding because very few adverse events to infants have been reported with the use of this drug. Luckily, Glassberg’s depression started to wane around seven weeks postpartum, when she started to have more good days than bad. Colorado Springs mom, Whitney King, says her anxiety spun out of control after she gave birth to her first child. Her list of symptoms included not sleeping, feeling jittery, ringing in her ears, and OCDlike fixations. “Anxiety spirals,” she says. She would get to a point of thinking: “There’s something medical going on with me, and then that kind of freaks you out a bit more.” King emphasizes that women should listen to their bodies—and ask for help. Someone offers to bring a meal or clean your house? “Take the help,” she says. “I feel like moms especially put so much pressure on themselves to do it all and be super-mom, and I was totally one of those people.” Larson-Ohlsen urges new moms to remember it’s not a weakness to talk to a therapist, or even go on antidepressants for a short time. “We think as women we should be able to do everything. We should be perfect. We should not have been tired or frustrated,” she says. “But we really need to ask for help.”

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Camp Guide SHOWCASE

Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities 6901 Wadsworth Blvd 720-898-7200 | arvadacenter.org

There’s something for everyone at the Arvada Center! Students ages two to 18 engage in the arts through a variety of camps across a broad assortment of disciplines such as performing arts, visual arts, dance, ceramics, digital arts, and more.

Camp Invention

Camp Greenwood

Unlock your child’s potential at Camp Invention®️! This nationally acclaimed K-6 program comes to your area with all-new, hands-on STEM adventures. Register and save today at invent.org/local.

Camp Greenwood in Greenwood Village is the place for summer fun! Offering youth ages 5-12 a way to be active and have fun. Our full-day camps include weekly themes, swimming, games, sports, arts and crafts, special events and field trip Fridays.

Various locations 800-968-4332 | invent.org/local

City of Aurora Parks, Recreation & Open Space

Colorado Conservatory of Dance

The city of Aurora has a camp for every kiddo! Enjoy sports camps, cooking, nature, adventures, aquatics, art, theatre and so much more! Every age group (from 18 months to 17 years old) is invited to join the fun. Register today!

June 20 - July 30 Summer programs are offered for dancers of all ages, abilities, and aspirations, from toddler through adult. Cost: varies. Week long camps now available. Age range: 1-99.

Various Locations in Aurora 303-739-6888 | auroragov.org/daycamps

3001 Industrial Lane #12, Broomfield 303-466-5685 | ccdance.org

Denver Equestrians Horse Camp

Four Mile Historic Park

Daily horseback riding lessons, unmounted equine education (safety, horsemanship, horse care, etc.) and a Fun Show on Fridays! Campers are divided by (age 5-15yrs) and experience level. Our progressive Youth Riding Clubs are available year-round!

Join the homespun fun at Four Mile Historic Park! Give your kids an opportunity to learn about Colorado history in an immersive and engaging outdoor environment. Designed for students 1st - 5th grade, this program will be a summertime favorite!

Littleton 303-973-0077 | denverequestrians.com

715 S Forest St. 720-865-0800 | fourmilepark.org

5801 S. Quebec Street Greenwood Village 720-838-2496 | GreenwoodCamps.com

Colorado Mountain Club

710 10th Street, Suite 200, Golden 303-279-3080 | cmc.org/youth

Take a screen break, make friends, and adventure outdoors this summer with the CMC’s Mountain Explorers (grades 3-5) and Mountain Leaders (grades 6-8) day camps! Hike, rock climb, connect with nature, and more. Scholarships available.

Gold Crown Foundation Sports Camps

Lakewood, CO 303-233-6776 | goldcrownfoundation.com For 30+ years, the Denver Nuggets Hanzlik Hoop Camp and Summer Volleyball Camp focus on sports skills development for 2nd-10th graders. They will help your child stay active, build confidence, gain social skills and have fun, on and off the court.

May 2022 | Camp Guide Showcase | 21

Gold Crown Foundation STEAM Camps

Highlands Ranch Community Association

KidzToPros STEM, Arts & Sports Summer Camps

Youth will explore their creative side through our various “STEM + the Arts” Camps. They include LEGObotics, Podcasting, Animation, and Upcycling. We focus on the social and emotional development of youth, ages 10-18, through creative technologies.

Enjoy a summer of fun with HRCA! Keep the kids busy, entertained, and educated when they are out of school. From full day to outdoor adventure, sports to STEAM, HRCA’s camps have something for everyone!

KidzToPros is bringing the best in STEM, Arts and Sports Summer Camps to locations across Colorado! Kids ages 4-14 can build new skills, friendships and interests as they engage in hands-on learning led by expert instructors.

Lakewood & Edgewater, CO 303-233-6776 | goldcrownfoundation.com

Highlands Ranch & the surrounding areas 303-791-2500 | HRCAonline.org/Camps

Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs 877-202-1554 | kidztopros.com

Milestone Pediatric Therapy Services Inc Summer Day Camp

MSU Denver Roadrunners Camps

Montessori Children’s House of Denver - Summer Day Camps

Mon/Wed, June 13-29 + July 11-29. 9AM-1PM. Ages 5-8. Led by pediatric therapists: School Readiness, Social Skills + Handwriting. Structured to meet each child’s needs. Funding available. Call about other groups at Denver + Centennial locations.

Come play with the Roadrunners! Camps available for basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, track & cross country, golf and volleyball! Ages: K-12 Prices and dates vary.

We live for moments when excited children discover new interests & talents. Our theme-based camps use hands-on, real-world experiences, guided by trained Montessori educators, to give children a chance to explore the world and their own unique gifts.

303-360-0727 milestonetherapydenver.com

Metropolitan State Univ. of Denver 303-615-0888 roadrunnersathleticscamps.com

Ocean First Swim School

Parker Arts Enrichment Camps

Our Marine Science Mini Swim Camp immerses your swimmer into the wonders of the underwater world. Each day includes pool time and focuses on new marine topics emphasizing the amazing ocean, its inhabitants, and how we can protect it.

Register now! Parker Arts is excited to partner with some of the best enrichment providers in Colorado to offer a fun and educational summer for kids. Camps offered include half-day and full-day options from June 6 through August 5.

Renaissance Adventures

STAR Institute

In Adventure Quest, your child is the hero of a mythic quest in an incredibly fun, award-winning outdoor experience. Campers co-create adventures with unique characters, overcome dynamic challenges, and duel with safe foam swords. Ages 6-17.

STAR Institute is the leading therapy center for children with differences in sensory processing and neurodivergences where sensory challenges are common. We offer camps focused on motor mastery, language development, sensory and social skills.

3015 Bluff St. Boulder 303-444-7234 | oceanfirst.blue

East & West Boulder, Denver, and Littleton 303-786-9216 | renaissanceadventures.com

22 | Camp Guide Showcase | May 2022

20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker 303-805-3374 | parkerarts.org/EDUCATION

6911 S Yosemite St, Centennial 303-221-7827 | sensoryhealth.org

Mayfair, Park Hill, Central Park 303-322-8324 | mchdenver.org

Primrose Schools of Denver Central Park, Denver North & Thornton Denver Metro Area 303-271-1237 | rootstowings.world

At Primrose Schools Summer Adventure Club, there’s so much to discover. Join us all summer long and together we’ll create Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts.

St. Mary’s Academy Wildcat Summer Camp 4545 S University Blvd. Englewood 303-762-8300 stmarys.academy/summer2022

Join St. Mary’s Academy as we dive into 8 weeks of summer fun! Live on the wild side as we adventure through our beautiful state, states of matter, and sports like soccer and dance. Register today!

Storycamp Dangercamp

Summer at Ricks

Explore the forest and bring stories to life through aerial dance and stilt-walking. With 38 acres and a cottonwood grove, we combine circus, bushcraft, art, and theater into a child-directed, nature-based program that kids love.

Summer at Ricks blends fun summer activities with rich learning experiences all while enjoying the benefits of the DU campus. Campers entering PS to 8th grade will enjoy weekly themes ranging from Moose on the Loose, to Mad Scientist Jr., and more.

6500 W Dry Creek Pkwy 603-770-3358 | storycampdangercamp.com

Swallow Hill Music

71 E. Yale Ave, Denver 303-777-1003 | swallowhillmusic.org

Swallow Hill Music hosts day camps for kids 6-18 years old during June, July, and August. Camps provide a full day of activities that include playing in a band, musical theater, learning the basics of music and instruments, and general activities.

YMCA of Northern Colorado Day Camps Boulder, Weld and Larimer Counties 303-664-5455 | ymcanoco.org

In YMCA Summer Day Camps, campers find fun, friendship, a sense of wonder and a spark of joy. From silly games to sports, arts to outdoor adventures, science to splash pads, the Y offers a variety of day camps in Boulder, Weld and Larimer counties.

2040 South York St, Denver 303-871-2982 | du.edu/ricks

TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades) 2733 W. 8th Ave 303-295-0163 | buildwithtact.org

At TACT we encourage, empower, educate and employ individuals living with autism. Join us this summer for exciting camps in auto mechanics, carpentry, electrical, technology, fiber arts and more! Camps available for ages 5-30. Come Build With TACT!

YMCA Camp Santa Maria

51321 US Highway 285, Grant 303-443-4474 | ymcacampsantamaria.org

YMCA Camp Santa Maria is a traditional overnight camp near Bailey, providing kids ages 6-17 with outdoor adventure, nature skills and an inclusive community. Counselor-in-training programs and one- and two-week teen adventure camps available.

Summer Programs at the International School of Denver 7701 E First Place, Unit C | 303-340-3647 isdenver.org/summerprograms

Your child will explore the world while moving their body, expanding their mind, developing new skills, and forming new friendships. With new programs each week for your camper and flexibility to fit your summer schedule.

Uncorked Kitchen

8171 S. Chester St. Centennial 720-907-3838 | uncorkedkitchen.com

In our kitchens your junior chef will slice, dice, and sauté their way through the summer. With a variety of themes for camp weeks we can teach your student who is brand new to cooking, and one who is ready to explore cuisines of the world!

YMCA of the Rockies - Camp Chief Ouray 1101 County Road 53, Granby 970-887-2648 | campchiefouray.org

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, YMCA of the Rockies - Camp Chief Ouray is the premier overnight camp and adventurous playground for youth.

Tell Colorado Parent Readers about your Camp Young Americans Center for Financial Education 3550 E. 1st Avenue 303-321-2265 | yacenter.org

Summer Camps at Young Americans Center for Financial Education teach rising 3rd - 8th graders financial and entrepreneurial concepts through hands-on programs like Young AmeriTowne, International Towne, and YouthBiz.

Contact 303.832.5280 or sales@coloradoparent.com for more information. May 2022 | Camp Guide Showcase | 23

PRESENTS

Summer Camp ROUNDUP WHEN IT COMES TO SUMMER PLANS, C O L O R A D O PA R E N T H A S Y O U C O V E R E D . Discover the best summer camps and experiences all in one place—ONLINE NOW!

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learn Whe n Yo ur C hild Has

Dys • lex i•a • (disˈleksē-ə )

Type: Robert Hillier. Notebook: Getty Images.

For s learn tudents d i the p ng to re iagnose ad d ro need cess to is no sim with dys ge le can p be e t them le task, xia, t qua lly c he help and omp t licat hey ed. By Lydi a Ru eger

MAY 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

retrospect, Lindsay Drakos knew there was something different about her oldest daughter Audrey’s reading from the time she was in elementary school. Audrey, now 16, learned to read at a young age, but “it was painfully slow,” Drakos, of Littleton, remembers. Early in elementary school, she spent up to three hours a night on homework that others finished in about 20 minutes. She struggled to copy words and paragraphs in writing, and would often spell words differently when writing them a second time. When Drakos questioned Audrey’s teachers about a possible learning disability—starting in kindergarten—they said it was because Audrey was bilingual. (The family lived in Greece until Audrey was in third grade.) After moving to the U.S., teachers suggested the same reason for her struggles. Another parent suggested dyslexia testing, and after seven months on a waitlist, at age 10, Audrey was diagnosed with severe dyslexia by Children’s Hospital Colorado. “When we walked out of Children’s, I said, ‘I learned something today. I learned that you have to trust your gut’,” Drakos remembers. “Audrey said—and I still can’t say this without crying—‘I learned something today too. I learned that I am not dumb.’” According to The International Dyslexia Association, 15 to 20 percent of the population, or about one in five school children may have symptoms of dyslexia—a learning disability characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, poor spelling, and decoding (figuring out words). Students with dyslexia have difficulties with reading and may also struggle to express themselves when speaking or when trying to comprehend what others are saying. They often end up feeling less intelligent and less capable—although this is not the case—and may become discouraged about continuing in school. In 2008, Colorado passed House Bill 08-1223 into law to address identification of students with literacy challenges in public schools, including dyslexia. But, “14 years since…we are still not identifying or screening kids in Colorado for dyslexia,” notes a call to action letter from Colorado Kids Identified with Dyslexia (COKID), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the needs of students with dyslexia, of which Drakos is a co-founder. Why? Because experts believe that in order to truly help kids with dyslexia, changes need to be made in methods used to teach reading and teacher training programs. These areas are difficult to enforce, but Colorado is making progress.

Dyslexia Assessments

COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

How Students With Dyslexia Learn To Read Best

The best assessments for dyslexia screening will only be effective when paired with proven methods to teach reading. Children’s Colorado learning specialist Erin Funera says that children with dyslexia learn to read best using a multisensory structured literacy approach. “Structured literacy explicitly teaches systematic word identification and decoding strategies,” she says. “Multisensory learning involves the use of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile pathways simultaneously to enhance memory and learning of written language. This approach not only helps students with dyslexia but is the most effective reading instruction for all students.” However, it’s not the approach used to teach reading in all elementary schools. “Popular reading approaches that are still being used in many schools such as Guided Reading or Balanced Literacy are not effective for students with dyslexia because these approaches do not focus on the decoding skills struggling readers need to be successful,” Funera adds. She explains that while phonics, decoding, and spelling may be taught in

Your Children Might Have Dyslexia if They… • Achieve speech milestones later than expected • Have a hard time learning letter names and sounds • Decode words inaccurately • Have trouble with reading fluency (slow, laborious reading) • Struggle with reading in school • Have difficulty organizing written or spoken language • Struggle with spelling • Have trouble learning a foreign language • Struggle to memorize math facts • Have difficulty doing math operations While these behaviors can be warning signs, not all students who have difficulties with these skills have dyslexia, says Erin Funera, a Children’s Hospital Colorado learning specialist. “A comprehensive evaluation is needed to confirm a diagnosis of suspected dyslexia.”

Ilustrations, child and parent, child reading: Getty Images.

Many parents involved in COKID report getting little help with dyslexia identification through school-based testing. “So many parents are told to wait (to be tested), but that’s the worst advice,” says Bree Murphy, literacy specialist and owner of Literacy Expanded, an online tutoring program for individuals with dyslexia. Murphy is also the mom of three children, two of whom are dyslexic, and a former Denver Public Schools teacher. “Early intervention is so important because it can build literacy skills and confidence, it will change their lives.” Currently, to try to identify reading problems early, all Colorado students in kindergarten through third grade are assessed in the fall and spring, as stipulated by the Colorado 2012 READ Act. “But not all (of the assessments used) have subtests that would help with identification of dyslexia,” says Melissa Colsman, Ph.D., associate commissioner for student learning at the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). “The assessments identify delays without helping to figure out where the problem is.” She explains that to identify early markers of dyslexia, typically, children would need to take a specific subtest on phonological awareness, which includes rhyming, counting words in a spoken sentence, and clapping syllables in spoken words. To help improve assessments, Colsman collaborates with the CDE’s Dyslexia Working Group (DWG), which is in the process of reviewing the best type of school assessments to conduct, among other recommendations.

“Dyslexia is not (determined) through a simple, straightforward test; it is complicated,” Colsman adds. “We are thinking about how we can maximize assessments for the dyslexia screening process.”

these programs, they typically are not emphasized. Rather, students are encouraged to use word analogies, pictures, or context to identify words. Students who qualify for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) may receive reading intervention through school special education teachers (SPED), which often consists of tutoring using the structured literacy approach, Orton-Gillingham (OG). But in Drakos’ case, because her daughter did not rank in the bottom 20 percent of school-based assessments, she did not qualify for an IEP. At an age over eight years, once you are below grade level, it takes four times as long to catch up, Drakos says. Fortunately, Drakos found a school near her—Littleton Preparatory Charter School—at which all guided-reading teachers are OG trained. Audrey enrolled in Littleton Prep starting in sixth grade, and after one school year, her reading proficiency score jumped from the 42nd percentile (below average) to the 80th percentile (well above average). “Up until that point, Audrey had read one chapter book,” Drakos says. “That year, she read 16 books.” An increasing number of Colorado schools have taken the initiative to get their teachers trained in evidence-based reading instruction, like Littleton Prep. Now, according to the 2019 READ Act, each district that receives per-pupil or early literacy grant funding must ensure that all kindergarten through third grade teachers have completed a training by the fall of 2022; teachers new to those grades in subsequent years will also need to meet this requirement. The CDE provides the training for free. At press time, Colsman says that 8,000 Colorado teachers have completed the training. “What we are hearing is that teachers realize how useful it is. It is such a desired training,” she says. Schools not in compliance may request a one-year extension from the CDE. Unfortunately, the training hasn’t come soon enough for some families, like Douglas County mom of three Tamara Gallucci. Her daughter Braelyn, now 11, was extremely behind by the end of kindergarten while on an IEP for speech/language impairment, so she opted to have her retained. “At the time I did not know it was dyslexia,” says Gallucci. “Nor did the school suggest that it could be dyslexia.” Gallucci had Braelyn tested and diagnosed with dyslexia through Children’s Colorado; she now works with an independent OG tutor once or twice per week. “Her school has stepped up and (has since) trained her SPED teacher via district OG training,” Gallucci says. “There has been a considerable increase of knowledge at the school.” “There is no reason parents should have to spend thousands of dollars and time to have their kids tutored in OG,” Gallucci continues. “It becomes an equity issue when schools aren’t providing the right type of instruction and parents have to find expensive tutoring to fill the gap.”

More than 100,000 school-aged children may be impacted by dyslexia in Colorado. —Erin Funera, learning specialist, Children’s Hospital Colorado

Dyslexia Resources for Families

Check out these resources to learn more about research, legislation, testing, intervention, advocacy, and support for dyslexia. Children’s Hospital Colorado Learning Services provides dyslexia testing and diagnosis in addition to options for therapy and reading intervention. childrenscolorado.org COKID is a volunteer-run group of Colorado parents dedicated to ensuring every child with dyslexia receives early identification and evidence-based literacy support. They advocate for legislation and provide educational resources. cokid.org eXL Learning offers summer camps, learning evaluations, tutoring, parent support, and test prep for students with dyslexia. exllearning.com Havern School is a private school with Orton-Gillingham trained teachers, specializing in kindergarten through eighth grade education—with low student-teacher ratios—for children with learning disabilities. havernschool.org International Dyslexia Association Rocky Mountain Branch hosts local events and supplies information for parents and educators, including a service provider referral list. idarmb.org Learning Ally is a national resource through which many local school districts offer free accounts, so that kids with dyslexia can access audio books. learningally.org Literacy Expanded offers online tutoring for dyslexia based on the science of reading, Orton-Gillingham, and structured literacy approaches. literacyexpanded.com Littleton ADHD Autism Dyslexia Center offers psychoeducational evaluations specializing in dyslexia and other learning differences. denver-eval.com National Jewish Health Neuropsychology Services provides comprehensive neuropsychological testing and diagnosis for a host of learning disabilities, including dyslexia. nationaljewish.org YES! Colorado hosts events at which Youth Examples of Self-Advocacy (YES) work with younger students newly diagnosed with dyslexia, teaching them to advocate for themselves. yes-colorado.org

MAY 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

Last fall, only 46 percent of Denver students in kindergarten through third grade were reading at grade level or above. —Chalkbeat Colorado, December 2021

Teacher Training for Reading

TIME TO HAVE FUN Use Promocode: PARENT For 10% OFF! 303.797.5722 ARAPAHOE.EDU/SYC

COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

Lydia Rueger is an Arvada-based writer, editor, and mom of two.

Ilustration: Getty Images.

ACC Summer Youth Camps

Despite the training teachers are now receiving, many say their own college programs did not equip them to help children learn to read, according to 2019 Chalkbeat Colorado reporting. Gallucci experienced the results of this. “While the teachers meant well, (my daughter) was being taught in a way that wasn’t effective for her to learn.” Breann Smith of Castle Rock, an educator with a master’s degree in literacy and mom of a dyslexic son, found gaps in her Arizona-based program as well. “There was nothing about identifying potential reading problems (in my program), or what to do if a student has difficulties,” Smith says. Furthermore, she adds that a required course on educational research was not helpful for teaching reading in the real world. “As a classroom teacher working on reading instruction every day, I do not need to know how to conduct professional research. I need applicable skills and strategies to help my students.” Recently, several Colorado universities’ teacher training programs have come under scrutiny for how they are teaching reading as part of the CDE’s higher education reauthorization process. Three universities—University of Northern Colorado, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Regis University—have since made adjustments and have demonstrated alignment to the State Board of Education teaching reading requirements, according to the CDE. (Other Colorado teacher prep programs are scheduled to be evaluated later this year, and will have about a year to make changes if needed, in order to receive full reauthorization.) The CDE now requires kindergarten through third grade teachers to be trained in the science of reading, and offers several options for them to do so. Additionally, Senate Bill 22-004, if passed, would require principals serving kindergarten through third grade students to complete a similar training by the 2023-2024 school year. In the meantime, Drakos and other members of COKID continue to advocate for students with dyslexia by focusing on even more policy changes. “There’s research that says 95 percent of kids can be taught to read proficiently, if certain things are in place,” Drakos says. “I would hope that we would get there, but there is a long way to go.”

START EARLY. START STRONG. LICENSED, QUALITY CHILD CARE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES Even in uncertain times, Colorado Shines is here to help you find licensed, quality child care, now or in the future.

SUPPORT LEARNING AT HOME Whether your child is at home or attending child care, our online resources are here to support you! Visit EarlyLearningCO.org for tips you can use to help your child grow.

To learn more and search for high quality programs, visit ColoradoShines.com or call 1.877.338.2273.

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COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

4/13/2022 3:55:18 PM

home Mama’s Got STYLE

Build a capsule wardrobe for your bump and beyond.

Opener: Getty Images.

By Kara Thompson

s there anything a mama-to-be wants more than to be comfortable and confident? That’s where these staples come in. We asked Sandi Mele, founder of The Style Shop in Denver and the creator of Simplified Style, an online style course, to put together five go-to looks for expecting moms. MAY 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

BUILD A BETTER MATERNITY WARDROBE

More women are opting to add non-maternity pieces to their closets during pregnancy, so they aren’t purchasing clothes they will only wear for a short time. We created this style guide to combine traditional bump wear with everyday staples. Mele believes that investing in a few quality maternity finds, like jeans, leggings, and a forgiving top is a must, while other essentials, like a denim jacket, cardigan, and flowy dress, can all be bought in regular sizes and adapted throughout and post-pregnancy. Look for more of Mele’s bump styling tips in the pages to come.

LOOK 1: DATE NIGHT

HATCH THE BODY TANK DRESS $118, hatchcollection.com

SANDI’S STYLE ADVICE A denim jacket was my go-to layer during my pregnancies and every stage of my life. It layers so effortlessly over a dress for a date night, over a cotton top for a casual outing, or with a maxi dress for a fancier occasion. This style is super flattering postpartum, too!

HATCH THE CLASSIC MATERNITY JEAN JACKET $198, hatchcollection.com

MIX AND MATCH

These five looks feature pieces that can be mixed and matched for different occasions. Pair the jeans with the linen circle tee (page 35), throw the jean jacket over the Maternity and Nursing Shirt Dress (page 34), or swap the mules for the sneakers (page 34) for a more casual look.

COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

A classic sandal with a low heel will elevate any outfit and provide a little more support than a completely flat flip-flop

Background: Getty Images. Stylist: Jenn Hernandez Photography.

STEVE MADDEN ANDERS SANDAL $90, nordstrom.com

LOOK 2: PLAYDATE AT A FRIEND’S HOUSE SERAPHINE CORAL EMBROIDERED NURSING TOP $59, seraphine.com 7 FOR ALL MANKIND JOSEFINA ANKLE BOYFRIEND MATERNITY JEANS $205, nordstrom.com

ADD THE FINISHING TOUCH WITH ACCESSORIES

These dainty gold accessories from Lady Jones (locations in Denver and Vail), pair effortlessly with all five looks and are timeless staples you’ll have in your rotation for years to come. shopladyjones.com

SADIE HOOPS $130

CHUNKY DOUNE RING $95

I recommend investing in a good quality maternity jean, particularly to wear in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. I absolutely loved wearing a light-wash ankle jean during my first pregnancy and wore it dressed up with a blouse and heels for a date night or with a cotton top and sneakers for casual outings. A slip-on mule is a great option for running out the door and looking pulled-together no matter where you go.

RAE CHAIN NECKLACE $110

SAM EDELMAN LAURNA MULE $140, nordstrom.com

Keep it neutral, and you’ll find yourself accessorizing the same jewelry with postpartum outfits too.

MAY 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

LOOK 3: AT THE OFFICE

SHOP LOCAL STAPLES

Three spots we love for scouting staples that complement a bump.

SERAPHINE COTTON & LYOCELL MATERNITY & NURSING SHIRT DRESS $115, seraphine.com

A COLORADO BRAND DRESSING MAMAS

Pact is an eco-conscious company that offers expecting moms organic and fair trade clothing. The online retailer offers neutral finds ranging from stretchy t-shirts to comfy wrap dresses. wearpact.com

CLOTHES YOU’LL WEAR EVEN AFTER PREGNANCY Lady Jones is the ideal place to find trendy wardrobe staples that will stand the test of time. The Denver and Vail-based shop has a mix of bright and playful pieces and neutral essentials. shopladyjones.com

DENVER’S SHOP FOR MOM AND BABY

While the shop isn’t maternity specific, busy moms-to-be can find a variety of bump-friendly styles (hello maxi dresses!) at Lariat. The boutique, which is owned by a local mom, also sells baby clothes so you can get all your shopping done in one place. shoplariat.com

A collared button-down dress will help you feel on top of things while still giving you room to breathe in the warm spring and summer months. I wore a collared sleeveless button-down dress everywhere during both my pregnancies and preferred it over slacks when the temps started to rise.

SAM EDELMAN LAURNA MULE $140, nordstrom.com

LOOK 4: WEEKEND ERRANDS If there’s one piece of advice I can give you about footwear during pregnancy, it’s to invest in a comfortable pair of sneakers that supports your growing belly. During both of my pregnancies, my feet grew puffy for almost the entire third trimester, and I ended up purchasing orthotics to give my feet the necessary support.

HATCH THE CLASSIC MATERNITY JEAN JACKET $198, hatchcollection.com

VEJA ESPLAR SNEAKER $140, nordstrom.com

SERAPHINE SAGE & WHITE MATERNITY & NURSING DRESS $85, seraphine.com

COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

LOOK 5: DAY AT THE PARK

HALOGEN SIDE SLIT CARDIGAN $69, nordstrom.com

HATCH THE LINEN CIRCLE TEE $98, hatchcollection.com

A simple yet good quality nursing top in a flowy cotton material will go a long way for the early stages of pregnancy, the end of pregnancy when you completely fill it out with your baby bump, and again in postpartum when you need a flowy style to disguise your healing midsection. I know it sounds cliché, but you won’t regret adding a black legging in a quality material to your wardrobe during pregnancy. The trick is to look for a little structure and a lot of stretch. A go-to casual look for an afternoon at the park is leggings, sneakers, and a breezy cotton top. You can also dress up the same pair of leggings with knee-high boots and a long silky blouse for a date night. Even in the summer, you can't go wrong with black leggings.

HATCH THE ULTIMATE BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER LEGGING $98, hatchcollection.com

VEJA ESPLAR SNEAKER $140, nordstrom.com

MAY 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

SPRING BRUNCH in a Basket By Anna Sutterer

ere’s to spring in Colorado! Skip setting the table and take your meal to go; a picnic with the kids means your only mealtime distractions are chirping birds and sunny skies. Add this sweet brunch dish from Denver’s Rebel Bread to your picnic basket (or reusable grocery bag, no judgment) for scrumptious al fresco dining.

Blackberry Almond Challah Bostock

These bostocks (a kind of fancy toast) are made on Rebel Bread’s Challah Sandwich Loaf, but any sweet and fluffy loaf bread (including leftovers you need to use up) will work.

Ingredients: Rebel Bread Challah Sandwich Loaf 8-ounce jar of blackberry jam (or your favorite jam) Frangipane (recipe below) 2 cups sliced almonds ¼ cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon FOR FRANGIPANE: 1 stick unsalted butter ½ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 4 eggs 1¼ cup almond flour ¼ cup all purpose flour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

10 GREAT METRO PICNIC SPOTS: Alamo Placita Park, Denver Barnum Park, Denver Washington Park, Denver Great Lawn Park, Denver Sand Creek Park, Aurora

Westlands Park, Greenwood Village Robert F. Clement Park, Littleton Carpenter Park, Thornton Eben G. Fine Park, Boulder Parfet Park, Golden

Bostock: Rebel Bread.

1. To make the frangipane (a soft, spreadable custard), measure all the ingredients and leave out until they are at room temperature. 2. Beat the butter in a medium mixing bowl until soft, then add the granulated sugar and mix until creamed. On low speed, add the eggs gradually, and scrape as needed. 3. Add the almond flour and all purpose flour at once; mix to incorporate. 4. Add the vanilla and mix until incorporated and smooth. Store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze for a few months. 5. Use a bread knife to cut the loaf into 1-inch slices, and lay them on a parchment-lined baking tray. 6. Spread jam across each slice, then dollop a heaping tablespoon of frangipane on top. Use a knife or spatula to create an even, marbled layer. Sprinkle the top of each slice with a layer of sliced almonds. 7. Place the finished bostocks on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight. Tip: You can assemble these ahead of time and have them ready to bake from your fridge or freezer. 8. Bake at 325 degrees for 16 to 20 minutes until the frangipane in the middle has set (it should be soft but cooked through). 9. Allow the bostocks to cool, then pack in a single layer in a plastic container or wrapped in plastic on a sheet tray to prevent them from getting soggy. Mix cinnamon and powdered sugar together and bring along to dust the pastries before serving.

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15035 E. MISSISSIPPI AVENUE, AURORA, CO 80012 | (303) 752-2757

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MAY 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

FOX31’s

ERIKA GONZALEZ

“Being a working mom

comes with its challenges... And it is also a privilege. I recognize I’m blessed to be able to do what I love and be a mom to a sweet baby boy.” – Erika

Watch Erika Gonzalez and Jeremy Hubbard Weeknights at 5, 9, & 10P.

happenings Our Picks

Lorax: The Dr. Seuss Experience.

may

The Dr. Seuss Experience

Wander through a multisensory, interactive exhibit that transports guests into the pages of Dr. Seuss books, including The Cat in the Hat and Horton Hears a Who! Through Sept. 5. Centennial Promenade, Centennial. experienceseuss.com

MAY 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

happenings Our Picks

CATS

This refreshed, family-friendly production of CATS is a musical tale of rebirth and cat camaraderie. May 24 to 29. Buell Theatre, Denver. denvercenter.org

Run or take a casual upward walk through the zoo and up 1,000 feet to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun. Registration includes zoo admission for the evening and a T-shirt. May 14 and 15. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs. cmzoo.org

Sheep to Shawl

Watch farmers shear fleece off a sheep’s back, then learn how it’s transformed into the cozy items people love, like shawls and sweaters. May 14. Littleton Museum, Littleton. littletongov.org

Art on the River

Explore different ways art can be inspired by nature at this creative event. Enjoy arts and crafts, nature games, food, a writing and reading workshop, and stilt walkers. May 7. RiNo ArtPark, Denver. thegreenwayfoundation.org

HEADS UP! Events may change after publication deadline. Please phone ahead to confirm important information and check with locations about individual COVID rules.

COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

Art: The Greenway Foundation. CATS: Matthew Murphy. Sheep: Angela Weeden. Shrine: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Run to the Shrine

Farmers' market: City Park Farmers Market. Cinco de Mayo: Mile High Flea Market. Maze: Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Bike: Bikes Together. Comic: Hall Of Justice Comics & Collectibles.

happenings Our Picks

City Park Farmers Market

Shop for fresh food and local goods at this street market open throughout the summer and fall. Grab a bite from food trucks and vendors to enjoy while listening to local musicians. Through Oct. 29. City Park Esplanade, Denver. cityparkfarmersmarket.com

Artist Jorge Corona autographs his work at Hall of Justice’s Free Comic Book Day event.

Cinco de Mayo Festival

Enjoy mariachi music, Lucha Libre wrestling, tacos, and michelada drinks (for adults) while meandering through a massive flea market. May 7 and 8. Mile High Flea Market, Henderson. milehighfleamarket.com

The Mazes & Braingames Experience

Weave your way through 60 puzzles and mazes to discover new methods of problem solving. Play an instrument in the music maze or get tangled and untangled in the web maze. Through Sept. 25. Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver. dmns.org

Free Bike Tune-Ups

Get a free 10-minute bicycle tune-up from Bikes Together. Learn more about basic maintenance through a short seminar. First come, first served. May 21. Ross-Barnum Branch Library, Denver. denverlibrary.org

Free Comic Book Day

Established in the early 2000s to entice kids to read more and bring fans into the graphic story genre, Free Comic Day often means special events and giveaways at local comic shops on the first Saturday in May. Get connected with metro Denver’s comic book community on May 7 at the following locations: All C’s Collectibles in Aurora and Centennial will run their biggest sale of the year and host local artists in their Gaming Arena. A selection of free comic books will be available. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. allcscollectibles.com JNJ Comic Books and Games in Thornton will offer three free books per customer from an array of titles appropriate for young readers, teens, and adults. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. facebook.com/jnjcomic Escape Velocity Comics & Graphic Novels in Colorado Springs will have dozens of free comics available and highlight local artists who will be selling their works. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. escapevelocitycomics.com Mutiny Information Café in Denver invites families to its party featuring national and local comic book creators, a live comic book auction, costume contest, a free drawing, and 20 percent off sale on comics, in addition to a free selection. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. mutinyinfocafe.com Hero Headquarters in Westminster will reward the first few folks in line with door prizes. In addition to free comics shared throughout the day, there will be special sales and a costume contest for all ages. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. facebook.com/herohqtrs I Want More Comics in Thornton will celebrate the occasion by offering free comics to customers. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. iwantmorecomics.com Hall of Justice Comics & Collectibles in Parker hosts a mini comics convention featuring free signings from professional comic creators, a food truck, free cotton candy, a bounce house and face painter, free comic books, and sales on almost everything in the shop. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. hallofjusticecomics.com

MAY 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

happenings May

11am-4pm. This festival kicks off with kids and youth interactive workshops including harmonica and drum lessons followed by an afternoon of music from Mile High Brass Band, Alysia Kraft, Pappy Longlegs, Tiny Mule, Nic Clark Band, and Saja Butler. Face painting, an instrument garden, and a mobile mixing studio will also be on site. $15 per family. The Lyric Cinema, Fort Collins. lyriccinema.com

Blippi brings his educational video program to life on stage for young fans on May 8.

Rebel Bread Bakery Tour 10:15am and 11:30am. Join Rebel founder Zach to see the bakery production at work, learn how bread and croissants are made, and engage in a home-baking Q&A. Tours include a complimentary pastry, bread samples, and a sourdough starter, with instructions, to take home. Registration required. $15. Rebel Bread, Denver. rebelbread.com

to do today FREE

1 Sunday

Best Buddies Friendship Walk

9am-noon. Help support inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Join 40,000 walkers across the country to raise money for Best Buddies programs in schools, workplaces, and communities. Bring the family for outdoor exercise, music, entertainment, crafts, and food. Registration required. Free, donations encouraged. Washington Park, Denver. bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org

Young Voices of Colorado: Together at Last 4pm. All six Young Voices choirs will sing a variety of songs to celebrate being together at last. Age 5 and up. $14-$25. Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Denver. newmantix.com

VISIT OUR DIGITAL CALENDAR FOR MORE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

SPECIAL NEEDS

3 Tuesday

Seedlings: Eric West’s Music for Kids 9:30am and 11am. Eric West

pulls out a guitar, banjo, and antique trunk filled with other unusual instruments and puppets to create a participatory show for kids and families. Sing and play along with West’s original and traditional songs. $3. Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree. lonetreeartscenter.org

6 Friday

Equinox May 6 and 7, 7:30pm;

May 8, 2pm. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble premieres new works by Robert Moses and Winifred R. Harris, conveying messages of balance through innovative movement. Selections from the Ensemble’s wide repertoire will also be performed. Attend a reception with Cleo Parker Robinson one hour before showtime on May 8. $55 adult, $35 youth. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, Denver. cleoparkerdance.org

Boulder Magic Show Presents: Giancarlo Bernini May 6 and 7,

7:30pm; May 7, 2pm. Master magician

SPANISH/ESPAÑOL

Giancarlo Bernini astounds audiences by making objects disappear, reading minds, and defying the laws of physics, all with a lively sense of humor. $20 adult, $15 youth age 18 and under. Dairy Arts Center, Boulder. thedairy.org

7 Saturday

High Line Canal 5K/10K

7:45am 10K start, 9am 5K start. Hop out of bed for this annual race and get rewarded with a pancake breakfast and impressive trail views. Proceeds benefit South Suburban’s Community Recreation Scholarship Program. Registration required. $30 adult, $20 youth age 14 and under. deKoevend Park, Centennial. ssprd.org

Yoga Storytime 10:15-10:45am.

Enjoy books, move your body, and practice mindfulness in a playful, relaxing environment. Wear comfortable clothes, and if you have a yoga mat, bring it along. Ages 3-6 and their caregivers. Registration required. Boulder Public Library Meadows Branch, Boulder. calendar.boulderlibrary.org

8 Sunday

Blippi the Musical 2pm. The

energetic and lovable character Blippi takes the stage with music and innovative teaching lessons for young ones. Kids will learn about the world while singing and dancing along with this show. $34-$77. Bellco Theatre, Denver. blippithemusical.com

Mother’s Day Luminaria

5:30-8:30pm. EmpowerHER, a nonprofit that supports girls of all ages who have experienced the loss of their mothers, recently added a Colorado chapter for their programs and invites the community to their remembrance event. Attendees can purchase luminarias that will be lighted in memory of loved ones and displayed by local volunteers. Proceeds go to empowerHER programs including mentorship and enrichment events. Free; donation or luminaria purchase suggested. Cheesman Park Pavilion, Denver. empoweringher.org

11 Wednesday

BeeChicas: Native Plants for Colorado Pollinators 4-5pm. Join the BeeChicas and guest speaker, naturalist Dave Sutherland for tips on how to incorporate native plants into your garden. Native plants are integral to a healthy ecosystem, and often require less water and less work. Add full season color and diversity to your gardens and create a living landscape full of beneficial

Blippi the Musical: Blippi.

Super Cool Kids Music Fest

Walk: Best Buddies Friendship Walk. Field: Schweiger Ranch.

happenings May

22 Sunday

insects, native bees, and pollinators. Take home native seeds from Dave’s garden. Registration required. Boulder Public Library Main Branch, Boulder. calendar.boulderlibrary.org

Passport to Culture: Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World

1:30pm and 4pm (sensory-friendly). Based on the children’s book by Laurence Anholt and inspired by real life, this opera written for children and families follows Mariana, a young girl living in Mexico City. She’s encouraged by her family to visit Friday Kahlo to get a portrait painted, but she’s terrified by what people say about the famed artist. As Kahlo begins to paint Mariana in her studio, this fear quickly disappears and a friendship blooms between the two. $5. Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree. lonetreeartscenter.org

12 Thursday

Parent University: Cyber Security

9:30am. Join Justin Wimbish, Aspen Academy’s Middle School Learning Interventionist, as he presents “Cyber Safety and Civility.” This interactive presentation focuses on the ethical use of technology for children, screen-time limitations, and privacy boundaries. For parents of students of all ages. Registration required. Virtual Event. aspenacademy.activehosted.com

14 Saturday

Low Sensory Morning at History Colorado 8-10am. The

History Colorado Center opens its doors early just for families who prefer a lower sensory museum environment. Registration required. History Colorado Center, Denver. historycolorado.org

Wagon Tour at Plains Conservation Center May 14, noon; May 28, noon

and 3pm. Ride across the plains, watch for prairie dogs and pronghorn antelope, and learn about the short grass prairie ecosystem along the way. With stops at replica sod homes and a Cheyenne camp, your group will discover what it was like living on the prairie in the 1800’s. Registration required. $10. Plains Conservation Center, Aurora. botanicgardens.org

Naturalist Nature Walk: Creatures & Comic Books 1-3pm. Take a nature walk and enjoy a program about creatures found in comics. Ages 6-12. Registration required. $2. Morrison Nature Center, Aurora. auroragov.org

26 Thursday

Peep blossoming wildflowers decorating the Schweiger Ranch grounds on a nature walk, May 21.

15 Sunday

Total Lunar Eclipse Star Party 7:30-

11:30pm. This year, a total lunar eclipse will occur on a spring full moon. Watch the giant blood moon eclipse while sitting around a campfire with refreshments and telescopes. Spotting scopes and staff will be on hand to assist. Age 4 and up. Registration required. $12, $9 South Suburban resident. South Platte Park, Littleton. register.ssprd.org

20 Friday

Marjorie Park Open Haus 6-9pm. The Museum of Outdoor Art welcomes the public to walk the paths of the recently revamped Marjorie Park and Fiddler’s Green Ampitheatre. Watch live murals being put up and enjoy food, drinks, and pop-up activities. Registration required. Free entry. Majorie Park, Greenwood Village. museumofoutdoorarts.app.neoncrm.com STAR Wars Dance 6:30-8:30pm.

South Suburban Adaptive Recreation invites community members to dress up as their favorite Star Wars characters and dance alongside a DJ spinning popular music. Age 16 and up. Registration required. $8. Buck Recreation Center, Littleton. register.ssprd.org

Community members will walk to raise awareness and make change for people with disabilities, at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on May 1.

Music and Movement

21 Saturday

Schweiger Ranch Nature Walk: Spring Wildflowers 8:30-10:30am.

Enjoy a guided walking tour led by professional naturalists from South Suburban Parks & Recreation District, who offer insight and education into the natural environment around Schweiger Ranch. Get some fresh air and exercise while marveling at blooming flowers and pollinators. Registration required. Schweiger Ranch, Lone Tree. schweigerranch.org

Family Discovery Series: Tunji and the Giant—An African Folktale

10am. Join the Colorado Chamber Players as they perform the beloved African folktale “Tunji and the Giant,” set to lively music and narration by David Mullikin. Kids can participate in the performance by playing small percussion instruments; afterwards, they can also try small string instruments and recorders in an instrumental petting zoo. $10. The Schoolhouse Theater, Parker. parkerarts.org

GiGi’s Playhouse 5K Glow Fun Run/Walk and Dash 6pm. Join

GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center in an evening of exercise, inclusion, and fun. Walk or run a 5K course waving glow sticks, which symbolize each person’s unique light. Awards will be given for the top fundraising team, most glowing team, most glowing individual, and more. $35 adult, $10 youth. Addenbrooke Park, Lakewood. gigisplayhouse.org

10:30-11:15am. This program will get kids singing, dancing, and exploring musical instruments while also helping develop motor and listening skills. For children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Southglenn Library, Centennial. arapahoelibraries.org

28 Saturday

Boulder Creek Festival May 28 and

29, 10am-10pm; May 30, 10am-5pm. Kick off your summer of family fun with a weekend of food, music, art, and outdoor activity. Kids can climb up a rock wall and through an obstacle course, bounce on trampolines, cool down with morning yoga, and dance to a family disco. Swing by craft and artisan booths to pick up something special, and refuel at one—or a few—food stations as you wind through festival tents and along the tree-lined creek. Free entry, fee for some activities and food. Boulder Creek, 9th to 14th St. between Canyon Blvd. and Arapahoe Ave., Boulder. bouldercreekfest.com

Dinosaur Express Train 10am-3pm.

Train departures every half hour. Railroad tracks meet dinosaur tracks for a day of family fun at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Ride behind a coalfired steam locomotive and follow the dinosaur tracks around the museum’s 15-acre rail yard. Check out a dinosaurthemed Lego layout created by the Denver Lego Users Group and build your own dinosaur creations. Meet “Mr. Bones‚” and Spike the Railroad Dog. Food, drink, and treats are available. Included with admission: $10 adult, $5 youth ages 2-17, free member. Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden. coloradorailroadmuseum.org

MAY 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

happenings May

ongoing events Daily, sunrise to sunset. Bring your bow and arrows (Compound or Recurve) to the Havana Ponds Trail free walk-up archery range located on the south side of the Refuge. Choose from 10 lanes with shooting distances of 10 to 60 yards. Youth under age 16 should be accompanied by an adult. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Commerce City. fws.gov

Barnyard Buddies Storytime Thu; 10:30-11am, 10:30-11:30am first Thu. Read a book about animals found at the Ranch. New stories each week. On first Thursdays, enjoy a craft and snack in addition to the reading. This program is outdoors, and will occur weather permitting. Age 6 and under. Free, $3 first Thursdays. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site at Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs. rockledgeranch.com Code Ninjas Parent’s Night Out

Fri, 6-9pm. Drop your child off for an evening of games, puzzles, and robotics while you have time for yourself. Age 7 and up. Reservation required. $39. Code Ninjas, Parker. codeninjas.com

Crafts for Kids Tue, 3:30-4:30pm. Drop in to this branch of the Denver Public Library to learn a new craft each week. Ages 4-12 with an adult. Eugene Field Branch Library, Denver. denverlibrary.org Creative Playgroup Adult + Toddler-K Fri, 9:30-10:30am and

11am-noon. Share some creative, messy time with your little one. No formal lesson will be given. Children will move freely between different art-making centers set up with drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, sensory, and play materials. $18, $30 two-pack. artSPARK Creative Studio, Littleton. artsparkcreative.com

Guitar, Ukulele, and Songwriting Lessons Wed, 3:30-6:30pm. Register your teen for a free workshop that will get them happily strumming. Ages 14-20. Youth On Record, Denver. youthonrecord.org

COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

Second Star to the Right Storytime Mon-Sat, 10am. Join in songs, stories, and more fun; arrive early to make sure there’s a space for you and your child. Second Star to the Right Bookstore, Denver. secondstartotherightbooks.com

Star K Kids Through May 26. Thu, 9:30–10:30am and 11am-noon. Discover Aurora’s nature through puppets, interactive activities, and discovery time on the trail. Age 5 and under. Limited capacity; register online. Morrison Nature Center, Aurora. auroragov.org

Age of Armor: Treasures from the Higgins Collection at the Worcester Art Museum May 15-Sept. 5. Daily,

10am-5pm; Tue, 10am-9pm. Examine more than 100 objects highlighting the artistry, function, and societal perceptions armor shaped throughout time, from the Middle Ages into the modern era. Featuring eight interactive stations geared toward families; kids will get to try on gauntlets, and discover surprising connections between armor

The Colorado Conservatory of Dance presents a modern retelling of the classic Cinderella, May 13-15.

and familiar things like insects and superheroes. Included with admission: $13-$18 adult, free youth age 18 and under. Denver Art Museum, Denver. denverartmuseum.org

Fashion designs by Carla Fernéndez along with sculpture, architecture, video, and photography will inspire Denver Art Museum visitors.

Boulder Valley School District Student and Faculty Exhibition

Through May 11. Mon-Fri, 2-6pm; Sat, 2-7:30pm; Sun, 2-5:30pm. Drawings, paintings, digital art, animation, photography, ceramics, and mixed media art by BVSD students and staff fill the Dairy Arts gallery space in celebration of art education. $5 requested donation. The Dairy Arts Center, Boulder. thedairy.org

Carla Fernéndez Casa de Moda: A Mexican Fashion Manifesto May 1-

Sept. 5. Daily, 10am-5pm; Tue, 10am-9pm. This exhibit explores the career of Mexican artist and fashion designer Carla Fernéndez, founder of her eponymous Mexico City-based fashion brand. The couture house aims to bring new meaning to the luxury world as an agent of social and ethical change and innovation. Mexican artist, architect, sculptor, and activist Pedro Reyes designed the gallery for the exhibition

using sculpture, architecture, video, and photography. Get inspired and work with large fabric pieces to put together different types of wraps and shirts, or make your own origami fashions with paper. Included with admission: $13-$18 adult, free youth age 18 and under. Denver Art Museum, Denver. denverartmuseum.org

Colorado’s Asian Food Culture: Rice & Resilience Through June 30.

History Colorado, in collaboration with the Japanese Arts Network and Asian Pacific Islander community, shares a visual art and storytelling exhibition

Cinderella: Misha Photography. Carla Fernéndez: Ricardo Ramos.

Archery at the Wildlife Refuge

Spongebob: Joan Marcus

happenings May

that celebrates Colorado’s Asian Food Culture. Artists and community members highlight the importance of food and food legacy as it continues to be passed down through generations. Included with admission: $14 adult, $10 student ages 16-22 with ID, $8 youth ages 5-15, free member and youth age 4 and under. History Colorado Center Denver. historycolorado.org

Dinosaurs of Antarctica 3D IMAX Film Through June 29. Daily;

11:30am, 2pm, 4pm; Fri and Sat, 6pm additional showing. Get a cinematic look into the prehistoric creatures that inhabited Antarctic forests and swamps hundreds of millions of years ago. The film follows a team of paleoecologists (scientists who study the interactions between organisms and their environments) on a quest to understand the southern continent’s transformation, from a warm and biodiverse Mesozoic to a frozen desert. Museum admission plus $7 adult, $6 youth ages 3-18. Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver. dmns.org

Patterns of Consumption

Through June 26. The work of Kalliopi Monoyios explores the complexity of the human relationship with plastic. By treating it like a precious resource, she points a finger at consumerism as the root of pollution problems, while honoring a material that makes modern life efficient and comfortable. See quirky revitalizations of singleuse plastic including dental floss, contact lenses, chewing gum, and food wrappers. Littleton Musuem, Littleton. littletongov.org

Colorado Backyard Daily, 9am-5pm.

Butterfly Pavilion’s interactive exhibit connects guests to the diverse life that’s in Colorado, and features indoor play structures, live animals, a virtual reality experience, and a rotating exhibit area. Included with admission: $14.50 adult, $9.50 youth ages 2-12, free under age 2. Butterfly Pavilion, Westminster. butterflies.org

Pikes Peak Birding & Nature Festival Times vary by activity, visit

website for a detailed schedule. Birding field trips, seminars, tours, and events happen throughout El Paso, Pueblo, and Teller Counties during this spring festival. On Saturday

May 14, at Bear Creek Regional Park, enjoy the “Birds and Brews” happy hour with free appetizers, drinks, and live jazz music. Registration required. $35 adult, $20 youth age 12 and under. Various locations in El Paso, Pueblo, and Teller Counties, pikespeakbirdingandnaturefestival.org

Spotlight

The energetic Bikini Bottom crew works together to avoid doom in this silly and relatable musical.

Sprout! Parent & Tot Classes Wed,

1:30-2:30pm. Enjoy time on the farm connecting with nature through stories, crafts, movement, and games. Build relationships with each other and garden critters. This program will take place outside rain, snow, or shine. Ages 3-6 with caregiver. Registration required. $100 per month, $75 additional sibling. Growing Gardens, Boulder. growinggardens.org

Cinderella and the Evil Stepmother May 13 (sensory-

friendly), 6:30pm; May 14, 1pm and 6:30pm; May 15, 1pm. Step into an enchanting, heart-warming retelling of a classic tale. Through courage, kindness, and tenacity, this modernday Cinderella triumphs in the face of adversity. $20-$28 adult, $16-$24 youth ages 13-18, $8-$12 youth up to age 12; free sensory-friendly guest with $10 family member. Performing Arts Complex at PCS, Federal Heights. ccdance.org

Dear Evan Hansen Evan’s journey

to vulnerability and connection begins with the death of a classmate. Dear Evan Hansen is a personal and contemporary musical about life and the way many people live it feeling disconnected and lonely in their struggles. Age 12 and up. $35-$125. Buell Theatre, Denver. denvercenter.org

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

April 29 and 30; 7pm. May 1, 7, 8; 2pm. May 6, 10am and 7pm. Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence, and special powers. She’s unloved by her parents but impresses her schoolteacher, Miss Honey. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing though, due to the mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Watch to see if Matilda’s cleverness can save her fellow pupils. $11-$25. Northglenn Arts Parsons Theater, Northglenn. northglennarts.org

The SpongeBob Musical Brings Merriment to the Masses Say it with me: “I am not a simple sponge.” Full of positivity and pluck, this stage adaptation of the SpongeBob SquarePants cartoon gifts the audience with mantras like “Hero is my middle name,” and “I’m not a loser,” mixed into the show’s goofiness. The musical’s original plot and soundtrack appeal to people of all ages and degrees of devotion to the original cartoon. By the end of the big first number, “Bikini Bottom Day,” you’re fully absorbed in the colorful community and stoked to be in on their funny business. An ordinary day quickly turns extraordinary when the seafloor shakes violently, warning of Mount Humongous’ impending volcanic eruption. As a frenzy of fear ensues, SpongeBob and his friends are challenged to stick together, listen to one another, and find their own sources of strength in order to save the town.

Their complicated emotions burst out in song, using a wide-ranging soundtrack written by legends such as Cyndi Lauper, Lady Antebellum, John Legend, T.I., and Steven Tyler. Keep an ear open for a touching interaction between Mr. Krabs and his teenage daughter, Pearl. Squidward’s breakout number reveals what’s hidden behind his tough exterior. Crafty stage design with simple props will spark viewers’ imagination as the cast manipulates pool toys, cutouts, ladders, and sink sponges to create scene changes and dynamic visuals. NEED TO KNOW: The SpongeBob Musical plays at Boulder’s Dinner Theater May 27 through September 3. Tickets cost $70 to $75 and include a featured entree. bdtstage.com

MAY 2022 COLORADOPARENT.COM

fresh mindset

Becoming a mom is one of the most wonderful yet challenging times in your life. You're recovering from labor and delivery delivery,, all while being 100% immersed in caring for a newborn.. Rather than feeling a newborn pressure to bounce back, I wish more women dedicated the time to heal and regain muscular function instead of diving back into exercise too early.

DR. JESSIE FLAMMER is a physical therapist who is passionate about treating women in the postpartum phase. She lives in Golden with her husband, two-year-old son, and is currently expecting. 46

COLORADO PARENT MAY 2022

Dr. Flammer: Nikki Krogh Photography.

fresh mindset

BRUNCH IS BACK! Are you ready for it?

presents

Brunch The

e ve nt

May 21, 2022 10am-1pm Hosted at

Scan to buy your tickets! Mimosas, Bloody Marys, sweet and savory treats galore— the best of Denver brunch under one roof. Plus, giveaways, photo booths, lounges and more. Thank you to our sponsors TM

Or visit 5280scene.com for more info

a swinging, scrambling, soaring, sliding,

most curious adventure opens may 4!

Adventure Forest is weather dependent. Climbers must be 5 years old or 44” tall. Visit mychildsmuseum.org for everything you need to know for an epic climb!

Colorado Parent May 2022

Articles inside

5 Adorable Costumes for Make Believe